Aoooooe! Werewolves have captured our imaginations for centuries, becoming legends that have been feared but also endeared. They’ve inspired filmmakers and musicians. As I write this, I couldn’t help but put on the famous song ‘Werewolves of London’ by Warren Zevon – maybe give it a listen!
Where Did Werewolves Come From?
Well, travel back in time thousands of years to Ancient Greece and you’ll learn the story of King Lycaon who was turned into a wolf as punishment by the god Zeus. The word lycanthropy, which means to transform into a wolf, comes from his name.
Throughout history, the portrayal of werewolves has evolved, shapeshifting to suit the storytellers and rule enforcers of the time. The myth of werewolves really took off during medieval Europe. The Church was incredibly powerful and influential during the Middle Ages. They used this power to turn the public’s interest in the supernatural into the basis of miracles. Church scholars were known to explore the idea of therianthropy – the transformation between human and animal. To this day, the ability to do this has fascinated humans, with some believing they really can transform into an animal.
Medieval Romance Werewolves
It may interest you to know that not all medieval tales of werewolves were scary. Werewolves were also the heartthrobs and heroes of medieval romance! A noble man (baron, knight or king) entrapped in wolf form, often by their wicked wives through magic. Unlike modern interpretations of moon-shapeshifting beasts, the ‘heartthrobs’ of medieval romance kept their human senses and only attacked when justified. They acted with reason and purpose, not savagery.
Despite this heroic portrayal in medieval romance, wolves were hated throughout medieval Europe. They were seen as dangerous predators. Did you know the term ‘werewolf’ was used to mean outlaw – someone cast out from the community?
Did you pick up on the unfair portrayal of women in these medieval romances? Wives were portrayed as manipulative and treacherous – ones capable of entrapping their husbands in wolf form or betraying them in some way. There’s a famous tale called Melion where the hero learns ‘women cannot be trusted’. These stories reflected the attitudes of the time and also the influence that the Church had, which is very different from today’s values of equality and fairness.
Werewolf folk traditions were particularly strong in Ireland. One fascinating tale tells of a priest in Ossory who was approached by a werewolf seeking last rites for his dying wife – both had been cursed by a bishop to live as wolves for seven years. What makes this story special is that these werewolves could actually speak! Irish werewolf traditions also have parallels with Old Norse stories, where werewolves were often warriors so fierce and savage in battle that people said they transformed into wolves.
From Romance to Horror
By the 15th and 16th centuries, beliefs about werewolves were now linked to witchcraft and servants of the devil, which led to the scarier stories we know today.
Famous Werewolves We Love Today
Nevertheless, I thought it would be fun to explore some of the characters that have been portrayed in popular culture, both in books and films. One of the key lessons that seems to come with the contemporary version of the werewolf is that it’s important to be yourself and own who you are, rather than trying to fit in or be popular.
Scott Howard (Teen Wolf)
A prime example of this is Scott Howard in Teen Wolf. The story goes that Howard discovers he’s from a family of werewolves (notice how you develop this ability varies just as much as their actual portrayal) – plot twist – his super power? Becoming a very skilled basketball player! He learns that being true to himself is more important than the success of being a player or popularity.
The Modern Heroes: Jacob Black and Remus Lupin
But for many, Jacob Black and Remus Lupin are probably the easiest to remember in contemporary fiction. Both Jacob and Remus epitomise kindness and protection. Their characters prove to be good friends that are loyal. For those of you who haven’t come across them, here’s a quick overview:
Professor Remus Lupin is one of Harry Potter’s teachers who taught Defence Against the Dark Arts at Hogwarts and was a good friend to Harry Potter. Bitten as a child by a werewolf, he has spent most of his life transforming into a wolf every full moon.
Jacob Black is from the Twilight saga. He’s not technically a werewolf, rather a shapeshifter who turned into a giant wolf. He was part of the Quileute tribe, protecting lands from vampires for generations. Jacob is loyal, brave and protective – some of the wolf’s best traits.
(Before you ask where’s Oz? I just wanted to take a minute to note on this occasion I chose to leave him out and stick to more recent characters. I’m sure there are others I’ve missed too. )
From medieval romance heroes trapped in wolf form to modern-day protectors and friends, werewolf stories have evolved to teach us one thing or another. The most valuable lessons being those of acceptance, loyalty and the courage to be ourselves, even when we’re different from everyone else.