There’s a sort of subset of fantasy that we call “supernatural” or “paranormal”. This subgenre features magic like fantasy does, but generally in a more contemporary (and often spookier) setting. In it, we see things like vampires, ghosts, and today’s topic: werewolves.

Werewolves are a staple of paranormal and horror stories, but there’s room for a lot of overlap with fantasy settings, so I wanted to dive into some of the mythology that surrounds them and some ways to write them in unique ways. We don’t have the time to take a true deep-dive into their history, but I highly recommend that rabbit trail if history, folklore, or werewolves interest you.

Werewolf Mythology

Most simply put, werewolves, or lycanthropes, are humans who transform into a wolf or wolf-like form. Legends and fables about such creatures have been around almost as long as stories have existed, so there’s a lot out there to work with. First, let’s look into the most common traits seen in werewolf lore, and think about how you can use those traits to make an interesting creature.

• The Full Moon. Although some werewolves can voluntarily transform whenever they want, every werewolf must transform under the light of a full moon. In creating your werewolf, think about why that connection is important, and explore what that might look like outside of the full moon transformation.
• Bites. Although being a werewolf can be hereditary, being bitten by a transformed werewolf is a surefire way to become one. This could be used to create very interesting tension, as a person who is transformed is often considered to be part of the biter’s pack.
• Silver Bullets. Werewolves are hard to injure, but silver bullets always seem to do the trick. This may be because silver metal is mythologically linked to the moon, or because, like vampires, it’s seen as a “pure” or “holy” metal that combats evil. Use your creative process to think about why silver might be a weakness, or if there are other weaknesses that make more sense.
• Loss of Control. One of the most interesting aspects of lycanthropy is figuring out how much humanity, if any, the transformed werewolf has. Some turn fully animal, some retain their normal mind and personality, and others are a mix.
• Enhanced Senses. Whether your werewolf can transform at will or not, think about how being a werewolf might impact them when they aren’t transformed. Enhanced senses, especially smell and hearing, are pretty standard.
• Pack Life. Like wolves, werewolves are generally depicted as living in packs. Most werewolves seem to fall into the “strongest one rules” mindset, but keep in mind that packs are almost always family units, and the myth of the “alpha wolf” has long since been disproven. There’s still plenty to room to be creative, though: does a werewolf’s pack mean the blood family they were born to, the werewolf pack they become a part of, or a found-family group of friends?

Make Yours Distinct

Now that we’ve covered some of the foundational elements of werewolves, let’s dive into ways to truly make your lycanthropes unique.

• Treatment. Think about how lycanthropy is viewed. Is it well-known or a secret? Is there a stigma attached, or are werewolves respected? Is it considered a strength or a disease? More than that, is there a way to manage the transformation, or the loss of control? If so, how accessible is it? What alternate methods might people seek out?
• Transformation. Does your werewolf go fully wolf? Is there a partial form they take instead? Is either form accessible at will? Perhaps your werewolves can take on a partial form at will, but only go fully wolf during the full moon. Also, look into less-well-known legends, like the Man-Wolves of Ossory, who instead of transforming, left their comatose human bodies behind while the wolf ran free.
• Control. There’s lots of room to play when it comes to werewolf transformations. The most important question to answer is whether it’s voluntary. Does the werewolf choose to transform? If not, what might trigger a change? When the change occurs, is it instantaneous or drawn-out? Is it painful, and if so, how does the werewolf deal with that? While transformed, how much of the human consciousness is there?
• Location. Location can impact your werewolf. Currently, the largest concentration of wolves lives in the northern part of the world (Canada, Russia, and Alaska), but other wolves are scattered around the globe. Does your werewolf need space to run free? Or can they live safely in the city like anyone else? Are there any geographic features they need to live by or have access to? Might location affect size or coloration?
• Attributes. Aside from the probable enhanced senses, how does being a werewolf affect the human when not transformed? Is there a deeper connection with nature? Can they understand or speak with regular wolves (and if so, would they get along or be seen as intruders)? Wolves have a shorter lifespan than humans – how might that factor in? Being pack or family oriented is great, but how does that affect perceived outsiders? Are your werewolves hidden away and insular? Wolves howl to communicate – maybe yours are spectacular singers!

This is obviously just a starting point for your creature and world building. And it can also be the basis if you choose to make another type of were-creature (D&D’s wider range of were-creatures, including werebears, comes to mind). Asking yourself these deeper questions will help fully flesh out the idea, regardless of the animal inspiration. And remember, not every decision you make has to be profound or have far-reaching consequences. You can make a choice that’s fun, or is merely cosmetic.

What’s your favorite piece of werewolf lore?

Until next time, word nerds!