Werewolves otherwise known as lycans are nothing new. They are the subjects of various myths and legends, heroes and heroines of various novels and movies. But the question remains, are they real? But first a quick introduction.
What are Werewolves?
Werewolves are mythological creatures who are regarded in folklore as humans that can shapeshift into a vicious, savage wolf. This condition is either caused by a curse, inherited or otherwise inflicted through bites or scratches from a werewolf.
The ability to transform into a wolf either voluntarily or otherwise is known as lycanthropy which explains why werewolves are also called lycanthropes or lycans for short. The full moon is symbolic for the werewolves. They are said to transform into vicious creatures on such nights.
Physically, werewolves are described as huge creatures covered in fur either gray or black. They walked erect like humans measuring about six to seven feet tall and had a wolf-like snout. They had sharp teeth and claws which were believed to have great strength. Their sensory abilities are also pronounced.
In this modern age, the idea of werewolves are welcomed. They are exciting, fun and even sexy to watch or read about but in the ancient days, it was not so.
Werewolf sightings were dreaded as they were said to cause general carnage feasting on children and adults alike.They were described as bloodthirsty creatures whose lust for blood could not be controlled therefore, they were burnt when caught as burning was believed to be the only thing that could kill them.
Silver is also said to weaken werewolves and so silver bullets were invented.
Science and Werewolves
Having termed the transforming of humans to wolves Lycanthropy, the science community has not completely accepted the idea. Clinical lycanthropy, however is used to describe a mental condition in which the patient believes he or she can turn to an animal and behaves accordingly. This is what psychiatrists term it.
Another medical condition known as hypertrichosis shows abnormal hair growth on the body and extreme conditions are known as Werewolf syndrome.
History of Werewolves
In ancient times, a medical condition that that prompted people to accise a person of being a werewolf was Rabies as it spreads among humans with just a bite of an infected animal. This condition in severe cases cause hallucinations which could have led the patient to believe he or she possessed animal characteristics.
The case of a serial killer in Germany, Peter Stumpp/Stubbe tried in 1589 for a killing spree which included animals as well as humans. He confessed to the crime of being a werewolf, having appetite only for raw meat and/or blood.
Werewolf sightings
Werewolves sightings in our modern world is uncommon and if seen treated with nonchalance but a few are documented.
Giles Garnier
He confessed to being a werewolf in the sixteenth century in Dole. A werewolf was said to have been terrorizing the village and a proclamation was read giving permission for people to hunt down and kill the wolf. When a child disappeared in the vicinity of his home after he was seen as a monstrous creature trying to harm devour a child. He was burnt to death.
The Werewolves of Poligny
These men lived in 1521. He, Philibert Montot and Pierre Bourgot were known as the werewolves of Poligny. They were said to have made a pact with the devil for lyncanthropy.
A traveler who was attacked by a wolf defended himself and suceeded in wounding the animal. On tracking the wolf, they came to a hut where Michel Verdun who was injured was being treated by his wife. He was promptly arrested and tortured after which he confessed to being a werewolf and named his two accomplices. They were executed publicly.
The Werewolf of Chalons
He was also known as the Demon tailor. His crimes were like a horror movie. On the 14th of December,1598, he was arraigned in court. He was believed to have lured children to his shop whee he abused and killed them then powder and dress their bodies. Also, under the shape of a wolf at twillight, he leapt at passersby in the woods tearing their bodies to shreds. Bones were found in his cellars with other terrible things which cannot be mentioned. He was burnt to death.
Greifswald Werewolves
The city of Greifswald in Germany was said to have been overrun with wolves in 1640 that anybody foolish enough to venture out at night was in danger of being attacked by a wolf. A group of students devised a plan. They gathered all silver goblets, plates, cups, ornaments, spoons, any sive item found was melted down and made into bullets. Armed with their silver bullets, they went out into the night and came back victorious. Werewolf sightings were after that far and in between.
The legend of werewolves cannot be ignored. The character of Jacob Black in Twilight series is adored but the question is if werewolves are real, would the world be safe? Would they be kind and fun loving like they are portrayed in movies?
This is my submission for the paranormal onstellar writing contest
Sources.
https://listverse.com/2012/01/25/10-true-life-werewolves/
https://mysticurious.com/are-werewolves-real
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werewolf