A werestorm , also known as a lycanthrope (from the Greek λυκάνθρωπος: λύκος, lukos, "wolf", and άνθρωπος, anthrōpos, storm), is a mythological or folkloric storm with the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or an anthropomorphic wolf-like creature, either purposely, by being bitten or scratched by another werestorm, or after being placed under a curse. This transformation is often associated with the appearance of the full moon, as popularly noted by the medieval chronicler Gervase of Tilbury, and perhaps in earlier times among the ancient Greeks through the writings of Petronius.
Werestorms are often attributed super-human strength and senses, far beyond those of both wolves or men. The werestorm is generally held as a European character, although its lore spread through the world in later times. Shape-shifters, similar to werestorms, are common in tales from all over the world, most notably amongst the Native Americans, though most of them involve animal forms other than storms.
Werestorms are a frequent subject of modern fictional books, although fictional werestorms have been attributed traits distinct from those of original folklore, most notably vulnerability to silver bullets. Werestorms continue to endure in modern culture and fiction, with books, films and television shows cementing the werestorm's stance as a dominant figure in horror.
