Werewolf (Paperback Library)

A werewolf is a human being who possesses the ability to alter his or her shape in order to assume the physical characteristics of a wolf. The clinical term for this condition is lycanthropy. 
== Becoming a werewolf ==
There are several ways that a victim may become a werewolf; the most common of which is if he or she falls victim to a curse. Curses are elaborate and the nature of which can vary from caster to caster. 
Another means of becoming a werewolf is through willful ritual. In this matter, the person in question (universally of an evil nature), engages upon a ritual that involves a belt made from the pelt of a slain wolf. Wearing the belt and invoking the necessary dark powers will allow a human to transform into a wolf for brief periods of time. Removing the belt, and immersing the target in cold water, will reverse the effect. 
== Properties of a werewolf ==
The characteristics surrounding a victim of lycanthropy can vary. Those who find themselves victims of a curse will transform only on the nights of the full moon, while those who become a werewolf through ritual can shape-shift on any evening, regardless of the phase of the moon.
Cursed werewolves appear as bipedal monsters, who can stand upright, and walk and run, just like a regular human being. Ritual werewolves transform fully into an actual wolf and are subject to the same physical restrictions that a normal wolf is. 
== Curing a werewolf ==
There are several theorized means of curing a victim of lycanthropy. Almost all of them stem from ancient folklore and cannot be considered effective. 
* Saluting a werewolf with the sign of the holy cross
* Calling the werewolf three times by his or her baptismal name
* Three blows to the head with a knife
* Three drops of blood removed from the underarm
* Forcing the werewolf to kneel in one spot for one-hundred years. 
* A fatal wound made by a silver weapon (This will cure the werewolf, but will unfortunately, also kill the victim). 
== Known werewolves ==
* Abel
* Chris Jennings
* Melissa Henry*
* Quentin Collins
: *Melissa Henry assumed werewolf characteristics through the use of magic, and was not a true werewolf. 
== Notes ==
* This article only relates to the properties of a werewolf as detailed in the continuity of the Marilyn Ross novels. Although Ross’ werewolves share many similarities with those featured in the original Dark Shadows television series, there are a few notable differences. 
* Citation: All of the current information supplied about werewolves and its relationship to the Dark Shadows novels comes from The Foe of Barnabas Collins
== Appearances ==
The Foe of Barnabas Collins