Lune shares experience of identifying as an ‘alter human’

Lune, a resident of Montpellier, describes her experience identifying as an ‘alter human’ or ‘therian.’ She defines this identity as a spiritual or physical connection to a creature—in her case, a dragon—that she has felt since childhood.

Lune clarifies that her identity is distinct from lycanthropy, a mental disorder, as she remains fully aware of her human nature. She expresses her connection through specific behaviors, such as moving on all fours in forest settings while wearing custom masks and accessories.

Sociologist Marianne Celka from Paul Valéry University notes that while the term ‘therian’ emerged via internet forums in the 1990s, the concept of hybrid or anthropomorphic identities has roots in ancient Greek and Egyptian mythology.