The Cult of the Beast and Slavic Werewolves: From Lyutichi and Berendey to Werewolves and Accursed Crows

In Slavic culture, werewolves were viewed quite differently than in medieval Europe. Our ancestors believed that not only evil spirits and sorcerers could transform into beasts, but also entirely positive characters: epic heroes, sorcerers, and even ordinary people. This gift in itself was not inherently good or evil — it all depended on the nature of the werewolf. Perhaps this is why there are so few chilling stories in Slavic tradition about bloody werewolf-vampires. Folk tales often demonstrate a surprisingly kind and sympathetic attitude of Slavs towards "involuntary beasts"… Where did such a difference come from? In her new book, Marina Golubeva discusses the beliefs and cults associated with beasts and werewolves — from wolf-warriors to crow-witches and malevolent two-soul beings. She uncovers the mysteries of Slavic werewolves, reflects on totemism and lycanthropy in the ancient world and antiquity, and ancient beliefs. Additionally, she shows that even today, beast-people are closer than they seem.