Some thoughts on Lycantrophy

I remember reading this compilation of ghost stories by various british writiers who travelled India during the British Raj during the summer of 1997. One of the stories titled 'Panther People' by K.A Kincaid, a colonel during the Raj and a celebrated folklorist sparked my interest in Lycantrophy. Kincaid's story dealt with his visit to a certain hilly region in northern india where he encountered villagers who spoke in hushed tones about certain mystic people living in the mountains who had the ability to transform themselves into panthers and other wild beasts at the rise of the full moon.

Lycantrophes (Greek- Lycan means wolf and Trophe - change) commonly known as werewolves are mystical beings with the ability to shapehift into wolves or wolf life like beasts. Different regions of the world have local lores about different mystical beings which share common attributes of the werewolf. One way to lycantrophe is to be bitten by a werewolf,once bitten the victim begins the process of transformation. The simplest way is supposed to involve taking off all your clothes and wearing a belt made of wolfskin. Symptoms before transformation include restlessness and highly agitated nerves. During the transformation the victim undergoes severe muscular contractions and convulsions before retreating to the nearest wood where the complete transformation occurs.

Apparently one of the most popular way of killing one of these things is to shoot it with a silver bullet. well, with the rising prices and job cuts i am not so sure silver bullets will get fashionable anytime soon. maybe making it listen to the new britney spears album should do just as well.

I am more interested in the indian folklore surrounding the werewolf. Indian culture is rife with tales of were-men,fox-women,panther people and all sorts of man-beast combinations. The Indian wild dog (dhole) which is found in most of the forested and hilly areas of the country is regarded with much superstition by many of the natives and rumours are abound with sightings of wild dog-man beasts in the remote reaches of the country. Recently i heard about 3 men suspected of being werewolves who were killed by an angry mob in west bengal.

I have also heard many similar tales about people covered with fur and walking on hind legs walking the forests at night in the western ghat region of western india. I am sure its all a well fabricated old-wives tale to prevent children from playing close to the woods. True or not..still great entertainment to discuss them around any campfire.