Lycanthropy
Lycanthropy is the ability or power of a human being to undergo transformation into a wolf, or wolf-like characteristics. The term comes from the greek for wolf and man. The word lycanthropy is sometimes used generically for any transformation of a human into animal form, though the precise term for that is technically “therianthropy”.
Folk-etymology also links the word to Lycaon, a king of Arcadia who, according to Ovid’s Metamorphoses, was turned into a ravenous wolf in retribution for attempting to serve human flesh (his own son) to visiting Zeus in an attempt to disprove the god’s divinity.
There is also a mental illness called lycanthropy in which a patient believes he or she is, or has transformed into, an animal and behaves accordingly. This is sometimes referred to as clinical lycanthropy to distinguish it from its use in legends.
In fiction, the most common cause of lycanthropy is to be bitten by another ‘werewolf’ or lycanthrope. In other cases, lycanthropy is not given any specific cause other than being generally attributed to magic, which may be voluntary (a supernatural power) or involuntary (a curse).
The duality of man can be associated with lycanthropy in that the transformation of man to beast either partially or completely reveals more about man’s nature. The primitive animal characteristics take a more prominent face. Man becomes something more, whether good or evil. It is a glimpse into the heart of man or a revelation of his soul. It can be a kinship or recognition of being connected to his environment. A reflection of loved ones in the eyes of the beast. Cultures around the world have explained a variety of means to an end, in this fantastic metamorphosis.
The were-beast is sometimes the soul or spirit of the dead taking animal form. It is related to the belief in familiars, and even the belief in reincarnation. The familiar is an animal associated with a witch or sorcerer that is somewhat of a double or servant that shares supernatural power or designation.
Animal ancestors are common to explain the origins of various tribes. The mingling of men with animals, and their descendants having attributes of the wolf or bear. Then the ability of shape-shifting or skin walking becomes a popular explanation. Ancient deities of man in Egypt, Mesopotamia and China to name a few were known to be a mix of animal and man. The beast was revered for it’s strength, beauty, and wisdom. The legendary founders of Rome suckled on the wolf. The Turkic legends have their people descended from wolves.
Animal spirits among natives throughout the world are joined with a male at puberty. In some cases the man kills the animal and parts of it become his essence. In others the bond is so close that when death comes it claims both the man and animal.