Magic

The 16th century Swedish writer Olaus Magnus says that the Livonian werewolves were initiated by draining a cup of specially prepared beer and repeating a set formula, they routinely transformed themselves into wolves by passing through a certain magic pool, another instance of baptismal rebirth in animal form. Ralston in his Songs of the Russian … Read more

Magic Salve

In the Middle Ages, the wolf became a symbol of evil. Hysteria about werewolves broke out all over Europe. Thousands of people were accused of being werewolves and many were tortured and executed. The magic salve is frequently mentioned in witch and were-wolf trials. It is supposed to be a strong hallucinogenic. When rubbed over … Read more

Seventh sons

In Galician, Portuguese and Brazilian folklore, it is the seventh of the sons (but sometimes the seventh child, a boy, after a line of six daughters) who becomes a werewolf. In some Latin American countries, the seventh sons of a seventh son is believed to be cursed to be a werewolf, lobizón, Luison (in Paraguay) … Read more

Superstitions

      Being a child conceived under a new moon       Being born on a full moon friday (Italy)       Being born on the winter solstice or Christmas Eve (Italy)       Being the elder son of priest       Being the 7th of 7 consecutive (Germany).       Drinking water out of the footprint of a savage wolf … Read more

Werewolf Incantations

The process of turning into a werewolf relates to the realm of magic and the powers of words. Traditional incantations have been recorded from various traditions. Try at your own risks. Sacharow quoted an old Russian charm, to be spoken by one who wished to invoke the Moon-goddess and become a werewolf:  “On the sea, on … Read more

Werewolf America

When the European colonization of the Americas occurred, the pioneers brought their own werewolf folklore with them and were later influenced by the lore of their neighbouring colonies and those of the Natives. Woodward even believes that the Vikings brought with them their beliefs in werewolves during the Norse colonization of the Americas. Many Native … Read more

Werewolf Asia

In India and the Asian islands the tiger is the most common animal for transfomation; in Japan, the kitsune (fox), the tanuki (raccoon dog), and sometimes the wolf are invoked. Common Turkic folklore holds a different, reverential light to the werewolf legends in that Turkic Central Asian shamans after performing long and arduous rites would … Read more

Werewolf Argentina

Name : Lobisón Origin : Brazilian traditions Behavior: the Lobisón wanders in the hills and mountains, feeding mostly upon carrion. However, if they get to meet with a human being, they will instantly attack. Cause : usually the seventh son in a family (whereas the seventh daughter is doomed to be a witch). Victims will … Read more