Not Just the Tudors

An Early Modern Teenage Werewolf

Apr 29, 2021
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ANECDOTE

Jean Grenier's Werewolf Confession

  • Jean Grenier, a 13-year-old French shepherd, claimed to have a magic wolf skin turning him into a wolf.
  • His confession led to a trial for werewolf attacks on children and livestock in 1603 France.
INSIGHT

Werewolf Accusations Rarity & Context

  • Werewolf accusations were far fewer than witchcraft cases, about 300 werewolves versus up to 50,000 witches in early modern Europe.
  • Werewolf cases closely related to areas with wolf attacks, unlike witchcraft which was more widespread.
INSIGHT

Wolf Attacks Spark Fear and Accusations

  • The Dordogne region in France suffered many wolf attacks, including infants killed from their cribs.
  • Community trauma from these attacks fueled accusations against Jean Grenier as the werewolf perpetrator.
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