The Truth is Online
Subject: Lycanthropes
Episode: Shapes (1X18), "Severed" (Topps Comic issue #41)
Episode synopsises:
Shapes: Mulder and Scully go to
an Indian Reservation to investigate a death of an native American killed
by a rancher, Jim Parker, who
thought he was shooting an animal. Mulder believes there is a connection
between this case and the very first X-File. The Parker is killed. The
dead Native american's sister is the prime suspect, but the attack looks
like some kind of animal. It is discovered that the rancher's son, Lyle,
contracted the curse when attacked by the creature shot by his father.
Mulder arrives in time to save Scully and kill Lyle Parker as the wolf
creature.
Severed: Mulder and Scully are asked
for thier assistance in Lawrence Kansas, when the police find thier serial
murder suspect who was just killed 
belived
he was a werewolf. Anumber of victems are discovered with bite marks not
matching the original suspect. One of the suspects is shot by police,
but heals at an extroadanry rate. In the hospital he tells the agents he
has the curse. He tells them he doesn't believe he can turn into an animal,
but can change selective parts of himslef so they have animal characteristics.
He was attempting to go after the perosn who passed the curse to him. He
says his curse will be lifted if that person is killed. He tells the agents
where the person can be found. With police back up the agents arrive at
the trailer park home of the suspect. While Mulder is checking the trailer
he is attacked by an animal. Scully rushes in and shoot is with an shotgun,
and the animal changes to a woman and dies. At the hospital, thier suspect
feels the relief of the curse being lifted.
The Truth: Lycanthropes
(people who can change into an animal) come from the folklore of many corners
of the globe. Some people were killed because they were found guilty of
being a werewolf (the most common form of lycanthrope), however the evidence
that anyone really could change into an animal is rather scant. Lycanthropy
(also known as lycomania) is a psycological condition where the patient
believes they can actually change into an animal. Hyperlycosis is a medical
condition where there is excess body hair. This may be the origin of some
of the werewolf or wolf man reports.
Internet Resources:
The
Eternal Sanctuary,
The
Werewolf Page,
"Shapes"
official fox page