History UsefulNotes / Otherkin

Yet another similar concept is the "fictionkin," who believe that they are a fictional character, the same way an otherkin believes they are an animal or mythological creature.

Yet another similar concept is the "tulpa," which is the total {{defictionalization}} of a fictional character into a real person (either entirely coincidentally - the person who is just like the character just happens to exist, unknown to the creator of the character - or as an intentional effort by a person to make themselves into the image of the character), or the attempt to summon a real, once living person BackFromTheDead by intentionally recreating them (the outright ''real'' way, and the closest thing RealLife has to ''verified'' BackFromTheDead, involves the use of existing audio/video footage of the person, animation, lighting, and special effects work to create a VirtualGhost - the technique used with [[Music/HidetoMatsumoto hide]] and Music/TupacShakur to create "live" performance by them long after their deaths. The other way is a very large overlap with the concept of the "walk-in" above, and is ''obviously entirely unverifiable'' and in the realm of occult magick and spiritualism, but it involves a follower of such a belief choosing to recreate themselves as their "walk-in" or the person they wish to maintain the "life" of in some or even ''all'' ways.)

Contrary to popular belief, Otherkin is not directly tied to the FurryFandom. There are Otherkin who are not furries, and vice-versa, and while there are Otherkin furries, it is not a requirement for either group to belong to the other. Many in the Otherkin community tend to dislike furries for "fooling around", and many furries tend to dislike Otherkin for [[SeriousBusiness "taking things too seriously."]]

Another subgroup would be vampires/vampyres and [[TheFairFolk Fae]]. These usually have ''no'' connection to FurryFandom at all (and associating them with such may be a BerserkButton) because they generally have little or nothing to do with animal motifs. They can also range from people who fully believe themselves to be human but are simply roleplaying, to people who believe that vampire or faerie mythology had a grain of truth to it and that the spiritual archetype describes their feelings/drives/emotions/physical needs, to people who actually believe they ''are'' vampires or faeries. For some this can be a part of religion as well (there is an entire subgroup in NeoPaganism devoted to faerie magick).

Welcome to the world of Otherkin, a particularly odd subculture that has recently gained some attention online. (Though said attention tends to come from people who are bored of mocking the FurryFandom.)

Some people suggest that Otherkin have undiagnosed UsefulNotes/AspergerSyndrome, given how many people with this condition describe feeling like they are different from other people. Others hypothesize that the Otherkin are simply annoying douchebags who think they're better than everyone else. However, some Otherkin assert that [[BlessedWithSuck different does not automatically equate to better]]. (As only ''one'' example there, most self-identified vampires/vampyres are nocturnal, which can cause work and interpersonal restrictions - some people cannot trust nocturnal people or live with them. Also, whether it be as a result of actual physical differences - for example, porphyria and a sleep phase disorder combined can have the effect - the person interprets as vampirism or YourMindMakesItReal or both, some of those also have sun sensitivity and anemia-like conditions.) Then of course there are people who believe in reincarnation and believe that an otherkin might legitimately have spent past lives as a different creature. For the more scientifically inclined, there have been attempts to study the phenomenon documented in various Otherkin and Therian communities. Advocacy groups to spread awareness of otherkin issues are small but [[http://otherkin.net they exist]] [[http://main.otherkinalliance.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 and have comprehensive FAQs for those who are unfamiliar with or skeptical of the concept]].

There are several variations on the Otherkin phenomenon, but at it's most basic level it can defined as individuals with an overwhelming sense of having the wrong species. What species the the Otherkin do feel like can range from any ordinary animal to [[OurDragonsAreDifferent dragons]], [[OurElvesAreBetter elves]], [[OurAngelsAreDifferent angels]], [[NobleDemon demons]], [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampires]], [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent lycanthropes]] and basically [[FantasyKitchenSink every fantastic being under the sun you've ever heard of]] and a considerable number that you haven't. In some cases, the otherkin claim that their experience is similar to that of [[UsefulNotes/{{Transgender}} transgender people]] in that they are born in a body that doesn't match with the way they feel spiritually/intellectually. While some strains of Otherkin do claim their [IJustWantToBeNormal connection] to animals is a spiritual one, typically most of the aforementioned animals will be an animal that's [[MarySue currently popular]].

There are several variations on the Otherkin phenomenon, but at it's most basic level it can defined as individuals with an overwhelming sense of having the wrong species. What species the the Otherkin do feel like can range from any ordinary animal to [[OurDragonsAreDifferent dragons]], [[OurElvesAreBetter elves]], [[OurAngelsAreDifferent angels]], [[NobleDemon demons]], [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampires]], [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent lycanthropes]] and basically [[FantasyKitchenSink every fantastic being under the sun you've ever heard of]] and a considerable number that you haven't. In some cases, the otherkin claim that their experience is similar to that of [[UsefulNotes/{{Transgender}} transgender people]] in that they are born in a body that doesn't match with the way they feel spiritually/intellectually.

Compare with DaydreamBeliever.

Some people suggest that Otherkin have undiagnosed UsefulNotes/AspergerSyndrome, given how many people with this condition describe feeling like they are different from other people. Others hypothesize that the Otherkin are simply annoying douchebags who think they're better than everyone else. However, some Otherkin assert that [[BlessedWithSuck different does not automatically equate to better]]. (As only ''one'' example there, most self-identified vampires/vampyres are nocturnal, which can cause work and interpersonal restrictions - some people cannot trust nocturnal people or live with them. Also, whether it be as a result of actual physical differences the person interprets as vampirism or YourMindMakesItReal or both, some of those also have sun sensitivity and anemia-like conditions.) Then of course there are people who believe in reincarnation and believe that an otherkin might legitimately have spent past lives as a different creature. For the more scientifically inclined, there have been attempts to study the phenomenon documented in various Otherkin and Therian communities. Advocacy groups to spread awareness of otherkin issues are small but [[http://otherkin.net they exist]] [[http://main.otherkinalliance.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 and have comprehensive FAQs for those who are unfamiliar with or skeptical of the concept]].

There are several variations on the Otherkin phenomenon, but at it's most basic level it can defined as individuals with an overwhelming sense of having the wrong species. What species the the Otherkin do feel like can range from any ordinary animal to [[OurDragonsAreDifferent dragons]], [[OurElvesAreBetter elves]], [[OurAngelsAreDifferent angels]], [[NobleDemon demons]], [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampires]], [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent lycanthropes]] and basically [[FantasyKitchenSink every fantastic being under the sun you've ever heard of]] and a considerable number that you haven't. In some cases, the otherkin claim that their experience is similar to that of [[ UsefulNotes/{{Transgender}} transgender people]] in that they are born in a body that doesn't match with the way they feel spiritually/intellectually.

There are several variations on the Otherkin phenomenon, but at it's most basic level it can defined as individuals with an overwhelming sense of having the wrong species. What species the the Otherkin do feel like can range from any ordinary animal to [[OurDragonsAreDifferent dragons]], [[OurElvesAreBetter elves]], [[OurAngelsAreDifferent angels]], [[NobleDemon demons]], [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampires]], [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent lycanthropes]] and basically [[FantasyKitchenSink every fantastic being under the sun you've ever heard of]] and a considerable number that you haven't. In some cases, the otherkin claim that their experience is similar to that of {{Transsexual}}s in that they are born in a body that doesn't match with the way they feel spiritually/intellectually.

Some people suggest that Otherkin have undiagnosed UsefulNotes/AspergerSyndrome, given how many people with this condition describe feeling like they are different from other people. Others hypothesize that the Otherkin are simply annoying douchebags who think they're better than everyone else. However, some Otherkin assert that different does not automatically equate to better. Then of course there are people who believe in reincarnation and believe that an otherkin might legitimately have spent past lives as a different creature. For the more scientifically inclined, there have been attempts to study the phenomenon documented in various Otherkin and Therian communities. Advocacy groups to spread awareness of otherkin issues are small but [[http://otherkin.net they exist]] [[http://main.otherkinalliance.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 and have comprehensive FAQs for those who are unfamiliar with or skeptical of the concept]].

There are several variations on the Otherkin phenomenon. The most common one goes something like this: the idea is that, long long ago, long before recorded history, people shared the world with a far stranger population than what we have today. There were [[OurDragonsAreDifferent dragons]] and [[OurElvesAreBetter elves]] and [[OurAngelsAreDifferent angels]] and [[NobleDemon demons]] and [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampires]] and [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent lycanthropes]] and basically [[FantasyKitchenSink every fantastic being under the sun you've ever heard of]] and a considerable number that you haven't.

As several of these beings were able to pass for human through VoluntaryShapeshifting, they often would [[ShapeshiftingLover fall in love and pair off with actual humans]]. The fantastical beings [[TheMagicGoesAway had to leave Earth for some reason or other]], passing into legend, folklore, and the occasional bestselling book, popular television series, or RolePlayingGame monster manual.

However, their [[HalfHumanHybrid descendants]] survive to this very day! Or these beings may be normal humans, but they are ''reincarnations'' of these amazing nonhumans! Or they have the spirit of a wolf, a fox, a bird, or a dragon existing alongside their human side! Or all of this happened in [[DaydreamBeliever another, alternate universe]]! Or another planet! Or something else entirely!

Either way, they may learn of their fantastic heritage through an "Awakening" (which is to say, suddenly the Otherkin realizes they are not just some kid editing a Wiki but are, in fact, the soul of a fabulous legendary being trapped in the body of a lousy human). In some cases, the otherkin claim that their experience is similar to that of {{Transsexual}}s in that they are born in a body that doesn't match with the way they feel spiritually/intellectually.

A subgroup of Otherkin is therianthropy. This belief is similar, but limits itself to real animals (though that doesn't stop some Dragon-kin from considering themselves Therians because there totally could be a real animal that is ''just'' like their particular dragon on some other planet or alternate universe or whatever. We should point out at this point that there is a notable lack of fruitfly therians.) Some therians prefer to be disassociated with Otherkin because of the "fluff" the latter group has (not always unjustifiably) associated with it. However, most at least agree that the two groups are very similar, and many simply use Otherkin as a blanket term.

A basic sliding scale of social acceptance for otherkin would be something like this, with 0 being mainstream social acceptance and 7 being so out of step with society that legal or mental health intervention is often seen as necessary.

* 0 - The "old soul" concept as mentioned above, due to its being an explicit or arguable part of major mainstream world religions. Method actors maintaining something as a fictional persona in the context of mainstream entertainment.
* 1 - Roleplayers who believe themselves thoroughly human and their "role" alone as non-human. Depending on societal and mythological/religious context, some celestials/spiritual beings/"walk-ins" can also fall in either here or two, usually here if they are more quiet about the idea and/or it has no visible impact on their day to day life OR if the mainstream culture celebrates the concept.
* 2 - In a societal/mythological/religious context that rejects the concept, or if they are vocal about it or show outward demonstrative behavior related to it, celestials/spiritual beings/"walk-ins," those who believe in animal totems or similar, and Faerie Magick practitioners of NeoPaganism. Celebrity usually allows anyone but a 7 to fall in here at most as well: note Sylvia Browne (or similar celebrity channelers/mediums) or {{Gackt}}, both of whom would likely be seen as a 5 or 6 were they not famous.
* 3 - Roleplayers who are very much into their roles (possibly to the extent of considering them real under AllMythsAreTrue and playing them in public situations) for anything.
* 4 - The more extreme expressions of celestial/spiritual being/walk-in, where religion still is involved, but to the extent of being seen as "religious nuts" or "moonbats" or given epithet of choice. OR those who seriously believe themselves to have the soul of an animal or dragon or similar, and act out demonstratively over it, occasionally crossing over with FurryFandom. Managed or "safe" multiple systems also fall in here.
* 5 - Those who seriously believe themselves to be entirely non-human, and with something that has little to no mainstream religious counterpart, and who openly act to modify themselves toward what they really believe themselves to be. For example, the more extreme ends of therianthropy (e.g. "the cat man") or "real" vampires or faeries.
* 6 - The ones even other Otherkin [[StopBeingStereotypical often consider to be faking or offensive]]: those who believe themselves to be non-human ''and'' who act out sexually in the FurryFandom, cases of SpecialSnowflakeSyndrome, those who use their "kin" identification as an excuse for bad behavior that doesn't reach the degree of serious criminality, Otakukin.
* 7 - Those who act out in violence or criminal actions and blame being "other" for it (e.g. a SerialKiller who claims to be a vampire or someone engaging in bestiality because they believe themselves to be animal) or the outright mentally ill whose identification is due to obvious delusions and hallucinations as opposed to an actual consistent belief in a mythological concept/who are multiple systems whose actions actively endanger themselves or others.

* 1 - Roleplayers who believe themselves thoroughly human and their "role" alone as non-human. Depending on societal and mythological/religious context, some celestials/spiritual beings/"walk-ins" can also fall in either here or two, usually here if they are more quiet about the idea and/or it has no visible impact on their day to day life.

* 2 - In a societal/mythological/religious context that rejects the concept, or if they are vocal about it or show outward demonstrative behavior related to it, celestials/spiritual beings/"walk-ins," those who believe in animal totems or similar, and Faerie Magick practitioners of NeoPaganism. Celebrity usually allows anyone but a 7 to fall in here at most as well: note Sylvia Browne or {{Gackt}}, both of whom would likely be seen as a 5 or 6 were they not famous.

* 2 - In a societal/mythological/religious context that rejects the concept, or if they are vocal about it or show outward demonstrative behavior related to it, celestials/spiritual beings/"walk-ins," those who believe in animal totems or similar, and Faerie Magick practitioners of NeoPaganism. Celebrity usually allows anyone but a 7 to fall in here as well: note Sylvia Brown or {{Gackt}}, both of whom would likely be seen as a 5 or 6 were they not famous.

* 2 - In a societal/mythological/religious context that rejects the concept, or if they are vocal about it or show outward demonstrative behavior related to it, celestials/spiritual beings/"walk-ins," those who believe in animal totems or similar, and Faerie Magick practitioners of NeoPaganism.

* 7 - Those who act out in violence or criminal actions and blame being "other" for it (e.g. a SerialKiller who claims to be a vampire), or the outright mentally ill whose identification is due to obvious delusions and hallucinations as opposed to an actual consistent belief in a mythological concept/who are multiple systems whose actions actively endanger themselves or others.

* 0 - The "old soul" concept as mentioned above, due to being an explicit or arguable part of major mainstream world religions, or method actors maintaining something as a fictional persona in the context of mainstream entertainment.

0 - The "old soul" concept as mentioned above, due to being an explicit or arguable part of major mainstream world religions, or method actors maintaining something as a fictional persona in the context of mainstream entertainment.
1 - Roleplayers who believe themselves thoroughly human and their "role" alone as non-human. Depending on societal and mythological/religious context, some celestials/spiritual beings/"walk-ins" can also fall in either here or two, usually here if they are more quiet about the idea and/or it has no visible impact on their day to day life.
2 - In a societal/mythological/religious context that rejects the concept, or if they are vocal about it or show outward demonstrative behavior related to it, celestials/spiritual beings/"walk-ins," those who believe in animal totems or similar, and Faerie Magick practitioners of NeoPaganism.
3 - Roleplayers who are very much into their roles (possibly to the extent of considering them real under AllMythsAreTrue and playing them in public situations) for anything.
4 - The more extreme expressions of celestial/spiritual being/walk-in, where religion still is involved, but to the extent of being seen as "religious nuts" or "moonbats" or given epithet of choice. OR those who seriously believe themselves to have the soul of an animal or dragon or similar, and act out demonstratively over it, occasionally crossing over with FurryFandom. Managed or "safe" multiple systems also fall in here.
5 - Those who seriously believe themselves to be entirely non-human, and with something that has little to no mainstream religious counterpart, and who openly act to modify themselves toward what they really believe themselves to be. For example, the more extreme ends of therianthropy (e.g. "the cat man") or "real" vampires or faeries.
6 - The ones even other Otherkin [[StopBeingStereotypical often consider to be faking or offensive]]: those who believe themselves to be non-human ''and'' who act out sexually in the FurryFandom, cases of SpecialSnowflakeSyndrome, those who use their "kin" identification as an excuse for bad behavior that doesn't reach the degree of serious criminality, Otakukin.
7 - Those who act out in violence or criminal actions and blame being "other" for it (e.g. a SerialKiller who claims to be a vampire), or the outright mentally ill whose identification is due to obvious delusions and hallucinations as opposed to an actual consistent belief in a mythological concept/who are multiple systems whose actions actively endanger themselves or others.

Yet another non-animal, non-furry subgroup are the "celestials/angels" and "demons/daemons/chaos entities." Again, these can range from people who are simply roleplaying, to those who believe that mythological and religious stories of spiritual entities have a grain of truth that describes their lived experience, to people who actually believe they are such a being or have invited such a being into themselves. These have had actual varying degrees of acceptance in some recognized religious and mythological systems (some forms of paganism and NeoPaganism embrace and play with the concepts, while some forms of Christianity believe the concepts are real but evil and to be rejected)

Another subgroup would be vampires/vampyres and [[TheFairFolk Fae]]. These usually have ''no'' connection to FurryFandom at all (and associating them with such may be a BerserkButton) because they generally have little or nothing to do with animal motifs. They can also range from people who fully believe themselves to be human but are simply {{roleplaying}}, to people who believe that vampire or faerie mythology had a grain of truth to it and that the spiritual archetype describes their feelings/drives/emotions/physical needs, to people who actually believe they ''are'' vampires or faeries. For some this can be a part of religion as well (there is an entire subgroup in NeoPaganism devoted to faerie magick).

Some people suggest that Otherkin have undiagnosed AspergerSyndrome, given how many people with this condition describe feeling like they are different from other people. Others hypothesize that the Otherkin are simply annoying douchebags who think they're better than everyone else. However, some Otherkin assert that different does not automatically equate to better. Then of course there are people who believe in reincarnation and believe that an otherkin might legitimately have spent past lives as a different creature. For the more scientifically inclined, there have been attempts to study the phenomenon documented in various Otherkin and Therian communities. Advocacy groups to spread awareness of otherkin issues are small but [[http://otherkin.net they exist]] [[http://main.otherkinalliance.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1 and have comprehensive FAQs for those who are unfamiliar with or skeptical of the concept]].

There are several variations on the Otherkin phenomenon. The most common one goes something like this: the idea is that, long long ago, long before recorded history, people shared the world with a far stranger population than what we have today. There were [[OurDragonsAreDifferent dragons]] and [[OurElvesAreBetter elves]] and [[OurAngelsAreDifferent angels]] and [[NobleDemon demons]] and [[OurVampiresAreDifferent vampires]] and [[OurWerewolvesAreDifferent lycanthropes]] and basically every fantastic being under the sun you've ever heard of and a considerable number that you haven't.