Introduction

The werewolf is an active character in our imagination. From books, films, and costumes, they are seen as a monstrous being cursed to live in two forms. In this exhibit, the monstrosity of werewolves will be questioned. Werewolves may be cursed with monstrous forms, but they truly monsters?

In this exhibit, the virtuous nature of 12^th century werewolves will be explored and will reveal that werewolves are a social metaphor to test the virtues of those who encounter them. Vistors will take a closer at a 12^th century text and artifact: Marie de France’s Bisclavret and Gerald of Wales’s Topographica Hibernica. The titular character of Bisclavret demonstrates his adherence to virtues and his monstrous form tests the virtues of supporting characters. In Gerald of Wales’s Topographica Hibernica, the werewolves of Ossory display their pious nature and prove that the notion of a virtuous werewolf was not uncommon. Through analyses of Bisclavret and the Topographica Hibernica, the virtuous nature of werewolves and their role as a social metaphor will challenge visitors to rethink the monstrous reputation of werewolves.