Lycanthropes or Werewolves are mythological humans that have the ability to shift shape into wolves or anthropomorphic wolf-like creatures. They can infect the human population with a bite and the creature’s transformation is often associated with a full moon. The lycanthropes mythology originated in Europe, but many accounts are found all over the ancient world. The creature has extraordinary strength. They are one of the most common species of shape-shifters. Features of the lycanthrope include the meeting of both eyebrows at the bridge of the nose, curved fingernails, low set ears, and a swinging stride. A human can be identified as a werewolf by cutting into their flesh to reveal hair or special bristles under their tongue.
In returning to the human form the creature becomes weak and debilitated. Until the 20th century wolf attacks on humans was a widespread recorded cause of mass death in Europe. Before the end of the 19th century, the Greeks believed that the corpses of werewolves, if not destroyed, would return to life as vampires in the form of wolves or hyenas which prowled battlefields, drinking the blood of dying soldiers.
