Werewolves, Part Two: How to Become a Beast

Join Wyrdo's Craig and Andy for this special episode of Wyrd Wessex as they're joined once again by special guest and storyteller Eileen Budd. This is the unexpected sequel to our first werewolf episode, as the wyrdo's had far too many dark canine tales left to tell!The Recipe for TransformationWe delve into the dark and slightly ridiculous process of becoming a werewolf. Craig shares the chilling ritual from Elliot O'Donnell's book, involving chalk circles, a new moon, and a boiling potion of strange ingredients, including Asafoetida(aka "Stinking Gum") and cat fat. The importance of the magical girdle is highlighted in the dark tale of Peter Stubb (The Werewolf of Bedburg), who terrorised a region for 25 years before his capture.British Beasts and Ancient CursesAndy explores why the werewolf is less common in England, pointing to King Edward I's 1281 order to exterminate the wolf population, leading to the legend being replaced by spectral hounds like Black Shuck. Eileen notes that the Scottish 'werewolf' (werwouf) was often used to describe a wild or feral man. She also shares Jinty's Griddle story—a tale of a woman who fights a wolf, resulting in her children inheriting amber eyes. We discuss the strange Irish legends of the Werewolves of Ossory, where people are cursed to transform into wolves every seven years.King John, Nuckelavee, and the CureEileen draws a powerful link between the terrifying sea-fiend, the Nuckelavee, and the Highland Clearances, suggesting the beast's noxious breath was an allegory for the toxic kelp fumes. Andy delves into the historical legend that King John of England himself was a werewolf. The discussion includes modern sightings of the Winter Werewolf near Windsor, showing the legend is still alive.Finally, we explore the potential cure. The Wyrdo's discuss Boanthropy, a rare psychological delusion where a person believes they have turned into a cow or ox. Craig shares the ludicrously complicated cure for lycanthropy, involving a live snake, two live toads, a specific astrological time, and the final triple command: "Black evil devils from hell be gone!"Guest and Production InformationTo hear more of Eileen's work, check out her podcasts, Scottish Folk and At Home With The Picts. You can also find her on Instagram at @eileenbudds.Stay Wyrd!www.wyrdwessex.co.ukBuy our merch hereWritten by Craig Brooks and hosted by Craig Brooks and Andy StevensEdited by Craig BrooksIntro music by Leonell Cassio - The Paranormal Is Real (ft. Carrie) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.