Therianthropy vs Lycanthropy: Is There a Difference in Non-Humans?

Ever since the Epic of Gilgamesh in 2,100 B.C., the world has been fascinated by people transforming from humans to wolves. All kinds of popular stories, ranging from horror-stricken clans to romance novels, consider the werewolf a key point. So, is there a difference between therianthropy vs. lycanthropy?

Non-human transformation is always a fun discussion. Learning how therianthropy and lycanthropy differ helps ensure you don’t get confused when seeing someone in a conversation or the woods running around in a therian mask. Here is some quick info to help you know the difference.

What is Lycanthropy?

Lycanthropy is the ancient transition where a human can mythologically transform into a wolf or carry some form of wolf attributes on their body. This tradition has been played with throughout history until its current synonym – being a werewolf.

The idea is a human being can “shapeshift” from one form to another. In most cultures, the concept of lycanthrope was viewed through the lens of fear. Being an ancient werewolf is similar to being cursed by some talisman or satanic demon. These ideas are probably because such myths involve savagery or bloodthirsty.

Modern portrayals have a far more romanticized struggle with a human werewolf. You can see it all over the place, including the popular Professor Lupin in the Harry Potter series and Jacob Black in the Twilight books.

There is also one other unique perspective. Some people have what is called “clinical lycanthropy.” This is an extremely rare condition in which they fully believed they had transformed into a werewolf. This diagnosis gets used poorly when discussing therians and shouldn’t be part of the conversation without a professional present.

What is Therianthropy?

Therianthropy is a lot different from lycanthropy. People (called therians) don’t feel they are transforming into some bloodthirsty beasts. Instead, we feel a deeper connection with our different theriotypes like wolves, cats, snakes, birds, and so on.

Unlike lycanthropy, therians do not need to transform physically. We thrive on the essence of an animal through our feelings, instincts, and behaviors. This may result in a therian shift or heightened connection with our non-human side, but nothing that poses any danger to anyone else (including ourselves).

Think of the roots of therianthropy as with ancient cultures where human beings would channel the animal spirits of local creatures. It is far more about self-discovery than mythology.

What Are the Differences Between Lycanthropy vs Therianthropy?

There is a lot to explain the many differences between lycanthropy vs therianthropy. Here are just a few:

• Origins: Lycanthropy is rooted in mythology, folklore, and is often associated with supernatural conditions you would find in religion. Therianthropy is more modern. It connects humanity with our non-human and natural selves.
• Transformation: You do not change into anything as a therian. You may experience a therian shift, but nothing like the rough transformation explained in many books, movies, and songs throughout history regarding lycanthropy.
• Cultural Perception: The werewolf is a fun plot point to dramatize in all kinds of media. The creatures have shifted from a scary thing in the past to a modern romantic interest. Therians are sometimes wrapped in furry culture, even though they are quite different and simply wish to explore their personal identity on a deeper level.

There are many other differences, but these cover the basics and help whenever you’re trying to explain how a modern werewolf is not a therian.

Why Do They Get Confused?

The trouble between therianthropy vs lycanthropy is they both have close ties to the animal world. People (without experience) tend to lump them into the same category because of the human-to-human bond, even though they have significant differences that are easily traceable.

Pop culture also plays a role. Werewolves are all over popular media, whereas therians are still on the outskirts. Until therianthropy becomes more mainstream, you are likely to see that confusion continue well in the future as more and more human werewolves depictions happen.

Final Thoughts

The battle of therianthropy vs lycanthropy is both ancient and continuous. One is rooted in mythology and the supernatural, while the other is an exploration of self-identity and the natural world.

Hopefully, this article has cleared up quite a bit about any non-human side you may be experiencing. If all else fails, stick to the explanation about transformation. That will be the easiest way to explain things to people with no personal experience.

If you would like to learn more about the Therian Guide, feel free to leave a comment below, share this article, or drop us a line on our contact page. Thank you for reading!

FAQs

What is the difference between a lycanthropy and a werewolf?

There really isn’t any difference. Lycanthropy can refer to a medical condition, but both are all about mythical creatures and transformation. They really are synonyms with one another in general terms.

Is clinical lycanthropy a real disorder?

Yes, clinical lycanthropy is currently listed as a psychological condition. While it is extremely rare, it is still considered a medical diagnosis.

Is therianthropy a real thing?

Absolutely! Therians are real, proud, and growing in popularity. The more people unravel their understanding of deep spiritual and mental connections with the natural world, the more we learn about therianthropy and our various theriotypes.