Metamorphoses of the Werewolf

Download or read book Metamorphoses of the Werewolf written by Leslie A. Sconduto and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2014-01-10 with total page 230 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The mythical werewolf is known for its sudden transformation under the full moon, but the creature also underwent a narrative evolution through the centuries, from bloodthirsty creature to hero. Beginning with The Epic of Gilgamesh, Ovid's Metamorphoses, and an account in Petronius' Satyricon, the book analyzes the context that created the traditional image of the werewolf as a savage beast. The Catholic Church's response to the popular belief in werewolves and medieval literature's sympathetic depiction of the werewolf as victim are presented to support the idea of the werewolf as a complex and varied cultural symbol. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.