Werewolf

Werewolves, also known as lycanthropes are mythological or folkloric humans with the ability to shift shapes into wolves or wolf-like creatures, either purposely, by being bitten or scratched by another werewolf, or after being placed under a curse. This transformation is often associated with the appearance of the full moon. 'Wer' simply means 'man' in old English. Thus 'werewolf' means man-wolf.

The appearance of a werewolf in its animal form as being indistinguishable from ordinary wolves save for the fact that they have no tail and that they retain human eyes and voice. After returning to their human forms, werewolves are usually believed to become weak and undergoing painful nervous depression. Werewolves are often depicted as immune to damage caused by ordinary weapons, being vulnerable only to silver objects, such as a silver-tipped cane, bullet or blade. Many believe that lycanthropy either a hereditary condition or being transmitted like an infectious disease by the bite of another werewolf.

In Italy, France and Germany, it was said that a man could turn into a werewolf if he, on a certain Wednesday or Friday, slept outside on a summer night with the full moon shining directly on his face. To drink rainwater out of the footprint of the animal in question or to drink from certain enchanted streams were also considered effectual modes of accomplishing metamorphosis. In some cultures, individuals born during a new moon and suffering from epilepsy were considered likely to be werewolves.Werewolves are fatal creatures with abnormal aggressiveness and speed and can be brutal for they often crave human flesh and dig up graves to devour corpses.

However, A notable exception to the association of Lycanthropy and the Devil, comes from a man named Thiess. Thiess testified under oath that he and other werewolves were the Hounds of God. He claimed they were warriors who went down into hell to do battle with witches and demons. So, are werewolves real? And, if they are, are they good or are they bad?