43: Shapeshifting Crocodiles - Crocodile Rocks & Were-Crocs In Socks

In this episode, team MLT dives deep into the ontological penumbra, between the beliefs of the west and a tribe from West Benin Africa known as the Bebelibe. The beliefs in this region of crocodile shapeshifters defies explanation, but the anthropological work of Sharon and Johannes Merz sheds significant light on this way of being in the world. Their important contributions help unravel the mystery behind why crocodiles are the soul of this community.

Infinite blessings upon you Mr. Tim Leavy for creating for us the greatest theme song in all the paranormal realms. Check out Tim's music @ https://www.timleavy.com/

 

References:

Primary source for this episode:

Merz S. (2018). Crocodiles are the souls of the community: an analysis of human-animal relations in northwestern Benin. University of Exeter, p

https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/32861/MerzS.pdf?sequence=1

 

Lolong:

The Biggest Crocodile Ever Recorded - American Oceans

https://www.americanoceans.org/facts/biggest-crocodile/

 

Sarcosuchus imperator: 

Largest crocodyliform ever | Guinness World Records

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-crocodile-ever/

 

Crocodile Symbolism – Tarot:

Cavendish, R. (1967). The black arts. Putnam, p105

 

Supercrocs:

Monster Quest: Supercrocs stalk the earth (s3, e17)

 

Kurrea:

Bane, T. (2016). Encyclopedia of beasts and monsters in myth, legend and folklore. Mcfarland & Co, p615-616

 

Kurits:

Bane, T. (2016). Encyclopedia of beasts and monsters in myth, legend and folklore. Mcfarland & Co, p615

 

Zipacna:

Frigiola, H. (2019). Monsters and mythical creatures: from around the world. Schiffer Publishing, PA, p47

 

The Tase:

Guiley, R.E. (2009). The encyclopedia of demons and demonology. Visionary Living, Inc, p254 -255

(p157-58 of the 2022 Internet Archive posting)

 

Saleos:

Guiley, R.E. (2009). The encyclopedia of demons and demonology. Visionary Living, Inc, p222

(p157-58 of the 2022 Internet Archive posting)

 

Agares:

Guiley, R.E. (2009). The encyclopedia of demons and demonology. Visionary Living, Inc, p4

 

Toyotama-hime - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyotama-hime

 

Min-na-wee:

11 Fascinating Indigenous Australian Myths And Legends (theculturetrip.com)

https://theculturetrip.com/pacific/australia/articles/11-fascinating-indigenous-australian-myths-and-legends

 

Macona-Ura and Anua-Naitu:

Whitehead, N.L. (2002). Dark shamans: Kainama and the dark poetics of death. Duke University Press, p74-75

 

African Crocodile Shapeshifters:

Steiger, B. (1999). The werewolf book: the encyclopedia of shapeshifting beings. Farmington, Michigan: Visible Ink Press, p72

 

Multispecies relationships:

Merz S. (2018). Crocodiles are the souls of the community: an analysis of human-animal relations in northwestern Benin. University of Exeter, p26

https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/32861/MerzS.pdf?sequence=1

 

Multispecies assemblages:

Rubenstein, M. (2018). Pantheologies: Gods, worlds, monsters. Columbia University Press, p99-100

 

Equidae shapeshifters:

Merz S. (2018). Crocodiles are the souls of the community: an analysis of human-animal relations in northwestern Benin. University of Exeter, p94

https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/32861/MerzS.pdf?sequence=1

 

Ontology - Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ontology

 

Descola on ontologies:

Merz S. (2018). Crocodiles are the souls of the community: an analysis of human-animal relations in northwestern Benin. University of Exeter, p68

https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/32861/MerzS.pdf?sequence=1

 

Ontological Penumbra:

Merz S. (2018). Crocodiles are the souls of the community: an analysis of human-animal relations in northwestern Benin. University of Exeter, p17

https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/32861/MerzS.pdf?sequence=1

 

Interview with Joel the Farmer:

Merz S. (2018). Crocodiles are the souls of the community: an analysis of human-animal relations in northwestern Benin. University of Exeter, p116

https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/32861/MerzS.pdf?sequence=1

 

Crocodile Shapeshifters:

Merz S. (2018). Crocodiles are the souls of the community: an analysis of human-animal relations in northwestern Benin. University of Exeter, p28

https://ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/32861/MerzS.pdf?sequence=1