Therianthropy

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Therianthropy is an identity phenomenon where someone identifies as an animal in a deep and integral sense. A therian knows they are physically human, but feels as if a part of their identity is directly tied to a specific animal(s), this part of their identity being referred to as a theriotype. A theriotype is often a creature that exists or has existed in the outer world, but may also include fictotherians (animals from media) or theriomythics (animals from mythology and folklore.) It is a common myth therianthropy is historically exclusive to animals only found in the outerworld, but this has never been true and therianthropy has deep roots, and it's origin, in the werewolf community.

Many, but not all, therianthropes believe their theriotype to be from a previous life, though many identify as their theriotype solely in their current life. This belief could be spiritual, psychological, or related to something else.

A common misconception is that one can choose to be a therian, this is untrue. It is well accepted within the community that a therian is either born a therian, or developed into one during early childhood. This distinction is what separates it from other terms relating to similar experiences.

History
In 1901, therianthropy had it's first published written appearance in "The Religious Systems of China" which was a book written by J.J.M De Groot. Although, it's likely the term has been used since the 16th centaury, with people being prosecuted for therianthropy (fear of them being werewolves.)

In 1993, the modern usage of therianthropy makes it's first known appearance. On an internet forum, Alt.horror.werewolfs, a member of the forum began discussing identifying as a werebat alongside having dreams of being a werebat. The site was originally dedicated to general discussion of werewolf media, but it's content slowly shifted towards discussions of users spiritual or psychological connections to various animals.

Throughout the 19th centaury, the concept of therianthropy has boomed and become much more widely known and accepted. Although there is still heavy push back against the concept. This disgust, hatred, or otherwise unacceptance usually comes from misunderstandings of what therianthropy is.

Related Terms
Otherkin are individuals who identify non-physically as non-human. Therians are under the otherkin umbrella, which itself is under the alterhuman umbrella.

Fictionkin are kin who either identify as species from fictional media or as characters from fictional media.

Factkin are kin who identify as a person who has existed or will exist in the Shared Reality at some point, either living or dead.