Introduction/ Background Ever since I first saw Stephanie Meyers series, Twilight, I have been infatuated with the

idea of vampires and shape-shifters. I have always loved learning about different Native American tribes, being that my grandfather is Cherokee, and I found it interesting how the Quileute tribe in the series originated from wolves and were even shape-shifters that turned into werewolves when in the presence of danger or when enraged. I wanted to do some more research on the whole concept to get a better understanding of it and to find out if that was really a myth amongst that tribe. I knew that a lot of times writers altered legends and myths to fit in with their storyline so I wanted to investigate first of all to see if the Quileute were a real Native American tribe and secondly to see if this was really the legend that they had in their culture. Is this really a Quileute myth? Did they really believe that they originated from wolves? Do they really believe they can shape-shift? Who or what created this legend? The way that the werewolves were portrayed in this series stood out to me as well. Growing up, werewolves were always depicted as a vicious animal that wreaked havoc and needed to be feared. They changed during full moons and attacked innocent people. However in Twilight, the werewolves were protectors and defended the people. They didnt shape-shift whenever there was a full moon but rather more upon their choosing, their shape-shifting to an extent was in their control. They shape-shifted whenever they were angry, felt that they were in danger, or when they needed to protect someone they love. In the last movie of the series, Bella, one of the vampires, even entrusts her young daughter in the care of Jacob, a werewolf in the Quileute tribe, while she goes off to fight the Volturi. I decided to look in to how the werewolf has been view across cultures and how the way theyve been viewed has evolved over the course of time.

Commented [RW1]: good, strong introduction. I like that you are really interested in your topic. Commented [RW2R1]:

Commented [RW3]: Instead of coming in saying another thing try to think of a different way to break in, because you ended your first paragraph asking questions. It sounds as if you already did a paragraph of explanation rather than a introduction paragraph. You could possible swap these two sentences.

Commented [RW4]: I enjoyed how you were able to pickup on and compare the different ways werewolves are viewed from childhood to the movie.

Literature Review Before we can trace the evolution of the werewolf across cultures and through time, we must first know and understand the terms used by some specific cultures when involving wolves. The first term is shape-shifter, also known as skin-walker to certain cultures. Although shape-shifters and skin walkers are not the exact same thing, they often get confused for each other and are used interchangeably. Moonlight explains how Native American tribes believe that man can transform into a wolf through shape-shifting. The Navajo tribe is most common for this belief although the term that they use is skin-walker. The tribe believes that skin-walkers appearances are different from those who are not skin-walkers. The Hopi tribe believes that shape-shifting can be brought on by ceremonies (Moonlight 2009). In the Navajo and Hopi tribe, skin-walker myths about humans becoming animals are most common. These said skin-walkers are not werewolves however, but witches. The Navajo believe that skin-walkers can read minds and imitate others voices to lure people to them. The only way to get rid of a skin-walker is to pronounce their whole name from behind them, and three days later they will die from the wrong they have committed (Neilson 2000). In many Native American cultures and religions, a shapeshifter is a witch that can change its appearance and take on animal characteristics. Almost all cultures have their own shape-shifter story, but the most common story is the werewolf. Other places such as Africa, India, and Egypt have their own shape-shifters as well. All Native American tribes have their own version of a shape-shifting story but they all have the same root of a witch transforming into an animal. In the Navajo tribe skin-walkers use mind control to make humans harm or even kill themselves (Kelleher 2014). Stypczynski in, Evolution of the Werewolf Archetype from Ovid to J.K. Rowling, speaks on how the fascination with shapeshifting has really evolved over the years. This concept has crossed many cultures throughout

history. It has been featured in many pieces such as books, plays, and movies (Stypczynski 2008). Next you must understand exactly what a werewolf is in different cultures. A werewolf is a person who transforms into a wolf. It is a mythical creature and usually changes during a full moon. The Navajo and Hopi tribes have myths that are common to werewolves, the skinwalkers, but these skin-walkers are believed to be witches instead of wolves (Neilson 2000). The archetype of shape-shifter has evolved into a werewolf over the years (Stypczynski 2008). Werewolves have been at the forefront of peoples minds as something to fear when encountered. However from the past to now the fear of werewolves has begun to die down (Regal 2010). Werewolves are uncommon in Native American tribes and the idea of werewolves differs from the idea of shape-shifting in Native American legends. The European belief of a werewolf is a man shape-shifting into a human killing beast howling at a full moon. Werewolves are extremely unlikely in Native American tribes but arent altogether nonexistent (Neilson 2000). Although the werewolf may be seen as a myth or a theme for a scary movie, shapeshifting and skin-walkers are real to the Navajo tribe (Kelleher 2014). Another term used when tracing the evolution of the werewolf is totem. A totem is an animal or person who is believed to have a spiritual power. The wolf is seen as a totem in Native American tribes. The wolf is believed by Native Americans to be the spirit of protection (Moonlight 2009). Wolves, to these native tribes, are seen as a way to find ones inner self. The image of a wolf howling at the moon represents this inner knowing. Along with being a totem tribes also believe that the wolf is their ancestor. Wolves in this generation are misunderstood and how they are viewed has changed. Media and stories misrepresent them. They portray them as horrible, dangerous creatures. The wolf in the Native American culture represents night. Night is the time in which you are alone and dream, and can really find yourself. Native tribes believe that the wolf teaches strength and
Commented [RW6]: I like the way that you defined what a totem is, and explained in the way the native american tribes look at. Commented [RW5]: Good detail on the Native tribes and their belief of shape-shifters. What made you pick these 2 tribes? Why don't other tribes fully believe in this concept?

teaches you how to face your fears. Wolves need sincerity. Wolves are very intelligent, have excellent hearing, and express themselves through body language. They arent the dangerous creatures that the media tries to portray them as. A wolfs medicine is death and rebirth. They face death with dignity and courage (Woolcott 2014). For Native Americans, totems are an identification. A tribe will contain qualities that correspond with the totem that they have. The Shaman tribe use the wolf to travel the dead and living world. They believe that it helps them heal the sick and gain spiritual information. Native Americans have great respect for wolves and try to imitate their hunting skills. They use wolf packs to teach their children about sticking together and mating. Some tribe s believe that the wolf is a spirit which has the power to help the tribe as they deserve it. Wolf dances and ceremonies are performed to call the wolf spirit upon the tribe (Neilson 2000). We must also know a little background about a specific tribe which sparked my interest in this research as well and that is the Quileute tribe. The Quileute tribe lives in Washington State on the reserve of La Push. There are only about 750 tribal members left today. The Quileute tribe wasnt well known until Stephanie Meyers, Twilight Series, brought acknowledgement to them. However the Quileute tribe doesnt hold the shape-shifting power that the series assigns to them, their connection to wolves is similar. The tribe believes that the wolves are their ancestors. According to their myths they came from wolves not transform from them whenever they wish. Quileute legends have characters that a lot of other cultures have (Quileute legends 2014). Although the Quileute tribe does not have shape-shifters they do believe that they originated from wolves. According to their myth, Qwati was walking through Quileute land and saw that there were no people so he found two wolves and turn them into the Quileute people (A-Cit 2010). Entering the Conversation

Werewolves have played a role in entertainment since man has been entertaining. Theyve played a part in legends, myths, folklore, plays, shows, movies, books, etc. I think that it is safe to say that they have been covered in every area of entertainment, even down to Michael Jacksons famous music video, Thriller. Though societys infatuation with werewolves has not changed, the way that it views werewolves has. Cultures all over the world have their own view point of what a werewolf is and how it interacts with others. Every culture as its own feelings about how valuable and important werewolves are. Most cultures view the werewolf as a terribly dangerous creature, which is the most common way that they are portrayed. However Native Americans have their own viewpoint on wolves and werewolves dating back centuries. This paper traces the evolution of werewolf mythology and their cultural significance within society. More specifically we will explore how Native American lore influences our present notion of werewolves. This whole idea of man transforming into a beast has been featured in pieces from Shakespeare to J.K. Rowling (Stypczynski). The archetype of shape-shifting has evolved into the infamous werewolf over time. Werewolves have shown themselves to be the highlight of many stories, legends, and myths all throughout history. The wolf is as a totem in many Native American Cultures. Native American and Celtic cultures see the wolf as a way to find the deepest level of ones self (Wolf, Power Animal, Symbol of Wildness, Social and Family Values). In todays society, the image of a wolf howling at the moon is interpreted as a man transforming into werewolf and becoming something to fear but in the Native American and Celtic culture, this represents an inner knowing and understanding of ones self.
Commented [RW7]: The continued juxtaposition throughout the the paper is an ideally secure way to write. Easily showing the differences of time and societal changes of acceptance.

Native Americans hold a great respect for wolves. They try to learn and imitate the hunting skills that wolves have and the use wolf packs to teach their children how to mate and be one with others within the tribe, sticking together, and both the mother and father raising the child (Werewolf Beliefs among Native Tribes of North America). The idea of the wolf mating once for life is respected by Native Americans. These cultures actually see the wolf for what it is rather than how it is portrayed in media. Wolves are intelligent, gentle animals that express themselves through body language. They are strong and courageous. Wolves teach the Native Americans to face their fears. In Ina Woolcotts, Wolf, Power Animal, Symbol of Wildness, Social and Family Values she talks about the wolfs medicine which is death and rebirth. Wolves face death with dignity and courage and teach the Native Americans to do the same (Wolf, Power Animal, Symbol of Wildness, Social and Family Values). On top of seeing the wolf for these physical, visible attributes, some Native Americans see it on a spiritual level. In Many Native American cultures the wolf is seen as a spirit of protection. Other tribes believe that the wolf is a spirit with powers that will assist them as they deserve it (Werewolf Beliefs among Native Tribes of North America). For Native Americans, totems are an identification. Tribes contain qualities that correspond with the totem that they have. The wolf is used by the Shamans to travel the dead and living world. They believe that it helps them heal the sick and gain spiritual information. Wolf dances and ceremonies are used to call upon the wolf spirit to bless them when they go hunting (Werewolf Beliefs among Native Tribes of North America). The Quileute tribe even goes as far as to believe that they originated from wolves. There are only about 750 members left in the Quileute tribe (Quileute Legends). The tribe resides in Washington on the reserve of La Push, which was featured in the Twilight series. Although in Twilight the Quileute tribe is full of shape-shifters, the Quileute dont believe that they are

shape-shifters, they believe that their ancestors were wolves. The Quileute believe that they originated 10,000 years ago, back during a time when animals could talk (The Real Quileute Tribe Legend). Legend has it that Qwati was walking through Quileute land and saw that there were no people. He found two wolves so he said that they would be the first people and transformed them into humans (Quileute Legends, Myths, and Folklore). So, although they believe that their ancestors transformed from wolves, they dont believe that they can shape-shift into them. Learning this, I felt that it was wrong for media to take cultures legends and change them to fit the theme that they are trying to create. It may seem harmless but in reality it is falsely publicizing someones history, misrepresenting what they believe, and drawing attention to something that isnt all together true. La Push has gained many more tourist since the Twilight series. People are excited to come see Jacob and his shape-shifting tribe (Quileute Legends). However when they get there that is not what they are going to find. Although the Quileute dont believe in shape-shifting other Native American tribes do. The most common Native American tribe that believes in this transformation is the Navajo tribe (Native American Werewolves | Werewolves). The Navajo believe in skin-walkers. Skin-walker is another term for shape-shifter which is a man who transforms into an animal and takes on the characteristics of that animal. The Navajo also use the Native American word yeenadlooshi which means, He walks on all fours. Navajos believe that skin-walkers appearance is different than non-walkers. They are believed to have glowing eyes, their tongues are black that represent the poison in their souls, and their skin is so hard that it cant be punctured by axe or arrows. The Navajo believe that skin-walkers have the ability to read minds and mimic the cries of loved ones so that they can lure them closer. The Hopi tribe also believes in shape-shifters. They believe that shape-shifting can be brought on by shape-shifting ceremonies where the person wears the skins

of the animal they want to become (Native American Werewolves | Werewolves). The Navajo and Hopi myths about skin-walkers are probably the closest thing to the werewolf stories in society today. The only way to get rid of a skin-walker is to say their whole name behind their back and then within three days they will die from the wrong that they committed (Werewolf Beliefs among Native Tribes of North America). Now skin-walkers are not necessarily a werewolf. In other Native American legends and religions, skin-walkers are witches who can alter their shape into whatever animal they wish and take on its characteristics. Almost all cultures have their own shape-shifting myth. Indians have were-tigers, Egyptians have were-hyenas, and African have were-jackals and were-leopards. However they all of these myths have the same root of a human able to transform into animals. But of all the shape-shifting legends the most common and well known legend is the werewolf (Skinwalkers - What Are They?) So What? The idea of wolves and werewolves have been at the front of peoples minds as something g to fear (Where Have All The Werewolves Gone?). Wolves today are misunderstood and portrayed as the opposite of what they truly are. They are presented in the media as dangerous, hateful animals, but in reality they are friendly and loving. They have great qualities and characteristics. Story tellers have just twisted the history of the wolf throughout myths to make for a juicy story to intrigue the people of this generation who live for fear. So before you just believe whatever you see in the media, do a little of your own research. You may be surprised and intrigued by what you find.
Commented [RW9]: I like the way that you ended the paper. It left a little suspense and makes me want to do some research as well. Commented [RW8]: You talk about how wolves are wrongly portrayed. Put your opinion in here about why you think wolves aren't vicious like they are stereotyped.