MONSTERS
Werewolves (Lycanthropy)
by Paliki Vadas
University of Manhattan

 

Since ancient times, the cunning savagery of wolves has both terrified and awed the humans with whom they came into contact. In Europe, where wolves were a constant threat to livestock and (allegedly) to small children and lone travelers, legends as to their evil viciousness became widespread. Predictably, one of these legends involved humans who could transform themselves into wolves. These creatures were called werewolves (were means man), and the transformation came to be known as lycanthropy.


What -- The Symptoms of Lycanthropy

Descriptions of werewolves, and of the transformation process itself, have varied greatly throughout the ages. Some lycanthropes assumed the precise appearance of a wolf; others turned into something that was half-human, half-beast. Sometimes the change was permanent; sometimes lycanthropes could change from at will; sometimes environmental factors brought about the transformation. The symptoms and duration of a werewolf's condition depended entirely upon the "curse" that initiated the particular case of lycanthropy. In general, victims who were destined to alter their form permanently usually appeared pale. Fatigue was a frequent complaint, as well as weak vision, a dry tongue and constant thirst. These symptoms usually accompanied, or were soon followed by, hair growth, especially on the face and hands.

Fingernails grew long, and the eyes gradually changed shape and color.

The victim's personality also changed; he (or she) became increasingly ill-tempered and aggressive. As the transformation grew more apparent, the victim usually went into hiding, returning to society only to satisfy its newfound appetite for human flesh.

For "temporary" victims who could change their appearance at will, or who were involuntarily transformed by the sound of a wolf's nocturnal howl or by a full moon, lycanthropic symptoms occurred not over time, but quickly, almost instantaneously.

They were forced to assume human form again at sunrise either by shedding their hair, claws and fangs, or by taking off their skin; if it was found and destroyed, the werewolf would likewise be destroyed.

According to legend, those who voluntarily became werewolves obtained the ability to change their form through sorcery. Involuntary lycanthropes were people who had been cursed by someone they had wronged, or had been bitten by or born to a werewolf.

Since there was no cure, and since most werewolves were thought to be immortal, these unfortunate beings were compelled to lead dark, desperate lives until they were felled by a fatal wound to the brain or heart (that they could only be destroyed by a silver bullet is a modern embellishment).

Why -- The Reasons for Lycanthropy

Psychology plays a significant role in lycanthropy. Wanting to imitate, if not actually become, the thing or person that one seems to fear the most seems to be part of human nature. Far from being a universal phenomenon, werewolves are unknown in regions where there are no wolves. Instead, people spread tales of were-bears, or were-tigers, or were-crocodiles -- whichever animal is most feared.

The old saying, "If you can't beat them, join them," goes a long way in explaining the source and longevity of many monster legends.

More important, throughout history there have been instances of people who actually were werewolves -- in their own minds, at least. Convinced that they had been cursed, they presented all the physical symptoms of lycanthropy, and often behaved violently. Because they fully believed that they had become werewolves, they acted like werewolves. As a result, the people around them treated them like werewolves, which only reinforced their delusion, thus trapping them in a vicious circle.

This psychological disorder was no doubt prevalent in the Middle Ages, when belief in sorcery, curses, and creatures such as werewolves was commonplace. The power of suggestion cannot be underestimated, especially in places where education is minimal, and superstition passes for truth. Instances of Lycanthropic Disorders are rare in modern times, although it is possible that many cases go unreported due to misdiagnosis or familial embarrassment .**

**For research psychologists such as myself,
information-gathering is a
never-ending process.
If you believe you know someone who has
undergone a lycanthropic metamorphosis
please contact me.

Paliki Vadas