W is for Werewolf
A werewolf is a lycanthrope, which is a human who can shape shift into a wolf form. In mythology it is believed a person can become a werewolf by being bitten by another werewolf. They shift only when the moon is full and they lose all sense of being human, preying on humans and animals alike. Some African tribes still believe in this.
The Irish have a different take on werewolves. The werewolves aren’t man-eating creatures and they could change from wolf to human at will.
They also believed the wolves protected children, guarded wounded men, and have also guided a lost person to safety.
The Giraldus Cambrensis, who lived in 1185, wrote down these Irish legends.
One legend is about the people of Ossory, who had the power to change into wolves whenever they wanted. When an Ossorian became a wolf he would leave his body at home as if he were dead. He would leave strict orders with at trusted friend not to move the body. If someone moved the body and the wolf couldn’t find it, he would remain a wolf for the rest of his life. In his wolf form, he lost all human aspects and would attack sheep and cattle, as any other wolf would do.
Another legend concerning the Ossorian people is that St. Natalia cursed them for their sins. Two Ossorians, a man and a woman would live in the shape of wolves for seven years. After they completed the cycle, they would return home and another couple would take their place.
In Irish folklore the werewolf motif is found throughout history. There are tales about wolf-men tribes that lived in County Tipperary. The ancient kings of Ireland would ask for their help when threatened by war. There are other tales about half-men, half-wolves living in the mountain regions.
It was also believed a wolf talisman would ward off evil.
Though the werewolf legends have survived, the wolves did not. The last wolf spotted in Ireland was in 1786.
In Moon Shifter and in Soul Taker, my werewolves are from the Irish Clan the Mac Tire. They can shift at will. The older werewolves can shift from one reality to the other without having to strip down to their bare bum. 🙂
Sydney believes she is a monster, a werewolf. She flees before Grayson can help her adjust, but Grayson must find her. Sydney’s body is still changing and the were-lust will drive her crazy if not sated. He has until the full moon to help her tame the wolf inside and convince her she’s his soul mate. If he fails, he loses her forever.
Sydney still craves Grayson’s touch, but can her heart forgive him for making her one of the Mac Tíre?
Available at Wild Rose Press
A vampire, a werewolf, and a Necromancer are a most unlikely team, but Garran, Harrison, and Isabella plan on putting a kink in the dubbed Soul Taker’s plans. It’s personal now. One of their friends has fallen victim to the Soul Taker’s charms, but to stop him from hurting anyone else, their efforts may involve raising the dead.
E-book Available at: Amazon Kindle
Here’s the list to the other A to Z Challenge participants. Have fun hopping!!
I’m mostly Irish and I never knew!