Werewolves

[Aleks]

No: HPFGUIDX 25892

Susan wrote: 

> Finally, do werewolf cubs exist?  Is the condition genetic?  Or is 
> it only passed on by biting etc.??? 

And Steve Vander Ark wrote:
> 
> Another interesting point is that JKR doesn't always go along with 
> the accepted descriptions of magical creatures. The Boggart is an 
> excellent example, since the Boggart of folklore is definitely not 
> the Boggart of PA/GF. So her version of werewolves wouldn't have to 
> follow the "rules" we all accept. Now in the case of cubs, she said 
> herself that when Tom Riddle said that about Hagrid, Riddle was 
> just slandering him. But we might be able to explain the whole 
> "moon comes out, Lupin transforms" problem.


Coming from both of these points, JKR isn't the only author whose 
descriptions of magical creatures doesn't always fit the usual 
stereotype. Terry Pratchett is another well known example, and 
werewolves appear in several of his Discworld novels (notably 'Men At 
Arms' and 'The Fifth Elephant'). According to ~his~ theory of how the 
condition (usually known as lycanthropy) is inherited, werewolf 
progeny can either have human form, wolf form or both, but they are 
still all werewolves. I can't remember now whether or not they could 
turn someone into a werewolf by biting them as those we saw were more 
interested in eating the humans than changing them. Also, 
interestingly enough, as with JKR's Animagi, Pratchett's werewolves 
could change into lupine form any time they wished.

Aleks

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"I meant," said Ipslore bitterly, "what is there in this world that 
truly makes living worth while?" 
Death thought about it "CATS," he said eventually, "CATS ARE NICE." 
--Terry Pratchett, Sourcery 
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