In folklore, a werewolf[a] (from Old English werwulf 'man-wolf'), or occasionally lycanthrope[b] (from Ancient Greek λυκάνθρωπος, lykánthrōpos, 'wolf-human'), is an individual who can shape-shift into a wolf, or especially in modern film, a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, either purposely or after being placed under a curse or afflicti...

6 days ago · The werewolf myth is not a product of early modern fiction but a story that dates back more than two millennia, involving Lycaon, the ancient Greek werewolf. As Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey were the blueprints of Western literature, so is the story of Lycaon, the mythical king of Arcadia who turned into a werewolf, an inspiration for gothic ...

Mar 14, 2025 · werewolf, in popular legend, a human who can shape-shift into a wolf or a hybrid wolf-human form. In many werewolf stories this transformation occurs at night, often under the influence of a full moon. Belief in werewolves has waxed and waned over millennia, although “sightings” are still sometimes reported.

Jul 1, 2018 · A werewolf refers to the idea of a person being able to transform themselves into a wolf and assume wolf-like mannerisms. While the existence of werewolves has never been proven, they are common in folklore around the world – especially in Europe.

Oct 16, 2024 · To learn more about werewolves, or lycanthropes as they are officially termed, TODAY.com talked to Woods and other experts who break down the origin, facts and history of werewolves, why they...

Aug 23, 2017 · Werewolves are, according to some legends, people who morph into vicious, powerful wolves. Others are a mutant combination of human and wolf. But all are bloodthirsty beasts who cannot control...

Jul 10, 2023 · Read on to learn all about the history and development of the werewolf legend, including its appearance in Greek mythology, the frenzy over werewolves in the Medieval Ages, and the link between werewolves and vampires. Stories of the merging of man and beast tap into primal fears about our own nature.

Dec 14, 2022 · 1. Alpha Werewolf. In werewolf folklore, there are two types of cursed werewolf: those who deny the curse and those who embrace it. Alphas are the latter.

Sep 12, 2023 · Werewolf stories have existed for thousands of years. But silver bullets, the full moon, wolfsbane and the incurable curse of lycanthropy have more to do with Hollywood than with history. In werewolf literature and folklore, there are all kinds of ways to become a werewolf, and the process isn't always involuntary or even permanent.

A werewolf, also known as a lycanthrope, is a species of legendary creature that can hide its ears and tail. It is a human but also a wolf, and most people fear them because of how they look. There are characteristics that make werewolves special, and that allow a person to tell them apart from real wolves, such as the eyes, shape, and tail.