Our Werewolves Are Different: Difference between revisions

{{quote|''"It's a full moon tonight,

''I'm gonna get a bite,

 

[[Sub-Trope]] of [[Our Werebeasts Are Different]], dealing with variations of lycanthropy (i.e. werewolves). [[Our Vampires Are Different|As with vampires]], the exact parameters of lycanthrophy vary, but to meet the definition, a werewolf must be like an [[Animorphism]] who takes the form of a wolf every month. The prospective werewolf character has a number of options for customization. See the [[Our Werebeasts Are Different/Analysis|Werewolf Analysis Page]] for a listing of common characteristics and some variations on werewolves in media.

* Constable {{spoiler|eventually, Captain}} Delphine Angua von Überwald from [[Terry Pratchett]]'s "City Watch" series of ''[[Discworld]]'' novels. Angua can [[Voluntary Shapeshifter|transform into a wolf at will]], but is [[Involuntary Shapeshifting|unable to prevent herself from changing]] during a full moon. Pratchett delves much deeper into the psychology of the werewolf than most writers, describing what the world looks like to a creature that uses smell as its primary sense, and also developing a cultural [[Backstory]] for the werewolves, such as the term "yennork" being used to describe a werewolf that cannot change shape (and is therefore trapped in the body of either a wolf or a human) but is born to werewolf parents.

** The "smell as its primary sense" has to be reinterpreted by the werewolf when in human form; it is presented as synesthesia, with scent data being reinterpreted in terms of colours and sounds.

** Angua's type of lycanthropy is hereditary (infection by bite is alluded to but never actually demonstrated{{spoiler|in the books; it does happen in [[Discworld Noir]], which Pratchett worked on}}). Pure-bred werewolves change into a normal wolf (hybrids produce other forms). At least partial control is possible, although sometimes this takes some effort. Silver and fire are a werewolf's primary weaknesses; all other damage is temporary.

** During the involuntary moon-induced transformation there's an irresistible urge to eat meat, but enough control is maintained for the werewolf to choose which ''kind'' of meat is consumed. Angua, who's a vegetarian when she can help it, eats chickens (and always leaves behind payment for them, even when forced to steal them from out of the henhouse).

** Werewolves are generally referred to as undead. Despite uncertainty as to whether they truly should be categorized along with Zombies and Vampires the consensus seems to be "they're big and scary, they come from [[Überwald]], and if you stab them with a sword they don't die. What more do you want?"

* In ''[[Harry Potter (novel)|Harry Potter]]'', lycanthropy is transmitted by bites, and results in uncontrolled transformations during full moon. Werewolves are discriminated against by the Wizarding society despite their relative innocence. They are dangerous to humans, but not to other animals (or Animagi). No cure exists, but a Wolfsbane Potion allows them to keep control of their minds during the transformation. Good werewolf Remus Lupin takes the Wolfsbane potion to keep his, whereas the evil Fenrir Greyback doesn't care as he is bloodthirsty as a human anyway. In the books werewolves are Dire Wolves, with only a few superficial differences between them and real wolves. In the movies they are Wolf-Men that look more like Were-Chihuahuas than wolves...

** It should also be noted that werewolves are only created when bitten by another werewolf while in wolf form. If bitten by a werewolf in human form, they may garner a few traits (a desire for bloody meat, a temper issue, etc.), but will not actually become a werewolf.

 

{{reflist}}

[[Category:Our Monsters Are Different]]

[[Category:Werebeast Tropes]]