Werewolves
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Wawkalak
The Wawkalak is a strange form of werewolf from Russian belief. They were formed when a person angered the devil and was cursed by him to become a wolf. The Wawkalak would be recognized and cared for by their family. They have no malevolence and are often quite friendly, but they are forever doomed to be driven out of the village they’re in over and over again. Citations: Guiley, Rosemary. The Encyclopedia of Vampires, Werewolves, and Other Monsters. United States, Facts On File, Incorporated, 2004.
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Vrykolakas/Vrykolakes(pl.)/Timpaniaois
The Vrykolakas is a creature from Greek myth related to the Vrukolak of Dalmatia and the Vryolakas from Macedonia. It was believed that every Greek clan had one Vrykolakas. It’s possible that this was a more general term for vampires in Greek myth. They are often linked to stories of werewolves, with possible Serbian influence. They are thought to be vampiric spirits that possess the corpses of dead werewolves. As it is a spirit separate to the body, it is sometimes not seen as a form of undead. Sometimes the Vrykolakas was formed from the corpse of someone who had been excommunicated, with these Vrykolakas often being depicted as more…
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Vlkodlak/Volkodlak
The Vlkodlak is from Serbian legend. They starts out as werewolves, being humans who could turn into wolves without any additional supernatural abilities. After they die as werewolves, they rise from the grave as a Vlkodlak. They resembles a drunk person with skin flushed red like blood. They exist in this form for seven years and drain the blood of the living. After these seven years, they become normal humans, which will turn into a Vlkodlak again upon its death. A Vlkodlak can also be created if someone sees a werewolf and survives, which guarantees they become this after death. They can also be created by eating sheep that has…
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Vilkacis
The Vilkacis are from Latvian mythology. Its name means “wolf eyes.” They are created when someone speaks against God publicly. When this person sleeps the darker part of them separates into the Vilkacis. In this form they spread disease and kill others. They can be killed as easily as a regular wolf but are significantly smarter. Citations: Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
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Versipellis
The Versipellis are an old form of werewolf or wolf man. The name comes from Latin meaning “skin changer” or “turn coat.” They aren’t seen as inherently evil, and their lycanthropy is simply considered to be a condition. They were judged solely on whether or not they prey on humans. Oftentimes they were described as werewolves who grow fur on the inside of their skin and flip it inside out when they transform. Citations: Ananikian, Mardiros Harootioon, and Werner, Alice. Armenian [mythology]. United States, Archaeological Institute of America : Marshall Jones Company, 1925. Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers,…
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Varcolac/Varacolaci(pl.)
The Varcolac is a form of wolf monster from Romanian myth. Some believe the Varcolac is a Christian reinvention of Fenrir. They sometimes take the form of demons who possess the corpses of unbaptized children. They can be created when someone commits suicide, or they can simply become a Varcolac from a hereditary curse. Some however believe God sends the Varcolaci to consume the moon to lead men to repent. When they rise from the grave they have pale, dry skin. They’re seen as enemies of light who seek to swallow the sun and the moon, causing eclipses when they near success. They are particularly active on St. Georges day,…
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Rougarou
The Rougarou is a creature that was thought to be a combination of the French Loup Garou and the Algonquin Wendigo. Various Louisiana Native American tribes believed the Attakapa to be a tribe of shapeshifting cannibals. Attakapa even means “man eater” in Choctaw. The story goes that after a difficult period of war, the starving Attakapas gained the ability to shapeshift from dark spirits who possessed them. After being possessed, they would hunt humans as their prey. During the summer they would take human form and live normal lives, only taking constant animal forms during the winter when food was more scarce. Particularly cruel Rougarou however would take animal form…
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Qutrub
The Qutrub is a Ghoul-like creature from Pre-Islamic beliefs. It was later identified as a form of djinn, and often considered the male counterpart to the Ghul. Sometimes they are described as being similar to a werewolf. They are born from eggs, and are thought to be the children of Iblis and a wife made for him from the fire of Samūn. They are known to wander graveyards and consume corpses. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Fairies in World Folklore and Mythology. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2013. Fee, Christopher R.. Mythology in the Middle Ages: Heroic Tales of Monsters, Magic, and Might. United States, Praeger, 2011. Hughes, Thomas Patrick.…
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Mugharribun
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Mjertovjec
The Mjertovjec is an undead creature from the myths of Belarus. They have the features of vampires, werewolves, and witches, and are created when a werewolf or a witch dies. They may be the ghost of someone who cursed their father during church service. They are described as having purple faces. One could also become a Mjertovjec if they committed heresy, abandoned their faith, or committed crimes against God. They feed on human flesh and blood, hunting only at night. Mjertovjec can be destroyed by sprinkling poppy seeds on the road between their grave and their former house. They could also be killed by driving a nail into their coffin. Citations:…
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Lupo Mannaro/Lupo Manaro
The Lupo Mannaro is a form of werewolf from Italian myth. They date back to Roman times and are related to people banned from their communities. They were described as men who could turn into wolves. Attacks victims and kills or rapes them. They are not welcome among humans or animals due to their odd nature. Citations: Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016. Maberry, Jonathan. Vampire Universe: The Dark World of Supernatural Beings That Haunt Us, Hunt Us, and Hunger for Us. United States, Kensington Publishing Corporation, 2006.
