Kintype
The specific entity an otherkin identifies with, similar to how "theriotype" is used for therians. A kintype can be a mythological creature, fictional character, or any non-human being.
In depth
A kintype is the specific non-human entity that an otherkin identifies with on a deep, personal level. The term functions similarly to "theriotype" in the therian community, but applies to a broader range of beings — including mythical creatures, fictional characters, celestial entities, and other non-human identities that go beyond real-world animals.
Common kintypes include dragons, elves, faeries, angels, demons, and characters from specific fictional works. Just as a therian discovers their theriotype through introspection and self-exploration, otherkin discover their kintype through a similar process of honest reflection on their experiences, instincts, and deep-seated feelings of non-human identity.
Some individuals have multiple kintypes, or may have both a theriotype (real animal) and a kintype (non-animal being). The experience of having a kintype is not about wanting to be something — it is about recognizing that a particular non-human identity is already an intrinsic part of who you are.
Examples
- ●
A dragon-kin whose kintype is a European dragon experiences a deep connection to fire, flying, hoarding treasures of personal significance, and a sense of ancient power.
- ●
A fae-kin identifies with the fair folk of Celtic mythology, experiencing a connection to natural places, mischief, and a perception of the world that feels distinctly non-human.
- ●
A fictionkin whose kintype is a specific character from a beloved series experiences the character's traits, memories, and emotional patterns as genuinely their own.
Common Questions
How is a kintype different from a theriotype?
A theriotype is specifically a real-world animal that a therian identifies with. A kintype is any non-human entity that an otherkin identifies with — this can include mythical creatures, fictional characters, or other beings that are not real-world animals.
Can you have more than one kintype?
Yes. Some otherkin identify with multiple non-human entities. Additionally, a person can have both a theriotype and a kintype if they identify with both a real animal and a non-animal entity.
How do you discover your kintype?
Discovering a kintype involves introspection, research, and honest self-reflection — similar to how therians discover their theriotype. Recurring dreams, phantom shifts, deep emotional resonance with specific beings, and a persistent sense of non-human identity all contribute to the discovery process.
Related Terms
Otherkin
A broader community of individuals who identify as non-human entities — including mythical creatures (elves, dragons), fictional characters, or other non-earthly beings. Therians are sometimes considered a subset of otherkin, though the communities overlap.
Read more →Theriotype
The specific animal a therian identifies with. For example, a person whose theriotype is a wolf experiences a deep connection to wolf behavior, instincts, and identity. Some therians have more than one theriotype (polytherian).
Read more →Alterhumanity
An umbrella term for identities that are experienced as alternative to the traditional human experience. This includes therians, otherkin, fictionkin, and other identity experiences that involve a deep sense of being non-human or other-than-human.
Read more →Awakening
The process of realizing and accepting one's therian identity. Awakening is not a single moment but often a gradual journey of self-discovery that may span months or years. It typically involves recognizing patterns in one's feelings and experiences.
Read more →