Werewolves
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Loup Garou
The Loup Garou is a French form of werewolf that traveled to the US with colonialism. They are known to feed on blood and the flesh of humans. There are various distinct forms of Loup Garou. The oldest form starts out human and changes fully into a wolf with human intelligence. Often this version of transformation is induced by wearing a magic belt made of wolf skin. The next form, these stories starting in the eighteenth century, only partially transform, turning into human-wolf hybrids. This form had incredible strength, speed, and was very difficult to kill. The next form, these stories starting in the nineteenth century, were people who did…
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Lobizón/Lobisón/Lobis-Homen
The Lobizón is a werewolf from Argentina, Brazil, Uraguay, Portugal, and Paraguay. It is believed if the seventh child is male, and especially if the six previous are female, it is likely they will become a Lobizon. The belief is strong enough in Argentina that it has been common for seventh sons to be abandoned or given up for adoption. There is a large amount of stigma attached to giving birth to a possible Lobizon. The president of Argentina is officially the godfather to any seventh son as a way to avoid this. This has been largely successful. They eat the flesh of the dead, poop, and unbaptized children. They…
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Kornwolf
The Kornwolf is a creature from folklore throughout Europe. They take the form of wolves who possess unnatural intelligence and are often thought to be some form of Werewolf. They are thought to prey on farmers and their families. The corpse of the Kornwolf, or a replica of one, could be burned to bring good luck for future harvests. Despite their supernatural nature, the Kornwolf can be killed with normal weapons. 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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Farkaskoldus
The Farkaskoldus is a vampiric form of werewolf from Hungary. Its name translates to “wolf beggar.” Oftentimes they are undead creatures that in life, were abused shepherds. Sometimes a person could become a Farkaskoldus if they consumed the flesh of someone who was executed. They return from the dead to right some serious wrong and are known to be incredibly dangerous and easy to anger. Sometimes the spirit that brings them back will fade quickly after getting revenge. They can take the form of a cat, dog or goat, and they use these forms to discreetly seek out prey. After finding prey, typically sleeping people, they sit on the person’s…
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Büxenwolf/Boxenwolf/Böchsenwolf
This is a Werewolf from the Schaumberg region of Germany. A Büxenwolf is formed when a person makes a pact with the devil for knowledge, wealth, and power. They use a magic girdle to fully change from a human to a wolf. In wolf form they have enhanced speed, strength, and intelligence on top of their animal instincts and senses. They are known to be incredibly sadistic and will attack people from behind aiming for the neck to drag victims away. Despite their supernatural power, they can still be killed by normal weapons. Putting a piece of iron or steel above the creature’s head will break its connection with Hell.…
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Benandanti
The Benandanti are mythical figures from Italian myth. They are benevolent figures, and their name means “good walker.” They are thought to be humans capable of taking the form of wolves as they sleep. In this wolf form, they descend into Hell and battle evil. They specifically went out on “ember days” meaning solstices or eclipses. Sometimes they took the form of cats, mice, butterflies, or hares. Crops would suffer or flourish depending on whether or not the Benandanti succeeded. If a baby was born with the caul still attached, then it was believed they were Benandanti. These cauls were often dried out and worn as protective amulets. Citations: Guiley,…
