Wolves Amongst Us
Wolves Amongst Us
Embedded Files
Wolves in Fairy Tales, Reality, News and Medical Journals: The Fearsome Tale of Behaviors, Beliefs and Banishments
Wolves in Fairy Tales, Reality, News and Medical Journals: The Fearsome Tale of Behaviors, Beliefs and Banishments
Candi Hurst
Candi Hurst
FriendSheep
FriendSheep
This short animation shows the true nature of the wolf cannot be denied; perhaps it is this true nature within all of use that drives us to kill instictively and prey upon weaker creatures. Perhpas we are all wolves in flesh suits.
This short animation shows the true nature of the wolf cannot be denied; perhaps it is this true nature within all of use that drives us to kill instictively and prey upon weaker creatures. Perhpas we are all wolves in flesh suits.
FriendSheep. (2012). PrimerFrame. YouTube. Retrieved on Marh 7, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VtARFNISH4.
Lycanthropy/
Lycanthropy/
Hypertrichosis/
Hypertrichosis/
Cannibalism
Cannibalism
Candi Hurst
Lycanthropy is the belief that one is a Werewolf. Clinical Lycanthropy is when a person is diagnosed with this ailment required care to keep self and others safe (Clinical Lycanthropy, 2016).
To hear and view a short video on actually documented cases of Clinical Lycanthropy, activate the video to the left.
There is also the issue of medical conditions, one of which is called Hypertrichosis. Hypertrichosis is a genetic condition where fine hair grows on all parts of the body. Usually found in very specific genetic populations. This condition is treated by laser surgery and hair removal, but the process does not permanently remove the hair; it grows back and requires further removal. To learn more about Hypertrichosis, activate the button above on the banner labeled Hypertrichosis (Hypertrichosis, n.d.).
Perhaps most disturbing in these accounts is the focus on Cannibalism. The wolf, whether a werewolf or a real wolf or a human impersonator, feasts upon the dead, indulging in the practice of cannibalism. Freeing the wild creature inside to allow cannibalistic behaviors also shows the dangerous side of animalistic behaviors. What if, unfettered, we all turn into monsters, we all embrace the killer inside and we all victimize the innocent while licking our chops? (Gholipour, 2014).
Peter Stubbe was just such an individual. He believed he was truly a wolf and ran amuck throughout the German countryside! His behavior was both appalling and interesting! Among his deeds, the killing of children and the eating of those children rank the most disdainful. To read more, activate this link! (Peter Stumpp: The Werewolf of Bedburg, 2020).
References:
Clinical Lycanthropy. (2016, June 22). Retrieved February 15, 2019, from https://youtu.be/tAwz5NBuHeM.
Hypertrichosis Dallas. (n.d.). Retrieved February 15, 2019, from https://www.hairtx.com/hair-loss-procedures-dallas/hair-loss-disorders/disorders-of-hair-growth/hypertrichosis/
Gholipour, B. (2014, April 16). Real-Life Werewolves: Psychiatry Re-Examines Rare Delusion. Retrieved February 15, 2019, from https://www.livescience.com/44875-werewolves-in-psychiatry.html
News, B. (2015, June 07). The world's only 'wolf' family - BBC News. Retrieved February 19, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgAMvlWzGrg
Peter Stubbe the Werewolf of Bedburg Image
Peter Stumpp: The Werewolf of Bedburg. (2020). Dark Histories. Retrieved on August 25, 2020, from https://www.darkhistories.com/peter-stumpp-the-werewolf-of-bedburg/,
So.....How does cannibalism fit into the equation in Medieval and Modern Europe?
So.....How does cannibalism fit into the equation in Medieval and Modern Europe?
Cannibalism is the practice of eat of one's own species. There are three types of cannibalism: Endo-Cannibalism, where the partaker of the flesh or body sustances eats only within his or her own tribe, group of family-this practice is usually an honor; Exo-Cannibalism, where the partaker of the flesh or body substance eats outside the tribe, group, or family-this practice is usually a punishment; and Auto-Cannibalism where the partaker engages in the practice of eating one's self. Most humans are Auto-Cannibals to some extent with practices such as lip-chewing, finger nail chewing or chewing on the sides of fingers.
The Medieval history of cannibalism, though, is diverse with Germany, ironically enough the most prolific country to produce Big Bad Wolf Tales, still allowing the practice of cannibalism, even though Germany itself has a dense criminal law code. Europe boasts some of the oldest identifiable cases of cannibalism.
Around 100,000 years ago, a French cave called Moula-Guercy revealed the remains of 6 Neanderthals whose bones had been split open to allow the extraction of bone marrow and the brains. This practice continued until at least 50,000 years ago. But what can one expect from an uncivilized species? Certainly modern man was above all of that!
Now so. In 1098, during the First Crusade, Christian soldiers ate Muslim captives. While it is unclear about whether these advents were sanctioned or not, it was definitely a case of Exo-Cannibalism with the continued practice of cannibalism targeting any sources not sanctioned by the Holy Church, specifically religious practices outside the accepted theological rulings of prevailing and strengthening Christian religion.
By the 1600s people in Europe were regularly practicing medicinal cannibalism by eating the mummified flesh coming back with explorers from Egypt and the Middle East. (Okay, this deserves a Mummy joke....Is this Endo-Cannibalism because it was somebodies Mummy?) Bones, flesh, organs and even bandages were ground to paste and consumed to prevent disease. People also engaged in the practice of consuming body fluids and flesh from the recently dead.
Surprisingly enough, the practice of cannibalism was not punished with consistency. Depending on the accused's status in society, the punishment may vary from being broken on the wheel to a simple stay in a mental hospital. It may also simply mean banishment; however, just to be banished was not a real punishment. The accused still roamed about, engaging in the forbidden practices of attacking and eating people, but without the prying eyes of officials.
Everts, S. (2013). Europe's Hypocritical History of Cannibalism. Smithsonian. com. Retrieved on February 26, 2019, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/europes-hypocritical-history-of-cannibalism-42642371/.
Creating Medicines from Mummies
Creating Medicines from Mummies
Smithsonian.com
Exo-Cannibalism
Exo-Cannibalism
Smithsonian.com
History of European Cannibalism
History of European Cannibalism
Smithsonian.com
The advent of Werewolf Tales in Medieval Germany as well as throughout history makes one question what the organic cause of werewolf behavior or wolfish behavior. The vase below portrays a man in a wolf's skin, acting like and animal. (An Athenian vase depicting a man in a wolf skin, circa 460 BC). The Epic of Gilgamesh in from 2,100 B.C. speaks of wolf transformations where men acted as wolves and ate each others' flesh. In 425 B.C., philosophers warned against wolf-like behavior in isolated areas; Herodotus was one of the first to warn against such behaviors. For more information, activate the link above.
Koosman, T. (2018). The Ancient Origins of Werewolves. Retrieved on February 25, 2018, from http://theconversation.com/the-ancient-origins-of-werewolves-104775.
Feeling like howling at the moon? Activate the above site to review the very informative website about Werewolves in Medieval Europe. Notice the similarities between the tales of human-wolf behavior and the Little Red Riding Hood Tales/Big Bad Wolf Tales below!
Werewolves: The Myths and the Truths. (2006). Tripod.com. Retrieved on February 26, 2019, from http://alam25.tripod.com/index.htm.
Wolves: Modern and Medieval Connections
Wolves: Modern and Medieval Connections
There can be no doubt between the fear of a dark forest and the fear of the unknown, especially when exploring the tales of wolves, whether human or canine lupus. To the modern reader, with social media, news and global communications his or her fingertips, associating wolf tales and wolf attacks is natural, but to the Medieval dweller, these attacks must have sparked imaginations and revealed fears of what was lying in the dark, waiting to pounce and devour.
In correlation to the wolf attacks in Medieval Europe, the tales about wolves and maidens emerge. By reviewing the maps below, it is easy to see the clusters of wolf attacks and the clusters of oral tradition stories about those attacks. Notice the different icons, and what they mean. The tales of Werewolves are included in the Big Bad Wolf Tales in Europe map to show human-wolf interactions.
The Werewolf Tales: Ancient to Modern also explores the clustering of events in werewolf sightings. It could be the sightings of Big Bad Wolves and their similar behaviors are best seen as men or women pretending to be wolves. This map simply shows the tale locations with the date of publication and the author; to see a more indepth study of this informaiton, you may visit the website button labeled WEREWOLVES or follow this hyperlink. If you do choose to read these tales, notice there are usually objects such as a werewolf belt, a stone, or a charm involved. There may have also been halluncinagenic drugs taken to produce this typle of behavior. What ever the reason, the advent of all of these tales proves something was going on during the 16th-19th centuries in a very specific location---Eastern Europe.
Moriceau, J.M. (2014). The Wolf Threat in France from the Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century. Retrieved on February 12, 2019, from https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01011915.
Medieval Wolf Attacks
Medieval Wolf Attacks
Review the Google My Map to the left of this short article. Each area on the map with an icon provides information about wolf attacks during Medieval Europe and continuing until the early 20th Century.
After viewing the Medieval attacks, review the map associated with the spread of Big Bad Wolf Tales in Europe to see the correlation.
Moriceau, J.M. (2014). The Wolf Threat in France from the Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century. Retrieved on February 12, 2019, from https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01011915.
Advent of Big Bad Wolf Tales in Europe
Advent of Big Bad Wolf Tales in Europe
Review the icons on the map to SEE the origins of the Big Bad Wolf Tales in Europe. While some of these focus on the maiden, others focus on the behavior of the wolves. If we figure the wolves were both real and metaphorical, then we understand the wolves were not only a threat as natural killers, but also a threat as sexual predators.
Grimm, W. & Grimm, J. (1812). Little Red Cap. Retrieved on February 25, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/
Marelles, C. (1895). The True History of Little Golden-Hood. Retrieved February 22, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0333.html#marelles
Millien, A. (1838). The Grandmother. Retrieved February 22, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0333.html#millien
Millien, A. (1886). The False Grandmother. Retrieved February 19, 2019, from http://www.maerchenlexikon.de/texte/te333-001.htm
Perrault, C. (1697). Little Red Riding Hood. Retrieved February 19, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0333.html#perrault
Schneller, C. (1867). Little Red Hat. Retrieved February 21, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0333.html#italy
Wratislaw, A. H. (1889). Little Red Hood. Retrieved on February 25, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/.
Wolf Attacks in Europe: Increased Threats and Ties to Little Red
Wolf Attacks in Europe: Increased Threats and Ties to Little Red
Wolf attacks in Europe increased between 1990 and 2017 by 500%. In 1990, wolves wandered back into France and Germany from the cold northern territories of Russia and the Nordic countries. From this point forward, wolves began infiltrating neighborhoods, killing dogs and creating havoc with safety issues.
During the 1990s, about 20 wolves were in Poland; today there are over 500-600 wolves, all of them active and hungry. In Finland, dogs are a target, and the Little Red Mobile delivers and picks up children to and from school to lessen wolf encounters. In Lusatia, 250 wolf and human encounters occurred, increasing public awareness and fear, and creating the need for a wolf cull.
Review the map to the left to view the populations of wolves present in Europe today! The video above shows a chilly scene in Russia with a pack of wolves chasing down a highway!
Bochkarev, B. (2012). Running wolves on a Siberian ice road. YouTube.com. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIwwo5M-VgE&feature=youtu.be.
Burkham, P. (2017). 'It's very scary in the forest': should Finland's wolves be culled? The Guardian. Retrieved on February 22, 2019, from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/25/europe-wolf-population-finland-culling-protection.
CCTV: Wolves attack Russian traffic cops on M23 highway. (2010). YouTube.com. Retrieved on February 22, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vACtukwBHTw.
Pack of grey wolves (Canis lupus) howling in the snow, Germany. (2017). Youtube. Retrieved on February 22, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Axkcbm3X4fQ.
The Return of Wolves to Germany"Fears Are Being Stoked". (2007).Spiegel Online. Retrieved on February 22, 2019, from http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/the-return-of-wolves-to-germany-fears-are-being-stoked-a-467205.html.
Werewolves: Ancient to Modern
Werewolves: Ancient to Modern
As you explore this map, take the time to notice the clusters of wereolf sightings and attacks. Also notice the first rule in any crime inestigation: Location, Location, Location.
Most, if not all of these tales involved a transformation process, the consumption of human or horse flesh and a magical item such as a belt or charm or potion.
While there is no evidence for or against the use of ERGOT, a mold typically seen on rye and wheat in Germany and Poland, there is evidence from the behavior of these individuals that they partook of something that influenced their behaviors....
References:
The Morback Monster. (1997). Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Asmus, F. & Knoop, O. (1898). The Werewolf. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Asmus, F. & Knoop, O. (1898). A Woman Transforms Hereself into a Werewolf. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Asmus, F. & Knoop, O. (1898). The Werewolf of Alt-Marrin. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Bartsch, K. (1879). Fox Hill near Dodow. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Bartsch, K. (1879). The Werewolf of Vietlubbe. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Bartsch, K. (1879). A Witch as a Werewolf. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Bores, G. (1590). The Damnable Life and Death of Peter Stubbe. London Chapbook. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Colshorn, C. & Colshorn, T. (1854). The Werewolf. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Grimm, W. & Grimm, J. (1816). Werewolves. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Grimm, W. & Grimm, J. (1816). Werewolf Rock. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Grimm, W. & Grimm, J. (1816). The Werewolves Advance. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Haas. A. (1903). The Werewolf of Jarnitz. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Kuhn, A. (1859). Werewolf. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Kuhn, A. & Schwartz, W. (1848). The Boxenwolf. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Kuhn, A. & Schwartz, W. (1848). The Werewolf Belt. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Kuhn, A. & Schwartz, W. (1848). The Werewolf Wife. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Lyncker, K. (1854). The Werewolf. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Lyncker, K. (1854). The Werewolf: Another Legend. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Lyncker, K. (1854). The Peasant and the Werewolf. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Lyncker, K. (1854). The Boxenwolf. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Mullenhoff, K. (1921). The Werewolf of Husby. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Schoppner, A. (1874). The Wolf Stone. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Temme, J.D.H. (1840). The Werewolves in Greifswald. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Temme, J.D.H. (1840). The Werewolves in Pomerania. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Temme, J.D.H. (1840). The Werewolves near Zarnow. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
Temme, J.D.H. (1840). The Werewolf of Hindenburg. Werewolf Legends. University of Pittsburgh. Retrieved on March 7, 2019, from https://www.pitt.edu/~dash/werewolf.html
The Lives of Children in Medieval Society
The Lives of Children in Medieval Society
Medieval children lives were difficult, children died during the first years of their lives. Medical facilities did not have the proper knowledge and quality of life was also not that good. Peasant children, mostly helped their parents in the fields and with household activities.
Medieval Noble children would usually stay home with their parents and after reaching the age of seven, both boys and girls were sent to castles to continue their education (Medieval Children, 2014).
There were less educational facilities and only a handful of schools were around at the time, and children would get married at a young age.
Some historians believed that most babies born in Medieval times died before a year old. Most child deaths happened because of accidents or disease. Children who came from poorer families were more likely to die because it was harder for poorer families to get medical help or health care. Healthy infants were seen as a gift from God (Newman, 2008).
Here are three resources:
Medieval Children. (2014).Medieval Children Retrieved March 11, 2019, from http://www.medievalchronicles.com/medieval-people/medieval-children/
Newman, S. (2008). Children in the Middle AgesChildren in the Middle Ages. Retrieved March 11, 2019, from http://www.thefinertimes.com/Middle-Ages/children-in-the-middle-ages.html
Punishment for Witchcraft: Middle Ages
Punishment for Witchcraft: Middle Ages
Witchcraft in the Middle Ages was a crime that was punishable to poisoning. If someone was accused of witchcraft, the charges could be dropped by a relative’s defense in a trial by combat, or by twelve people swearing an oath of the accused’s innocence. (Newman, 2013)
Witches and Witchcraft in the Middle Ages began to be considered as “demon-worship” by the beginning of 13th century. A group of heretics known as the Cathars was attacked by Pope Innocent III in 1208. This group believed in a world in which God and Satan had supernatural powers and were at war with each other. The Church tried to create a dislike for the Cathars by saying that they worshipped the devil in person, and embellished the ways in which they worshipped the devil. (Newman, 2013)
There was two types of magic which was black magic which was considered "bad" magic and it was more of a satanic worship. If someone fell ill of unknown causes, this was often said to be caused by witches who practiced black magic. Other harms caused to society, such as accidents, deaths, or bad luck, were also said to be caused by Black Magic. White magic which was "good" magic was a Christian symbolism, white magic was used for good luck, love spells, wealth and spells for good health. (Newman, 2013)
If accused of witchcraft, the accused was forced to confess, even if innocent, through brutal torture. Then hanged or burnt alive for their crimes. Laws against witchcraft were further tightened when they began to be used for personal vendettas against the accused or in order to gain property of the accused.(Medieval Witchcraft, 2013)
Here are two resources:
Newman, S. (2013). Witches and Witchcraft Middle Ages in Europe. Finer Times.com. Retrieved on March 11, 2019, from http://www.thefinertimes.com/Middle-Ages/witches-and-witchcraft-in-the-middle-ages.html.
Medieval Witchcraft. (n.d.) Medieval Witchcraft Retrieved March 11, 2019 from http://www.medievalchronicles.com/medieval-torture-devices/medieval-witchcraft/
Stranger and Kidnappings: Universal Warnings Continued in Pop-Culture
Stranger and Kidnappings: Universal Warnings Continued in Pop-Culture
Art
Art
Werewolves in Medieval Art: Lucas Cranach the Elder (1512).
This woodcutting depicts the wild and unpredictable behavior of men who act like beasts and attack and consume unsuspecting villagers.
Music
Music
Thriller by Michael Jackson (1982).
Notice Jackson turns into a werewolf and he warns his girlfriend against being out after dark!
Movies/Books
Movies/Books
The Grey (2012).
Spoiler! There are NO WOLVES except the ones at very first of the movie!
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