In Greek is where we can establish that the etymological origin of the term lycanthrope that concerns us is found. Specifically, we can state that it is the result of the sum of two lexical components of said language:
-The noun "lycos", which can be translated as "wolf".
-The term «anthropos», which is synonymous with «man».
A werewolf is an individual who, according to legend , transforms into a wolf during the nights of the full moon .
Also called werewolf or werewolf , the werewolf is a being that is part of the popular mythology of numerous cultures . It is, in fact, one of the most widespread myths in the world.
The reason that leads a human being to become a werewolf varies depending on the region. A curse , ingesting a certain plant or a certain mushroom , suffering a werewolf bite or being the seventh male child are some of the most mentioned causes.
The association between the werewolf and the full moon, on the other hand, is relatively modern. In more ancient times, the moment of transformation was not usually linked to the natural satellite of our planet .
According to the most common current story, the werewolf maintains its physiognomy and human characteristics for most of its life. Only when the full moon appears does its metamorphosis occur - involuntarily - and it becomes an animal , becoming ferocious .
It must be established that, in addition to vampires and witches, werewolves or lycanthropes have become common characters in literature, cinema or even television.
It is thus possible to find numerous stories of werewolves in literature, cinema, theater, TV series and other branches of art. Rudyard Kipling , for example, wrote about a werewolf in "The Mark of the Beast." The film "Wolf" (with Jack Nicholson as the werewolf) and the literary and cinematographic saga "Twilight" also feature these characters.
Likewise, we have to indicate that another of the best-known films about werewolves is "Teen Wolf", which was released in 1985. It is a comedy directed by Rod Daniel and starring Michael J. Fox. He gives life to a young high school student who, from one day to the next, discovers that he is a werewolf, as well as the rest of the members of his family.
At first, it will try to hide that condition. However, you will soon discover that the strength, agility and "morbidness" that lycanthropes arouse also has its advantages.
In the field of music, similarly, werewolves have played a leading role. A good example of this is the song "Werewolf in Paris." It is a single that was part of the record album "Mil Siluetas", released in 1984 by the Spanish group La Unión. Today it is considered a "classic" of the 80s.
In the field of psychiatry , finally, a person affected by lycanthropy is known as a lycanthrope, a mental disorder that leads the subject to feel that they have become a wolf.