lykánthropos

Lykánthropos is the Greek term for a human who transforms into a wolf, a concept commonly known in English as a werewolf. The word combines lykos, meaning “wolf,” with anthrōpos, meaning “man.” In antiquity and later folklore, lykanthropy is typically described as a curse, a hereditary condition, or a punishment rather than a voluntary act.

In classical and medieval sources, lycanthropy appears within broader traditions of shapeshifting. The most influential precursor is the myth of Lycaon, king of Arcadia, who was transformed into a wolf by Zeus as punishment for serving human flesh. This tale helped frame later associations between humans and wolves and contributed to the idea that such transformations could be linked to divine anger, magic, or malediction. Across Europe, various folk traditions describe people who become wolves during certain nights or under specific circumstances, sometimes tied to lunar cycles, magical pacts, or witchcraft. Folklorists note that belief in werewolves was widespread in many regions, including parts of the Balkans, Central and Northern Europe, and Scandinavia, with differing local details.

In modern times, lykánthropos is used in academic, literary, and popular contexts to discuss werewolf folklore and mythology. The term lycanthropy also refers to a psychological or psychiatric condition in which a person believes themselves to be, or has transformed into, a wolf. Literature, film, and games frequently reinterpret werewolves, emphasizing themes of transformation, identity, and the animal within.