Lycanthropy

The "Lycanthropy" Tag considers a body of films of a fantasy nature which share a focus on the wolf. An extremely important figure since the dawn of history, numerous cultures - Indo-European and beyond - have held traditions revolving around the wolf, generally attributing specific, often positive, symbolic connotations to the intriguing beast (e.g., auspicious hunting, fertility, etc.)

Many of these fascinating historical and anthropological traditions and beliefs regarding the wolf have gradually disappeared over the course of time, giving way to a modern-day conception that instead tends to accentuate their horror component. In fact, in the realm of fiction, Gothic literature adopted medieval preoccupations that saw canines as an emissary of the devil, and with the advent of motion pictures, we've witnessed a definitive "flattening" of the wolf mythology: terms such as "lycanthrope" and "werewolf" are often seen as synonyms indicating a character afflicted by a curse/evil eye/illness/wolf bite, who periodically transforms into a lupine creature. (+)

From that perspective, the lycanthrope ends up representing only the instinctual, menacing side of the human being, rather than being the symbol of an unspoiled state of free nature (there are obviously exceptions, such as Algernon Blackwood's short stories), or a metaphor for some form of prosperity. The werewolf's common characteristics, especially in the realm of motion pictures, include undergoing a metamorphosis during the full moon, transmitting its condition via its bite, and being vulnerable to silver.

This Tag also includes films featuring wild beasts with a generally wolflike appearance, whether invented out of whole cloth or springing from the realm of cryptozoology. One example would be "Brotherhood of the Wolf" (Original title: "Le Pacte des Loups" - 2001), inspired by the mysterious case of the "Beast of Gévaudan" (1764-67).

P.S. This Tag will also apply to cases of "clinical lycanthropy" - a psychiatric syndrome involving zoanthropic delusions - but only if the animal at the center of the delusional ideation is indeed a wolf (otherwise, only the "Madness" Tag will apply).