werwulf

Werwulf is an archaic spelling of the term werewolf, rooted in Old English werwulf and the German Werwolf. The word literally means "man-wolf" and refers to a human believed capable of transforming into a wolf or wolf-like creature.

In traditional folklore, a person becomes a werwulf through a curse, inheritance, or magical rite, and the transformation is often linked to the full moon. The resulting creature is typically described as possessing increased strength, heightened aggression, and a wolfish physiology, though details vary by culture.

Belief in werwulfe was widespread across medieval Europe, influencing folklore, law, and popular culture of the period. At times, individuals accused of being werwulfe were subject to trials and punishment, reflecting fears about shapeshifting and predatory danger. Common motifs in later tradition include vulnerabilities such as silver or iron and the notion that the curse can be transferred by a bite or sometimes is hereditary.

In modern usage, werwulf is mainly a historical term for the legendary creature, but it persists in German-language folklore and in fantasy fiction. Werewolf lore continues to appear in literature, film, television, and role-playing games, with depictions ranging from monstrous predators to tragic, morally complex beings. Notable examples in popular culture include the general werewolf archetype and characters such as Remus Lupin in Harry Potter.

Overall, the werwulf is part of a broader werewolf tradition that blends myth, superstition, and storytelling across centuries.