Are the ancient legends of werewolves true? Or did rulers make up these stories to intimidate their enemies? You will have to decide for yourself.

Either way, the legends are fascinating. Here’s just one of them:

The Principality of Polotsk, one forgotten medieval kingdom that has long since been devoured by Russian borders, was once ruled by a dynasty of sorcerous werewolf princes. The aristocrat, Vseslav Bryachislavich (1039-1101 A.D.) was its most notable sorcerous and lycanthropic leader.

According to legend, this prince was capable of moving at superhuman speeds, as recounted in The Tale of Igor’s Campaign: “Vseslav the prince judged men; as prince, he ruled towns; but at night he prowled in the guise of a wolf. From Kiev, prowling, he reached, before the cocks crew, Tmutorokan. The path of Great Sun, as a wolf, prowling, he crossed. For him in Polotsk they rang for matins early at St. Sophia the bells; but he heard the ringing in Kiev.” (ESOTERX,
If Monsters Don’t Exist, Why Are They Out To Get Me?)

There are many crazy accounts such as this one. How does a modern historian go about verifying them? Generally, we assume them to be fantastical ramblings or political propaganda, but most of the time there isn’t any way to prove them true or false, which increases their mysteriousness.

What if shapeshifters were real? Or are real? These questions inspire many paranormal writers such as myself. Hope you enjoyed this peek into ancient lore!