THE BOOK OF WERE-WOLVES

by SABINE BARING-GOULD
Smith, Elder !"#, L"$d"$
%&'(
!ONTENTS
CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTORY 1
CHAPTER II
LYCANTHROPY AMONG THE ANCIENTS
Definition of LycanthropyMarce!!"# Si$ete#%ir&i!Hero$ot"#O'i$P!inyA&riopa#Story
fro( Petroni"#Arca$ian Le&en$#E)p!anation offere$ *
CHAPTER III
THE +ERE+OL, IN THE NORTH
Nor#e Tra$ition#Manner in -hich the Chan&e -a# effecte$%.!"n$ar /'.$aIn#tance# fro(
the %0!#"n& Sa&aHro!f1# Sa&a/ra2a,aro3#e Poe(He!&a /'i$a%atn#$4!a Sa&aEyr5y&&6a
Sa&a 17
CHAPTER I%
THE ORIGIN O, THE SCANDINA%IAN +ERE+OL,
A$'anta&e of the St"$y of Nor#e Literat"re8ear an$ +o!f#2in Dre##e#The 8er#er2irTheir
Ra&eThe Story of ThorirPa##a&e# fro( the Ai&!aThe E'enin& +o!fS2a!!a&ri( an$ hi# Son
Deri'ation of the +or$ 9Ha(r:9 of 9%ar&r9La-# affectin& O"t!a-#9To 5eco(e a 8oar9
Recapit"!ation ;<
CHAPTER %
THE +ERE+OL, IN THE MIDDLE AGES
Storie# fro( O!a"# Ma&n"# of Li'onian +ere-o!'e#Story fro( 8i#hop Ma6o!"#Story of
A!5ert"# Pericofci"#Si(i!ar occ"rrence at Pra&"eSaint Patric2Stran&e inci$ent re!ate$ 5y =ohn
of N>re(5er&8i#c!a'eretCo"r!an$ +ere-o!'e#Pierre %i$a!Pa'ian Lycanthropi#t8o$in1#
Storie#,ore#t"#1 Acco"nt of a Lycanthropi#tNeapo!itan +ere-o!f 7;
CHAPTER %I
A CHAPTER O, HORRORS
Pierre 8o"r&ot an$ Miche! %er$"n&1Me Her(it of S? 8onnotThe Gan$i!!on ,a(i!y
Thie'enne Pa&etThe Tai!or of Ch@!on#Ro"!et AB
Chapter %II
=EAN GRENIER
On the San$$"ne#A +o!f attac2# Mar&"erite Poirier=ean Grenier 5ro"&ht to Tria!Hi#
Confe##ion#Char&e# of Canni5a!i#( pro'e$Hi# Sentence8eha'io"r in the Mona#tery%i#it of
De!1ancre *7
CHAPTER %III
,OL/LORE RELATING TO +ERE+OL%ES
8arrenne## of En&!i#h ,o!2!oreDe'on#hire Tra$ition#Deri'ation of +ere-o!fCanni5a!i#(
in Scot!an$The An&"# Ro55erThe Car!e of Perth,rench S"per#tition#Nor-e&ian Tra$ition#
Dani#h Ta!e# of +ere-o!'e#Ho!#tein Storie#The +ere-o!f in the Nether!an$#A(on& the
Gree2#C the Ser5#C the +hite R"##ian#C the Po!e#C the R"##ian#A R"##ian Receipt for 5eco(in& a
+ere-o!fThe 8ohe(ian %!2o$!a2Ar(enian StoryIn$ian Ta!e#A5y##inian 8"$a#A(erican
Tran#for(ation Ta!e#A S!o'a2ian Ho"#eho!$ Ta!eSi(i!ar Gree2D 8Earnai#D an$ Ice!an$ic Ta!e#
1FF
CHAPTER IG
NATURAL CAUSES O, LYCANTHROPY
Innate Cr"e!tyIt# Three ,or(#D"(o!!ar$An$rea# 8iche!A D"tch Prie#tOther in#tance# of
Inherent Cr"e!tyCr"e!ty "nite$ to Refine(entA H"n&arian 8ather in 8!oo$S"$$enne## -ith
-hich the Pa##ion i# $e'e!ope$Canni5a!i#(C in pre&nant +o(enC in Maniac#Ha!!"cinationC ho-
Pro$"ce$Sa!'e#The Story of L"ci"#Se!f$eception 1;F
CHAPTER G
MYTHOLOGICAL ORIGIN O, THE +ERE+OL, MYTH
Mete(p#ycho#i#Sy(pathy 5et-een Men an$ 8ea#t#,inn5o& an$ the 8earO#a&e an$ the
8ea'erThe Conne)ion of So"! an$ 8o$y8"$$i#(Ca#e of Mr? Ho!!o-ayPop"!ar i$ea#
concernin& the 8o$yThe $eri'ation of the Ger(an Leichna(,eather Dre##e#Tran#(i&ration of
So"!#A 8a#H"e StoryStory fro( the Pant#chatantraSa'a&e i$ea# re&ar$in& Nat"ra!
Pheno(enaTh"n$erD Li&htnin&D an$ C!o"$The ori&in of the Dra&on=ohn of 8ro(ton1# Dra&on
a +ater#po"tThe Le&en$ of Typhoe"#A!!e&oriIin& of the Effect# of a H"rricane
Anthropo(orpho#i#The Cirr"# C!o"$D a Hea'en!y S-anUr'aciThe Stor(c!o"$ a Dae(on
%ritra an$ Ra2#cha#a#Story of a 8rah(in an$ a Ra2#cha#a# 17;
CHAPTER GI
THE MARJCHAL DE REKT I: THE IN%ESTIGATION O, CHARGES
Intro$"ctionHi#tory of Gi!!e# $e La'a!The Ca#t!e of Macheco"!S"rren$er of the Mar#ha!
E)a(ination of +itne##e#Letter of De RetIThe D"2e of 8rittany re!"ctant to (o'eThe 8i#hop
of Nante# 1*1
CHAPTER GII
THE MARJCHAL DE REKT II: THE TRIAL
The Appearance of the Mar#ha!Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!The ReH"i#itionThe Tria! a$6o"rne$
Meetin& of the Mar#ha! an$ hi# Ser'ant#The Confe##ion of HenrietPonto" per#"a$e$ to confe##
a!!The a$6o"rne$ Tria! not h"rrie$ onThe he#itation of the D"2e of 8rittany LFM
CHAPTER GIII
MARJCHAL DE RETK III: THE SENTENCE AND EGECUTION
The a$6o"rne$ Tria!The Mar#ha! Confe##e#The Ca#e han$e$ o'er to the Ecc!e#ia#tica!
Tri5"na!Pro(pt #tep# ta2en 5y the 8i#hopThe SentenceRatifie$ 5y the Sec"!ar Co"rtThe
E)ec"tion LLA
CHAPTER GI%
A GALICIAN +ERE+OL,
The Inha5itant# of A"#trian Ga!iciaThe Ha(!et of Po!o(y6aS"((er E'enin& in the ,ore#t
The 8e&&ar S-iate2A Gir! $i#appear#A Schoo!5oy 'ani#he#A Ser'ant&ir! !o#tAnother 8oy
carrie$ ofThe Di#co'ery (a$e 5y the P"5!ican of Po!o(y6aS-iate2 !oc2e$ "p8ro"&ht to
Da52o-Co((it# #"ici$e L;*
Chapter G%
ANOMALOUS CASETHE HUMAN HYENA
Gho"!#Story fro( ,ornariN"otation fro( Ap"!ei"#Inci$ent (entione$ 5y Marca##"#
Ce(eterie# of Pari# 'io!ate$Di#co'ery of %io!atorConfe##ion of M? 8ertran$ L7F
CHAPTER G%I
A SERMON ON +ERE+OL%ES
The Di#co"r#e# of Dr? =ohannThe Ser(onRe(ar2# LA1
THE BOOK OF WERE-WOLVES#
!HA)TER I#
INTRODU!TOR*#
I SHALL ne'er for&et the -a!2 I too2 one ni&ht in %ienneD after ha'in& acco(p!i#he$ the
e)a(ination of an "n2no-n Dr"i$ica! re!icD the Pierre !a5ieD at La Ron$e!!eD near Cha(pi&ni? I ha$
!earne$ of the e)i#tence of thi# cro(!ech on!y on (y arri'a! at Cha(pi&ni in the afternoonD an$ I
ha$ #tarte$ to 'i#it the c"rio#ity -itho"t ca!c"!atin& the ti(e it -o"!$ ta2e (e to reach it an$ to
ret"rn? S"ffice it to #ay that I $i#co'ere$ the 'enera5!e pi!e of &rey #tone# a# the #"n #etD an$ that I
e)pen$e$ the !a#t !i&ht# of e'enin& in p!annin& an$ #2etchin&? I then t"rne$ (y face ho(e-ar$? My
-a!2 of a5o"t ten (i!e# ha$ -earie$ (eD co(in& at the en$ of a !on& $ay1# po#tin&D an$ I ha$ !a(e$
(y#e!f in #cra(5!in& o'er #o(e #tone# to the Ga"!i#h re!ic?
A #(a!! ha(!et -a# at no &reat $i#tanceD an$ I 5etoo2 (y#e!f thitherD in the hope# of hirin& a trap
to con'ey (e to the po#tho"#eD 5"t I -a# $i#appointe$? ,e- in the p!ace co"!$ #pea2 ,renchD an$
the prie#tD -hen I app!ie$ to hi(D a##"re$ (e that he 5e!ie'e$ there -a# no 5etter con'eyance in the
p!ace than a co((on charr"e -ith it# #o!i$ -oo$en -hee!#C nor -a# a ri$in& hor#e to 5e proc"re$?
The &oo$ (an offere$ to ho"#e (e for the ni&htC 5"t I -a# o5!i&e$ to $ec!ineD a# (y fa(i!y
inten$e$ #tartin& ear!y on the fo!!o-in& (ornin&?
O"t #pa2e then the (ayor9Mon#ie"r can ne'er &o 5ac2 toni&ht acro## the f!at#D 5eca"#e of the
the9 an$ hi# 'oice $roppe$C 9the !o"p#&aro")?9
9He #ay# that he ("#t ret"rnO9 rep!ie$ the prie#t in patoi#? 98"t -ho -i!! &o -ith hi(P9
9AhD haDO M? !e C"rE? It i# a!! 'ery -e!! for one of "# to acco(pany hi(D 5"t thin2 of the co(in&
5ac2 a!oneO9
9Then t-o ("#t &o -ith hi(D9 #ai$ the prie#tD an$ yo" can ta2e care of each other a# yo" ret"rn?9
9Pico" te!!# (e that he #a- the -ere-o!f on!y thi# $ay #e1nni&htD9 #ai$ a pea#antC 9he -a# $o-n
5y the he$&e of hi# 5"c2-heat fie!$D an$ the #"n ha$ #etD an$ he -a# thin2in& of co(in& ho(eD
-hen he hear$ a r"#t!e on the far #i$e of the he$&e? He !oo2e$ o'erD an$ there #too$ the -o!f a# 5i&
a# a ca!f a&ain#t the horiIonD it# ton&"e o"tD an$ it# eye# &!arin& !i2e (ar#hfire#? Mon Die"O catch
(e &oin& o'er the (arai# toni&ht? +hyD -hat co"!$ t-o (en $o if they -ere attac2e$ 5y that -o!f
fien$P9
9It i# te(ptin& Pro'i$enceD9 #ai$ one of the e!$er# of the 'i!!a&eC9 no (an ("#t e)pect the he!p of
Go$ if he thro-# hi(#e!f -i!f"!!y in the -ay of $an&er? I# it not #oD M? !e C"rEP I hear$ yo" #ay a#
("ch fro( the p"!pit on the fir#t S"n$ay in LentD preachin& fro( the Go#pe!?9
9That i# tr"eD9 o5#er'e$ #e'era!D #ha2in& their hea$#?
9Hi# ton&"e han&in& o"tD an$ hi# eye# &!arin& !i2e (ar#hfire#O9 #ai$ the confi$ant of Pico"?
9Mon Die"O if I (et the (on#terD I #ho"!$ r"nD9 H"oth another?
9I H"ite 5e!ie'e yo"D CortreIC I can an#-er for it that yo" -o"!$D9 #ai$ the (ayor?
9A# 5i& a# a ca!fD9 thre- in Pico"1# frien$?
9If the !o"p&aro" -ere only a nat"ra! -o!fD -hy thenD yo" #ee9the (ayor c!eare$ hi#
throat9yo" #ee -e #ho"!$ thin2 nothin& of itC 5"tD M? !e C"rED it i# a fien$D a -or#e than fien$D a
(anfien$Da -or#e than (anfien$D a (an-o!ffien$?9
98"t -hat i# the yo"n& (on#ie"r to $oP9 a#2e$ the prie#tD !oo2in& fro( one to another?
9Ne'er (in$D9 #ai$ ID -ho ha$ 5een H"iet!y !i#tenin& to their patoi#D -hich I "n$er#too$? 9Ne'er
(in$C I -i!! -a!2 5ac2 5y (y#e!fD an$ if I (eet the !o"p&aro" I -i!! crop hi# ear# an$ tai!D an$ #en$
the( to M? !e Maire -ith (y co(p!i(ent#?9
A #i&h of re!ief fro( the a##e(5!yD a# they fo"n$ the(#e!'e# c!ear of the $iffic"!ty?
9I! e#t An&!ai#D9 #ai$ the (ayorD #ha2in& hi# hea$D a# tho"&h he (eant that an En&!i#h(an (i&ht
face the $e'i! -ith i(p"nity?
A (e!ancho!y f!at -a# the (arai#D !oo2in& $e#o!ate eno"&h 5y $ayD 5"t no-D in the &!oa(in&D
tenfo!$ a# $e#o!ate? The #2y -a# perfect!y c!earD an$ of a #oftD 5!"e&rey tin&eC i!!"(ine$ 5y the ne-
(oonD a c"r'e of !i&ht approachin& it# -e#tern 5e$? To the horiIon reache$ a fenD 5!ac2e$ -ith
poo!# of #ta&nant -aterD fro( -hich the fro&# 2ept "p an ince##ant tri!! thro"&h the #"((er ni&ht?
Heath an$ fern co'ere$ the &ro"n$D 5"t near the -ater &re- $en#e (a##e# of f!a& an$ 5"!r"#hD
a(on&#t -hich the !i&ht -in$ #i&he$ -eari!y? Here an$ there #too$ a #an$y 2no!!D cappe$ -ith fir#D
!oo2in& !i2e 5!ac2 #p!a#he# a&ain#t the &rey #2yC not a #i&n of ha5itation any-hereC the on!y trace of
(en 5ein& the -hiteD #trai&ht roa$ e)ten$in& for (i!e# acro## the fen?
That thi# $i#trict har5o"re$ -o!'e# i# not i(pro5a5!eD an$ I confe## that I ar(e$ (y#e!f -ith a
#tron& #tic2 at the fir#t c!"(p of tree# thro"&h -hich the roa$ $i'e$?
Thi# -a# (y fir#t intro$"ction to -ere-o!'e#D an$ the circ"(#tance of fin$in& the #"per#tition
#ti!! #o pre'a!entD fir#t &a'e (e the i$ea of in'e#ti&atin& the hi#tory an$ the ha5it# of the#e (ythica!
creat"re#?
I ("#t ac2no-!e$&e that I ha'e 5een H"ite "n#"cce##f"! in o5tainin& a #peci(en of the ani(a!D
5"t I ha'e fo"n$ it# trace# in a!! $irection#? An$ 6"#t a# the pa!4onto!o&i#t ha# con#tr"cte$ the
!a5yrintho$on o"t of it# footprint# in (ar!D an$ one #p!inter of 5oneD #o (ay thi# (ono&raph 5e
co(p!ete an$ acc"rateD a!tho"&h I ha'e no chaine$ -ere-o!f 5efore (e -hich I (ay #2etch an$
$e#cri5e fro( the !ife?
The trace# !eft are in$ee$ n"(ero"# eno"&hD an$ tho"&h perhap# !i2e the $o$o or the $inor(i#D
the -ere-o!f (ay ha'e 5eco(e e)tinct in o"r a&eD yet he ha# !eft hi# #ta(p on c!a##ic antiH"ityD he
ha# tro$$en $eep in Northern #no-#? ha# ri$$en ro"&h#ho$ o'er the (e$i4'a!#D an$ ha# ho-!e$
a(on&#t Orienta! #ep"!chre#? He 5e!on&e$ to a 5a$ 5ree$D an$ -e are H"ite content to 5e free$ fro(
hi( an$ hi# 2in$re$D the 'a(pire an$ the &ho"!? Yet -ho 2no-#O +e (ay 5e a !itt!e too ha#ty in
conc!"$in& that he i# e)tinct? He (ay #ti!! pro-! in A5y##inian fore#t#D ran&e #ti!! o'er A#iatic
#teppe#D an$ 5e fo"n$ ho-!in& $i#(a!!y in #o(e pa$$e$ roo( of a Han-e!! or a 8e$!a(?
In the fo!!o-in& pa&e# I $e#i&n to in'e#ti&ate the notice# of -ere-o!'e# to 5e fo"n$ in the
ancient -riter# of c!a##ic antiH"ityD tho#e containe$ in the Northern Sa&a#D an$D !a#t!yD the n"(ero"#
$etai!# affor$e$ 5y the (e$i4'a! a"thor#? In connection -ith thi# I #ha!! &i'e a #2etch of (o$ern
fo!2!ore re!atin& to Lycanthropy?
It -i!! then 5e #een that "n$er the 'ei! of (ytho!o&y !ie# a #o!i$ rea!ityD that a f!oatin& #"per#tition
ho!$# in #o!"tion a po#iti'e tr"th?
Thi# I #ha!! #ho- to 5e an innate cra'in& for 5!oo$ i(p!ante$ in certain nat"re#D re#traine$ "n$er
or$inary circ"(#tance#D 5"t 5rea2in& forth occa#iona!!yD acco(panie$ -ith ha!!"cinationD !ea$in& in
(o#t ca#e# to canni5a!i#(? I #ha!! then &i'e in#tance# of per#on# th"# aff!icte$D -ho -ere 5e!ie'e$
5y other#D an$ -ho 5e!ie'e$ the(#e!'e#D to 5e tran#for(e$ into 5ea#t#D an$ -hoD in the paro)y#(#
of their (a$ne##D co((itte$ n"(ero"# ("r$er#D an$ $e'o"re$ their 'icti(#?
I #ha!! ne)t &i'e in#tance# of per#on# #"fferin& fro( the #a(e pa##ion for 5!oo$D -ho ("r$ere$
for the (ere &ratification of their nat"ra! cr"e!tyD 5"t -ho -ere not #"56ect to ha!!"cination#D nor
-ere a$$icte$ to canni5a!i#(?
I #ha!! a!#o &i'e in#tance# of per#on# fi!!e$ -ith the #a(e propen#itie# -ho ("r$ere$ an$ ate their
'icti(#D 5"t -ho -ere perfect!y free fro( ha!!"cination?
!HA)TER II#
L*!ANTHRO)* A+ONG THE AN!IENTS#
Definition of LycanthropyMarce!!"# Si$ete#%ir&i!Hero$ot"#O'i$P!inyA&riopa#Story
fro( Petroni"#Arca$ian Le&en$#E)p!anation offere$?
+HAT i# LycanthropyP The chan&e of (anor -o(an into the for( of a -o!fD either thro"&h
(a&ica! (ean#D #o a# to ena5!e hi( or her to &ratify the ta#te for h"(an f!e#hD or thro"&h 6"$&(ent
of the &o$# in p"ni#h(ent for #o(e &reat offence?
Thi# i# the pop"!ar $efinition? Tr"!y it con#i#t# in a for( of (a$ne##D #"ch a# (ay 5e fo"n$ in
(o#t a#y!"(#?
A(on& the ancient# thi# 2in$ of in#anity -ent 5y the na(e# of LycanthropyD /"anthropyD or
8oanthropyD 5eca"#e tho#e aff!icte$ -ith it 5e!ie'e$ the(#e!'e# to 5e t"rne$ into -o!'e#D $o&#D or
co-#? 8"t in the North of E"ropeD a# -e #ha!! #eeD the #hape of a 5earD an$ in
Africa that of a hy4naD -ere often #e!ecte$ in preference? A (ere (atter of ta#teO Accor$in& to
Marce!!"# Si$ete#D of -ho#e poe( QGree2 per lukanrw'pouR a fra&(ent e)i#t#D (en are attac2e$
-ith thi# (a$ne## chief!y in the 5e&innin& of the yearD an$ 5eco(e (o#t f"rio"# in ,e5r"aryC
retirin& for the ni&ht to !one ce(eterie#D an$ !i'in& preci#e!y in the (anner of $o&# an$ -o!'e#?
%ir&i! -rite# in hi# ei&hth Ec!o&"e:
Ha# her5a#D atH"e h4c Ponto (ihi !ecta 'enena
Ip#e $e$it M.ri#C na#c"nt"r p!"ri(a Ponto?
Hi# e&o #4pe !"p"( fieri et #e con$"cere #y!'i#
M.ri(D #4pe ani(a# i(i# e)cire #ep"!chri#D
AtH"e #ata# a!ioD 'i$i tra$"cere (e##e#?
An$ Hero$ot"#:9It #ee(# that the Ne"ri are #orcerer#D if one i# to 5e!ie'e the Scythian# an$ the
Gree2# e#ta5!i#he$ in ScythiaC for each Ne"rian chan&e# hi(#e!fD once in the yearD into the for( of a
-o!fD an$ he contin"e# in that for( for #e'era! $ay#D after -hich he re#"(e# hi# for(er #hape?9
SLi5? i'? c? 1F7?T
See a!#o Po(poni"# Me!a S!i5? ii? c? 1T 9There i# a fi)e$ ti(e for each Ne"rianD at -hich they
chan&eD if they !i2eD into -o!'e#D an$ 5ac2 a&ain into their for(er con$ition?9
8"t the (o#t re(ar2a5!e #tory a(on& the ancient# i# that re!ate$ 5y O'i$ in hi#
9Meta(orpho#e#D9 of LycaonD 2in& of Arca$iaD -hoD entertainin& ="piter one $ayD #et 5efore hi( a
ha#h of h"(an f!e#hD to pro'e hi# o(ni#cienceD -here"pon the &o$ tran#ferre$ hi( into a -o!f:
UnoteU1
V1? O%ID? Met? i? L;MC PAUSANIASD 'iii? LD W 1C TKETKE ad Lycoph. <*1C ERATOSTH? Catas. i? *?X
In 'ain he atte(pte$ to #pea2C fro( that 'ery in#tant
Hi# 6a-# -ere 5e#p!"ttere$ -ith foa(D an$ on!y he thir#te$
,or 5!oo$D a# he ra&e$ a(on&#t f!oc2# an$ pante$ for #!a"&hter?
Hi# 'e#t"re -a# chan&e$ into hairD hi# !i(5# 5eca(e croo2e$C
A -o!fDhe retain# yet !ar&e trace of hi# ancient e)pre##ionD
Hoary he i# a# aforeD hi# co"ntenance ra5i$D
Hi# eye# &!itter #a'a&e!y #ti!!D the pict"re of f"ry?
P!iny re!ate# fro( E'anthe#D that on the fe#ti'a! of ="piter Lyc4"#D one of the fa(i!y of Ant4"#
-a# #e!ecte$ 5y !otD an$ con$"cte$ to the 5rin2 of the Arca$ian !a2e? He then h"n& hi# c!othe# on a
tree an$ p!"n&e$ into the -aterD -here"pon he -a# tran#for(e$ into a -o!f? Nine year# afterD if he
ha$ not ta#te$ h"(an f!e#hD he -a# at !i5erty to #-i( 5ac2 an$ re#"(e hi# for(er #hapeD -hich ha$
in the (eanti(e 5eco(e a&e$D a# tho"&h he ha$ -orn it for nine year#?
A&riopa# re!ate#D that De(4net"#D ha'in& a##i#te$ at an Arca$ian h"(an #acrifice to ="piter
Lyc4"#D ate of the f!e#hD an$ -a# at once tran#for(e$ into a -o!fD in -hich #hape he pro-!e$ a5o"t
for ten year#D after -hich he reco'ere$ hi# h"(an for(D an$ too2 part in the O!y(pic &a(e#?
The fo!!o-in& #tory i# fro( Petroni"#:
9My (a#ter ha$ &one to Cap"a to #e!! #o(e o!$ c!othe#? I #eiIe$ the opport"nityD an$ per#"a$e$
o"r &"e#t to 5ear (e co(pany a5o"t fi'e (i!e# o"t of to-nC for he -a# a #o!$ierD an$ a# 5o!$ a#
$eath? +e #et o"t a5o"t coc2cro-D an$ the (oon #hone 5ri&ht a# $ayD -henD co(in& a(on& #o(e
(on"(ent#? (y (an 5e&an to con'er#e -ith the #tar#D -hi!#t I 6o&&e$ a!on& #in&in& an$ co"ntin&
the(? Pre#ent!y I !oo2e$ 5ac2 after hi(D an$ #a- hi( #trip an$ !ay hi# c!othe# 5y the #i$e of the
roa$? My heart -a# in (y (o"th in an in#tantD I #too$ !i2e a corp#eC -henD in a crac2D he -a# t"rne$
into a -o!f? Don1t thin2 I1( 6o2in&: I -o"!$ not te!! yo" a !ie for the fine#t fort"ne in the -or!$?
98"t to contin"e: after he -a# t"rne$ into a -o!fD he #et "p a ho-! an$ (a$e #trai&ht for the
-oo$#? At fir#t I $i$ not 2no- -hether I -a# on (y hea$ or (y hee!#C 5"t at !a#t &oin& to ta2e "p
hi# c!othe#D I fo"n$ the( t"rne$ into #tone? The #-eat #trea(e$ fro( (eD an$ I ne'er e)pecte$ to
&et o'er it? Me!i##a 5e&an to -on$er -hy I -a!2e$ #o !ate? 1Ha$ yo" co(e a !itt!e #oonerD1 #he #ai$D
1yo" (i&ht at !ea#t ha'e !ent "# a han$C for a -o!f 5ro2e into the far( an$ ha# 5"tchere$ a!! o"r
catt!eC 5"t tho"&h 5e &ot offD it -a# no !a"&hin& (atter for hi(D for a #er'ant of o"r# ran hi(
thro"&h -ith a pi2e? Hearin& thi# I co"!$ not c!o#e an eyeC 5"t a# #oon a# it -a# $ay!i&htD I ran ho(e
!i2e a pe$!ar that ha# 5een ea#e$ of hi# pac2? Co(in& to the p!ace -here the c!othe# ha$ 5een t"rne$
into #toneD I #a- nothin& 5"t a poo! of 5!oo$C an$ -hen I &ot ho(eD I fo"n$ (y #o!$ier !yin& in 5e$D
!i2e an o) in a #ta!!D an$ a #"r&eon $re##in& hi# nec2? I #a- at once that he -a# a fe!!o- -ho co"!$
chan&e hi# #2in SversipellisTD an$ ne'er after co"!$ I eat 5rea$ -ith hi(D noD not if yo" -o"!$ ha'e
2i!!e$ (e? Tho#e -ho -o"!$ ha'e ta2en a $ifferent 'ie- of the ca#e are -e!co(e to their opinionC if
I te!! yo" a !ieD (ay yo"r &enii confo"n$ (eO9
A# e'ery one 2no-#D ="piter chan&e$ hi(#e!f into a 5"!!C Hec"5a 5eca(e a 5itchC Act4on a #ta&C
the co(ra$e# of U!y##e# -ere tran#for(e$ into #-ineC an$ the $a"&hter# of Pr.t"# f!e$ thro"&h the
fie!$# 5e!ie'in& the(#e!'e# to 5e co-#D an$ -o"!$ not a!!o- any one to co(e near the(D !e#t they
#ho"!$ 5e ca"&ht an$ yo2e$?
S? A"&"#tine $ec!are$D in hi# De Civitate DeiD that he 2ne- an o!$ -o(an -ho -a# #ai$ to t"rn
(en into a##e# 5y her enchant(ent#?
Ap"!ei"# ha# !eft "# hi# char(in& ro(ance of the Golden AssD in -hich the heroD thro"&h
in6"$icio"# "#e of a (a&ica! #a!'eD i# tran#for(e$ into that !on&eare$ ani(a!?
It i# to 5e o5#er'e$ that the chief #eat of Lycanthropy -a# Arca$iaD an$ it ha# 5een 'ery p!a"#i5!y
#"&&e#te$ that the ca"#e (i&ht he trace$ to the fo!!o-in& circ"(#tance:The nati'e# -ere a pa#tora!
peop!eD an$ -o"!$ con#eH"ent!y #"ffer 'ery #e'ere!y fro( the attac2# an$ $epre$ation# of -o!'e#?
They -o"!$ nat"ra!!y in#tit"te a #acrifice to o5tain $e!i'erance fro( thi# pe#tD an$ #ec"rity for their
f!oc2#? Thi# #acrifice con#i#te$ in the offerin& of a chi!$D an$ it -a# in#tit"te$ 5y Lycaon? ,ro( the
circ"(#tance of the #acrifice 5ein& h"(anD an$ fro( the pec"!iarity of the na(e of it# ori&inatorD
ro#e the (yth?
8"tD on the other han$D the #tory i# far too -i$e!y #prea$ for "# to attri5"te it to an acci$enta!
ori&inD or to trace it to a !oca! #o"rce?
Ha!f the -or!$ 5e!ie'e#D or 5e!ie'e$ inD -ere-o!'e#D an$ they -ere #"ppo#e$ to ha"nt the
Nor-e&ian fore#t# 5y tho#e -ho ha$ ne'er re(ote!y 5een connecte$ -ith Arca$ia: an$ the
#"per#tition ha$ pro5a5!y #tr"c2 $eep it# root# into the Scan$ina'ian an$ Te"tonic (in$#D a&e#
5efore Lycaon e)i#te$C an$ -e ha'e on!y to &!ance at Orienta! !iterat"reD to #ee it a# fir(!y en&rafte$
in the i(a&ination of the Ea#tern#?
!HA)TER III#
THE WERE-WOLF IN THE NORTH#
Nor#e Tra$ition# Manner in -hich the Chan&e -a# effecte$ %.!"n$ar /'.$a In#tance# fro(
the %0!#"n& Sa&a Hro!f1# Sa&a /ra2a ,aro3#e Poe( He!&a /'i$a %atn#$4!a Sa&a
Eyr5y&&6a Sa&a
IN Nor-ay an$ Ice!an$ certain (en -ere #ai$ to 5e eigi einhamirD not of one #2inD an i$ea -hich
ha$ it# root# in pa&ani#(? The f"!! for( of thi# #tran&e #"per#tition -a#D that (en co"!$ ta2e "pon
the( other 5o$ie#D an$ the nat"re# of tho#e 5ein&# -ho#e 5o$ie# they a##"(e$? The #econ$ a$opte$
#hape -a# ca!!e$ 5y the #a(e na(e a# the ori&ina! #hapeD hamrD an$ the e)pre##ion (a$e "#e of to
$e#i&nate the tran#ition fro( one 5o$y to anotherD -a# at skipta hmumD or at hamaC -hi!#t the
e)pe$ition (a$e in the #econ$ for(D -a# the ha(f0r? 8y thi# tran#fi&"ration e)traor$inary po-er#
-ere acH"ire$C the nat"ra! #tren&th of the in$i'i$"a! -a# $o"5!e$D or H"a$r"p!e$C he acH"ire$ the
#tren&th of the 5ea#t in -ho#e 5o$y he tra'e!!e$D in a$$ition to hi# o-nD an$ a (an th"# in'i&orate$
-a# ca!!e$ hamrammr?
The (anner in -hich the chan&e -a# effecte$D 'arie$? At ti(e#D a $re## of #2in -a# ca#t o'er the
5o$yD an$ at once the tran#for(ation -a# co(p!eteC at other#D the h"(an 5o$y -a# $e#erte$D an$ the
#o"! entere$ the #econ$ for(D !ea'in& the fir#t 5o$y in a cata!eptic #tateD to a!! appearance $ea$? The
#econ$ ha(r -a# either 5orro-e$ or create$ for the p"rpo#e? There -a# yet a thir$ (anner of
pro$"cin& thi# effectit -a# 5y incantationC 5"t then the for( of the in$i'i$"a! re(aine$ "na!tere$D
tho"&h the eye# of a!! 5eho!$er# -ere char(e$ #o that they co"!$ on!y percei'e hi( "n$er the
#e!ecte$ for(?
Ha'in& a##"(e$ #o(e 5e#tia! #hapeD the (an -ho i# eigi einhammr i# on!y to 5e reco&niIe$ 5y
hi# eye#D -hich 5y no po-er can 5e chan&e$? He then p"r#"e# hi# co"r#eD fo!!o-# the in#tinct# of the
5ea#t -ho#e 5o$y he ha# ta2enD yet -itho"t H"enchin& hi# o-n inte!!i&ence? He i# a5!e to $o -hat
the 5o$y of the ani(a! can $oD an$ $o -hat heD a# (anD can $o a# -e!!? He (ay f!y or #-i(D if 5e i#
in the #hape of 5ir$ or fi#hC if he ha# ta2en the for( of a -o!fD or if he &oe# on a gandreiD or -o!f1#
ri$eD he i# fa!! of the ra&e an$ (a!i&nity of the creat"re# -ho#e po-er# an$ pa##ion# he ha#
a##"(e$?
I -i!! &i'e a fe- in#tance# of each of the three (etho$# of chan&in& 5o$ie# (entione$ a5o'e?
,rey6a an$ ,ri&& ha$ their fa!con $re##e# in -hich they 'i#ite$ $ifferent re&ion# of the earthD an$
Lo2i i# #ai$ to ha'e 5orro-e$ the#eD an$ to ha'e then appeare$ #o preci#e!y !i2e a fa!conD that he
-o"!$ ha'e e#cape$ $etectionD 5"t for the (a!icio"# t-in2!e of hi# eye#? In the %4!"n$ar 2'iYa i#
the fo!!o-in& pa##a&e:
I. I.
Meyjar flugu sunnan From the south flew the maidens
Myrkvi iggnum Athwart the gloom,
Alvitr unga Alvit the young,
Orlg drgja !o fi" destinies
#$r % savarstrnd !hey on the sea&strand
'ettusk at hvilask, 'at them to rest,
(r) sir sur*nar !hese damsels of the south
(rt l+n s,unnu. Fair linen s,un.
II. II.
-in nam #eirra One of them took
-gil at verja -gil to ,ress,
Fgr m$r f+ra Fair maid, in her
Fami lj)sum (a..ling arms.
/nnur var 'vanhv+t, Another was 'vanhwit,
'vanfjarar dr) 0ho wore swan feathers
-n in #rija And the third,
#eirra systir !heir sister,
1ar i hv+tan 2ressed the white
3%ls 1lundar. 4e5k of 1*lund.
The intro$"ction of S.("n$ te!!# "# that the#e char(in& yo"n& !a$ie# -ere ca"&ht -hen they
ha$ !ai$ their #-an#2in# 5e#i$e the( on the #horeD an$ -ere con#eH"ent!y not in a con$ition to f!y?
In !i2e (anner -ere -o!'e#1 $re##e# "#e$? The fo!!o-in& c"rio"# pa##a&e i# fro( the -i!$ Sa&a of
the %0!#"n&#:
9It i# no- to 5e to!$ that Si&("n$ tho"&ht Sinf60t!i too yo"n& to he!p hi( in hi# re'en&eD an$ he
-i#he$ fir#t to te#t hi# po-er#C #o $"rin& the #"((er they p!"n&e$ $eep into the -oo$ an$ #!e-
(en for their &oo$#D an$ Si&("n$ #a- that he -a# H"ite of the %0!#"n& #toc2? ? ? ? No- it fe!! o"t
that a# they -ent thro"&h the fore#tD co!!ectin& (onie#D that they !i&hte$ on a ho"#e in -hich -ere
t-o (en #!eepin&D -ith &reat &o!$ rin&# an the(C they ha$ $ea!in&# -ith -itchcraftD for -o!f#2in#
h"n& "p in the ho"#e a5o'e the(C it -a# the tenth $ay on -hich they (i&ht co(e o"t of their
#econ$ #tate? They -ere 2in&#1 #on#? Si&("n$ an$ Sinf60t!i &ot into the ha5it#D an$ co"!$ not &et o"t
of the( a&ainD an$ the nat"re of the ori&ina! 5ea#t# ca(e o'er the(D an$ they ho-!e$ a# -o!'e#
they !earne$ 95oth of the( to ho-!? No- they -ent into the fore#tD an$ each too2 hi# o-n co"r#eC
they (a$e the a&ree(ent to&ether that they #ho"!$ try their #tren&th a&ain#t a# (any a# #e'en (enD
5"t not (oreD an$? that he -ho -a# -are of #trife #ho"!$ "tter hi# -o!f1# ho-!?
91Do not fai! in thi#D1 #ai$ Si&("n$D 1for yo" are yo"n& an$ $arin&D an$ (en -o"!$ 5e &!a$ to
cha#e yo"?1 No- each -ent hi# o-n co"r#eC an$ after that they ha$ parte$ Si&("n$ fo"n$ (enD #o
he ho-!e$C an$ -hen Sinf60t!i hear$ thatD he ran "p an$ #!e- the( a!!then they #eparate$? An$
Sinf60t!i ha$ not 5een !on& in the -oo$ 5efore he (et -ith? e!e'en (enC he fe!! "pon the( an$ #!e-
the( e'ery one? Then he -a# tire$D #o he f!"n& hi(#e!f "n$er an oa2 to re#t? Up ca(e Si&("n$ an$
#ai$D 1+hy $i$ yo" not ca!! o"tP1 Sinf60t!i rep!ie$D 1+hat -a# the nee$ of a#2in& yo"r he!p to 2i!!
e!e'en (enP1
9Si&("n$ f!e- at hi( an$ rent hi( #o that he fe!!D for he ha$ 5itten thro"&h hi# throat? That $ay
they co"!$ not !ea'e their -o!ffor(#? Si&("n$ !ai$ hi( on hi# 5ac2 an$ 5are hi( ho(e to the ha!!D
an$ #at 5e#i$e hi(D an$ #ai$D 1De"ce ta2e the -o!ffor(#O91%0!#"n& Sa&aD c? *?
There i# another c"rio"# #tory of a -ere-o!f in the #a(e Sa&aD -hich I ("#t re!ate?
9No- he $i$ a# #he reH"e#te$D an$ he-e$ $o-n a &reat piece of ti(5erD an$ ca#t it acro## the feet
of tho#e ten 5rother# #eate$ in a ro-D in the fore#tC an$ there they #at a!! that $ay an$ on ti!! ni&ht?
An$ at (i$ni&ht there ca(e an o!$ #he-o!f o"t of the fore#t to the(D a# they #at in the #toc2#D an$
#he -a# 5oth h"&e an$ &ri(!y? No- #he fe!! "pon one of the(D an$ 5it hi( to $eathD an$ after #he
ha$ eaten hi( a!! "pD #he -ent a-ay? An$ ne)t (ornin& Si&ny #ent a tr"#ty (an to her 5rother#D to
2no- ho- it ha$ fare$ -ith the(? +hen he ret"rne$ he to!$ her of the $eath of oneD an$ that &rie'e$
her ("chD for #he feare$ it (i&ht fare th"# -ith the( a!!D an$ #he -o"!$ 5e "na5!e to a##i#t the(?
9In #hortD nine ni&ht# fo!!o-in& ca(e the #a(e #he-o!f at (i$ni&htD an$ $e'o"re$ the( one
after another ti!! a!! -ere $ea$D e)cept Si&("n$D an$ he -a# !eft a!one? So -hen the tenth ni&ht
ca(eD Si&ny #ent her tr"#ty (an to Si&("n$D her 5rotherD -ith honey in hi# han$D an$ #ai$ that he
-a# to #(ear it o'er the face of Si&("n$D an$ to fi!! hi# (o"th -ith it? No- he -ent to Si&("n$D
an$ $i$ a# he -a# 5i$D after -hich he ret"rne$ ho(e? An$ $"rin& the ni&ht ca(e the #a(e #he-o!fD
a# -a# her -ontD an$ rec2one$ to $e'o"r hi(D !i2e hi# 5rother#?
9No- #he #n"ffe$ at hi(D -here the honey -a# #(eare$D an$ 5e&an to !ic2 hi# face -ith her
ton&"eD an$ pre#ent!y thr"#t her ton&"e into hi# (o"th? He 5ore it i!!D an$ 5it into the ton&"e of the
#he-o!fC #he #pran& "p an$ trie$ to 5rea2 !oo#eD #ettin& her feet a&ain#t the #toc2D #o a# to #nap it
a#"n$er: 5"t he he!$ fir(D an$ rippe$ the ton&"e o"t 5y the root#D #o that it -a# the $eath of the
-o!f? It i# the opinion of #o(e (en that thi# 5ea#t -a# the (other of /in& Si&&eirD an$ that #he ha$
ta2en thi# for( "pon her thro"&h $e'i!ry an$ -itchcraft?9Sc? 7?T
There i# another #tory 5earin& on the #"56ect in the Hro!f# Sa&a /ra2aD -hich i# prettyC it i# a#
fo!!o-#:
9In the north of Nor-ayD in "p!an$$a!e#D rei&ne$ a 2in& ca!!e$ Hrin&C an$ he ha$ a #on na(e$
860rn? No- it fe!! o"t that the H"een $ie$D ("ch !a(ente$ 5y the 2in&D an$ 5y a!!? The peop!e
a$'i#e$ hi( to (arry a&ainD an$ #o 5e #ent (en #o"th to &et hi( a -ife? A &a!e an$ fierce #tor( fe!!
"pon the(D #o that they ha$ to t"rn the he!(D an$ r"n 5efore the -in$D an$ #o they ca(e north to
,inn(ar2D -here they #pent the -inter? One $ay they -ent in!an$D an$ ca(e to a ho"#e in -hich #at
t-o 5ea"tif"! -o(enD -ho &reete$ the( -e!!D an$ inH"ire$ -hence they ha$ co(e? They rep!ie$ 5y
&i'in& an acco"nt of their 6o"rney an$ their erran$D an$ then a#2e$ the -o(en -ho they -ereD an$
-hy they -ere a!oneD an$ far fro( the ha"nt# of (enD a!tho"&h they -ere #o co(e!y an$ en&a&in&?
The e!$er rep!ie$that her na(e -a# In&i56or&D an$ that her $a"&hter -a# ca!!e$ H'itD an$ that #he
-a# the ,inn 2in&1# #-eetheart? The (e##en&er# $eci$e$ that they -o"!$ ret"rn ho(eD if H'it -o"!$
co(e -ith the( an$ (arry /in& Hrin&? She a&ree$D an$ they too2 her -ith the( an$ (et the 2in&
-ho -a# p!ea#e$ -ith herD an$ ha$ hi# -e$$in& fea#t (a$eD an$ #ai$ that he care$ not tho"&h #he
-a# not rich? 8"t the 2in& -a# 'ery o!$D an$ that the H"een #oon fo"n$ o"t?
9There -a# a Car!e -ho ha$ a far( not far fro( the 2in&1# $-e!!in&C he ha$ a -ifeD an$ a
$a"&hterD -ho -a# 5"t a chi!$D an$ her na(e -a# 8eraC #he -a# 'ery yo"n& an$ !o'e!y? 860rn the
2in&1# #onD an$ 8era the Car!e1# $a"&hterD -ere -ontD a# chi!$renD to p!ay to&etherD an$ they !o'e$
each other -e!!? The Car!e -a# -e!! to $oD he ha$ 5een o"t harryin& in hi# yo"n& $ay#D an$ he -a# a
$o"&hty cha(pion? 860rn an$ 8era !o'e$ each other (ore an$ (oreD an$ they -ere often to&ether?
Ti(e pa##e$D an$ nothin& -orth re!atin& occ"rre$C 5"t 860rnD the 2in&1# #onD -a)e$ #tron& an$
ta!!C an$ he -a# -e!! #2i!!e$ in a!! (an!y e)erci#e#?
9/in& Hrin& -a# often a5#ent for !on&D harryin& forei&n #hore#D an$ H'it re(aine$ at ho(e an$
&o'erne$ the !an$? She -a# not !i2e$ of the peop!e? She -a# a!-ay# 'ery p!ea#ant -ith 860rnD 5"t he
care$ !itt!e for her? It fe!! o"t once that the /in& Hrin& -ent a5roa$D an$ he #pa2e -ith hi# H"een
that 860rn #ho"!$ re(ain at ho(e -ith herD to a##i#t in the &o'ern(entD for he tho"&ht it a$'i#a5!eD
the H"een 5ein& ha"&hty an$ inf!ate$ -ith pri$e?
9The 2in& to!$ hi# #on 860rn that he -a# to re(ain at ho(eD an$ r"!e the !an$ -ith the H"eenC
860rn rep!ie$ that he $i#!i2e$ the p!anD an$ that he ha$ no !o'e for the H"eenC 5"t the 2in& -a#
inf!e)i5!eD an$ !eft the !an$ -ith a &reat fo!!o-in&? 860rn -a!2e$ ho(e after hi# con'er#ation -ith
the 2in&D an$ -ent "p to hi# p!aceD i!!p!ea#e$ an$ re$ a# 5!oo$? The H"een ca(e to #pea2 -ith hi(D
an$ to cheer hi(C an$ #pa2e frien$!y -ith hi(D 5"t he 5a$e her 5e of? She o5eye$ hi( that ti(e? She
often ca(e to ta!2 -ith hi(D an$ #ai$ ho- ("ch p!ea#anter it -a# for the( to 5e to&etherD than to
ha'e an o!$ fe!!o- !i2e Hrin& in the ho"#e?
9860rn re#ente$ thi# #peechD an$ #tr"c2 her a 5o) in the earD an$ 5a$e her $epartD an$ he #p"rne$
her fro( hi(? She rep!ie$ that thi# -a# i!!$one to $ri'e an$ thr"#t her a-ay: an$ 1Yo" thin2 it
5etterD 860rnD to #-eetheart a Car!e1# $a"&hterD than to ha'e (y !o'e an$ fa'o"rD a fine piece of
con$e#cen#ion an$ a $i#&race it i# to yo"O 8"tD 5efore !on&D #o(ethin& -i!! #tan$ in the -ay of yo"r
fancyD an$ yo"r fo!!y?1 Then #he #tr"c2 at hi( -ith a -o!f#2in &!o'eD an$ #ai$D that he #ho"!$
5eco(e a ra5i$ an$ &ri( -i!$ 5earC an$ 1Yo" #ha!! eat nothin& 5"t yo"r father1# #heepD -hich yo"
#ha!! #!ay for yo"r foo$D an$ ne'er #ha!! yo" !ea'e thi# #tate?1
After thatD 860rn $i#appeare$D an$ none 2ne- -hat ha$ 5eco(e of hi(C an$ (en #o"&ht 5"t
fo"n$ hi( notD a# -a# to 5e e)pecte$? +e ("#t no- re!ate ho- that the 2in&1# #heep -ere
#!a"&htere$D ha!f a #core at a ti(eD an$ it -a# a!! the -or2 of a &rey 5earD 5oth h"&e an$ &ri(!y?
9One e'enin& it chance$ that the Car!e1# $a"&hter #a- thi# #a'a&e 5ear co(in& to-ar$# herD
!oo2in& ten$er!y at herD an$ #he fancie$ that #he reco&niIe$ the eye# of 860rnD the 2in&1# #onD #o #he
(a$e a #!i&ht atte(pt to e#capeC then the 5ea#t retreate$D 5"t #he fo!!o-e$ itD ti!! #he ca(e to a ca'e?
No- -hen #he entere$ the ca'e there #too$ 5efore her a (anD -ho &reete$ 8eraD the Car!e1#
$a"&hterC an$ #he reco&niIe$ hi(D for he -a# 860rnD Hrin&1# #on? O'er6oye$ -ere they to (eet? So
they -ere to&ether in the ca'e a-hi!eD for #he -o"!$ not part fro( hi( -hen #he ha$ the chance of
5ein& -ith hi(C 5"t he #ai$ that thi# -a# not proper that #he #ho"!$ 5e there 5y hi(D for 5y $ay he
-a# a 5ea#tD an$ 5y ni&ht a (an?
9Hrin& ret"rne$ fro( hi# harryin&D an$ he -a# to!$ the ne-#D of -hat ha$ ta2en p!ace $"rin& hi#
a5#enceC ho- that 860rnD hi# #onD ha$ 'ani#he$D an$ a!#oD ho- that a (on#tro"# 5ea#t -a# "p the
co"ntryD an$ -a# $e#troyin& hi# f!oc2#? The H"een "r&e$ the 2in& to ha'e the 5ea#t #!ainD 5"t he
$e!aye$ a-hi!e?
9One ni&htD a# 8era an$ 860rn -ere to&etherD he #ai$ to her:1Methin2# to(orro- -i!! 5e the
$ay of (y $eathD for they -i!! co(e o"t to h"nt (e $o-n? 8"t for (y#e!f I care notD for it i# !itt!e
p!ea#"re to !i'e -ith thi# char( "pon (eD an$ (y on!y co(fort i# that -e are to&etherC 5"t no- o"r
"nion ("#t 5e 5ro2en? I -i!! &i'e yo" the rin& -hich i# "n$er (y !eft han$? Yo" -i!! #ee the troop
of h"nter# to(orro- co(in& to #ee2 (eC an$ -hen I a( $ea$ &o to the 2in&D an$ a#2 hi( to &i'e
yo" -hat i# "n$er the 5ea#t1# !eft front !e&? He -i!! con#ent?1
9He #po2e to her of (any other thin&#D ti!! the 5ear1# for( #to!e o'er hi(D an$ he -ent forth a
5ear? She fo!!o-e$ hi(D an$ #a- that a &reat 5o$y of h"nter# ha$ co(e o'er the (o"ntain ri$&e#D
an$ ha$ a n"(5er of $o&# -ith the(? The 5ear r"#he$ a-ay fro( the ca'ernD 5"t the $o&# an$ the
2in&1# (en ca(e "pon hi(D an$ there -a# a $e#perate #tr"&&!e? He -earie$ (any (en 5efore he
-a# 5ro"&ht to 5ayD an$ ha$ #!ain a!! the $o&#? 8"t no- they (a$e a rin& a5o"t hi(D an$ he ran&e$
aro"n$ it?D 5"t co"!$ #ee no (ean# of e#capeD #o he t"rne$ to -here the 2in& #too$D an$ he #eiIe$ a
(an -ho #too$ ne)t hi(D an$ rent hi( a#"n$erC then -a# the 5ear #o e)ha"#te$ that he ca#t hi(#e!f
$o-n f!atD an$D at onceD the (en r"#he$ in "pon hi( an$ #!e- hi(? The Car!e1# $a"&hter #a- thi#D
an$ #he -ent "p to the 2in&D an$ #ai$D1SireO -i!t tho" &rant (e that -hich i# "n$er the 5ear1# !eft
fore#ho"!$erP1 The 2in& con#ente$? 8y thi# ti(e hi# (en ha$ near!y f!aye$ the 5earC 8era -ent "p
an$ p!"c2e$ a-ay the rin&D an$ 2ept itD 5"t none #a- -hat #he too2D nor ha$ they !oo2e$ for
anythin&? The 2in& a#2e$ her -ho #he -a#D an$ #he &a'e a na(eD 5"t not her tr"e na(e?
9The 2in& no- -ent ho(eD an$ 8era -a# in hi# co(pany? The H"een -a# 'ery 6oyo"#D an$ treate$
her -e!!D an$ a#2e$ -ho #he -a#C 5"t 8era an#-ere$ a# 5efore?
9The H"een no- (a$e a &reat fea#tD an$ ha$ the 5ear1# f!e#h coo2e$ for the 5anH"et? The Car!e1#
$a"&hter -a# in the 5o-er of the H"eenD an$ co"!$ not e#capeD for the H"een ha$ a #"#picion -ho
#he -a#? Then #he ca(e to 8era -ith a $i#hD H"ite "ne)pecte$!yD an$ on it -a# 5ear1# f!e#hD an$ #he
5a$e 8era eat it? She -o"!$ not $o #o? 1Here i# a (ar'e!O1 #ai$ the H"eenC 1yo" re6ect the offer -hich
a H"een her#e!f $ei&n# to (a2e to yo"? Ta2e it at onceD or #o(ethin& -or#e -i!! 5efa!! yo"?1 She 5it
5efore herD an$ #he ate of that 5iteC the H"een c"t another pieceD an$ !oo2e$ into her (o"thC #he #a-
that one !itt!e &rain of the 5ite ha$ &one $o-nD 5"t 8era #pat o"t a!! the re#t fro( her (o"thD an$
#ai$ #he -o"!$ ta2e no (oreD tho"&h #he -ere tort"re$ or 2i!!e$?
91May5e yo" ha'e ha$ #"fficientD1 #ai$ the H"eenD an$ #he !a"&he$?9SHro!f# Sa&a /ra2aD c? L<
LMD con$en#e$?T
In the ,aro3#e #on& of ,inn"r hin friYiD -e ha'e the fo!!o-in& 'er#e:
3egar + Finnur hetta s$r. 0hen this ,eril Finn saw,
Manns,ell var at meini, !hat wit5h5raft did him harm,
'ka,ti hann seg + vargl+ki6 !hen he 5hanged himself into a were&wolf6
3ann feldi allv$l fleiri. 3e slew many thus.
The fo!!o-in& i# fro( the #econ$ /'iYa of He!&a H"n$in&#5ana S#troph? ;1T:
May the 5!a$e 5iteD
+hich tho" 5ran$i#he#t
On!y on thy#e!fD
-hen it Chi(e# on thy hea$?
Then a'en&e$ -i!! 5e
The $eath of He!&iD
+hen tho"D a# a -o!fD
+an$ere#t in the -oo$#D
/no-in& nor fort"ne
Nor any p!ea#"reD
Hayin& no (eatD
Sa'e ri'in&# of corp#e#?
In a!! the#e ca#e# the chan&e i# of the for(: -e #ha!! no- co(e to in#tance# in -hich the per#on
-ho i# chan&e$ ha# a $o"5!e #hapeD an$ the #o"! ani(ate# one after the other?
The Yn&!in&a Sa&a Sc? MT #ay# of O$inD that 9he chan&e$ for(C the 5o$ie# !ay a# tho"&h #!eepin&
or $ea$D 5"t he -a# a 5ir$ or a 5ea#tD a fi#hD or a -o(anD an$ -ent in a t-in2!in& to far $i#tant
!an$#D $oin& hi# o-n or other peop!e1# 5"#ine##?9 In !i2e (anner the Dani#h 2in& Haro!$ #ent a
-ar!oc2 to Ice!an$ in the for( of a -ha!eD -hi!#t hi# 5o$y !ay #tiff an$ #tar2 at ho(e? The a!rea$y
H"ote$ Sa&a of Hro!f /ra2e &i'e# "# another e)a(p!eD -here 80$'ar 86ar2iD in the #hape of a h"&e
5earD fi&ht# $e#perate!y -ith the ene(yD -hich ha# #"rro"n$e$ the ha!! of hi# 2in&D -hi!#t hi# h"(an
5o$y !ie# $r"n2en!y 5e#i$e the e(5er# -ithin?
In the %atn#$4!a Sa&aD there i# a c"rio"# acco"nt of three ,inn#D -ho -ere #h"t "p in a h"t for
three ni&ht#D an$ or$ere$ 5y In&i("n$D a Nor-e&ian chiefD to 'i#it Ice!an$ an$ infor( hi( of the !ie
of the co"ntryD -here he -a# to #ett!e? Their 5o$ie# 5eca(e ri&i$D an$ they #ent their #o"!# the
erran$D an$D on their a-a2in& at the en$ of three $ay#D &a'e an acc"rate $e#cription of the %atn#$a!D
in -hich In&i("n$ -a# e'ent"a!!y to e#ta5!i#h hi(#e!f? 8"t the Sa&a $oe# not re!ate -hether the#e
,inn# pro6ecte$ their #o"!# into the 5o$ie# of 5ir$# or 5ea#t#?
The thir$ (anner of tran#for(ation (entione$D -a# that in -hich the in$i'i$"a! -a# not chan&e$
hi(#e!fD 5"t the eye# of other# -ere 5e-itche$D #o that they co"!$ not $etect hi(D 5"t #a- hi( on!y
"n$er a certain for(? Of thi# there are #e'era! e)a(p!e# in the Sa&a#C a#D for in#tanceD in the
Hro("n$ar Sa&a Greyp#onarD an$ in the ,o#t5r4Yra Sa&a? 8"t I -i!! tran#!ate the (o#t c"rio"#D
-hich i# that of O$$D /at!a1# #onD in the Eyr5y&&6a Sa&a?Sc? LF?T
9Geirri$D ho"#e-ife in Maf'ah!iYD #ent -or$ into 8o!#ta$D that #he -a# -are of the fact that O$$D
/at!a1# #onD ha$ he-n off A"$1# han$?
9No- -hen Thorarinn an$ Arn2e!! hear$ thatD they ro$e fro( ho(e -ith t-e!'e (en? They #pent
the ni&ht in Maf'ah!iYD an$ ro$e on ne)t (ornin& to Ho!t: an$ O$$ -a# the on!y (an in the ho"#e?
9/at!a #at on the hi&h #eat #pinnin& yarnD an$ #he 5a$e O$$ #it 5e#i$e herC a!#oD #he 5a$e her
-o(en #it each in her p!aceD an$ ho!$ their ton&"e#? 1,orD1 #ai$ #heD 1I #ha!! $o a!! the ta!2in&?1 No-
-hen Arn2e!! an$ hi# co(pany arri'e$D they -a!2e$ #trai&ht inD an$ -hen they ca(e into the
cha(5erD /at!a &reete$ Arn2e!!D an$ a#2e$ the ne-#? He rep!ie$ that there -a# noneD an$ he
inH"ire$ after O$$? /at!a #ai$ that he ha$ &one to 8rei$a'i2? 1+e #ha!! ran#ac2 the ho"#e tho"&hD1
H"oth Arn2e!!? 18e it #oD1 rep!ie$ /at!aD an$ #he or$ere$ a &ir! to carry a !i&ht 5efore the(D an$
"n!oc2 the $ifferent part# of the ho"#e? A!! they #a- -a# /at!a #pinnin& yarn off her $i#taff? No-
they #earch the ho"#eD 5"t fin$ no O$$D #o they $epart? 8"t -hen they ha$ &one a !itt!e -ay fro( the
&arthD Arn2e!! #too$ #ti!! an$ #ai$: 1Ho- 2no- -e 5"t that /at!a ha# hoo$-in2e$ "#D an$ that the
$i#taff in her han$ -a# nothin& (ore than O$$?1 1Not i(po##i5!eO1 #ai$ ThorarinnC 1!et "# t"rn 5ac2?1
They $i$ #oC an$ -hen tho#e at Ho!t ra- that they -ere ret"rnin&D /at!a #ai$ to her (ai$#D 1Sit #ti!!
in yo"r p!ace#D O$$ an$ I #ha!! &o o"t?1
9No- a# they approache$ the $oorD #he -ent into the porchD an$ 5e&an to co(5 an$ c!ip the hair
of her #on O$$? Arn2e!! ca(e to the $oor an$ #a- -here /at!a -a#D an$ #he #ee(e$ to 5e #tro2in&
her &oatD an$ $i#entan&!in& it# (ane an$ 5ear$ an$ #(oothin& it# -oo!? So he an$ hi# (en -ent into
the ho"#eD 5"t fo"n$ not O$$? /at!a1# $i#taff !ay a&ain#t the 5enchD #o they tho"&ht that it co"!$ not
ha'e 5een O$$D an$ they -ent a-ay? Ho-e'erD -hen they ha$ co(e near the #pot -here they ha$
t"rne$ 5eforeD Arn2e!! #ai$D 1Thin2 yo" not that O$$ (ay ha'e 5een in the &oat1# for(P1 1There i# no
#ayin&D1 rep!ie$ ThorarinnC 15"t if -e t"rn 5ac2 -e -i!! !ay han$# on /at!a?1 1+e can try o"r !"c2
a&ainD1 H"oth Arn2e!!C 1an$ #ee -hat co(e# of it?1 So they ret"rne$?
9No- -hen they -ere #een on their -ay 5ac2D /at!a 5a$e O$$ fo!!o- herC an$ #he !ea hi( to the
a#hheapD an$ to!$ hi( to !ie there an$ not to #tir on any acco"nt? 8"t -hen Arn2e!!D an$ hi# (en
ca(e to the far(D they r"#he$ into the cha(5erD an$ #a- /at!a #eate$ in her p!aceD #pinnin&? She
&reete$ the( an$ #ai$ that their 'i#it# fo!!o-e$ -ith rapi$ity? Arn2e!! rep!ie$ that -hat #he #ai$ -a#
tr"e? Hi# co(ra$e# too2 the $i#taff an$ c"t it in t-ain? 1Co(e no-O1 #ai$ /at!aD 1yo" cannot #ayD
-hen yo" &et ho(eD that yo" ha'e $one nothin&D for yo" ha'e choppe$ "p (y $i#taff?1 Then Arn2e!!
an$ the re#t h"nte$ hi&h an$ !o- for O$$D 5"t co"!$ not fin$ hi(C in$ee$ they #a- nothin& !i'in&
a5o"t the p!aceD 5e#i$e a 5oarpi& -hich !ay "n$er the a#hheapD #o they -ent a-ay once (ore?
9+e!!D -hen they &ot ha!f-ay to Maf'ah!iYD ca(e Geirri$ to (eet the(D -ith her -or2(en?
1They ha$ not &one the ri&ht -ay to -or2 in #ee2in& O$$D1 #he #ai$D 15"t #he -o"!$ he!p the(?1 So
they t"rne$ 5ac2 a&ain? Geirri$ ha$ a 5!"e c!oa2 on her? No- -hen the party -a# #een an$ reporte$
to /at!aD an$ it -a# #ai$ that they -ere thirteen in n"(5erD an$ one ha$ on a co!o"re$ $re##D /at!a
e)c!ai(e$D 1That tro!! Geirri$ i# co(eO I #ha!! not 5e a5!e to thro- a &!a(o"r o'er their eye# any
(ore?1 She #tarte$ "p fro( her p!ace an$ !ifte$ the c"#hion of the #eatD an$ there -a# a ho!e an$ a
ca'ity 5eneath: into thi# #he thr"#t O$$D c!appe$ the c"#hion o'er hi(D an$ #at $o-nD #ayin& #he fe!t
#ic2 at heart?
9No- -hen they ca(e into the roo(D there -ere #(a!! &reetin&#? Geirri$ ca#t of her the c!oa2 an$
-ent "p to /at!aD an$ too2 the #ea!#2in 5a& -hich #he ha$ in her han$D an$ $re- it o'er the hea$ of
/at!a? UnoteU1 Then Geirri$ 5a$e the( 5rea2 "p the #eat? They $i$ #oD an$ fo"n$ O$$? Hi( they
too2 an$ carrie$ to 8"!an$1# hea$D -here they han&e$ hi(? ? ? ? 8"t /at!a they #tone$ to $eath "n$er
the hea$!an$?9
V1? A preca"tion a&ain#t the 9e'i! eye?9 Co(pare Gisla !aga !urssonnarD p? ;<? La"d#la !agaD cc? ;MD ;*?X
!HA)TER IV#
THE ORIGIN OF THE S!ANDINAVIAN WERE-WOLF#
A$'anta&e of the St"$y of Nor#e Literat"re8ear an$ +o!f#2in Dre##e#The 8er#er2irTheir
Ra&eThe Story of ThorirPa##a&e# fro( the Ai&!aThe E'enin& +o!fS2a!!a&ri( an$ hi# Son
Deri'ation of the +or$# Ha(r an$ %ar&rLa-# affectin& O"t!a-#9To 5eco(e a 8oar9
Recapit"!ation?
ONE Of the &reat a$'anta&e# of the #t"$y of o!$ Nor#e or Ice!an$ic !iterat"re i# the in#i&ht &i'en
5y it into the ori&in of -or!$-i$e #"per#tition#? Nor#e tra$ition i# tran#parent a# &!acier iceD an$ it#
ori&in i# a# "n(i#ta2a5!e?
Me$i4'a! (ytho!o&yD rich an$ &or&eo"#D i# a co(po"n$ !i2e Corinthian 5ra##D into -hich (any
p"re ore# ha'e 5een f"#e$D or it i# a f"!! t"r5i$ ri'er $ra-n fro( n"(ero"# fee$er#D -hich ha$ their
#o"rce# in re(ote c!i(e#? It i# a 5!en$in& of pri(4'a! /e!ticD Te"tonicD Scan$ina'ianD Ita!icD an$
Ara5 tra$ition#D each a$$in& a 5ea"tyD each yie!$in& a char(D 5at each accretion ren$erin& the
ana!y#i# (ore $iffic"!t?
Pacci"che!!i #ay#:9The Anio f!o-# into the Ti5erC p"re a# cry#ta! it (eet# the ta-ny #trea(D an$
i# !o#t in itD #o that there i# no (ore AnioD 5"t the "nite$ #trea( i# a!! Ti5er?9 So i# it -ith each
tri5"tary to the ti$e of (e$i4'a! (ytho!o&y? The (o(ent it ha# 5!en$e$ it# -ater# -ith the &reat
an$ on-ar$ ro!!in& f!oo$D it i# i(po##i5!e to $etect it -ith certaintyC it ha# #-o!!en the #trea(D 5"t
ha# !o#t it# o-n i$entity? If -e -o"!$ ana!y#e a partic"!ar (ythD -e ("#t not &o at once to the 5o$y
of (e$i4'a! #"per#titionD 5"t #tri2e at one of the tri5"tarie# 5efore it# a5#orption? Thi# -e #ha!!
procee$ to $oD an$ in #e!ectin& Nor#e (ytho!o&yD -e co(e "pon a5"n$ant (ateria!D pointin&
nat"ra!!y to the #pot -hence it ha# 5een $eri'e$D a# &!acia! (oraine# in$icate the $irection -hich
they ha'e ta2enD an$ point to the (o"ntain# -hence they ha'e fa!!en? It -i!! not 5e $iffic"!t for "# to
arri'e at the ori&in of the Northern 5e!ief in -ere-o!'e#D an$ the $ata th"# o5taine$ -i!! 5e "#ef"!
in a##i#tin& "# to e!"ci$ate ("ch that -o"!$ other-i#e pro'e o5#c"re in (e$i4'a! tra$ition?
A(on& the o!$ Nor#eD it -a# the c"#to( for certain -arrior# to $re## in the #2in# of the 5ea#t#
they ha$ #!ainD an$ th"# to &i'e the(#e!'e# an air of ferocityD ca!c"!ate$ to #tri2e terror into the
heart# of their foe#?
S"ch $re##e# are (entione$ in #o(e Sa&a#D -itho"t there 5ein& any #"pernat"ra! H"a!itie#
attache$ to the(? ,or in#tanceD in the N6Z!a there i# (ention of a (an i geitheniD in &oat#2in $re##?
M"ch in the #a(e -ay $o -e hear of Haro!$ Harfa&r ha'in& in hi# co(pany a 5an$ of 5er#er2irD
-ho -ere a!! $re##e$ in -o!f#2in#D ul$henirD an$ thi# e)pre##ionD -o!f#2in coate$D i# (et -ith a# a
(an1# na(e? Th"# in the Ho!('er6a Sa&aD there i# (ention of a 860rnD 9#on of %l$heinD -o!f#2in
coatD #on of %l$hamrD -o!f#hape$D #on of %l$D -o!fD #on of %l$hamrD -o!f#hape$D -ho co"!$
chan&e for(#?9
8"t the (o#t conc!"#i'e pa##a&e i# in the %atn#$4!a Sa&aD an$ i# a# fo!!o-#:9Tho#e 5er#er2ir
-ho -ere ca!!e$ ul$henirD ha$ &ot -o!f#2in# o'er their (ai! coat#9 Sc? )'i?T In !i2e (anner the
-or$ &erserkrD "#e$ of a (an po##e##e$ of #"perh"(an po-er#D an$ #"56ect? to acce##e# of
$ia5o!ica! f"ryD -a# ori&ina!!y app!ie$ to one of tho#e $o"&hty cha(pion# -ho -ent a5o"t in 5ear
#ar2#D or ha5it# (a$e of 5ear#2in o'er their ar(o"r? I a( -e!! a-are that 860rn Ha!!$or#on1#
$eri'ation of 5er#er2rD 5are of #ar2D or $e#tit"te of c!othin&D ha# 5een hitherto &enera!!y recei'e$D 5"t
S'ei560rn E&i!##onD an in$i#p"ta5!e a"thorityD re6ect# thi# $eri'ation a# "ntena5!eD an$ #"5#tit"te# for
it that -hich I ha'e a$opte$?
It (ay 5e -e!! i(a&ine$ that a -o!f or a 5ear#2in -o"!$ (a2e a -ar( an$ co(forta5!e &reat
coat to a (anD -ho#e (anner of !i'in& reH"ire$ hi( to $efy a!! -eather#D an$ that the $re## -o"!$
not on!y &i'e hi( an appearance of &ri(ne## an$ ferocityD !i2e!y to pro$"ce an "np!ea#ant e(otion
in the 5rea#t of a foeD 5"t a!#o that the thic2 f"r (i&ht pro'e effect"a! in $ea$enin& the 5!o-# raine$
on hi( in conf!ict?
The 5er#er2r -a# an o56ect of a'er#ion an$ terror to the peacef"! inha5itant# of the !an$D hi#
a'ocation 5ein& to cha!!en&e H"iet co"ntry far(er# to #in&!e co(5at? A# the !a- of the !an$ #too$ in
Nor-ayD a (an -ho $ec!ine$ to accept a cha!!en&eD forfeite$ a!! hi# po##e##ion#D e'en to the -ife of
hi# 5o#o(D a# a po!troon "n-orthy of the protection of the !a-D an$ e'ery ite( of hi# property
pa##e$ into the han$# of hi# cha!!en&er? The 5er#er2r accor$in&!y ha$ the "nhappy (an at hi# (ercy?
If he #!e- hi(D the far(er1# po##e##ion# 5eca(e hi#D an$ if the poor fe!!o- $ec!ine$ to fi&htD he !o#t
a!! !e&a! ri&ht to hi# inheritance? A 5er#er2r -o"!$ in'ite hi(#e!f to any fea#tD an$ contri5"te hi#
H"ota to the hi!arity of the entertain(entD 5y #nappin& the 5ac25oneD or c!ea'in& the #2"!!D of #o(e
(erry(a2er -ho inc"rre$ hi# $i#p!ea#"reD or -ho( he (i&ht #in&!e o"t to ("r$erD for no other
rea#on than a $e#ire to 2eep hi# han$ in practice?
It (ay -e!! 5e i(a&ine$ that pop"!ar #"per#tition -ent a!on& -ith the pop"!ar $rea$ of the#e
-o!fan$5ear#2inne$ ro'er#D an$ that they -ere 5e!ie'e$ to 5e en$"e$ -ith the forceD a# they
certain!y -ere -ith the ferocityD of the 5ea#t# -ho#e #2in# they -ore?
Nor -o"!$ #"per#tition #top thereD 5"t the i(a&ination of the tre(5!in& pea#ant# -o"!$ #pee$i!y
in'e#t the#e "n#cr"p"!o"# $i#t"r5er# of the p"5!ic peace -ith the attri5"te# hitherto appropriate$ to
tro!!# an$ 60t"n#?
The inci$ent (entione$ in the %0!#"n& Sa&aD of the #!eepin& (en 5ein& fo"n$ -ith their -o!f
#2in# han&in& to the -a!! a5o'e their hea$#D i# $i'e#te$ of it# i(pro5a5i!ityD if -e re&ar$ the#e #2in#
a# -orn o'er their ar(o"rD an$ the (ar'e!!o"# in the -ho!e #tory i# re$"ce$ to a (ini("(D -hen
-e #"ppo#e that Si&("n$ an$ Sinf60t!i #to!e the#e for the p"rpo#e of $i#&"i#in& the(#e!'e#D -hi!#t
they !i'e$ a !ife of 'io!ence an$ ro55ery?
In a #i(i!ar (anner the #tory of the northern 98ea"ty an$ 8ea#tD9 in Hro!f1# Sa&a /ra2aD i#
ren$ere$ !e## i(pro5a5!eD on the #"ppo#ition that 860rn -a# !i'in& a# an o"t!a- a(on& the
(o"ntain fa#tne##e# in a 5ear#2in $re##D -hich -o"!$ effect"a!!y $i#&"i#e hi(all &ut his eyes
-hich -o"!$ &!ea( o"t of the #oc2et# in hi# hi$eo"# 'i#orD "n(i#ta2a5!y h"(an? Hi# 'ery na(eD
860rnD #i&nifie# a 5earC an$ the#e t-o circ"(#tance# (ay -e!! ha'e in'e#te$ a 2erne! of hi#toric fact
-ith a!! the ro(ance of fa5!eC an$ if $i'e#te$ of the#e #"pernat"ra! e(5e!!i#h(ent#D the #tory -o"!$
re#o!'e it#e!f into the 'ery #i(p!e fact of there ha'in& 5een a /in& Hrin& of the Up$a!e#D -ho -a# at
'ariance -ith hi# #onD an$ -ho#e #on too2 to the -oo$#D an$ !i'e$ a 5er#er2r !ifeD in co(pany -ith
hi# (i#tre##D ti!! he -a# capt"re$ an$ #!ain 5y hi# father?
I thin2 that the circ"(#tance in#i#te$ on 5y the Sa&a-riter#D of the eye# of the per#on re(ainin&
"nchan&e$D i# 'ery #i&nificantD an$ point# to the fact that the #2in -a# (ere!y $ra-n o'er the 5o$y
a# a $i#&"i#e?
8"t there -a# other &ro"n$ for #"per#tition to fa#ten on the 5er#er2irD an$ in'e#t the( -ith
#"pernat"ra! attri5"te#?
No fact in connection -ith the hi#tory of the North(en i# (ore fir(!y e#ta5!i#he$D on re!ia5!e
e'i$enceD than that of the 5er#er2r ra&e 5ein& a #pecie# of $ia5o!ica! po##e##ion? The 5er#er2ir -ere
#ai$ to -or2 the(#e!'e# "p into a #tate of frenIyD in -hich a $e(oniaca! po-er ca(e o'er the(D
i(pe!!in& the( to act# fro( -hich in their #o5er #en#e# they -o"!$ ha'e recoi!e$? They acH"ire$
#"perh"(an forceD an$ -ere a# in'"!nera5!e an$ a# in#en#i5!e to pain a# the =an#eni#t con'"!#ioni#t#
of S? Me$ar$? No #-or$ -o"!$ -o"n$ the(D no fire -o"!$ 5arn the(D a c!"5 a!one co"!$ $e#troy
the(D 5y 5rea2in& their 5one#D or cr"#hin& in their #2"!!#? Their eye# &!are$ a# tho"&h a f!a(e
5"rne$ in the #oc2et#D they &ro"n$ their teethD an$ frothe$ at the (o"thC they &na-e$ at their #hie!$
ri(#D an$ are #ai$ to ha'e #o(eti(e# 5itten the( thro"&hD an$ a# they r"#he$ into conf!ict they
ye!pe$ a# $o&# or ho-!e$ a# -o!'e#? UnoteU1
V1? Hic SSyra!$"#T #epte( fi!io# ha5e5atD tanto 'eneficior"( "#" ca!!ente#D "t #4pe #"5iti# f"rori# 'iri5"# in#tincti
#o!erent ore tor'"( infre(ereD #c"ta (or#i5"# attrectareD torri$a# fa"ce pr"na# a5#"(ereD e)tr"cta H"4'i# incen$ia
penetrareD nec po##et concepti# $e(enti4 (ot"# a!io re(e$ii &enere H"a( a"t 'inc"!or"( in6"rii# a"t c4$i# h"(an4
piac"!o te(perari? Tanta( i!!i# ra5ie( #ite #4'itia in&enii #i'e f"riara( ferocita# in#pira5at?!a"o Gramm? %II?X
Accor$in& to the "nani(o"# te#ti(ony of the o!$ Nor#e hi#torian#D the 5er#er2r ra&e -a# e)tin&"i#he$ 5y 5apti#(D
an$ a# Chri#tianity a$'ance$D the n"(5er of the#e 5er#er2ir $ecrea#e$?
8"t it ("#t not 5e #"ppo#e$ that thi# (a$ne## or po##e##ion ca(e on!y on tho#e per#on# -ho pre$i#po#e$ the(#e!'e#
to 5e attac2e$ 5y itC other# -ere aff!icte$ -ith itD -ho 'ain!y #tr"&&!e$ a&ain#t it# inf!"enceD an$ -ho $eep!y !a(ente$
their o-n !ia5i!ity to 5e #eiIe$ -ith the#e terri5!e acce##e# of frenIy? S"ch -a# Thorir In&i("n$1# #onD of -ho( it i#
#ai$D in the 'atnsd#la !agaD that 9at ti(e# there ca(e o'er Thorir 5er#er2r fit#D an$ it -a# con#i$ere$ a #a$ (i#fort"ne
to #"ch a (anD a# they -ere H"ite 5eyon$ contro!?9
The (anner in -hich he -a# c"re$ i# re(ar2a5!eC pointin& a# it $oe# to the cra'in& in the heathen
(in$ for a 5etter an$ (ore (ercif"! cree$:
9Thor&ri( of /orn#Z ha$ a chi!$ 5y hi# conc"5ine %erey$rD an$D 5y or$er of hi# -ifeD the chi!$
-a# carrie$ o"t to peri#h?
9The 5rother# SThor#teinn an$ ThorirT often (etD an$ it -a# no- the t"rn of Thor#teinn to 'i#it
ThorirD an$ Thorir acco(panie$ hi( ho(e-ar$? On their -ay Thor#teinn a#2e$ Thorir -hich he
tho"&ht -a# the fir#t a(on& the 5rethrenC Thorir an#-ere$ that the rep!y -a# ea#yD for 1yo" are
a5o'e "# a!! in $i#cretion an$ ta!entC =02"!! i# the 5e#t in a!! peri!o"# a$'ent"re#D 5"t ID1 he a$$e$D 1I
a( the !ea#t -orth of "# 5rother#D 5eca"#e the 5er#er2r fit# co(e o'er (eD H"ite a&ain#t (y -i!!D an$
I -i#h that yo"D (y 5rotherD -ith yo"r #hre-$ne##D -o"!$ $e'i#e #o(e he!p for (e?1
9Thor#teinn #ai$D1I ha'e hear$ that o"r 2in#(anD Thor&ri(D ha# 6"#t #"ffere$ hi# !itt!e 5a5e to 5e
carrie$ o"tD at the in#ti&ation of hi# -ife? That i# i!! $one? I thin2 a!#o that it i# a &rie'o"# (atter for
yo" to 5e $ifferent in nat"re fro( other (en?1
9Thorir a#2e$ ho- he co"!$ o5tain re!ea#e fro( hi# aff!iction ? ? ? ? Then #ai$ Thor#teinnD 1No-
-i!! I (a2e a 'o- to Hi( -ho create$ the #"nD for I -een that he i# (o#t a5!e to ta2e the 5an of
yo"D an$ I -i!! "n$erta2e for Hi# #a2eD in ret"rnD to re#c"e the 5a5e an$ to 5rin& it "p for hi(D ti!! He
-ho create$ (an #ha!! ta2e it to Hi(#e!ffor thi# I rec2on He -i!! $oO1 After thi# they !eft their
hor#e# an$ #o"&ht the chi!$D an$ a thra!! of Thorir ha$ fo"n$ it near the Marra( ri'er? They #a- that
a 2erchief ha$ 5een #prea$ o'er it# faceD 5"t it ha$ r"(p!e$ it "p o'er it# no#eC the !itt!e thin& -a#
a!! 5"t $ea$D 5"t they too2 it "p an$ f!itte$ it ho(e to Thorir1# ho"#eD an$ he 5ro"&ht the !a$ "pD an$
ca!!e$ hi( Thor2e!! R"(p!eC a# for the 5er#er2r fit#D they ca(e on hi( no (ore?9 Sc? ;MT
8"t the (o#t re(ar2a5!e pa##a&e# 5earin& on o"r #"56ect -i!! 5e fo"n$ in the Aigla?
There -a# a (anD U!f Sthe -o!fT 5y na(eD #on of 86Z!fi an$ Ha!!5era? U!f -a# a (an #o ta!! an$
#tron& that the !i2e of hi( -a# not to 5e #een in the !an$ at that ti(e? An$ -hen he -a# yo"n& he
-a# o"t 'i2in& e)pe$ition# an$ harryin& ? ? ? He -a# a &reat !an$e$ proprietor? It -a# hi# -ont to
ri#e ear!yD an$ to &o a5o"t the (en1# -or2D or to the #(ithie#D an$ in#pect a!! hi# &oo$# an$ hi# acre#C
an$ #o(eti(e# he ta!2e$ -ith tho#e (en -ho -ante$ hi# a$'iceC for he -a# a &oo$ a$'i#erD he -a#
#o c!earhea$e$C ho-e'erD e'ery $ayD -hen it $re- to-ar$# $"#2D he 5eca(e #o #a'a&e that fe-
$are$ e)chan&e a -or$ -ith hi(D for he -a# &i'en to $oIin& in the afternoon?
9Peop!e #ai$ that he -a# ("ch &i'en to chan&in& for( ShamrammrTD #o he -a# ca!!e$ the
e'enin&-o!fD kveld(l$r?9Sc? 1?T In thi# an$ the fo!!o-in& pa##a&e#D I $o not con#i$er hamrammr to
ha'e it# pri(ary #i&nification of act"a! tran#for(ationD 5"t #i(p!y to (ean #"56ect to fit# of
$ia5o!ica! po##e##ionD "n$er the inf!"ence of -hich the 5o$i!y po-er# -ere &reat!y e)a&&erate$? I
#ha!! tran#!ate pretty free!y fro( thi# (o#t intere#tin& Sa&aD a# I con#i$er that the $e#cription &i'en
in it of /'e!$"!f in hi# fit# &reat!y e!"ci$ate# o"r #"56ect?
9/'e!$"!f an$ S2a!!a&ri( &ot ne-# $"rin& #"((er of an e)pe$ition? S2a!!a&ri(? -a# the
2eene#t#i&hte$ of (enD an$ he ca"&ht #i&ht of the 'e##e! of Ha!!'ar$ an$ hi# 5rotherD an$
reco&niIe$ it at once? He fo!!o-e$ their co"r#e an$ (ar2e$ the ha'en into -hich they entere$ at
e'en? Then he ret"rne$ to hi# co(panyD an$ to!$ /'e!$"!f of -hat he ha$ #een ? ? ? ? Then they
5"#2e$ the( an$ &ot rea$y 5oth their 5oat#C in each they p"t t-enty (enD /'e!$"!f #teerin& one an$
S2a!!a&ri( the otherD an$ they ro-e$ in H"e#t of the #hip? No- -hen they ca(e to the p!ace -here
it -a#D they !ay to? Ha!!'ar$ an$ hi# (en ha$ #prea$ an a-nin& o'er the $ec2D an$ -ere a#!eep? No-
-hen /'e!$"!f an$ hi# party ca(e "pon the(D the -atcher# -ho -ere #eate$ at the en$ of the
5ri$&e #pran& "p an$ ca!!e$ to the peop!e on 5oar$ to -a2e "pD for there -a# $an&er in the -in$? So
Ha!!'ar$ an$ hi# (en #pran& to ar(#? Then ca(e /'e!$"!f o'er the 5ri$&e an$ S2a!!a&ri( -ith hi(
into the #hip? /'e!$"!f ha$ in hi# han$ a c!ea'erD an$ he 5a$e hi# (en &o thro"&h the 'e##e! an$
hac2 a-ay the a-nin&? 8"t he pre##e$ on to the H"arter$ec2? It i# #ai$ the -ere-o!f fit ca(e o'er
hi( an$ (any of hi# co(panion#? They #!o- a!! the (en -ho -ere 5efore the(? S2a!!a&ri( $i$ the
#a(e a# he -ent ro"n$ the 'e##e!? He an$ hi# father pa"#e$ not ti!! they ha$ c!eare$ it? No- -hen
/'e!$"!f ca(e "pon the H"arter$ec2 he rai#e$ hi# c!ea'erD an$ #(ote Ha!!'ar$ thro"&h he!( an$
hea$D #o that the haft -a# 5"rie$ in the f!e#hC 5"t he $ra&&e$ it to hi( #o 'io!ent!y that he -hi#2e$
Ha!!'ar$ into the air?D an$ f!"n& hi( o'er5oar$? S2a!!a&ri( c!eare$ the foreca#t!e an$ #!e- Si&try&&?
Many (en f!"n& the(#e!'e# o'er5oar$D 5"t S2a!!a&ri(1# (en too2 to the 5oat an$ ro-e$ a5o"tD
2i!!in& a!! they fo"n$? Th"# peri#he$ Ha!!'ar$ -ith fifty (en? S2a!!a&ri( an$ hi# party too2 the #hip
an$ a!! the &oo$# -hich ha$ 5e!on&e$ to Ha!!'ar$ ? ? ? an$ f!itte$ it an$ the -are# to their o-n
'e##e!D an$ then e)chan&e$ #hip#D !a$in& their capt"reD 5"t H"ittin& their o-n? After -hich they
fi!!e$ their o!$ #hip -ith #tone#D 5ra2e it "p an$ #an2 it? A &oo$ 5reeIe #pran& "pD an$ they #too$ o"t
to #ea?
It i# #ai$ of the#e (en in the en&a&e(ent -ho -ere -ere-o!'e#D or tho#e on -ho( ca(e the
5er#er2r ra&eD that a# !on& a# the fit -a# on the( no one co"!$ oppo#e the(D they -ere #o #tron&C
5"t -hen it ha$ pa##e$ off they -ere fee5!er than "#"a!? It -a# the #a(e -ith /'e!$"!f -hen the
-ere-o!f fit -ent off hi(he then fe!t the e)ha"#tion con#eH"ent on the fi&htD an$ he -a# #o
co(p!ete!y 1$one "pD1 that he -a# o5!i&e$ to ta2e to hi# 5e$?9
In !i2e (anner S2a!!a&ri( ha$ hi# fit# of frenIyD ta2in& after hi# a(ia5!e father?
9Thor$ an$ hi# co(panion -ere oppo#e$ to S2a!!a&ri( in the &a(eD an$ they -ere too ("ch for
hi(D he -earie$D an$ the &a(e -ent 5etter -ith the(? 8"t at $"#2D after #"n#etD it -ent -or#e -ith
E&i!! an$ Thor$D for S2a!!a&ri( 5eca(e #o #tron& that he ca"&ht "p Thor$ an$ ca#t hi( $o-nD #o
that he 5ro2e hi# 5one#D an$ that -a# the $eath of hi(? Then he ca"&ht at E&i!!? Thor&er$ 8rZ2 -a#
the na(e of a #er'ant of S2a!!a&ri(D -ho ha$ 5een fo#ter(other to E&i!!? She -a# a -o(an of
&reat #tat"reD #tron& a# a (an an$ a 5it of a -itch? 8rZ2 e)c!ai(e$D1S2a!!a&ri(O are yo" no-
fa!!in& "pon yo"r #onP1 Sha(aI [\ at #yni []n"(T? Then S2a!!a&ri( !et &o hi# ho!$ of E&i!! an$
c!"tche$ at her? She #tarte$ a#i$e an$ f!e$? S2a!!a&ri(? fo!!o-e$? They ran o"t "pon Di&rane##D an$
#he #pran& off the hea$!an$ into the -ater? S2a!!a&ri( ca#t after her a h"&e #tone -hich #tr"c2 her
5et-een the #ho"!$er#D an$ #he ne'er ro#e after it? The p!ace i# no- ca!!e$ 8ra21# So"n$?9Sc? <F?T
Let it 5e o5#er'e$ that in the#e pa##a&e# fro( the AiglaD the -or$# aY ha(aID ha(ra((rD ^c? are
"#e$ -itho"t any intention of con'eyin& the i$ea of a chan&e of 5o$i!y #hapeD tho"&h the -or$#
ta2en !itera!!y a##ert it? ,or they are $eri'e$ fro( hamrD a #2in or ha5itC a -or$ -hich ha# it#
repre#entati'e# in other Aryan !an&"a&e#D an$ i# therefore a pri(iti'e -or$ e)pre##i'e of the #2in of
a 5ea#t?
The San#2rit ___ carmmaC the Hin$"#tanee ___ camD hi$e or #2inC an$ ___ camraD !eatherC the
Per#ian ___ gameD c!othin&D $i#&"i#eC the Gothic ham or hamsD #2inC an$ e'en the Ita!ian camiciaD
an$ the ,rench chemiseD are co&nate -or$#? UnoteU1
V1? I #ha!! ha'e (ore to #ay on thi# #"56ect in the chapter on the Mytho!o&y of Lycanthropy?X
It #ee(# pro5a5!e accor$in&!y that the 'er5 a hama -a# fir#t app!ie$ to tho#e -ho -ore the #2in# of #a'a&e
ani(a!#D an$ -ent a5o"t the co"ntry a# free5ooter#C 5"t that pop"!ar #"per#tition #oon in'e#te$ the( -ith #"pernat"ra!
po-er#D an$ they -ere #"ppo#e$ to a##"(e the for(# of the 5ea#t# in -ho#e #2in# they -ere $i#&"i#e$? The 'er5 then
acH"ire$ the #i&nificance 9to 5eco(e a -ere-o!fD to chan&e #hape?9 It $i$ not #top thereD 5"t -ent thro"&h another
chan&e of (eanin&D an$ -a# fina!!y app!ie$ to tho#e -ho -ere aff!icte$ -ith paro)y#(# of (a$ne## or $e(oniaca!
po##e##ion?
Thi# -a# not the on!y -or$ connecte$ -ith -ere-o!'e# -hich he!pe$ on the #"per#tition? The -or$ vargrD a -o!fD
ha$ a $o"5!e #i&nificanceD -hich -o"!$ 5e the (ean# of ori&inatin& (any a -ere-o!f #tory? 'argr i# the #a(e a# u)
argrD re#t!e##C argr 5ein& the #a(e a# the An&!oSa)on earg? 'argr ha$ it# $o"5!e #i&nification in Nor#e? It #i&nifie$ a
-o!fD an$ a!#o a &o$!e## (an? Thi# vargr i# the En&!i#h wereD in the -or$ -ere-o!fD an$ the garou or varou in ,rench?
The Dani#h -or$ for -ere-o!f i# var)ul$D the Gothic vaira)ul$? In the *omans de GarinD it i# 9Le" -aro"D #an&!ante
5e#te?9 In the 'ie de !. +ilde$ons 5y Ga"thier $e Coin#iD
Ci! !on $e#'eD ci! !o" &aro!D
Ce #"nt $ea5!eD H"e #a"!
Ne p"ent e#tre $e no# (or$re?
Here the !o"p&aro" i# a $e'i!? The An&!oSa)on# re&ar$e$ hi( a# an e'i! (an: weargD a
#co"n$re!C Gothic varysD a fien$? 8"t 'ery often the -or$ (eant no (ore than an o"t!a-? P!"H"et in
hi# Contes ,opulaires te!!# "# that the ancient Nor(an !a-# #ai$ of the cri(ina!# con$e(ne$ to
o"t!a-ry for certain offence#D -argus esto: 5e an o"t!a-O
In !i2e (anner the Le) Rip"ariaD tit? *MD 9+ar&"# #itD hoe e#t e)p"!#"#?9 In the !a-# of Can"teD he
i# ca!!e$ 'ere'"!f? SLeges CanutiD Sch(i$D i? 1<*?T An$ the Sa!ic La- Stit? 7MT or$er#: 9Si H"i#
corp"# 6a( #ep"!t"( effo$eritD a"t e)po!ia'eritD wargus #it?9 9If any one #ha!! ha'e $"& "p or
$e#poi!e$ an a!rea$y 5"rie$ corp#eD !et hi( 5e a 'ar&?9
Si$oni"# Apo!!inari#? #ay#D 9Una( fe(ina( H"a( forte vargorumD hoc eni( no(ine in$i&ena#
!atr"nc"!o# n"nc"pantD9 a# tho"&h the co((on na(e 5y -hich tho#e -ho !i'e$ a free5ooter !ife
-ere $e#i&nate$D -a# 'ar&?
In !i2e (anner Pa!&ra'e a##"re# "# in hi# *ise and ,rogress o$ the .nglish CommonwealthD that
a(on& the An&!oD Sa)on# an utlaghD or o"t!a-D -a# #ai$ to ha'e the hea$ of a -o!f? If then the ter(
vargr -a# app!ie$ at one ti(e to a -o!fD at another to an o"t!a- -ho !i'e$ the !ife of a -i!$ 5ea#tD
a-ay fro( the ha"nt# of (en 9he #ha!! 5e $ri'en a-ay a# a -o!fD an$ cha#e$ #o far a# (en cha#e
-o!'e# farthe#tD9 -a# the !e&a! for( of #entenceit i# certain!y no (atter of -on$er that #torie# of
o"t!a-# #ho"!$ ha'e 5eco(e #"rro"n$e$ -ith (ythica! acco"nt# of their tran#for(ation into
-o!'e#?
8"t the 'ery i$io( of the Nor#e -a# ca!c"!ate$ to fo#ter thi# #"per#tition? The Ice!an$er# ha$
c"rio"# e)pre##ion# -hich are #"fficient!y !i2e!y to ha'e pro$"ce$ (i#conception#?
V1? SIDONIUS APOLLINARIS: OperaD !i5? 'i? ep? <?X
Snorri not on!y re!ate# that O$in chan&e$ hi(#e!f into another for(D 5"t he a$$# that 5y hi# #pe!!#
he t"rne$ hi# ene(ie# into 5oar#? In preci#e!y the #a(e (anner $oe# a ha&D L6otD in the %atn#$4!a
Sa&aD #ay that #he co"!$ ha'e t"rne$ Thor#teinn an$ =02"!! into 5oar# to r"n a5o"t -ith the -i!$
5ea#t# Sc? ))'i?TC an$ the e)pre##ion vera at g/altiD or at g/ltumD to 5eco(e a 5oarD i# freH"ent!y
(et -ith in the Sa&a#?
9There"pon ca(e Thorarinn an$ hi# (en "pon the(D an$ Na&!i !e$ the -ayC 5"t -hen he #a-
-eapon# $ra-n he -a# fri&htene$D an$ ran a-ay "p the (o"ntainD an$ 5eca(e a 5oar? ? ? ? An$
Thorarinn an$ hi# (en too2 to r"nD #o a# to he!p Na&!iD !e#t he #ho"!$ t"(5!e off the c!iff# into the
#ea9 SEyr5y&&6a Sa&aD c? )'iii?T A #i(i!ar e)pre##ion occ"r# in the Gi#!a Sa&a S"r##onarD p? 7F? In
the Hro!f# Sa&a /ra2aD -e (eet -ith a tro!! in 5oar1# #hapeD to -ho( $i'ine hono"r# are pai$C an$
in the /6a!ne##in&a Sa&aD c? )'?D (en are !i2ene$ to 5oar#9Then it 5e&an to fare -ith the( a# it
fare# -ith 5oar# -hen they fi&ht each otherD for in the #a(e (anner $roppe$ their foa(?9 The tr"e
#i&nification of vera at g/alti i# to 5e in #"ch a #tate of fear a# to !o#e the #en#e#C 5"t it i#
#"fficient!y pec"!iar to ha'e &i'en ri#e to #"per#titio"# #torie#?
I ha'e $-e!t at #o(e !en&th on the Northern (yth# re!ati'e to -ere-o!'e# an$ ani(a!
tran#for(ation#D 5eca"#e I ha'e con#i$ere$ the in'e#ti&ation of the#e a!!i(portant to-ar$# the
e!"ci$ation of the tr"th -hich !ie# at the 5otto( of (e$i4'a! #"per#titionD an$ -hich i# no-here #o
o5taina5!e a# thro"&h the Nor#e !iterat"re? A# (ay 5e #een fro( the pa##a&e# H"ote$ a5o'e at
!en&thD an$ fro( an e)a(ination of tho#e (ere!y referre$ toD the re#"!t arri'e$ at i# pretty
conc!"#i'eD an$ (ay 5e #"((e$ "p in 'ery fe- -or$#?
The -ho!e #"per#tr"ct"re of fa5!e an$ ro(ance re!ati'e to tran#for(ation into -i!$ 5ea#t#D
repo#e# #i(p!y on thi# 5a#i# of tr"ththat a(on& the Scan$ina'ian nation# there e)i#te$ a for( of
(a$ne## or po##e##ionD "n$er the inf!"ence of -hich (en acte$ a# tho"&h they -ere chan&e$ into
-i!$ an$ #a'a&e 5r"te#D ho-!in&D foa(in& at the (o"thD ra'enin& for 5!oo$ an$ #!a"&hterD rea$y to
co((it any act of atrocityD an$ a# irre#pon#i5!e for their action# a# the -o!'e# an$ 5ear#D in -ho#e
#2in# they often eH"ippe$ the(#e!'e#?
The (anner in -hich thi# fact 5eca(e in'e#te$ -ith #"pernat"ra! a$6"nct# I ha'e a!#o pointe$
o"tD to -itD the chan&e in the #i&nificance of the -or$ $e#i&natin& the (a$ne##D the $o"5!e (eanin&
of the -or$ vargrD an$ a5o'e a!!D the ha5it# an$ appearance of the (aniac#? +e #ha!! #ee in#tance# of
5er#er2r ra&e reappearin& in the (i$$!e a&e#D an$ !ate $o-n into o"r o-n ti(e#D not e)c!"#i'e!y in
the NorthD 5"t thro"&ho"t ,ranceD Ger(anyD an$ En&!an$D an$ in#tea$ of re6ectin& the acco"nt#
&i'en 5y chronic!er# a# fa5"!o"#D 5eca"#e there i# ("ch connecte$ -ith the( -hich #ee(# to 5e
fa5"!o"#D -e #ha!! 5e a5!e to refer the( to their tr"e ori&in?
It (ay 5e accepte$ a# an a)io(D that no #"per#tition of &enera! acceptance i# $e#tit"te of a
fo"n$ation of tr"thC an$ if -e $i#co'er the (yth of the -ere-o!f to 5e -i$e!y #prea$D not on!y
thro"&ho"t E"ropeD 5"t thro"&h the -ho!e -or!$D -e (ay re#t a##"re$ that there i# a #o!i$ core of
factD ro"n$ -hich pop"!ar #"per#tition ha# cry#ta!!iIe$C an$ that fact i# the e)i#tence of a #pecie# of
(a$ne##D $"rin& the acce##e# of -hich the per#on aff!icte$ 5e!ie'e# hi(#e!f to 5e a -i!$ 5ea#tD an$
act# !i2e a -i!$ 5ea#t?
In #o(e ca#e# thi# (a$ne## a(o"nt# apparent!y to po#iti'e po##e##ionD an$ the $ia5o!ica! act#
into -hich the po##e##e$ i# i(pe!!e$ are #o horri5!eD that the 5!oo$ c"r$!e# in rea$in& the(D an$ it i#
i(po##i5!e to reca!! the( -itho"t a #h"$$er?
!HA)TER V#
THE WERE-WOLF IN THE +IDDLE-AGES#
Storie# fro( O!a"# Ma&n"# of Li'onian +ere-o!'e#Story fro( 8i#hop Ma6o!"#Story of
A!5ert"# Pericofci"#Si(i!ar occ"rrence at Pra&"eSaint Patric2Stran&e inci$ent re!ate$ 5y =ohn
of N>re(5er&8i#c!a'eretCo"r!an$ +ere-o!'e#Pierre %i$a!Pa'ian Lycanthropi#t8o$in1#
Storie#,ore#t"#1 Acco"nt of a Lycanthropi#tNeapo!itan +ere-o!f
O!a"# Ma&n"# re!ate# that9In Pr"##iaD Li'oniaD an$ Lith"aniaD a!tho"&h the inha5itant# #"ffer
con#i$era5!y fro( the rapacity of -o!'e# thro"&ho"t the yearD in that the#e ani(a!# ren$ their catt!eD
-hich are #cattere$ in &reat n"(5er# thro"&h the -oo$#D -hene'er they #tray in the 'ery !ea#tD yet
thi# i# not re&ar$e$ 5y the( a# #"ch a #erio"# (atter a# -hat they en$"re fro( (en t"rne$ into
-o!'e#?
9On the fea#t of the Nati'ity of Chri#tD at ni&htD #"ch a ("!tit"$e of -o!'e# tran#for(e$ fro( (en
&ather to&ether in a certain #potD arran&e$ a(on& the(#e!'e#D an$ then #prea$ to ra&e -ith
-on$ro"# ferocity a&ain#t h"(an 5ein&#D an$ tho#e ani(a!# -hich are not -i!$D that the nati'e# of
the#e re&ion# #"ffer (ore $etri(ent fro( the#eD than they $o fro( tr"e an$ nat"ra! -o!'e#C for -hen
a h"(an ha5itation ha# 5een $etecte$ 5y the( i#o!ate$ in the -oo$#D they 5e#ie&e it -ith atrocityD
#tri'in& to 5rea2 in the $oor#D an$ in the e'ent of their $oin& #oD they $e'o"r a!! the h"(an 5ein&#D
an$ e'ery ani(a! -hich i# fo"n$ -ithin? They 5"r#t into the 5eerce!!ar#D an$ there they e(pty the
t"n# of 5eer or (ea$D an$ pi!e "p the e(pty ca#2# one a5o'e another in the (i$$!e of the ce!!arD th"#
#ho-in& their $ifference fro( nat"ra! an$ &en"ine -o!'e#? ? ? ? 8et-een Lith"aniaD Li'oniaD an$
Co"r!an$ are the -a!!# of a certain o!$ r"ine$ ca#t!e? At thi# #pot con&re&ate tho"#an$#D on a fi)e$
occa#ionD an$ try their a&i!ity in 6"(pin&? Tho#e -ho are "na5!e to 5o"n$ o'er the -a!!D a#C i# often
the ca#e -ith the fatte#tD are fa!!en "pon -ith #co"r&e# 5y the captain# an$ #!ain?9 UnoteU1 O!a"#
re!ate# a!#o in c? )!'ii? the #tory of a certain no5!e(an -ho -a# tra'e!!in& thro"&h a !ar&e fore#t -ith
#o(e pea#ant# in hi# retin"e -ho $a55!e$ in the 5!ac2 art? They fo"n$ no ho"#e -here they co"!$
!o$&e for the ni&htD an$ -ere -e!!ni&h fa(i#he$? Then one of the pea#ant# offere$D if a!! the re#t
-o"!$ ho!$ their ton&"e# a# to -hat he #ho"!$ $oD that he -o"!$ 5rin& the( a !a(5 fro( a $i#tant
f!oc2?
V1? OLAUS MAGNUS: +istoria de 'ent. !eptent? 8a#i!? 17D !i5? )'iii? cap? <7?X
He there"pon retire$ into the $epth# of the fore#t an$ chan&e$ hi# for( into that of a -o!fD fe!!
"pon the f!oc2D an$ 5ro"&ht a !a(5 to hi# co(panion# in hi# (o"th? They recei'e$ it -ith &ratit"$e?
Then he retire$ once (ore into the thic2etD an$ tran#for(e$ hi(#e!f 5ac2 a&ain into hi# h"(an
#hape?
The -ife of a no5!e(an in Li'onia e)pre##e$ her $o"5t# to one of her #!a'e# -hether it -ere
po##i5!e for (an or -o(an th"# to chan&e #hape? The #er'ant at once 'o!"nteere$ to &i'e her
e'i$ence of the po##i5i!ity? He !eft the roo(D an$ in another (o(ent a -o!f -a# o5#er'e$ r"nnin&
o'er the co"ntry? The $o&# fo!!o-e$ hi(D an$ not-ith#tan$in& hi# re#i#tanceD tore o"t one of hi#
eye#? Ne)t $ay the #!a'e appeare$ 5efore hi# (i#tre## 5!in$ of an eye?
8p? Ma6o!"# UnoteU1 an$ Ca#par Pe"cer UnoteUL re!ate the fo!!o-in& circ"(#tance# of the
Li'onian#:
V1? MA=OLI .pisc. 'ulturoniensis Dier. Canicul. He!enopo!i#D 1A1LD to(? ii? co!!oH? ;?
L? CASPAR PEUCER: Comment. de ,r#cipuis Divin. Generi&usD 17B1D p? 1AB?X
At Chri#t(a# a 5oy !a(e of a !e& &oe# ro"n$ the co"ntry #"((onin& the $e'i!1# fo!!o-er#D -ho
are co"nt!e##D to a &enera! conc!a'e? +hoe'er re(ain# 5ehin$D or &oe# re!"ctant!yD i# #co"r&e$ 5y
another -ith an iron -hip ti!! the 5!oo$ f!o-#D an$ hi# trace# are !eft in 5!oo$? The h"(an for(
'ani#he#D an$ the -ho!e ("!tit"$e 5eco(e -o!'e#? Many tho"#an$# a##e(5!e? ,ore(o#t &oe# the
!ea$er ar(e$ -ith an iron -hipD an$ the troop fo!!o-D 9fir(!y con'ince$ in their i(a&ination# that
they are tran#for(e$ into -o!'e#?9 They fa!! "pon her$# of catt!e an$ f!oc2# of #heepD 5"t they ha'e
no po-er to #!ay (en? +hen they co(e to a ri'erD the !ea$er #(ite# the -ater -ith hi# #co"r&eD an$
it $i'i$e#D !ea'in& a $ry path thro"&h the (i$#tD 5y -hich the pac2 (ay &o? The tran#for(ation !a#t#
$"rin& t-e!'e $ay#D at the e)piration of -hich perio$ the -o!f#2in 'ani#he#D an$ the h"(an for(
reappear#? Thi# #"per#tition -a# e)pre##!y for5i$$en 5y the ch"rch? 9Cre$i$i#tiD H"o$ H"i$a(
cre$ere #o!entD "t i!!4 H"4 a '"!&o Parc4 'ocant"rD ip#4D 'e! #int 'e! po##int hoc facere H"o$
cre$"nt"rD i$ e#tD $"( a!iH"i# ho(o na#cit"rD et t"nc 'a!eant i!!"( $e#i&nare a$ hoc H"o$ 'e!intD "t
H"an$oc"nH"e ho(o i!!e 'o!"eritD in !"p"( tran#for(ari po##itD H"o$ '"!&ari# #t"!titiaD werwol$
'ocatD a"t in a!ia( a!iH"a( fi&"ra(P9Ap? 8"rchar$? S$? 1FL<T? In !i2e (anner $i$ S? 8oniface
preach a&ain#t tho#e -ho 5e!ie'e$ #"per#titio"#!y in it #tri&a# et ficto# !"po#?9 S!erm? ap"$ Mart? et
D"ran$? i)? L1M?T
In a $i##ertation 5y M>!!er UnoteU1 -e !earnD on the a"thority of C!"'eri"# an$ Dannha'er"#
SAcad. +omilet. p? ii?TD that a certain A!5ert"# Pericofci"# in M"#co'y -a# -ont to tyranniIe o'er
an$ hara## hi# #"56ect# in the (o#t "n#cr"p"!o"# (anner? One ni&ht -hen he -a# a5#ent fro(
ho(eD hi# -ho!e her$ of catt!eD acH"ire$ 5y e)tortionD peri#he$? On hi# ret"rn he -a# infor(e$ of
hi# !o##D an$ the -ic2e$ (an 5ro2e o"t into the (o#t horri5!e 5!a#phe(ie#D e)c!ai(in&D 9Let hi(
-ho ha# #!ainD eatC if Go$ choo#e#D !et hi( $e'o"r (e a# -e!!?9
V1? De QGree2 Lukanrwp0aR? Lip#i4D 1M;A?X
A# he #po2eD $rop# of 5!oo$ fe!! to earthD an$ the no5!e(anD tran#for(e$ into a -i!$ $o&D r"#he$
"pon hi# $ea$ catt!eD tore an$ (an&!e$ the carca##e# an$ 5e&an to $e'o"r the(C po##i5!y he (ay 5e
$e'o"rin& the( #ti!! Sac $orsan hodie 1ue pasciturT? Hi# -ifeD then near her confine(entD $ie$ of
fear? Of the#e circ"(#tance# there -ere not on!y ear 5"t a!#o eye -itne##e#? S2on a& auritis tantum3
sed et ocidatis accepi3 1uod narroT? Si(i!ar!y it i# re!ate$ of a no5!e(an in the nei&h5o"rhoo$ of
Pra&"eD that he ro55e$ hi# #"56ect# of their &oo$# an$ re$"ce$ the( to pen"ry thro"&h hi#
e)action#? He too2 the !a#t co- fro( a poor -i$o- -ith fi'e chi!$renD 5"t a# a 6"$&(entD a!! hi#
o-n catt!e $ie$? He then 5ro2e into fearf"! oath#D an$ Go$ tran#for(e$ hi( into a $o&: hi# h"(an
hea$D ho-e'erD re(aine$?
S? Patric2 i# #ai$ to ha'e chan&e$ %eretic"#D 2in& of +a!e#D into a -o!fD an$ S? Nata!i#D the a55otD
to ha'e prono"nce$ anathe(a "pon an i!!"#trio"# fa(i!y in Ire!an$C in con#eH"ence of -hichD e'ery
(a!e an$ fe(a!e ta2e the for( of -o!'e# for #e'en year# an$ !i'e in the fore#t# an$ career o'er the
5o&#D ho-!in& (o"rnf"!!yD an$ appea#in& their h"n&er "pon the #heep of the pea#ant#? UnoteU1 A
$"2e of Pr"##iaD accor$in& to Ma6o!"#D ha$ a co"ntry(an 5ro"&ht for #entence 5efore hi(D 5eca"#e
he ha$ $e'o"re$ hi# nei&h5o"r1# catt!e? The fe!!o- -a# an i!!fa'o"re$D $efor(e$ (anD -ith &reat
-o"n$# in hi# faceD -hich he ha$ recei'e$ fro( $o&#1 5ite# -hi!#t he ha$ 5een in hi# -o!f1# for(? It
-a# 5e!ie'e$ that he chan&e$ #hape t-ice in the yearD at Chri#t(a# an$ at Mi$#"((er? He -a# #ai$
to e)hi5it ("ch "nea#ine## an$ $i#co(fort -hen the -o!fhair 5e&an to 5rea2 o"t an$ hi# 5o$i!y
#hape to chan&e?
V1? PHIL? HARTUNG: Conciones 4ergemin#D par# ii? p? ;AM?X
He -a# 2ept !on& in pri#on an$ c!o#e!y -atche$D !e#t he #ho"!$ 5eco(e a -ere-o!f $"rin& hi#
confine(ent an$ atte(pt to e#capeD 5"t nothin& re(ar2a5!e too2 p!ace? If thi# i# the #a(e in$i'i$"a!
a# that (entione$ 5y O!a"# Ma&n"#D a# there #ee(# to 5e a pro5a5i!ityD the poor fe!!o- -a# 5"rne$
a!i'e?
=ohn of N>re(5er& re!ate# the fo!!o-in& c"rio"# #tory? UnoteU1 A prie#t -a# once tra'e!!in& in a
#tran&e co"ntryD an$ !o#t hi# -ay in a fore#t? Seein& a fireD he (a$e to-ar$# itD an$ 5ehe!$ a -o!f
#eate$ o'er it? The -o!f a$$re##e$ hi( in h"(an'oiceD an$ 5a$e hi( not fearD a# 9he -a# of the
O##yrian raceD of -hich a (an an$ a -o(an -ere $oo(e$ to #pen$ a certain n"(5er of year# in
-o!f1# for(? On!y after #e'en year# (i&ht they ret"rn ho(e an$ re#"(e their for(er #hape#D if they
-ere #ti!! a!i'e?9 He 5e&&e$ the prie#t to 'i#it an$ con#o!e hi# #ic2 -ifeD an$ to &i'e her the !a#t
#acra(ent#? Thi# the prie#t con#ente$ to $oD after #o(e he#itationD an$ on!y -hen con'ince$ of the
5ea#t# 5ein& h"(an 5ein&#D 5y o5#er'in& that the -o!f "#e$ hi# front pa-# a# han$#D an$ -hen he
#a- the #he-o!f pee! off her -o!f#2in fro( her hea$ to her na'e!D e)hi5itin& the feat"re# of an
a&e$ -o(an?
V1? =OHN EUS? NIEREN8ERG de 5iracul. in .uropaD !i5? ii? cap? <L?X
Marie $e ,rance #ay# in the Lai# $" 8i#c!a'eret: UnoteU1
8i#c!a'eret a$ n"n en 8retan
Gar-a!! Pape!ent !i Nor(an?
` ` ` `
=a$i# !e poeth"( oir
Et #o"'ent #"!eit a'enirD
H"(e# p!"#eir# Gar-a!! $e'ien$rent
E e# 5o#ca&e# (ei#"n tin$rent
V1? An epito(e of thi# c"rio"# -ere-o!f ta!e -i!! 5e fo"n$ in E!!i#1# .arly .nglish 5etrical *omances?X
There i# an intere#tin& paper 5y Rhan4"#D on the Co"r!an$ -ere-o!'e#D in the 8re#!a"er
Sa((!"n&? UnoteUL The a"thor #ay#D9There are too (any e)a(p!e# $eri'e$ not (ere!y fro(
hear#ayD 5"t recei'e$ on in$i#p"ta5!e e'i$enceD for "# to $i#p"te the factD that Satanif -e $o not
$eny that #"ch a 5ein& e)i#t#D an$ that he ha# hi# -or2 in the chi!$ren of $ar2ne##ho!$# the
Lycanthropi#t# in hi# net in three -ay#:
VL? S"pp!e(ent III? Curieuser "n$ n"tI5arer An(er2"n&en 'on Nat"r "n$ /"n#t&e#chichtenD
&e#a((e!t 'on /ano!$? 1ML*?X
91? They e)ec"te a# -o!'e# certain act#D #"ch a# #eiIin& a #heepD or $e#troyin& catt!eD ^c?D not
chan&e$ into -o!'e#D -hich no #cientific (an in Co"r!an$ 5e!ie'e#D 5"t in their h"(an fra(e#D an$
-ith their h"(an !i(5#D yet in #"ch a #tate of phanta#y an$ ha!!"cinationD that they 5e!ie'e
the(#e!'e# tran#for(e$ into -o!'e#D an$ are re&ar$e$ a# #"ch 5y other# #"fferin& "n$er #i(i!ar
ha!!"cinationD an$ in thi# (anner r"n the#e peop!e in pac2# a# -o!'e#D tho"&h not tr"e -o!'e#?
9L? They i(a&ineD in $eep #!eep or $rea(D that they in6"re the catt!eD an$ thi# -itho"t !ea'in& their
conchC 5"t it i# their (a#ter -ho $oe#D in their #tea$D -hat their fancy point# o"tD or #"&&e#t# to hi(?
9;? The e'i! one $ri'e# nat"ra! -o!'e# to $o #o(e actD an$ then pict"re# it #o -e!! to the #!eeperD
i((o'a5!e in hi# p!aceD 5oth in $rea(# an$ at a-a2in&D that he 5e!ie'e# the act to ha'e 5een
co((itte$ 5y hi(#e!f?9
Rhan4"#D "n$er the#e hea$#D re!ate# three #torie#D -hich he 5e!ie'e# 5e ha# on &oo$ a"thority?
The fir#t i# of a &ent!e(an #tartin& on a 6o"rneyD -ho ca(e "pon a -o!f en&a&e$ in the act of
#eiIin& a #heep in hi# o-n f!oc2C he fire$ at itD an$ -o"n$e$ itD #o that it f!e$ ho-!in& to the thic2et?
+hen the &ent!e(an ret"rne$ fro( hi# e)pe$ition he fo"n$ the -ho!e nei&h5o"rhoo$ i(pre##e$
-ith the 5e!ief that he ha$D on a &i'en $ay an$ ho"rD #hot at one of hi# tenant#D a p"5!icanD Mic2e!?
On inH"iryD the (an1# +ifeD ca!!e$ Le55aD re!ate$ the fo!!o-in& circ"(#tance#D -hich -ere f"!!y
corro5orate$ 5y n"(ero"# -itne##e#:+hen her h"#5an$ ha$ #o-n hi# rye he ha$ con#"!te$ -ith
hi# -ife ho- he -a# to &et #o(e (eatD #o a# to ha'e a &oo$ fea#t? The -o(an "r&e$ hi( on no
acco"nt to #tea! fro( hi# !an$!or$1# f!oc2D 5eca"#e it -a# &"ar$e$ 5y fierce $o&#? HeD ho-e'erD
re6ecte$ her a$'iceD an$ Mic2e! fe!! "pon hi# !an$!or$1# #heepD 5"t he ha$ #"ffere$ an$ ha$ co(e
!i(pin& ho(eD an$ in hi# ra&e at the i!! #"cce## of hi# atte(ptD ha$ fa!!en "pon hi# o-n hor#e an$
ha$ 5itten it# throat co(p!ete!y thro"&h? Thi# too2 p!ace in the year 1A*<?
In 1A*<D a (an -a# a5o"t to fire "pon a pac2 of -o!'e#D -hen he hear$ fro( a(on& the troop a
'oice e)c!ai(in&9Go##ipO Go##ipO $on1t fire? No &oo$ -i!! co(e of it?9
The thir$ #tory i# a# fo!!o-#:A !ycanthropi#t -a# 5ro"&ht 5efore a 6"$&e an$ acc"#e$ of
-itchcraftD 5"t a# nothin& co"!$ 5e pro'e$ a&ain#t hi(D the 6"$&e or$ere$ one of hi# pea#ant# to 'i#it
the (an in hi# pri#onD an$ to -or( the tr"th o"t of hi(D an$ to per#"a$e the pri#oner to a##i#t hi( in
re'en&in& hi(#e!f "pon another pea#ant -ho ha$ in6"re$ hi(C an$ thi# -a# to 5e effecte$ 5y
$e#troyin& one of the (an1# co-#C 5"t the pea#ant -a# to "r&e the pri#oner to $o it #ecret!yD an$D if
po##i5!eD in the $i#&"i#e of a -o!f? The fe!!o- "n$ertoo2 the ta#2D 5"t he ha$ &reat $iffic"!ty in
per#"a$in& the pri#oner to fa!! in -ith hi# -i#he#: e'ent"a!!yD ho-e'erD he #"ccee$e$? Ne)t (ornin&
the co- -a# fo"n$ in it# #ta!! fri&htf"!!y (an&!e$D 5"t the pri#oner ha$ not !eft hi# ce!!: for the
-atchD -ho ha$ 5een p!ace$ to o5#er'e hi(D $ec!are$ that he ha$ #pent the ni&ht in profo"n$ #!eepD
an$ that he ha$ on!y at one ti(e (a$e a #!i&ht (otion -ith hi# hea$ an$ han$# an$ feet?
+ieri"# an$ ,ore#t"# H"ote G"!ie!("# 8ra5antin"# a# an a"thority for the factD that a (an of hi&h
po#ition ha$ 5een #o po##e##e$ 5y the e'i! oneD that often $"rin& the year he fe!! into a con$ition in
-hich he 5e!ie'e$ hi(#e!f to 5e t"rne$ into a -o!fD an$ at that ti(e he ro'e$ in the -oo$# an$ trie$
to #eiIe an$ $e'o"r !itt!e chi!$renD 5"t that at !a#tD 5y Go$1# (ercyD he reco'ere$ hi# #en#e#?
Certain!y the fa(o"# Pierre %i$a!D the Don N"i)ote of Pro'enaa! tro"5a$o"r#D ("#t ha'e ha$ a
to"ch of thi# (a$ne##D -henD after ha'in& fa!!en in !o'e -ith a !a$y of Carca##oneD na(e$ Lo5aD or
the +o!fe##D the e)ce## of hi# pa##ion $ro'e hi( o'er the co"ntryD ho-!in& !i2e a -o!fD an$
$e(eanin& hi(#e!f (ore !i2e an irrationa! 5ea#t than a rationa! (an?
He co((e(orate# hi# !"pine (a$ne## in the poe( A tal Donna: UnoteU1
V1? 8RUCE +HYTE: +istoire des Langues *omainesD to(? ii? p? L<*?X
Cro-ne$ -ith i((orta! 6oy# I (o"nt
The pro"$e#t e(peror# a5o'eD
,or I a( hono"re$ -ith the !o'e
Of the fair $a"&hter of a co"nt?
A !ace fro( Na Ray(5a"$a1# han$
I 'a!"e (ore than a!! the !an$
Of Richar$D -ith hi# Pobcto"D
Hi# rich To"raine an$ fa(e$ An6o"?
+hen loup)garou the ra55!e ca!! (eD
+hen 'a&rant #hepher$# hootD
P"r#"eD an$ 5"ffet (e to 5ootD
It $oth not for a (o(ent &a!! (eC
I #ee2 not pa!ace# or ha!!#D
Or ref"&e -hen the -inter fa!!#C
E)po#e$ to -in$# an$ fro#t# at ni&htD
My #o"! i# ra'i#he$ -ith $e!i&ht?
Me c!ai(# (y #he-o!f SLo&aT #o $i'ine:
An$ 6"#t!y #he that c!ai( prefer#D
,orD 5y (y trothD (y !ife i# her#
More than another1#D (ore than (ine?
=o5 ,ince!i"# UnoteUL re!ate# the #a$ #tory of a far(er of Pa'iaD -hoD a# a -o!fD fe!! "pon (any
(en in the open co"ntry an$ tore the( to piece#? After ("ch tro"5!e the (aniac -a# ca"&htD an$ he
then a##"re$ hi# captor# that the on!y $ifference -hich e)i#te$ 5et-een hi(#e!f an$ a nat"ra! -o!fD
-a# that in a tr"e -o!f the hair &re- o"t-ar$D -hi!#t in hi( it #tr"c2 in-ar$? In or$er to p"t thi#
a##ertion to the proofD the (a&i#trate#D the(#e!'e# (o#t certain!y cr"e! an$ 5!oo$thir#ty -o!'e#D c"t
off hi# ar(# an$ !e&#C the poor -retch $ie$ of the ("ti!ation? Thi# too2 p!ace in 17<1? The i$ea of
the #2in 5ein& re'er#e$ i# a 'ery ancient one: versipellis occ"r# a# a na(e of reproach in Petroni"#D
L"ci!i"#D an$ P!a"t"#D an$ re#e(5!e# the Nor#e hamrammr?
VL? ,INCELIUS de 5ira&ili&usD !i5? )i?X
,ince!i"# re!ate# a!#o thatD in 17<LD there -a# #"ch a ("!tit"$e of -ere-o!'e# a5o"t
Con#tantinop!e that the E(perorD acco(panie$ 5y hi# &"ar$D !eft the city to &i'e the( a #e'ere
correctionD an$ #!e- one h"n$re$ an$ fifty of the(?
Spran&er #pea2# of three yo"n& !a$ie# -ho attac2e$ a !a5o"rerD "n$er the for( of cat#D an$ -ere
-o"n$e$ 5y hi(? They -ere fo"n$ 5!ee$in& in their 5e$# ne)t (ornin&?
Ma6o!"# re!ate# that a (an aff!icte$ -ith !ycanthropy -a# 5ro"&ht to Po(ponati"#? The poor
fe!!o- ha$ 5een fo"n$ 5"rie$ in hayD an$ -hen peop!e approache$D he ca!!e$ to the( to f!eeD a# he
-a# a -ere -o!fD an$ -o"!$ ren$ the(? The co"ntryfo!2 -ante$ to f!ay hi(D to $i#co'er -hether
the hair &re- in-ar$#D 5"t Po(ponati"# re#c"e$ the (an an$ c"re$ hi(?
8o$in te!!# #o(e -ere-o!f #torie# on &oo$ a"thorityC it i# a pity that the &oo$ a"thoritie# of
8o$in -ere #"ch !iar#D 5"t thatD 5y the -ay? He #ay# that the Roya! Proc"ratorGenera! 8o"r$in ha$
a##"re$ hi( that he ha$ #hot a -o!fD an$ that the arro- ha$ #t"c2 in the 5ea#t1# thi&h? A fe- ho"r#
afterD the arro- -a# fo"n$ in the thi&h of a (an in 5e$? In %ernonD a5o"t the year 17AAD the -itche#
an$ -ar!oc2# &athere$ in &reat ("!tit"$e#D "n$er the #hape of cat#? ,o"r or fi'e (en -ere attac2e$
in a !one p!ace 5y a n"(5er of the#e 5ea#t#? The (en #too$ their &ro"n$ -ith the "t(o#t heroi#(D
#"ccee$e$ in #!ayin& one p"##D an$ in -o"n$in& (any other#? Ne)t $ay a n"(5er of -o"n$e$
-o(en -ere fo"n$ in the to-nD an$ they &a'e the 6"$&e an acc"rate acco"nt of a!! the
circ"(#tance# connecte$ -ith their -o"n$in&?
8o$in H"ote# Pierre MarnerD the a"thor of a treati#e on #orcerer#D a# ha'in& -itne##e$ in Sa'oy
the tran#for(ation of (en into -o!'e#? Nyna"!$ UnoteU1 re!ate# that in a 'i!!a&e of S-itIer!an$D
near L"cerneD a pea#ant -a# attac2e$ 5y a -o!fD -hi!#t he -a# he-in& ti(5erC he $efen$e$ hi(#e!fD
an$ #(ote off a fore!e& of the 5ea#t? The (o(ent that the 5!oo$ 5e&an to f!o- the -o!f1# for(
chan&e$D an$ he reco&niIe$ a -o(an -itho"t her ar(? She -a# 5"rnt a!i'e?
V1? NYNAULDD De la Lycanthropie? Pari#D 1A17D p? 7L?X
An e'i$ence that 5ea#t# are tran#for(e$ -itche# i# to 5e fo"n$ in their ha'in& no tai!#? +hen the
$e'i! ta2e# h"(an for(D ho-e'erD he 2eep# hi# c!"5foot of the SatyrD a# a to2en 5y -hich he (ay
5e reco&niIe$? So ani(a!# $eficient in ca"$a! appen$a&e# are to 5e a'oi$e$D a# they are -itche# in
$i#&"i#e? The Thin&-a!$ #ho"!$ con#i$er the ca#e of the Man) cat# in it# ne)t #e##ion?
,ore#t"#D in hi# chapter on (a!a$ie# of the 5rainD re!ate# a circ"(#tance -hich ca(e "n$er hi#
o-n o5#er'ationD in the (i$$!e of the #i)teenth cent"ryD at A!c(aar in the Nether!an$#? A pea#ant
there -a# attac2e$ e'ery #prin& -ith a fit of in#anityC "n$er the inf!"ence of thi# he r"#he$ a5o"t the
ch"rchyar$D ran into the ch"rchD 6"(pe$ o'er the 5enche#D $ance$D -a# fi!!e$ -ith f"ryD c!i(5e$ "pD
$e#cen$e$D an$ ne'er re(aine$ H"iet? He carrie$ a !on& #taff in hi# han$D -ith -hich he $ro'e a-ay
the $o&#D -hich f!e- at hi( an$ -o"n$e$ hi(D #o that hi# thi&h# -ere co'ere$ -ith #car#? Hi# face
-a# pa!eD hi# eye# $eep #"n2 in their #oc2et#? ,ore#t"# prono"nce# the (an to 5e a !ycanthropi#tD 5"t
he $oe# not #ay that the poor fe!!o- 5e!ie'e$ hi(#e!f to 5e tran#for(e$ into a -o!f? In reference to
thi# ca#eD ho-e'erD he (ention# that of a Spani#h no5!e(an -ho 5e!ie'e$ hi(#e!f to 5e chan&e$
into a 5earD an$ -ho -an$ere$ fi!!e$ -ith f"ry a(on& the -oo$#?
Donat"# of A!to(are UnoteU1 affir(# that he #a- a (an in the #treet# of Nap!e#D #"rro"n$e$ 5y
a rin& of peop!eD -ho in hi# -ere-o!f frenIy ha$ $"& "p a corp#e an$ -a# carryin& off the !e& "pon
hi# #ho"!$er#? Thi# -a# in the (i$$!e of the #i)teenth cent"ry?
V1? De 5edend. +uman. Corp? !i5? i? cap? B?X
!HA)TER VI#
A !HA+BER OF HORRORS#
Pierre 8o"r&ot an$ Miche! %er$"n&1Me Her(it of S? 8onnotThe Gan$i!!on ,a(i!y
Thie'enne Pa&etThe Tai!or of Ch@!on#Ro"!et?
IN Dece(5erD 17L1D the InH"i#itorGenera! for the $ioce#e of 8e#anaonD 8oin 5y na(eD hear$ a
ca#e of a #"fficient!y terri5!e nat"re to pro$"ce a profo"n$ #en#ation of a!ar( in the nei&h5o"rhoo$?
T-o (en -ere "n$er acc"#ation of -itchcraft an$ canni5a!i#(? Their na(e# -ere Pierre 8o"r&otD
or Peter the GreatD a# the peop!e ha$ nic2na(e$ hi( fro( hi# #tat"reD an$ Miche! %er$"n&? Peter
ha$ not 5een !on& "n$er tria!D 5efore he 'o!"nteere$ a f"!! confe##ion of hi# cri(e#? It a(o"nte$ to
thi#:
A5o"t nineteen year# 5eforeD on the occa#ion of a Ne- Year1# (ar2et at Po!i&nyD a terri5!e #tor(
ha$ 5ro2en o'er the co"ntryD an$ a(on& other (i#chief# $one 5y itD -a# the #catterin& of Pierre1#
f!oc2? 9In 'ainD9 #ai$ the pri#onerD 9$i$ I !a5o"rD in co(pany -ith other pea#ant#D to fin$ the #heep
an$ 5rin& the( to&ether? I -ent e'ery-here in #earch of the(?
9Then there ro$e "p three 5!ac2 hor#e(enD an$ the !a#t #ai$ to (e: 1+hither a-ayP yo" #ee( to
5e in tro"5!eP1
9I re!ate$ to hi( (y (i#fort"ne -ith (y f!oc2? He 5a$e (e p!"c2 "p (y #pirit#D an$ pro(i#e$
that hi# (a#ter -o"!$ henceforth ta2e char&e of an$ protect (y f!oc2?D if I -o"!$ on!y re!y "pon
hi(? He to!$ (eD a# -e!!D that I #ho"!$ fin$ (y #traye$ #heep 'ery #hort!yD an$ he pro(i#e$ to
pro'i$e (e -ith (oney? +e a&ree$ to (eet a&ain in fo"r or fi'e $ay#? My f!oc2 I #oon fo"n$
co!!ecte$ to&ether? At (y #econ$ (eetin& I !earne$ of the #tran&er that he -a# a #er'ant of the $e'i!?
I for#-ore Go$ an$ o"r La$y an$ a!! #aint# an$ $-e!!er# in Para$i#e? I reno"nce$ Chri#tianityD
2i##e$ hi# !eft han$D -hich -a# 5!ac2 an$ iceco!$ a# that of a corp#e? Then I fe!! on (y 2nee# an$
&a'e in (y a!!e&iance to Satan? I re(aine$ in the #er'ice of the $e'i! for t-o year#D an$ ne'er
entere$ a ch"rch 5efore the en$ of (a##D or at a!! e'ent# ti!! the ho!y -ater ha$ 5een #prin2!e$D
accor$in& to the $e#ire of (y (a#terD -ho#e na(e I after-ar$# !earne$ -a# Moy#et?
9A!! an)iety a5o"t (y f!oc2 -a# re(o'e$D for the $e'i! ha$ "n$erta2en to protect it an$ to 2eep
off the -o!'e#?
9Thi# free$o( fro( careD ho-e'erD (a$e (e 5e&in to tire of the $e'i!1# #er'iceD an$ I
reco((ence$ (y atten$ance at ch"rchD ti!! I -a# 5ro"&ht 5ac2 into o5e$ience to the e'i! one 5y
Miche! %er$"n&D -hen I rene-e$ (y co(pact on the "n$er#tan$in& that I #ho"!$ 5e #"pp!ie$ -ith
(oney?
9In a -oo$ near Cha#te! Charnon -e (et -ith (any other# -ho( I $i$ not reco&niIeC -e
$ance$D an$ each ha$ in hi# or her han$ a &reen taper -ith a 5!"e f!a(e? Sti!! "n$er the $e!"#ion that
I #ho"!$ o5tain (oneyD Miche! per#"a$e$ (e to (o'e -ith the &reate#t ce!erityD an$ in or$er to $o
thi#D after I ha$ #trippe$ (y#e!fD he #(eare$ (e -ith a #a!'eD an$ I 5e!ie'e$ (y#e!f then to 5e
tran#for(e$ into a -o!f? I -a# at fir#t #o(e-hat horrifie$ at (y fo"r -o!f1# feetD an$ the f"r -ith
-hich I -a# co'ere$ a!! at onceD 5"t I fo"n$ that I co"!$ no- tra'e! -ith the #pee$ of the -in$? Thi#
co"!$ not ha'e ta2en p!ace -itho"t the he!p of o"r po-erf"! (a#terD -ho -a# pre#ent $"rin& o"r
e)c"r#ionD tho"&h I $i$ not percei'e hi( ti!! I ha$ reco'ere$ (y h"(an for(? Miche! $i$ the #a(e
a# (y#e!f?
9+hen -e ha$ 5een one or t-o ho"r# in thi# con$ition of (eta(orpho#i#D Miche! #(eare$ "#
a&ainD an$ H"ic2 a# tho"&ht -e re#"(e$ o"r h"(an for(#? The #a!'e -a# &i'en "# 5y o"r (a#ter#C
to (e it -a# &i'en 5y Moy#etD to Miche! 5y hi# o-n (a#terD G"i!!e(in?9
Pierre $ec!are$ that he fe!t no e)ha"#tion after hi# e)c"r#ion#D tho"&h the 6"$&e inH"ire$
partic"!ar!y -hether he fe!t that pro#tration after hi# "n"#"a! e)ertionD of -hich -itche# "#"a!!y
co(p!aine$? In$ee$ the e)ha"#tion con#eH"ent on a -ere-o!f rai$ -a# #o &reat that the
!ycanthropi#t -a# often confine$ to hi# 5e$ for $ay#D an$ co"!$ har$!y (o'e han$ or footD ("ch in
the #a(e -ay a# the 5er#er2ir an$ ham rammir in the North -ere "tter!y pro#trate$ after their fit ha$
!eft the(?
In one of hi# -ere-o!f r"n#D Pierre fe!! "pon a 5oy of #i) or #e'en year# o!$D -ith hi# teethD
inten$in& to ren$ an$ $e'o"r hi(D 5"t the !a$ #crea(e$ #o !o"$ that he -a# o5!i&e$ to 5eat a retreat
to hi# c!othe#D an$ #(ear hi(#e!f a&ainD in or$er to reco'er hi# for( an$ e#cape $etection? He an$
Miche!D ho-e'erD one $ay tore to piece# a -o(an a# #he -a# &atherin& pea#C an$ a M? $e Ch"#nEeD
-ho ca(e to her re#c"eD -a# attac2e$ 5y the( an$ 2i!!e$?
On another occa#ion they fe!! "pon a !itt!e &ir! of fo"r year# o!$D an$ ate her "pD -ith the
e)ception of one ar(? Miche! tho"&ht the f!e#h (o#t $e!icio"#?
Another &ir! -a# #tran&!e$ 5y the(D an$ her 5!oo$ !appe$ "p? Of a thir$ they ate (ere!y a portion
of the #to(ach? One e'enin& at $"#2D Pierre !eape$ o'er a &ar$en -a!!D an$ ca(e "pon a !itt!e
(ai$en of nine year# o!$D en&a&e$ "pon the -ee$in& of the &ar$en 5e$#? She fe!! on her 2nee# an$
entreate$ Pierre to #pare herC 5"t he #nappe$ the nec2D an$ !eft her a corp#eD !yin& a(on& her
f!o-er#? On thi# occa#ion he $oe# not #ee( to ha'e 5een in hi# -o!f1# #hape? He fe!! "pon a &oat
-hich he fo"n$ in the fie!$ of Pierre Ler"&enD an$ 5it it in the throatD 5"t he 2i!!e$ it -ith a 2nife?
Miche! -a# tran#for(e$ in hi# c!othe# into a -o!fD 5"t Pierre -a# o5!i&e$ to #tripD an$ the
(eta(orpho#i# co"!$ not ta2e p!ace -ith hi( "n!e## he -ere #tar2 na2e$?
He -a# "na5!e to acco"nt for the (anner in -hich the hair 'ani#he$ -hen he reco'ere$ hi#
nat"ra! con$ition?
The #tate(ent# of Pierre 8o"r&ot -ere f"!!y corro5orate$ 5y Miche! %er$"n&?
To-ar$# the c!o#e of the a"t"(n of 17M;D the pea#ant# of the nei&h5o"rhoo$ of Dc!eD in ,ranche
Co(tED -ere a"thoriIe$ 5y the Co"rt of Par!ia(ent at Dc!eD to h"nt $o-n the -ere-o!'e# -hich
infe#te$ the co"ntry? The a"thoriIation -a# a# fo!!o-#: 9Accor$in& to the a$'erti#e(ent (a$e to
the #o'erei&n Co"rt of Par!ia(ent at Do!eD thatD in the territorie# of E#pa&nyD Sa!'an&eD Co"rchaponD
an$ the nei&h5o"rin& 'i!!a&e#D ha# often 5een #een an$ (etD for #o(e ti(e pa#tD a -ere-o!fD -hoD it
i# #ai$D ha# a!rea$y #eiIe$ an$ carrie$ off #e'era! !itt!e chi!$renD #o that they ha'e not 5een #een
#inceD an$ #ince he ha# attac2e$ an$ $one in6"ry in the co"ntry to #o(e hor#e(enD -ho 2ept hi( of
on!y -ith &reat $iffic"!ty an$ $an&er to their per#on#: the #ai$ Co"rtD $e#irin& to pre'ent any &reater
$an&erD ha# per(itte$D an$ $oe# per(itD tho#e -ho are a5i$in& or $-e!!in& in the #ai$ p!ace# an$
other#D not-ith#tan$in& a!! e$ict# concernin& the cha#eD to a##e(5!e -ith pi2e#D ha!5ert#D
arH"e5"#e#D an$ #tic2#D to cha#e an$ to p"r#"e the #ai$ -ere-o!f in e'ery p!ace -here they (ay
fin$ or #eiIe hi(C to tie an$ to 2i!!D -itho"t inc"rrin& any pain# or pena!tie#? ? ? ? Gi'en at the
(eetin& of the #ai$ Co"rtD on the thirteenth $ay of the (onth Septe(5erD 17M;?9 It -a# #o(e ti(eD
ho-e'erD 5efore the !o"p&aro" -a# ca"&ht?
In a retire$ #pot near A(an&e#D ha!f #hro"$e$ in tree#D #too$ a #(a!! ho'e! of the r"$e#t
con#tr"ctionC it# roof -a# of t"rfD an$ it# -a!!# -ere 5!otche$ -ith !ichen? The &ar$en to thi# cot -a#
r"n to -a#teD an$ the fence ro"n$ it 5ro2en thro"&h? A# the ho'e! -a# far fro( any roa$D an$ -a#
on!y reache$ 5y a path o'er (oor!an$ an$ thro"&h fore#tD it -a# #e!$o( 'i#ite$D an$ the co"p!e -ho
!i'e$ in it -ere not #"ch a# -o"!$ (a2e (any frien$#? The (anD Gi!!e# GarnierD -a# a #o(5reD i!!
!oo2in& fe!!o-D -ho -a!2e$ in a #toopin& attit"$eD an$ -ho#e pa!e faceD !i'i$ co(p!e)ionD an$ $eep
#et eye# "n$er a pair of coar#e an$ 5"#hy 5ro-#D -hich (et acro## the forehea$D -ere #"fficient to
repe! any one fro( #ee2in& hi# acH"aintance? Gi!!e# #e!$o( #po2eD an$ -hen he $i$ it -a# in the
5roa$e#t patoi# of hi# co"ntry? Hi# !on& &rey 5ear$ an$ retirin& ha5it# proc"re$ for hi( the na(e of
the Her(it of St? 8onnotD tho"&h no one for a (o(ent attri5"te$ to hi( any e)traor$inary a(o"nt
of #anctity?
The her(it $oe# not #ee( to ha'e 5een #"#pecte$ for #o(e ti(eD 5"t one $ayD a# #o(e of the
pea#ant# of Cha#tenoy -ere ret"rnin& ho(e fro( their -or2D thro"&h the fore#tD the #crea(# of a
chi!$ an$ the $eep 5ayin& of a -o!fD attracte$ their noticeD an$ on r"nnin& in the $irection -hence
the crie# #o"n$e$D they fo"n$ a !itt!e &ir! $efen$in& her#e!f a&ain#t a (on#tro"# creat"reD -hich -a#
attac2in& her tooth an$ nai!D an$ ha$ a!rea$y -o"n$e$ her #e'ere!y in fi'e p!ace#? A# the pea#ant#
ca(e "pD the creat"re f!e$ on a!! fo"r# into the &!oo( of the thic2etC it -a# #o $ar2 that it co"!$ not
5e i$entifie$ -ith certaintyD an$ -hi!#t #o(e affir(e$ that it -a# a -o!fD other# tho"&ht they ha$
reco&niIe$ the feat"re# of the her(it? Thi# too2 p!ace on the *th No'e(5er?
On the 1<th a !itt!e 5oy of ten year# o!$ -a# (i##in&D -ho ha$ 5een !a#t #een at a #hort $i#tance
fro( the &ate# of Do!e?
The her(it of S? 8onnot -a# no- #eiIe$ an$ 5ro"&ht to tria! at Do!eD -hen the fo!!o-in&
e'i$ence -a# e)tracte$ fro( hi( an$ hi# -ifeD an$ #"5#tantiate$ in (any partic"!ar# 5y -itne##e#?
On the !a#t $ay of Michae!(a#D "n$er the for( of a -o!fD at a (i!e fro( Do!eD in the far( of
Gor&eD a 'ineyar$ 5e!on&in& to Cha#tenoyD near the -oo$ of La SerreD Gi!!e# Ga(ier ha$ attac2e$ a
!itt!e (ai$en of ten or t-e!'e year# o!$D an$ ha$ #!ain her -ith hi# teeth an$ c!a-#C he ha$ then
$ra-n her into the -oo$D #trippe$ herD &na-e$ the f!e#h fro( her !e&# an$ ar(#D an$ ha$ en6oye$
hi# (ea! #o ("chD thatD in#pire$ -ith con6"&a! affectionD he ha$ 5ro"&ht #o(e of the f!e#h ho(e for
hi# -ife Apo!!ine?
Ei&ht $ay# after the fea#t of A!! Saint#D a&ain in the for( of a -ere-o!fD he ha$ #eiIe$ another
&ir!D near the (ea$o- !an$ of La Po"ppeD on the territory of Ath"(e an$ Cha#tenoyD an$ -a# on the
point of #!ayin& an$ $e'o"rin& herD -hen three per#on# ca(e "pD an$ he -a# co(pe!!e$ to e#cape?
On the fo"rteenth $ay after A!! Saint#D a!#o a# a -o!fD he ha$ attac2e$ a 5oy of ten year# o!$D a (i!e
fro( Dc!eD 5et-een Gre$i#an# an$ MenotED an$ ha$ #tran&!e$ hi(? On that occa#ion he ha$ eaten
a!! the f!e#h off hi# !e&# an$ ar(#D an$ ha$ a!#o $e'o"re$ a &reat part of the 5e!!yC one of the !e&# he
ha$ rent co(p!ete!y fro( the tr"n2 -ith hi# fan&#?
On the ,ri$ay 5efore the !a#t fea#t of S? 8artho!o(e-D he ha$ #eiIe$ a 5oy of t-e!'e or thirteenD
"n$er a !ar&e peartree# near the -oo$ of the 'i!!a&e Perro"IeD an$ ha$ $ra-n hi( into the thic2et
an$ 2i!!e$ hi(D inten$in& to eat hi( a# he ha$ eaten the other chi!$renD 5"t the approach of (en
hin$ere$ hi( fro( f"!fi!!in& hi# intention? The 5oy -a#D ho-e'erD H"ite $ea$D an$ the (en -ho
ca(e "p $ec!are$ that Gi!!e# appeare$ a# a (an an$ not a# a -o!f? The her(it of S? 8onnot -a#
#entence$ to 5e $ra&&e$ to the p!ace of p"5!ic e)ec"tionD an$ there to 5e 5"rne$ a!i'eD a #entence
-hich -a# ri&oro"#!y carrie$ o"t?
In thi# in#tance the poor (aniac f"!!y 5e!ie'e$ that act"a! tran#for(ation into a -o!f too2 p!aceC
he -a# apparent!y perfect!y rea#ona5!e on other point#D an$ H"ite con#cio"# of the act# he ha$
co((itte$?
+e co(e no- to a (ore re(ar2a5!e circ"(#tanceD the aff!iction of a -ho!e fa(i!y -ith the #a(e
for( of in#anity? O"r infor(ation i# $eri'e$ fro( 8o&"et1# Discours de !orciersD 1AF;1A1F?
Pernette Gan$i!!on -a# a poor &ir! in the ="raD -ho in 17B* ran a5o"t the co"ntry on a!! fo"r#D in
the 5e!ief that #he -a# a -o!f? One $ay a# #he -a# ran&in& the co"ntry in a fit of !ycanthropic
(a$ne##D #he ca(e "pon t-o chi!$ren -ho -ere p!"c2in& -i!$ #tra-5errie#? ,i!!e$ -ith a #"$$en
pa##ion for 5!oo$D #he f!e- at the !itt!e &ir! an$ -o"!$ ha'e 5ro"&ht her $o-nD ha$ not her 5rotherD a
!a$ of fo"r year# o!$D $efen$e$ her !"#ti!y -ith a 2nife? PernetteD ho-e'erD -renche$ the -eapon
fro( hi# tiny han$D f!"n& hi( $o-n an$ &a#he$ hi# throatD #o that he $ie$ of the -o"n$? Pernette
-a# to( to piece# 5y the peop!e in their ra&e an$ horror?
Direct!y afterD PierreD the 5rother of Pernette Gan$i!!onD -a# acc"#e$ of -itchcraft? He -a#
char&e$ -ith ha'in& !e$ chi!$ren to the #a55athD ha'in& (a$e hai!D an$ ha'in& r"n a5o"t the co"ntry
in the for( of a -o!f? The tran#for(ation -a# effecte$ 5y (ean# of a #a!'e -hich he ha$ recei'e$
fro( the $e'i!? He ha$ on one occa#ion a##"(e$ the for( of a hareD 5"t "#"a!!y he appeare$ a# a
-o!fD an$ hi# #2in 5eca(e co'ere$ -ith #ha&&y &rey hair? He rea$i!y ac2no-!e$&e$ that the char&e#
5ro"&ht a&ain#t hi( -ere -e!! fo"n$e$D an$ he a!!o-e$ that he ha$D $"rin& the perio$ of hi#
tran#for(ationD fa!!en onD an$ $e'o"re$D 5oth 5ea#t# an$ h"(an 5ein&#? +hen he $e#ire$ to reco'er
hi# tr"e for(D he ro!!e$ hi(#e!f in the $e-y &ra##? Hi# #on Geor&e# a##erte$ that he ha$ a!#o 5een
anointe$ -ith the #a!'eD an$ ha$ &one to the #a55ath in the #hape of a -o!f? Accor$in& to hi# o-n
te#ti(onyD he ha$ fa!!en "pon t-o &oat# in one of hi# e)pe$ition#?
One Ma"n$yTh"r#$ay ni&ht he ha$ !ain for three ho"r# in hi# 5e$ in a cata!eptic #tateD an$ at the
en$ of that ti(e ha$ #pr"n& o"t of 5e$? D"rin& thi# perio$ he ha$ 5een in the for( of a -o!f to the
-itche#1 #a55ath?
Hi# #i#ter Antoinnette confe##e$ that #he ha$ (a$e hai!D an$ that #he ha$ #o!$ her#e!f to the $e'i!D
-ho ha$ appeare$ to her in the #hape of a 5!ac2 he&oat? She ha$ 5een to the #a55ath on #e'era!
occa#ion#?
Pierre an$ Geor&e# in pri#on 5eha'e$ a# (aniac#D r"nnin& on a!! fo"r# a5o"t their ce!!# an$
ho-!in& $i#(a!!y? Their face#D ar(#D an$ !e&# -ere fri&htf"!!y #carre$ -ith the -o"n$# they ha$
recei'e$ fro( $o&# -hen they ha$ 5een on their rai$#? 8o&"et acco"nt# for the tran#for(ation not
ta2in& p!aceD 5y the fact of their not ha'in& the nece##ary #a!'e# 5y the(?
A!! threeD PierreD Geor&e#D an$ AntoinnetteD -ere h"n& an$ 5"rne$?
Thie'enne Pa&etD -ho -a# a -itch of the (o#t "n(i#ta2a5!e characterD -a# a!#o freH"ent!y
chan&e$ into a #he-o!fD accor$in& to her o-n confe##ionD in -hich #tate #he ha$ often
acco(panie$ the $e'i! o'er hi!! an$ $a!eD #!ayin& catt!eD an$ fa!!in& on an$ $e'o"rin& chi!$ren? The
#a(e thin& (ay 5e #ai$ of C!a"$a I#an Pro#tD a !a(e -o(anD C!a"$a I#an G"i!!a"(eD an$ I#an
RoH"etD -ho o-ne$ to the ("r$er of fi'e chi!$ren?
On the 1<th of Dece(5erD in the #a(e year a# the e)ec"tion of the Gan$i!!on fa(i!y S17B*TD a
tai!or of Ch@!on# -a# #entence$ to the f!a(e# 5y the Par!ia(ent of Pari# for !ycanthropy? Thi#
-retche$ (an ha$ $ecoye$ chi!$ren into hi# #hopD or attac2e$ the( in the &!oa(in& -hen they
#traye$ in the -oo$#D ha$ torn the( -ith hi# teethD an$ 2i!!e$ the(D after -hich he #ee(# ca!(!y to
ha'e $re##e$ their f!e#h a# or$inary (eatD an$ to ha'e eaten it -ith &reat re!i#h? The n"(5er of !itt!e
innocent# -ho( he $e#troye$ i# "n2no-n? A -ho!e ca#2 f"!! of 5one# -a# $i#co'ere$ in hi# ho"#e?
The (an -a# perfect!y har$ene$D an$ the $etai!# of hi# tria! -ere #o f"!! of horror# an$
a5o(ination# of a!! 2in$#D that the 6"$&e# or$ere$ the $oc"(ent# to 5e 5"rne$?
A&ain in 17B*D a year (e(ora5!e in the anna!# of !ycanthropyD a tria! too2 p!ace in An&er#D the
$etai!# of -hich are 'ery terri5!e?
In a -i!$ an$ "nfreH"ente$ #pot near Ca"$eD #o(e co"ntry(en ca(e one $ay "pon the corp#e of
a 5oy of fifteenD horri5!y ("ti!ate$ an$ 5e#pattere$ -ith 5!oo$? A# the (en approache$D t-o -o!'e#D
-hich ha$ 5een ren$in& the 5o$yD 5o"n$e$ a-ay into the thic2et? The (en &a'e cha#e i((e$iate!yD
fo!!o-in& their 5!oo$y trac2# ti!! they !o#t the(C -hen #"$$en!y cro"chin& a(on& the 5"#he#D hi#
teeth chatterin& -ith fearD they fo"n$ a (an ha!f na2e$D -ith !on& hair an$ 5ear$D an$ -ith hi# han$#
$ye$ in 5!oo$? Hi# nai!# -ere !on& a# c!a-#D an$ -ere c!otte$ -ith fre#h &oreD an$ #hre$# of h"(an
f!e#h?
Thi# i# one of the (o#t p"II!in& an$ pec"!iar ca#e# -hich co(e "n$er o"r notice?
The -retche$ (anD -ho#e na(e -a# Ro"!etD of hi# o-n accor$ #tate$ that he ha$ fa!!en "pon the
!a$ an$ ha$ 2i!!e$ hi( 5y #(otherin& hi(D an$ that he ha$ 5een pre'ente$ fro( $e'o"rin& the 5o$y
co(p!ete!y 5y the arri'a! of (en on the #pot?
Ro"!et pro'e$ on in'e#ti&ation to 5e a 5e&&ar fro( ho"#e to ho"#eD in the (o#t a56ect #tate of
po'erty? Hi# co(panion# in (en$icity -ere hi# 5rother =ohn an$ hi# co"#in ="!ien? He ha$ 5een
&i'en !o$&in& o"t of charity in a nei&h5o"rin& 'i!!a&eD 5"t 5efore hi# apprehen#ion he ha$ 5een
a5#ent for ei&ht $ay#?
8efore the 6"$&e#D Ro"!et ac2no-!e$&e$ that he -a# a5!e to tran#for( hi(#e!f into a -o!f 5y
(ean# of a #a!'e -hich hi# parent# ha$ &i'en hi(? +hen H"e#tione$ a5o"t the t-o -o!'e# -hich
ha$ 5een #een !ea'in& the corp#eD he #ai$ that he 2ne- perfect!y -e!! -ho they -ereD for they -ere
hi# co(panion#D =ean an$ ="!ianD -ho po##e##e$ the #a(e #ecret a# hi(#e!f? He -a# #ho-n the
c!othe# he ha$ -orn on the $ay of hi# #eiI"reD an$ he reco&niIe$ the( i((e$iate!yC he $e#cri5e$
the 5oy -ho( he ha$ ("r$ere$D &a'e the $ate correct!yD in$icate$ the preci#e #pot -here the $ee$
ha$ 5een $oneD an$ reco&niIe$ the father of the 5oy a# the (an -ho ha$ fir#t r"n "p -hen the
#crea(# of the !a$ ha$ 5een hear$? In pri#onD Ro"!et 5eha'e$ !i2e an i$iot? +hen #eiIe$D hi# 5e!!y
-a# $i#ten$e$ an$ har$C in pri#on he $ran2 one e'enin& a -ho!e pai!f"! of -aterD an$ fro( that
(o(ent ref"#e$ to eat or $rin2?
Hi# parent#D on inH"iryD pro'e$ to 5e re#pecta5!e an$ pio"# peop!eD an$ they pro'e$ that hi#
5rother =ohn an$ hi# co"#in ="!ien ha$ 5een en&a&e$ at a $i#tance on the $ay of Ro"!et1#
apprehen#ion?
9+hat i# yo"r na(eD an$ -hat yo"r e#tateP9 a#2e$ the 6"$&eD Pierre HEra"!t?
9My na(e i# =acH"e# Ro"!etD (y a&e thirtyfi'eC I a( poorD an$ a (en$icant?9
9+hat are yo" acc"#e$ of ha'in& $oneP9
9Of 5ein& a thiefof ha'in& offen$e$ Go$? My parent# &a'e (e an oint(entC I $o not 2no- it#
co(po#ition?9
9+hen r"55e$ -ith thi# oint(ent $o yo" 5eco(e a -o!fP9
9NoC 5"t for a!! thatD I 2i!!e$ an$ ate the chi!$ Cornier: I -a# a -o!f?9
9+ere yo" $re##e$ a# a -o!fP9
9I -a# $re##e$ a# I a( no-? I ha$ (y han$# an$ (y face 5!oo$yD 5eca"#e I ha$ 5een eatin& the
f!e#h of the #ai$ chi!$?9
9Do yo"r han$# an$ feet 5eco(e pa-# of a -o!fP9
9Ye#D they $o?9
9Doe# yo"r hea$ 5eco(e !i2e that of a -o!fyo"r (o"th 5eco(e !ar&erP9
9I $o not 2no- ho- (y hea$ -a# at the ti(eC I "#e$ (y teethC (y hea$ -a# a# it i# to$ay? I ha'e
-o"n$e$ an$ eaten (any other !itt!e chi!$renC I ha'e a!#o 5een to the #a55ath?9
The lieutenant criminel #entence$ Ro"!et to $eath? HeD ho-e'erD appea!e$ to the Par!ia(ent at
Pari#C an$ thi# $eci$e$ that a# there -a# (ore fo!!y in the poor i$iot than (a!ice an$ -itchcraftD hi#
#entence of $eath #ho"!$ 5e co(("te$ to t-o year#1 i(pri#on(ent in a (a$ho"#eD that he (i&ht 5e
in#tr"cte$ in the 2no-!e$&e of Go$D -ho( he ha$ for&otten in hi# "tter po'erty? UnoteU1
V1? 9La co"r $" Par!ia(entD par arrdtD (i#t !1appe!!ation et !a #entence $ont i! a'oit e#tE appe! a" nEantD etD nEan(oin#D
or$onna H"e !e $it Ro"!et #erait (i# e !1ho#pita! Saint Ger(ain $e# PrE#D of on a acco"#t"(E $e (ettre !e# fo!ID po"r y
$e(e"rer !1e#pace $e $e") an#D afin $1y e#tre in#tr"it et re$re##E tant $e #on e#pritD H"e ra(enE e !a co&noi##ance $e
Die"D H"e !1e)trd(e pa"'retE !"i a'oit fait (e#co&noi#tre?9X
!HA)TER VII#
,EAN GRENIER
On the San$$"ne#A +o!f attac2# Mar&"erite Poirier=ean Grenier 5ro"&ht to Tria!Hi#
Confe##ion#Char&e# of Canni5a!i#( pro'e$Hi# Sentence8eha'io"r in the Mona#tery%i#it of
De!1ancre?
One fine afternoon in the #prin&D #o(e 'i!!a&e &ir!# -ere ten$in& their #heep on the #an$$"ne#
-hich inter'ene 5et-een the 'a#t fore#t# of pine co'erin& the &reater portion of the pre#ent
$epart(ent of Landes in the #o"th of ,ranceD an$ the #ea?
The 5ri&htne## of the #2yD the fre#hne## of the air p"ffin& "p off the 5!"e t-in2!in& 8ay of 8i#cayD
the h"( or #on& of the -in$ a# it (a$e rich ("#ic a(on& the pine# -hich #too$ !i2e a &reen
"p!ifte$ -a'e on the Ea#tD the 5ea"ty of the #an$hi!!# #pec2!e$ -ith &o!$en ci#t"#D or patche$ -ith
&entian5!"eD 5y the !o- &ro-in& Gremille couch6eD the char( of the fore#t#2irt#D tinte$ 'ario"#!y
-ith the fo!ia&e of cor2tree#D pine#D an$ acaciaD the !atter in f"!! 5!oo(D a pi!e of ro#eco!o"re$ or
#no-y f!o-er#Da!! con#pire$ to fi!! the pea#ant (ai$en# -ith 6oyD an$ to (a2e their 'oice# ri#e in
#on& an$ !a"&hterD -hich r"n& (erri!y o'er the hi!!#D an$ thro"&h the $ar2 a'en"e# of e'er&reen
tree#?
No- a &or&eo"# 5"tterf!y attracte$ their attentionD then a f!i&ht of H"ai!# #2i((in& the #"rface?
9AhO9 e)c!ai(e$ =acH"i!ine A"I"nD9 ahD if I ha$ (y #ti!t# an$ 5at#D I -o"!$ #tri2e the !itt!e 5ir$#
$o-nD an$ -e #ho"!$ ha'e a fine #"pper?9
9No-D if they -o"!$ f!y rea$y coo2e$ into one1# (o"thD a# they $o in forei&n part#O9 #ai$ another
&ir!?
9Ha'e yo" &ot any ne- c!othe# for the S? =eanP9 a#2e$ a thir$C 9(y (other ha# !ai$ 5y to
p"rcha#e (e a #(art cap -ith &o!$ !ace?9
9Yo" -i!! t"rn the hea$ of Etienne a!to&etherD AnnetteO9 #ai$ =eanne Ga5oriant? 98"t -hat i# the
(atter -ith the #heepP9
She a#2e$ 5eca"#e the #heep -hich ha$ 5een H"iet!y 5ro-#in& 5efore herD on reachin& a #(a!!
$epre##ion in the $"neD ha$ #tarte$ a-ay a# tho"&h fri&htene$ at #o(ethin&? At the #a(e ti(e one of
the $o&# 5e&an to &ro-! an$ #ho- hi# fan&#?
The &ir!# ran to the #potD an$ #a- a !itt!e fa!! in the &ro"n$D in -hichD #eate$ on a !o& of firD -a# a
5oy of thirteen? The appearance of the !a$ -a# pec"!iar? Hi# hair -a# of a ta-ny re$ an$ thic2!y
(atte$D fa!!in& o'er hi# #ho"!$er# an$ co(p!ete!y co'erin& hi# narro- 5ro-? Hi# #(a!! pa!e&rey
eye# t-in2!e$ -ith an e)pre##ion of horri5!e ferocity an$ c"nnin&D fro( $eep #"n2en ho!!o-#? The
co(p!e)ion -a# of a $ar2 o!i'e co!o"rC the teeth -ere #tron& an$ -hiteD an$ the canine teeth
protr"$e$ o'er the !o-er !ip -hen the (o"th -a# c!o#e$? The 5oy1# han$# -ere !ar&e an$ po-erf"!D
the nai!# 5!ac2 an$ pointe$ !i2e 5ir$1# ta!on#? He -a# i!! c!othe$D an$ #ee(e$ to 5e in the (o#t a56ect
po'erty? The fe- &ar(ent# he ha$ on hi( -ere in tatter#D an$ thro"&h the rent# the e(aciation of hi#
!i(5# -a# p!ain!y 'i#i5!e?
The &ir!# #too$ ro"n$ hi(D ha!f fri&htene$ an$ ("ch #"rpri#e$D 5"t the 5oy #ho-e$ no #y(pto(#
of a#toni#h(ent? Hi# face re!a)e$ into a &ha#t!y !eerD -hich #ho-e$ the -ho!e ran&e of hi# &!itterin&
-hite fan&#?
9+e!!D (y (ai$en#D9 #ai$ he in a har#h 'oiceD 9-hich of yo" i# the prettie#tD I #ho"!$ !i2e to
2no-C can yo" $eci$e a(on& yo"P9
9+hat $o yo" -ant to 2no- forP9 a#2e$ =eanne Ga5oriantD the e!$e#t of the &ir!#D a&e$ ei&hteenD
-ho too2 "pon her#e!f to 5e #po2e#(an for the re#t?
98eca"#e I #ha!! (arry the prettie#tD9 -a# the an#-er?
9AhO9 #ai$ =eanne 6o2in&!yC 9that i# if #he -i!! ha'e yo"D -hich i# not 'ery !i2e!yD a# -e none of
"# 2no- yo"D or anythin& a5o"t yo"?9
9I a( the #on of a prie#tD9 rep!ie$ the 5oy c"rt!y?
9I# that -hy yo" !oo2 #o $in&y an$ 5!ac2P9
9NoD I a( $ar2co!o"re$D 5eca"#e I -ear a -o!f#2in #o(eti(e#?9
9A -o!f#2inO9 echoe$ the &ir!C 9an$ pray -ho &a'e it yo"P9
9One ca!!e$ Pierre La5o"rant?9
9There i# no (an of that na(e herea5o"t#? +here $oe# he !i'eP9
A #crea( of !a"&hter (in&!e$ -ith ho-!#D an$ 5rea2in& into #tran&e &"!pin& 5"r#t# of fien$!i2e
(erri(ent fro( the #tran&e 5oy?
The !itt!e &ir!# recoi!e$D an$ the yo"n&e#t too2 ref"&e 5ehin$ =eanne?
9Do yo" -ant to 2no- Pierre La5o"rantD !a##P HeyD he i# a (an -ith an iron chain a5o"t hi#
nec2D -hich he i# e'er en&a&e$ in &na-in&? Do yo" -ant to 2no- -here he !i'e#D !a##P Ha?D in a
p!ace of &!oo( an$ fireD -here there are (any co(panion#D #o(e #eate$ on iron chair#D 5"rnin&D
5"rnin&C other# #tretche$ on &!o-in& 5e$#D 5"rnin& too? So(e ca#t (en "pon 5!aIin& coa!#D other#
roa#t (en 5efore fierce f!a(e#D other# a&ain p!"n&e the( into ca!$ron# of !iH"i$ fire?9
The &ir!# tre(5!e$ an$ !oo2e$ at each other -ith #care$ face#D an$ then a&ain at the hi$eo"# 5ein&
-hich cro"che$ 5efore the(?
9Yo" -ant to 2no- a5o"t the -o!f#2in capeP9 contin"e$ he? 9Pierre La5o"rant &a'e (e thatC he
-rap# it ro"n$ (eD an$ e'ery Mon$ayD ,ri$ayD an$ S"n$ayD an$ for a5o"t an ho"r at $"#2 e'ery
other $ayD I a( a -o!fD a -ere-o!f? I ha'e 2i!!e$ $o&# an$ $r"n2 their 5!oo$C 5"t !itt!e &ir!# ta#te
5etterD their f!e#h i# ten$er an$ #-eetD their 5!oo$ rich an$ -ar(? I ha'e eaten (any a (ai$enD a# I
ha'e 5een on (y rai$# to&ether -ith (y nine co(panion#? I a( a -ere-o!fO AhD haO if the #"n
-ere to #et I -o"!$ #oon fa!! on one of yo" an$ (a2e a (ea! of yo"O9 A&ain he 5"r#t into one of hi#
fri&htf"! paro)y#(# of !a"&hterD an$ the &ir!# "na5!e to en$"re it any !on&erD f!e$ -ith precipitation?
Near the 'i!!a&e of S? Antoine $e PiIonD a !itt!e &ir! of the na(e of Mar&"erite PoirierD thirteen
year# o!$D -a# in the ha5it of ten$in& her #heepD in co(pany -ith a !a$ of the #a(e a&eD -ho#e
na(e -a# =ean Grenier? The #a(e !a$ -ho( =eanne Ga5oriant ha$ H"e#tione$?
The !itt!e &ir! often co(p!aine$ to her parent# of the con$"ct of the 5oy: #he #ai$ that he
fri&htene$ her -ith hi# horri5!e #torie#C 5"t her father an$ (other tho"&ht !itt!e of her co(p!aint#D
ti!! one $ay #he ret"rne$ ho(e 5efore her "#"a! ti(e #o thoro"&h!y a!ar(e$ that #he ha$ $e#erte$
her f!oc2? Her parent# no- too2 the (atter "p an$ in'e#ti&ate$ it? Her #tory -a# a# fo!!o-#:
=ean ha$ often to!$ her that he ha$ #o!$ hi(#e!f to the $e'i!D an$ that he ha$ acH"ire$ the po-er
of ran&in& the co"ntry after $"#2D an$ #o(eti(e# in 5roa$ $ayD in the for( of a -o!f? He ha$
a##"re$ her that he ha$ 2i!!e$ an$ $e'o"re$ (any $o&#D 5"t that he fo"n$ their f!e#h !e## pa!ata5!e
than the f!e#h of !itt!e &ir!#D -hich he re&ar$e$ a# a #"pre(e $e!icacy? He ha$ to!$ her that thi# ha$
5een ta#te$ 5y hi( not "nfreH"ent!yD 5"t he ha$ #pecifie$ on!y t-o in#tance#: in one he ha$ eaten a#
("ch a# he co"!$D an$ ha$ thro-n the re#t to a -o!fD -hich ha$ co(e "p $"rin& the repa#t? In the
other in#tance he ha$ 5itten to $eath another !itt!e &ir!D ha$ !appe$ her 5!oo$D an$D 5ein& in a
fa(i#he$ con$ition at the ti(eD ha$ $e'o"re$ e'ery portion of herD -ith the e)ception of the ar(#
an$ #ho"!$er#?
The chi!$ to!$ her parent#D on the occa#ion of her ret"rn ho(e in a fit of terrorD that #he ha$ 5een
&"i$in& her #heep a# "#"a!D 5"t Grenier ha$ not 5een pre#ent? Hearin& a r"#t!e in the 5"#he# #he ha$
!oo2e$ ro"n$D an$ a -i!$ 5ea#t 5a$ !eape$ "pon herD an$ torn her c!othe# on her !eft #i$e -ith it#
#harp fan&#? She a$$e$ that #he ha$ $efen$e$ her#e!f !"#ti!y -ith her #hepher$1# #taffD an$ ha$
5eaten the creat"re off? It ha$ then retreate$ a fe- pace#D ha$ #eate$ it#e!f on it# hin$ !e&# !i2e a $o&
-hen it i# 5e&&in&D an$ ha$ re&ar$e$ her -ith #"ch a !oo2 of ra&eD that #he ha$ f!e$ in terror? She
$e#cri5e$ the ani(a! a# re#e(5!in& a -o!fD 5"t a# 5ein& #horter an$ #to"terC it# hair -a# re$D it# tai!
#t"(pyD an$ the hea$ #(a!!er than that of a &en"ine -o!f?
The #tate(ent of the chi!$ pro$"ce$ &enera! con#ternation in the pari#h? It -a# -e!! 2no-n that
#e'era! !itt!e &ir!# ha$ 'ani#he$ in a (o#t (y#terio"# -ay of !ateD an$ the parent# of the#e !itt!e one#
-ere thro-n into an a&ony of terror !e#t their chi!$ren ha$ 5eco(e the prey of the -retche$ 5oy
acc"#e$ 5y Mar&"erite Poirier? The ca#e -a# no- ta2en "p 5y the a"thoritie# an$ 5ro"&ht 5efore the
par!ia(ent of 8or$ea")?
The in'e#ti&ation -hich fo!!o-e$ -a# a# co(p!ete a# co"!$ 5e $e#ire$?
=ean Grenier -a# the #on of a poor !a5o"rer in the 'i!!a&e of S? Antoine $o PiIonD an$ not the #on
of a prie#tD a# he ha$ a##erte$? Three (onth# 5efore hi# #eiI"re he ha$ !eft ho(eD an$ ha$ 5een -ith
#e'era! (a#ter# $oin& o$$ -or2D or -an$erin& a5o"t the co"ntry 5e&&in&? He ha$ 5een en&a&e$
#e'era! ti(e# to ta2e char&e of the f!oc2# 5e!on&in& to far(er#D an$ ha$ a# often 5een $i#char&e$ for
ne&!ect of hi# $"tie#? The !a$ e)hi5ite$ no re!"ctance to co(("nicate a!! he 2ne- a5o"t hi(#e!fD
an$ hi# #tate(ent# -ere te#te$ one 5y oneD an$ -ere often pro'e$ to 5e correct?
The #tory he re!ate$ of hi(#e!f 5efore the co"rt -a# a# fo!!o-#:
9+hen I -a# ten or e!e'en year# o!$D (y nei&h5o"rD D"thi!!aireD intro$"ce$ (eD in the $epth# of
the fore#tD to a M? $e !a ,ore#tD a 5!ac2 (anD -ho #i&ne$ (e -ith hi# nai!D an$ then &a'e to (e an$
D"thi!!aire a #a!'e an$ a -o!f#2in? ,ro( that ti(e ha'e I r"n a5o"t the co"ntry a# a -o!f?
9The char&e of Mar&"erite Poirier i# correct? My intention -a# to ha'e 2i!!e$ an$ $e'o"re$ herD
5"t #he 2ept (e off -ith a #tic2? I ha'e on!y 2i!!e$ one $o&D a -hite oneD an$ I $i$ not $rin2 it#
5!oo$?9
+hen H"e#tione$ to"chin& the chi!$renD -ho( he #ai$ he ha$ 2i!!e$ an$ eaten a# a -o!fD he
a!!o-e$ that he ha$ once entere$ an e(pty ho"#e on the -ay 5et-een S? Co"tra# an$ S? An!ayeD in a
#(a!! 'i!!a&eD the na(e of -hich he $i$ not re(e(5erD an$ ha$ fo"n$ a chi!$ a#!eep in it# cra$!eC
an$ a# no one -a# -ithin to hin$er hi(D he $ra&&e$ the 5a5y o"t of it# cra$!eD carrie$ it into the
&ar$enD !eape$ the he$&eD an$ $e'o"re$ a# ("ch of it a# #ati#fie$ hi# h"n&er? +hat re(aine$ he ha$
&i'en to a -o!f? In the pari#h of S? Antoine $o PiIon he ha$ attac2e$ a !itt!e &ir!D a# #he -a# 2eepin&
#heep? She -a# $re##e$ in a 5!ac2 froc2C he $i$ not 2no- her na(e? He tore her -ith hi# nai!# an$
teethD an$ ate her? Si) -ee2# 5efore hi# capt"re he ha$ fa!!en "pon another chi!$D near the #tone
5ri$&eD in the #a(e pari#h? In Eparon he ha$ a##a"!te$ the ho"n$ of a certain M? Mi!!onD an$ -o"!$
ha'e 2i!!e$ the 5ea#tD ha$ not the o-ner co(e o"t -ith hi# rapier in hi# han$?
=ean #ai$ that he ha$ the -o!f#2in in hi# po##e##ionD an$ that he -ent o"t h"ntin& for chi!$renD at
the co((an$ of hi# (a#terD the Lor$ of the ,ore#t? 8efore tran#for(ation he #(eare$ hi(#e!f -ith
the #a!'eD -hich 5e pre#er'e$ in a #(a!! potD an$ hi$ hi# c!othe# in the thic2et?
He "#"a!!y ran hi# co"r#e# fro( one to t-o ho"r# in the $ayD -hen the (oon -a# at the -aneD 5"t
'ery often he (a$e hi# e)pe$ition# at ni&ht? On one occa#ion he ha$ acco(panie$ D"thi!!aireD 5"t
they ha$ 2i!!e$ no one?
He acc"#e$ hi# father of ha'in& a##i#te$ hi(D an$ of po##e##in& a -o!f#2inC he char&e$ hi( a!#o
-ith ha'in& acco(panie$ hi( on one occa#ionD -hen he attac2e$ an$ ate a &ir! in the 'i!!a&e of
Gri!!an$D -ho( he ha$ fo"n$ ten$in& a f!oc2 of &ee#e? He #ai$ that hi# #tep(other -a# #eparate$
fro( hi# father? He 5e!ie'e$ the rea#on to 5eD 5eca"#e #he ha$ #een hi( once 'o(it the pa-# of a
$o& an$ the fin&er# of a chi!$? He a$$e$ that the Lor$ of the ,ore#t ha$ #trict!y for5i$$en hi( to
5ite the th"(5nai! of hi# !eft han$D -hich nai! -a# thic2er an$ !on&er than the other#D an$ ha$
-arne$ hi( ne'er to !o#e #i&ht of itD a# !on& a# he -a# in hi# -ere-o!f $i#&"i#e?
D"thi!!aire -a# apprehen$e$D an$ the father of =ean Grenier hi(#e!f c!ai(e$ to 5e hear$ 5y
e)a(ination?
The acco"nt &i'en 5y the father an$ #tep(other of =ean coinci$e$ in (any partic"!ar# -ith the
#tate(ent# (a$e 5y their #on?
The !oca!itie# -here Grenier $ec!are$ he ha$ fa!!en on chi!$ren -ere i$entifie$D the ti(e# -hen
he #ai$ the $ee$# ha$ 5een $one accor$e$ -ith the $ate# &i'en 5y the parent# of the (i##in& !itt!e
one#D -hen their !o##e# ha$ occ"rre$?
The -o"n$# -hich =ean affir(e$ that he ha$ (a$eD an$ the (anner in -hich he ha$ $ea!t the(D
coinci$e$ -ith the $e#cription# &i'en 5y the chi!$ren he ha$ a##a"!te$?
He -a# confronte$ -ith Mar&"erite PoirierD an$ he #in&!e$ her o"t fro( a(on& fi'e other &ir!#D
pointe$ to the #ti!! open &a#he# in her 5o$yD an$ #tate$ that he ha$ (a$e the( -ith hi# teethD -hen
he attac2e$ her in -o!ffor(D an$ #he ha$ 5eaten hi( off -ith a #tic2? He $e#cri5e$ an attac2 he ha$
(a$e on a !itt!e 5oy -ho( he -o"!$ ha'e #!ainD ha$ not a (an co(e to the re#c"eD an$ e)c!ai(e$D
9I1!! ha'e yo" pre#ent!y?9
The (an -ho #a'e$ the chi!$ -a# fo"n$D an$ pro'e$ to 5e the "nc!e of the re#c"e$ !a$D an$ he
corro5orate$ the #tate(ent of GrenierD that he ha$ "#e$ the -or$# (entione$ a5o'e?
=ean -a# then confronte$ -ith hi# father? He no- 5e&an to fa!ter in hi# #toryD an$ to chan&e hi#
#tate(ent#? The e)a(ination ha$ !a#te$ !on&D an$ it -a# #een that the fee5!e inte!!ect of the 5oy -a#
-earie$ o"tD #o the ca#e -a# a$6o"rne$? +hen ne)t confronte$ -ith the e!$er GrenierD =ean to!$ hi#
#tory a# at fir#tD -itho"t chan&in& it in any i(portant partic"!ar?
The fact of =ean Grenier ha'in& 2i!!e$ an$ eaten #e'era! chi!$renD an$ of hi# ha'in& attac2e$ an$
-o"n$e$ other#D -ith intent to ta2e their !ifeD -ere f"!!y e#ta5!i#he$C 5"t there -a# no proof
-hate'er of the father ha'in& ha$ the !ea#t han$ in any of the ("r$er#D #o that he -a# $i#(i##e$ the
co"rt -itho"t a #ha$o- of &"i!t "pon hi(?
The on!y -itne## -ho corro5orate$ the a##ertion of =ean that he chan&e$ hi# #hape into that of a
-o!f -a# Mar&"erite Poirier?
8efore the co"rt &a'e 6"$&(entD the fir#t pre#i$ent of a##iIeD in an e!oH"ent #peechD p"t on one
#i$e a!! H"e#tion# of -itchcraft an$ $ia5o!ica! co(pactD an$ 5e#tia! tran#for(ationD an$ 5o!$!y #tate$
that the co"rt ha$ on!y to con#i$er the a&e an$ the i(5eci!ity of the chi!$D -ho -a# #o $"!! an$
i$ioticthat chi!$ren of #e'en or ei&ht year# o!$ ha'e "#"a!!y a !ar&er a(o"nt of rea#on than he? The
pre#i$ent -ent on to #ay that Lycanthropy an$ /"anthropy -ere (ere ha!!"cination#D an$ that the
chan&e of #hape e)i#te$ on!y in the $i#or&aniIe$ 5rain of the in#aneD con#eH"ent!y it -a# not a
cri(e -hich co"!$ 5e p"ni#he$? The ten$er a&e of the 5oy ("#t 5e ta2en into con#i$erationD an$ the
"tter ne&!ect of hi# e$"cation an$ (ora! $e'e!op(ent? The co"rt #entence$ Grenier to perpet"a!
i(pri#on(ent -ithin the -a!!# of a (ona#tery at 8or$ea")D -here he (i&ht 5e in#tr"cte$ in hi#
Chri#tian an$ (ora! o5!i&ation#C 5"t any atte(pt to e#cape -o"!$ 5e p"ni#he$ -ith $eath?
A p!ea#ant co(panion for the (on2#O a pro(i#in& p"pi! for the( to in#tr"ctO No #ooner -a# he
a$(itte$ into the precinct# of the re!i&io"# ho"#eD than he ran frantica!!y a5o"t the c!oi#ter an$
&ar$en# "pon a!! fo"r#D an$ fin$in& a heap of 5!oo$y an$ ra- offa!D fe!! "pon it an$ $e'o"re$ it in an
incre$i5!y #hort #pace of ti(e?
De!ancre 'i#ite$ hi( #e'en year# afterD an$ fo"n$ hi( $i(in"ti'e in #tat"reD 'ery #hyD an$
"n-i!!in& to !oo2 any one in the face? Hi# eye# -ere $eep #et an$ re#t!e##C hi# teeth !on& an$
protr"$in&C hi# nai!# 5!ac2D an$ in p!ace# -orn a-ayC hi# (in$ -a# co(p!ete!y 5arrenC he #ee(e$
"na5!e to co(prehen$ the #(a!!e#t thin&#? He re!ate$ hi# #tory to De!ancreD an$ to!$ hi( ho- he
ha$ r"n a5o"t for(er!y in the -oo$# a# a -o!fD an$ he #ai$ that he #ti!! fe!t a cra'in& for ra- f!e#hD
e#pecia!!y for that of !itt!e &ir!#D -hich he #ai$ -a# $e!icio"#D an$ he a$$e$ that 5"t for hi#
confine(ent it -o"!$ not 5e !on& 5efore he ta#te$ it a&ain? He #ai$ that the Lor$ of the ,ore#t ha$
'i#ite$ hi( t-ice in the pri#onD 5"t that he ha$ $ri'en hi( off -ith the #i&n of the cro##? The
acco"nt 5e then &a'e of hi# ("r$er# coinci$e$ e)act!y -ith -hat ha$ co(e o"t in hi# tria!C an$
5e#i$e thi#D hi# #tory of the co(pact he ha$ (a$e -ith the 8!ac2 OneD an$ the (anner in -hich hi#
tran#for(ation -a# effecte$D a!#o coinci$e$ -ith hi# for(er #tate(ent#?
He $ie$ at the a&e of t-entyD after an i(pri#on(ent of #e'en year#D #hort!y after De!ancre1# 'i#it?
UnoteU1
V1? DELANCRE: 4a&leau de l'7inconstanceD p ;F7?X
In the t-o ca#e# of Ro"!et an$ Grenier the co"rt# referre$ the -ho!e (atter of LycanthropyD or
ani(a! tran#for(ationD to it# tr"e an$ !e&iti(ate ca"#eD an a5erration of the 5rain? ,ro( thi# ti(e
(e$ica! (en #ee( to ha'e re&ar$e$ it a# a for( of (enta! (a!a$y to 5e 5ro"&ht "n$er their
treat(entD rather than a# a cri(e to 5e p"ni#he$ 5y !a-? 8"t it i# 'ery fearf"! to conte(p!ate that
there (ay #ti!! e)i#t per#on# in the -or!$ fi!!e$ -ith a (or5i$ cra'in& for h"(an 5!oo$D -hich i#
rea$y to i(pe! the( to co((it the (o#t horri5!e atrocitie#D #ho"!$ they e#cape the 'i&i!ante of their
&"ar$#D or 5rea2 the 5ar# of the (a$ho"#e -hich re#train# the(?
!HA)TER VIII#
FOLK-LORE RELATING TO WERE-WOLVES#
8arrenne## of En&!i#h ,o!2!oreDe'on#hire Tra$ition#Deri'ation of +ere-o!fCanni5a!i#(
in Scot!an$The An&"# Ro55erThe Car!e of Perth,rench S"per#tition#Nor-e&ian Tra$ition#
Dani#h Ta!e# of +ere-o!'e#Ho!#tein Storie#The +ere-o!f in the Nether!an$#A(on& the
Gree2#C the Ser5#C the +hite R"##ian#C the Po!e#C the R"##ian#A R"##ian Receipt for 5eco(in& a
+ere-o!fThe 8ohe(ian %!2o$!a2Ar(enian StoryIn$ian Ta!e#A5y##inian 8"$a#A(erican
Tran#for(ation Ta!e#A S!o'a2ian Ho"#eho!$ Ta!eSi(i!ar Gree2D 8Earnai#D an$ Ice!an$ic Ta!e#?
ENGLISH fo!2!ore i# #in&"!ar!y 5arren of -ere-o!f #torie#D the rea#on 5ein& that -o!'e# ha$
5een e)tirpate$ fro( En&!an$ "n$er the An&!oSa)on 2in&#D an$ therefore cea#e$ to 5e o56ect# of
$rea$ to the peop!e? The tra$itiona! 5e!ief in -ere-o!fi#( ("#tD ho-e'erD ha'e re(aine$ !on& in
the pop"!ar (in$D tho"&h at pre#ent it ha# $i#appeare$D for the -or$ occ"r# in o!$ 5a!!a$# an$
ro(ance#? Th"# in /e(pion
O -a# it -ar-o!f in the -oo$P
Or -a# it (er(ai$ in the #eaP
Or -a# it (anD or 'i!e -o(anD
My ain tr"e !o'eD that (i##hape$ theeP
There i# a!#o the ro(ance of -illiam and the -ere)wol$ in Hart#hornC UnoteU1 5"t thi# profe##e#
to 5e a tran#!ation fro( the ,rench:
V1? HARTSHORN: Ancient 5etrical 4alesD p? L7A? See a!#o 9The +itch Ca2eD9 in CRUME/1S *emains o$ 2ithsdale
!ong?X
,or he of ,renche thi# fayre ta!e fer#t $e$e tran#!ateD
In e#e of En&!y#ch (en in En&!y#ch #peche?
In the pop"!ar (in$ the cat or the hare ha'e ta2en the p!ace of the -o!f for -itche#1
tran#for(ationD an$ -e hear often of the ha&# atten$in& the $e'i!1# Sa55ath in the#e for(#?
In De'on#hire they ran&e the (oor# in the #hape of 5!ac2 $o&#D an$ I 2no- a #tory of t-o #"ch
creat"re# appearin& in an inn an$ ni&ht!y $rin2in& the ci$erD ti!! the p"5!ican #hot a #i!'er 5"tton
o'er their hea$#D -hen they -ere in#tant!y tran#for(e$ into t-o i!!fa'o"re$ o!$ !a$ie# of hi#
acH"aintance? On Heathfie!$D near Ta'i#toc2D the -i!$ h"nt#(an ri$e# 5y f"!! (oon -ith hi# 9-"#h
ho"n$#C9 an$ a -hite hare -hich they p"r#"e$ -a# once re#c"e$ 5y a &oo$y ret"rnin& fro( (ar2etD
an$ $i#co'ere$ to 5e a tran#for(e$ yo"n& !a$y?
Ger'ai#e of Ti!5"ry #ay# in hi# 8tia 7mperalia
9%i$i("# freH"enter in An&!iaD per !"natione#D ho(ine# in !"po# ("tariD H"o$ ho(in"( &en"#
gerul$os Ga!!i 'ocantD An&!i 'ero wer)wl$3 $ic"nt: wer eni( An&!ice 'ir"( #onatD wl$D !"p"(?9
Ger'ai#e (ay 5e ri&ht in hi# $eri'ation of the na(eD an$ -ere-o!f (ay (ean (an-o!fD tho"&h I
ha'e e!#e-here &i'en a $ifferent $eri'ationD an$ one -hich I #"#pect i# tr"er? 8"t Ger'ai#e ha#
&ro"n$# for hi# a##ertion that w6r #i&nifie# (anC it i# #o in An&!oSa)onD vair in GothicD vir in LatinD
verrD in Ice!an$icD v9raD Ken$D wirsD o!$ Pr"##ianD wirsD Letti#hD v9raD San#2ritD &9rD 8en&a!ee?
There ha'e 5een ca#e# of canni5a!i#( in Scot!an$D 5"t no 5e#tia! tran#for(ation i# hinte$ at in
connection -ith the(?
Th"# 8.thi"#D in hi# hi#tory of Scot!an$D te!!# "# of a ro55er an$ hi# $a"&hter -ho $e'o"re$
chi!$renD an$ Lin$#ay of Pit#cottie &i'e# a f"!! acco"nt?
9A5o"t thi# ti(e S1<AFT there -a# ane 5ri&an$ ta1en -ith hi# hai!! fa(i!yD -ho ha"nte$ a p!ace in
An&"#? Thi# (i#chie'o"# (an ha$ ane e)ecra5!e fa#hion to ta2e a!! yo"n& (en an$ chi!$ren he
co"!$ #tea! a-ay H"iet!yD or ta21 a-ay -itho"t 2no-!e$&eD an$ eat the(D an$ the yo"n&er they -ereD
e#tee(e$ the( the (air ten$er an$ $e!icio"#? ,or the -hi!2 ca"#e an$ $a(na5!e a5"#eD he -ith hi#
-ife an$ 5airn# -ere a!! 5"rntD e)cept ane yo"n& -ench of a year o!$ -ho -a# #a'e$ an$ 5ro"&ht to
Dan$eeD -here #he -a# 5ro"&ht "p an$ fo#tere$C an$ -hen #he ca(e to a -o(an1# year#D #he -a#
con$e(ne$ an$ 5"rnt H"ic2 for that cri(e? It i# #ai$ that -hen #he -a# co(in& to the p!ace of
e)ec"tionD there &athere$ ane h"&e ("!tit"$e of peop!eD an$ #pecia!!y of -o(enD c"r#in& her that
#he -a# #o "nhappy to co((it #o $a(na5!e $ee$#? To -ho( #he t"rne$ a5o"t -ith an iref"!
co"ntenanceD #ayin&:1+herefore chi$e ye -ith (eD a# if I ha$ co((itte$ ane "n-orthy actP Gi'e
(e cre$ence an$ tro- (eD if ye ha$ e)perience of eatin& (en an$ -o(en1# f!e#hD ye -o!$ thin2 it
#o $e!icio"# that ye -o!$ ne'er for5ear it a&ain?1 SoD 5"t any #i&n of repentanceD thi# "nhappy traitor
$ie$ in the #i&ht of the peop!e?9 UnoteU1
V1? LINDSAY1S Chronicles o$ !cotlandD 1*1<D p? 1A;?X
+ynto"n a!#o ha# a pa##a&e in hi# (etrica! chronic!e re&ar$in& a canni5a! -ho !i'e$ #hort!y
5efore hi# o-n ti(eD an$ he (ay ea#i!y ha'e hear$ a5o"t hi( fro( #"r'i'in& conte(porarie#? It -a#
a5o"t the year 1;<FD -hen a !ar&e portion of Scot!an$ ha$ 5een $e'a#tate$ 5y the ar(# of E$-ar$
III?
A5o"t Perth thare -a# the co"ntrie
Sae -a#teD that -on$er -e# to #eeC
,or inti!! -e!!&reat #pace there5yD
+e# nother ho"#e !eft nor her51ry?
Of $eer thare -e# then #ic foi#on Sprof"#ionTD
That they -o!$ near co(e to the to-nD
Sae &reat $efa"!t -a# near that #tea$D
That (ony -ere in h"n&er $ea$?
A car!e they #ai$ -a# near there5yD
That -o!$ act #etti# Strap#T co((on!yD
Chi!$ren an$ -o(en for to #!ayD
An$ #-ain# that he (i&ht o'ertaC
An$ ate the( a!! that he &et (i&htC
Ch-#ten C!ee2 ti!! na(e 5ehi&ht?
That #a1ry !ife contin"e$ heD
+hi!e -a#te 5"t fo!2 -a# the co"ntrie? UnoteU1
V1? +YNTOUN1S ChronicleD ii? L;A?X
+e ha'e on!y to co(pare the#e t-o ca#e# -ith tho#e recor$e$ in the !a#t t-o chapter#D an$ -e #ee
at once ho- the pop"!ar (in$ in Great 8ritain ha$ !o#t the i$ea of connectin& chan&e of for( -ith
canni5a!i#(? A (an &"i!ty of the cri(e# co((itte$ 5y the An&"# 5ri&an$D or the car!e of PerthD
-o"!$ ha'e 5een re&ar$e$ a# a -ere-o!f in ,rance or Ger(anyD an$ -o"!$ ha'e 5een trie$ for
Lycanthropy?
S? =ero(eD 5y the -ayD 5ro"&ht a #-eepin& char&e a&ain#t the Scot#? He 'i#ite$ Ga"! in hi# yo"thD
a5o"t **FD an$ he -rite#:9+hen I -a# a yo"n& (an in Ga"!D I (ay ha'e #een the AttacottiD a
8riti#h peop!e -ho !i'e "pon h"(an f!e#hC an$ -hen they fin$ her$# of pi&#D $ro'e# of catt!eD or
f!oc2# of #heep in the -oo$#D they c"t off the ha"nche# of the (en an$ the 5rea#t# of the -o(enD
an$ the#e they re&ar$ a# &reat $aintie#C9 in other -or$# they prefer the #hepher$ to hi# f!oc2? Gi55on
-ho H"ote# thi# pa##a&e #ay# on it: 9If in the nei&h5o"rhoo$ of the co((ercia! an$ !iterary to-n of
G!a#&o-D a race of canni5a!# ha# rea!!y e)i#te$D -e (ay conte(p!ateD in the perio$ of the Scotti#h
hi#toryD the oppo#ite e)tre(e# of #a'a&e an$ ci'i!iIe$ !ife? S"ch ref!ection# ten$ to en!ar&e the circ!e
of o"r i$ea#D an$ to enco"ra&e the p!ea#in& hope that Ne- Kea!an$ (ay pro$"ce in a f"t"re a&eD the
H"(e of the So"thern he(i#phere?9
If tra$ition# of -ere-o!'e# are #canty in En&!an$D it i# H"ite the re'er#e if -e cro## the -ater?
In the #o"th of ,ranceD it i# #ti!! 5e!ie'e$ that fate ha# $e#tine$ certain (en to 5e !ycanthropi#t#
that they are tran#for(e$ into -o!'e# at f"!! (oon? The $e#ire to r"n co(e# "pon the( at ni&ht?
They !ea'e their 5e$#D 6"(p o"t of a -in$o-D an$ p!"n&e into a fo"ntain? After the 5athD they co(e
o"t co'ere$ -ith $en#e f"rD -a!2in& on a!! fo"r#D an$ co((ence a rai$ o'er fie!$# an$ (ea$o-#D
thro"&h -oo$# an$ 'i!!a&e#D 5itin& a!! 5ea#t# an$ h"(an 5ein&# that co(e in their -ay? At the
approach of $a-nD they ret"rn to the #prin&D p!"n&e into itD !o#e their f"rry #2in#D an$ re&ain their
$e#erte$ 5e$#? So(eti(e# the !o"p&aro" i# #ai$ to appear "n$er the for( of a -hite $o&D or to 5e
!oa$e$ -ith chain#C 5"t there i# pro5a5!y a conf"#ion of i$ea# 5et-een the -ere-o!f an$ the
ch"rch$o&D 5ar&he#tD pa$foitD -"#hho"n$D or 5y -hate'er na(e the ani(a! #"ppo#e$ to ha"nt a
ch"rchyar$ i# $e#i&nate$?
In the PEri&or$D the -ere-o!f i# ca!!e$ !o"!Eero"? Certain (enD e#pecia!!y 5a#tar$#D are o5!i&e$ at
each f"!! (oon to tran#for( the(#e!'e# into the#e $ia5o!ic 5ea#t#?
It i# a!-ay# at ni&ht that the fit co(e# on? The !ycanthropi#t $a#he# o"t of a -in$o-D #prin&# into
a -e!!D an$D after ha'in& #tr"&&!e$ in the -ater for a fe- (o(ent#D ri#e# fro( itD $rippin&D an$
in'e#te$ -ith a &oat#2in -hich the $e'i! ha# &i'en hi(? In thi# con$itionD the !o"!Eero"# r"n "pon
fo"r !e&#D pa## the ni&ht in ran&in& o'er the co"ntryD an$ in 5itin& an$ $e'o"rin& a!! the $o&# they
(eet? At 5rea2 of $ay they !ay a#i$e their &oat#2in# an$ ret"rn ho(e? Often they are i!! in
con#eH"ence of ha'in& eaten to"&h o!$ ho"n$#D an$ they 'o(it "p their "n$i&e#te$ pa-#? One &reat
n"i#ance to the( i# the fact that they (ay 5e -o"n$e$ or 2i!!e$ in their !o"!Eero" #tate? +ith the
fir#t eff"#ion of 5!oo$ their $ia5o!ic co'erin& 'ani#he#D an$ they are reco&niIe$D to the $i#&race of
their fa(i!ie#?
A -ere-o!f (ay ea#i!y 5e $etecte$D e'en -hen $e'oi$ of hi# #2inC for hi# han$# are 5roa$D an$
hi# fin&er# #hortD an$ there are a!-ay# #o(e hair# in the ho!!o- of hi# han$?
In Nor(an$yD tho#e -ho are $oo(e$ to 5e !o"p#&aro")D c!othe the(#e!'e# e'ery e'enin& -ith a
#2in ca!!e$ their h:re or hureD -hich i# a !oan fro( the $e'i!? +hen they r"n in their tran#for(e$
#tateD the e'i! one acco(panie# the( an$ #co"r&e# the( at the foot of e'ery cro## they pa##? The
on!y -ay in -hich a -ere-o!f can 5e !i5erate$ fro( thi# cr"e! 5on$a&eD i# 5y #ta55in& hi( three
ti(e# in the forehea$ -ith a 2nife? Ho-e'erD #o(e peop!e !e## a$$icte$ to a!!opathic treat(entD
con#i$er that three $rop# of 5!oo$ $ra-n 5y a nee$!eD -i!! 5e #"fficient to proc"re re!ea#e?
Accor$in& to an opinion of the '"!&ar in the #a(e pro'inceD the !o"p&aro" i# #o(eti(e# a
(eta(orpho#i# force$ "pon the 5o$y of a $a(ne$ per#onD -hoD after ha'in& 5een tor(ente$ in hi#
&ra'eD ha# torn hi# -ay o"t of it? The fir#t #ta&e in the proce## con#i#t# in hi# $e'o"rin& the
cerec!oth -hich en'e!ope$ hi# faceC then hi# (oan# an$ ("ff!e$ ho-!# rin& fro( the to(5D thro"&h
the &!oo( of ni&htD the earth of the &ra'e 5e&in# to hea'eD an$ at !a#tD -ith a #crea(D #"rro"n$e$ 5y
a pho#phore#cent &!areD an$ e)ha!in& a f.ti$ o$o"rD he 5"r#t# a-ay a# a -o!f?
In Le 8e##inD they attri5"te to #orcerer# the po-er of (eta(orpho#in& certain (en into 5ea#t#D
5"t the for( of a $o& i# that principa!!y affecte$ 5y the(?
In Nor-ay it i# 5e!ie'e$ that there are per#on# -ho can a##"(e the for( of a -o!f or a 5ear
SH"#e560rnTD an$ a&ain re#"(e their o-nC thi# property i# either i(parte$ to the( 5y the Tro!!(enD
or tho#e po##e##in& it are the(#e!'e# Tro!!#?
In a ha(!et in the (i$#t of a fore#tD there $-e!t a cotta&er na(e$ La##eD an$ hi# -ife? One $ay he
-ent o"t in the fore#t to fe!! a treeD 5"t ha$ for&ot to cro## hi(#e!f an$ #ay hi# paterno#terD #o that
#o(e tro!! or -o!f-itch S'ar&a (orT o5taine$ po-er o'er hi( an$ tran#for(e$ hi( into a -o!f? Hi#
-ife (o"rne$ hi( for (any year#D 5"tD one Chri#t(a#e'eD there ca(e a 5e&&ar-o(anD 'ery poor
an$ ra&&e$D to the $oorD an$ the &oo$ -o(an of the ho"#e too2 her inD fe$ her -e!!D an$ entreate$
her 2in$!y? At her $epart"re the 5e&&ar-o(an #ai$ that the -ife -o"!$ pro5a5!y #ee her h"#5an$
a&ainD a# he -a# not $ea$D 5"t -a# -an$erin& in the fore#t a# a -o!f? To-ar$# ni&htfa!! the -ife
-ent to her pantry to p!ace in it a piece of (eat for the (orro-D -henD on t"rnin& to &o o"tD #he
percei'e$ a -o!f #tan$in& 5efore herD rai#in& it#e!f -ith it# pa-# on the pantry #tep#D re&ar$in& her
-ith #orro-f"! an$ h"n&ry !oo2#? Seein& thi# #he e)c!ai(e$D 9If I -ere #"re that tho" -ert (y o-n
La##eD I -o"!$ &i'e thee a 5it of (eat?9 At that in#tant the -o!f#2in fe!! offD an$ her h"#5an$ #too$
5efore her in the c!othe# he -ore on the "n!"c2y (ornin& -hen #he ha$ !a#t 5ehe!$ hi(?
,inn#D Lapp#D an$ R"##ian# are he!$ in partic"!ar a'er#ionD 5eca"#e the S-e$e# 5e!ie'e that they
ha'e po-er to chan&e peop!e into -i!$ 5ea#t#? D"rin& the !a#t year of the -ar -ith R"##iaD -hen
Ca!(ar -a# o'err"n -ith an "n"#"a! n"(5er of -o!'e#D it -a# &enera!!y #ai$ that the R"##ian# ha$
tran#for(e$ their S-e$i#h pri#oner# into -o!'e#D an$ #ent the( ho(e to in'e#t the co"ntry?
In Den(ar2 the fo!!o-in& #torie# are to!$:
A (anD -ho fro( hi# chi!$hoo$ ha$ 5een a -ere-o!fD -hen ret"rnin& one ni&ht -ith hi# -ife
fro( a (erry(a2in&D o5#er'e$ that the ho"r -a# at han$ -hen the e'i! "#"a!!y ca(e "pon hi(C
&i'in& therefore the rein# to hi# -ifeD he $e#cen$e$ fro( the 'ehic!eD #ayin& to herD 9If anythin&
co(e# to theeD on!y #tri2e at it -ith thine apron?9 He then -ith$re-D 5"t i((e$iate!y afterD the
-o(anD a# #he -a# #ittin& in the 'ehic!eD -a# attache$ 5y a -ere-o!f? She $i$ a# the (an ha$
en6oine$ herD an$ #tr"c2 it -ith her apronD fro( -hich it ri'e$ a portionD an$ then ran a-ay? After
#o(e ti(e the (an ret"rne$D ho!$in& in hi# (o"th the rent portion of hi# -ife1# apronD on #eein&
-hichD #he crie$ o"t in terrorD9Goo$ Lor$D (anD -hyD tho" art a -ere-o!fO9 9Than2 theeD -ifeD9
#ai$ heD 9no- I a( free?9 An$ fro( that ti(e he -a# no (ore aff!icte$?
If a fe(a!e at (i$ni&ht #tretche# 5et-een fo"r #tic2# the (e(5rane -hich en'e!ope# the foa!
-hen it i# 5ro"&ht forthD an$ creep# thro"&h itD na2e$D #he -i!! 5ear chi!$ren -itho"t painC 5"t a!!
the 5oy# -i!! 5e -ere-o!'e#D an$ a!! the &ir!# (ara#? 8y $ay the -ere-o!f ha# the h"(an for(D
tho"&h he (ay 5e 2no-n 5y the (eetin& of hi# eye5ro-# a5o'e the no#e? At a certain ti(e of the
ni&ht he ha# the for( of a $o& on three !e&#? It i# on!y -hen another per#on te!!# hi( that he i# a
-ere-o!fD or reproache# hi( -ith 5ein& #"chD that a (an can 5e free$ fro( the 5an?
Accor$in& to a Dani#h pop"!ar #on&D a hero tran#for(e$ 5y hi# #tep(other into a 5earD fi&ht#
-ith a 2ni&ht:
,or 1ti# #he -ho 5ath 5e-itche$ (eD
A -o(an fa!#e an$ fe!!D
8o"n$ an iron &ir$!e ro"n$ (eD
If tho" can1#t not 5rea2 thi# 5e!tD
/ni&htD I1!! thee $e#troyO
` ` ` `
The no5!e (a$e the Chri#tian #i&nD
The &ir$!e #nappe$D the 5ear -a# chan&e$D
An$ #eeO he -a# a !"#ty 2ni&htD
Hi# father1# rea!( re&aine$?
;/#mpeviserD p? 1<M?
+hen an o!$ 5ear in Ofo$en# Prie#te&6e!$ -a# 2i!!e$D after it ha$ ca"#e$ the $eath of #i) (en "n$
#i)ty hor#e#D it -a# fo"n$ to 5e &ir$e$ -ith a #i(i!ar &ir$!e?
In Sch!e#-i& an$ Ho!#tein they #ay that if the -ere-o!f 5e thrice a$$re##e$ 5y hi# 5apti#(a!
na(eD he re#"(e# hi# h"(an for(?
On a hot har'e#t $ay #o(e reaper# !ay $o-n in the fie!$ to ta2e their noonti$e #!eepD -hen one
-ho co"!$ not #!eep o5#er'e$ that the fe!!o- ne)t to hi( ro#e #oft!yD an$ ha'in& &ir$e$ hi(#e!f -ith
a #trapD 5eca(e a -ere-o!f?
A yo"n& (an 5e!on&in& to =g&er"p ret"rnin& !ate one ni&ht fro( 8i!!"n$D -a# attac2e$D -hen
near =g&er"pD 5y three -ere-o!'e#D an$ -o"!$ pro5a5!y ha'e 5een torn to piece#D ha$ he not #a'e$
hi(#e!f 5y !eapin& into a ryefie!$D for there they ha$ no (ore po-er o'er hi(?
At Ca#e5"r&D on the i#!e of U#e$o(D a (an an$ hi# -ife -ere 5"#y in the fie!$ (a2in& hayD -hen
after #o(e ti(e the -o(an #ai$ to the (an that #he ha$ no (ore peaceD #he co"!$ #tay no !on&erD
an$ -ent a-ay? 8"t #he ha$ pre'io"#!y $e#ire$ her h"#5an$ to pro(i#eD that if perchance a -i!$
5ea#t #ho"!$ co(e that -ayD he -o"!$ ca#t hi# hat at it an$ then r"n a-ayD an$ it -o"!$ $o hi( no
in6"ry? She ha$ 5een &one 5"t a #hort -hi!eD -hen a -o!f ca(e #-i((in& acro## the S-ineD an$ ran
$irect!y to-ar$# the hay(a2er#? The (an thre- hi# hat at itD -hich the ani(a! in#tant!y tore to ra&#?
8"t in the (eanti(e a 5oy ha$ r"n "p -ith a pitchfor2D an$ he $a55e$ the -o!f fro( 5ehin$: in the
#a(e (o(ent it 5eca(e chan&e$D an$ a!! #a- that the 5oy ha$ 2i!!e$ the (an1# -ife?
,or(er!y there -ere in$i'i$"a!# in the nei&h5o"rhoo$ of SteinaD -hoD 5y p"ttin& on a certain
&ir$!eD co"!$ tran#for( the(#e!'e# into -ere-o!'e#? A (an of the nei&h5o"rhoo$D -ho ha$ #"ch a
&ir$!eD for&ot one $ay -hen &oin& o"t to !oc2 it "pD a# -a# hi# -ont? D"rin& hi# a5#enceD hi# !itt!e
#on chance$ to fin$ itC he 5"c2!e$ it ro"n$ hi(?D an$ -a# in#tantaneo"#!y t"rne$ into an ani(a!D to
a!! o"t-ar$ appearance !i2e a 5"n$!e of peat#tra-D an$ he ro!!e$ a5o"t !i2e an "n-ie!$y 5ear? +hen
tho#e -ho -ere in the roo( percei'e$ thi#D they ha#tene$ in #earch of the fatherD -ho -a# fo"n$ in
ti(e to co(e an$ "n5"c2!e the 5e!tD 5efore the chi!$ ha$ $one any (i#chief? The 5oy after-ar$#
#ai$D that -hen he ha$ p"t on the &ir$!eD he -a# #eiIe$ -ith #"ch a ra&in& h"n&erD that he -a# rea$y
to tear in piece# an$ $e'o"r a!! that ca(e in hi# -ay?
The &ir$!e i# #"ppo#e$ to 5e (a$e of h"(an #2inD an$ to 5e three fin&er5rea$th# -i$e?
In Ea#t ,rie#!an$D it i# 5e!ie'e$D -hen #e'en &ir!# #"ccee$ each other in one fa(i!yD that a(on&
the( one i# of nece##ity a -ere-o!fD #o that yo"th# are #!o- in #ee2in& one of #e'en #i#ter# in
(arria&e?
Accor$in& to a c"rio"# Lith"anian #tory re!ate$ 5y Sch!eicher in hi# Litauische 5<rchenD a
per#on -ho i# a -ere-o!f or 5ear ha# to re(ain 2nee!in& in one #pot for one h"n$re$ year# 5efore
he can hope to o5tain re!ea#e fro( hi# 5e#tia! for(?
In the Nether!an$# they re!ate the fo!!o-in& ta!e:A (an ha$ once &one o"t -ith hi# 5o- to
atten$ a #hootin& (atch at Ro"##eD 5"t -hen a5o"t ha!f -ay to the p!aceD he #a- on a #"$$enD a
!ar&e -o!f #prin& fro( a thic2etD an$ r"#h to-ar$# a yo"n& &ir!D -ho -a# #ittin& in a (ea$o- 5y the
roa$#i$e -atchin& co-#? The (an $i$ not !on& he#itateD 5"t H"ic2!y $ra-in& forth an arro-D too2
ai(D an$ !"c2i!y hit the -o!f in the ri&ht #i$eD #o that the arro- re(aine$ #tic2in& in the -o"n$D an$
the ani(a! f!e$ ho-!in& to the -oo$?
On the fo!!o-in& $ay he hear$ that a #er'in&(an of the 5"r&o(a#ter1# ho"#eho!$ !ay at the point
of $eathD in con#eH"ence of ha'in& 5een #hot in the ri&ht #i$eD on the prece$in& $ay? Thi# #o e)cite$
the archer1# c"rio#ityD that he -ent to the -o"n$e$ (anD an$ reH"e#te$ to #ee the arro-? He
reco&niIe$ it i((e$iate!y a# one of hi# o-n? ThenD ha'in& $e#ire$ a!! pre#ent to !ea'e the roo(D he
per#"a$e$ the (an to confe## that he -a# a -ere-o!f an$ that he ha$ $e'o"re$ !itt!e chi!$ren? On
the fo!!o-in& $ay he $ie$?
A(on& the 8"!&arian# an$ S!oya2ian# the -ere-o!f i# ca!!e$ vrkolakD a na(e re#e(5!in& that
&i'en it 5y the (o$ern Gree2# QGree2 &r(kolakasR? The Gree2 -ere-o!f i# c!o#e!y re!ate$ to the
'a(pire? The !ycanthropi#t fa!!# into a cata!eptic tranceD $"rin& -hich hi# #o"! !ea'e# hi# 5o$yD
enter# that of a -o!f an$ ra'en# for 5!oo$? On the ret"rn of the #o"!D the 5o$y i# e)ha"#te$ an$ ache#
a# tho"&h it ha$ 5een p"t thro"&h 'io!ent e)erci#e? After $eath !ycanthropi#t# 5eco(e 'a(pire#?
They are 5e!ie'e$ to freH"ent 5att!efie!$# in -o!f or hy4na #hape#D an$ to #"c2 the 5reath fro(
$yin& #o!$ier#D or to enter ho"#e# an$ #tea! the infant# fro( their cra$!e#? Mo$ern Gree2# ca!! any
#a'a&e!oo2in& (anD -ith $ar2 co(p!e)ionD an$ -ith $i#torte$D (i##hapen !i(5#D a QGree2
&r(kolakasRD an$ #"ppo#e hi( to 5e in'e#te$ -ith po-er of r"nnin& in -o!ffor(?
The Ser5# connect the 'a(pire an$ the -ere-o!f to&etherD an$ ca!! the( 5y one na(e vlkoslak?
The#e ra&e chief!y in the $epth# of -inter: they ho!$ their ann"a! &atherin&#D an$ at the( $i'e#t
the(#e!'e# of their -o!f#2in#D -hich they han& on the tree# aro"n$ the(? If any one #"ccee$# in
o5tainin& the #2in an$ 5"rnin& itD the '!2o#!a2 i# thenceforth $i#enchante$?
The po-er to 5eco(e a -ere-o!f i# o5taine$ 5y $rin2in& the -ater -hich #ett!e# in a footprint
!eft in c!ay 5y a -o!f?
A(on& the +hite R"##ian# the wawkalak i# a (an -ho ha# inc"rre$ the -rath of the $e'i!D an$
the e'i! one p"ni#he# hi( 5y tran#for(in& hi( into a -o!f an$ #en$in& hi( a(on& hi# re!ation#D
-ho reco&niIe hi( an$ fee$ hi( -e!!? He i# a (o#t a(ia5!y $i#po#e$ -ere-o!fD for he $oe# no
(i#chiefD an$ te#tifie# hi# affection for hi# 2in$re$ 5y !ic2in& their han$#? He cannotD ho-e'erD
re(ain !on& in any p!aceD 5"t i# $ri'en fro( ho"#e to ho"#eD an$ fro( ha(!et to ha(!etD 5y an
irre#i#ti5!e pa##ion for chan&e of #cene? Thi# i# an "&!y #"per#titionD for it #et# a pre(i"( on
#tan$in& -e!! -ith the e'i! one?
The S!oya2ian# (erri!y ter( a $r"n2ar$ a '!2o$!a2D 5eca"#eD for#oothD he (a2e# a 5ea#t of
hi(#e!f? A S!o'a2ian ho"#eho!$ -ere-o!f ta!e c!o#e# thi# chapter?
The Po!e# ha'e their -ere-o!'e#D -hich ra&e t-ice in the yearat Chri#t(a# an$ at (i$#"((er?
Accor$in& to a Po!i#h #toryD if a -itch !ay# a &ir$!e of h"(an #2in on the thre#ho!$ of a ho"#e in
-hich a (arria&e i# 5ein& ce!e5rate$D the 5ri$e an$ 5ri$e&roo(D an$ 5ri$e#(ai$# an$ &roo(#(enD
#ho"!$ they #tep acro## itD are tran#for(e$ into -o!'e#? After three year#D ho-e'erD the -itch -i!!
co'er the( -ith #2in# -ith the hair? t"rne$ o"t-ar$C i((e$iate!y they -i!! reco'er their nat"ra!
for(? On one occa#ionD a -itch ca#t a #2in of too #canty $i(en#ion# o'er the 5ri$e&roo(D #o that hi#
tai! -a# !eft "nco'ere$: he re#"(e$ hi# h"(an for(D 5"t retaine$ hi# !"pine ca"$a! appen$a&e Qi.e.
tail))/&hR?
The R"##ian# ca!! the -ere-o!f o&orotD -hich #i&nifie# 9one tran#for(e$?9 The fo!!o-in& receipt
i# &i'en 5y the( for 5eco(in& one?
9He -ho $e#ire# to 5eco(e an o5orotD !et hi( #ee2 in the fore#t a he-n$o-n treeC !et hi( #ta5 it
-ith a #(a!! copper 2nifeD an$ -a!2 ro"n$ the treeD repeatin& the fo!!o-in& incantation:
On the #eaD on the oceanD on the i#!an$D on 8"6anD
On the e(pty pa#t"re &!ea(# the (oonD on an a#h#toc2 !yin&
In a &reen -oo$D in a &!oo(y 'a!e?
To-ar$ the #toc2 -an$ereth a #ha&&y -o!f?
Horne$ catt!e #ee2in& for hi# #harp -hite fan&#C
8"t the -o!f enter# not the fore#tD
8"t the -o!f $i'e# not into the #ha$o-y 'a!eD
MoonD (oonD &o!$horne$ (oonD
Chee2 the f!i&ht of 5"!!et#D 5!"nt the h"nter#1 2ni'e#D
8rea2 the #hepher$#1 c"$&e!#D
Ca#t -i!$ fear "pon a!! catt!eD
On (enD on a!! creepin& thin&#D
That they (ay not catch the &rey -o!fD
That they (ay not ren$ hi# -ar( #2in
My -or$ i# 5in$in&D (ore 5in$in& than #!eepD
More 5in$in& than the pro(i#e of a heroO
9Then he #prin&# thrice o'er the tree an$ r"n# into the fore#tD tran#for(e$ into a -o!f?9 UnoteU1
V1? SACHARO+: 7nlandD 1*;*D No? 1M?X
In the ancient 8ohe(ian Le)icon of %acera$ SA? D? 1LFLT the -ere-o!f i# ca!!e$ 'i!2o$!a2D an$
i# e)p!aine$ a# fa"n"#? Safari2 #ay# "n$er that hea$D
9Inc"5i #epe i(pro5i e)i#t"nt ("!ieri5"#D et ear"( pera&"nt conc"5it"(D H"o# $e(one# Ga!!i
dusios n"nc"pant?9 An$ in another p!ace: 9%i!2o$!aciD inc"5iD #i'e in'i$iD a5 in'ian$o pa##i( c"(
ani(a!i5"#D "n$e et inc"5i $ic"nt"r a5 inc"5an$o ho(ine#D i? e? #t"pran$oD H"o# Ro(ani fa"no#
ficario# $ic"nt?9
That the #a(e 5e!ief in !ycanthropy e)i#t# in Ar(enia i# e'i$ent fro( the fo!!o-in& #tory to!$ 5y
Ha)tha"#enD in hi# 4rans)Caucasia SLeipIi&D i? ;LLT:9A (an once #a- a -o!fD -hich ha$ carrie$
off a chi!$D $a#h pa#t hi(? He p"r#"e$ it ha#ti!yD 5"t -a# "na5!e to o'erta2e it? At !a#t he ca(e "pon
the han$# an$ feet of a chi!$D an$ a !itt!e f"rther on he fo"n$ a ca'eD in -hich !ay a -o!f#2in? Thi#
he ca#t into a fireD an$ i((e$iate!y a -o(an appeare$D -ho ho-!e$ an$ trie$ to re#c"e the #2in
fro( the f!a(e#? The (anD ho-e'erD re#i#te$D an$D a# #oon a# the hi$e -a# con#"(e$D the -o(an
ha$ 'ani#he$ in the #(o2e?9
In In$iaD on acco"nt of the pre'a!ence of the $octrine of (ete(p#ycho#i#D the 5e!ief in
tran#for(ation i# -i$e!y $iff"#e$? Trace# of &en"ine !ycanthropy are a5"n$ant in a!! re&ion# -hither
8"$$i#( ha# reache$? In Cey!onD in Thi5etD an$ in ChinaD -e fin$ it #ti!! for(in& a portion of the
nationa! cree$?
In the Pant#chatantra i# a #tory of an enchante$ 8rah(in1# #onD -ho 5y $ay -a# a #erpentD 5y
ni&ht a (an?
%i2ra(@$itya1# fatherD the #on of In$raD -a# con$e(ne$ to 5e an a## 5y $ay an$ a (an 5y ni&ht?
A (o$ern In$ian ta!e i# to thi# effect:A prince (arrie# a fe(a!e apeD 5"t hi# 5rother# -e$
han$#o(e prince##e#? At a fea#t &i'en 5y the H"een to her #tep$a"&hter#D there appear# an
e)H"i#ite!y 5ea"tif"! !a$y in &or&eo"# ro5e#? Thi# i# none other than the #heapeD -ho ha# !ai$ a#i$e
her #2in for the occa#ion: the prince #!ip# o"t of the roo( an$ 5"rn# the #2inD #o that hi# -ife i#
pre'ente$ fro( re#"(in& her fa'o"rite appearance?
Nathanie! Pierce UnoteU1 &i'e# an acco"nt of an A5y##inian #"per#tition 'ery #i(i!ar to that
pre'a!ent in E"rope?
V1? Li$e and Adventures o$ 2athaniel ,ierceD -ritten 5y hi(#e!f $"rin& a re#i$ence in A5y##inia fro( 1*1F1B?
Lon$onD 1*;1?X
He #ay# that in A5y##inia the &o!$? an$ #i!'er#(ith# are hi&h!y re&ar$e$D 5"t that the iron-or2er#
are !oo2e$ "pon -ith conte(ptD a# an inferior &ra$e of 5ein&#? Their 2in#(en e'en a#cri5e to the(
the po-er of tran#for(in& the(#e!'e# into hy4na#D or other #a'a&e 5ea#t#? A!! con'"!#ion# an$
hy#terica! $i#or$er# are attri5"te$ to the effect of their e'i! eye? The A(hara ca!! the( =udaD the
Ti&rED 4e&&i&? There are a!#o Maho(e$an an$ =e-i#h 8"$a#? It i# $iffic"!t to e)p!ain the ori&in of
thi# #tran&e #"per#tition? The#e 8"$a# are $i#tin&"i#he$ fro( other peop!e 5y -earin& &o!$ ear
rin&#D an$ Coffin $ec!are# that he ha# often fo"n$ hy4na# -ith the#e rin&# in their ear#D e'en a(on&
the 5ea#t# -hich he ha# #hot or #peare$ hi(#e!f? 8"t ho- the rin&# &ot into their ear# i# (ore than
Coffin -a# a5!e to a#certain?
8e#i$e their po-er to tran#for( the(#e!'e# into hy4na# or other -i!$ 5ea#t#D a!! #ort# of other
#tran&e thin&# are a#cri5e$ to the(C an$ the A5y##inian# are fir(!y per#"a$e$ that they ro5 the
&ra'e# 5y (i$ni&htD an$ no one -o"!$ 'ent"re to to"ch -hat i# ca!!e$ 1uanterD or $rie$ (eat in their
ho"#e#D tho"&h they -o"!$ not o56ect to parta2e of fre#h (eatD if they ha$ #een the ani(a!D fro(
-hich it ca(eD 2i!!e$ 5efore the(? Coffin re!ate#D a# eye-itne## of the factD the fo!!o-in& #tory:
A(on& hi# #er'ant# -a# a 8"$aD -hoD one e'enin&D -hi!#t it -a# #ti!! !i&htD ca(e to hi# (a#ter
an$ a#2e$ !ea'e of a5#ence ti!! the fo!!o-in& (ornin&? He o5taine$ the reH"ire$ !ea'e an$ $eparte$C
5"t #carce!y ha$ Coffin t"rne$ hi# hea$D -hen one of hi# (en e)c!ai(e$D9Loo2O there he i#D
chan&in& hi(#e!f into hy4naD9 pointin& in the $irection ta2en 5y the 8"$a? Coffin t"rne$ to !oo2D
an$ a!tho"&h he $i$ not -itne## the proce## of tran#for(ationD the yo"n& (an ha$ 'ani#he$ fro(
the #pot on -hich he ha$ 5een #tan$in&D not a h"n$re$ pace# $i#tantD an$ in hi# p!ace -a# a hy4na
r"nnin& a-ay? The p!ace -a# a p!ain -itho"t either 5"#h or tree to i(pe$e the 'ie-? Ne)t (ornin&
the yo"n& (an ret"rne$D an$ -a# char&e$ 5y hi# co(panion# -ith the tran#for(ation: thi# he rather
ac2no-!e$&e$ than $enie$D for he e)c"#e$ hi(#e!f on the p!ea that it -a# the ha5it of hi# c!a##? Thi#
#tate(ent of Pierce i# corro5orate$ 5y a note contri5"te$ 5y Sir Gar$ner +i!2in#on to Ra-!in#on1#
+erodotus S5oo2 i'? chap? 1F7T? 9A c!a## of peop!e in A5y##inia are 5e!ie'e$ to chan&e the(#e!'e#
into hy4na# -hen they !i2e? On (y appearin& to $i#cre$it itD I -a# to!$ 5y one -ho !i'e$ for year#
thereD that no -e!!infor(e$ per#on $o"5te$ itD an$ that he -a# once -a!2in& -ith one of the(D
-hen he happene$ to !oo2 a-ay for a (o(entD an$ on t"rnin& a&ain to-ar$# hi# co(panionD he #a-
hi( trottin& off in the #hape of a hy4na? He (et hi( after-ar$# in hi# o!$ for(? The#e -orthie# are
5!ac2#(ith#?G? +?9
A preci#e!y #i(i!ar #"per#tition #ee(# to ha'e e)i#te$ in A(ericaD for =o#eph Aco#ta S+ist. 2at.
des 7ndesT re!ate# that the r"!er of a city in Me)icoD -ho -a# #ent for 5y the pre$ece##or of
MonteI"(aD tran#for(e$ hi(#e!fD 5efore the eye# of tho#e -ho -ere #ent to #eiIe hi(D into an
ea&!eD a ti&erD an$ an enor(o"# #erpent? He yie!$e$ at !a#tD an$ -a# con$e(ne$ to $eath? No !on&er
in hi# o-n ho"#eD he -a# "na5!e to -or2 (irac!e# #o a# to #a'e hi# !ife? The 8i#hop of ChiapaD a
pro'ince of G"ate(a!aD in a -ritin& p"5!i#he$ in 1MFLD a#cri5e# the #a(e po-er to the Na&"a!#D or
nationa! prie#t#D -ho !a5o"re$ to 5rin& 5ac2 to the re!i&ion of their ance#tor#D the chi!$ren 5ro"&ht
"p a# Chri#tian# 5y the &o'ern(ent? After 'ario"# cere(onie#D -hen the chi!$ in#tr"cte$ a$'ance$
to e(5race hi(D the Na&"a! #"$$en!y a##"(e$ a fri&htf"! a#pectD an$ "n$er the for( of a !ion or
ti&erD appeare$ chaine$ to the yo"n& Chri#tian con'ert?S*ecueil de 'oyagesD to(? ii? 1*M?T
A(on& the North A(erican In$ian#D the 5e!ief in tran#for(ation i# 'ery pre'a!ent? The fo!!o-in&
#tory c!o#e!y re#e(5!e# one 'ery pre'a!ent a!! o'er the -or!$?
9One In$ian fi)e$ hi# re#i$ence on the 5or$er# of the Great 8ear !a2eD ta2in& -ith hi( on!y a $o&
5i& -ith yo"n&? In $"e ti(eD thi# $o& 5ro"&ht forth ei&ht p"p#? +hene'er the In$ian -ent o"t to
fi#hD he tie$ "p the p"p#D to pre'ent the #trayin& of the !itter? Se'era! ti(e#D a# he approache$ hi#
tentD he hear$ noi#e# procee$in& fro( itD -hich #o"n$e$ !i2e the ta!2in&D the !a"&hin&D the cryin&D
the -ai!D an$ the (erri(ent of chi!$renC 5"tD on enterin& itD he on!y percei'e$ the p"p# tie$ "p a#
"#"a!? Hi# c"rio#ity 5ein& e)cite$ 5y the noi#e# he ha$ hear$D he $eter(ine$ to -atch an$ !earn
-hence the#e #o"n$# procee$e$D an$ -hat they -ere? One $ay he preten$e$ to &o o"t to fi#hD 5"tD
in#tea$ of $oin& #oD he concea!e$ hi(#e!f in a con'enient p!ace? In a #hort ti(e he a&ain hear$
'oice#D an$D r"#hin& #"$$en!y into the tentD 5ehe!$ #o(e 5ea"tif"! chi!$ren #portin& an$ !a"&hin&D
-ith the $o&#2in# !yin& 5y their #i$e? He thre- the $o&#2in# into the fireD an$ the chi!$renD
retainin& their proper for(#D &re- "pD an$ -ere the ance#tor# of the $o&ri5 nation?9S4raditions o$
the 2orth American 7ndiansD 5y T? A? =one#D 1*;FD %o!? ii? p? 1*?T
In the #a(e -or2 i# a c"rio"# #tory entit!e$ 4he 5other o$ the -orldD -hich 5ear# a c!o#e ana!o&y
to another -or!$-i$e (yth: a -o(an (arrie# a $o&D 5y ni&ht the $o& !ay# a#i$e it# #2inD an$
appear# a# a (an? Thi# (ay 5e co(pare$ -ith the ta!e of 860rn an$ 8era a!rea$y &i'en?
I #ha!! c!o#e thi# chapter -ith a S!o'a2ian ho"#eho!$ ta!e &i'en 5y T? T? Han"#h in the thir$
'o!"(e of >eitschri$t $?r Deutsche 5ythologie?
4he Daughter o$ the 'lkolak
9There -a# once a fatherD -ho ha$ nine $a"&hter#D an$ they -ere a!! (arria&ea5!eD 5"t the
yo"n&e#t -a# the (o#t 5ea"tif"!? The father -a# a -ere-o!f? One $ay it ca(e into hi# hea$: 1+hat
i# the &oo$ of ha'in& to #"pport #o (any &ir!#P1 #o he $eter(ine$ to p"t the( a!! o"t of the -ay?
9He -ent accor$in&!y into the fore#t to he- -oo$D an$ he or$ere$ hi# $a"&hter# to !et one of
the( 5rin& hi( hi# $inner? It -a# the e!$e#t -ho 5ro"&ht it?
91+hyD ho- co(e yo" #o ear!y -ith the foo$P1 a#2e$ the -oo$c"tter?
91Tr"!yD fatherD I -i#he$ to #tren&then yo"D !e#t yo" #ho"!$ fa!! "pon "#D if fa(i#he$O1
91A &oo$ !a##O Sit $o-n -hi!#t I eat?1 He ateD an$ -hi!#t he ate he tho"&ht of a #che(e? He ro#e
an$ #ai$: I My &ir!D co(eD an$ I -i!! #ho- yo" a pit I ha'e 5een $i&&in&?1
91An$ -hat i# the pit forP 1
91That -e (ay 5e 5"rie$ in it -hen -e $ieD for poor fo!2 -i!! not 5e care$ for ("ch after they are
$ea$ an$ &one?1
9So the &ir! -ent -ith hi( to the #i$e of the $eep pit? 1No- hearD1 #ai$ the -ere-o!fD 1yo" ("#t
$ie an$ 5e ca#t in there?1
9She 5e&&e$ for her !ifeD 5"t a!! in 'ainD #o he !ai$ ho!$ of her an$ ca#t her into the &ra'e? Then he
too2 a &reat #tone an$ f!"n& it in "pon her an$ cr"#he$ her hea$D #o the poor thin& 5reathe$ o"t her
#o"!? +hen the -ere-o!f ha$ $one thi# he -ent 5ac2 to hi# -or2D an$ a# $"#2 ca(e onD the #econ$
$a"&hter arri'e$D 5rin&in& hi( foo$? He to!$ her of the pitD an$ 5ro"&ht her to itD an$ ca#t her inD an$
2i!!e$ her a# the fir#t? An$ #o he $ea!t -ith a!! hi# &ir!# "p to the !a#t? The yo"n&e#t 2ne- -e!! that
her father -a# a -ere-o!fD an$ #he -a# &rie'e$ that her #i#ter# $i$ not ret"rnC #he tho"&htD 1No-
-here can they 5eP Ha# (y father 2ept the( for co(panion#hipC or to he!p hi( in hi# -or2P1 So #he
(a$e the foo$ -hich #he -a# to ta2e hi(D an$ crept ca"tio"#!y thro"&h the -oo$? +hen #he ca(e
near the p!ace -here her father -or2e$D #he hear$ hi# #tro2e# fe!!in& ti(5erD an$ #(e!t #(o2e? She
#a- pre#ent!y a !ar&e fire an$ t-o h"(an hea$# roa#tin& at it? T"rnin& fro( the fireD #he -ent in the
$irection of the a)e#tro2e#D an$ fo"n$ her father?
9SeeD1 #ai$ #heD 1fatherD I ha'e 5ro"&ht yo" foo$?1
9That i# a &oo$ !a##D1 #ai$ he? 1No- #tac2 the -oo$ for (e -hi!#t I eat?1
918"t -here are (y #i#ter#P1 #he a#2e$?
91Do-n in yon 'a!!ey $ra-in& -oo$D1 he rep!ie$ 1fo!!o- (eD an$ I -i!! 5rin& yo" to the(?1
9They ca(e to the pitC then he to!$ her that he ha$ $"& it for a &ra'e? 1No-D1 #ai$ heD 1yo" ("#t
$ieD an$ 5e ca#t into the pit -ith yo"r #i#ter#? 1
91T"rn a#i$eD fatherD1 #he a#2e$D 1-hi!#t I #trip of (y c!othe#D an$ then #!ay (e if yo" -i!!?1
9He t"rne$ a#i$e a# #he reH"e#te$D an$ thentchichO #he &a'e hi( a p"#hD an$ he t"(5!e$
hea$!on& into the ho!e he ha$ $"& for her?
9She f!e$ for her !ifeD for the -ere-o!f -a# not in6"re$D an$ he #oon -o"!$ #cra(5!e o"t of the
pit?
9No- #he hear# hi# ho-!# re#o"n$in& thro"&h the &!oo(y a!!ey# of the fore#tD an$ #-ift a# the
-in$ #he r"n#? She hear# the tra(p of hi# approachin& feetD an$ the #n"ff!e of hi# 5reath? Then #he
ca#t# 5ehin$ her her han$2erchief? The -ere-o!f #eiIe# thi# -ith teeth an$ nai!#D an$ ren$# it ti!! it
i# re$"ce$ to tiny ri5an$#? In another (o(ent he i# a&ain in p"r#"it foa(in& at the (o"thD an$
ho-!in& $i#(a!!yD -hi!#t hi# re$ eye# &!ea( !i2e 5"rnin& coa!#? A# he &ain# on herD #he ca#t# 5ehin$
her her &o-nD an$ 5i$# hi( tear that? He #eiIe# the &o-n an$ ri'e# it to #hre$#D then a&ain he
p"r#"e#? Thi# ti(e #he ca#t# 5ehin$ her her apronD ne)t her petticoatD then her #hiftD an$ at !a#t r"(#
("ch in the con$ition in -hich #he -a# 5orn? A&ain the -ere-o!f approache#C #he 5o"n$# o"t of
the fore#t into a hayfie!$D an$ hi$e# her#e!f in the #(a!!e#t heap of hay? Her father enter# the fie!$D
r"n# ho-!in& a5o"t it in #earch of herD cannot fin$ herD an$ 5e&in# to "p#et the $ifferent haycoc2#D
a!! the -hi!e &ro-!in& an$ &na#hin& hi# &!ea(in& -hite fan&# in hi# ra&e at her ha'in& e#cape$ hi(?
The foa( f!a2e# $rop at e'ery #tep fro( hi# (o"thD an$ hi# #2in i# ree2in& -ith #-eat? 8efore he
ha# reache$ the #(a!!e#t 5"n$!e of hay hi# #tren&th !ea'e# hi(D he fee!# e)ha"#tion 5e&in to creep
o'er hi(D an$ he retire# to the fore#t?
9The 2in& &oe# o"t h"ntin& e'ery c!ayC one of hi# $o&# carrie# foo$ to the hayfie!$D -hich ha#
(o#t "nacco"nta5!y 5een ne&!ecte$ 5y the hay(a2er# for three $ay#? The 2in&D fo!!o-in& the $o&D
$i#co'er# the fair $a(#e!D not e)act!y 1in the #tra-D1 5"t "p to her nec2 in hay? She i# carrie$D hay an$
a!!D to the pa!aceD -here #he 5eco(e# hi# -ifeD (a2in& on!y one #tip"!ation 5efore 5eco(in& hi#
5ri$eD an$ that i#D that no 5e&&ar #ha!! 5e per(itte$ to enter the pa!ace?
9After #o(e year# a 5e&&ar $oe# &et inD the 5e&&ar 5ein&D of co"r#eD none other than her -ere
-o!f father? He #tea!# "p#tair#D enter# the n"r#eryD c"t# the throat# of the t-o chi!$ren 5orne 5y the
H"een to her !or$D an$ !ay# the 2nife "n$er her pi!!o-?
9In the (ornin&D the 2in&D #"ppo#in& hi# -ife to 5e the ("r$ere##D $ri'e# her fro( ho(eD -ith the
$ea$ prince# h"n& a5o"t her nec2? A her(it co(e# to the re#c"eD an$ re#tore# the 5a5ie# to !ife? The
2in& fin$# o"t hi# (i#ta2eD i# re"nite$ to the !a$y o"t of the hayD an$ the -ere-o!f i# ca#t off a hi&h
c!iff into the #eaD an$ that i# the en$ of hi(? The 2in&D the H"eenD an$ the prince# !i'e happi!yD an$
(ay 5e !i'in& yetD for no notice of their $eath ha# appeare$ in the ne-#paper?9
Thi# #tory 5ear# #o(e re#e(5!ance to one to!$ 5y %on Hahn in hi# Griechische und Al&anesische
5<rchenC I re(e(5er ha'in& hear$ a 'ery #i(i!ar one in the Pyrenee#C 5"t the (an -ho f!ie# fro(
the -ere-o!f i# one -hoD after ha'in& #trippe$ off a!! hi# c!othe#D r"#he# into a cotta&e an$ 6"(p#
into a 5e$? The -ere-o!f $are# notD or cannotD fo!!o-? The ca"#e of hi# f!i&ht -a# a!#o $ifferent? He
-a# a free(a#on -ho ha$ $i'"!&e$ the #ecretD an$ the -ere-o!f -a# the (a#ter of hi# !o$&e in
p"r#"it of hi(? In the 8earnai# #toryD there i# nothin& #i(i!ar to the !a#t part of the S!o'a2ian ta!eD
an$ in the Gree2 one the tran#for(ation an$ the p"r#"it are o(itte$D tho"&h the -o(aneater i#
ca!!e$ 9$o&1#hea$D9 ("ch a# an o"t!a- in the north of E"rope -a# #ai$ to 5e -o!fhea$e$?
It i# -orthy of notice in the ta!e of 4he Daughter o$ the %lkolakD that the -ere-o!f fit i# fo!!o-e$
5y &reat e)ha"#tionD UnoteU1 an$ that the -o!f i# &i'en c!othe# to tearD ("ch a# in the Dani#h
#torie# a!rea$y re!ate$? There $oe# not #ee( to 5e any in$ication of hi# La'in& chan&e$ hi# #hapeD at
!ea#t no chan&e i# (entione$D hi# han$# are #po2en ofD an$ he #-ear# an$ c"r#e# hi# $a"&hter in
5roa$ S!o'a2ian? The fit 'ery c!o#e!y re#e(5!e# that to -hich S2a!!a&ri(D the Ice!an$erD -a#
#"56ect? It i# a pity that the (ai$ 8re2 in the Ice!an$ic ta!e $i$ not fa!! "pon her !e&# !i2e the yo"n&
!a$y in the hay?
V1? Co(pare thi# -ith the e)ha"#tion fo!!o-in& a 8er#er2ir fitD an$ that -hich #"ccee$e$ the attac2# to -hich M?
8ertran$ -a# #"56ect?X
!HA)TER I-#
NATURAL !AUSES OF L*!ANTHRO)*#
Innate Cr"e!tyIt# Three ,or(#D"(o!!ar$An$rea# 8iche!A D"tch Prie#tOther in#tance# of
Inherent Cr"e!tyCr"e!ty "nite$ to Refine(entA H"n&arian 8ather in 8!oo$S"$$enne## -ith
-hich the Pa##ion i# $e'e!ope$Canni5a!i#(C in pre&nant +o(enC in Maniac#Ha!!"cinationC ho-
Pro$"ce$Sa!'e#The Story of L"ci"#Se!f$eception?
+HAT I ha'e re!ate$ fro( the chronic!e# of antiH"ityD or fro( the tra$itiona! !ore of the peop!eD
i# 'ei!e$ "n$er the for( of (yth or !e&en$C an$ it i# on!y fro( Scan$ina'ian $e#cription# of tho#e
aff!icte$ -ith the -o!f(a$ne##D an$ fro( the tria!# of tho#e char&e$ -ith the cri(e of !ycanthropy
in the !ater Mi$$!e A&e#D that -e can arri'e at the tr"th re#pectin& that for( of (a$ne## -hich -a#
in'e#te$ 5y the #"per#titio"# -ith #o ("ch (y#tery?
It -a# not ti!! the c!o#e of the Mi$$!e A&e# that !ycanthropy -a# reco&niIe$ a# a $i#ea#eC 5"t it i#
one -hich ha# #o ("ch that i# &ha#t!y an$ re'o!tin& in it# for(D an$ it i# #o re(ote fro( a!! o"r
or$inary e)perienceD that it i# not #"rpri#in& that the ca#"a! o5#er'er #ho"!$ !ea'e the con#i$eration
of itD a# a #"56ect i#o!ate$ an$ perp!e)in&D an$ 5e $i#po#e$ to re&ar$ a# a (yth that -hich the feare$
in'e#ti&ation (i&ht pro'e a rea!ity?
In thi# chapter I p"rpo#e 5rief!y e)a(inin& the con$ition# "n$er -hich (en ha'e 5een re&ar$e$
a# -ere-o!'e#?
Start!in& tho"&h the a##ertion (ay 5eD it i# a (atter of factD that (anD nat"ra!!yD in co((on -ith
other carni'oraD i# act"ate$ 5y an i(p"!#e to 2i!!D an$ 5y a !o'e of $e#troyin& !ife?
It i# po#iti'e!y tr"e that there are (any to -ho( the #i&ht of #"fferin& ca"#e# &en"ine p!ea#"reD
an$ in -ho( the pa##ion to 2i!! or tort"re i# a# #tron& a# any other pa##ion? +itne## the n"(5er of
5oy# -ho a##e(5!e aro"n$ a #heep or pi& -hen it i# a5o"t to 5e 2i!!e$D an$ -ho -atch the #tr"&&!e
of the $yin& 5r"te -ith heart# 5eatin& fa#t -ith p!ea#"reD an$ eye# #par2!in& -ith $e!i&ht? Often
ha'e I #een an ea&er cro-$ of chi!$ren a##e(5!e$ aro"n$ the #!a"&hterho"#e# of ,rench to-n#D
a5#or5e$ in the e)pirin& a&onie# of the #heep an$ catt!eD an$ h"#he$ into #i!ence a# they -atche$ the
f!o- of 5!oo$?
The propen#ityD ho-e'erD e)i#t# in $ifferent $e&ree#? In #o(e it i# (anife#t #i(p!y a# in$ifference
to #"fferin&D in other# it appear# a# #i(p!e p!ea#"re in #eein& 2i!!e$D an$ in other# a&ain it i#
$o(inant a# an irre#i#ti5!e $e#ire to tort"re an$ $e#troy?
Thi# propen#ity i# -i$e!y $iff"#e$C it e)i#t# in chi!$ren an$ a$"!t#D in the &ro##(in$e$ an$ the
refine$?D in the -e!!e$"cate$ an$ the i&norantD in tho#e -ho ha'e ne'er ha$ the opport"nity of
&ratifyin& itD an$ tho#e -ho &ratify it ha5it"a!!yD in #pite of (ora!ityD re!i&ionD !a-#D #o that it can
on!y $epen$ on con#tit"tiona! ca"#e#?
The #port#(an an$ the fi#her(an fo!!o- a nat"ra! in#tinct to $e#troyD -hen they (a2e -a) on
5ir$D 5ea#tD an$ fi#h: the pretence that the #poi! i# #o"&ht for the ta5!e cannot 5e (a$e -ith 6"#ticeD
a# the #port#(an care# !itt!e for the &a(e he ha# o5taine$D -hen once it i# con#i&ne$ to hi# po"ch?
The (oti'e for hi# ea&er p"r#"it of 5ir$ or 5ea#t ("#t 5e #o"&ht e!#e-hereC it -i!! 5e fo"n$ in the
nat"ra! cra'in& to e)tin&"i#h !ifeD -hich e)i#t# in hi# #o"!? +hy $oe# a chi!$ i(p"!#i'e!y #tri2e at a
5"tterf!y a# it f!it# pa#t hi(P He care# nothin& for the in#ect -hen once it i# 5eaten $o-n at hi# feetD
"n!e## it 5e H"i'erin& in it# a&onyD -hen he -i!! -atch it -ith intere#t? The chi!$ #tri2e# at the
f!"tterin& creat"re 5eca"#e it ha# li$e in itD an$ he ha# an in#tinct -ithin hi( i(pe!!in& hi( to
$e#troy !ife -here'er he fin$# it?
Parent# an$ n"r#e# 2no- -e!! that chi!$ren 5y nat"re are cr"e!D an$ that h"(anity ha# to 5e
acH"ire$ 5y e$"cation? A chi!$ -i!! &!oat o'er the #"fferin&# of a -o"n$e$ ani(a! ti!! hi# (other
5i$# hi( 9p"t it o"t of it# (i#ery?9 An "n#ophi#ticate$ chi!$ -o"!$ not $rea( of ter(inatin& the
poor creat"re1# a&onie# a5r"pt!yD any (ore than he -o"!$ #-a!!o- -ho!e a 5on5on ti!! he ha$ -e!!
#"c2e$ it? Inherent cr"e!ty (ay 5e o5#c"re$ 5y after i(pre##ion#D or (ay 5e 2ept "n$er (ora!
re#traintC the per#on -ho i# con#tit"tiona!!y a NeroD (ay #carce!y 2no- hi# o-n nat"reD ti!! 5y #o(e
acci$ent the (a#ter pa##ion 5eco(e# $o(inantD an$ #-eep# a!! 5efore it? A re!a)ation of the (ora!
chec2D a #hoc2 to the contro!!in& inte!!ectD an a5nor(a! con$ition of 5o$yD are #"fficient to a!!o- the
pa##ion to a##ert it#e!f?
A# I ha'e a!rea$y o5#er'e$D thi# pa##ion e)i#t# in $ifferent per#on# in $ifferent $e&ree#?
In #o(e it i# e)hi5ite$ in #i(p!e -ant of fee!in& for other peop!e1# #"fferin&#? Thi# te(pera(ent
(ay !ea$ to cri(eD for the in$i'i$"a! -ho i# re&ar$!e## of pain in anotherD -i!! 5e rea$y to $e#troy
that otherD if it #"it hi# o-n p"rpo#e#? S"ch an one -a# the pa"per D"(o!!ar$D -ho -a# the
("r$erer of at !ea#t #i) poor &ir!#D an$ -ho atte(pte$ to 2i!! #e'era! other#? He #ee(# not to ha'e
fe!t ("ch &ratification in ("r$erin& the(D 5"t to ha'e 5een #o "tter!y in$ifferent to their #"fferin&#D
that he 2i!!e$ the( #o!e!y for the #a2e of their c!othe#D -hich -ere of the poore#t $e#cription? He
-a# #entence$ to the &"i!!otineD an$ e)ec"te$ in 1*AL? UnoteU1
V1? A f"!! acco"nt of thi# (an1# tria! i# &i'en 5y one -ho -a# pre#entD in All the @ear *oundD No? 1AL?X
In other#D the pa##ion for 5!oo$ i# $e'e!ope$ a!on&#i$e -ith in$ifference to #"fferin&?
Th"# An$rea# 8iche! entice$ yo"n& -o(en into hi# ho"#eD "n$er the pretence that he -a#
po##e##e$ of a (a&ic (irrorD in -hich he -o"!$ #ho- the( their f"t"re h"#5an$#C -hen he ha$
the( in hi# po-er he 5o"n$ their han$# 5ehin$ their 5ac2#D an$ #t"nne$ the( -ith a 5!o-? He then
#ta55e$ the( an$ $e#poi!e$ the( of their c!othe#D for the #a2e of -hich he co((itte$ the ("r$er#C
5"t a# he 2i!!e$ the yo"n& -o(en the pa##ion of cr"e!ty too2 po##e##ion of hi(D an$ he hac2e$ the
poor &ir!# to piece# -hi!#t they -ere #ti!! a!i'eD in hi# an)iety to e)a(ine their in#i$e#? Catherine
Sei$e! he opene$ -ith a ha((er an$ a -e$&eD fro( her 5rea#t $o-n-ar$#D -hi!#t #ti!! 5reathin&? 9I
(ay #ayD9 he re(ar2e$ at hi# tria!D 9that $"rin& the operation I -a# #o ea&erD that I tre(5!e$ a!! o'erD
an$ I !on&e$ to ri'e off a piece an$ eat it?9
An$rea# 8iche! -a# e)ec"te$ in 1*FB? UnoteU1
V1? The ca#e of An$rea# 8iche! i# &i'en in La$y D"ff Gor$on1# *emarka&le Criminal 4rials?X
A&ainD a thir$ c!a## of per#on# are cr"e! an$ 5!oo$thir#tyD 5eca"#e in the( 5!oo$thir#tine## i# a
ra&in& in#atia5!e pa##ion? In a ci'i!iIe$ co"ntry tho#e po##e##e$ 5y thi# pa##ion are force$ to contro!
it thro"&h fear of the con#eH"ence#D or to &ratify it "pon the 5r"te creation? 8"t in ear!ier $ay#D -hen
fe"$a! !or$# -ere #"pre(e in their $o(ain#D there ha'e 5een fri&htf"! in#tance# of their e)ce##e#D
an$ the e)tent to -hich #o(e of the Ro(an e(peror# in$"!&e$ their pa##ion for 5!oo$ i# (atter of
hi#tory?
Ga!! &i'e# #e'era! a"thentic in#tance# of 5!oo$thir#tine##? UnoteUL A D"tch prie#t ha$ #"ch a
$e#ire to 2i!! an$ to #ee 2i!!e$D that he 5eca(e chap!ain to a re&i(ent that he (i&ht ha'e the
#ati#faction of #eein& $eath# occ"rrin& -ho!e#a!e in en&a&e(ent#? The #a(e (an 2ept a !ar&e
co!!ection of 'ario"# 2in$# of $o(e#tic ani(a!#D that he (i&ht 5e a5!e to tort"re their yo"n&? He
2i!!e$ the ani(a!# for hi# 2itchenD an$ -a# acH"ainte$ -ith a!! the han&(en in the co"ntryD -ho #ent
hi( notice of e)ec"tion#D an$ he -o"!$ -a!2 for $ay# that he (i&ht ha'e the &ratification of #eein&
a (an e)ec"te$?
VL? GALL: !ur les Aonctions du CerveauD to(? i'?X
In the fie!$ of 5att!e the pa##ion i# 'ario"#!y $e'e!ope$C #o(e fee! po#iti'e $e!i&ht in #!ayin&D
other# are in$ifferent? An o!$ #o!$ierD -ho ha$ 5een in +ater!ooD infor(e$ (e that to hi# (in$ there
-a# no p!ea#"re eH"a! to r"nnin& a (an thro"&h the 5o$yD an$ that he co"!$ !ie a-a2e at ni&ht
("#in& on the p!ea#"ra5!e #en#ation# affor$e$ hi( 5y that act?
Hi&h-ay(en are freH"ent!y not content -ith ro55eryD 5"t (anife#t a 5!oo$y inc!ination to
tor(ent an$ 2i!!? =ohn Ro#5ec2D for in#tanceD i# -e!! 2no-n to ha'e in'ente$ an$ e)erci#e$ the (o#t
atrocio"# cr"e!tie#D (ere!y that he (i&ht -itne## the #"fferin&# of hi# 'icti(#D -ho -ere e#pecia!!y
-o(en an$ chi!$ren? Neither fear nor tort"re co"!$ 5rea2 hi( of the $rea$f"! pa##ion ti!! he -a#
e)ec"te$?
Ga!! te!!# of a 'io!inp!ayerD -hoD 5ein& arre#te$D confe##e$ to thirtyfo"r ("r$er#D a!! of -hich he
ha$ co((itte$D not fro( en(ity or intent to ro5D 5"t #o!e!y 5eca"#e it affor$e$ hi( an inten#e
p!ea#"re to 2i!!?
Sp"rIhei( UnoteU1 te!!# of a prie#t at Stra#5o"r&D -hoD tho"&h richD an$ "ninf!"ence$ 5y en'y
or re'en&eD fro( e)act!y the #a(e (oti'eD 2i!!e$ three per#on#?
V1? Doctrine o$ the 5indD p? 17*?X
Ga!! re!ate# the ca#e of a 5rother of the D"2e of 8o"r5onD Con$ED Co"nt of Char!oi#D -hoD fro(
infancyD ha$ an in'eterate p!ea#"re in tort"rin& ani(a!#: &ro-in& o!$erD he !i'e$ to #he$ the 5!oo$ of
h"(an 5ein&#D an$ to e)erci#e 'ario"# 2in$# of cr"e!ty? He a!#o ("r$ere$ (any fro( no other
(oti'eD an$ #hot at #!ater# for the p!ea#"re of #eein& the( fa!! fro( the roof# of ho"#e#?
Lo"i# GI? of ,rance ca"#e$ the $eath of <DFFF peop!e $"rin& hi# rei&nC he "#e$ to -atch their
e)ec"tion# fro( a nei&h5o"rin& !attice? He ha$ &i55et# p!ace$ o"t#i$e hi# o-n pa!aceD an$ hi(#e!f
con$"cte$ the e)ec"tion#?
It ("#t not 5e #"ppo#e$ that cr"e!ty e)i#t# (ere!y in the coar#e an$ r"$eC it i# H"ite a# freH"ent!y
o5#er'e$ in the refine$ an$ e$"cate$? A(on& the for(er it i# (anife#t chief!y in in#en#i5i!ity to the
#"fferin&# of other#C in the !atter it appear# a# a pa##ionD the in$"!&ence of -hich ca"#e# inten#e
p!ea#"re?
Tho#e 5!oo$y tyrant#D Nero an$ Ca!i&"!aD A!e)an$er 8or&iaD an$ Ro5e#pierreD -ho#e hi&he#t
en6oy(ent con#i#te$ in -itne##in& the a&onie# of their fe!!o-(enD -ere f"!! of $e!icate #en#i5i!itie#
an$ &reat refine(ent of ta#te an$ (anner?
I ha'e #een an acco(p!i#he$ yo"n& -o(an of con#i$era5!e refine(ent an$ of a hi&h!y #tr"n&
ner'o"# te(pera(entD #trin& f!ie# -ith her nee$!e on a piece of threa$D an$ -atch co(p!acent!y
their f!"tterin&#? Cr"e!ty (ay re(ain !atent ti!!D 5y #o(e acci$ent? it i# aro"#e$D an$ then it -i!!
5rea2 forth in a $e'o"rin& f!a(e? It i# the #a(e -ith the pa##ion for 5!oo$ a# -ith the pa##ion# of
!o'e an$ hateC -e ha'e no conception of the 'io!ence -ith -hich they can ra&e ti!! circ"(#tance#
occ"r -hich ca!! the( into action? Lo'e or hate -i!! 5e $o(inant in a 5rea#t -hich ha# 5een in
#erenityD ti!! #"$$en!y the #par2 fa!!#D pa##ion 5!aIe# forthD an$ the #erenity of the H"iet 5rea#t i#
#hattere$ for e'er? A -or$D a &!anceD a to"chD are #"fficient to fire the (a&aIine of pa##ion in the
heartD an$ to $e#o!ate for e'er an e)i#tence? It i# the #a(e -ith 5!oo$thir#tine##? It (ay !"r2 in the
$eep# of #o(e heart 'ery $ear to "#? It (ay #(o"!$er in the 5o#o( -hich i# (o#t cheri#he$ 5y "#D
an$ -e (ay 5e perfect!y "ncon#cio"# of it# e)i#tence there? Perhap# circ"(#tance# -i!! not ca"#e it#
$e'e!op(entC perhap# (ora! princip!e (ay ha'e 5o"n$ it $o-n -ith fetter# it can ne'er 5rea2?
Michae! +a&ener UnoteU1 re!ate# a horri5!e #tory -hich occ"rre$ in H"n&aryD #"ppre##in& the
na(e of the per#onD a# it -a# that of a #ti!! po-erf"! fa(i!y in the co"ntry? It i!!"#trate# -hat I ha'e
5een #ayin&D an$ #ho-# ho- trif!in& a (atter (ay $e'e!ope the pa##ion in it# (o#t hi$eo"#
proportion#?
V1? =eitrage ur philosophischen AnthropologieD +ienD 1MBA?X
9E!iIa5eth -a# -ont to $re## -e!! in or$er to p!ea#e her h"#5an$D an$ #he #pent ha!f the $ay
o'er her toi!et? On one occa#ionD a !a$y1#(ai$ #a- #o(ethin& -ron& in her hea$$re##D an$ a# a
reco(pence for o5#er'in& itD recei'e$ #"ch a #e'ere 5o) on the ear# that the 5!oo$ &"#he$ fro( her
no#eD an$ #pirte$ on to her (i#tre##1# face? +hen the 5!oo$ $rop# -ere -a#he$ off her faceD her #2in
appeare$ ("ch (ore 5ea"tif"!-hiter an$ (ore tran#parent on the #pot# -here the 5!oo$ ha$ 5een?
9E!iIa5eth for(e$ the re#o!"tion to 5athe her face an$ her -ho!e 5o$y in h"(an 5!oo$ #o a# to
enhance her 5ea"ty? T-o o!$ -o(en an$ a certain ,itI2o a##i#te$ her in her "n$erta2in&? Thi#
(on#ter "#e$ to 2i!! the !"c2!e## 'icti(D an$ the o!$ -o(en ca"&ht the 5!oo$D in -hich E!iIa5eth
-a# -ont to 5athe at the ho"r of fo"r in the (ornin&? After the 5ath #he appeare$ (ore 5ea"tif"!
than 5efore?
9She contin"e$ thi# ha5it after the $eath of her h"#5an$ S1AF<T in the hope# of &ainin& ne-
#"itor#? The "nhappy &ir!# -ho -ere a!!"re$ to the ca#t!eD "n$er the p!ea that they -ere to 5e ta2en
into #er'ice thereD -ere !oc2e$ "p in a ce!!ar? Here they -ere 5eaten ti!! their 5o$ie# -ere #-o!!en?
E!iIa5eth not "nfreH"ent!y tort"re$ the 'icti(# her#e!fC often #he chan&e$ their c!othe# -hich
$rippe$ -ith 5!oo$D an$ then rene-e$ her cr"e!tie#? The #-o!!en 5o$ie# -ere then c"t "p -ith
raIor#?
9Occa#iona!!y #he ha$ the &ir!# 5"rne$D an$ then c"t "pD 5"t the &reat (a6ority -ere 5eaten to
$eath?
9At !a#t her cr"e!ty 5eca(e #o &reatD that #he -o"!$ #tic2 nee$!e# into tho#e -ho #at -ith her in a
carria&eD e#pecia!!y if they -ere of her o-n #e)? One of her #er'ant&ir!# #he #trippe$ na2e$D
#(eare$ her -ith honeyD an$ #o $ro'e her o"t of the ho"#e?
9+hen #he -a# i!!D an$ co"!$ not in$"!&e her cr"e!tyD #he 5it a per#on -ho ca(e near her #ic2 5e$
a# tho"&h #he -ere a -i!$ 5ea#t?
9She ca"#e$D in a!!D the $eath of A7F &ir!#D #o(e in T#cheitaD on the ne"tra! &ro"n$D -here #he ha$
a ce!!ar con#tr"cte$ for the p"rpo#eC other# in $ifferent !oca!itie#C for ("r$er an$ 5!oo$#he$ 5eca(e
-ith her a nece##ity?
9+hen at !a#t the parent# of the !o#t chi!$ren co"!$ no !on&er 5e ca6o!e$D the ca#t!e -a# #eiIe$D
an$ the trace# of the ("r$er# -ere $i#co'ere$? Her acco(p!ice# -ere e)ec"te$D an$ #he -a#
i(pri#one$ for !ife?9
An eH"a!!y re(ar2a5!e e)a(p!e -i!! 5e fo"n$ in the acco"nt of the Mare#cha! $e RetI &i'en at
#o(e !en&th in the #eH"e!? He 'a# an acco(p!i#he$ (anD a #cho!arD an a5!e &enera!D an$ a co"rtierC
5"t #"$$en!y the i(p"!#e to ("r$er an$ $e#troy ca(e "pon hi( -hi!#t #ittin& in the !i5rary rea$in&
S"etoni"#C he yie!$e$ to the i(p"!#eD an$ 5eca(e one of the &reate#t (on#ter# of cr"e!ty the -or!$
ha# pro$"ce$?
The ca#e of S'iate2D the Ga!!ician canni5a!D i# a!#o to the p"rpo#e? Thi# (an -a# a har(!e##
pa"perD ti!! one $ay acci$ent 5ro"&ht hi( to the #cene of a conf!a&ration? H"n&er i(pe!!e$ hi( to
ta#te of the roa#t fra&(ent# of a h"(an 5ein& -ho ha$ peri#he$ in the fireD an$ fro( that (o(ent he
ra'ene$ for (an1# f!e#h?
M? 8ertran$ -a# a ,rench &ent!e(an of ta#te an$ e$"cation? He one $ay !o"n&e$ o'er the
ch"rchyar$ -a!! in a H"iet co"ntry 'i!!a&e an$ -atche$ a f"nera!? In#tant!y an o'er-he!(in& $e#ire
to $i& "p an$ ren$ the corp#e -hich he ha$ #een co((itte$ to the &ro"n$ ca(e "pon hi(D an$ for
year# he !i'e$ a# a h"(an hy4naD preyin& "pon the $ea$? Hi# #tory i# &i'en in $etai! in the fifteenth
chapter?
An a5nor(a! con$ition of 5o$y #o(eti(e# pro$"ce# thi# $e#ire for 5!oo$? It i# (anife#t in certain
ca#e# of pre&nancyD -hen the con#tit"tion !o#e# it# 5a!anceD an$ the appetite 5eco(e# $i#ea#e$?
Schen2 UnoteU1 &i'e# in#tance#?
V1? 8&servationes 5edic? !i5? i'? De Gra'i$i#?X
A pre&nant -o(an #a- a 5a2er carryin& !oa'e# on hi# 5are #ho"!$er? She -a# at once fi!!e$ -ith
#"ch a cra'in& for hi# f!e#h that #he ref"#e$ to ta#te any foo$ ti!! her h"#5an$ per#"a$e$ the 5a2erD
5y the offer of a !ar&e #"(D to a!!o- hi# -ife to 5ite hi(? The (an yie!$e$D an$ the -o(an f!e#he$
her teeth in hi# #ho"!$er t-iceC 5"t he he!$ o"t no !on&er? The -ife 5ore t-in# on three occa#ion#D
t-ice !i'in&D the thir$ ti(e $ea$?
A -o(an in an intere#tin& con$itionD near An$ernach on the RhineD ("r$ere$ her h"#5an$D to
-ho( #he -a# -ar(!y attache$D ate ha!f hi# 5o$yD an$ #a!te$ the re#t? +hen the pa##ion !eft her #he
5eca(e con#cio"# of the horri5!e nat"re of her actD an$ #he &a'e her#e!f "p to 6"#tice?
In 177;D a -ife c"t her h"#5an$1# throatD an$ &na-e$ the no#e an$ the !eft ar(D -hi!#t the 5o$y
-a# yet -ar(? She then &"tte$ the corp#eD an$ #a!te$ it for f"t"re con#"(ption? Short!y afterD #he
&a'e 5irth to three chi!$renD an$ #he on!y 5eca(e con#cio"# of -hat #he ha$ $one -hen her
nei&h5o"r# a#2e$ after the fatherD that they (i&ht anno"nce to hi( the arri'a! of the !itt!e one#?
In the #"((er of 1*<7D the Gree2 paper# containe$ an acco"nt of a pre&nant -o(an ("r$erin&
her h"#5an$ for the p"rpo#e of roa#tin& an$ eatin& hi# !i'er?
That the pa##ion to $e#troy i# pre'a!ent in certain (aniac# i# -e!! 2no-nC thi# i# #o(eti(e#
acco(panie$ 5y canni5a!i#(?
Gr"ner UnoteU1 &i'e# an acco"nt of a #hepher$ -ho -a# e'i$ent!y $eran&e$D -ho 2i!!e$ an$ ate
t-o (en? Marc UnoteUL re!ate# that a -o(an of Untere!#a#D $"rin& the a5#ence of her h"#5an$D a
poor !a5o"rerD ("r$ere$ her #onD a !a$ fifteen (onth# o!$? She choppe$ of hi# !e&# an$ #te-e$ the(
-ith ca55a&e? She ate a portionD an$ offere$ the re#t to her h"#5an$? It i# tr"e that the fa(i!y -ere
'ery poorD 5"t there -a# foo$ in the ho"#e at the ti(e? In pri#on the -o(an &a'e e'i$ent #i&n# of
$eran&e(ent?
V1? De Anthropophago =ucano? =en? 1MBL?X
The ca#e# in -hich 5!oo$thir#tine## an$ canni5a!i#( are "nite$ -ith in#anity are tho#e -hich
proper!y fa!! "n$er the hea$ of Lycanthropy? The in#tance# recor$e$ in the prece$in& chapter point
"n(i#ta2a5!y to ha!!"cination acco(panyin& the !"#t for 5!oo$? =ean GrenierD Ro"!etD an$ other#D
-ere fir(!y con'ince$ that they ha$ "n$er&one tran#for(ation? A $i#or$ere$ con$ition of (in$ or
5o$y (ay pro$"ce ha!!"cination in a for( $epen$in& on the character an$ in#tinct# of the
in$i'i$"a!? Th"#D an a(5itio"# (an !a5o"rin& "n$er (ono(ania -i!! i(a&ine hi(#e!f to 5e a 2in&C
a co'eto"# (an -i!! 5e p!"n&e$ in $e#pairD 5e!ie'in& hi(#e!f to 5e penni!e##D or e)"!t at the 'a#tne##
of the trea#"re -hich he i(a&ine# that he ha# $i#co'ere$?
VL? Die Geistes ;rankheiten? 8er!inD 1*<<?X
The o!$ (an #"fferin& fro( rhe"(ati#( or &o"t concei'e# hi(#e!f to 5e for(e$ of china or &!a##D
an$ the fo)h"nter ta!!yho#O at each ne- (oonD a# tho"&h he -ere fo!!o-in& a pac2? In !i2e (annerD
the nat"ra!!y cr"e! (anD if the !ea#t affecte$ in hi# 5rainD -i!! #"ppo#e hi(#e!f to 5e tran#for(e$ into
the (o#t cr"e! an$ 5!oo$thir#ty ani(a! -ith -hich he i# acH"ainte$?
The ha!!"cination# "n$er -hich !ycanthropi#t# #"ffere$ (ay ha'e ari#en fro( 'ario"# ca"#e#? The
o!$er -riter#D a# ,ore#t"# an$ 8"rtonD re&ar$ the -ere-o!f (ania a# a #pecie# of (e!ancho!y
(a$ne##D an$ #o(e $o not $ee( it nece##ary for the patient to 5e!ie'e in hi# tran#for(ation for the(
to re&ar$ hi( a# a !ycanthropi#t?
In the pre#ent #tate of (e$ica! 2no-!e$&eD -e 2no- that 'ery $ifferent con$ition# (ay &i'e ri#e
to ha!!"cination#?
In fe'er ca#e# the #en#i5i!ity i# #o $i#t"r5e$ that the patient i# often $ecei'e$ a# to the #pace
occ"pie$ 5y hi# !i(5#D an$ he #"ppo#e# the( to 5e preternat"ra!!y $i#ten$e$ or contracte$? In the
ca#e of typh"#D it i# not "nco((on for the #ic2 per#onD -ith $eran&e$ ner'o"# #y#te(D to 5e!ie'e
hi(#e!f to 5e $o"5!e in the 5e$D or to 5e #e'ere$ in ha!fD or to ha'e !o#t hi# !i(5#? He (ay re&ar$ hi#
(e(5er# a# co(po#e$ of forei&n an$ often fra&i!e (ateria!#D a# &!a##D or he (ay #o !o#e hi#
per#ona!ity a# to #"ppo#e hi(#e!f to ha'e 5eco(e a -o(an?
A (ono(aniac -ho 5e!ie'e# hi(#e!f to 5e #o(e one e!#eD #ee2# to enter into the fee!in&#D
tho"&ht#D an$ ha5it# of the a##"(e$ per#ona!ityD an$ fro( the faci!ity -ith -hich thi# i# effecte$D he
$ra-# an ar&"(entD conc!"#i'e to hi(#e!fD of the rea!ity of the chan&e? He thenceforth #pea2# of
hi(#e!f "n$er the a##"(e$ characterD an$ e)perience# a!! it# nee$#D -i#he#D pa##ion#D an$ the !i2e?
The c!o#er the i$entification 5eco(e#D the (ore confir(e$ i# the (ono(aniac in hi# (a$ne##D the
character of -hich 'arie# -ith the te(pera(ent of the in$i'i$"a!? If the per#on1# (in$ 5e -ea2D or
r"$e an$ "nc"!ti'ate$D the tenacity -ith -hich he c!in&# to hi# (eta(orpho#i# i# fee5!erD an$ it
5eco(e# (ore $iffic"!t to $ra- the !ine 5et-een hi# !"ci$ an$ in#ane "tterance#? Th"# =ean GrenierD
-ho !a5o"re$ "n$er thi# for( of (aniaD #ai$ in hi# tria! ("ch that -a# tr"eD 5"t it -a# (i)e$ -ith
the ra(5!in&# of in#anity?
Ha!!"cination (ay a!#o 5e pro$"ce$ 5y artificia! (ean#D an$ there are e'i$ence# affor$e$ 5y the
confe##ion# of tho#e trie$ for !ycanthropyD that the#e artificia! (ean# -ere e(p!oye$ 5y the(? I
refer to the #a!'e #o freH"ent!y (entione$ in -itch an$ -ere-o!f tria!#? The fo!!o-in& pa##a&e i#
fro( the char(in& Golden Ass o$ ApuleiusC it pro'e# that #a!'e# -ere e)ten#i'e!y "#e$ 5y -itche#
for the p"rpo#e of tran#for(ationD e'en in hi# $ay:
9,oti# #ho-e$ (e a crac2 in the $oorD an$ 5a$e (e !oo2 thro"&h itD "pon -hich I !oo2e$ an$ #a-
Pa(phi!e fir#t $i'e#t her#e!f of a!! her &ar(ent#D an$ thenD ha'in& "n!oc2e$ a che#tD ta2e fro( it
#e'era! !itt!e 5o)e#D an$ open one of the !atterD -hich containe$ a certain oint(ent? R"55in& thi#
oint(ent a &oo$ -hi!e pre'io"#!y 5et-een the pa!(# of her han$#D #he anointe$ her -ho!e 5o$yD
fro( the 'ery nai!# of her toe# to the hair on the cro-n of her hea$D an$ -hen #he -a# anointe$ a!!
o'erD #he -hi#pere$ (any (a&ic -or$# to a !a(pD a# if #he -ere ta!2in& to it? Then #he 5e&an to
(o'e her ar(#D fir#t -ith tre("!o"# 6er2#D an$ after-ar$# 5y a &ent!e "n$"!atin& (otionD ti!! a
&!itterin&D $o-ny #"rface 5y $e&ree# o'er#prea$ her 5o$yD feather# an$ #tron& H"i!!# 5"r#t forth
#"$$en!yD her no#e 5eca(e a har$ croo2e$ 5ea2D her toe# chan&e$ to c"r'e$ ta!on#D an$ Pa(phi!e
-a# no !on&er Pa(phi!eD 5"t it -a# an o-! I #a- 5efore (e? An$ no-D "tterin& a har#hD H"er"!o"#
#crea(D !eapin& fro( the &ro"n$ 5y !itt!e an$ !itt!eD in or$er to try her po-er#D an$ pre#ent!y poi#in&
her#e!f a!oft on her pinion#D #he #tretche$ forth her -in&# on either Si$e to their f"!! e)tentD an$ f!e-
#trai&ht a-ay?
9Ha'in& no- 5een act"a!!y a -itne## of the perfor(ance of the (a&ica! artD an$ of the
(eta(orpho#i# of Pa(phi!eD I re(aine$ for #o(e ti(e in a #t"pefie$ #tate of a#toni#h(ent? ? ? ? At
!a#tD after I ha$ r"55e$ (y eye# #o(e ti(eD ha$ reco'ere$ a !itt!e fro( the a(aIe(ent an$
a5#traction of (in$D an$ 5e&"n to fee! a con#cio"#ne## of the rea!ity of thin&# a5o"t (eD I too2 ho!$
of the han$ of ,oti# an$ #ai$D1S-eet $a(#e!D 5rin& (eD I 5e#eech theeD a portion of the oint(ent
-ith -hich thy (i#tre## hath 6"#t no- anointe$D an$ -hen tho" ha#t (a$e (e a 5ir$D I -i!! 5e thy
#!a'eD an$ e'en -ait "pon thee !i2e a -in&e$ C"pi$?1 Accor$in&!y #he crept &ent!y into the
apart(entD H"ic2!y ret"rne$ -ith the 5o) of oint(entD ha#ti!y p!ace$ it in (y han$#D an$ then
i((e$iate!y $eparte$?
9E!ate$ to an e)traor$inary $e&ree at the #i&ht of the precio"# trea#"reD I 2i##e$ the 5o) #e'era!
ti(e# #"cce##i'e!yC an$ "tterin& repeate$ a#piration# in hope# of a pro#pero"# f!i&htD I #trippe$ off
(y c!othe# a# H"ic2 a# po##i5!eD $ippe$ (y fin&er# &ree$i!y into the 5o)D an$ ha'in& thence
e)tracte$ a &oo$ !ar&e !"(p of oint(entD r"55e$ it a!! o'er (y 5o$y an$ !i(5#? +hen I -a#
thoro"&h!y anointe$D I #-"n& (y ar(# "p an$ $o-nD in i(itation of the (o'e(ent of a 5ir$1#
pinion#D an$ contin"e$ to $o #o a !itt!e -hi!eD -hen in#tea$ of any percepti5!e to2en of feather# or
-in&# (a2in& their appearanceD (y o-n thin #2inD a!a#O &re- into a har$ !eathern hi$eD co'ere$
-ith 5ri#t!y hairD (y fin&er# an$ toe# $i#appeare$D the pa!(# of (y han$# an$ the #o!e# of (y feet
5eca(e fo"r #o!i$ hoof#D an$ fro( the en$ of (y #pine a !on& tai! pro6ecte$? My face -a#
enor(o"#D (y (o"th -i$eD (y no#tri!# &apin&D (y !ip# pen$"!o"#D an$ I ha$ a pair of i((o$erate!y
!on&D ro"&hD hairy ear#? In #hortD -hen I ca(e to conte(p!ate (y tran#for(ation to it# f"!! e)tentD I
fo"n$ thatD in#tea$ of a 5ir$D I ha$ 5eco(ean ASS?9 UnoteU1
V1? APULEIUSD Sir Geor&e Hea$1# tran#!ationD 52? iii?X
Of -hat the#e (a&ica! #a!'e# -ere co(po#e$ -e 2no-? They -ere co(po#e$ of narcotic#D to -itD
!olanum somni$erumD aconiteD hyo#cya("#D 5e!!a$onnaD opi"(D acorus vulgarisD sium? The#e -ere
5oi!e$ $o-n -ith oi!D or the fat of !itt!e chi!$ren -ho -ere ("r$ere$ for the p"rpo#e? The 5!oo$ of a
5at -a# a$$e$D 5"t it# effect# co"!$ ha'e 5een nil? To the#e (ay ha'e 5een a$$e$ other forei&n
narcotic#D the na(e# of -hich ha'e not tran#pire$?
+hate'er (ay ha'e 5een the ca"#e of the ha!!"cinationD it i# not #"rpri#in& that the !ycanthropi#t
#ho"!$ ha'e i(a&ine$ hi(#e!f tran#for(e$ into a 5ea#t? The ca#e# I ha'e in#tance$ are tho#e of
#hepher$#D -ho -ere 5y nat"re of their e(p!oy(entD 5ro"&ht into co!!i#ion -ith -o!'e#C an$ it i#
not #"rpri#in& that the#e per#on#D in a con$ition !ia5!e to ha!!"cination#D #ho"!$ i(a&ine the(#e!'e#
to 5e tran#for(e$ into -i!$ 5ea#t#D an$ that their (in$# re'ertin& to the in6"rie# #"#taine$ fro( the#e
ani(a!#D they #ho"!$D in their #tate of te(porary in#anityD acc"#e the(#e!'e# of the act# of rapacity
co((itte$ 5y the 5ea#t# into -hich they 5e!ie'e$ the(#e!'e# to 5e tran#for(e$? It i# a -e!!2no-n
fact that (enD -ho#e (in$# are "nhin&e$D -i!! $e!i'er the(#e!'e# "p to 6"#ticeD acc"#in& the(#e!'e#
of ha'in& co((itte$ cri(e# -hich ha'e act"a!!y ta2en p!aceD an$ it i# on!y on in'e#ti&ation that
their #e!facc"#ation pro'e# to 5e fa!#eC an$ yet they -i!! $e#cri5e the circ"(#tance# -ith the
&reate#t (in"tene##D an$ 5e thoro"&h!y con'ince$ of their o-n cri(ina!ity? I nee$ &i'e 5"t a #in&!e
in#tance?
In the -ar of the ,rench Re'o!"tionD the +ermione fri&ate -a# co((an$e$ 5y Capt? Pi&otD a
har#h (an an$ a #e'ere co((an$er? Hi# cre- ("tinie$D an$ carrie$ the #hip into an ene(y1# portD
ha'in& ("r$ere$ the captain an$ #e'era! of the officer#D "n$er circ"(#tance# of e)tre(e 5ar5arity?
One (i$#hip(an e#cape$D 5y -ho( (any of the cri(ina!#D -ho -ere after-ar$# ta2en an$
$e!i'ere$ o'er to 6"#ticeD one 5y oneD -ere i$entifie$? Mr? ,in!ay#onD the Go'ern(ent act"aryD -ho
at that ti(e he!$ an officia! #it"ation in the A$(ira!tyD #tate#:9In (y o-n e)perience I ha'e 2no-nD
on #eparate occa#ion#D more than si" sailors -ho 'o!"ntari!y confe##e$ to ha'in& #tr"c2 the fir#t
5!o- at Capt? Pi&ot? The#e (en $etai!e$ a!! the horri$ circ"(#tance# of the ("tiny -ith e)tre(e
(in"tene## an$ perfect acc"racyC ne'erthe!e##D not one of the( ha$ e'er 5een in the #hipD nor ha$
#o ("ch a# #een Capt? Pi&ot in their !i'e#? They ha$ o5taine$ 5y tra$itionD fro( their (e##(ate#D the
partic"!ar# of the #tory? +hen !on& on a forei&n #tationD h"n&erin& an$ thir#tin& for ho(eD their
(in$# 5eca(e enfee5!e$C at !en&th they act"a!!y 5e!ie'e$ the(#e!'e# &"i!ty of the cri(e o'er -hich
they ha$ #o !on& 5roo$e$D an$ #"5(itte$ -ith a &!oo(y p!ea#"re to 5ein& #ent to En&!an$ in iron#D
for 6"$&(ent? At the A$(ira!ty -e -ere a!-ay# a5!e to $etect an$ e#ta5!i#h their innocenceD in
$efiance of their o-n #o!e(n a##e'eration#?9SLondon Budicial GaetteD =an"aryD 1*F;?T
!HA)TER -#
+*THOLOGI!AL ORIGIN OF THE WERE-WOLF +*TH#
Mete(p#ycho#i#Sy(pathy 5et-een Men an$ 8ea#t#,inn5o& an$ the 8earO#a&e an$ the
8ea'erThe Conne)ion of So"! an$ 8o$y8"$$i#(Ca#e of Mr? Ho!!o-ayPop"!ar i$ea#
concernin& the 8o$yThe $eri'ation of the Ger(an Leichna(,eather Dre##e#Tran#(i&ration of
So"!#A 8a#H"e StoryStory fro( the Pant#chatantraSa'a&e i$ea# re&ar$in& Nat"ra!
Pheno(enaTh"n$erD Li&htnin&D an$ C!o"$The ori&in of the Dra&on=ohn of 8ro(ton1# Dra&on
a +ater#po"tThe Le&en$ of Typhoe"#A!!e&oriIin& of the Effect# of a H"rricane
Anthropo(orpho#i#The Cirr"# C!o"$D a Hea'en!y S-anUr'aciThe Stor(c!o"$ a Dae(on
%ritra an$ Ra2#cha#a#Story of a 8rah(in an$ a Ra2#cha#a#
TRANS,ORMATION into 5ea#t# for(# an inte&ra! portion of a!! (ytho!o&ica! #y#te(#? The
&o$# of Greece -ere -ont to chan&e the(#e!'e# into ani(a!# in or$er to carry o"t their $e#i&n# -ith
&reater #pee$D #ec"rityD an$ #ecrecyD than in h"(an for(#? In Scan$ina'ian (ytho!o&yD O$in
chan&e$ hi(#e!f into the #hape of an ea&!eD Lo2i into that of a #a!(on? Ea#tern re!i&ion# a5o"n$ in
#torie# of tran#for(ation?
The !ine of $e(arcation 5et-een thi# an$ the tran#!ation of a 5ea#t1# #o"! into (anD or a (an1#
#o"! into a 5ea#t1# S(ete(p#ycho#i#T i# 'ery narro-?
The $octrine of (ete(p#ycho#i# i# fo"n$e$ on the con#cio"#ne## of &ra$ation 5et-een 5ea#t#
an$ (en? The 5e!ief in a #o"!en$o-e$ ani(a! -or!$ -a# pre#ent a(on& the ancient#D an$ the !a-#
of inte!!i&ence an$ in#tinct -ere (i#con#tr"e$D or -ere re&ar$e$ a# a p"II!eD -hich no (an (i&ht
#o!'e?
The h"(an #o"! -ith it# con#cio"#ne## #ee(e$ to 5e #o(ethin& a!rea$y perfecte$ in a pre
e)i#tin& #tateD an$D in the (yth of (ete(p#ycho#i#D -e trace the yearnin&# an$ &ropin&# of the #o"!
after the #o"rce -hence it# o-n con#cio"#ne## -a# $eri'e$D co"ntin& it# $rea(# an$ ha!!"cination#
a# &!ea(# of (e(oryD recor$in& act# -hich ha$ ta2en p!ace in a for(er #tate of e)i#tence?
Mo$ern phi!o#ophy ha# re#"(e$ the #a(e threa$ of con6ect"reD an$ thin2# to #ee in (an the
perfecte$ $e'e!op(ent of !o-er or&ani#(#?
After $eath the tran#!ation of the #o"! -a# #"ppo#e$ to contin"e? It 5eca(e either a5#or5e$ into
the nousD into 8rah(aD into the $eityD or it #an2 in the #ca!e of creationD an$ -a# $e&ra$e$ to
ani(ate a 5r"te? Th"# the $octrine of (ete(p#ycho#i# -a# e(phatica!!y one of re-ar$# an$
p"ni#h(ent#D for the con$ition of the #o"! after $eath $epen$e$ on it# trainin& $"rin& !ife? A #a'a&e
an$ 5!oo$thir#ty (an -a# e)i!e$D a# in the ca#e of LycaonD into the 5o$y of a -i!$ 5ea#t: the #o"! of
a ti(oro"# (an entere$ a hareD an$ $r"n2ar$# or &!"tton# 5eca(e #-ine?
The inte!!i&ence -hich -a# (anife#t in the 5ea#t# 5ore #"ch a c!o#e re#e(5!ance to that of (anD
in the chi!$hoo$ an$ yo"th of the -or!$D that it i# not to 5e -on$ere$ atD if o"r forefather# fai!e$ to
$etect the !ine of $e(arcation $ra-n 5et-een in#tinct an$ rea#on? An$ fai!in& to $i#tin&"i#h thi#D
they nat"ra!!y fe!! into the 5e!ief in (ete(p#ycho#i#?
It -a# not (ere!y a fancie$ e)terna! re#e(5!ance 5et-een the 5ea#t an$ (anD 5"t it -a# the
perception of #2i!!D p"r#"it#D $e#ire#D #"fferin&#D an$ &rief# !i2e hi# o-nD in the ani(a! creationD
-hich !e$ (an to $etect -ithin the 5ea#t #o(ethin& ana!o&o"# to the #o"! -ithin hi(#e!fC an$ thi#D
not-ith#tan$in& the point# of contra#t e)i#tin& 5et-een the(D e!icite$ in hi# (in$ #o #tron& a
#y(pathy thatD -itho"t a &reat #tretch of i(a&inationD he in'e#te$ the 5ea#t -ith hi# o-n attri5"te#D
an$ -ith the f"!! po-er# of hi# o-n "n$er#tan$in&? He re&ar$e$ it a# act"ate$ 5y the #a(e (oti'e#D
a# #"56ect to the #a(e !a-# of hono"rD a# (o'e$ 5y the #a(e pre6"$ice#D an$ the hi&her the 5ea#t
-a# in the #ca!eD the (ore he re&ar$e$ it a# an eH"a!? A #in&"!ar i!!"#tration of thi# -i!! 5e fo"n$ in
the ,inn5o&a Sa&aD c? )i?
9No- -e ("#t re!ate a5o"t ,inn5o&? After-ar$ in the e'enin&D -hen (en #!eptD he ro#eD too2 hi#
-eapon#D an$ -ent forthD fo!!o-in& the trac2# -hich !e$ to the $airy far(? A# -a# hi# -ontD he
#teppe$ o"t 5ri#2!y a!on& the #poor ti!! he ca(e to the $airy? There he fo"n$ the 5ear !yin& $o-nD
an$ he ha$ #!ain the #heepD an$ he -a# !yin& on the( !appin& their 5!oo$? Then #ai$ ,inn5o&: 1Stan$
"pD 8rainO (a2e rea$y a&ain#t (eC that 5eco(e# yo" (ore than cro"chin& o'er tho#e #heep1#
carca#e#?1
9The 5ear #at "pD !oo2e$ at hi(D an$ !ay $o-n a&ain? ,inn5o& #ai$D 1If yo" thin2 that I a( too
f"!!y ar(e$ to (atch -ith yo"D I -i!! $o thi#D1 an$ he too2 of hi# he!(et an$ !ai$ a#i$e hi# #hie!$?
Then he #ai$D Stan$ "p no-D if yo" $areO 1
9The 5ear #at "pD #hoo2 hi# hea$D an$ then ca#t hi(#e!f $o-n a&ain? 9,inn5o& e)c!ai(e$D 1I #eeD
yo" -ant "# 5oth to 5e &oune a!i2eO1 #o he f!"n& a#i$e hi# #-or$ an$ #ai$D 18e it a# yo" -i!!C no-
#tan$ "p if yo" ha'e the heart that I 5e!ie'e yo" ha'eD rather than one #"ch a# -a# po##e##e$ 5y
the#e rent #heep?1
9Then 8r"in #too$ "p an$ prepare$ to fi&ht?9
The fo!!o-in& #tory ta2en fro( the (o"th of an O#a&e In$ian 5y =? A? =one#D an$ p"5!i#he$ in hi#
4raditions o$ the 2orth American 7ndiansD #ho-# ho- thoro"&h!y the #a'a&e (in$ (i##e# the !ine of
$e(arcation 5et-een in#tinct an$ rea#onD an$ ho- the (an of the -oo$# !oo2# "pon 5ea#t# a#
#tan$in& on an eH"a!ity -ith hi(#e!f?
An O#a&e -arrior i# in #earch of a -ife: he a$(ire# the ti$y an$ #hre-$ ha5it# of the 5ea'er? He
accor$in&!y &oe# to a 5ea'erh"t to o5tain one of that race for a 5ri$e? 9In one corner of the roo(
#at a 5ea'er-o(an co(5in& the hea$# of #o(e !itt!e 5ea'er#D -ho#e ear# #he 5o)e$ 'ery #o"n$!y
-hen they -o"!$ not !ie #ti!!? The -arriorD i. e. the 5ea'erchiefD -hi#pere$ the O#a&e that #he -a#
hi# #econ$ -ifeD an$ -a# 'ery apt to 5e cro## -hen there -a# -or2 to 5e $oneD -hich pre'ente$ her
fro( &oin& to #ee her nei&h5o"r#? Tho#e -ho#e hea$# #he -a# co(5in& -ere her chi!$renD he #ai$D
an$ #he -ho ha$ (a$e the( r"5 their no#e# a&ain#t each other an$ 5e frien$#D -a# hi# e!$e#t
$a"&hter? Then ca!!in& a!o"$D 1+ifeD1 #ai$ heD 1-hat ha'e yo" to eatP The #tran&er i# "n$o"5te$!y
h"n&ryC #eeD he i# pa!eD hi# eye ha# no fireD an$ hi# #tep i# !i2e that of a (oo#e?1
9+itho"t rep!yin& to hi(D for it -a# a #"!2y $ay -ith herD #he ca!!e$ a!o"$D an$ a $irty!oo2in&
5ea'er entere$? 1GoD1 #ai$ #heD 1an$ fetch the #tran&er #o(ethin& to eat?1 +ith that the 5ea'er &ir!
pa##e$ thro"&h a #(a!! $oor into another roo(D fro( -hich #he #oon ret"rne$D 5rin&in& #o(e !ar&e
piece# of -i!!o-5ar2D -hich #he !ai$ at the feet of the -arrior an$ hi# &"e#t? +hi!e the -arrior
5ea'er -a# che-in& the -i!!o-D an$ the O#a&e -a# preten$in& to $o #oD they fe!! to ta!2in& o'er
(any (atter#D partic"!ar!y the -ar# of the 5ea'er# -ith the otter#D an$ their freH"ent 'ictorie# o'er
the(? He to!$ o"r father 5y -hat (ean# the 5ea'er# fe!!e$ !ar&e tree#D an$ (o'e$ the( to the p!ace#
-here they -i#he$ to (a2e $a(#C ho- they rai#e$ to an erect po#ition the po!e# for their !o$&e#D
an$ ho- they p!a#tere$ the( #o a# to 2eep o"t rain? Then he #po2e of their e(p!oy(ent# -hen they
ha$ 5"rie$ the hatchetC of the peace an$ happine## an$ tranH"i!!ity they en6oye$ -hen &athere$ into
co(panie#D they re#te$ fro( their !a5o"r#D an$ pa##e$ their ti(e in ta!2in& an$ fea#tin&D an$
5athin&D an$ p!ayin& the &a(e of 5one#D an$ (a2in& !o'e? A!! the -hi!e the yo"n& 5ea'er(ai$en
#at -ith her eye# fi)e$ "pon the O#a&eD at e'ery pa"#e (o'in& a !itt!e nearerD ti!! at !en&th #he -a#
at hi# #i$e -ith her forepa- "pon hi# ar(C a (in"te (ore an$ #he ha$ p!ace$ it aro"n$ hi# nec2D an$
-a# r"55in& her #oft f"rry chee2 a&ain#t hi#? O"r ance#torD on hi# partD 5etraye$ no $i#inc!ination to
recei'e her care##e#D 5"t ret"rne$ the( -ith eH"a! ar$o"r? The o!$ 5ea'er #eein& -hat -a# &oin& onD
t"rne$ hi# 5ac2 "pon the(D an$ #"ffere$ the( to 5e a# 2in$ to each other a# they p!ea#e$? At !a#tD
t"rnin& H"ic2!y ro"n$D -hi!e the (ai$enD #"#pectin& -hat -a# co(in&D an$ preten$in& to 5e
a5a#he$D ran 5ehin$ her (otherD he #ai$D 1To en$ thi# foo!eryD -hat #ay yo" to (arryin& (y
$a"&hterP She i# -e!! 5ro"&ht "pD an$ i# the (o#t in$"#trio"# &ir! in the 'i!!a&e? She -i!! f!ap (ore
-a!! -ith her tai! in a $ay than any (ai$en in the nationC #he -i!! &na- $o-n a !ar&er tree 5et-i)t
the ri#in& of the #"n an$ the co(in& of the #ha$o-# than (any a #(art 5ea'er of the other #e)? A#
for her -itD try her at the &a(e of the $i#hD an$ #ee -ho &et# "p (a#terC an$ for c!ean!ine##D !oo2 at
her petticoatP1 O"r father an#-ere$ that he $i$ not $o"5t that #he -a# in$"#trio"# an$ c!ean!yD a5!e
to &na- $o-n a 'ery !ar&e treeD an$ to "#e her tai! to 'ery &oo$ p"rpo#eC that he !o'e$ her ("chD
an$ -i#he$ to (a2e her the (other of hi# chi!$ren? An$ there"pon the 5ar&ain -a# conc!"$e$?9
The#e t-o #torie#D the one ta2en fro( Ice!an$ic #a&aD the other fro( A(erican In$ian tra$itionD
#he- c!ear!y the onene## -hich the "nc"!ti'ate$ (in$ 5e!ie'e# to e)i#t 5et-een the #o"! of (an an$
the #o"! of 5ea#t? The #a(e #enti(ent# act"ate 5oth (an an$ 5r"teD an$ if their action# are "n!i2eD it
i# 5eca"#e of the $ifference in their for(ation? The #o"! -ithin i# i$entica!D 5"t the e)terna!
acci$ent# of 5o$y are "n!i2e?
A(on& (any r"$e a# -e!! a# c"!ti'ate$ peop!eD the 5o$y i# re&ar$e$ a# a (ere &ar(ent -rappe$
aro"n$ the #o"!? The 8"$$i#t !oo2# "pon i$entity a# e)i#tin& in the #o"! a!oneD an$ the 5o$y a# no
(ore con#tit"tin& i$entityD than the c!othe# he p"t# on or ta2e# off? He e)i#t# a# a #piritC for
con'enience he 'e#t# hi(#e!f in a 5o$yC #o(eti(e# that 5o$y i# h"(anD #o(eti(e# it i# 5e#tia!? A#
hi# #o"! ri#e# in the #pirit"a! #ca!eD the no5!er i# the ani(a! for( -hich it tenant#? 8"$$a hi(#e!f
pa##e$ thro"&h 'ario"# #ta&e# of e)i#tenceC in one he -a# a hareD an$ hi# #o"! 5ein& no5!eD !e$ hi(
to i((o!ate hi(#e!fD in or$er that he (i&ht offer ho#pita!ity to In$raD -hoD in the for( of an o!$
(anD cra'e$ of hi( foo$ an$ #he!ter? The 8"$$i#t re&ar$# ani(a!# -ith re'erenceC an ance#tor (ay
5e tenantin& the 5o$y of the o) he i# $ri'in&D or a $e#cen$ant (ay 5e r"nnin& at hi# #i$e 5ar2in&D
an$ -a&&in& hi# tai!? +hen he fa!!# into an ec#ta#yD hi# #o"! i# !ea'in& hi# 5o$y for a !itt!e -hi!eD it
i# !ayin& a#i$e it# rai(ent of f!e#h an$ 5!oo$ an$ 5oneD to ret"rn to it once (ore -hen the trance i#
o'er? 8"t thi# i$ea i# not confine$ to 8"$$i#t#D it i# co((on e'ery-here? The #pirit or #o"! i#
#"ppo#e$ to 5e i(pri#one$ in the 5o$yD the 5o$y i# 5"t the !antern thro"&h -hich the #pirit #hine#D
9the corr"pti5!e 5o$y9 i# 5e!ie'e$ to 9pre## $o-n the #o"!D9 an$ the #o"! i# "na5!e to attain to
perfect happine## ti!! it ha# #h"ff!e$ off thi# earthy coi!? 8"t!er re&ar$# the (e(5er# of the 5o$y a#
#o (any in#tr"(ent# "#e$ 5y the #o"! for the p"rpo#e of #eein&D hearin&D fee!in&D ^c?D 6"#t a# -e "#e
te!e#cope# or cr"tche#D an$ -hich (ay 5e re6ecte$ -itho"t in6"ry to o"r in$i'i$"a!ity?
The !ate Mr? =? Ho!!o-ayD of the 8an2 of En&!an$D 5rother to the en&ra'er of that na(eD re!ate$ of
hi(#e!f thatD 5ein& one ni&ht in 5e$D an$ "na5!e to #!eepD he ha$ fi)e$ hi# eye# an$ tho"&ht# -ith
"nco((on inten#ity on a 5ea"tif"! #tar that -a# #hinin& in at the -in$o-D -hen he #"$$en!y fo"n$
hi# #pirit re!ea#e$ fro( hi# 5o$y an$ #oarin& into #pace? 8"t in#tant!y #eiIe$ -ith an)iety for the
an&"i#h of hi# -ifeD if #he $i#co'ere$ hi# 5o$y apparent!y $ea$ 5e#i$e herD he ret"rne$D an$ re
entere$ it -ith $iffic"!ty? He $e#cri5e$ that ret"rnin& a# a ret"rnin& fro( !i&ht into $ar2ne##D an$
that -hi!#t the #pirit -a# freeD he -a# a!ternate!y in the !i&ht or the $ar2D accor$in&!y a# hi# tho"&ht#
-ere -ith hi# -ife or -ith the #tar? Pop"!ar (ytho!o&y in (o#t !an$# re&ar$# the #o"! a# oppre##e$
5y the 5o$yD an$ it# !i5eration i# con#i$ere$ a $e!i'erance fro( the 95"r$en9 of the f!e#h? +hether
the #o"! i# at a!! a5!e to act or e)pre## it#e!f -itho"t a 5o$yD any (ore than a fire i# a5!e to (a2e
c!oth -itho"t the apparat"# of 5oi!er an$ (achineryD i# a H"e#tion -hich ha# not co((en$e$ it#e!f
to the pop"!ar (in$? 8"t it (ay 5e re(ar2e$ that the Chri#tian re!i&ion a!one i# that -hich rai#e# the
5o$y to a $i&nity eH"a! to that of the #o"!D an$ &i'e# it a hope of enno5!e(ent an$ re#"rrection
ne'er $rea(e$ of in any (ytho!o&ica! #y#te(?
8"t the pop"!ar cree$D in #pite of the (o#t e(phatic te#ti(ony of Script"reD i# that the #o"! i# in
5on$a&e #o !on& a# it i# "nite$ to a 5o$yD a cree$ entire!y in accor$ance -ith that of 8"$$i#(?
If the 5o$y 5e 5"t the ca&eD a# a poet UnoteU1 of o"r o-n ha# 5een p!ea#e$ to ca!! itD in -hich
$-e!!# the i(pri#one$ #o"!D it i# H"ite po##i5!e for the #o"! to chan&e it# ca&e? If the 5o$y 5e 5"t a
'e#t"re c!othin& the #o"!D a# the 8"$$i#t a##ert#D it i# not i(pro5a5!e that it (ay occa#iona!!y chan&e
it# 'e#t"re?
V1? %AUGHND !ite" !cintillans?X
Thi# i# #e!fe'i$entD an$ th"# ha'e ari#en the co"nt!e## ta!e# of tran#for(ation an$ tran#(i&ration
-hich are fo"n$ a!! o'er the -or!$? That the #a(e 'ie- of the 5o$y a# a (ere c!othin& of the #o"!
-a# ta2en 5y o"r Te"tonic an$ Scan$ina'ian ance#tor#D i# e'i$ent e'en fro( the ety(o!o&y of the
-or$# leichnamD l9khamaD "#e$ to e)pre## the #o"!!e## 5o$y?
I ha'e a!rea$y #po2en of the Nor#e -or$ hamrD I -i#h no- to (a2e #o(e f"rther re(ar2# "pon it?
+amr i# repre#ente$ in An&!oSa)on 5y hamaD homaD in Sa)on 5y hamoD in o!$ Hi&h Ger(an 5y
hamoD in o!$ ,rench 5y homaD hamaD to -hich are re!ate$ the Gothic gahamonD u$ar)hamonD ana)
hamonD QGree2 eCnd(esaiRD QGree2 eCpend(esaiRC and)hamonD a$)hamonD QGree2 aCpekd(einR
QGree2 eCkd(esaiCR thence a!#o the o!$ Hi&h Ger(an hemidiD an$ the (o$ern +emdeD &ar(ent? In
co(po#ition -e fin$ thi# -or$D a# l9k)hagnrD in o!$ Nor#eC in o!$ Hi&h Ger(an l9k)hamoD An&!o
Sa)on l9k)hamaD an$ $l#sc)hamaD O!$ Sa)onD l9k)hamoD (o$ern Ger(an Leich)namD a 5o$yD i. e. a
&ar(ent of f!e#hD preci#e!y a# the 5o$ie# of 5ir$# are ca!!e$ in o!$ Nor#e $/ar)hamrD in An&!oSa)on
$eerhomaD in O!$ Sa)on $etherhamoD or feather$re##e# an$ the 5o$ie# of -o!'e# are ca!!e$ in o!$
Nor#e Dl$shamrD an$ #ea!#1 5o$ie# in ,aro3#e kEpahamr? The #i&nificance of the o!$ 'er5 a hama i#
no- e'i$entC it i# to (i&rate fro( one 5o$y to anotherD an$ hama)skipti i# a tran#(i&ration of the
#o"!? The (etho$ of thi# tran#(i&ration con#i#te$ in #i(p!y in'e#tin& the 5o$y -ith the #2in of the
ani(a! into -hich the #o"! -a# to (i&rate? +hen Lo2iD the Northern &o$ of e'i!D -ent in H"e#t of
the #to!en I$"nnD he 5orro-e$ of ,rey6a her fa!con $re##D an$ at once 5eca(eD to a!! intent# an$
p"rpo#e#D a fa!con? Thia##i p"r#"e$ hi( a# he !eft Thry(hei(rD ha'in& fir#t ta2en "pon hi( an
ea&!e1# $re##D an$ there5y 5eco(e an ea&!e?
In or$er to #ee2 Thor1# !o#t ha((erD Lo2i 5orro-e$ a&ain of ,rey6a her feather $re##D an$ a# 5e
f!e- a-ay in itD the feather# #o"n$e$ a# they -inno-e$ the 5reeIe S$/arhamr duniT?
In !i2e (anner C4$(on #pea2# of an e'i! #pirit f!yin& a-ay in feather$re##: 9[gt he (i$
feYerho(on f!ec&an (eahteD -in$an on -o!2ne9 SGen? e$? Gr? <1MTD an$ of an an&e!D 9["o [ar
#"o&an H"a( en&i! [e# a!o-a!$on o5hana f"n ra$"re faran an feYerha(on9 SHd!6? 1M1D L;TD the 'ery
e)pre##ion (a$e "#e of -hen #pea2in& of a 5ir$: 9fara$ an feYarha("n9 SHd!6? 7FD11T?
The #o"!D in certain ca#e#D i# a5!e to free it#e!f fro( the 5o$y an$ to enter that of 5ea#t or (anin
thi# for( #too$ the (yth in 'ario"# theo!o&ica! #y#te(#?
A(on& the ,inn# an$ Lapp# it i# not "nco((on for a (a&ician to fa!! into a cata!eptic con$itionD
an$ $"rin& the perio$ hi# #o"! i# 5e!ie'e$ to tra'e! 'ery freH"ent!y in 5o$i!y for(D ha'in& a##"(e$
that of any ani(a! (o#t #"ita5!e for it# p"rpo#e? I ha'e &i'en in#tance# in a for(er chapter? The
#a(e $octrine i# e'i$ent in (o#t ca#e# of !ycanthropy? The patient i# in a #tate of tranceD hi# 5o$y i#
-atche$D an$ it re(ain# (otion!e##D 5"t hi# #o"! ha# (i&rate$ into the carca#e of a -o!fD -hich it
'i'ifie#D an$ in -hich it r"n# it# co"r#e? A c"rio"# 8a#H"e #tory #ho-# that a(on& thi# #tran&e
T"ranian peop!eD c"t off 5y #"ch a f!oo$ of Aryan nation# fro( any other (e(5er# of it# fa(i!yD the
#a(e #"per#tition re(ain#? A h"nt#(an -a# once en&a&e$ in the cha#e of it 5ear a(on& the
Pyreneean pea2#D -hen 8r"in t"rne$ #"$$en!y on hi( an$ h"&&e$ hi( to $eathD 5"t not 5efore he
ha$ $ea!t the 5r"te it# (orta! -o"n$? A# the h"nt#(an e)pire$D he 5reathe$ hi# #o"! into the 5o$y of
the 5earD an$ thencefor-ar$ ran&e$ the (o"ntain# a# a 5ea#t?
One of the ta!e# of the San#2rit 5oo2 of fa5!e#D the ,antschatantraD affor$# #"ch a re(ar2a5!e
te#ti(ony to the In$ian 5e!ief in (ete(p#ycho#i#D that I a( te(pte$ to &i'e it in a5#tract?
A 2in& -a# one $ay pa##in& thro"&h the (ar2etp!ace of hi# cityD -hen he o5#er'e$ a
h"nch5ac2e$ (erryan$re-D -ho#e contortion# an$ 6o2e# 2ept the 5y#tan$er# in a roar of !a"&hter?
A("#e$ -ith the fe!!o-D the 2in& 5ro"&ht hi( to hi# pa!ace? Short!y afterD in the hearin& of the
c!o-nD a necro(ancer ta"&ht the (onarch the art of #en$in& hi# #o"! into a 5o$y not hi# o-n?
So(e !itt!e -hi!e after thi#D the (onarchD an)io"# to p"t in practice hi# ne-!y acH"ire$
2no-!e$&eD ro$e into the fore#t acco(panie$ 5y hi# foo!D -hoD he 5e!ie'e$D ha$ not hear$D orD at a!!
e'ent# co(prehen$e$D the !e##on? They ca(e "pon the corp#e of a 8rah(in !yin& in the $epth of the
6"n&!eD -here he ha$ $ie$ of thir#t? The 2in&D !ea'in& hi# hor#eD perfor(e$ the reH"i#ite cere(onyD
an$ in#tant!y hi# #o"! ha$ (i&rate$ into the 5o$y of theD 8rah(inD an$ hi# o-n !ay a# $ea$ "pon the
&ro"n$? At the #a(e (o(entD ho-e'erD the h"nch5ac2 $e#erte$ hi# 5o$yD an$ po##e##e$ hi(#e!f of
that -hich ha$ 5een the 2in&1#D an$ #ho"tin& fare-e!! to the $i#(aye$ (onarchD he ro$e 5ac2 to the
pa!aceD -here he -a# recei'e$ -ith roya! hono"r#? 8"t it -a# not !on& 5efore the H"een an$ one of
the (ini#ter# $i#co'ere$ that a #cre- -a# #o(e-here !oo#eD an$ -hen the H"on$a( 2in&D 5"t no-
8rah(inD arri'e$ an$ to!$ hi# ta!eD a p!ot -a# !ai$ for the reco'ery of hi# 5o$y? The H"een a#2e$ her
fa!#e h"#5an$ -hether it -ere po##i5!e to (a2e her parrot ta!2D an$ he in a (o(ent of ")orio"#
-ea2ne## pro(i#e$ to (a2e it #pea2? He !ai$ hi# 5o$y a#i$eD an$ #ent hi# #o"! into the parrot?
I((e$iate!y the tr"e 2in& 6"(pe$ o"t of hi# 8rah(in 5o$y an$ re#"(e$ that -hich -a#
!e&iti(ate!y hi# o-nD an$ then procee$e$D -ith the H"eenD to -rin& the nec2 of the parrot?
8"t 5e#i$e# the $octrine of (ete(p#ycho#i#D -hich pro'e$ #"ch a ferti!e (other of fa5!eD there
-a# another artic!e of pop"!ar (ytho!o&y -hich &a'e ri#e to #torie# of tran#for(ation? A(on& the
a5"n$ant #"per#tition# e)i#tin& re!ati'e to tran#for(ationD three #hape# #ee( to ha'e 5een pre
e(inent!y affecte$that of the #-anD that of the -o!fD an$ that of the #erpent? In (any of the #torie#
of tho#e tran#for(e$D it i# e'i$ent that the in$i'i$"a! -ho chan&e# #hape i# re&ar$e$ -ith
#"per#titio"# re'erenceD a# a 5ein& of a hi&her or$erof a $i'ine nat"re? In Chri#tian co"ntrie#D
e'erythin& re!atin& to heathen (ytho!o&y -a# re&ar$e$ -ith a #"#picio"# eye 5y the c!er&yD an$ any
(irac"!o"# po-er# not #anctione$ 5y the ch"rch -ere attri5"te$ to the e'i! one? The heathen &o$#
5eca(e $e'i!#D an$ the (ar'e!# re!ate$ of the( -ere #"ppo#e$ to 5e effecte$ 5y $ia5o!ic a&ency? A
ca#e of tran#for(ation -hich ha$ #ho-n the po-er of an ancient &o$D -a# in Chri#tian ti(e#
con#i$ere$ a# an in#tance of -itchcraft? Th"# #torie# of tran#for(ation fe!! into 5a$ o$o"rD an$ tho#e
-ho chan&e$ #hape# -ere no !on&er re&ar$e$ a# hea'en!y 5ein&#D co((an$in& re'erenceD 5"t a#
(i#era5!e -itche# $e#er'in& the #ta2e?
In the infancy of the -or!$D -hen nat"ra! pheno(ena -ere i!!"n$er#too$D e)pre##ion# -hich to
"# are poetica! -ere of a rea! #i&nificance? +hen -e #pea2 of th"n$er ro!!in&D -e "#e an e)pre##ion
-hich con'ey# no f"rther i$ea than a certain !i2ene## o5#er'e$ 5et-een the $etonation# an$ the ro!!
of a 'ehic!eC 5"t to the "nin#tr"cte$ (in$ it -a# (ore? The pri(4'a! #a'a&e 2ne- not -hat ca"#e$
th"n$erD an$ tracin& the re#e(5!ance 5et-een it an$ the #o"n$ of -hee!#D he at once conc!"$e$ that
the chariot of the &o$# -a# &oin& a5roa$D or that the ce!e#tia! #pirit# -ere en6oyin& a &a(e of 5o-!#?
+e #pea2 of f!eecy c!o"$#D 5eca"#e they appear to "# #oft an$ !i&ht a# -oo!D 5"t the fir#t (en
tracin& the #a(e re#e(5!anceD 5e!ie'e$ the !i&ht 'apo"r# to 5e f!oc2# of hea'en!y #heep? Or -e #ay
that the c!o"$# are f!yin&: the #a'a&e "#e$ the #a(e e)pre##ionD a# he !oo2e$ "p at the (ac2ere! #2yD
an$ #a- in it f!i&ht# of #-an# co"r#in& o'er the hea'en!y !a2e? Once (oreD -e creep nearer to the
-inter fireD #hi'erin& at the -in$D -hich -e re(ar2 i# ho-!in& aro"n$ the ho"#eD an$ yet -e $o not
#"ppo#e that the -in$ ha# a 'oice? The -i!$ pri(4'a! (en tho"&ht that it ha$D an$ 5eca"#e $o&#
an$ -o!'e# ho-!D an$ the -in$ ho-!e$D an$ 5eca"#e they ha$ #een $o&# an$ -o!'e#D they
conc!"$e$ that the #tor(-in$ -a# a ni&htho"n$D or a (on#tro"# -o!fD racin& o'er the co"ntry in
the $ar2ne## of the -inter ni&htD ra'enin& for prey?
A!on& -ith the ri#e of thi# #y#te( of e)p!ainin& the operation# of nat"re 5y ana!o&ie# in the
5e#tia! -or!$D another conc!"#ion force$ it#e!f on the "nta"&ht (in$? The f!oc2# -hich #traye$ in
hea'en -ere no earth!y #heepD 5"t -ere the property of #pirit"a! 5ein&#D an$ -ere the(#e!'e#
perhap# #pirit"a!C the #-an# -hich f!e- a!oftD far a5o'e the top(o#t pea2 of the Hi(a!ayaD -ere no
or$inary #-an#D 5"t -ere $i'ine an$ hea'en!y? The -o!f -hich ho-!e$ #o -i!$!y in the !on& -inter
ni&htD the ho"n$#D -ho#e 5ay #o"n$e$ #o? $i#(a!!y thro"&h the #ha2in& 5!ac2 fore#tD -ere no
("n$ane -o!'e# an$ ho"n$#D 5"t i##"e$ fro( the ho(e of a $i'ine h"nterD an$ -ere the(#e!'e#
-on$ro"#D #"pernat"ra! 5ein&# of &o$!i2e race?
An$ #oD the c!o"$# ha'in& 5eco(e #-an#D the #-anc!o"$# -ere ne)t 5e!ie'e$ to 5e $i'ine
5ein&#D 'a!2yrie#D ap#ara#D an$ the !i2eD #een 5y (orta!# in their feather$re##e#D 5"t appearin&
a(on& the &o$# a# $a(#e!#? The #tor(-in$ ha'in& 5een #"ppo#e$ to 5e a -o!fD ne)t -a# ta2en to
5e a te(pe#t"o"# &o$D -ho $e!i&hte$ to h"nt on earth in !"pine for(?
I ha'e (entione$ a!#o the #erpent #hapeD a# 5ein& one 'ery fa'o"rite in (ytho!o&y? The ancient
peop!e #a- the for2e$ an$ -rithin& !i&htnin&D an$ #"ppo#e$ it to 5e a hea'en!y fiery #erpentD a
#erpent -hich ha$ &o$!i2e po-er#D -hich -a# in fact a $i'ine 5ein&D (anife#tin& hi(#e!f to (orta!#
"n$er that for(? A(on& the North A(erican In$ian#D the !i&htnin& i# #ti!! re&ar$e$ a# the &reat
#erpentD an$ the th"n$er i# #"ppo#e$ to 5e hi# hi##in&?
9AhO9 e)c!ai(e$ a Ma&$e5"r& pea#ant to a Ger(an profe##orD $"rin& a th"n$er#tor(D a# a 'i'i$
for2e$ &!ea( #hot to earthD 9-hat a &!orio"# #na2e -a# thatO9 An$ thi# re#e(5!ance $i$ not e#cape
the Gree2#?
QGree2 6Flikes dC eCklGmpousi sterophHs ksGpuroiR?
Isch. ,rom. 1FA<?
QGree2 drGkonta pursJnwton3 JFs GCplaton aCm$eliktKs
6FlikC eC$ro(rei3 ktanw'nR?
.urip. +erc. A. ;B7?
An$ accor$in& to Ari#tot!eD QGree2 eFlik0aiR are the !i&htnin&#D QGree2 grammoeidwHs
$erJmenoiR?
It i# #o $iffic"!t for "# to "n!earn a!! -e 2no- of the nat"re of (eteoro!o&ica! pheno(enaD #o har$
for "# to !oo2 "pon at(o#pheric chan&e# a# tho"&h -e 2ne- nothin& of the !a-# that &o'ern the(D
that -e are $i#po#e$ to treat #"ch e)p!anation# of pop"!ar (yth# a# I ha'e &i'en a5o'eD a# fanta#tic
an$ i(pro5a5!e?
8"t a(on& the ancient# a!! #o!"tion# of nat"ra! pro5!e(# -ere tentati'eD an$ it i# on!y after the
fai!"re of e'ery atte(pt (a$e to e)p!ain the#e pheno(ena on #"pernat"ra! &ro"n$# that -e ha'e
5een $ri'en to the $i#co'ery of the tr"e interpretation? Yet a(on& the '"!&ar a 'a#t a(o"nt of
(ytho!o&y re(ain#D an$ i# "#e$ #ti!! to e)p!ain at(o#pheric (y#terie#? The other $ay a Yor2#hire
&ir!D -hen a#2e$ -hy #he -a# not afrai$ of th"n$erD rep!ie$ 5eca"#e it -a# on!y her ,ather1# 'oiceC
-hat 2ne- #he of the r"#hin& to&ether of air to fi!! the 'ac""( ca"#e$ 5y the tran#it of the e!ectric
f!"i$P to her the th"n$erc!ap -a# the "tterance of the A!(i&hty? Sti!! in North Ger(any $oe# the
pea#ant #ay of th"n$erD that the an&e!# are p!ayin& #2itt!e# a!oftD an$ of the #no-D that they are
#ha2in& "p the feather5e$# in hea'en?
The (yth of the $ra&on i# one -hich a$(it#D perhap# (ore than any otherD of i$entification -ith a
(eteoro!o&ica! pheno(enonD an$ pre#ent# to "# a# -e!! the pha#e of tran#ition fro(
therio(orpho#i# to anthropo(orpho#i#?
The $ra&on of pop"!ar (ytho!o&y i# nothin& e!#e than the th"n$er#tor(D ri#in& at the horiIonD
r"#hin& -ith e)pan$e$D -inno-in&D 5!ac2 pennon# acro## the #2yD $artin& o"t it# for2e$ fiery
ton&"eD an$ 5e!chin& fire? In a S!o'a2ian !e&en$D the $ra&on #!eep# in a (o"ntain ca'e thro"&h the
-inter (onth#D 5"tD at the eH"ino)D 5"r#t# forth9In a (o(ent the hea'en -a# $ar2ene$ an$
5eca(e 5!ac2 a# pitchD on!y i!!"(ine$ 5y the fire -hich f!a#he$ fro( $ra&on1# 6a-# an$ eye#? The
earth #h"$$ere$D the #tone# ratt!e$ $o-n the (o"ntain #i$e# into the &!en#? Ri&ht an$ !eftD !eft an$
ri&htD $i$ the $ra&on !a#h hi# tai!D o'erthro-in& pine# an$ 5eeche#D #nappin& the( a# ro$#? He
e'ac"ate$ #"ch f!oo$# of -ater that the (o"ntain torrent# -ere f"!!? 8"t after a -hi!e hi# po-er -a#
e)ha"#te$D he !a#he$ no (ore -ith hi# tai!D e6ecte$ no (ore -aterD an$ #pat no (ore fire?9
I thin2 it i# i(po##i5!e not to #ee in thi# $e#criptionD a #prin&ti$e th"n$er#tor(? 8"t to (a2e it
(ore e'i$ent that the "nta"&ht (in$ $i$ re&ar$ #"ch a #tor( a# a $ra&onD I thin2 the fo!!o-in&
H"otation fro( Bohn o$ =rompton's Chronicle -i!! con'ince the (o#t #ceptica!: 9Another
re(ar2a5!e thin& i# thi#D that too2 p!ace $"rin& a certain (onth in the G"!f of Sata!ia Son the coa#t
of Pa(phy!iaT? There appeare$ a &reat an$ 5!ac2 $ra&on -hich ca(e in c!o"$#D an$ !et $o-n hi#
hea$ into the -aterD -hi!#t hi# tai! #ee(e$ t"rne$ to the #2yC an$ the $ra&on $re- the -ater to hi(
5y $rin2in&D -ith #"ch a'i$ityD thatD if any #hipD e'en tho"&h !a$en -ith (en or any other hea'y
artic!e#D ha$ 5een near hi( -hen $rin2in&D it -o"!$ ne'erthe!e## ha'e 5een #"c2e$ "p an$ carrie$
on hi&h? In or$er ho-e'er to a'oi$ thi# $an&erD it i# nece##aryD -hen peop!e #ee itD at once to (a2e a
&reat "proarD an$ to #ho"t an$ ha((er ta5!e#D #o that the $ra&onD hearin& the noi#eD an$ the 'oice#
of tho#e #ho"tin&D (ay -ith$ra- hi(#e!f far off? So(e peop!eD ho-e'erD a##ert that thi# i# not a
$ra&onD 5"t the #"n $ra-in& "p the -ater# of the #eaC -hich #ee(# (ore pro5a5!e?9 UnoteU1 S"ch
i# =ohn of 8ro(pton1# acco"nt of a -ater#po"t? In Gree2 (ytho!o&y the $ra&on of the #tor( ha#
5e&"n to "n$er&o anthropo(orpho#i#? Typh."# i# the #on of Tartar"# an$ TerraC the #tor( ri#in&
fro( the horiIon (ay -e!! 5e #"ppo#e$ to i##"e fro( the earth1# -o(5D an$ it# characteri#tic# are
#"fficient to $eci$e it# paternity? Typh."#D the -hir!-in$ or typhoonD ha# a h"n$re$ $ra&on or
#erpent hea$#D the !on& -rithin& #tri'e of 'apo"r -hich r"n 5efore the h"rricane c!o"$? He 5e!che#
fireD that i#D !i&htnin&# i##"e fro( the c!o"$#D an$ hi# roarin& i# !i2e the ho-!in& of -i!$ $o&#?
Typh."# a#cen$# to hea'en to (a2e -ar on the &o$#D -ho f!y fro( hi( in 'ario"# fanta#tic #hape#C
-ho cannot #ee in thi# a#cent the h"rricane c!i(5in& "p the 'a"!t of #2yD an$ in the f!yin& &o$#D the
(any f!eetin& fra&(ent# of -hite c!o"$ -hich are #een $riftin& acro## the hea'en# 5efore the &a!eO
V1? Ap"$ T+YSDEND Hi#t? An&!ic4 Script? )? 1A7L? p? 1L1A?X
Typh."#D accor$in& to He#io$D i# the father of a!! 5a$ -in$#D -hich $e#troy -ith rain an$
te(pe#tD a!! in fact -hich -ent a(on& the Gree2# 5y the na(e of QGree2 la0lapsRD 5rin&in& in6"ry
to the a&ric"!t"ri#t an$ peri! to the 'oya&er?
QGree2
C.k d: 4u$w6os 6CstC aCn6mwn m6nos uFgrKn GCeptwn3
nJs$i 2Jtou =or6w te3 ka aCrg6stew >e$(rou te
.
o0F ge m:n eCn eJ$in genehL3 nhtoMs m6gC JCneiar.
aiF dC GCllai mapsauHrai eCpipne0ousi alassan.
aiF dC hC'toi p0ptousai eCs heroeideG pJnton3
phHma m6ga nhtoiHsi3 kakhH/ (ousin aC6llh/.
GCllote dC GCllai aCe0si3 diaskidnaHsi te nhHas3
na(tas te $e0rousi
.
kakouH dC ouC g0gnetai aClkhL
aCndrGsin3 o0F ke0nh/si sinGntwntai katN pJnton
.
aiF dC aDC ka katN gaiHan aCpe0riton3 aCnemJessan
6CrgC eCratN $e0rousi "amaigen6wn aCnrw'pwn3
pimpleuHsai kJniJs te ka aCrgal6ou kolosurtouH
R
+esiod. 4heog. *MFD se1.
In 5oth (o$ern Gree2 an$ Lith"anian ho"#eho!$ (ytho!o&y the $ra&on or $ra2e ha# 5eco(e an
o&reD a &i&antic (an -ith fe- of the $racontine attri5"te# re(ainin&? %on HahnD in hi# Griechische
und Al&anesische 5<rchenD te!!# (any ta!e# of $ra2e#D an$ in a!!D the o!$ characteri#tic# ha'e 5een
!o#tD an$ the $ra2e i# #i(p!y a &i&antic (an -ith (a&ica! an$ #"perh"(an po-er#?
It i# the #a(e a(on& the Lith"anian pea#antry? A $ra&on -a!2# on t-o !e&#D ta!2#D f!irt# -ith a
!a$yD an$ (arrie# her? He retain# hi# e'i! $i#po#itionD 5"t ha# #!o"&he$ off hi# #ca!e# an$ -in&#?
S"ch i# the chan&e -hich ha# ta2en p!ace in the pop"!ar conception of the $ra&onD -hich i# an
i(per#onification of the th"n$er#tor(? A #i(i!ar chan&e ha# ta2en p!ace in the #-an(ai$en an$
-ere-o!f (yth#?
In ancient In$ian %e$aic (ytho!o&y the ap#ara# -ere hea'en!y $a(#e!# -ho $-e!t in the tetherD
5et-een earth an$ #"n? Their na(eD -hich #i&nifie# 9the #hape!e##D9 or 9tho#e -ho &o in the -ater
9it i# "ncertain -hich? i# the correct $eri'ationi# e)pre##i'e of the -hite cirr"#D con#tant!y
chan&in& for(D an$ apparent!y f!oatin& #-an!i2e on the 5!"e hea'en#ea? The#e ap#ara#D accor$in&
to the %e$aic cree$D -ere fon$ of chan&in& their #hape#D appearin& &enera!!y a# $"c2# or #-an#D
occa#iona!!y a# h"(an 5ein&#? The #o"!# of heroe# -ere &i'en to the( for !o'er# an$ h"#5an$#? One
of the (o#t &racef"! of the ear!y In$ian (yth# i# the #tory of the ap#ara#D Ur'aah? Ur'aah !o'e$
P"ra'ara# an$ 5eca(e hi# 1-ifeD on the con$ition that #he -a# ne'er to 5eho!$ hi( in a #tate of
n"$ity? They re(aine$ to&ether for year#D ti!! the hea'en!y co(panion# of Ur'aah $eter(ine$ to
#ec"re her ret"rn to the(? They accor$in&!y 5e&"i!e$ P"ra'ara# into !ea'in& hi# 5e$ in the $ar2ne##
of ni&htD an$ then -ith a !i&htnin& f!a#h they $i#c!o#e$ hi(D in hi# n"$ityD to hi# -ifeD -ho -a#
there"pon con#traine$ to !ea'e hi(? He p"r#"e$ herD f"!! of #orro- at hi# !o##D an$ fo"n$ her at
!en&th #-i((in& in a !ar&e !ot"# pon$D in #-an1# #hape?
That thi# #tory i# not a (ere in'entionD 5"t re#t# on #o(e (ytho!o&ica! e)p!anation of nat"ra!
pheno(enaD I thin2 (ore than pro5a5!eD a# it i# fo"n$ a!! o'er the -or!$ -ith fe- 'ariation#? A#
e'ery Aryan 5ranch retain# the #toryD or trace# of itD there can 5e no $o"5t that the 5e!ief in #-an
(ai$en#D -ho #-a( in the hea'en!y #eaD an$ -ho #o(eti(e# 5eca(e the -i'e# of tho#e fort"nate
(en -ho (ana&e$ to #tea! fro( the( their feather $re##e#D for(e$ an inte&ra! portion of the o!$
(ytho!o&ica! #y#te( of the Aryan fa(i!yD 5efore it -a# 5ro2en "p into In$ianD Per#ianD Gree2D LatinD
R"##ianD Scan$ina'ianD Te"tonicD an$ other race#? 8"t (oreD a# the #a(e (yth i# fo"n$? in tri5e# not
AryanD an$ far re(o'e$ fro( contact -ith E"ropean or In$ian #"per#titionDa#D for in#tanceD a(on&
Sa(oye$# an$ A(erican In$ian#Dit i# e'en po##i5!e that thi# #tory (ay 5e a tra$ition of the fir#t
pri(4'a! #toc2 of (en?
8"t it i# ti(e for (e to !ea'e the #"((er cirr"# an$ t"rn to the te(pe#t5orn rainc!o"$? It i#
repre#ente$ in ancient In$ian (ytho!o&y 5y the %ritra or R@2#ha#a#? At fir#t the for( of the#e
$4(on# -a# "ncertain an$ o5#c"re? %ritra i# often "#e$ a# an appe!!ati'e for a c!o"$D an$ 2a5han$aD
an o!$ na(e for a rainc!o"$D in !ater ti(e# 5eca(e the na(e of a $e'i!? Of %ritraD -ho en'e!ope#
the (o"ntain# -ith 'apo"rD it i# #ai$D 9The $ar2ne## #too$ retainin& the -aterD the (o"ntain# !ay in
the 5e!!y of %ritra?9 8y $e&ree# %ritra #too$ o"t (ore pro(inent!y a# a $4(onD an$ he i# $e#cri5e$
a# a 9$e'o"rer9 of &i&antic proportion#? In the #a(e -ay R@2#ha#a# o5taine$ corporea! for( an$
in$i'i$"a!ity? He i# a (i##hapen &iant 9!i2e to a c!o"$D9 -ith a re$ 5ear$ an$ re$ hairD -ith pointe$
protr"$in& teethD rea$y to !acerate an$ $e'o"r h"(an f!e#h? Hi# 5o$y i# co'ere$ -ith coar#e
5ri#t!in& hairD hi# h"&e (o"th i# openD he !oo2# fro( #i$e to #i$e a# he -a!2#D !"#tin& after the f!e#h
an$ 5!oo$ of (enD to #ati#fy hi# ra&in& h"n&erD an$ H"ench hi# con#"(in& thir#t? To-ar$# ni&htfa!!
hi# #tren&th increa#e# (anifo!$? He can chan&e hi# #hape at -i!!? He ha"nt# the -oo$#D an$ roa(#
ho-!in& thro"&h the 6"n&!eC in #hortD he i# to the Hin$oo -hat the -ere-o!f i# to the E"ropean?
A certain -oo$ -a# ha"nte$ 5y a R@2#cha#aC he one $ay ca(e acro## a 8rah(inD an$ -ith a
5o"n$ reache$ hi# #ho"!$er#D an$ c!"n& to the(D e)c!ai(in&D 9HehO &o on -ith yo"O9 An$ the
8rah(inD H"a2in& -ith fearD a$'ance$ -ith hi(? 8"t -hen he o5#er'e$ that the feet of the
R@2#cha#a -ere a# $e!icate a# the #ta(en# of the !ot"#D he a#2e$ hi(D Ho- i# it that yo" ha'e #"ch
-ea2 an$ #!en$er feetP The R@2#cha#a rep!ie$D 9I ne'er -a!2 nor to"ch the earth -ith (y feet? I
ha'e (a$e a 'o- not to $o #o?9 Pre#ent!y they ca(e to a !ar&e pon$? Then the R@2#cha#a 5a$e the
8rah(in -ait at the e$&e -hi!#t he 5athe$ an$ praye$ to the &o$#? 8"t the 8rah(in tho"&ht: 9A#
#oon a# the#e prayer# an$ a5!"tion# are o'erD he -i!! tear (e to piece# -ith hi# fan&# an$ eat (e? He
ha# 'o-e$ not to -a!2C I -i!! 5e off po#t ha#teO9 #o he ran a-ayD an$ the R@2#cha#a $are$ not fo!!o-
hi( for fear of 5rea2in& hi# %O+? S,antschatantraD '? 1;?T There i# a #i(i!ar #tory in the
Mah@5h@rataD )iii?D an$ in the /ath@ Sarit S@&araD '? <B7;?
I ha'e #ai$ #"fficient to #ho- that nat"ra! pheno(ena &a'e ri#e to (ytho!o&ica! #torie#D an$ that
the#e #torie# ha'e &ra$"a!!y $eteriorate$D an$ ha'e 5een $e&ra$e$ into '"!&ar #"per#tition#? An$ I
ha'e #ho-n that 5oth the $octrine of (ete(p#ycho#i# an$ the (ytho!o&ica! e)p!anation# of
(eteoro!o&ica! chan&e# ha'e &i'en ri#e to a5"n$ant fa5!eD an$ a(on& other# to the pop"!ar an$
-i$e#prea$ #"per#tition of !ycanthropy? I #ha!! no- pa## fro( (yth to hi#toryD an$ #ha!! &i'e
in#tance# of 5!oo$thir#tine##D cr"e!tyD an$ canni5a!i#(?
!HA)TER -I#
THE +AR.!HAL DE RET/#-I# THE INVESTIGATION OF !HARGES#
Intro$"ctionHi#tory of Gi!!e# $e La'a!The Ca#t!e of Macheco"!S"rren$er of the Mar#ha!
E)a(ination of +itne##e#Letter of De RetIThe D"2e of 8rittany re!"ctant to (o'eThe 8i#hop
of Nante#
THE hi#tory of the (an -ho#e na(e hea$# thi# chapter I p"rpo#e &i'in& in $etai!D a# the
circ"(#tance# I #ha!! narrate ha'eD I 5e!ie'eD ne'er 5efore 5een &i'en -ith acc"racy to the En&!i#h
p"5!ic? The na(e of Gi!!e# $e La'a! (ay 5e -e!! 2no-nD a# #2etche# of hi# 5!oo$y career ha'e
appeare$ in (any 5io&raphie#D 5"t the#e #2etche# ha'e 5een 'ery inco(p!eteD a# the (ateria! fro(
-hich they -ere co(po#e$ -a# (ea&re? M? Miche!et a!one 'ent"re$ to &i'e the p"5!ic an i$ea of
the cri(e# -hich 5ro"&ht a (ar#ha! of ,rance to the &a!!o-#D an$ hi# re'e!ation# -ere #"ch thatD in
the -or$# of M? Henri
MartinD 9thi# iron a&eD -hich #ee(e$ "na5!e to fee! #"rpri#e at any a(o"nt of e'i!D -a# #tr"c2
-ith $i#(ay?9
M? Miche!et $eri'e$ hi# infor(ation fro( the a5#tract of the paper# re!atin&D to the ca#eD (a$e 5y
or$er of Ann of 8rittanyD in the I(peria! Li5rary? The ori&ina! $oc"(ent# -ere in the !i5rary at
Nante#D an$ a &reat portion of the( -ere $e#troye$ in the Re'o!"tion of 1M*B? 8"t a caref"! ana!y#i#
ha$ 5een (a$e of the(D an$ thi# 'a!"a5!e a5ri$&(entD -hich -a# inacce##i5!e to M? Miche!etD ca(e
into the han$# of M? Lacroi)D the e(inent ,rench antiH"arianD -ho p"5!i#he$ a (e(oir of the
(ar#ha! fro( the infor(ation he ha$ th"# o5taine$D an$ it i# hi# -or2D 5y far the (o#t co(p!ete an$
circ"(#tantia! -hich ha# appeare$D that I con$en#e into the fo!!o-in& chapter#?
9The (o#t (on#tro"#!y $epra'e$ i(a&inationD9 #ay# M? Henri MartinD 9ne'er co"!$ ha'e
concei'e$ -hat the tria! re'ea!#?9 M? Lacroi) ha# 5een o5!i&e$ to $ra- a 'ei! o'er ("ch that
tran#pire$D an$ I ("#t $ra- it c!o#er #ti!!? I ha'eD ho-e'erD #ai$ eno"&h to #ho- that thi# (e(ora5!e
tria! pre#ent# horror# pro5a5!y "n#"rpa##e$ in the -ho!e 'o!"(e of the -or!$1# hi#tory?
D"rin& the year 1<<FD a terri5!e r"(o"r #prea$ thro"&h 8rittanyD an$ e#pecia!!y thro"&h the
ancient pays de *etD -hich e)ten$# a!on& the #o"th of the Loire fro( Nante# to Pai(5."fD to the
effect that one of the (o#t fa(o"# an$ po-erf"! no5!e(en in 8rittanyD Gi!!e# $e La'a!D MarEcha! $e
RetID -a# &"i!ty of cri(e# of the (o#t $ia5o!ica! nat"re?
Gi!!e# $e La'a!D e!$e#t #on of Gay $e La'a!D #econ$ of hi# na(eD Sire $e RetID ha$ rai#e$ the
6"nior 5ranch of the i!!"#trio"# ho"#e of La'a! a5o'e the e!$er 5ranchD -hich -a# re!ate$ to the
rei&nin& fa(i!y of 8rittany? He !o#t hi# father -hen he -a# a&e$ t-entyD an$ re(aine$ (a#ter of a
'a#t territoria! inheritanceD -hich -a# increa#e$ 5y hi# (arria&e -ith Catharine $e Tho"ar# in 1<LF?
He e(p!oye$ a portion of their fort"ne in the ca"#e of Char!e# %II?D an$ in #tren&thenin& the ,rench
cro-n? D"rin& #e'en con#ec"ti'e year#D fro( 1<LA to 1<;;D he -a# en&a&e$ in (i!itary enterpri#e#
a&ain#t the En&!i#hC hi# na(e i# a!-ay# cite$ a!on& -ith tho#e of D"noi#D Gaintrai!!e#D ,!orent
$1I!!ier#D Ga"co"rtD Riche(ontD an$ the (o#t faithf"! #er'ant# of the 2in&? Hi# #er'ice# -ere
#pee$i!y ac2no-!e$&e$ 5y the 2in& creatin& hi( Mar#ha! of ,rance? In 1<LMD he a##a"!te$ the Ca#t!e
of L"$eD an$ carrie$ it 5y #tor(C he 2i!!e$ -ith hi# o-n han$ the co((an$er of the p!aceC ne)t year
he capt"re$ fro( the En&!i#h the fortre## of RennefortD an$ the Ca#t!e of Ma!icorneC in 1<LBD he
too2 an acti'e part in the e)pe$ition of =oan of Arc for the $e!i'erance of Or!ean#D an$ the
occ"pation of =ar&ea"D an$ he -a# -ith her in the (oatD -hen #he -a# -o"n$e$ 5y an arro- "n$er
the -a!!# of Pari#?
The (ar#ha!D co"nci!!orD an$ cha(5er!ain of the 2in& participate$ in the $irection of p"5!ic
affair#D an$ #oon o5taine$ the entire confi$ence of hi# (a#ter? He acco(panie$ Char!e# to Rhei(#
on the occa#ion of hi# coronationD an$ ha$ the hono"r of 5earin& the orif!a((eD 5ro"&ht for the
occa#ion fro( the a55ey of S? Re(i? Hi# intrepi$ity on the fie!$ of 5att!e -a# a# re(ar2a5!e a# hi#
#a&acity in co"nci!D an$ he pro'e$ hi(#e!f to 5e 5oth an e)ce!!ent -arrior an$ a #hre-$ po!itician?
S"$$en!yD to the #"rpri#e of e'ery oneD he H"itte$ the #er'ice of Char!e# %II?D an$ #heathe$ for
e'er hi# #-or$D in the retire(ent of the co"ntry? The $eath of hi# (aterna! &ran$fatherD =ean $e
CraonD in 1<;LD (a$e hi( #o enor(o"#!y -ea!thyD that hi# re'en"e# -ere e#ti(ate$ at *FFDFFF
!i're#C ne'erthe!e##D in t-o year#D 5y hi# e)ce##i'e pro$i&a!ityD he (ana&e$ to !o#e a con#i$era5!e
portion of hi# inheritance? Ma"!EonD S? Etienne $e Ma!e(ortD Loro")8oterea"D PornicD an$
Chanto!ED he #o!$ to =ohn %?D D"2e of 8rittanyD hi# 2in#(anD an$ other !an$# an$ #ei&ne"ria! ri&ht#
he ce$e$ to the 8i#hop of Nante#D an$ to the chapter of the cathe$ra! in that city?
The r"(o"r #oon #prea$ that the#e e)ten#i'e ce##ion# of territory -ere #op# thro-n to the $"2e
an$ to the 5i#hopD to re#train the one fro( confi#catin& hi# &oo$#D an$ the other fro( prono"ncin&
e)co(("nicationD for the cri(e# of -hich the peop!e -hi#perin&!y acc"#e$ hi(C 5"t the#e r"(o"r#
-ere pro5a5!y -itho"t fo"n$ationD for e'ent"a!!y it -a# fo"n$ har$ to per#"a$e the $"2e of the &"i!t
of hi# 2in#(anD an$ the 5i#hop -a# the (o#t $eter(ine$ in#ti&ator of the tria!?
The (ar#ha! #e!$o( 'i#ite$ the $"ca! co"rtD 5"t he often appeare$ in the city of Nante#D -here he
inha5ite$ the Hcte! $e !a S"IeD -ith a prince!y retin"e? He ha$D a!-ay# acco(panyin& hi(D a &"ar$
of t-o h"n$re$ (en at ar(#D an$ a n"(ero"# #"it of pa&e#D e#H"ire#D chap!ain#D #in&er#D a#tro!o&er#D
^c?D a!! of -ho( he pai$ han$#o(e!y?
+hene'er he !eft the to-nD or (o'e$ to one of hi# other #eat#D the crie# of the poorD -hich ha$
5een re#traine$ $"rin& the ti(e of hi# pre#enceD 5ro2e forth? Tear# f!o-e$D c"r#e# -ere "ttere$D a
!on&contin"e$ -ai! ro#e to hea'enD the (o(ent that the !a#t of the (ar#ha!1# party ha$ !eft the
nei&h5o"rhoo$? Mother# ha$ !o#t their chi!$renD 5a5e# ha$ 5een #natche$ fro( the cra$!eD infant#
ha$ 5een #pirite$ a-ay a!(o#t fro( the (aterna! ar(#D an$ it -a# 2no-n 5y #a$ e)perience that the
'ani#he$ !itt!e one# -o"!$ ne'er 5e #een a&ain?
8"t on no part of the co"ntry $i$ the #ha$o- of thi# &reat fear fa!! #o $eep!y a# on the 'i!!a&e# in
the nei&h5o"rhoo$ of the Ca#t!e of Macheco"!D a &!oo(y ch@tea"D co(po#e$ of h"&e to-er#D an$
#"rro"n$e$ 5y $eep (oat#D a re#i$ence ("ch freH"ente$ 5y Do RetID not-ith#tan$in& it# #o(5re
an$ rep"!#i'e appearance? Thi# fortre## -a# a!-ay# in a con$ition to re#i#t a #ie&e: the $ra-5ri$&e
-a# rai#e$D the portc"!!i# $o-nD the &ate# c!o#e$D the (en "n$er ar(#D the c"!'erin# on the 5a#tion
a!-ay# !oa$e$? No oneD e)cept the #er'ant#D ha$ penetrate$ into thi# (y#terio"# a#y!"( an$ ha$
co(e forth a!i'e? In the #"rro"n$in& co"ntry #tran&e ta!e# of horror an$ $e'i!ry circ"!ate$ in
-hi#per#D an$ yet it -a# o5#er'e$ that the chape! of the ca#t!e -a# &or&eo"#!y $ec2e$ -ith
tape#trie# of #i!2 an$ c!oth of &o!$D that the #acre$ 'e##e!# -ere encr"#te$ -ith &e(#D an$ that the
'e#t(ent# of the prie#t# -ere of the (o#t #"(pt"o"# character? The e)ce##i'e $e'otion of the
(ar#ha! -a# a!#o notice$C he -a# #ai$ to hear (a## thrice $ai!yD an$ to 5e pa##ionate!y fon$ of
ecc!e#ia#tica! ("#ic? He -a# #ai$ to ha'e a#2e$ per(i##ion of the popeD that a cr"cifer #ho"!$
prece$e hi( in proce##ion#? 8"t -hen $"#2 #ett!e$ $o-n o'er the fore#tD an$ one 5y one the
-in$o-# of the ca#t!e 5eca(e i!!"(ine$D pea#ant# -o"!$ point to one ca#e(ent hi&h "p in an
i#o!ate$ to-erD fro( -hich a c!ear !i&ht #trea(e$ thro"&h the &!oo( of ni&htC they #po2e of a fierce
re$ &!are -hich irra$iate$ the cha(5er at ti(e#D an$ of #harp crie# rin&in& o"t of itD thro"&h the
h"#he$ -oo$#D to 5e an#-ere$ on!y 5y the ho-! of the -o!f a# it ro#e fro( it# !air to 5e&in it#
noct"rna! ra(5!e#?
On certain $ay#D at fi)e$ ho"r#D the $ra-5ri$&e #an2D an$ the #er'ant# of De RetI #too$ in the
&ate-ay $i#tri5"tin& c!othe#D (oneyD an$ foo$ to the (en$icant# -ho cro-$e$ ro"n$ the(
#o!icitin& a!(#? It often happene$ that chi!$ren -ere a(on& the 5e&&ar#: a# often one of the #er'ant#
-o"!$ pro(i#e the( #o(e $ainty if they -o"!$ &o to the 2itchen for it? Tho#e chi!$ren -ho
accepte$ the offer -ere ne'er #een a&ain?
In 1<<F the !on&pent"p e)a#peration of the peop!e 5ro2e a!! 5o"n$#D an$ -ith one 'oice they
char&e$ the (ar#ha! -ith the ("r$er of their chi!$renD -ho( they #ai$ he ha$ #acrifice$ to the
$e'i!?
Thi# char&e ca(e to the ear# of the D"2e of 8rittanyD 5"t he poohpoohe$ itD an$ -o"!$ ha'e
ta2en no #tep# to in'e#ti&ate the tr"thD ha$ not one of hi# no5!e# in#i#te$ on hi# $oin& #o? At the
#a(e ti(e =ean $o Ch@tea"&ironD 5i#hop of Nante#D an$ the no5!e an$ #a&e Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!D
&ran$#ene#cha! of 8rittanyD -rote to the $"2eD e)pre##in& 'ery $eci$e$!y their 'ie-#D that the
char&e $e(an$e$ thoro"&h in'e#ti&ation?
=ohn %?D re!"ctant to (o'e a&ain#t a re!ationD a (an -ho ha$ #er'e$ hi# co"ntry #o -e!!D an$ -a#
in #"ch a hi&h po#itionD at !a#t yie!$e$ to their reH"e#tD an$ a"thoriIe$ the( to #eiIe the per#on# of
the Sire $e RetI an$ hi# acco(p!ice#? A ser/ent d'armesD =ean La55ED -a# char&e$ -ith thi# $iffic"!t
co((i##ion? He pic2e$ a 5an$ of re#o!"te fe!!o-#D t-enty in a!!D an$ in the (i$$!e of Septe(5er
they pre#ente$ the(#e!'e# at the &ate of the ca#t!eD an$ #"((one$ the Sire $o RetI to #"rren$er? A#
#oon a# Gi!!e# hear$ that a troop in the !i'ery of 8rittany -a# at the &ateD he inH"ire$ -ho -a# their
!ea$erP On recei'in& the an#-er 9La55ED9 he #tarte$D t"rne$ pa!eD cro##e$ hi(#e!fD an$ prepare$ to
#"rren$erD o5#er'in& that it -a# i(po##i5!e to re#i#t fate?
Year# 5eforeD one of hi# a#tro!o&er# ha$ a##"re$ hi( that he -o"!$ one $ay pa## into the han$# of
an A55ED an$D ti!! thi# (o(entD De RetI ha$ #"ppo#e$ that the prophecy #i&nifie$ that he #ho"!$
e'ent"a!!y 5eco(e a (on2?
Gi!!e# $e Si!!ED Ro&er $e 8riH"e'i!!eD an$ other of the acco(p!ice# of the (ar#ha!D too2 to f!i&htD
5"t Henriet an$ Ponto" re(aine$ -ith hi(?
The $ra-5ri$&e -a# !o-ere$ an$ the (ar#ha! offere$ hi# #-or$ to =ean La55E? The &a!!ant
#er6eant approache$D 2ne!t to the (ar#ha!D an$ "nro!!e$ 5efore hi( a parch(ent #ea!e$ -ith the #ea!
of 8rittany?
9Te!! (e the tenor of thi# parch(entP9 #ai$ Gi!!e# $e RetI -ith $i&nity?
9O"r &oo$ Sire of 8rittany en6oin# yo"D (y !or$D 5y the#e pre#ent#D to fo!!o- (e to the &oo$ to-n
of Nante#D there to c!ear yo"r#e!f of certain cri(ina! char&e# 5ro"&ht a&ain#t yo"?9
9I -i!! fo!!o- i((e$iate!yD (y frien$D &!a$ to o5ey the -i!! of (y !or$ of 8rittany: 5"tD that it
(ay not 5e #ai$ that the Sei&ne"r $e RetI ha# recei'e$ a (e##a&e -itho"t !ar&e##D I or$er (y
trea#"rerD HenrietD to han$ o'er to yo" an$ yo"r fo!!o-er# t-enty &o!$ cro-n#?9
9Gran$(erciD (on#ei&ne"rO I pray Go$ that he (ay &i'e yo" &oo$ an$ !on& !ife?9
9Pray Go$ on!y to ha'e (ercy "pon (eD an$ to par$on (y #in#?9
The (ar#ha! ha$ hi# hor#e# #a$$!e$D an$ !eft Macheco"! -ith Ponto" an$ HenrietD -ho ha$
thro-n in their !ot -ith hi(?
It -a# -ith !i'e!y e(otion that the peop!e in the 'i!!a&e# tra'er#e$ 5y the !itt!e troopD #a- the
re$o"5te$ Gi!!e# $e La'a! ri$e thro"&h their #treet#D #"rro"n$e$ 5y #o!$ier# in the !i'ery of the D"2e
of 8rittanyD an$ "nacco(panie$ 5y a #in&!e #o!$ier of hi# o-n? The roa$# an$ #treet# -ere thron&e$D
pea#ant# !eft the fie!$#D -o(en their 2itchen#D !a5o"rer# $e#erte$ their catt!e at the p!o"&hD to thron&
the roa$ to Nante#? The ca'a!ca$e procee$e$ in #i!ence? The 'ery cro-$ -hich ha$ &athere$ to #ee
itD -a# h"#he$? Pre#ent!y a #hri!! -o(an1# 'oice -a# rai#e$:
9My chi!$O re#tore (y chi!$O9
Then a -i!$D -rathf"! ho-! 5ro2e fro( the !ip# of the thron&D ran& a!on& the Nante# roa$D an$
on!y $ie$ a-ayD a# the &reat &ate# of the Chatea" $e 8o"ffay c!o#e$ on the pri#oner?
The -ho!e pop"!ation of Nante# -a# in co((otionD an$ it -a# #ai$ that the in'e#ti&ation -o"!$
5e fictitio"#D that the $"2e -o"!$ #creen hi# 2in#(anD an$ that the o56ect of &enera! e)ecration
-o"!$ e#cape -ith the #"rren$er of #o(e of hi# !an$#?
An$ #"ch -o"!$ pro5a5!y ha'e 5een the e'ent of the tria!D ha$ not the 8i#hop of Nante# an$ the
&ran$#ene#cha! ta2en a 'ery $eci$e$ co"r#e in the (atter? They &a'e the $"2e no peace ti!! he ha$
yie!$e$ to their $e(an$ for a thoro"&h in'e#ti&ation an$ a p"5!ic tria!?
=ohn %? no(inate$ =ean $e To"cheron$e to co!!ect infor(ationD an$ to ta2e $o-n the char&e#
5ro"&ht a&ain#t the (ar#ha!? At the #a(e ti(e he -a# &i'en to "n$er#tan$ that the (atter -a# not to
5e pre##e$D an$ that the char&e# "pon -hich the (ar#ha! -a# to 5e trie$ -ere to 5e #oftene$ $o-n
a# ("ch a# po##i5!e?
The co((i##ionerD =ean $e To"cheron$eD opene$ the in'e#ti&ation on the 1*th Septe(5erD
a##i#te$ on!y 5y hi# c!er2D =ean Tho(a#? The -itne##e# -ere intro$"ce$ either #in&!yD or in &ro"p#D
if they -ere re!ation#? On enterin&D the -itne## 2ne!t 5efore the co((i##ionerD 2i##e$ the cr"cifi)D
an$ #-ore -ith hi# han$ on the Go#pe!# that he -o"!$ #pea2 the tr"thD an$ nothin& 5"t the tr"th:
after thi# he re!ate$ a!! the fact# referrin& to the char&eD -hich ca(e "n$er hi# co&niIanceD -itho"t
5ein& interr"pte$ or interro&ate$?
The fir#t to pre#ent her#e!f -a# Perrine Loe##ar$D !i'in& at !a Roche8ernar$?
She re!ate$D -ith tear# in her eye#D that t-o year# a&oD in the (onth of Septe(5erD the Sire $e
RetI ha$ pa##e$ -ith a!! hi# retin"e thro"&h !a Roche8ernar$D on hi# -ay fro( %anne#D an$ ha$
!o$&e$ -ith =ean Co!!in? She !i'e$ oppo#ite the ho"#e in -hich the no5!e(an -a# #tayin&?
Her chi!$D the fine#t in the 'i!!a&eD a !a$ a&e$ tenD ha$ attracte$ the notice of Ponto"D an$ perhap#
of the (ar#ha! hi(#e!fD -ho #too$ at a -in$o-D !eanin& on hi# #H"ire1# #ho"!$er?
Ponto" #po2e to the chi!$D an$ a#2e$ hi( -hether he -o"!$ !i2e to 5e a chori#terC the 5oy rep!ie$
that hi# a(5ition -a# to 5e a #o!$ier?
9+e!!D thenD9 #ai$ the #H"ireD 9I -i!! eH"ip yo"?9
The !a$ then !ai$ ho!$ of Ponto"1# $a&&erD an$ e)pre##e$ hi# $e#ire to ha'e #"ch a -eapon in hi#
5e!t? There"pon the (other ha$ ran "p an$ ha$ (a$e hi( !ea'e ho!$ of the $a&&erD #ayin& that the
5oy -a# $oin& 'ery -e!! at #choo!D an$ -a# &ettin& on -ith hi# !etter#D for he -a# one $ay to 5e a
(on2? Ponto" ha$ $i##"a$e$ her fro( thi# pro6ectD an$ ha$ propo#e$ to ta2e the chi!$ -ith hi( to
Macheco"!D an$ to e$"cate hi( to 5e a #o!$ier? There"pon he ha$ pai$ her c!o-n a h"n$re$ #o!# to
5"y the !a$ a $re##D an$ ha$ o5taine$ per(i##ion to carry hi( off?
Ne)t $ay her #on ha$ 5een (o"nte$ on a hor#e p"rcha#e$ for hi( fro( =ean Co!!inD an$ ha$ !eft
the 'i!!a&e in the retin"e of the Sire $e RetI? The poor (other at partin& ha$ &one in tear# to the
(ar#ha!D an$ ha$ entreate$ hi( to 5e 2in$ to her chi!$? ,ro( that ti(e #he ha$ 5een a5!e to o5tain
no infor(ation re&ar$in& her #on? She ha$ -atche$ the Sire $e RetI -hene'er he ha$ pa##e$
thro"&h La Roche 8ernar$D 5"t ha$ ne'er o5#er'e$ her chi!$ a(on& hi# pa&e#? She ha$ H"e#tione$
#e'era! of the (ar#ha!1# peop!eD 5"t they ha$ !a"&he$ at herC the on!y an#-er #he ha$ o5taine$ -a#:
98e not afrai$? He i# either at Macheco"!D or e!#e at Tiffa"&e#D or e!#e at PornicD or #o(e-here?9
Perrine1# #tory -a# corro5orate$ 5y =ean Co!!inD hi# -ifeD an$ hi# (otherin!a-?
=ean Le(e&ren an$ hi# -ifeD A!ain D"!i)D Perrot D"pone#tD G"i!!a"(e G"i!!onD G"i!!a"(e
PortayerD Etienne $e Monc!a$e#D an$ =ean Lefe5"reD a!! inha5itant# of S? Etienne $e Mont!"cD
$epo#e$ that a !itt!e chi!$D #on of G"i!!a"(e 8rice of the #ai$ pari#hD ha'in& !o#t hi# father at the a&e
of nineD !i'e$ on a!(#D an$ -ent ro"n$ the co"ntry 5e&&in&?
Thi# chi!$D na(e$ =a(etD ha$ 'ani#he$ #"$$en!y at (i$#"((erD an$ nothin& -a# 2no-n of -hat
ha$ 5eco(e of hi(C 5"t #tron& #"#picion# -ere entertaine$ of hi# ha'in& 5een carrie$ off 5y an
a&e$ ha& -ho ha$ appeare$ #hort!y 5efore in the nei&h5o"rhoo$D an$ -ho ha$ 'ani#he$ a!on& -ith
the chi!$?
On the LMth Septe(5erD =ean $e To"cheron$eD a##i#te$ 5y Nico!a# Chatea"D notary of the co"rt at
Nante#D recei'e$ the $epo#ition# of #e'era! inha5itant# of Pont$eLa"nayD near 8o"'ron: to -itD
G"i!!a"(e ,o"ra&e an$ -ifeC =eanneD -ife of =ean Lef!o"C an$ Richar$eD -ife of =ean Gan$ea"?
The#e $epo#ition#D tho"&h 'ery 'a&"eD affor$e$ #"fficient ca"#e for #"#picion to re#t on the
(ar#ha!? T-o year# 5eforeD a chi!$ of t-e!'eD #on of =ean 8ernar$D an$ another chi!$ of the #a(e
a&eD #on of MEnE&"ED ha$ &one to Macheco"!? The #on of MEnE&"E ha$ ret"rne$ a!one in the
e'enin&D re!atin& that hi# co(panion ha$ a#2e$ hi( to -ait for hi( on the roa$ -hi!#t he 5e&&e$ at
the &ate# of the Sire $e RetI? The #on of MEnE&"E #ai$ that he ha$ -aite$ three ho"r#D 5"t hi#
co(panion ha$ not ret"rne$? The -ife of G"i!!a"(e ,o"ra&e $epo#e$ that #he ha$ #een the !a$ at
thi# ti(e -ith an o!$ ha&D -ho -a# !ea$in& hi( 5y the han$ to-ar$# Macheco"!? That #a(e e'enin&
thi# ha& pa##e$ o'er the 5ri$&e of La"nayD an$ the -ife of ,o"ra&e a#2e$ her -hat ha$ 5eco(e of
!itt!e 8ernar$? The o!$ -o(an neither #toppe$ nor an#-ere$ f"rther than 5y #ayin& he -a# -e!!
pro'i$e$ for? The 5oy ha$ not 5een #een #ince? On the L*th Septe(5erD the D"2e of 8rittany 6oine$
another co((i##ionerD =ean Co"ppe&or&eD an$ a #econ$ notaryD Miche! E#ta!!"reD to To"cheron$e
an$ Chatea"?
The inha5itant# of Macheco"!D a !itt!e to-n o'er -hich the Sire $e RetI e)erci#e$ #"pre(e
po-erD appeare$ no- to $epo#e a&ain#t their !or$? An$rE 8ar5ierD #hoe(a2erD $ec!are$ that !a#t
Ea#terD a chi!$D #on of hi# nei&h5o"r Geor&e# Le5ar5ierD ha$ $i#appeare$? He -a# !a#t #een &atherin&
p!"(# 5ehin$ the hote! Ron$ea"? Thi# $i#appearance #"rpri#e$ none in Macheco"!D an$ no one
'ent"re$ to co((ent on it? An$rE an$ hi# -ife -ere in $ai!y terror of !o#in& their o-n chi!$? They
ha$ 5een a pi!&ri(a&e to S? =ean $1An&e!yD an$ ha$ 5een a#2e$ there -hether it -a# the c"#to( at
Macheco"! to eat chi!$ren? On their ret"rn they ha$ hear$ of t-o chi!$ren ha'in& 'ani#he$the #on
of =ean Gen$ronD an$ that of A!e)an$re Ch@te!!ier? An$rE 8ar5ier ha$ (a$e #o(e inH"irie# a5o"t
the circ"(#tance# of their $i#appearanceD an$ ha$ 5een a$'i#e$ to ho!$ hi# ton&"eD an$ to #h"t hi#
ear# an$ eye#D "n!e## he -ere prepare$ to 5e thro-n into a $"n&eon 5y the !or$ of Macheco"!?
98"tD 5!e## (eO9 he ha$ #ai$D 9a( I to 5e!ie'e that a fairy #pirit# off an$ eat# o"r !itt!e one#P9
98e!ie'e -hat yo" !i2eD9 -a# the a$'ice &i'en to hi(C 95"t a#2 no H"e#tion#?9 A# thi#
con'er#ation ha$ ta2en p!aceD one of the (ar#ha!1# (en at ar(# ha$ pa##e$D -hen a!! tho#e -ho ha$
5een #pea2in& too2 to their hee!#? An$rED -ho ha$ r"n -ith the re#tD -itho"t 2no-in& e)act!y -hy
he f!e$D ca(e "pon a (an near the ch"rch of the Ho!y TrinityD -ho -a# -eepin& 5itter!yD an$ cryin&
o"tD9O (y Go$D -i!t Tho" not re#tore to (e (y !itt!e oneP9 Thi# (an ha$ a!#o 5een ro55e$ of hi#
chi!$?
LicetteD -ife of G"i!!a"(e Ser&entD !i'in& at La 8onear$iireD in the pari#h of S? Croi) $e
Macheco"!D ha$ !o#t her #on t-o year# 5eforeD an$ ha$ not #een hi( #inceC #he 5e#o"&ht the
co((i##ioner#D -ith tear# in her eye#D to re#tore hi( to her?
9I !eft hi(D9 #ai$ #heD 9at ho(e -hi!#t I -ent into the fie!$ -ith (y h"#5an$ to #o- f!a)? He -a#
a 5onny !itt!e !a$D an$ he -a# a# &oo$ a# he -a# 5onny? He ha$ to !oo2 after hi# tiny #i#terD -ho -a#
a year an$ a ha!f o!$? On (y ret"rn ho(eD the !itt!e &ir! -a# fo"n$D 5"t #he co"!$ not te!! (e -hat
ha$ 5eco(e of hi(? After-ar$# -e fo"n$ in the (ar#h a #(a!! re$ -oo!!en cap -hich ha$ 5e!on&e$
to (y poor $ar!in&C 5"t it -a# in 'ain that -e $ra&&e$ the (ar#hD nothin& -a# fo"n$ (oreD e)cept
&oo$ e'i$ence that he ha$ not 5een $ro-ne$? A ha-2er -ho #o!$ nee$!e# an$ threa$ pa##e$ thro"&h
Macheco"! at the ti(eD an$ to!$ (e that an o!$ -o(an in &reyD -ith a 5!ac2 hoo$ on her hea$D ha$
5o"&ht of hi( #o(e chi!$ren1# toy#D an$ ha$ a fe- (o(ent# after pa##e$ hi(D !ea$in& a !itt!e 5oy 5y
the han$?9
Geor&e# Le5ar5ierD !i'in& near the &ate of the ch@te!et $e Macheco"!D &a'e an acco"nt of the
(anner in -hich hi# #on ha$ e'ane#ce$? The 5oy -a# apprentice$ to =ean Pe!!etierD tai!or to M(e?
$e RetI an$ to the ho"#eho!$ of the ca#t!e? He #ee(e$ to 5e &ettin& on in hi# profe##ionD -hen !a#t
yearD a5o"t S? 8arna5a#1 $ayD he -ent to p!ay at 5a!! on the ca#t!e &reen? He ne'er ret"rne$ fro( the
&a(e?
Thi# yo"th an$ hi# (a#terD =ean Pe!!etierD ha$ 5een in the ha5it of eatin& an$ $rin2in& at the
ca#t!eD an$ 5a$ a!-ay# !a"&he$ at the o(ino"# #torie# to!$ 5y the peop!e?
G"i!!a"(e Hi!aire an$ hi# -ife confir(e$ the #tate(ent# of Le5ar5ier? They a!#o #ai$ that they
2ne- of the !o## of the #on# of =ean Gen$ronD =eanne Ro"enD an$ A!e)an$re Ch@te!!ier? The #on of
=ean Gen$ronD a&e$ t-e!'eD !i'e$ -ith the #ai$ Hi!aire an$ !earne$ of hi( the tra$e of #2inner? He
ha$ 5een -or2in& in the #hop for #e'en or ei&ht year#D an$ -a# a #tea$yD har$-or2in& !a$? One $ay
Me##ie"r# Gi!!e# $e Si!!E an$ Ro&er $e 8riH"e'i!!e entere$ the #hop to p"rcha#e a pair of h"ntin&
&!o'e#? They a#2e$ if !itt!e Gen$ron (i&ht ta2e a (e##a&e for the( to the ca#t!e? Hi!aire rea$i!y
con#ente$D an$ the 5oy recei'e$ 5eforehan$ the pay(ent for &oin&a &o!$ an&e!"#D an$ he #tarte$D
pro(i#in& to 5e 5ac2 $irect!y? 8"t he ha$ ne'er ret"rne$? That e'enin& Hi!iare an$ hi# -ifeD
o5#er'in& Gi!!e# $e Si!!E an$ Ro&er $e 8riH"e'i!!e ret"rnin& to the ca#t!eD ran to the( an$ a#2e$
-hat ha$ 5eco(e of the apprentice? They rep!ie$ that they ha$ no notion of -here he -a#D a# they
ha$ 5een a5#ent h"ntin&D 5"t that it -a# po##i5!e he (i&ht ha'e 5een #ent to Tiffa"&e#D another
ca#t!e of De RetI?
G"i!!a"(e Hi!aireD -ho#e $epo#ition# -ere (ore &ra'e an$ e)p!icit than the other#D po#iti'e!y
a##erte$ that =ean D"6ar$inD 'a!et to Ro&er $e 8riH"e'i!!e ha$ to!$ hi( he 2ne- of a ca#2 #ecrete$
in the ca#t!eD f"!! of chi!$ren1# corp#e#? He #ai$ that he ha$ often hear$ peop!e #ay that chi!$ren -ere
entice$ to the ch@tea" an$ then ("r$ere$D 5"t ha$ treate$ it a# an i$!e ta!e? He #ai$D (oreo'erD that
the (ar#ha! -a# not acc"#e$ of ha'in& any han$ in the ("r$er#D 5"t that hi# #er'ant# -ere #"ppo#e$
to 5e &"i!ty?
=ean Gen$ron hi(#e!f $epo#e$ to the !o## of hi# #onD an$ he a$$e$ that hi# -a# not the on!y chi!$
-hich ha$ 'ani#he$ (y#terio"#!y at Macheco"!? He 2ne- of thirty that ha$ $i#appeare$?
=ean Chipho!onD e!$er an$ 6"niorD =ean A"5inD an$ C!e(ent DorED a!! inha5itant# of the pari#h of
Tho(a&eD $epo#e$ that they ha$ 2no-n a poor (an of the #a(e pari#hD na(e$ Mathe!in Tho(a#D
-ho ha$ !o#t hi# #onD a&e$ t-e!'eD an$ that he ha$ $ie$ of &rief in con#eH"ence?
=eanne Ro"enD of Macheco"!D -ho for nine year# ha$ 5een in a #tate of "ncertainty -hether her
#on -ere a!i'e or $ea$D $epo#e$ that the chi!$ ha$ 5een carrie$ off -hi!#t 2eepin& #heep? She ha$
tho"&ht that he ha$ 5een $e'o"re$ of -o!'e#D 5"t t-o -o(en of Macheco"!D no- $ecea#e$D ha$
#een Gi!!e# $e Si!!E approach the !itt!e #hepher$D #pea2 to hi(D an$ point to the ca#t!e? Short!y after
the !a$ ha$ -a!2e$ off in that $irection? The h"#5an$ of =eanne Ro"en -ent to the ch@tea" to inH"ire
after hi# #onD 5"t co"!$ o5tain no infor(ation? +hen ne)t Gi!!e# $e Si!!E appeare$ in the to-nD the
$i#con#o!ate (other entreate$ hi( to re#tore her chi!$ to her? Gi!!e# rep!ie$ that he 2ne- nothin&
a5o"t hi(D a# he ha$ 5een to the 2in& at A(5oi#e?
=eanneD -i$o- of Ay(ery He$e!inD !i'in& at Macheco"!D ha$ a!#o !o#tD ei&ht year# 5eforeD a !itt!e
chi!$ a# he ha$ p"r#"e$ #o(e 5"tterf!ie# into the -oo$? At the #a(e ti(e fo"r other chi!$ren ha$
5een carrie$ offD tho#e of Gen$ronD Ro"enD an$ MacE Sorin? She #ai$ that the #tory circ"!ate$
thro"&h the co"ntry -a#D that Gi!!e# $e Si!!E #to!e chi!$ren to (a2e the( o'er to the En&!i#hD in
or$er to o5tain the ran#o( of hi# 5rother -ho -a# a capti'e? 8"t #he a$$e$ that thi# report -a#
trace$ to the #er'ant# of Si!!ED an$ that it -a# propa&ate$ 5y the(?
One of the !a#t chi!$ren to $i#appear -a# that of No3! Ai#eD !i'in& in the pari#h of S? Croi)?
A (an fro( Tiffa"&e# ha$ #ai$ to her S=eanne He$e!inT that for one chi!$ #to!en at Macheco"!D
there -ere #e'en carrie$ a-ay at Tiffa"&e#?
MacE Sorin confir(e$ the $epo#ition of the -i$o- He$e!in?D an$ repeate$ the circ"(#tance#
connecte$ -ith the !o## of the chi!$ren of Ch@te!!ierD Ro"enD Gen$ronD an$ Le5ar5ier?
Perrine Ron$ea" ha$ entere$ the ca#t!e -ith the co(pany of =ean La55E? She ha$ entere$ a
#ta5!eD an$ ha$ fo"n$ a heap of a#he# an$ po-$erD -hich ha$ a #ic2!y an$ pec"!iar #(e!!? At the
5otto( of a tro"&h #he ha$ fo"n$ a chi!$1# #hirt co'ere$ -ith 5!oo$?
Se'era! inha5itant# of the 5o"r& of ,re#nayD to -itD PerrotD ParH"etea"D =ean Sorea"D Catherine
De&rEpieD Gi!!e# GarnierD Perrine %ie!!ar$D Mar&"erite Re$iernD Marie CarfinD =eanne La"$ai#D #ai$
that they ha$ hear$ G"i!!a"(e Ha(e!inD !a#t Ea#terD !a(entin& the !o## of t-o chi!$ren?
I#a5ea"D -ife of G"i!!a"(e Ha(e!inD confir(e$ the#e $epo#ition#D #a'in& that #he ha$ !o#t the(
#e'en year# 5efore? She ha$ at that ti(e fo"r chi!$renC the e!$e#t a&e$ fifteenD the yo"n&e#t a&e$
#e'enD -ent to&ether to Macheco"! to 5"y #o(e 5rea$D 5"t they $i$ not ret"rn? She #at "p for the(
a!! ni&ht an$ ne)t (ornin&? She hear$ that another chi!$ ha$ 5een !o#tD the #on of Micha"t 8onne! of
S? CirE $e RetI?
G"i!!e(etteD -ife of Micha"t 8onne!D #ai$ that her #on ha$ 5een carrie$ off -hi!#t &"ar$in& co-#?
G"i!!a"(e Ro$i&o an$ hi# -ifeD !i'in& at 8o"r&ne"fenRetID $epo#e$ that on the e'e of !a#t S?
8artho!o(e-1# $ayD the Sire $o RetI !o$&e$ -ith G"i!!a"(e P!"(et in hi# 'i!!a&e?
Ponto"D -ho acco(panie$ the (ar#ha!D #a- a !a$ of fifteenD na(e$ 8ernar$ LecaninoD #er'ant to
Ro$i&oD #tan$in& at the $oor of hi# ho"#e? The !a$ co"!$ not #pea2 ("ch ,renchD 5"t on!y 5a#
8reton? Ponto" 5ec2one$ to hi( an$ #po2e to hi( in a !o- tone? That e'enin&D at ten o1c!oc2D
8ernar$ !eft hi# (a#ter1# ho"#eD Ro$i&o an$ hi# -ife 5ein& a5#ent? The #er'ant (ai$D -ho #a- hi(
&o o"tD ca!!e$ to hi( that the #"pper ta5!e -a# not yet c!eare$D 5"t he pai$ no attention to -hat #he
#ai$? Ro$i&oD annoye$ at the !o## of hi# #er'antD a#2e$ #o(e of the (ar#ha!1# (en -hat ha$ 5eco(e
of hi(? They rep!ie$ (oc2in&!y that they 2ne- nothin& of the !itt!e 8retonD 5"t that he ha$ pro5a5!y
5een #ent to Tiffa"&e# to 5e traine$ a# pa&e to their !or$?
Mar&"erite SorainD the cha(5er(ai$ a!!"$e$ to a5o'eD confir(e$ the #tate(ent of Ro$i&oD
a$$in& that Ponto" ha$ entere$ the ho"#e an$ #po2en -ith 8ernar$? G"i!!a"(e P!"(et an$ -ife
confir(e$ -hat Ro$i&o an$ Sorain ha$ #ai$?
Tho(a# Ay#Ee an$ -ife $epo#e$ to the !o## of their #onD a&e$ tenD -ho ha$ &one to 5e& at the
&ate of the ca#t!e of Macheco"!C an$ a !itt!e &ir! ha$ #een hi( $ra-n 5y an offer of (eat into the
ch@tea"?
=a(etteD -ife of E"#tache Dro"et of S? LE&erD ha$ #ent t-o #on#D one a&e$ tenD the other #e'enD to
the ca#t!e to o5tain a!(#? They ha$ not 5een #een #ince?
On the Ln$ Octo5er the co((i##ioner# #at a&ainD an$ the char&e# 5eca(e &ra'erD an$ the #er'ant#
of the (ar#ha! 5eca(e (ore an$ (ore i(p!icate$?
The $i#appearance of thirteen other chi!$ren -a# #"5#tantiate$ "n$er circ"(#tance# thro-in&
#tron& #"#picion on the in(ate# of the ca#t!e? I -i!! not &i'e the $etai!#D for they ("ch re#e(5!e
tho#e of the for(er $epo#ition#? S"ffice it to #ay that 5efore the co((i##ioner# c!o#e$ the inH"iryD a
hera!$ of the D"2e of 8rittany in ta5ar$ 5!e- three ca!!# on the tr"(petD fro( the #tep# of the to-er
of 8o"ffayD #"((onin& a!! -ho ha$ a$$itiona! char&e# to 5rin& a&ain#t the Sire $e RetID to pre#ent
the(#e!'e# -itho"t $e!ay? A# no fre#h -itne##e# arri'e$D the ca#e -a# con#i$ere$ to 5e (a$e o"tD
an$ the co((i##ioner# 'i#ite$ the $"2eD -ith the infor(ation they ha$ co!!ecte$D in their han$#?
The $"2e he#itate$ !on& a# to the #tep# he #ho"!$ ta2e? Sho"!$ he 6"$&e an$ #entence a 2in#(anD
the (o#t po-erf"! of hi# 'a##a!#D the 5ra'e#t of hi# captain#D a co"nci!!or of the 2in&D a (ar#ha! of
,ranceP
+hi!#t #ti!! "n#ett!e$ in hi# (in$ a# to the co"r#e he #ho"!$ p"r#"eD he recei'e$ a !etter fro(
Gi!!e# $e RetID -hich pro$"ce$ H"ite a $ifferent effect fro( that -hich it ha$ 5een inten$e$ to
pro$"ce?
9MONSIEUR MY COUSIN AND HONOURED SIRED
9IT i# H"ite tr"e that I a( perhap# the (o#t $ete#ta5!e of a!! #inner#D ha'in& #inne$ horri5!y a&ain
an$ a&ainD yet ha'e I ne'er fai!e$ in (y re!i&io"# $"tie#? I ha'e hear$ (any (a##e#D 'e#per#D ^c?D
ha'e fa#te$ in Lent an$ on 'i&i!#D ha'e confe##e$ (y #in#D $ep!orin& the( hearti!yD an$ ha'e
recei'e$ the 5!oo$ of o"r Lor$ at !ea#t once in the year?
Since I ha'e 5een !an&"i#hin& in pri#onD a-aitin& yo"r hono"re$ 6"#ticeD I ha'e 5een
o'er-he!(e$ -ith inco(para5!e repentance for (y cri(e#D -hich I a( rea$y to ac2no-!e$&e an$
to e)piate a# i# #"ita5!e?
9+herefore I #"pp!icate yo"D M? (y co"#inD to &i'e (e !icence to retire into a (ona#teryD an$
there to !ea$ a &oo$ an$ e)e(p!ary !ife? I care not into -hat (ona#tery I a( #entD 5"t I inten$ that
a!! (y &oo$#D ^c?D #ho"!$ 5e $i#tri5"te$ a(on& the poorD -ho are the (e(5er# of =e#"# Chri#t on
earth ? ? ? ? A-aitin& yo"r &!orio"# c!e(encyD on -hich I re!yD I pray Go$ o"r Lor$ to protect yo" an$
yo"r 2in&$o(?
He -ho a$$re##e# yo" i# in a!! earth!y h"(i!ityD9
9,RIAR GILLESD
Car(e!ite in intention?9
The $"2e rea$ thi# !etter to Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!D pre#i$ent of 8rittanyD an$ to the 8i#hop of
Nante#D -ho -ere tho#e (o#t re#o!"te in pre##in& on the tria!? They -ere horrifie$ at the tone of thi#
$rea$f"! co(("nicationD an$ a##"re$ the $"2e that the ca#e -a# #o c!earD an$ the #tep# ta2en ha$
5een #o $eci$e$D that it -a# i(po##i5!e for hi( to a!!o- De RetI to e#cape tria! 5y #"ch an i(pio"#
$e'ice a# he #"&&e#te$? In the (eanti(eD the 5i#hop an$ the &ran$#ene#cha! ha$ #et on foot an
in'e#ti&ation at the ca#t!e of Macheco"!D an$ ha$ fo"n$ n"(ero"# trace# of h"(an re(ain#? 8"t a
co(p!ete e)a(ination co"!$ not 5e (a$eD a# the $"2e -a# an)io"# to #creen hi# 2in#(an a# ("ch a#
po##i5!eD an$ ref"#e$ to a"thoriIe one?
The $"2e no- #"((one$ hi# principa! officer# an$ he!$ a co"nci! -ith the(? They "nani(o"#!y
#i$e$ -ith the 5i#hop an$ $e !1Ho#pita!D an$ -hen =ohn #ti!! he#itate$D the 8i#hop of Nante# ro#e an$
#ai$: 9Mon#ei&ne"rD thi# ca#e i# one for the ch"rch a# ("ch a# for yo"r co"rt to ta2e "p?
Con#eH"ent!yD if yo"r Pre#i$ent of 8rittany $oe# not 5rin& the ca#e into #ec"!ar co"rtD 5y the ="$&e
of hea'en an$ earthO I -i!! cite the a"thor of the#e e)ecra5!e cri(e# to appear 5efore o"r
ecc!e#ia#tica! tri5"na!?9
The re#o!"tion of the 5i#hop co(pe!!e$ the $"2e to yie!$D an$ it -a# $eci$e$ that the tria! #ho"!$
ta2e it# co"r#e -itho"t !et or hin$rance?
In the (eanti(eD the "nhappy -ife of Gi!!e# $e RetID -ho ha$ 5een #eparate$ fro( hi( for #o(e
-hi!eD an$ -ho !oathe$ hi# cri(e#D tho"&h #he #ti!! fe!t for hi( a# her h"#5an$D h"rrie$ to the $"2e
-ith her $a"&hter to entreat par$on for the -retche$ (an? 8"t the $"2e ref"#e$ to hear her?
There"pon #he -ent to A(5oi#e to interce$e -ith the 2in& for hi( -ho 5a$ once 5een hi# c!o#e
frien$ an$ a$'i#er?
!HA)TER -II#
THE +AR.!HAL DE RET/#--II# THE TRIAL#
The Appearance of the Mar#ha!Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!The ReH"i#itionThe Tria! a$6o"rne$
Meetin& of the Mar#ha! an$ hi# Ser'ant#The Confe##ion of HenrietPonto" per#"a$e$ to confe##
a!!The a$6o"rne$ Tria! not h"rrie$ onThe he#itation of the D"2e of 8rittany?
ON the 1Fth Octo5erD Nico!a# Chatea"D notary of the $"2eD -ent to the Ch@tea" of 8o"ffayD to
rea$ to the pri#oner the #"((on# to appear in per#on on the (orro- 5efore Me##ire $e !1Ho#pita!D
Pre#i$ent of 8rittanyD Sene#cha! of Renne#D an$ Chief ="#tice of the D"chy of 8rittany?
The Sire $e RetID -ho 5e!ie'e$ hi(#e!f a!rea$y a no'ice in the Car(e!ite or$erD ha$ $re##e$ in
-hiteD an$ -a# en&a&e$ in #in&in& !itanie#? +hen the #"((on# ha$ 5een rea$D he or$ere$ a pa&e to
&i'e the notary -ine an$ ca2eD an$ then he ret"rne$ to hi# prayer# -ith e'ery appearance of
co(p"nction an$ piety?
On the (orro- =ean La55E an$ fo"r #o!$ier# con$"cte$ hi( to the ha!! of 6"#tice? He a#2e$ for
Ponto" an$ Henriet to acco(pany hi(D 5"t thi# -a# not per(itte$?
He -a# a$orne$ -ith a!! hi# (i!itary in#i&niaD a# tho"&h to i(po#e on hi# 6"$&e#C he ha$ aro"n$
hi# nec2 (a##i'e chain# of &o!$D an$ #e'era! co!!ar# of 2ni&ht!y or$er#? Hi# co#t"(eD -ith the
e)ception of hi# p"rpointD -a# -hiteD in to2en of hi# repentance? Hi# p"rpoint -a# of pear!&rey #i!2D
#t"$$e$ -ith &o!$ #tar#D an$ &ir$e$ aro"n$ hi# -ai#t 5y a #car!et 5e!tD fro( -hich $an&!e$ a
poi&nar$ in #car!et 'e!'et #heath? Hi# co!!arD c"f#D an$ the e$&in& of hi# p"rpoint -ere of -hite
er(ineD hi# !itt!e ro"n$ cap or chapel -a# -hiteD #"rro"n$e$ -ith a 5e!t of er(inea f"r -hich on!y
the &reat fe"$a! !or$# of 8rittany ha$ a ri&ht to -ear? A!! the re#t of hi# $re##D to the #hoe# -hich
-ere !on& an$ pointe$D -a# -hite?
No one at a fir#t &!ance -o"!$ ha'e tho"&ht the Sire $o RetI to 5e 5y nat"re #o cr"e! an$ 'icio"#
a# he -a# #"ppo#e$ to 5e? On the contraryD hi# phy#io&no(y -a# ca!( an$ ph!e&(aticD #o(e-hat
pa!eD an$ e)pre##i'e of (e!ancho!y? Hi# hair an$ (o"#tache -ere !i&ht 5ro-nD an$ hi# 5ear$ -a#
c!ippe$ to a point? Thi# 5ear$D -hich re#e(5!e$ no other 5ear$D -a# 5!ac2D 5"t "n$er certain !i&ht# it
a##"(e$ a 5!"e h"eD an$ it -a# thi# pec"!iarity -hich o5taine$ for the Sire $o RetI the #"rna(e of
8!"e5ear$D a na(e -hich ha# attache$ to hi( in pop"!ar ro(anceD at the #a(e ti(e that hi# #tory
ha# "n$er&one #tran&e (eta(orpho#e#?
8"t on c!o#er e)a(ination of the co"ntenance of Gi!!e# $e RetID contraction in the ("#c!e# of the
faceD ner'o"# H"i'erin& of the (o"thD #pa#(o$ic t-itchin&# of the 5ro-#D an$ a5o'e a!!D the #ini#ter
e)pre##ion of the eye#D #ho-e$ that there -a# #o(ethin& #tran&e an$ fri&htf"! in the (an? At
inter'a!# he &ro"n$ hi# teeth !i2e a -i!$ 5ea#t preparin& to $a#h "pon hi# preyD an$ then hi# !ip#
5eca(e #o contracte$D a# they -ere $ra-n in an$ &!"e$D a# it -ereD to hi# teethD that their 'ery
co!o"r -a# in$i#cerni5!e?
At ti(e# a!#o hi# eye# 5eca(e fi)e$D an$ the p"pi!# $i!ate$ to #"ch an e)tentD -ith a #o(5re fire
H"i'erin& in the(D that the iri# #ee(e$ to fi!! the -ho!e or5itD -hich 5eca(e circ"!arD an$ #an2 5ac2
into the hea$? At the#e (o(ent# hi# co(p!e)ion 5eca(e !i'i$ an$ ca$a'ero"#C hi# 5ro-D e#pecia!!y
6"#t o'er the no#eD -a# co'ere$ -ith $eep -rin2!e#D an$ hi# 5ear$ appeare$ to 5ri#t!eD an$ to a##"(e
it# 5!"i#h h"e#? 8"tD after a fe- (o(ent#D hi# feat"re# 5eca(e a&ain #ereneD -ith a #-eet #(i!e
repo#in& "pon the(D an$ hi# e)pre##ion re!a)e$ into a 'a&"e an$ ten$er (e!ancho!y?
9Me##ire#D9 #ai$ heD #a!"tin& hi# 6"$&e#D 9I pray yo" to e)pe$ite (y (atterD an$ $e#patch a#
#pee$i!y a# po##i5!e (y "nfort"nate ca#eC for I a( pec"!iar!y an)io"# to con#ecrate (y#e!f to the
#er'ice of Go$D -ho ha# par$one$ (y &reat #in#? I #ha!! not fai!D I a##"re yo"D to en$o- #e'era! of
the ch"rche# in Nante#D an$ I #ha!! $i#tri5"te the &reater portion of (y &oo$# a(on& the poorD to
#ec"re the #a!'ation of (y #o"!?9
9Mon#ei&ne"rD9 rep!ie$ &ra'e!y Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!: 9It i# a!-ay# -e!! to thin2 of the #a!'ation of
one1# #o"!C 5"tD if yo" p!ea#eD thin2 no- that -e are concerne$ -ith the #a!'ation of yo"r 5o$y?9
9I ha'e confe##e$ to the father #"perior of the Car(e!ite#D9 rep!ie$ the (ar#ha!D -ith tranH"i!!ityC
9an$ thro"&h hi# a5#o!"tion I ha'e 5een a5!e to co(("nicate: I a(D thereforeD &"i!t!e## an$
p"rifie$?9
9Men1# 6"#tice i# not in co((on -ith that of Go$D (on#ei&ne"rD an$ I cannot te!! yo" -hat -i!!
5e yo"r #entence? 8e rea$y to (a2e yo"r $efenceD an$ !i#ten to the char&e# 5ro"&ht a&ain#t yo"D
-hich M? !e !ie"tenant $" Proc"re"r $e Nante# -i!! rea$?9
The officer ro#eD an$ rea$ the fo!!o-in& paper of char&e#D -hich I #ha!! con$en#e:
9Ha'in& hear$ the 5itter co(p!aint# of #e'era! of the inha5itant# of the $ioce#e of Nante#D -ho#e
na(e# fo!!o- hereinafter Shere fo!!o- the na(e# of the parent# of the !o#t chi!$renTD -eD Phi!ippe $o
Li'ronD !ie"tenant a##e##e"r of Me##ire !e Proc"re"r $e Nante#D ha'e in'ite$D an$ $o in'iteD the 'ery
no5!e an$ 'ery -i#e Me##ire Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!D Pre#i$ent of 8rittanyD ^c?D to 5rin& to tria! the 'ery
hi&h an$ 'ery po-erf"! !or$D Gi!!e# $e La'a!D Sire $e RetID Macheco"!D In&ran$e an$ other p!ace#D
Co"nci!!or of hi# Ma6e#ty the /in&D an$ Mar#ha! of ,rance:
9,ora#("ch a# the #ai$ Sire $e RetI ha# #eiIe$ an$ ca"#e$ to 5e #eiIe$ #e'era! !itt!e chi!$renD not
on!y ten or t-entyD 5"t thirtyD fortyD fiftyD #i)tyD one h"n$re$D t-o h"n$re$D an$ (oreD an$ ha#
("r$ere$ an$ #!ain the( inh"(an!yD an$ then 5"rne$ their 5o$ie# to con'ert the( to a#he#:
9,ora#("ch a# per#e'erin& in e'i!D the #ai$ SireD not-ith#tan$in& that the po-er# that 5e are
or$aine$ of Go$D an$ that e'ery one #ho"!$ 5e an o5e$ient #"56ect to hi# princeD ? ? ? ha# a##a"!te$
=ean LeferonD #"56ect of the D"2e of 8rittanyD the #ai$ =ean Leferon 5ein& &"ar$ian of the fortre##
of Ma!e(ortD in the na(e of Geoffrey LeferonD hi# 5rotherD to -ho( the #ai$ !or$ ha$ (a$e o'er the
po##e##ion of the #ai$ p!ace:
9,ora#("ch a# the #ai$ Sire force$ =ean Leferon to &i'e "p to hi( the #ai$ p!aceD an$ (oreo'er
retoo2 the !or$#hip of Ma!e(ort in $e#pite of the or$er of the $"2e an$ of 6"#tice:
9,ora#("ch a# the #ai$ Sire arre#te$ Ma#ter =ean Ro"##ea"D #er&eant of the $"2eD -ho -a# #ent
to hi( -ith in6"nction# fro( the #ai$ $"2eD an$ 5eat hi# (en -ith their o-n #ta'e#D a!tho"&h their
per#on# -ere "n$er the protection of hi# &race:
9+e conc!"$e that the #ai$ Sire $e RetID ho(ici$e in fact an$ in intent accor$in& to the fir#t
co"ntD re5e! an$ fe!on accor$in& to the #econ$D #ho"!$ 5e con$e(ne$ to #"ffer corpora! p"ni#h(entD
an$ to pay a fine of hi# po##e##ion# in !an$# an$ &oo$# he!$ in fief to the #ai$ no5!e(anD an$ that
the#e #ho"!$ 5e confi#cate$ an$ re(itte$ to the cro-n of 8rittany?9
Thi# reH"i#ition -a# e'i$ent!y $ra-n "p -ith the 'ie- of #a'in& the !ife of the Sire $e RetIC for
the cri(e of ho(ici$e -a# pre#ente$ -itho"t a&&ra'atin& circ"(#tance#D in #"ch a (anner that it
co"!$ 5e $enie$ or #he!'e$D -hi!#t the cri(e# of fe!ony an$ re5e!!ion a&ain#t the D"2e of 8rittany
-ere 5ro"&ht into e)a&&erate$ pro(inence?
Gi!!e# $e RetI ha$ "n$o"5te$!y 5een fore-arne$ of the co"r#e -hich -a# to 5e p"r#"e$D an$ he
-a# prepare$ to $eny tota!!y the char&e# (a$e in the fir#t co"nt?
9Mon#ei&ne"rD9 #ai$ Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!D -ho( the for( of the reH"i#ition ha$ 'i#i5!y
a#toni#he$: 9+hat 6"#tification ha'e yo" to (a2eP Ta2e an oath on the Go#pe!# to $ec!are the tr"th?9
9NoD (e##ireO9 an#-ere$ the (ar#ha!? 9The -itne##e# are 5o"n$ to $ec!are -hat they 2no- "pon
oathD 5"t the acc"#e$ i# ne'er p"t on hi# oath?9
9N"ite #oD9 rep!ie$ the 6"$&e? 98eca"#e the acc"#e$ (ay 5e p"t on the rac2 an$ con#traine$ to
#pea2 the tr"thD an1 p!ea#e yo"?9
Gi!!e# $e RetI t"rne$ pa!eD 5it hi# !ip#D an$ ca#t a &!ance of (a!i&nant hate at Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!C
thenD co(po#in& hi# co"ntenanceD he #po2e -ith an appearance of ca!(:
9Me##ire#D I #ha!! not $eny that I 5eha'e$ -ron&f"!!y in the ca#e of =ean Ro"##ea"C 5"tD in
e)c"#eD !et (e #ay that the #ai$ Ro"##ea" -a# f"!! of -ineD an$ he 5eha'e$ -ith #"ch in$ecor"(
to-ar$# (e in the pre#ence of (y #er'ant#D that it -a# H"ite into!era5!e? Nor -i!! I $eny (y re'en&e
on the 5rother# Leferon: =ean ha$ $ec!are$ that the #ai$ Grace of 8rittany ha$ confi#cate$ (y
fortre## of Ma!e(ortD -hich I ha$ #o!$ to hi(D an$ for -hich I ha'e not yet recei'e$ pay(entC an$
Geoffrey Leferon ha$ anno"nce$ far an$ -i$e that I -a# a5o"t to 5e e)pe!!e$ 8rittany a# a traitor
an$ a re5e!? To p"ni#h the( I reentere$ (y fortre## of Ma!e(ort?A# for the other char&e#D I #ha!!
#ay nothin& a5o"t the(D they are #i(p!y fa!#e an$ ca!"(nio"#?9
9In$ee$ e)c!ai(e$ Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!D -ho#e 5!oo$ 5oi!e$ -ith in$i&nation a&ain#t the -retch
-ho #too$ 5efore hi( -ith #"ch effrontery? 9A!! the#e -itne##e# -ho co(p!ain of ha'in& !o#t their
chi!$renD !ie$ "n$er oathO9
9Un$o"5te$!yD if they acc"#e (e of ha'in& anythin& to $o -ith their !o##? +hat a( I to 2no-
a5o"t the(D a( I their 2eeperP9
9The an#-er of CainO9 e)c!ai(e$ Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!D ri#in& fro( hi# #eat in the 'ehe(ence of
hi# e(otion? 9Ho-e'erD a# yo" #o!e(n!y $eny the#e char&e#D -e ("#t H"e#tion Henriet an$
Ponto"?9
9HenrietD Ponto"O9 crie$ the (ar#ha!D tre(5!in&C 9they acc"#e (e of nothin&D #"re!yO9
9Not a# yetD they ha'e not 5een H"e#tione$D 5"t they are a5o"t to 5e 5ro"&ht into co"rtD an$ I $o
not e)pect that they -i!! !ie in the face of 6"#tice?9
9I $e(an$ that (y #er'ant# 5e not 5ro"&ht for-ar$ a# -itne##e# a&ain#t their (a#terD9 #ai$ the
(ar#ha!D hi# eye# $i!atin&D hi# 5ro- -rin2!in&D an$ hi# 5ear$ 5ri#t!in& 5!"e "pon hi# chin: 9a (a#ter
i# a5o'e the &o##ipin& ta!e# an$ char&e# of hi# #er'ant#?9
9Do yo" thin2 thenD (e##ireD that yo"r #er'ant# -i!! acc"#e yo"P9
9I $e(an$ that ID a (ar#ha! of ,ranceD a 5aron of the $"chyD #ho"!$ 5e #he!tere$ fro( the #!an$er#
of #(a!! fo!2D -ho( I $i#o-n a# (y #er'ant# if they are "ntr"e to their (a#ter?9
9Me##ireD I #ee -e ("#t p"t yo" on the rac2D or nothin& -i!! 5e &ot fro( yo"?9
9Ho!aO I appea! to hi# &race the D"2e of 8rittanyD an$ a#2 an a$6o"rn(entD that I (ay ta2e a$'ice
on the char&e# 5ro"&ht a&ain#t (eD -hich I ha'e $enie$D an$ -hich I $eny #ti!!?9
9+e!!D I #ha!! a$6o"rn the ca#e ti!! the L7th of thi# (onthD that yo" (ay 5e -e!! prepare$ to (eet
the acc"#ation#?9
On hi# -ay 5ac2 to pri#onD the (ar#ha! pa##e$ Henriet an$ Ponto" a# they -ere 5ein& con$"cte$
to the co"rt? Henriet preten$e$ not to #ee hi# (a#terD 5"t Ponto" 5"r#t into tear# on (eetin& hi(?
The (ar#ha! he!$ o"t hi# han$D an$ Ponto" 2i##e$ it affectionate!y?
9Re(e(5er -hat I ha'e $one for yo"D an$ 5e faithf"! #er'ant#D9 #ai$ Gi!!e# $e RetI? Henriet
recoi!e$ fro( hi( -ith a #h"$$erD an$ the (ar#ha! pa##e$ on?
9I #ha!! #pea2D9 -hi#pere$ HenrietC 9for -e ha'e another (a#ter 5e#i$e o"r poor (a#ter of RetID
an$ -e #ha!! #oon 5e -ith the hea'en!y one?9
The pre#i$ent or$ere$ the c!er2 to rea$ a&ain the reH"i#ition of the !ie"tenantD that the t-o
pre#"(e$ acco(p!ice# of Gi!!e# $e RetI (i&ht 5e infor(e$ of the char&e# 5ro"&ht a&ain#t their
(a#ter? Henriet 5"r#t into tear#D tre(5!e$ 'io!ent!yD an$ crie$ o"t that he -o"!$ te!! a!!? Ponto"D
a!ar(e$D trie$ to hin$er hi# co(panionD an$ #ai$ that Henriet -a# to"che$ in hi# hea$D an$ that -hat
he -a# a5o"t to #ay -o"!$ 5e the ra'in&# of in#anity?
Si!ence -a# i(po#e$ "pon hi(?
9I -i!! #pea2 o"tD9 contin"e$ Henriet an$ yet I $are not #pea2 of the horror# -hich I 2no- ha'e
ta2en p!aceD 5efore that i(a&e of (y Lor$ Chri#tC 9an$ he pointe$ tre(5!in&!y to a !ar&e cr"cifi)
a5o'e the #eat of the 6"$&e?
9Henriet?9 (oane$ Ponto"D #H"eeIin& hi# han$D 9yo" -i!! $e#troy yo"r#e!f a# -e!! a# yo"r
(a#ter?9
Pierre $e !1Ho#pita! ro#eD an$ the fi&"re of o"r Re$ee(er -a# #o!e(n!y 'ei!e$?
HenrietD -ho ha$ &reat $iffic"!ty in o'erco(in& hi# a&itationD than 5e&an hi# re'e!ation#?
The fo!!o-in& i# the #"5#tance of the(:
On !ea'in& the "ni'er#ity of An&er#D he ha$ ta2en the #it"ation of rea$er in the ho"#e of Gi!!e# $e
RetI? The (ar#ha! too2 a !i2in& to hi(D an$ (a$e hi( hi# cha(5er!ain an$ confi$ant?
On the occa#ion of the Sire $e !a S"IeD 5rother of the Sire $e RetID ta2in& po##e##ion of the ca#t!e
of ChantoncED Char!e# $e SoenneD -ho ha$ arri'e$ at ChantoncED a##"re$ Henriet that he ha$ fo"n$
in the o"5!iette# of a to-er a n"(5er of $ea$ chi!$renD #o(e hea$!e##D other# fri&htf"!!y ("ti!ate$?
Henriet then tho"&ht that thi# -a# 5"t a ca!"(ny in'ente$ 5y the Sire $e !a S"Ie?
8"t -henD #o(e -hi!e afterD the Sire $e RetI retoo2 the ca#t!e of ChantoncE an$ ha$ ce$e$ it to
the D"2e of 8rittanyD he one e'enin& #"((one$ HenrietD Ponto"D an$ a certain Petit Ro5in to hi#
roo(C the t-o !atter -ere a!rea$y $eep in the #ecret# of their (a#ter? 8"t 5efore confi$in& anythin&
to HenrietD De RetI (a$e hi( ta2e a #o!e(n oath ne'er to re'ea! -hat he -a# a5o"t to te!! hi(? The
oath ta2enD the Sire $e RetID a$$re##in& the threeD #ai$ that on the (orro- an officer of the $"2e
-o"!$ ta2e po##e##ion of the ca#t!e in the na(e of the $"2eD an$ that it -a# nece##aryD 5efore thi#
too2 p!aceD that a certain -e!! #ho"!$ 5e e(ptie$ of chi!$ren1# corp#e#D an$ that their 5o$ie# #ho"!$
5e p"t into 5o)e# an$ tran#porte$ to Macheco"!?
HenrietD Ponto"D an$ Petit Ro5in -ent to&etherD f"rni#he$ -ith rope# an$ hoo2#D to the to-er
-here -ere the corp#e#? They toi!e$ a!! ni&ht in re(o'in& the ha!f$ecaye$ 5o$ie#D an$ -ith the(
they fi!!e$ three !ar&e ca#e#D -hich they #ent 5y a 5oat $o-n the Loire to Macheco"!D -here they
-ere re$"ce$ to a#he#?
Henriet co"nte$ thirty#i) chi!$ren1# hea$#D 5"t there -ere (ore 5o$ie# than hea$#? Thi# ni&ht1#
-or2D he #ai$D 5a$ pro$"ce$ a profo"n$ i(pre##ion on hi# i(a&inationD an$ he -a# con#tant!y
ha"nte$ -ith a 'i#ion of the#e hea$# ro!!in& a# in a &a(e of #2itt!e#D an$ c!a#hin& -ith a (o"rnf"!
-ai!? Henriet #oon 5e&an to co!!ect chi!$ren for hi# (a#terD an$ -a# pre#ent -hi!#t he (a##acre$
the(? They -ere ("r$ere$ in'aria5!y in one roo( at Macheco"!? The (ar#ha! "#e$ to 5athe in their
5!oo$C he -a# fon$ of (a2in& Gi!!e# $o Si!!ED Ponto"D or Henriet tort"re the(D an$ he e)perience$
inten#e p!ea#"re in #eein& the( in their a&onie#? 8"t hi# &reat pa##ion -a# to -e!ter in their 5!oo$?
Hi# #er'ant# -o"!$ #ta5 a chi!$ in the 6"&"!ar 'einD an$ !et the 5!oo$ #H"irt o'er hi(? The roo( -a#
often #teepe$ in 5!oo$? +hen the horri5!e $ee$ -a# $oneD an$ the chi!$ -a# $ea$D the (ar#ha!
-o"!$ 5e fi!!e$ -ith &rief for -hat he ha$ $oneD an$ -o"!$ to## -eepin& an$ prayin& on a 5e$D or
recite fer'ent prayer# an$ !itanie# on hi# 2nee#D -hi!#t hi# #er'ant# -a#he$ the f!oorD an$ 5"rne$ in
the h"&e firep!ace the 5o$ie# of the ("r$ere$ chi!$ren? +ith the 5o$ie# -ere 5"rne$ the c!othe# an$
e'erythin& that ha$ 5e!on&e$ to the !itt!e 'icti(#?
An in#"pporta5!e o$o"r fi!!e$ the roo(D 5"t the MarEcha! $o RetI inha!e$ it -ith $e!i&ht?
Henriet ac2no-!e$&e$ that he ha$ #een forty chi!$ren p"t to $eath in thi# (annerD an$ he -a#
a5!e to &i'e an acco"nt of #e'era!D #o that it -a# po##i5!e to i$entify the( -ith the chi!$ren reporte$
to 5e !o#t?
9It i# H"ite i(po##i5!eD9 #ai$ the !ie"tenantD -ho ha$ 5een &i'en the c"e to $o a!! that -a#
po##i5!e to #a'e the (ar#ha!9It i# i(po##i5!e that 5o$ie# co"!$ 5e 5"rne$ in a cha(5er firep!ace?9
9It -a# $oneD for a!! thatD (e##ireD9 rep!ie$ Henriet? 9The firep!ace -a# 'ery !ar&eD 5oth at the
hote! S"IeD an$ a!#o at Macheco"!C -e pi!e$ "p &reat fa&&ot# an$ !o&#D an$ !ai$ the $ea$ chi!$ren
a(on& the(? In a fe- ho"r# the operation -a# co(p!eteD an$ -e f!"n& the a#he# o"t of the -in$o-
into the (oat?9
Henriet re(e(5ere$ the ca#e of the t-o #on# of Ha(e!inC he #ai$ thatD -hi!#t the one chi!$ -a#
5ein& tort"re$D the other -a# on it# 2nee# #o55in& an$ prayin& to Go$D ti!! it# o-n t"rn ca(e?
9+hat yo" ha'e #ai$ concernin& the e)ce##e# of Me##ire $e RetID9 e)c!ai(e$ the !ie"tenant $"
proc"re"rD 9#ee(# to 5e p"re in'entionD an$ $e#tit"te of a!! pro5a5i!ity? The &reate#t (on#ter# of
iniH"ity ne'er co((itte$ #"ch cri(e#D e)cept perhap# #o(e C4#ar# of o!$ Ro(e?9
9Me##ireD it -a# the act# of the#e C4#ar# that (y Lor$ of RetI $e#ire$ to i(itate? I "#e$ to rea$ to
hi( the chronic!e# of S"etoni"#D an$ Tacit"#D in -hich their cr"e!tie# are recor$e$? He "#e$ to
$e!i&ht in hearin& of the(D an$ he #ai$ that it &a'e hi( &reater p!ea#"re to hac2 off a chi!$1# hea$
than to a##i#t at a 5anH"et? So(eti(e# he -o"!$ #eat hi(#e!f on the 5rea#t of a !itt!e oneD an$ -ith a
2nife #e'er the hea$ fro( the 5o$y at a #in&!e 5!o-C #o(eti(e# he c"t the throat ha!f thro"&h 'ery
&ent!yD that the chi!$ (i&ht !an&"i#hD an$ he -o"!$ -a#h hi# han$# an$ hi# 5ear$ in it# 5!oo$?
So(eti(e# he ha$ a!! the !i(5# choppe$ off at once fro( the tr"n2C at other ti(e# he or$ere$ "# to
han& the infant# ti!! they -ere near!y $ea$D an$ then ta2e the( $o-n an$ c"t their throat#? I
re(e(5er ha'in& 5ro"&ht to hi( three !itt!e &ir!# -ho -ere a#2in& charity at the ca#t!e &ate#? He
5a$e (e c"t their throat# -hi!#t he !oo2e$ on? An$rE 8ric2et fo"n$ another !itt!e &ir! cryin& on the
#tep# of the ho"#e at %anne# 5eca"#e #he ha$ !o#t her (other? He 5ro"&ht the !itt!e thin&it -a# 5"t
a 5a5ein hi# ar(# to (y !or$D an$ it -a# 2i!!e$ 5efore hi(? Ponto" an$ I ha$ to (a2e a-ay -ith
the 5o$y? +e thre- it $o-n a pri'y in one of the to-er#D 5"t the corp#e ca"&ht on a nai! in the o"ter
-a!!D #o that it -o"!$ 5e 'i#i5!e to a!! -ho pa##e$? Ponto" -a# !et $o-n 5y a ropeD an$ he
$i#en&a&e$ it -ith &reat $iffic"!ty?9
9Ho- (any chi!$ren $o yo" e#ti(ate that the Sire $e RetI an$ hi# #er'ant# ha'e 2i!!e$P9
9The rec2onin& i# !on&? ID for (y partD confe## to ha'in& 2i!!e$ t-e!'e -ith (y o-n han$D 5y (y
(a#ter1# or$er#D an$ I ha'e 5ro"&ht hi( a5o"t #i)ty? I 2ne- that thin&# of the 2in$ -ent on 5efore I
-a# a$(itte$ to the #ecretC for the ca#t!e of Macheco"! ha$ 5een occ"pie$ a #hort -hi!e 5y the Sire
$o !a Sa&e? My !or$ reco'ere$ it #pee$i!yD for he 2ne- that there -ere (any chi!$ren1# corp#e#
hi$$en in a hay!oft? There -ere forty there H"ite $ry an$ 5!ac2 a# coa!D 5eca"#e they ha$ 5een
charre$? One of the -o(en of Ma$a(e $e RetI ca(e 5y chance into the !oft an$ #a- the corp#e#?
Ro&er $e 8riH"e'i!!e -ante$ to 2i!! herD 5"t the (arEcha! -o"!$ not !et hi(?9
9Ha'e yo" nothin& (ore to $ec!areP
9Nothin&? I a#2 Ponto"D (y frien$D to corro5orate -hat I ha'e #ai$?9
Thi# $epo#itionD #o circ"(#tantia! an$ $etai!e$D pro$"ce$ on the 6"$&e# a profo"n$ i(pre##ion of
horror? H"(an i(a&ination at thi# ti(e ha$ not penetrate$ #"ch (y#terie# of refine$ cr"e!ty? Se'era!
ti(e#D a# Henriet #pa2eD the pre#i$ent ha$ #ho-n hi# a#toni#h(ent an$ in$i&nation 5y #i&nin&
hi(#e!f -ith the cro##? Se'era! ti(e# hi# face ha$ 5eco(e #car!etD an$ hi# eye# ha$ fa!!enC he ha$
pre##e$ hi# han$ to hi# 5ro-D to a##"re hi(#e!f that he -a# not !a5o"rin& "n$er a hi$eo"# $rea(D
an$ a H"i'er of horror ha$ r"n thro"&h hi# -ho!e fra(e?
Ponto" ha$ ta2en no part in the re'e!ation of HenrietC 5"t -hen the !atter appea!e$ to hi( he
rai#e$ hi# hea$D !oo2e$ #a$!y ro"n$ the co"rtD an$ #i&he$?
9Etienne Corni!!antD a!ia# Ponto"D I co((an$ yo" in the na(e of Go$ an$ of 6"#ticeD to $ec!are
-hat yo" 2no-?9
Thi# in6"nction of Pierre $o !1Ho#pita! re(aine$ "nre#pon$e$ toD an$ Ponto" #ee(e$ to
#tren&then hi(#e!f in hi# re#o!"tion not to acc"#e hi# (a#ter?
8"t HenrietD f!in&in& hi(#e!f into the ar(# of hi# acco(p!iceD i(p!ore$ hi(D a# he 'a!"e$ hi#
#o"!D no !on&er to har$en hi# heart to the ca!!# of Go$C 5"t to 5rin& to !i&ht the cri(e# he ha$
co((itte$ a!on& -ith the Sire $o RetI?
The !ie"tenant $" proc"re"rD -ho hitherto ha$ en$ea'o"re$ to e)ten"ate or $i#cre$it the char&e#
5ro"&ht a&ain#t Gi!!e# $o RetID trie$ a !a#t e)pe$ient to co"nter5a!ance the $a(a&in& confe##ion# of
HenrietD an$ to -ithho!$ Ponto" fro( &i'in& -ay?
9Yo" ha'e hear$D (on#ei&ne"rD9 #ai$ he to the pre#i$entD 9the atrocitie# -hich ha'e 5een
ac2no-!e$&e$ 5y HenrietD an$ yo"D a# I $oD con#i$er the( to 5e p"re in'ention# of the afore#ai$D
(a$e o"t of 5itter hatre$ an$ en'y -ith the p"rpo#e of r"inin& hi# (a#ter? I therefore $e(an$ that
Henriet #ho"!$ 5e p"t on the rac2D that he (ay 5e 5ro"&ht to &i'e the !ie to hi# for(er #tate(ent#?9
9Yo" for&etD9 rep!ie$ $e !1Ho#pita!D 9that the rac2 i# for tho#e -ho $o not confe##D an$ not for
tho#e -ho free!y ac2no-!e$&e their cri(e#? Therefore I or$er the #econ$ acc"#e$D Etienne
Corni!!antD a!ia# Ponto"D to 5e p!ace$ on the rac2 if he contin"e# #i!ent? Ponto"O -i!! yo" #pea2 or
-i!! yo" notP9
9Mon#ei&ne"rD he -i!! #pea2O9 e)c!ai(e$ Henriet? OhD Ponto"D $ear frien$D re#i#t not Go$ any
(ore?9
9+e!! thenD (e##ei&ne"r#D9 #ai$ Ponto"D -ith e(otionC 9I -i!! #ati#fy yo"C I cannot $efen$ (y
poor !or$ a&ain#t the a!!e&ation# of HenrietD -ho ha# confe##e$ a!! thro"&h $rea$ of eterna!
$a(nation?9
He then f"!!y #"5#tantiate$ a!! the #tate(ent# of the otherD a$$in& other fact# of the #a(e
characterD 2no-n on!y to hi(#e!f?
Not-ith#tan$in& the a'o-a! of Ponto" an$ HenrietD the a$6o"rne$ tria! -a# not h"rrie$ on? It
-o"!$ ha'e 5een ea#y to ha'e capt"re$ #o(e of the acco(p!ice# of the -retche$ (anC 5"t the $"2eD
-ho -a# infor(e$ of the -ho!e of the procee$in&#D $i$ not -i#h to a"&(ent the #can$a! 5y
increa#in& the n"(5er of the acc"#e$? He e'en for5a$e re#earche# to 5e (a$e in the ca#t!e# an$
(an#ion# of the Sire $e RetID fearin& !e#t proof# of fre#h cri(e#D (ore (y#terio"# an$ (ore horri5!e
than tho#e a!rea$y $i'"!&e$D #ho"!$ co(e to !i&ht?
The $i#(ay #prea$ thro"&h the co"ntry 5y the re'e!ation# a!rea$y (a$eD $e(an$e$ that re!i&ion
an$ (ora!ityD -hich ha$ 5een #o &ro##!y o"tra&e$D #ho"!$ 5e #pee$i!y a'en&e$? Peop!e -on$ere$ at
the $e!ay in prono"ncin& #entenceD an$ it -a# !o"$!y proc!ai(e$ in Nante# that the Sire $e RetI -a#
rich eno"&h to p"rcha#e hi# !ife? It i# tr"e that Ma$a(e $e RetI #o!icite$ the 2in& an$ the $"2e a&ain
to &i'e par$on to her h"#5an$C 5"t the $"2eD co"n#e!!e$ 5y the 5i#hopD ref"#e$ to e)ten$ hi#
a"thority to interfere -ith the co"r#e of 6"#ticeC an$ the 2in&D after ha'in& #ent one of hi# co"nci!!or#
to Nante# to in'e#ti&ate the ca#eD $eter(ine$ not to #tir in it?
!HA)TER -III#
+AR.!HAL DE RET/#--III# THE SENTEN!E AND E-E!UTION#
The a$6o"rne$ Tria!The Mar#ha! Confe##e#The Ca#e han$e$ o'er to the Ecc!e#ia#tica!
Tri5"na!Pro(pt #tep# ta2en 5y the 8i#hopThe SentenceRatifie$ 5y the Sec"!ar Co"rtThe
E)ec"tion?
ON the L<th Octo5er the tria! of the MarEcha! $e RetI -a# re#"(e$? The pri#oner entere$ in a
Car(e!ite ha5itD 2ne!t an$ praye$ in #i!ence 5efore the e)a(ination 5e&an? Then he ran hi# eye o'er
the co"rtD an$ the #i&ht of the rac2D -in$!a##D an$ cor$# (a$e a #!i&ht #h"$$er r"n thro"&h hi(?
9Me##ire Gi!!e# $e La'a!D9 5e&an the pre#i$entC 9yo" appear 5efore (e no- for the #econ$ ti(e
to an#-er to a certain reH"i#ition rea$ 5y M? !e Lie"tenant $" Proc"re"r $e Nante#?9
9I #ha!! an#-er fran2!yD (on#ei&ne"rD9 #ai$ the pri#oner ca!(!yC 95"t I re#er'e the ri&ht of appea!
to the 5eni&n inter'ention of the 'ery 'enerate$ (a6e#ty of the /in& of ,ranceD of -ho( I a(D or
ha'e 5eenD cha(5er!ain an$ (ar#ha!D a# (ay 5e pro'e$ 5y (y !etter# patent $"!y enre&i#tere$ in the
par!ia(ent at Pari#9
9Thi# i# no affair of the /in& of ,ranceD9 interr"pte$ Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!C 9if yo" -ere
cha(5er!ain an$ (ar#ha! of hi# Ma6e#tyD yo" are a!#o 'a##a! of hi# &race the D"2e of 8rittany?9
9I $o not $eny itC 5"tD on the contraryD I tr"#t to hi# Grace of 8rittany to a!!o- (e to retire to a
con'ent of Car(e!ite#D there to repent (e of (y #in#?9
9That i# a# (ay 5eC -i!! yo" confe##D or ("#t I #en$ yo" to the rac2P9
9Tort"re (e notO9 e)c!ai(e$ Gi!!e# $e RetI 9I -i!! confe## a!!? Te!! (e fir#tD -hat ha'e Henriet
an$ Ponto" #ai$P9
9They ha'e confe##e$? M? !e Lie"tenant $" Proc"re"r #ha!! rea$ yo" their a!!e&ation#?9
9Not #oD9 #ai$ the !ie"tenantD -ho contin"e$ to #ho- fa'o"r to the acc"#e$C 9I prono"nce the(
fa!#eD "n!e## Me##ire $e RetI confir(# the( 5y oathD -hich Go$ for5i$O9
Pierre $e !1Ho#pita! (a$e a (otion of an&er to chec2 thi# #can$a!o"# p!ea$in& in fa'o"r of the
acc"#e$D an$ then no$$e$ to the c!er2 to rea$ the e'i$ence?
The Sire $o RetID on hearin& that hi# #er'ant# ha$ (a$e #"ch e)p!icit a'o-a!# of their act#D
re(aine$ (otion!e##D a# tho"&h th"n$er#tr"c2? He #a- that it -a# in 'ain for hi( to eH"i'ocateD an$
that he -o"!$ ha'e to confe## a!!?
9+hat ha'e yo" to #ayP9 a#2e$ the pre#i$entD -hen the confe##ion# of Henriet an$ Ponto" ha$
5een rea$?
9Say -hat 5efit# yo"D (y !or$D9 interr"pte$ the !ie"tenant $" proc"re"rD a# tho"&h to in$icate to
the acc"#e$ the !ine he -a# to ta2e: 9are not the#e a5o(ina5!e !ie# an$ ca!"(nie# tr"(pe$ "p to r"in
yo"P9
9A!a#D noO9 rep!ie$ the Sire $o RetIC an$ hi# face -a# pa!e a# $eath: 9Henriet an$ Ponto" ha'e
#po2en the tr"th? Go$ ha# !oo#ene$ their ton&"e#?9
9My !or$O re!ie'e yo"r#e!f of the 5"r$en of yo"r cri(e# 5y ac2no-!e$&in& the( at onceD9 #ai$ M?
$o !1Ho#pita! earne#t!y?
9Me##ire#O9 #ai$ the pri#onerD after a (o(ent1# #i!ence: 9it i# H"ite tr"e that I ha'e ro55e$ (other#
of their !itt!e one#C an$ that I ha'e 2i!!e$ their chi!$renD or ca"#e$ the( to 5e 2i!!e$D either 5y c"ttin&
their throat# -ith $a&&er# or 2ni'e#D or 5y choppin& off their hea$# -ith c!ea'er#C or e!#e I ha'e ha$
their #2"!!# 5ro2en 5y ha((er# or #tic2#C #o(eti(e# I ha$ their !i(5# he-n off one after anotherC at
other ti(e# I ha'e rippe$ the( openD that I (i&ht e)a(ine their entrai!# an$ heart#C I ha'e
occa#iona!!y #tran&!e$ the( or p"t the( to a #!o- $eathC an$ -hen the chi!$ren -ere $ea$ I ha$
their 5o$ie# 5"rne$ an$ re$"ce$ to a#he#?9
9+hen $i$ yo" 5e&in yo"r e)ecra5!e practice#P9 a#2e$ Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!D #ta&&ere$ 5y the
fran2ne## of the#e horri5!e a'o-a!#: 9the e'i! one ("#t ha'e po##e##e$ yo"?9
9It ca(e to (e fro( (y#e!fDno $o"5t at the in#ti&ation of the $e'i!: 5"t #ti!! the#e act# of cr"e!ty
affor$e$ (e inco(para5!e $e!i&ht? The $e#ire to co((it the#e atrocitie# ca(e "pon (e ei&ht year#
a&o? I !eft co"rt to &o to ChantoncED that I (i&ht c!ai( the property of (y &ran$fatherD $ecea#e$? In
the !i5rary of the ca#t!e I fo"n$ a Latin 5oo2!uetoniusD I 5e!ie'ef"!! of acco"nt# of the cr"e!tie#
of the Ro(an E(peror#? I rea$ the char(in& hi#tory of Ti5eri"#D Caraca!!aD an$ other C4#ar#D an$
the p!ea#"re they too2 in -atchin& the a&onie# of tort"re$ chi!$ren? There"pon I re#o!'e$ to i(itate
an$ #"rpa## the#e #a(e C4#ar#D an$ that 'ery ni&ht I 5e&an to $o #o? ,or #o(e -hi!e I confi$e$ (y
#ecret to no oneD 5"t after-ar$# I co(("nicate$ it to (y co"#inD Gi!!e# $e Si!!ED then to Ma#ter
Ro&er $e 8riH"e'i!!eD ne)t in #"cce##ion to HenrietD Ponto"D Ro##i&no!D an$ Ro5in?9 He then
confir(e$ a!! the acco"nt# &i'en 5y hi# t-o #er'ant#? He confe##e$ to a5o"t one h"n$re$ an$
t-enty ("r$er# in a #in&!e year?
9An a'era&e of ei&ht h"n$re$ in !e## than #e'en year#O9 e)c!ai(e$ Pierre $e !1Ho#pita!D -ith a cry
of pain: 9AhO (e##ireD yo" -ere po##e##e$O 9
Hi# confe##ion -a# too e)p!icit an$ circ"(#tantia! for the Lie"tenant $" Proc"re"r to #ay another
-or$ in hi# $efenceC 5"t he p!ea$e$ that the ca#e #ho"!$ 5e (a$e o'er to the ecc!e#ia#tica! co"rtD a#
there -ere confe##ion# of in'ocation# of the $e'i! an$ of -itchcraft (i)e$ "p -ith tho#e of ("r$er?
Pierre $e !1Ho#pita! #a- that the o56ect of the !ie"tenant -a# to &ain ti(e for M(e? $e RetI to (a2e
a fre#h atte(pt to o5tain a par$onC ho-e'er he -a# "na5!e to re#i#tD #o he con#ente$ that the ca#e
#ho"!$ 5e tran#ferre$ to the 5i#hop1# co"rt?
8"t the 5i#hop -a# not a (an to !et the (atter #!ipD an$ there an$ then a #er&eant of the 5i#hop
#"((one$ Gi!!e# $e La'a!D Sire $o RetID to appear forth-ith 5efore the ecc!e#ia#tica! tri5"na!? The
(ar#ha! -a# #ta&&ere$ 5y thi# "ne)pecte$ citationD an$ he $i$ not thin2 of appea!in& a&ain#t it to the
pre#i$entC he (ere!y #i&ne$ hi# rea$ine## to fo!!o-D an$ he -a# at once con$"cte$ into the
ecc!e#ia#tica! co"rt a##e(5!e$ h"rrie$!y to try hi(?
Thi# ne- tria! !a#te$ on!y a fe- ho"r#?
The (ar#ha!D no- thoro"&h!y co-e$D (a$e no atte(pt to $efen$ hi(#e!fD 5"t he en$ea'o"re$ to
5ri5e the 5i#hop into !eniencyD 5y pro(i#e# of the #"rren$er of a!! hi# !an$# an$ &oo$# to the Ch"rchD
an$ 5e&&e$ to 5e a!!o-e$ to retire into the Car(e!ite (ona#tery at Nante#?
Hi# reH"e#t -a# pere(ptori!y ref"#e$D an$ #entence of $eath -a# prono"nce$ a&ain#t hi(?
On the L7th Octo5erD the ecc!e#ia#tica! co"rt ha'in& prono"nce$ 6"$&(entD the #entence -a#
tran#(itte$ to the #ec"!ar co"rtD -hich ha$ no- no prete)t "pon -hich to -ithho!$ ratification?
There -a# #o(e he#itation a# to the 2in$ of $eath the (ar#ha! -a# to #"ffer? The (e(5er# of the
#ec"!ar tri5"na! -ere not "nani(o"# on thi# point? The pre#i$ent p"t it to the 'oteD an$ co!!ecte$ the
'ote# hi(#e!fC then he re#eate$ hi(#e!fD co'ere$ hi# hea$D an$ #ai$ in a #o!e(n 'oice:
9The co"rtD not-ith#tan$in& the H"a!ityD $i&nityD an$ no5i!ity of the acc"#e$D con$e(n# hi( to 5e
h"n& an$ 5"rne$? +herefore I a$(oni#h yo" -ho are con$e(ne$D to a#2 par$on of Go$D an$ &race
to $ie -e!!D in &reat contrition for ha'in& co((itte$ the #ai$ cri(e#? An$ the #ai$ #entence #ha!! 5e
carrie$ into e)ec"tion to(orro- (ornin& 5et-een e!e'en an$ t-e!'e o1c!oc2?9 A #i(i!ar #entence
-a# prono"nce$ "pon Henriet an$ Ponto"?
On the (orro-D Octo5er LAthD at nine o1c!oc2 in the (ornin&D a &enera! proce##ion co(po#e$ of
ha!f the peop!e of Nante#D the c!er&y an$ the 5i#hop 5earin& the 5!e##e$ Sacra(entD !eft the
cathe$ra! an$ -ent ro"n$ the city 'i#itin& each of the principa! ch"rche#D -here (a##e# -ere #ai$
for the three "n$er #entence?
At e!e'en the pri#oner# -ere con$"cte$ to the p!ace of e)ec"tionD -hich -a# in the (ea$o- of
8ie##eD on the f"rther #i$e of the Loire?
Three &i55et# ha$ 5een erecte$D one hi&her than the other#D an$ 5eneath each -a# a pi!e of
fa&&ot#D tarD an$ 5r"#h-oo$?
It -a# a &!orio"#D 5reeIy $ayD not a c!o"$ -a# to 5e #een in the 5!"e hea'en#C the Loire ro!!e$
#i!ent!y to-ar$# the #ea it# (i&hty 'o!"(e# of t"r5i$ -aterD #ee(in& 5ri&ht an$ 5!"e a# it ref!ecte$
the 5ri!!iancy an$ co!o"r of the #2y? The pop!ar# #hi'ere$ an$ -hitene$ in the fre#h air -ith a
p!ea#ant r"#t!eD an$ the -i!!o-# f!ic2ere$ an$ -a'ere$ a5o'e the #trea(?
A 'a#t cro-$ ha$ a##e(5!e$ ro"n$ the &a!!o-#C it -a# -ith $iffic"!ty that a -ay -a# (a$e for the
con$e(ne$D -ho ca(e on chantin& the De pro$undis? The #pectator# of a!! a&e# too2 "p the p#a!(
an$ chante$ it -ith the(D #o that the #"r&e of the o!$ Gre&orian tone (i&ht ha'e 5een hear$ 5y the
$"2e an$ the 5i#hopD -ho ha$ #h"t the(#e!'e# "p in the ch@tea" of Nante# $"rin& the ho"r of
e)ec"tion?
After the c!o#e of the p#a!(D -hich -a# ter(inate$ 5y the *e1uiem #ternam in#tea$ of the
GloriaD the Sire $e RetI than2e$ tho#e -ho ha$ con$"cte$ hi(D an$ then e(5race$ Ponto" an$
HenrietD 5efore $e!i'erin& hi(#e!f of the fo!!o-in& a$$re##D or rather #er(on:
9My 'ery $ear frien$# an$ #er'ant#D 5e #tron& an$ co"ra&eo"# a&ain#t the a##a"!t# of the $e'i!D
an$ fee! &reat $i#p!ea#"re an$ contrition for yo"r i!! $ee$#D -itho"t $e#pairin& of Go$1# (ercy?
8e!ie'e -ith (eD that there i# no #inD ho-e'er &reatD in the -or!$D -hich Go$D in hi# &race an$
!o'in& 2in$ne##D -i!! not par$onD -hen one a#2# it of Hi( -ith contrition of heart? Re(e(5er that
the Lor$ Go$ i# a!-ay# (ore rea$y to recei'e the #inner than i# the #inner to a#2 of Hi( par$on?
Moreo'erD !et "# 'ery h"(5!y than2 Hi( for hi# &reat !o'e to "# in !ettin& "# $ie in f"!! po##e##ion
of o"r fac"!tie#D an$ not c"ttin& "# off #"$$en!y in the (i$#t of o"r (i#$ee$#? Let "# concei'e #"ch a
!o'e of Go$D an$ #"ch repentanceD that -e #ha!! not fear $eathD -hich i# on!y a !itt!e pan&D -itho"t
-hich -e co"!$ not #ee Go$ in hi# &!ory? 8e#i$e# -e ("#t $e#ire to 5e free$ fro( thi# -or!$D in
-hich i# on!y (i#eryD that -e (ay &o to e'er!a#tin& &!ory? Let "# re6oice ratherD for a!tho"&h -e
ha'e #inne$ &rie'o"#!y here 5e!o-D yet -e #ha!! 5e "nite$ in Para$i#eD o"r #o"!# 5ein& parte$ fro(
o"r 5o$ie#D an$ -e #ha!! 5e to&ether for e'er an$ e'erD if on!y -e en$"re in o"r pio"# an$
hono"ra5!e contrition to o"r !a#t #i&h?9 UnoteU1 Then the (ar#ha!D -ho -a# to 5e e)ec"te$ fir#tD
!eft hi# co(panion# an$ p!ace$ hi(#e!f in the han$# of hi# e)ec"tioner#? He too2 off hi# capD 2ne!tD
2i##e$ a cr"cifi)D an$ (a$e a pio"# oration to the cro-$ ("ch in the #ty!e of hi# a$$re## to hi#
frien$# Ponto" an$ Henriet?
V1? The ca#e of the Sire $e RetI i# one to (a2e "# #ee the &reat $an&er there i# in tr"#tin& to fee!in&# in (atter# of
re!i&ion? 9If tho" -i!t enter into !ifeD 2eep the co((an$(ent#D9 #ai$ o"r Lor$? Ho- (any hope to &o to hea'en 5eca"#e
they ha'e pio"# e(otion#OX
Then he co((ence$ recitin& the prayer# of the $yin&C the e)ec"tioner pa##e$ the cor$ ro"n$ hi#
nec2D an$ a$6"#te$ the 2not? He (o"nte$ a ta!! #too!D erecte$ at the foot of the &a!!o-# a# a !a#t
hono"r pai$ to the no5i!ity of the cri(ina!? The pi!e of fire-oo$ -a# !i&hte$ 5efore the e)ec"tioner#
ha$ !eft hi(?
Ponto" an$ HenrietD -ho -ere #ti!! on their 2nee#D rai#e$ their eye# to their (a#ter an$ crie$ to
hi(D e)ten$in& their ar(#D
9At thi# !a#t ho"rD (on#ei&ne"rD 5e a &oo$ an$ 'a!iant #o!$ier of Go$D an$ re(e(5er the pa##ion
of =e#"# Chri#t -hich -ro"&ht o"r re$e(ption? ,are-e!!D -e hope #oon to (eet in Para$i#eO
The #too! -a# ca#t $o-nD an$ the Sire $e RetI $roppe$? The fire roare$ "pD the f!a(e# !eape$
a5o"t hi(D an$ en'e!ope$ hi( a# 5e #-"n&?
S"$$en!yD (in&!in& -ith the $eep 5oo(in& of the cathe$ra! 5e!!D #-e!!e$ "p the -i!$ "nearth!y
-ai! of the Dies ir#?
No #o"n$ a(on& the cro-$D on!y the &ro-! of the fireD an$ the #o!e(n #train of the hy(n
LoD the 8oo2D e)act!y -or$e$D
+herein a!! hath 5een recor$e$C
Thence #ha!! 6"$&(ent 5e a-ar$e$?
+hen the ="$&e hi# #eat attainethD
An$ each hi$$en $ee$ arrai&nethD
Nothin& "na'en&e$ re(aineth?
+hat #ha!! ID frai! (anD 5e p!ea$in&P
+ho for (e 5e interce$in&P
+hen the 6"#t are (ercy nee$in&?
/in& of Ma6e#ty tre(en$o"#D
+ho $o#t free #a!'ation #en$ "#D
,o"nt of pityO then 5efrien$ "#?
` ` ` `
Lo- I 2nee!D -ith heart#"5(i##ionC
SeeD !i2e a#he#D (y contrition
He!p (e in (y !a#t con$itionO
Ah I that $ay of tear# an$ (o"rnin&O
,ro( the $"#t of earth ret"rnin&D
Man for 6"$&(ent ("#t prepare hi(O
SpareD OD Go$D in (ercy #pare hi(O
Lor$D -ho $i$#t o"r #o"!# re$ee(D
Grant a 5!e##e$ reH"ie(O
AMEN?
Si) -o(enD 'ei!e$D an$ ro5e$ in -hiteD an$ #i) Car(e!ite# a$'ance$? 5earin& a coffin?
It -a# -hi#pere$ that one of the 'ei!e$ -o(en -a# Ma$a(e $e RetID an$ that the other# -ere
(e(5er# of the (o#t i!!"#trio"# ho"#e# of 8rittany?
The cor$ 5y -hich the (ar#ha! -a# h"n& -a# c"tD an$ he fe!! into a cra$!e of iron prepare$ to
recei'e the corp#e? The 5o$y -a# re(o'e$ 5efore the fire ha$ &aine$ any (a#tery o'er it? It -a#
p!ace$ in the coffin?D an$ the (on2# an$ the -o(en tran#porte$ it to the Car(e!ite (ona#tery of
Nante#D accor$in& to the -i#he# of the $ecea#e$?
In the (eanti(eD the #entence ha$ 5een e)ec"te$ "pon Ponto" an$ HenrietC they -ere h"n& an$
5"rne$ to $"#t? Their a#he# -ere ca#t to the -in$#C -hi!#t in the Car(e!ite ch"rch of O"r La$y -ere
ce!e5rate$ -ith po(p the o5#eH"ie# of the 'ery hi&hD 'ery po-erf"!D 'ery i!!"#trio"# Sei&ne"r Gi!!e#
$e La'a!D Sire $e RetID !ate Cha(5er!ain of /in& Char!e# %II?D an$ Mar#ha! of ,ranceO
!HA)TER -IV#
A GALI!IAN WERE-WOLF#
The Inha5itant# of A"#trian Ga!iciaThe Ha(!et of Po!o(y6aS"((er E'enin& in the ,ore#t
The 8e&&ar S-iate2A Gir! $i#appear#A Schoo!5oy 'ani#he#A Ser'ant&ir! !o#tAnother 8oy
carrie$ ofThe Di#co'ery (a$e 5y the P"5!ican of Po!o(y6aS-iate2 !oc2e$ "p8ro"&ht to
Da52o-Co((it# #"ici$e?
The inha5itant# of A"#trian Ga!icia are H"ietD inoffen#i'e peop!eD ta2e the( a# a -ho!e? The =e-#D
-ho n"(5er a t-e!fth of the pop"!ationD are the (o#t inte!!i&entD ener&eticD an$ certain!y the (o#t
(oney(a2in& in$i'i$"a!# in the pro'inceD tho"&h the Po!e# properD or MaI"r#D are not $e'oi$ of
nat"ra! part#?
Perhap# a# re(ar2a5!e a pheno(enon a# any other in that 2in&$o(for 2in&$o( of +a!$i(ir it
-a#i# the enor(o"# n"(erica! prepon$erance of the no5i!ity o'er the "ntit!e$? In 1*;M the
proportion# #too$ th"#: ;LD1BF no5!e# to LDFMA tra$e#(en?
The a'era&e of e)ec"tion for cri(e i# nine a yearD o"t of a pop"!ation of fo"r an$ a ha!f
(i!!ion#D5y no (ean# a hi&h fi&"reD con#i$erin& the pere(ptory -ay in -hich 6"#tice i# $ea!t forth
in that pro'ince? YetD in the (o#t H"iet an$ -e!!$i#po#e$ nei&h5o"rhoo$#D occa#iona!!y the (o#t
#tart!in& atrocitie# are co((itte$D occ"rrin& -hen !ea#t e)pecte$D an$ #o(eti(e# perpetrate$ 5y the
'ery per#on -ho i# !ea#t #"#pecte$?
="#t #i)teen year# a&o there happene$ in the circ!e of Torno-D in +e#tern Ga!iciathe pro'ince i#
$i'i$e$ into nine circ!e#a circ"(#tance -hich -i!! pro5a5!y f"rni#h the &ran$a(e# -ith a #tory for
their fire#i$e#D $"rin& their 5itter Ga!ician -inter#D for (any a !on& year?
In the circ!e of Torno-D in the !or$#hip of Par2o#tD i# a !itt!e ha(!et ca!!e$ Po!o(y6aD con#i#tin& of
ei&ht ho'e!# an$ a =e-i#h ta'ern? The inha5itant# are (o#t!y -oo$c"tter#D he-in& $o-n the fir# of
the $en#e fore#t in -hich their 'i!!a&e i# #it"ate$D an$ con'eyin& the( to the neare#t -aterD $o-n
-hich they are f!oate$ to the %i#t"!a? Each tenant pay# no rent for hi# cotta&e an$ pitch of fie!$D 5"t
i# 5o"n$ to -or2 a fi)e$ n"(5er of $ay# for hi# !an$!or$: a practice "ni'er#a! in Ga!iciaD an$ often
pro$"cti'e of ("ch $i#content an$ in6"#ticeD a# the proprietor e)act# !a5o"r fro( hi# tenant on tho#e
$ay# -hen the har'e#t ha# to 5e &ot inD or the !an$ i# ( 5e#t con$ition for ti!!a&eD an$ 6"#t -hen the
pea#ant -o"!$ &!a$!y 5e en&a&e$ "pon hi# o-n #(a!! p!ot? Money i# #carce in the pro'inceD an$ thi#
i# accor$in&!y the on!y -ay in -hich the !an$!or$ can 5e #"re of hi# $"e#?
Mo#t of the 'i!!a&er# of Po!o(y6a are (i#era5!y poorC 5"t 5y c"!ti'atin& a !itt!e (aiIeD an$
2eepin& a fe- fo-!# or a pi&D they #crape to&ether #"fficient to #"#tain !ife? D"rin& the #"((er the
(en co!!ect re#in fro( the pine#D fro( each of -hichD once in t-e!'e Year#D they #trip a #!ip of 5ar2D
!ea'in& the re#in to e)"$e an$ tric2!e into a #(a!! earthen-are 6ar at it# root#C an$D $"rin& the -interD
a# a!rea$y #tate$D they fe!! the tree# an$ ro!! the( $o-n to the ri'er?
Po!o(y6a i# not a cheerf"! #potne#te$ a(on& $en#e (a##e# of pineD -hich #he$ a &!oo( o'er
the !itt!e ha(!etC yetD on a fine $ayD it i# p!ea#ant eno"&h for the o!$ -o(en to #it at their cotta&e
$oor#D #centin& that (atch!e## pine fra&ranceD #-eeter than the 5a!( of the Spice I#!an$#D for there
i# nothin& c!oyin& in that e)H"i#ite an$ e)hi!aratin& o$o"rC !i#tenin& to the harp!i2e thri!! of the
5reeIe in the o!$ &rey treetop#D an$ 2nittin& H"iet!y at !on& #toc2in&#D -hi!#t their !itt!e
&ran$chi!$ren ro(p in the heather an$ t"fte$ fern?
To-ar$# e'enin&D tooD there i# #o(ethin& in$e#cri5a5!y 5ea"tif"! in the fir-oo$? The #"n $i'e#
a(on& the tree#D an$ paint# their 5o!e# -ith patche# of !"(ino"# #affronD or fa!!in& o'er a !e'e!
c!earin&D &!orifie# it -ith it# oran&e $yeD #o 'i#i5!y contra#tin& -ith the 5!"ep"rp!e #ha$o- on the
-e#tern ri( of "nrec!ai(e$ fore#tD $eep an$ !"#cio"# a# the 5!oo( on a p!"(? The 5ir$# then are
ha#tenin& to their ne#t#D a &erfa!conD hi&h o'erhea$D i# 2in$!e$ -ith #"n!i&htC caperin& an$
&a(5o!!in& a(on& the 5ranche#D the (erry #H"irre! #2ip# ho(e for the ni&ht?
The #"n &oe# $o-nD 5"t the #2y i# #ti!! #hinin& -ith t-i!i&ht? The -i!$ cat 5e&in# to hi## an$
#H"a!! in the fore#tD the heron to f!ap ha#ti!y 5yD the #tor2 on the top of the ta'ern chi(ney to poi#e
it#e!f on one !e& for #!eep? To-hooO an o-! 5e&in# to -a2e "p? Har2O the -oo$c"tter# are co(in&
ho(e -ith a #on&?
S"ch i# Po!o(y6a in #"((er ti(eD an$ ("ch re#e(5!in& it are the ha(!et# #cattere$ a5o"t the
fore#tD at inter'a!# of a fe- (i!e#C in eachD the p"5!icho"#e 5ein& the (o#t co((o$io"# an$ 5e#t
5"i!t e$ificeD the ch"rchD -hene'er there i# oneD not re(ar2a5!e for anythin& 5"t it# 5"!5o"# #teep!e?
Yo" -o"!$ har$!y 5e!ie'e that a(i$#t a!! thi# po'erty a 5e&&ar co"!$ ha'e pic2e$ "p any
#"5#i#tenceD an$ yetD a fe- year# a&oD S"n$ay after S"n$ayD there #at a -hite5ear$e$ 'enera5!e (an
at the ch"rch $oorD a#2in& a!(#?
Poor peop!e are pro'er5ia!!y co(pa##ionate an$ !i5era!D #o that the o!$ (an &enera!!y &ot a fe-
copper#D an$ often #o(e &oo$ -o(an 5a$e hi( co(e into her cotta&eD an$ !et hi( ha'e #o(e foo$?
Occa#iona!!y S-iate2that -a# the 5e&&ar1# na(eD -ent hi# ro"n$# #e!!in& #(a!! pinch5ec2
orna(ent# an$ 5ea$#C &enera!!yD ho-e'erD on!y appea!in& to charity?
One S"n$ayD after ch"rchD a MaI"r an$ hi# -ife in'ite$ the o!$ (an into their h"t an$ &a'e hi( a
cr"#t of pie an$ #o(e (eat? There -ere #e'era! chi!$ren a5o"tD 5"t a !itt!e &ir!D of nine or tenD
attracte$ the o!$ (an1# attention 5y her art!e## tric2#?
S-iate2 fe!t in hi# poc2et an$ pro$"ce$ a rin&D enc!o#in& a piece of co!o"re$ &!a## #et o'er foi!?
Thi# he pre#ente$ to the chi!$D -ho ran off $e!i&hte$ to #ho- her acH"i#ition to her co(panion#?
9I# that !itt!e (ai$ yo"r $a"&hterP9 a#2e$ the 5e&&ar?
9NoD9 an#-ere$ the ho"#e-ifeD 9#he i# an orphanC there -a# a -i$o- in thi# p!ace -ho $ie$D
!ea'in& the chi!$D an$ I ha'e ta2en char&e of herC one (o"th (ore -i!! not (atter ("chD an$ the
&oo$ Go$ -i!! 5!e## "#?9
9AyD ayO to 5e #"re He -i!!C the orphan# an$ father!e## are "n$er Hi# o-n pec"!iar care?9
9She1# a &oo$ !itt!e thin&D an$ &i'e# no tro"5!eD9 o5#er'e$ the -o(an? 9Yo" &o 5ac2 to Po!o(y6a
toni&htD I rec2on?9
9I $oahO9 e)c!ai(e$ S-iate2D a# the !itt!e &ir! ran "p to hi(? Yo" !i2e the rin&D i# it not
5ea"tif"!P I fo"n$ it "n$er a 5i& fir to the !eft of the ch"rchyar$Dthere (ay 5e $oIen# there? Yo"
("#t t"rn ro"n$ three ti(e#D 5o- to the (oonD an$ #ayD 1Ka5obO1 then !oo2 a(on& the treeroot# ti!!
yo" fin$ one?9
9Co(e a!on&O9 #crea(e$ the chi!$ to it# co(ra$e#C 9-e -i!! &o an$ !oo2 for rin&#?9
9Yo" ("#t #ee2 #eparate!yD9 #ai$ S-iate2?
The chi!$ren #ca(pere$ off into the -oo$?
9I ha'e $one one &oo$ thin& for yo"D9 !a"&he$ the 5e&&arD 9in ri$$in& yo"D for a ti(eD of the noi#e
of tho#e chi!$ren?9
9I a( &!a$ of a !itt!e H"iet no- an$ thenD9 #ai$ the -o(anC 9the chi!$ren -i!! not !et the 5a5y
#!eep at ti(e# -ith their c!atter? Are yo" &oin&P9
9Ye#C I ("#t reach Po!o(y6a toni&ht? I a( o!$ an$ 'ery fee5!eD an$ poor9he 5e&an to fa!! into
hi# c"#to(ary -hine 'ery poorD 5"t I than2 an$ pray to Go$ for yo"?9
S-iate2 !eft the cotta&e?
4hat little orphan was never seen again.
The A"#trian Go'ern(ent ha#D of !ate year#D 5een 'i&oro"#!y a$'ancin& e$"cation a(on& the
!o-er or$er#D an$ e#ta5!i#hin& #choo!# thro"&ho"t the pro'ince?
The chi!$ren -ere ret"rnin& fro( c!a## one $ayD an$ -ere #cattere$ a(on& the tree#D #o(e
p"r#"in& a fie!$(o"#eD other# co!!ectin& 6"niper5errie#D an$ #o(e #a"nterin& -ith their han$# in
their poc2et#D -hi#t!in&?
9+here1# PeterP9 a#2e$ one !itt!e 5oy of another -ho -a# 5e#i$e hi(? 9+e three &o ho(e the
#a(e -ayD !et "# &o to&ether?9
9PeterO9 #ho"te$ the !a$?
9Here I a(O9 -a# the an#-er fro( a(on& the tree#C 9I1!! 5e -ith yo" $irect!y?9
9OhD I #ee hi(O9 #ai$ the e!$er 5oy? 9There i# #o(e one ta!2in& to hi(?9
9+hereP9
9Yon$erD a(on& the pine#? AhO they ha'e &one f"rther into the #ha$o-D an$ I cannot #ee the( any
(ore? I -on$er -ho -a# -ith hi(C a (anD I thin2?9
The 5oy# -aite$ ti!! they -ere tire$D an$ then they #a"ntere$ ho(eD $eter(ine$ to thra#h Peter for
ha'in& 2ept the( -aitin&? =ut ,eter was never seen again.
So(e ti(e after thi# a #er'ant&ir!D 5e!on&in& to a #(a!! #tore 2ept 5y a R"##ianD $i#appeare$
fro( a 'i!!a&e fi'e (i!e# fro( Po!o(y6a? She ha$ 5een #ent -ith a parce! of &rocery to a cotta&e at
no 'ery &reat $i#tanceD 5"t !yin& apart fro( the (ain c!"#ter of ho'e!#D an$ #"rro"n$e$ 5y tree#?
The $ay c!o#e$ inD an$ her (a#ter -aite$ her ret"rn an)io"#!yD 5"t a# #e'era! ho"r# e!ap#e$
-itho"t any #i&n of herD hea##i#te$ 5y the nei&h5o"r#-ent in #earch of her?
A #!i&ht po-$erin& of #no- co'ere$ the &ro"n$D an$ her foot#tep# co"!$ 5e trace$ at inter'a!#
-here #he ha$ $i'er&e$ fro( the 5eaten trac2? In that part of the roa$ -here the tree# -ere thic2e#tD
there -ere (ar2# of t-o pair of feet !ea'in& the pathC 5"t o-in& to the $en#ity of the tree# at that
#pot an$ to the #!i&htne## of the fa!! of #no-D -hich $i$ not reach the #oi!D -here #ha$e$ 5y the
pine#D the footprint# -ere i((e$iate!y !o#t? 8y the fo!!o-in& (ornin& a hea'y fa!! ha$ o5!iterate$
any f"rther trace# -hich $ay!i&ht (i&ht ha'e $i#co'ere$?
4he servant)girl also was never seen again.
D"rin& the -inter of 1*<B the -o!'e# -ere #"ppo#e$ to ha'e 5een partic"!ar!y ra'eno"#D for th"#
a!one $i$ peop!e acco"nt for the (y#terio"# $i#appearance# of chi!$ren?
A !itt!e 5oy ha$ 5een #ent to a fo"ntain to fetch -aterC the pitcher -a# fo"n$ #tan$in& 5y the -e!!D
5"t the &oy had vanished? The 'i!!a&er# t"rne$ o"tD an$ tho#e -o!'e# -hich co"!$ 5e fo"n$ -ere
$e#patche$?
+e ha'e a!rea$y intro$"ce$ o"r rea$er# to Po!o(y6aD a!tho"&h the occ"rrence# a5o'e re!ate$ $i$
not ta2e p!ace a(on& tho#e ei&ht ho'e!#D 5"t in nei&h5o"rin& 'i!!a&e#? The rea#on for o"r ha'in&
&i'en a (ore $etai!e$ acco"nt of thi# c!"#ter of ho"#e#r"$e ca5in# they -ere-i!! no- 5eco(e
apparent?
In MayD 1*<BD the inn2eeper of Po!o(y6a (i##e$ a co"p!e of $"c2#D an$ hi# #"#picion# fe!! "pon
the 5e&&ar -ho !i'e$ thereD an$ -ho( he he!$ in no e#tee(D a# he hi(#e!f -a# a har$-or2in&
in$"#trio"# (anD -hi!#t S-iate2 (aintaine$ hi(#e!fD hi# -ifeD an$ chi!$ren 5y (en$icityD a!tho"&h
po##e##e$ of #"fficient ara5!e !an$ to yie!$ an e)ce!!ent crop of (aiIeD an$ pro$"ce 'e&eta5!e#D if
ti!!e$ -ith or$inary care?
A# the p"5!ican approache$ the cotta&e a fra&rant -hiff of roa#t &reete$ hi# no#tri!#?
9I1!! catch the fe!!o- in the actD9 #ai$ the inn2eeper to hi(#e!fD #tea!in& "p to the $oorD an$ ta2in&
&oo$ care not to 5e o5#er'e$?
A# he thre- open the $oorD he #a- the (en$icant h"rrie$!y #h"ff!e #o(ethin& "n$er hi# feetD an$
concea! it 5eneath hi# !on& c!othe#? The p"5!ican -a# on hi( in an in#tantD ha$ hi( 5y the throatD
char&e$ hi( -ith theftD an$ $ra&&e$ hi( fro( hi# #eat? ="$&e of hi# #ic2enin& horror -hen fro(
5eneath the pa"per1# c!othe# ro!!e$ forth the hea$ of a &ir! a5o"t the a&e of fo"rteen or fifteen year#D
caref"!!y #eparate$ fro( the tr"n2?
In a #hort -hi!e the nei&h5o"r# ca(e "p? The 'enera5!e S-iate2 -a# !oc2e$ "pD a!on& -ith hi#
-ifeD hi# $a"&htera &ir! of #i)teenan$ a #onD a&e$ fi'e?
The h"t -a# thoro"&h!y e)a(ine$D an$ the ("ti!ate$ re(ain# of the poor &ir! $i#co'ere$? In a 'at
-ere fo"n$ the !e&# an$ thi&h#D part!y ra-D part!y #te-e$ or roa#te$? In a che#t -ere the heartD !i'erD
an$ entrai!#D a!! prepare$ an$ c!eane$D a# neat!y a# tho"&h $one 5y a #2i!f"! 5"tcherC an$D fina!!yD
"n$er the o'en -a# a 5o-! f"!! of fre#h 5!oo$? On hi# -ay to the (a&i#trate of the $i#trict? the
-retche$ (an f!"n& hi(#e!f repeate$!y on the &ro"n$D #tr"&&!e$ -ith hi# &"ar$#D an$ en$ea'o"re$
to #"ffocate hi(#e!f 5y &"!pin& c!o-n c!o$# of earth an$ #tone#D 5"t -a# pre'ente$ 5y hi#
con$"ctor#?
+hen ta2en 5efore the Proto2o!! at Da52o-D he #tate$ that he ha$ a!rea$y 2i!!e$ an$a##i#te$ 5y
hi# fa(i!yeaten #i) per#on#: hi# chi!$renD ho-e'erD a##erte$ (o#t po#iti'e!y that the n"(5er -a#
("ch &reater than he ha$ repre#ente$D an$ their te#ti(ony i# 5orne o"t 5y the factD that the re(ain#
of $ourteen $ifferent cap# an$ #"it# of c!othe#D (a!e a# -e!! a# fe(a!eD -ere fo"n$ in hi# ho"#e?
The ori&in of thi# horri5!e an$ $epra'e$ ta#te -a# a# fo!!o-#D accor$in& to S-iate21# o-n
confe##ion:
In 1*<AD three year# pre'io"#D a =e-i#h ta'ern in the nei&h5o"rhoo$ ha$ 5een 5"rne$ $o-nD an$
the ho#t ha$ hi(#e!f peri#he$ in the f!a(e#? S-iate2D -hi!#t e)a(inin& the r"in#D ha$ fo"n$ the ha!f
roa#te$ corp#e of the p"5!ican a(on& the charre$ rafter# of the ho"#e? At that ti(e the o!$ (an -a#
cra'in& -ith h"n&erD ha'in& 5een $e#tit"te of foo$ for #o(e ti(e? The #cent an$ the #i&ht of the
roa#te$ f!e#h in#pire$ hi( -ith an "ncontro!!a5!e $e#ire to ta#te of it? He tore off a portion of the
carca#e an$ #atiate$ hi# h"n&er "pon itD an$ at the #a(e ti(e he concei'e$ #"ch a !i2in& for itD that
he co"!$ fee! no re#t ti!! he ha$ ta#te$ a&ain? Hi# #econ$ 'icti( -a# the orphan a5o'e a!!"$e$ toC
#ince thenthat i#D $"rin& the perio$ of no !e## than three year#he ha$ freH"ent!y #"5#i#te$ in the
#a(e (annerD an$ ha$ act"a!!y &ro-n #!ee2 an$ fat "pon hi# fri&htf"! (ea!#?
The e)cite(ent ro"#e$ 5y the $i#co'ery of the#e atrocitie# -a# inten#eC #e'era! poor (other# -ho
ha$ 5e-ai!e$ the !o## of their !itt!e one#D fe!t their -o"n$# reopene$ a&oni#in&!y? Pop"!ar
in$i&nation ro#e to the hi&he#t pitch: there -a# #o(e fear !e#t the cri(ina! #ho"!$ 5e torn in piece#
hi(#e!f 5y the enra&e$ peop!eD a# #oon a# he -a# 5ro"&ht to tria!: 5"t he #a'e$ the nece##ity of
preca"tion# 5ein& ta2en to en#"re hi# #afetyD forD on the fir#t ni&ht of hi# confine(entD he han&e$
hi(#e!f fro( the 5ar# of the pri#on-in$o-?
!HA)TER -V#
ANO+ALOUS !ASE#--THE HU+AN H*0NA#
Gho"!#Story fro( ,ornariN"otation fro( Ap"!ei"#Inci$ent (entione$ 5y Marca##"#
Ce(eterie# of Pari# 'io!ate$Di#co'ery of %io!atorConfe##ion of M? 8ertran$?
It i# -e!! 2no-n that Orienta! ro(ance i# f"!! of #torie# of 'io!ator# of &ra'e#? Ea#tern #"per#tition
attri5"te# to certain in$i'i$"a!# a pa##ion for "nearthin& corp#e# an$ (an&!in& the(? Of a (oon!i&ht
ni&ht -eir$ for(# are #een #tea!in& a(on& the to(5#D an$ 5"rro-in& into the( -ith their !on& nai!#D
$e#irin& to reach the 5o$ie# of the $ea$ ere the fir#t #trea2 of $a-n co(pe!# the( to retire? The#e
&ho"!#D a# they are ca!!e$D are #"ppo#e$ &enera!!y to reH"ire the f!e#h of the $ea$ for incantation# or
(a&ica! co(po#ition#D 5"t 'ery often they are act"ate$ 5y the #o!e $e#ire of ren$in& the #!eepin&
corp#eD an$ $i#t"r5in& it# repo#e? There i# e'ery pro5a5i!ity that the#e &ho"!# -ere no (ere
creation# of the i(a&inationD 5"t -ere act"a! re#"rrectioni#t#? H"(an fat an$ the hair of a corp#e
-hich ha# &ro-n in the &ra'eD for( in&re$ient# in (any a necro(antic receiptD an$ the -itche# -ho
co(po"n$e$ the#e $ia5o!ica! (i)t"re#D -o"!$ "nearth corp#e# in or$er to o5tain the reH"i#ite
in&re$ient#? It -a# the #a(e in the (i$$!e a&e#D an$ to #"ch an e)tent $i$ the fear of &ho"!# e)ten$D
that it -a# co((on in 8rittany for ch"rchyar$# to 5e pro'i$e$ -ith !a(p#D 2ept 5"rnin& $"rin& the
ni&htD that -itche# (i&ht 5e $eterre$ fro( 'ent"rin& "n$er co'er of $ar2ne## to open the &ra'e#?
,ornari &i'e# the fo!!o-in& #tory of a &ho"! in hi# +istory o$ !orcerers:
In the 5e&innin& of the 17th cent"ryD there !i'e$ at 8a&$a$ an a&e$ (erchant -ho ha$ &ro-n
-ea!thy in hi# 5"#ine##D an$ -ho ha$ an on!y #on to -ho( he -a# ten$er!y attache$? He re#o!'e$ to
(arry hi( to the $a"&hter of another (erchantD a &ir! of con#i$era5!e fort"neD 5"t -itho"t any
per#ona! attraction#? A5"!Ha##anD the (erchant1# #onD on 5ein& #ho-n the portrait of the !a$yD
reH"e#te$ hi# father to $e!ay the (arria&e ti!! he co"!$ reconci!e hi# (in$ to it? In#tea$D ho-e'erD of
$oin& thi#D he fe!! in !o'e -ith another &ir!D the $a"&hter of a #a&eD an$ he &a'e hi# father no peace
ti!! he con#ente$ to the (arria&e -ith the o56ect of hi# affection#? The o!$ (an #too$ o"t a# !on& a#
he co"!$D 5"t fin$in& that hi# #on -a# 5ent on acH"irin& the han$ of the fair Na$i!!aD an$ -a#
eH"a!!y re#o!"te not to accept the rich an$ "&!y !a$yD he $i$ -hat (o#t father#D "n$er #"ch
circ"(#tance#D are con#traine$ to $oD he acH"ie#ce$?
The -e$$in& too2 p!ace -ith &reat po(p an$ cere(onyD an$ a happy honey(oon en#"e$D -hich
(i&ht ha'e 5een happier 5"t for one !itt!e circ"(#tance -hich !e$ to 'ery #erio"# con#eH"ence#?
A5"!Ha##an notice$ that hi# 5ri$e H"itte$ the n"ptia! co"ch a# #oon a# #he tho"&ht her h"#5an$
-a# a#!eepD an$ $i$ not ret"rn to itD ti!! an 5oar 5efore $a-n?
,i!!e$ -ith c"rio#ityD Ha##an one ni&ht fei&ne$ #!eepD an$ #a- hi# -ife ri#e an$ !ea'e the roo( a#
"#"a!? He fo!!o-e$ ca"tio"#!yD an$ #a- her enter a ce(etery? 8y the #tra&&!in& (oon5ea(# he
5ehe!$ her &o into a to(5C he #teppe$ in after her?
The #cene -ithin -a# horri5!e? A party of &ho"!# -ere a##e(5!e$ -ith the #poi!# of the &ra'e#
they ha$ 'io!ate$?D an$ -ere fea#tin& on the f!e#h of the !on&5"rie$ corp#e#? Hi# o-n -ifeD -hoD 5y
the -ayD ne'er to"che$ #"pper at ho(eD p!aye$ no incon#i$era5!e part in the hi$eo"# 5anH"et?
A# #oon a# he co"!$ #afe!y e#capeD A5"!Ha##an #to!e 5ac2 to hi# 5e$?
He #ai$ nothin& to hi# 5ri$e ti!! ne)t e'enin& -hen #"pper -a# !ai$D an$ #he $ec!ine$ to eatC then
he in#i#te$ on her parta2in&D an$ -hen #he po#iti'e!y ref"#e$D he e)c!ai(e$ -rathf"!!yD9Ye#D yo"
2eep yo"r appetite for yo"r fea#t -ith the &ho"!#O9 Na$i!!a -a# #i!entC #he t"rne$ pa!e an$ tre(5!e$D
an$ -itho"t a -or$ #o"&ht her 5e$? At (i$ni&ht #he ro#eD fe!! on her h"#5an$ -ith her nai!# an$
teethD tore hi# throatD an$ ha'in& opene$ a 'einD atte(pte$ to #"c2 hi# 5!oo$C 5"t A5"!Ha##an
#prin&in& to hi# feet thre- her $o-nD an$ -ith a 5!o- 2i!!e$ her? She -a# 5"rie$ ne)t $ay?
Three $ay# afterD at (i$ni&htD #he reappeare$D attac2e$ her h"#5an$ a&ainD an$ a&ain atte(pte$
to #"c2 hi# 5!oo$? He f!e$ fro( herD an$ on the (orro- opene$ her to(5D 5"rne$ her to a#he#D an$
ca#t the( into the Ti&ri#?
Thi# #tory connect# the &ho"! -ith the 'a(pire? A# -i!! 5e #een 5y a for(er chapterD the -ere
-o!f an$ the 'a(pire are c!o#e!y re!ate$?
That the ancient# he!$ the #a(e 5e!ief that the -itche# 'io!ate corp#e#D i# e'i$ent fro( the thir$
epi#o$e in the Golden Ass of Ap"!ei"#? I -i!! on!y H"ote the -or$# of the crier:
9I pray theeD te!! (eD9 rep!ie$ ID 9of -hat 2in$ are the $"tie# attache$ to thi# f"nera!
&"ar$ian#hipP9 9D"tie#O9 H"oth the crierC 9-hyD 2eep -i$e a-a2e a!! ni&htD -ith thine eye# fi)e$
#tea$i!y "pon the corp#eD neither -in2in& nor 5!in2in&D nor !oo2in& to the ri&ht nor !oo2in& to the
!eftD either to one #i$e or the otherD 5e it e'en !itt!eC for the -itche#D infa(o"# -retche# that they areO
can #!ip o"t of their #2in# in an in#tant an$ chan&e the(#e!'e# into the for( of any ani(a! they ha'e
a (in$C an$ then they cra-! a!on& #o #!y!yD that the eye# of 6"#ticeD nayD the eye# of the #"n hi(#e!fD
are not 2een eno"&h to percei'e the(? At a!! e'ent#D their -ic2e$ $e'ice# are infinite in n"(5er an$
'arietyC an$ -hether it 5e in the #hape of a 5ir$D or a $o&D or a (o"#eD or e'en of a co((on ho"#e
f!yD that they e)erci#e their $ire incantation#D if tho" art not 'i&i!ant in the e)tre(eD they -i!! $ecei'e
thee one -ay or otherD an$ o'er-he!( thee -ith #!eepC ne'erthe!e##D a# re&ar$# the re-ar$D 1t-i!! 5e
fro( fo"r to #i) a"reiC norD a!tho"&h 1ti# a peri!o"# #er'iceD -i!t tho" recei'e (ore? NayD ho!$O I ha$
a!(o#t for&otten to &i'e thee a nece##ary ca"tion? C!ear!y "n$er#tan$D that it the corp#e 5e not
re#tore$ to the re!ati'e# entireD the $eficient piece# of f!e#h torn off 5y the teeth of the -itche# ("#t
5e rep!ace$ fro( the face of the #!eepy &"ar$ian?9
Here -e ha'e the ren$in& of corp#e# connecte$ -ith chan&e of for(?
Marca##"# re!ate# that after a !on& -ar in SyriaD $"rin& the ni&htD troop# of !a(ia#D fe(a!e e'i!
#pirit#D appeare$ "pon the fie!$ of 5att!eD "nearthin& the ha#ti!y 5"rie$ 5o$ie# of the #o!$ier#D an$
$e'o"rin& the f!e#h off their 5one#? They -ere p"r#"e$ an$ fire$ "ponD an$ #o(e yo"n& (en
#"ccee$e$ in 2i!!in& a con#i$era5!e n"(5erC 5"t $"rin& the $ay they ha$ a!! of the( the for(# of
-o!'e# or hy4na#? That there i# a fo"n$ation of tr"th in the#e horri5!e #torie#D an$ that it i# H"ite
po##i5!e for a h"(an 5ein& to 5e po##e##e$ of a $epra'e$ appetite for ren$in& corp#e#D i# pro'e$ 5y
an e)traor$inary ca#e 5ro"&ht 5efore a co"rt(artia! in Pari#D #o !ate a# ="!y 1FthD 1*<B?
The $etai!# are &i'en -ith f"!ne## in the Annales 5edico)psychologi1ues for that (onth an$ year?
They are too re'o!tin& for repro$"ction? I -i!!D ho-e'erD &i'e an o"t!ine of thi# re(ar2a5!e ca#e?
In the a"t"(n of 1*<*D #e'era! of the ce(eterie# in the nei&h5o"rhoo$ of Pari# -ere fo"n$ to
ha'e 5een entere$ $"rin& the ni&htD an$ &ra'e# to ha'e 5een rif!e$? The $ee$# -ere not tho#e of
(e$ica! #t"$ent#D for the 5o$ie# ha$ not 5een carrie$ ofD 5"t -ere fo"n$ !yin& a5o"t the to(5# in
fra&(ent#? It -a# at fir#t #"ppo#e$ that the perpetration of the#e o"tra&e# ("#t ha'e 5een a -i!$
5ea#tD 5"t footprint# in the #oft earth !eft no $o"5t that it -a# a (an? C!o#e -atch -a# 2ept at Pire !a
Chai#eC 5"t after a fe- corp#e# ha$ 5een (an&!e$ thereD the o"tra&e# cea#e$?
In the -interD another ce(etery -a# ra'a&e$D an$ it -a# not ti!! March in 1*<BD that a #prin& &"n
-hich ha$ 5een #et in the ce(etery of S? Parna##eD -ent off $"rin& the ni&htD an$ -arne$ the
&"ar$ian# of the p!ace that the (y#terio"# 'i#itor ha$ fa!!en into their trap? They r"#he$ to the #potD
on!y to #ee a $ar2 fi&"re in a (i!itary (ant!e !eap the -a!!D an$ $i#appear in the &!oo(? Mar2# of
5!oo$D ho-e'erD &a'e e'i$ence that he ha$ 5een hit 5y the &"n -hen it ha$ $i#char&e$? At the #a(e
ti(eD a fra&(ent of 5!"e c!othD torn fro( the (ant!eD -a# o5taine$D an$ affor$e$ a c!"e to-ar$# the
i$entification of the ra'i#her of the to(5#?
On the fo!!o-in& $ayD the po!ice -ent fro( 5arrac2 to 5arrac2D inH"irin& -hether officer or (an
-ere #"fferin& fro( a &"n#hot -o"n$? 8y thi# (ean# they $i#co'ere$ the per#on? He -a# a 6"nior
officer in the 1#t Infantry re&i(entD of the na(e of 8ertran$?
He -a# ta2en to the ho#pita! to 5e c"re$ of hi# -o"n$D an$ on hi# reco'eryD he -a# trie$ 5y co"rt
(artia!?
Hi# hi#tory -a# thi#?
He ha$ 5een e$"cate$ in the theo!o&ica! #e(inary of Lan&re#D ti!!D at the a&e of t-entyD he entere$
the ar(y? He -a# a yo"n& (an of retirin& ha5it#D fran2 an$ cheerf"! to hi# co(ra$e#D #o a# to 5e
&reat!y 5e!o'e$ 5y the(D of fe(inine $e!icacy an$ refine(entD an$ #"56ect to fit# of $epre##ion an$
(e!ancho!y? In ,e5r"aryD 1*<MD a# he -a# -a!2in& -ith a frien$ in the co"ntryD he ca(e to a
ch"rchyar$D the &ate of -hich #too$ open? The $ay 5efore a -o(an ha$ 5een 5"rie$D 5"t the #e)ton
ha$ not co(p!ete$ fi!!in& in the &ra'eD an$ he ha$ 5een en&a&e$ "pon it on the pre#ent occa#ionD
-hen a #tor( of rain ha$ $ri'en hi( to #he!ter? 8ertran$ notice$ the #pa$e an$ pic2 !yin& 5e#i$e the
&ra'eD an$to "#e hi# o-n -or$#:9A cette '"e $e# i$Ee# noire# (e 'inrentD 61e"# co((e "n 'io!ent
(a! $e tdteD (on c."r 5attait a'ec forceD 6e no (e po##E$ai# p!"#?9 He (ana&e$ 5y #o(e e)c"#e to
&et ri$ of hi# co(panionD an$ then ret"rnin& to the ch"rchyar$D he ca"&ht "p a #pa$e an$ 5e&an to
$i& into the &ra'e? 9Soon I $ra&&e$ the corp#e o"t of the earthD an$ I 5e&an to ha#h it -ith the #pa$eD
-itho"t -e!! 2no-in& -hat I -a# a5o"t? A !a5o"rer #a- (eD an$ I !ai$ (y#e!f f!at on the &ro"n$ ti!!
he -a# o"t of #i&htD an$ then I ca#t the 5o$y 5ac2 into the &ra'e? I then -ent a-ayD 5athe$ in a co!$
#-eatD to a !itt!e &ro'eD -here I repo#e$ for #e'era! ho"r#D not-ith#tan$in& the co!$ rain -hich fe!!D
in a con$ition of co(p!ete e)ha"#tion? +hen I ro#eD (y !i(5# -ere a# if 5ro2enD an$ (y hea$ -ea2?
The #a(e pro#tration an$ #en#ation fo!!o-e$ each attac2?
T-o $ay# afterD I ret"rne$ to the ce(eteryD an$ opene$ the &ra'e -ith (y han$#? My han$# 5!e$D
5"t I $i$ not fee! the painC I tore the corp#e to #hre$#D an$ f!"n& it 5ac2 into the pit?9
He ha$ no f"rther attac2 for fo"r (onth#D ti!! hi# re&i(ent ca(e to Pari#? A# he -a# one $ay
-a!2in& in the &!oo(yD #ha$o-yD a!!ey# of Pire !a Chai#eD the #a(e fee!in& ca(e o'er hi( !i2e a
f!oo$? In the ni&ht he c!i(5e$ the -a!!D an$ $"& "p a !itt!e &ir! of #e'en year# o!$? He tore her in
ha!f? A fe- $ay# !aterD he opene$ the &ra'e of a -o(an -ho ha$ $ie$ in chi!$5irthD an$ ha$ !ain in
the &ra'e for thirteen $ay#? On the 1Ath No'e(5erD he $"& "p an o!$ -o(an of fiftyD an$D rippin&
her to piece#D ro!!e$ a(on& the fra&(ent#? He $i$ the #a(e to another corp#e on the 1Lth Dece(5er?
The#e are on!y a fe- of the n"(ero"# ca#e# of 'io!ation of to(5# to -hich he o-ne$? It -a# on the
ni&ht of the 17th March that the #prin&&"n #hot hi(?
8ertran$ $ec!are$ at hi# tria!D that -hi!#t he -a# in the ho#pita! he ha$ not fe!t any $e#ire to rene-
hi# atte(pt#D an$ that he con#i$ere$ hi(#e!f c"re$ of hi# horri5!e propen#itie#D for he ha$ #een (en
$yin& in the 5e$# aro"n$ hi(D an$ no-: 9=e #"i# &"EriD car a"6o"r$1h"i 61ai pe"r $1"n (ort?9
The fit# of e)ha"#tion -hich fo!!o-e$ hi# acce##e# are 'ery re(ar2a5!eD a# they preci#e!y
re#e(5!e tho#e -hich fo!!o-e$ the 5er#er2ir ra&e# of the North(enD an$ the e)pe$ition# of the
Lycanthropi#t#?
The ca#e of M? 8ertran$ i# in$"5ita5!y (o#t #in&"!ar an$ ano(a!o"#C it #carce!y 5ear# the
character of in#anityD 5"t #ee(# to point rather to a #pecie# of $ia5o!ica! po##e##ion? At fir#t the
acce##e# chief!y fo!!o-e$ "pon hi# $rin2in& -ineD 5"t after a -hi!e they ca(e "pon hi( -itho"t
e)citin& ca"#e? The (anner in -hich he ("ti!ate$ the $ea$ -a# $ifferent? So(e he choppe$ -ith the
#pa$eD other# he tore an$ rippe$ -ith hi# teeth an$ nai!#? So(eti(e# he tore the (o"th open an$ rent
the face 5ac2 to the ear#D he opene$ the #to(ach#D an$ p"!!e$ off the !i(5#? A!tho"&h he $"& "p the
5o$ie# of #e'era! (en he fe!t no inc!ination to ("ti!ate the(D -herea# he $e!i&hte$ in ren$in&
fe(a!e corp#e#? He -a# #entence$ to a year1# i(pri#on(ent?
!HA)TER -VI#
A SER+ON ON WERE -WOLVES#
The $i#co"r#e# of Dr? =ohann Gei!erThe Ser(onRe(ar2#?
THE fo!!o-in& c"rio"# #peci(en of a !ate (e$i4'a! #er(on i# ta2en fro( the o!$ Ger(an e$ition
of the $i#co"r#e# of Dr? =ohann Gei!er 'on /ey#er#per&D a fa(o"# preacher in Stra#5o"r&? The
'o!"(e i# entit!e$: 9Die .meis? Di# i#t $a# 8>ch 'on $er O(ei##enD "n$ $"rch Herr $er />nni& ich
$iente &ern? Un$ #a&t 'on Ei&en#chafft $er O(ei##enD "n$ &i5t "n$er-ei#"n& 'on $er Unho!$en
o$er He)enD "n$ 'on Ge#pen#tD $er Gei#tD "n$ 'on $e( +>ten$en Heer +"n$er5ar!ich?9
Thi# #tran&e #erie# of #er(on# -a# preache$ at Stra#5o"r& in the year 17F*D an$ -a# ta2en $o-n
an$ -ritten o"t 5y a 5arefoote$ friarD =ohann Pa"!iD an$ 5y hi( p"5!i#he$ in 171M? The $octor $ie$
on Mi$Lent S"n$ayD 171F? There i# a Latin e$ition of hi# #er(on#D 5"t -hether of the #a(e #erie#
or not I cannot te!!D a# I ha'e 5een "na5!e to o5tain a #i&ht of the 'o!"(e? The Ger(an e$ition i#
i!!"#trate$ -ith 5o!$ an$ c!e'er -oo$c"t#? A(on& otherD there are repre#entation# of the +itche#1
Sa55athD the +i!$ H"nt#(anD an$ a +ere-o!f attac2in& a Man?
The #er(on -a# preache$ on the thir$ S"n$ay in Lent? No te)t i# &i'enD 5"t there i# a &enera!
reference to the &o#pe! for the $ay? Thi# i# the $i#co"r#e: UnoteU1
V1? Hea$e$ th"#:9A( $ritt3 #onta& e fa#tdD occ"!iD pre$i&t $E $octor 'c $d +er-0!ffenn?9X
9+hat #ha!! -e #ay a5o"t -ere-o!'e#P for there are -ere-o!'e# -hich r"n a5o"t the 'i!!a&e#
$e'o"rin& (en an$ chi!$ren? A# (en #ay a5o"t the(D they r"n a5o"t f"!! &a!!opD in6"rin& (enD an$
are ca!!e$ 5er-0!ffD or -er-0!ff? Do yo" a#2 (e if I 2no- a"&ht a5o"t the(P I an#-erD Ye#? They
are apparent!y -o!'e# -hich cat (en an$ chi!$renD an$ that happen# on #e'en acco"nt#:
7. -suriem 3unger.
8. 9a:iem 'avageness.
;. 'ene5tutem Old age.
<. -",erientiam -",erien5e.
=. Insaniem Madness.
>. (ia:olum !he (evil.
?. (eum @od.
The fir#t happen# thro"&h h"n&erC -hen the -o!'e# fin$ nothin& to eat in the -oo$#D they ("#t
co(e to peop!e an$ eat (en -hen h"n&er $ri'e# the( to it? Yo" #ee -e!!D -hen it i# 'ery co!$D that
the #ta&# co(e in #earch of foo$ "p to the 'i!!a&e#D an$ the 5ir$# act"a!!y into the $inin&roo( in
#earch of 'ict"a!#?
9Un$er the #econ$ hea$D -o!'e# eat chi!$ren thro"&h their innate #a'a&ene##D 5eca"#e they are
#a'a&eD an$ that i# Spropter !oc"( coit"( fer"(T? Their #a'a&ene## ari#e# fir#t fro( their con$ition?
+o!'e# -hich !i'e in co!$ p!ace# are #(a!!er on that acco"ntD an$ (ore #a'a&e than other -o!'e#?
Secon$!yD their #a'a&ene## $epen$# on the #ea#onC they are (ore #a'a&e a5o"t Can$!e(a# than at
any other ti(e of the yearD an$ (en ("#t 5e (ore on their &"ar$ a&ain#t the( then than at other
ti(e#? It i# a pro'er5D 1He -ho #ee2# a -o!f at Can$!e(a#D a pea#ant on Shro'e T"e#$ayD an$ a
par#on in LentD i# a (an of p!"c2?1 ? ? ? Thir$!yD their #a'a&ene## $epen$# on their ha'in& yo"n&?
+hen the -o!'e# ha'e yo"n&D they are (ore #a'a&e than -hen they ha'e not? Yo" #ee it #o in a!!
5ea#t#? A -i!$ $"c2D -hen it ha# yo"n& po"!t#D yo" #ee -hat an "proar it (a2e#? A cat fi&ht# for it#
yo"n& 2itten#C the -o!'e# $o $itto?
9Un$er the thir$ hea$D the -o!'e# $o in6"ry on acco"nt of their a&e? +hen a -o!f i# o!$D it i#
-ea2 an$ fee5!e in it# !ea#D #o it can1t ran fa#t eno"&h to catch #ta&#D an$ therefore it ren$# a (anD
-ho( it can catch ea#ier than a -i!$ ani(a!? It a!#o tear# chi!$ren an$ (en ea#ier than -i!$ ani(a!#D
5eca"#e of it# teethD for it# teeth 5rea2 off -hen it i# 'ery o!$C yo" #ee it -e!! in o!$ -o(en: ho- the
!a#t teeth -o55!eD an$ they ha'e #carce!y a tooth !eft in their hea$#D an$ they open their (o"th# for
(en to fee$ the( -ith (a#h an$ #te-e$ #"5#tance#?
9Un$er the fo"rth hea$D the in6"ry the -ere-o!'e# $o ari#e# fro( e)perience? It i# #ai$ that
h"(an f!e#h i# far #-eeter than other f!e#hC #o -hen a -o!f ha# once ta#te$ h"(an f!e#hD he $e#ire#
to ta#te it a&ain? So he act# !i2e o!$ toper#D -hoD -hen they 2no- the 5e#t -ineD -i!! not 5e p"t off
-ith inferior H"a!ity?
9Un$er the fifth hea$D the in6"ry ari#e# fro( i&norance? A $o& -hen it i# (a$ i# a!#o
incon#i$erateD an$ it 5ite# any (anC it $oe# not reco&niIe it# o-n !or$: an$ -hat i# a -o!f 5"t a -i!$
$o& -hich i# (a$ an$ incon#i$erateD #o that it re&ar$# no (an?
9Un$er the #i)th hea$D the in6"ry co(e# of the De'i!D -ho tran#for(# hi(#e!fD an$ ta2e# on hi(
the for( of a -o!f So -rite# %incenti"# in hi# !peculum +istoriale? An$ he ha# ta2en it fro(
%a!eri"# Ma)i("# in the P"nic -ar? +hen the Ro(an# fo"&ht a&ain#t the (en of AfricaD -hen the
captain !ay a#!eepD there ca(e a -o!f an$ $re- hi# #-or$D an$ carrie$ it off? That -a# the De'i! in aD
-o!f1# for(? The !i2e -rite# +i!!ia( of Pari#Dthat a -o!f -i!! 2i!! an$ $e'o"r chi!$renD an$ $o the
&reate#t (i#chief? There -a# a (an -ho ha$ the phanta#y that he hi(#e!f -a# a -o!f? An$
after-ar$# he -a# fo"n$ !yin& in the -oo$D an$ he -a# $ea$ o"t of #heer h"n&er?
9Un$er the #e'enth hea$D the in6"ry co(e# of Go$1# or$inance? ,or Go$ -i!! #o(eti(e# p"ni#h
certain !an$# an$ 'i!!a&e# -ith -o!'e#? So -e rea$ of E!i#haDthat -hen E!i#ha -ante$ to &o "p a
(o"ntain o"t of =erichoD #o(e na"&hty 5oy# (a$e a (oc2 of hi( an$ #ai$D 1O 5a!$ hea$D #tep "pO O
&!o##y pateD #tep "pO1 +hat happene$P He c"r#e$ the(? Then ca(e t-o 5ear# o"t of the $e#ert an$
tore a5o"t fortyt-o of the chi!$ren? That -a# Go$1# or$inance? The !i2e -e rea$ of a prophet -ho
-o"!$ #et at na"&ht the co((an$# he ha$ recei'e$ of Go$D for he -a# per#"a$e$ to eat 5rea$ at the
ho"#e of another? A# he -ent ho(e he ro$e "pon hi# a##? Then ca(e a !ion -hich #!e- hi( an$ !eft
the a## a!one? That -a# Go$1# or$inance? Therefore ("#t (an t"rn to Go$ -hen He 5rin&# -i!$
5ea#t# to $o hi( a (i#chief: -hich #a(e 5r"te# (ay He not 5rin& no- or e'er(ore? A(en?9
It -i!! 5e #een fro( thi# e)traor$inary #er(on that Dr? =ohann Gei!er 'on /ey#er#per& $i$ not
re&ar$ -ere-o!'e# in any other !i&ht than nat"ra! -o!'e# fi!!e$ -ith a !"#t for h"(an f!e#hC an$ he
p"t# a#i$e a!to&ether the 'ie- that they are (en in a #tate of (eta(orpho#i#? Ho-e'erD he a!!"$e# to
thi# #"per#tition in hi# #er(on on -i!$(en of the -oo$#D 5"t tran#!ate# hi# !ycanthropi#t# to Spain?
THE END?