Mysteries of the Werewolf

Mysteries of the Werewolf by Claude Lecouteux is an exploration of werewolf beliefs and legends from Classical Antiquity to the post-medieval period.

This work examines werewolf tales and stories from regions as diverse as early Greece, Scandinavia, France, Germany, Eastern Europe, China, and Japan. The book also delves into legends of other shapeshifting creatures such as were-tigers, were-jackals, and were-caribou.

Lecouteux looks at the various ways people become werewolves, including making pacts with the devil, using magic, and casting spells. Furthermore, he explores methods to identify, escape from, and eliminate werewolves.

The book includes trial records from medieval Europe of individuals tried on suspicion of being werewolves and personal accounts of people whose spouses could shapeshift into wolves.

An animal both mythical and real, the wolf has been a terrifying predator and villain in many a fairytale, haunting the human imagination since prehistoric times. The notion that some individuals could transform into wolves—werewolves or lycanthropes—presents even more disturbing possibilities. These creatures, able to divest themselves of their human nature, transform into dangerous enemies whose identities remain unknown. The need to protect oneself from this beast has been a concern since Classical Antiquity, and werewolf legends offer both fascinating tales of horror and practical advice for thwarting these creatures or breaking their curse.

Through his exploration of werewolf folktales, legends, and historical accounts from different eras and cultures, Lecouteux offers insights into the psyche and ancient imagination of humanity. By studying the legends of the werewolf, we learn not just about these haunting tales, but also gain a deeper understanding of human nature and fears.