Defense Under A Full Moon

Today is National Werewolf Day. A werewolf is a person who changes for a period into a wolf-like creature, typically during the full moon. The earliest written story involving werewolves was in the Epic of Gilgamesh in 2,100 BC. The myth itself originated in Ancient Greece when King Lycaon tried to trick Zeus into eating human flesh, but unfortunately, it backfired on him. Today, werewolves are used in popular media to show a character with great strength and courage. The most common way to become a werewolf is to get bitten by one on a full moon. Here are some tips to follow if you find yourself being stalked by one.

Werewolf Detection

The best way to avoid getting attacked by one is to know which of your neighbors is an actual werewolf. Most of the time, they will appear as an average human being. But, because of their wolf-like nature, their bodies will be covered in thick hair, and they’ll sometimes have a uni-brow. Even when you cut them, thick hair will sprout from the wound. Walking in long, loping strides is another sign that your friend might be a werewolf. Amber/orange eyes may look pretty during the day, but not during a full moon, as this eye color is a common characteristic of dogs or wolves. If they are a huge fan of wearing silk gloves, they might be hiding hairy palms and curved nails.

A Werewolf Repellent Garden

There are certain plants you can grow that would deter werewolves from your home. Gray Wormwood often gives off a pungent silver smell to werewolves, causing them to back away with fear. If you can’t access Wormwood, then plant Mugwort in its place. The poisonous flower Wolfsbane not only repels them but can be used to tame the beasts if being attacked. Mistletoe is equally effective when Wolfsbane is unavailable. Rye often contains a mold called Ergot that could also be a strong repellent for werewolves. Rowan, or Mountain Ash, trees, and their berries protect people from the black magic associated with the werewolf transformation.

Using Silver

Silver is the most powerful element in mythology. It is also the most effective way to kill the modern werewolf. The myth of killing werewolves began in 1764 in France. At this time, a strange creature was terrorizing the south-central region of the Margeride Mountains. This creature became known as “The Beast of Gevaudan” since it primarily hunted in the town of Gevaudan. During its rampage between 1764 to 1767, it killed roughly 100 people. In 1767, an innkeeper named Jean Chastel allegedly killed the beast with a silver bullet, and the legend was born. Today, it has grown to include all silver weapons, but the trick is you have to pierce the beast in the heart with it, otherwise, you’ll just annoy it.

While Outside

Usually, it’s best to stay indoors during a full moon, but if you can’t, here are some ways to make your trip as safe as possible. Werewolves love the forests, so it’s best to stay as far away from them as possible. Same with isolated, spooky places like abandoned hospitals. During your travels, carry something you can use as a weapon in case you get ambushed, like a silver spear or a gun loaded with silver bullets. Wear some Mistletoe or Wormwood around your neck like a charm to serve as a repellent. If being chased by one, run through a rye field to use Ergot to protect you. If there is none around you, try playing opossum and hope they give up on you and seek a different food source.

Having Fun

As of today, it is scientifically impossible for a human to shape-shift into a monstrous beast. This doesn’t mean we can’t entertain the idea as to “What if werewolves are real?”. Werewolves are the third most popular monster in the world. In the current era, werewolves are portrayed as goofy side characters or the heartthrob with a mysterious past and nomadic lifestyle. Werewolf fan clubs are popping up everywhere for those who love this creature. Werewolf: the Apocalypse is an RPG game where players assume the role of a type of werewolf called “Garou”. Universal Studios has begun talking about rebooting the Wolf Man, bringing him to the 21st century.