Etymology of werewolf

Werewolf literally means man-wolf. The name is thought most likely to derive from Old English wer (or were) meaning man (male man rather than gender-neutral) or possibly the Latin vir, also meaning man, masculine. It has cognates in several Germanic languages including Gothic wair, Old High German wer , Old Prussian: wirs, and Irish fear … Read more

Lycanthropy definition

Lycanthropy is the transformation of a human being into a wolf. Lycanthropy may be considered similar to metamorphosis. The term comes from ancient Greek lykánthropos (λυκάνθρωπος): λύκος, lύkos (“wolf”) + άνθρωπος, αnthrōpos (“man”). The word can also be used transitively, referring to the act of transforming someone else into a wolf, or werewolf. The word … Read more

Werewolf shift

The shift is the term generically employed to qualify the transformation of man into a wolf and vice-versa. This gives ground to a lot of different states. The transformation may be temporary or permanent; the were-animal may be the man himself metamorphosed; may be his double whose activity leaves the real man to all appearance … Read more

Werewolf in other languages

Many European countries and cultures have stories of werewolves. Most of the terms used have the similar proto-aryen roots.  Scotland : werewolf, wulver England :werwolf Ireland :faoladh or conriocht Germany : Werwolf Denmark/Sweden : Varulv Galicia, Portugal : lobisón, lobisomem Lithuania : vilkolakis and vilkatlakis Latvia : vilkatis and vilkacis Estonia : libahunt Finland : … Read more