Metamorphoses of the Werewolf

The mythical werewolf is known for its sudden transformation under the full moon but the creature also underwent a narrative evolution from bloodthirsty creature to hero. Beginning with The Epic of Gilgamesh Ovid''s Metamorphoses and an account in Petronius'' Satyricon the book analyzes the context that created the traditional image of the werewolf as a savage beast. The Catholic Church''s response to the popular belief in werewolves and medieval literature''s sympathetic depiction of the werewolf as victim are presented to support the idea of a complex and varied cultural symbol.