Legend of the Werewolf

The transformation from man to wolf has long incorporated itself within our realm of possibility, according to legends. Though many origins of the werewolf contrast our modern day accusations, the basis of the myths still exist. Literature traces the werewolf history throughout many different cultures; and though each identifies their own distinct aspects, one question remains unanswered....Do werewolves exist today?

Generally the legends are traced back to European history. One such tale involves a man, possessed by demonic forces in an attempt to abolish the righteous, whom is transformed into a beast. Apparently, satanic worship enabled him to develop acute senses and incomparable strength. The full moon would cast the damned soul into transformation until it retired the following morning. The locals would become so aghast of the vile creatures actions, they strayed from the woodlands and refused to leave the city premise. Sightings of an abnormally large wolf gathered hunters from across the region, and offered a reward to the individual responsible for its death. One such man was volunteered as the culprit guilty of the recent murders, etc. He was deprived of a fair trial as his limbs were removed from his body, burned and dispersed within the earth. No actual proof justified his death.

Lycanthropy is common associated with the werewolf tales; as it translates into wolf transformation or wolf man. There are, however, many different methods of obtaining this power. Though it originated as a result of demonic possession, other methods reported include cursing the unrighteous, sleeping under a full moon on a specific evening, or the modern day classic, being bitten by another lycanthrope. Native American tribes would often describe it as a gift, though the latter of the cultures identified it as the opposite.

Eventually, the stories were described and interpreted by so many different cultures, many of the actual events were exaggerated. For instance, horror-fiction today insists that werewolves have a weakness to silver, though this statement fails to exist in ancient literature. All in all, historians and other realists believe that werewolves and other mythical creatures such as vampires, witches, etc., were simply regarded as such to maintain order in societies. Without the resources and tools we utilize today, scapegoats were necessary to inflict justice and punishment among the wicked in cruel manners to induce fear among criminals. Today, this is unnecessary and the tales of werewolves remain to simply frighten our young ones....