A werewolf, also called a lycanthrope, is a human creature from myth/folklore that possesses the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or a wolf-like creature. The ability to shift is acquired after being bitten by another werewolf or being placed under a curse. Werewolves possess superhuman strength and senses, far beyond those of both wolves and men.
Several characteristics help to identify werewolves. Tradition is that both eyebrows meet at the bridge of the nose, fingernails are curved, ears are low-set and there’s a swinging stride. Traditionally, they can be killed by silver bullets.
The werewolf has been in myth and folklore in many cultures for thousands of years. The original werewolf of classical mythology, Lycaon was a king of Arcadia who turned into a ravenous wolf in retribution for attempting to serve his own son (as in dinner) to the god Zeus in an attempt to disprove the god’s divinity. That may be the basis for the generally held belief that werewolves liked consuming fresh corpses.
In real life, lycanthropy refers to a person who BELIEVES he/she is a werewolf. Recently, werewolves and other creatures of the paranormals have become very popular in books, films and TV.
Next week, Shapeshifters. Rita Bay
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