The Beast Within – The Legend Of The Werewolf
24th May 2023
Categorized Under: Horror Movie Characters, Myths and Legends from Around the World
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In the moonlit shadows, where the line between man and beast blurs, the legend of werewolf haunts our dreams and ignites our imagination.
THE BEAST WITHIN – THE LEGEND OF THE WEREWOLF
For centuries, the myth of the werewolf has fascinated and terrified people around the world. These shape-shifting creatures, half-man, and half-beast, have been the subject of countless legends, stories, and films, inspiring both fear and fascination in equal measure. With their ferocious strength, razor-sharp claws and teeth, and primal instincts, werewolves represent the ultimate embodiment of our deepest fears and desires. But where did the myth of the werewolf originate? And why does it continue to captivate our imaginations to this day?
The legend of the werewolf, also known as lycanthropy, has been a part of folklore and mythology for centuries. According to legend, a werewolf is a human who can transform into a wolf or a wolf-like creature, often during the full moon.
The origins of the werewolf legend are uncertain, but some scholars believe that it may have arisen in ancient times as a way to explain certain behaviors or psychological conditions. In many cultures, the wolf was seen as a symbol of wildness and savagery, and the idea of a human being transforming into a wolf would have been a powerful and terrifying concept.
One of the most famous werewolf stories is that of the “Beast of Gevaudan”, which terrorized the French countryside in the 18th century. According to reports, the beast was responsible for the deaths of over 100 people and was described as a giant wolf-like creature with sharp teeth and claws. While some believed the creature to be a werewolf, others attributed its attacks to more mundane causes such as a rabid animal or a pack of wolves.
In modern popular culture, the werewolf has become a staple of horror movies and literature. Werewolves are often portrayed as tragic figures who struggle with their animal instincts or as fearsome monsters who revel in their bloodthirsty nature. Whether viewed as a symbol of the untamed wild or as a frightening monster, the werewolf has remained a compelling and enduring figure in the world of mythology and folklore.
In the end, the myth of the werewolf endures because it speaks to something primal within all of us – a deep-seated fear of our animalistic natures, and a fascination with the unknown and the supernatural. Whether seen as a symbol of untamed nature, a metaphor for the darker aspects of the human psyche, or simply a terrifying monster to be feared and avoided, the werewolf remains an enduring and iconic figure in the world of horror and myth. And though the truth behind the myth may remain forever shrouded in mystery, the legend of the werewolf will continue to captivate and terrify us for generations to come.
PERSONALITY:
The werewolf is a mythical creature that is often associated with fear and violence. In folklore, werewolves are portrayed as humans who can transform into wolves or wolf-like creatures during a full moon. As for their personality, werewolves are typically depicted as fierce, aggressive, and dangerous creatures.
While in human form, they may exhibit mood swings and aggressive behavior. In wolf form, they are often portrayed as uncontrollable beasts, driven by their instincts to hunt and kill. However, in some stories, werewolves are portrayed as tragic figures who struggle to control their transformation and the violent impulses that come with it.
Overall, the personality of the werewolf varies depending on the folklore or story, but they are generally characterized as powerful, primal, and dangerous beings.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE:
The physical appearance of a werewolf can vary depending on the folklore or story, but they are typically portrayed as a hybrid between a human and a wolf. In their human form, they appear as regular people, but in their werewolf form, they exhibit wolf-like characteristics. Here are some common physical traits of a werewolf:
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They are larger and more muscular than an average wolf.
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They have thick fur covering their body, usually brown or gray.
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They have a snout, sharp teeth, and yellow eyes.
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Their ears are pointed and stand up, like a wolf’s.
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They have long, powerful legs with sharp claws.
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They often walk on their hind legs, but can also move on all fours.
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Their howl is loud and deep and can be heard for miles.
Again, the physical appearance of a werewolf can vary depending on the culture or story, but these are some common features that are often associated with this mythical creature.
10 TERRIBLE THINGS A WEREWOLF DOES TO HUMANS:
Werewolves are mythical creatures that are said to transform from human form into wolf form during the full moon. In many legends, they are depicted as vicious predators that prey on humans. Here are ten terrible things that a werewolf is said to do to humans:
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Attacking and killing humans: Werewolves are known for attacking and killing humans, often in brutal and violent ways.
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Spreading fear and panic: The very presence of a werewolf is often enough to spread fear and panic among humans, causing them to live in constant terror.
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Infecting others with the werewolf curse: In some stories, a werewolf can infect others with the curse of lycanthropy, causing them to transform into werewolves themselves.
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Destroying property: Werewolves are said to be destructive creatures that can cause damage to property, including homes, crops, and livestock.
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Stalking and hunting humans: Werewolves are often depicted as cunning predators that stalk and hunt their human prey.
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Abducting and killing children: In some legends, werewolves are said to have a particular affinity for children and may target them for abduction and killing.
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Feasting on human flesh: Werewolves are said to have a taste for human flesh and may devour their victims after killing them.
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Driving humans insane: The mere knowledge of a werewolf’s existence is often enough to drive humans insane with fear and paranoia.
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Placing curses on humans: In some stories, werewolves are said to be able to place curses on humans, causing them to experience bad luck or misfortune.
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Invading human society: In some legends, werewolves are said to be able to blend in with human society, allowing them to carry out their attacks and killings with greater ease.
HOW CAN A HUMAN KILL A WEREWOLF:
In popular culture and folklore, werewolves are often depicted as nearly invulnerable, making it difficult for a human to kill them. However, here are some ways that have been suggested in various legends and stories:
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Silver: In many stories, werewolves are said to be vulnerable to silver. A silver bullet or blade may be able to kill a werewolf.
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Wolfsbane: Wolfsbane is a plant that is said to be poisonous to werewolves. In some stories, a potion made from wolfsbane can be used to kill a werewolf.
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Decapitation: In some legends, a werewolf can be killed by decapitation, either by a sharp weapon or by some other means.
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Fire: Fire is often depicted as a way to kill supernatural creatures, including werewolves. In some stories, a werewolf can be killed by being burned alive.
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Holy symbols: In some legends, holy symbols such as crosses or holy water can be used to ward off or kill werewolves.
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Magic: In some stories, magic spells or potions may be able to kill a werewolf.
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Natural elements: In some legends, a werewolf can be killed by exposure to natural elements such as sunlight, water, or salt.
HOW CAN SOMEONE TURN INTO A WEREWOLF?
According to traditional folklore and popular culture, there are several ways that someone can turn into a werewolf:
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Inheritance: In some stories, being a werewolf is a hereditary trait that is passed down through families. If someone is born into a family of werewolves, they may have the ability to transform into a werewolf themselves.
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Bite or scratch: In many legends, being bitten or scratched by a werewolf can turn a person into a werewolf. The bite or scratch may contain a special kind of venom or curse that causes the transformation.
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Magic or spells: In some stories, a person can become a werewolf by being subjected to a magic spell or potion. The spell may involve a ritual or incantation that invokes the power of the moon or other supernatural forces.
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Transformation through choice: In some stories, a person can choose to become a werewolf by making a pact with a supernatural entity or by using magic to transform themselves.
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Other supernatural causes: In some legends, a person may become a werewolf as a punishment for their sins or as a result of a curse or other supernatural event.
WHERE, WHEN, AND HOW WAS THE FIRST WEREWOLF SIGHTING?
The concept of werewolves, or humans who can transform into wolves, has existed in various cultures and mythologies around the world for centuries. The first known written accounts of werewolves date back to ancient Greece and Rome, where there were tales of humans transforming into wolves or other animals as punishment for various transgressions. Also, in Europe during the Middle Ages, there were widespread beliefs in werewolves and other shape-shifting creatures, and many people were accused of being werewolves and put on trial for their supposed crimes.
One of the famous stories from ancient Greece involving the transformation of a human into a wolf is the legend of King Lycaon. According to Greek mythology, King Lycaon was the ruler of Arcadia, known for his cruelty and arrogance.
The story goes that Zeus, the king of the gods, had heard rumors of Lycaon’s wickedness and decided to test his hospitality. Zeus disguised himself as a mortal and visited Lycaon’s palace. However, Lycaon, suspecting the stranger’s divine nature, decided to put Zeus to the test by serving him a gruesome meal.
Lycaon prepared a dish that contained human flesh mixed with animal meat and presented it to Zeus. Enraged by this sacrilegious act, Zeus revealed his true identity and declared his intention to punish Lycaon and his sons for their sins.
As a punishment, Zeus transformed Lycaon into a wolf, cursing him to roam the earth in that form. Lycaon became a terrifying werewolf, forced to wander the forests in a perpetual state of hunger, hunting and devouring animals, including humans.
This story of King Lycaon is often cited as one of the earliest accounts of lycanthropy, the belief in the transformation of humans into wolves. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of challenging the gods and committing acts of hubris.
On the other hand, in ancient Rome, there is a famous tale that involves a werewolf known as the “Lupercus.” Lupercus was the name of both a Roman god associated with shepherds and fertility and the festival held in his honor called Lupercalia During the Lupercalia festival, which took place in mid-February, young men known as Luperci would run through the streets of Rome dressed in goatskins. These men were believed to possess the ability to transform into wolves temporarily. The Luperci would engage in playful and wild behavior, striking bystanders with strips of goat skin called “februa” to purify and bless them. The story associated with the Lupercalia festival involves Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. According to the myth, the twin brothers were abandoned in the wilderness and were nurtured and protected by a she-wolf. This association with a wolf is often linked to the festival and Luperci’s role in invoking the protective and nurturing qualities of the wolf. While this story does not depict a full transformation of a human into a wolf, it showcases the reverence for the wolf and the belief in the association between humans and lupine creatures in ancient Roman culture.
Furthermore, one of the most famous stories involving werewolves from Europe during the Middle Ages is the legend of the “Werewolf of Bedburg.” This tale takes place in the town of Bedburg in Germany during the 16th century.
According to the legend, the town was plagued by a fearsome creature that would terrorize the countryside, attacking and killing livestock and even children. The beast was described as a wolf-like creature, larger and more powerful than an ordinary wolf.
The townspeople were filled with fear and sought to find the source of these attacks. Eventually, suspicion fell upon a wealthy and influential man named Peter Stumpp. Peter was accused of being a werewolf and responsible for the horrific acts that had been occurring.
Under torture, Peter Stumpp confessed to being a werewolf. He claimed that he had made a pact with the devil, who had given him a belt that enabled him to transform into a monstrous wolf-like creature. He confessed to killing and devouring numerous victims, including children.
As a result of his confession, Peter Stumpp was executed in a gruesome manner. He was subjected to a torturous execution that involved being strangled, breaking on the wheel, and finally being beheaded. His body was then burned.
The legend of the Werewolf of Bedburg became notorious, and the case was widely documented at the time. It fed into the prevailing fears and beliefs about werewolves during the Middle Ages and reinforced the idea that individuals could transform into vicious, bloodthirsty creatures.
It’s worth noting that while the story of Peter Stumpp became a prominent example, many other accounts and trials related to werewolves occurred throughout Europe during the Middle Ages, reflecting the prevalent beliefs and fears surrounding these mythical creatures.
All these stories serve as cautionary tales, exploring the duality of human nature and the consequences of succumbing to our darker instincts. Also, they remind us of the fragility of our humanity and the eternal battle between our civilized selves and the untamed wilderness within.
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