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