There are also beliefs that werewolves have their origin in pagan religions. In these ancient beliefs, the wolf was seen as a powerful and sometimes feared animal. Some people who had a strong connection or affinity with wolves, perhaps through certain rituals or being part of a particular tribe, were thought to be able to transform into werewolves. This was not just a physical transformation but was also tied to spiritual and cultural aspects of the tribe.
Another possible origin is in folklore passed down through generations. People in different regions had stories about men or women who would go into the forest and come out as half - wolf, half - human creatures. These stories were often used to warn people about the dangers of the wild, or as a way to explain strange disappearances or killings in the area. As time passed, these local stories became part of the broader werewolf origin lore.
One origin story of werewolves is that it is related to a curse. In some tales, a person might be cursed by a powerful witch or sorcerer for wrongdoings, like breaking a solemn vow. This curse transforms the person into a werewolf, a being that shifts between human and wolf forms, usually during the full moon.