'Werwolves' Summary

In "Werewolves", Elliott O'Donnell embarks on a journey through the history and folklore of these mythical creatures across Europe. He begins with the British Isles, delving into centuries-old stories and beliefs about werewolves, their origins, and the rituals and practices associated with them. O'Donnell travels through Spain, France, Belgium, and Norway, collecting accounts of werewolf transformations, their relationships to the moon and specific days of the week, and their destructive nature. The book weaves together historical accounts, folklore, and personal anecdotes, including the author's own experiences with the paranormal. O'Donnell even explores the historical belief that the spirits of cataleptic and epileptic people might be connected to animalistic forms, a fascinating connection between the physical and the supernatural. "Werewolves" presents a comprehensive study of a pervasive myth, offering insights into human anxieties about transformation, the supernatural, and the dark side of human nature.