Human Animals

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Human Animals

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Frank Hamel's "Human Animals" explores ancient folklore and occult traditions regarding human transformation into beasts. Covering werewolves, witches, familiars, and spirit doubles, the text examines magical causes, penalties, and the belief that souls inhabit animal bodies, offering a comprehensive survey of these supernatural phenomena.

Summary up to 500 words

In "Human Animals," Frank Hamel explores the ancient and enduring belief that humans can transform into animals, a concept rooted in the theory that all creation shares a single spiritual substance. Hamel argues that because mind or spirit takes on various appearances, the transition between human and animal forms is a thinkable proposition, especially within the intuitive beliefs of primitive races. He details the diverse methods of transformation found in folklore, ranging from voluntary acts like wearing animal skins, drinking enchanted water, or using magical girdles, to involuntary changes serving as divine punishment for crimes or sins. The book distinguishes between voluntary transformations, often driven by motives such as gaining power, escaping danger, or acquiring specific attributes like the keen scent of a hound, and involuntary metamorphoses resulting from sorcery or witchcraft. Hamel draws a significant parallel between wer-animals and witches, suggesting both represent externalized souls or energy. He notes that wounds inflicted on the animal form are simultaneously felt by the human, and the penalty for lycanthropy is often death, though innocence can be proven through ordeals like dipping a finger in boiling resin. Hamel surveys global traditions, from Cherokee winter rituals where individuals identify with wolves to Egyptian beliefs regarding soul transmigration. He includes stories of gods transforming to escape enemies, sorcerers like Proteus, and specific creatures like the Naguals of Mexico. The text discusses the distinction between the "lamboyo" (internal animal parts) and full transformation, noting that while some cultures view these beings with fear, others respect them as soul-receptacles. Ultimately, "Human Animals" provides a rich tapestry of myths illustrating the psychic bonds between humans and animals. Hamel challenges modern readers to consider the continuity of form and spirit across the natural world, suggesting that the scientific problems of breaking down matter may bear a bearing on these intuitive beliefs. The work serves as a comprehensive view of the subject, familiarizing readers with the nature of these phenomena and the affinity certain animals possess for specific families, akin to totemism.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.globalgreyebooks.com/ebooks/frank-hamel_human-animals.epub

Local file path

data/epubs/url-7034c865496697a7.epub

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Categories

• Folklore
• Mythology
• Anthropology
• Occult