Blog Issue #9 September 2025

Throughout folklore and mythology, stories of creatures that can shapeshift from human to animal have fascinated humans for centuries. From the terrifying werewolves of European legend to the mysterious shapeshifters of modern fantasy, these beings explore the boundaries between humanity and the wild.

Forest path with Alvina in human form and her weredog form, Tippi. The words ‘Werewolves and Weredogs’ arc over the top of the image.

Image: Catharina Steel, Multiple Images Generated with AI and edited in Photoshop, December 2023 and June 2024, Text created in Photoshop, September 2025

In my The Wythic Wood Mysteries series, I have created weredogs who are tricolored Kelpie-inspired shapeshifters that bring a fresh twist to these ancient myths.

Alvina in human form and her weredog form, Tippi, shown as Kelpie-inspired weredogs which is based on werewolves mythology. The words ‘Kelpie-Inspired Weredogs’ arch over them.

Left image, Catharina Steel AI generated and heavily edited in Photoshop, December 2023

Right image, Catharina Steel, AI and edited in Photoshop, December 2023

Origins of Were Creatures

Norse and Germanic Werewolves

The concept of the werewolf has roots in Norse and Germanic traditions. Early stories, such as that of King Lycaon in Greek mythology, depict humans transformed into wolves as punishment or as a result of a curse.

These tales gave rise to the term “lycanthropy,” combining lykos (wolf) and anthrōpos (man). In these early myths, werewolves symbolized both fear and fascination with humanity’s primal instincts.

The Werewolves of Celtic and British Isles

In Celtic and broader British folklore, shape-shifters often took forms beyond wolves. Ghostly hounds, guardian dogs, and fairy changelings appeared in legends, blending supernatural fear with protection and guidance.

These stories show that shapeshifting was not always malevolent; it could be magical, protective, or a reflection of natural forces.

Shapeshifters in Medieval and Early Modern England

During the medieval period, werewolves and other shapeshifters became entwined with superstition, witch trials, and societal fears. Alleged attacks by wolf-like creatures often resulted in panic and persecution, reflecting the anxiety of the times.

These legends also gave rise to popular tales and legal records that influenced later storytelling traditions about mythical creatures and werewolves.

Victorian and Modern Werewolves Myth Transformations

By the Victorian era, werewolf myths had evolved in literature and popular culture. Stories shifted from sheer horror toward exploring identity, morality, and inner conflict.

Modern fantasy writing has continued this trend, portraying shapeshifters as complex characters, sometimes heroic, sometimes conflicted, but always captivating.

Image: Catharina Steel, generated with AI and edited in Photoshop, August 2025

Weredogs in The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series

In The Wythic Wood Mysteries series, I wanted to explore a different take on the traditional wolf imagery. My weredogs are based on Australian Kelpie traits, featuring tri-colored coats, compact bodies, and pricked ears. This choice allowed me to create unique shapeshifters that are instantly recognizable and emotionally engaging.

As in traditional werewolf mythology, my weredogs embody loyalty, intelligence, and agility. What makes them distinctively Australian is that they take the shape and coloring of a Kelpie, but their size is relative to the human they transform from, so a six-foot-tall human becomes a proportionally larger weredog.

While the first book, Vanishings, introduces the world and its mysteries, the weredog curse is what is next on Tilly’s agenda because she was bitten and scratched by one. It is unknown if she will be affected once her gran’s binding spell on her powers is lifted.

Reimagining Werewolves

Werewolves and shapeshifters have captivated imaginations for centuries, evolving from fearsome punishments in ancient myths to complex characters in modern fantasy.

By reimagining these legends as weredogs in The Wythic Wood Mysteries, I have created creatures that are both familiar and entirely new. If you are curious to meet these shapeshifters and explore the mysteries of Wythic Wood, start with Vanishings and step into a world where mythology and imagination intertwine.The Wythic Wood Mysteries Series

Coming Up Next

Next month, I will be delving into the ethical use of AI.

To read my previous post about elves click here.

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Werewolves, Shapeshifters, and Weredogs