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