What is a Werewolf?

A werewolf is a creature stemming from European folklore. Tales concerning werewolves explain how they are able to shape shift from human to wolf and back again. They were most associated with acts of murder (particularly children) and cannibalism. The belief in werewolves dates back to classical antiquity but never really took hold until the sixteenth century. Werewolves were persecuted alongside witches and featured in some of the same trials.

Featured image: Woodcut of a werewolf attack by Lucas Cranach der Ältere, 1512