Werewolf
From Hpwiki
A werewolf is someone who is forcibly and uncontrollably changed (transfigured) into a wolf during the full moon. A person becomes a werewolf by being bitten by another werewolf who has transformed.
A werewolf's true nature is that of a human, they only enter the wolf-like state by the influence of the moon, and cannot enter the state by their own will. Even worse, a werewolf cannot control his wolfish nature and is a deadly beast during a full moon for any human, whether Muggle or wizard. As soon as the impact of the moon fades, the werewolf changes back to his/her human shape. The process is painful and drains much power, this is why such people always look sick. But typically the person suffers most from the fact that it is so extremely dangerous.
Werewolves are mistrusted in the wizarding world. Once it's known that one is bound by this fate, (s)he can kiss any public career good-bye.
Contrary to modern belief, silver has no special effect on Rowling's werewolves. Nor do they possess any special regenerative abilities as she draws from pre-20th century sources.
The Wolfsbane Potion allows a werewolf to remain rational during a full moon while in the form of a wolf. According to Gilderoy Lockhart the Homorphus Charm can force a werewolf back into human shape. But, since Lockhart implies that the charm cures werewolves, his information is highly suspect - as is the existence of a Homorphus Charm in the first place.
The only named werewolves in canonical works are Remus Lupin and Fenrir Greyback. Professor Gilderoy Lockhart mentions the Wagga Wagga Werewolf, but could be making him/her up. A fourth, unnamed, one appears in Order of the Phoenix at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.
Contents |
Fictional Books About Werewolves
(These books only exist in Rowling's world, so far)
- Hairy Snout, Human Heart published by Whizz Hard Books in 1975. Documents a wizard's battle with lycanthropy.
- Wanderings with Werewolves by Gilderoy Lockhart - questionable source on werewolves, since Lockhart's probably never seen one before.
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - very brief mention of werewolves, in passing
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - first significant mention of werewolves (from Tom Riddle)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - first appearance of Remus Lupin
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - more Remus Lupin
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix - more Remus Lupin
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - more Remus Lupin and introduction of Fenrir Greyback
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - more Remus Lupin and Fenrir Greyback
Other Rowling Sources
- J.K. Rowling's Rumors page: Werewolves and Silver
- Scamander, Newt - Magical Beasts & Where to Find Them
Non-Rowling Sources
(sorted by relevance to Rowling's work)
- Marie de France - "Bisclavret" (Breton lai, 12th century)
- Anonymous - The Romance of William of Palerne (14th century)
- Anonymous - "Arthur and Gorlagon" (14th century)
- Gerald of Wales - The History and Topography of Ireland (12th century)
- Ovid - Metamorphoses especially Lycaeon
- Otten, Charlotte - A Lycanthropy Reader: Werewolves in Western Culture (a collection of primary sources from Ovid to the 20th century, some of the translations are questionable)
- Otten, Charlotte - The Literary Werewolf: An Anthology (a collection of short stories)
- Baring-Gould, Sabine - The Book of Werewolves (an out-dated and biased, but seminal work)
- Summers, Montague - The Werewolf in Lore and Legend (as Baring-Gould)
- Bynum, Caroline Walker - Metamorphosis and Identity (a major work on medieval werewolves)
