Werewolf Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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werewolf
[ˈwɛrˌwʊlf ]
Definition
mythical creature
A werewolf is a mythological creature that is said to transform from a human into a wolf or wolf-like being, typically during a full moon. This transformation is often associated with any number of supernatural factors, and werewolves are often depicted in folklore as possessing heightened abilities and ferocity. The concept of werewolves has appeared in various cultures over centuries, inspiring countless stories and adaptations in literature and film.
Synonyms
lycanthrope, werebeast, wolfman.
Examples of usage
- In the full moon light, he became a werewolf.
- The villagers feared the werewolf that roamed at night.
- She read a book about a werewolf's curse.
- Many legends warn against encounters with a werewolf.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Folklore
- In European folklore, werewolves were often linked to people who practiced witchcraft or black magic.
- The belief in werewolves exists in various cultures, from the Norse to the Greeks, each having its unique stories.
Literature
- The most famous literary werewolf is in the 19th-century novella 'The Werewolf' by Angela Carter.
- Modern literature often uses werewolves as metaphors for inner struggles and the duality of human nature.
Pop Culture
- Werewolves have appeared in numerous movies, like 'An American Werewolf in London', showcasing horror and humor.
- In TV series like 'Teen Wolf', werewolves often represent teenage angst and identity crisis.
Psychology
- The concept of werewolves reflects the human fear of losing control to our primal instincts.
- In psychology, the werewolf myth can symbolize the duality of man – the conflict between civilized behavior and primal urges.
Origin of 'werewolf'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'wer' meaning 'man' and 'wulf' meaning 'wolf'.
- In many ancient cultures, tales about shape-shifters showed the fear and fascination with wild animals.
The term 'werewolf' comes from the Old English word 'werwulf', which is a compound of 'wer' meaning 'man' and 'wulf' meaning 'wolf'. This term has its roots in Germanic folklore, where werewolves were often depicted as being cursed or afflicted individuals. Folktales from various cultures describe similar beings, such as the Greek legend of Lycaon, who was transformed into a wolf by Zeus. The werewolf mythos became prominent in Europe during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, where stories of wolf transformations were used to explain various human behaviors and natural phenomena. The fear of werewolves was sometimes paralleled with witch hunts, leading to trials where accused individuals claimed to be werewolves or were thought to possess such powers. As stories evolved, the cultural representation of werewolves also changed, influencing modern literature, movies, and popular culture, creating a lasting fascination with the legend.