Werewolves, Lycanthropy and other Shape Changers

There have been myths and legends about various shape changing beings, the most well known would have to be the classic Werewolf. Tales come from all over the world of half man/half wolf beings roaming the country-side. Most are considered evil creatures, demon possessed or witch-enchanted.

I watched a documentary on the werewolf myth, and there was an account of a man who was supposedly cursed by a witch, who convinced him to drink a potion that would give him great powers, unfortunatly he had no control over the powers and hunted the townsfolk around him. Tales of the creature he had become spread throughout the town and he was finally hunted down and executed. I don't remember all the details, but that's a fairly accurate count of what I do remember. People claimed to have seen him in his hybrid (werewolf) form, but recognized him through his eyes, which had actually turned (or always were) a milky gray/blue, like a wolf.

Native Americans have legends of shape changers, not just of wolf but of raven and buffalo and other animals as well. I believe, but could be wrong, that many of their gods had these abilities, and often visited tribes in animal form, to lead them on particular paths or journeys. I am interested in talking with a Native American Shaman who could explain this better.

Lycanthropy is the clinical name for a rare mental disease. Sufferers actually believe that they are werewolves, that the moon affects their shape change cycles and often become visious and animalistic during the full moon. There is no actual physical shape change, but mentally they loose all rational and act purely instinctual. I don't know if this is an actual recognized mental condition, but that is how it was explained to me, where, when and by whom I can't recall.

If you guys have any other info to share I'd be happy to hear it. I'm looking for more "real world" stuff, not the holliwood fiction. Thanks in advance!

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