Werewolves

Elliott O'Donnell’s Werewolves examines the changing ideas attached to lycanthropy, from human transformation and werwolf spirits to alleged methods of becoming a werwolf and attempts at exorcism. The book treats these subjects through folklore, historical reports and disputed accounts rather than a single definition of the creature.

Its geographical survey begins in the British Isles before moving through France, Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Balkans, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands. O'Donnell also considers connections between werwolves, vampires and ghouls, alongside traditions involving Denmark’s maras and beliefs recorded in Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Lapland, Finland, Russia and Siberia. A case associated with the Harz Mountains receives particular attention.