Not all werewolves are born that way. Further, not all werewolves are the result of being attacked and surviving either. Some werewolves acquire their condition through magical curses.

For individuals afflicted with its curse-induced variation, lycanthropy—a disorder usually consigned to the domains of legend and macabre stories—poses a grave threat. This essay explores the concept of maledictive lycanthropy, in which a hex or other malevolent magic results in the change into a lycanthrope rather than it happening naturally. Even though it is extremely uncommon to become a lycanthrope through a wish or other strong spells, there is always a chance that a curse will cause the beast within to come out.

Maledictive Lycanthropy

Maledictive lycanthropy exists, emphasizing the significance of being aware of this danger. While curses aren’t strong enough in most cases to cause this kind of ill luck, they do happen in some instances. The cursed version of lycanthropy is especially harmful because it often looks like the traditional, non-cursed form. The only big difference is that it is not clear if the condition can be passed on to other people.

There are essentially three different types of curses that can cause lycanthropy, each with its own characteristics and effects. The first is the self-induced curse, which originates from a deep-seated desire for blessings or power and, when carried out, transforms into a frantic cry for assistance that is then turned into a self-fulfilling curse. This is the case when a person, unable to vent his justified rage at his oppressor, may let out his pent-up emotions in a most dangerous way, which may have the unforeseen consequence of turning him into a lycanthrope.

A person who suffers from the second kind of curse, known as the curse of vengeance, frequently turns against someone they are furious with and want to punish. This type of curse usually originates from a deep-seated desire for revenge, in which the victim of a serious wrong asks for the culprit to become a lycanthrope through the curse. The tragic irony of these curses is that the victim of the afflicted person may occasionally become the victim of the one who said the curse.

The third category includes magical curses, which can come via spells. Such spells have erratic results, and when they do lead to lycanthropy, it’s usually not what the caster intended. This magic is hazardous.

Thankfully, most magical or vengeful curses include a way out that, if followed, can free the target from the agony of lycanthropy. The complexity of the first hex, however, determines the fate of those who are subsequently subject to the curse. Once the primary victim is liberated from the curse, the secondary sufferers may also be cured, akin to the eradication of the source of an infection. This is the reason why many werewolf stories have plots where the “first” werewolf has to be cured or killed for other werewolves in that line to be free of the curse.

Conclusion

Although maledictive lycanthropes and their afflicted counterparts have many aspects in common, each curse is different; hence, there is no fixed set of traits for this group. Werewolves possess a variety of skills and can take on several shapes. A great deal of variation exists. The manifestation of lycanthropy in a curse can take on any arbitrary form.

Maledictive lycanthropy is a complicated and diverse condition that presents a lot of difficulties for people who experience it. It is essential to comprehend the many kinds of curses that might cause this illness in order to manage and possibly even reverse its consequences. The suffering of people who are lycanthropes highlights the larger story of retaliation, authority, and the unintended repercussions of malevolent urges.

Further Reading

Steiger, B. (1999). The Werewolf Book: The Encyclopedia of Shape-Shifting Beings. Detroit: Visible Ink Press.

Summers, M. (1933). The Werewolf in Lore and Legend. New York: Dover Publications.

Douglas, A. (1992). The Beast Within: A History of the Werewolf. London: Chapmans.

The Werewolf Book: The Encyclopedia of Shape-Shifting Beings

I selected Brad Steiger’s The Werewolf Book because it is a comprehensive guide to the concept of lycanthropy and shape-shifting in various cultures. Published in 1999, it provides a modern perspective on the topic, including entries on movies, books, folklore, and historical accounts. Steiger’s work is valuable for its encyclopedic coverage and its accessibility to a general audience. It is well-researched and offers a wide range of information, making it a useful resource for anyone interested in the subject of werewolves and shape-shifting beings.

The Werewolf in Lore and Legend

Montague Summers’ The Werewolf in Lore and Legend was chosen because it is one of the earliest comprehensive studies on the subject of lycanthropy. Originally published in 1933, this book is often cited as a classic in the field. Summers was a controversial author with a strong interest in the supernatural and the occult, and his work on werewolves collects historical accounts, folklore, and mythological references. This book is valuable for those who wish to understand how the concept of the werewolf has been viewed and interpreted throughout history.

The Beast Within: A History of the Werewolf

Adam Douglas’s The Beast Within offers a historical overview of werewolf legends and their evolution. Published in 1992, this book delves into the origins of werewolf myths, their spread across Europe, and their representation in literature and film. Douglas’s work is significant because it examines the werewolf phenomenon from a historical perspective, providing insights into the social and psychological factors that have contributed to the endurance of these legends. It is a scholarly yet readable book that offers a nuanced exploration of the werewolf mythos.