How To Spot A Werewolf

[naomi_jay]

First up, some pimping: My short story, Unusual Appetites is now online at Lost Souls ezine. I promise you, it's highly relevant ^-^

And now, onto the serious stuff. If you’re not interested in becoming a werewolf, you might want to note how to spot one. After all, you never know what sort of people are out there…

Most contemporary images of werewolves come from Hollywood. Films like The Wolfman and Curse of the Wolfman depict hairy, fanged, wolflike beings, incapable of rational thought. They are rarely shown as actual wolves and walk upright rather than on all fours. This is a direct contradiction to ancient traditions, in which the werewolf is difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish from a true wolf.

If you suspect a neighbour or a loved one of being a werewolf, you might want to check for the telltale signs, as listed by seventh century physician Paulos Agina:

· Pale skin
· Weak vision (I have weak vision!)
· An absence of tears or saliva
· Excessive thirst (okay, I actually have that one too.)
· Ulcers and abrasions on the arms and legs, caused by walking on all fours
· An obsession with wandering in cemeteries at night*
· Howling until dawn**

Tradition also recommends checking the palms of the suspected werewolf. If they’re covered with coarse, stiff hair, get the silver bullets ready. Overly long index fingers and eyebrows that meet in the centre of the forehead are also giveaways.

*This also applies to Goths, so be careful before you shoot anyone.

**This also applies to regular wolves and dogs, so again, easy on the trigger.

Comments

[naomi-jay.livejournal.com]

If they have a prehensile tail too...