Skip to main content
Back to Show
Monstrum

Werehyena: The Terrifying Shapeshifters of African Lore

Season 3 Episode 2

African folklore dictates that unlike other werecreatures this monster is an animal that disguises itself in human form. By day it walks the earth nearly indistinguishable from humans, but at night it returns to its true hyena shape. We take a look at Beta Israel, or Ethiopian Jews, who became commonly accused of taking the guise of this monster and why prejudice contributes to monster lore.

Support Provided By
Season
Nuckelavee: Scotland’s Skinless Evil Monstrosity
7:55
This horse-like horror emerges from the sea bringing death and disease.
The Origins of the Zombie, from Haiti to the U.S.
16:50
The first episode of our three-part special series on the complex history of the zombie.
How Gargoyles Became Monsters
11:07
Do you know where they originated from?
The Original Urban Legend: Spring-Heeled Jack
10:50
Spring-heeled Jack became both a terrifying boogeyman and an avenging hero.
Unlocking the Mystery of Loch Ness
17:13
Find out what theories have been disproven—and what questions are still unanswered.
The Fatal Song of the Sirens
10:10
We picture sirens as similar to mermaids, but the original first sirens weren’t fish-like.
Bunyip: Australia’s Mysterious Amphibian Monster
7:29
A constant in the stories of the bunyip is the role of Aboriginal storytelling & culture.
Jorōgumo: The Deadly Spider Woman from Yokai Lore
9:53
This shapeshifting female spider monster from Japan might be your worst nightmare.
Slender Man: How The Internet Created a Monster
9:58
There are few modern monsters more notorious, or more recognized, than Slenderman.
Jinn: The Ancient Arabian Shapeshifters
10:25
The jinni are far more important, and frightening, than pop culture would have us believe.
How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse (with Dr. Z)
11:31
Why do we have such a fascination with apocalyptic scenarios?
The Crazed Hunt for the Himalayan Yeti
12:57
Does this snow monster really exist?
Active loading indicator