How do the motifs of werewolves in different cultural folklores reflect societal fears and taboos?

Werewolves, or lycanthropes, appear in folklore from various regions across the world, each bringing a unique cultural context and interpretation. In European folklore, werewolves are often associated with medieval fears of the unknown and social ostracization, while in Native American legends, they may represent a deep connection with the natural world and spiritual transformation. In modern interpretations, psychological theories often present werewolves as metaphors for repressed urges and primal fears. By examining the portrayal of werewolves across global folklore, we can uncover insights into the societal fears and taboos that those cultures grappled with historically. What does the evolution and persistence of the werewolf legend say about the human condition and our collective consciousness?