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698Werewolf

Chris Jennings in werewolf form.

A werewolf is a supernatural creature/human that resembles a hybrid of a human being and a wolf. It is savagely dangerous, but only exists (usually) during the nights of the full moon. The rest of the time, a werewolf is nothing but an ordinary human being. However, in human form, the werewolf sometimes sees a sign that someone is destined to be attacked by them—a pentagram visible only to those who carry the werewolf curse (940, 952, 970).


Methods of Becoming a Werewolf[]

An individual may become a werewolf when cursed by a witch or a warlock. This curse can also be passed to a descendant of the werewolf. For instance, the curse on Quentin Collins was initiated when he was tricked into drinking a mysterious potion, which was then followed by a magical rite performed by the vengeful gypsy, Magda Rakosi, during a full moon. This curse was subsequently passed down to the first born son of each succeeding generation. Additionally, though it never actually happened in the series, Julia Hoffman's research into lycanthropy revealed that if a victim is bitten by a werewolf and survives, they too will become a werewolf. As Chris Jennings appears noticeably alarmed over the extent and type of injuries sustained by victims who survive his werewolf attacks, it is possible that he is aware of this method of transmission.

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Abilities and Weaknesses[]

LMI 00034

In their human form, werewolves are implied to be indistinguishable from normal humans. They possess no enhanced strength or senses, and can be killed by any normal means.

In their beastly form, werewolves can only be killed by silver weapons, such as a silver bullet shot through the heart. A werewolf can be seriously injured and frightened off when it is beaten by a silver-headed cane, although it is unclear whether a severe beating with said cane would kill them. Non-silver weapons can still slow a werewolf down, but will not be fatal.

Werewolves greatly fear silver. When silver is brandished before a werewolf, the creature gazes upon it in terror before fleeing the scene.

Injuries sustained by werewolves in their bestial form do not carry over to their human form when they transform back.

Pentagrams with the two points facing down provide protection against werewolves, and they seem to be unable to attack one who is protected by this symbol.

Werewolves do not remember anything that happens in their bestial state. They do, however, remember the beginning of their transformation.

The transformation is involuntary and painful. Normally, it is only brought on by the full moon (and its full cycle, which can last up to three nights), but it can be induced at other times through powerful magic (687, 794).

Werewolves are known to possess inhuman strength, as well as great stealth and agility. During an attack, a werewolf seeks to kill its prey with intense ferocity, typically mutilating the intended target in a most gruesome manner.

It is said that killing a werewolf while he is in his human form will cause him to become the beast forever. Although this was not demonstrated onscreen, a fearful Jeb Hawkes tells this to Bruno, and appears to fully believe it will happen if the werewolf is killed while in human form. 

Jeb Hawkes also revealed that werewolves were plentiful in the time of the Leviathans, and that his race nearly hunted them to extinction many times, but always one would evade capture and howl at the moon to taunt them (944).

Werewolves in Secondary Dark Shadows Media[]

In the 2012 film universe, Carolyn Stoddard is a werewolf, having been bitten in the crib by a creature sent by the witch Angelique. Her appearance is also quite different, with a more lupine body and movements, but more human face. She seems able to retain much of her humanity, even her speech and memory. It is unknown whether her change is in any way tied to the full moon.


Known werewolves:[]

Background information and notes[]

Werewolf

Werewolf trading card

  • The first werewolf transformation in the series was seen in 640.
  • All werewolves in the original series were portrayed by Alex Stevens in their bestial form.

Appearances[]

640, 651, 652/653, 654658, 671, 672, 673, 698, 699, 753, 754, 765, 766, 786, 787, 794, 922, 944, 946, 947, 961, 962, 976

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