Therian

A therian is someone who identifies as a non-human animal or believes they have a spiritual or psychological connection to a particular animal or species. Someone who identifies as a therian usually identifies as a real animal, extinct or not, such as a cat, a dinosaur, or a bird. It is under the otherkin umbrella. Therianthropy is often described as an integral part of a person's identity rather than a role-playing or fantasy activity. Therians may experience a deep sense of connection, empathy, and identification with their theriotype (the animal or species they identify with). They may believe that their human body does not fully align with their inner animal identity. Therianthropy can manifest in various ways, including through personal beliefs, spirituality, and personal experiences. Some therians may adopt behaviors or characteristics associated with their identified animal, while others may focus more on the psychological or spiritual aspects of their identity. ### Origins of the Term The term "therian" is derived from the Greek word "therion," meaning "wild animal."