The Origins of the First Werewolf: Myth and Legend

From folklore to modern fiction, werewolves have long fascinated and terrified audiences, leaving many questions unanswered. One particularly intriguing mystery is: if you have to be bitten by a werewolf to become one, how did the first werewolf happen? Let's delve into the various legends and interpretations.

The Traditional Folklore Explanation

Going by traditional folklore, the idea of becoming a werewolf through a bite is a concept borrowed from vampire myths. In most tales, werewolves can be born with their condition, given a specific belt or ointment, or cursed by a deity. One of the oldest recorded stories involves King Lyceon, who was cursed by Zeus for daring to serve human flesh to the god. His son, in fact, was also said to have carried the curse.

Were the First Werewolves Born of Hell?

Some myths propose that the first werewolf did not arise on Earth but from hell. In this version of the story, the first werewolf was sent from the underworld to infect the living and bring about the end times—Armageddon. The secret of the spiritual power of silver was known by many, leading to the creation of crucifixes made from this metal. Faced with this threat, people realized that silver could be used as a weapon against these creatures. Consequently, the werewolf infection, known as Lycanthropy, was stamped out. However, it is theorized that they may still roam in some remote forests in Eastern Europe.

Eastern Europe: The Haunted Heartland

The region of Eastern Europe is rife with folklore and myths, making it a prime setting for werewolf legends. The Haunted House in this region is a classic example of the chilling places where werewolf tales could be unfolding. Stories of strange sightings, eerie forests, and abandoned buildings all contribute to the mysticism and fear surrounding werewolves in Eastern European folklore.

Forbidden Love and Lore

Another popular explanation suggests that the first werewolf came about through forbidden love. The concept of forbidden love bites has roots in many mythologies, where a form of divine retribution or natural selection leads to the transformation. In some stories, the love between a human and a non-human entity (such as a werewolf or vampire) results in a unique genetic combination that allows for the first werewolf to emerge.

Modern Interpretations

In more recent adaptations and films, such as Underworld, the origin of the first werewolf is attributed to a specific gene combination. In this version, the first Vampire and Lycan were immune to the weaknesses that affected other vampires and werewolves. One was bitten by a vampire bat, and the other by a wolf, both resulting in a unique set of traits that allowed for werewolf transformations in the gene they passed down. Similarly, in other narratives, rituals involving wolf fur and the satisfaction of Satan can also lead to the first werewolf.

Conclusively

The story of the first werewolf is a mix of myth, legend, and folklore. Whether born from the underworld, the result of forbidden love, or through specific genetic attributes, the concept of werewolves continues to captivate and terrify us. As with many mythical beings, the exact origin remains a mystery that continues to intrigue those who seek to unravel the mysteries of the supernatural.