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English Werewolves

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Werewolves

Werewolves, also known as lycanthropes, are mythological


or folkloric humans with the ability to shape-shift into a
hybrid wolf-like creature. They are generally found in
Europe and date from the medieval period. The legend of
the werewolf developed in parallel to the belief in witches
and is still evident in popular culture today.

Appearance
Traditionally, a werewolf is indistinguishable from an ordinary wolf apart from several
features. These are: a larger body, lack of a distinct tail, human eyes and voice. When a
werewolf is in human form, they have tell-tale physical traits including: a monobrow (the
eyebrows meeting in the middle), curved fingernails, low-set ears and a swinging stride.
Shape-shifting ability
Werewolves are humans who transition into wolf-like creatures, either purposefully or after
being placed under a curse. Various methods of becoming a werewolf have been reported. In
folklore, most werewolves originate from being cursed or bitten by another werewolf.
Historically, most werewolves transform under the light of a full moon. Some historical tales
list other stranger methods of transformation, such as: rubbing the body with magic ointment,
drinking rainwater out of the footprint of the animal or repeating a set spell. After returning
to their human form, werewolves are usually documented as becoming weak, debilitated and
undergoing painful, nervous depression.
How dangerous are they?
Often perceived as a threat throughout history, werewolves generally prey on any living
thing; however they particularly target children. Werewolves attack in a variety of ways. The
Scandinavian werewolf is known to possess poison-coated claws. This creature uses its gaze to
paralyse its victims which enables the final blow to be delivered with devastating accuracy.
Some werewolves are known to target the graves of their victims; digging up bodies to
consume to satisfy their cravings.
Modern culture
Even after many centuries of tales, a fascination with werewolves still exists in modern
society. The most popular depiction of a werewolf on film is in the renowned movie franchise:
‘Twilight’. Another work of fiction which mentions these mythical beasts is ‘Harry Potter’.
This series of books features several werewolves (including Remus Lupin).

The fascinating history of werewolves is still enjoyed and studied today thanks to the
reinvention of the mythical beast for each new generation of enthusiasts. The werewolf will
surely continue to frighten, fascinate and strike fear into the hearts of generations to come.

PMS Self-study 2020 Werewolves


Comprehension and vocabulary
1. Write your own definition of a werewolf.

2. According to tradition, how can a werewolf be recognised when it is wolf form? How
can one be recognised when it is in human form?

3. According to folklore, what is the most common way of becoming a werewolf?

4. Give one way in which a Scandinavian werewolf is different to other werewolves.

5. Give two examples of werewolves appearing in modern culture.

6. According to the text, why do people today still study and enjoy the history of
werewolves?

Techniques and effect


7. Look at the paragraph with the sub-heading Appearance. Why do the words, “the
eyebrows meeting in the middle” appear in parentheses?

8. Can you find another example of parenthesis in the text?

9. Who do you think is the intended audience of this text? Why do you think this?
Explain your answer fully, referring to specific examples in the text.

Extended writing
10.Write an informative report about a mythological or legendary creature of your
choice. You could research an existing creature, or make one of your own up. You
should write clearly and in detail, in a formal, impersonal style.

PMS Self-study 2020 Werewolves

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