Werewolf facts for kids
| Werewolf | |
|---|---|
Quick facts for kids  |
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| Vendel period depiction of a warrior wearing a wolf-skin (Tierkrieger) | |
| Creature | |
| Name: | Werewolf |
| AKA: | Lycanthrope |
| Classification | |
| Grouping: | Legendary creature |
| Similar creatures: | Revenant, vampire, yōkai |
| Data | |
| Country: | England |
| Region: | The Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa |
A werewolf is a famous mythical creature. It is a human who changes into a scary wolf-like monster. This change often happens during the full moon.
Werewolves have special features that make them different from real wolves. These can include their eyes, body shape, or tail. When they are human, werewolves look and act like anyone else. However, they might seem unwell when a full moon night is near.
In their wolf form, werewolves do not think like humans. They cannot stop themselves from attacking people. They might even attack their own friends. People say a werewolf can be killed only with silver bullets. When a werewolf dies, it changes back into a human.
The word "werewolf" comes from old words. "Wer" means man, and "wulf" means wolf. Sometimes, these creatures are also called 'Lycans'.
Becoming a Werewolf
Many old stories tell different ways a person could become a werewolf. One simple way was to wear a special belt made from wolf skin. Sometimes, wearing an entire animal skin was also mentioned.
Other tales say a person could rub their body with a magic ointment. Some stories even claimed that drinking rainwater from an animal's footprint could cause the change.
In countries like Italy, France, and Germany, people believed something else. They said a person could turn into a werewolf if they slept outside on a summer night. This had to happen on a Wednesday or Friday, with the full moon shining directly on their face.
The most common way to become a werewolf in stories is by being bitten. If another werewolf bites a human, that person might then turn into one too.
Images for kids
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Zeus turning Lycaon into a wolf, engraving by Hendrik Goltzius.
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A German woodcut from 1722
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The Were-Wolf by Clemence Housman
See also
In Spanish: Hombre lobo para niños
