Research source

In the south of France, it is still believed that fate has destined certain men to be lycanthropists—that they…

Date of account: Published 1865
Source: The Book of Were-Wolves
Reference: The Book of Were-Wolves · selected passage 53
Rights: public_domain
Language: English
Record updated: 2026-08-24

Record summary

In the south of France, it is still believed that fate has destined certain men to be lycanthropists—that they are transformed into wolves at full moon

Published source text

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Source passage

Source text · mention only

In the south of France, it is still believed that fate has destined certain men to be lycanthropists—that they are transformed into wolves at full moon. The desire to run comes upon them at night. They leave their beds, jump out of a window, and plunge into a fountain. After the bath, they come out covered with dense fur, walking on all fours, and commence a raid over fields and meadows, through woods and villages, biting all beasts and human beings that come in their way. At the approach of dawn, they return to the spring, plunge into it, lose their furry skins, and regain their deserted beds. Sometimes the loup-garou is said to appear under the form of a white dog, or to be loaded with chains; but there is probably a confusion of ideas between the were-wolf and the church-dog, bar-ghest, pad-foit, wush-hound, or by whatever name the animal supposed to haunt a churchyard is designated.

Historical context

Contextual commentary · mention only

This material belongs to a folklore tradition. Story type, collector, community, transmission and literary editing matter when comparing it with other sources.

Modern context

Contextual commentary · mention only

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