Werewolves
A werewolf is a form of a shape-shifter, it is a mythological or folkloric human with the ability to shapeshift into a wolf or a therianthropic hybrid wolf-like creature, either purposely or after being placed under a curse (e.g. via a bite or scratch from another werewolf). In most common myths about Werewolves, they shift from their human form to wolf form either voluntarily or involuntary under the influence of a full moon. Some other commonly believed methods include: curses, wearing wolf skin, werewolf bite, devil worshipping, magic ointment, and rituals.
The transformation process in these myths include; the skins pigment changing to become darker, facial and body hair grow,along with nail growth which forms in the shape of claws. And it is believed that this transformation will only last for one night.
Although they can age in their human form they cannot die. This is believed to be because of the constant regeneration of physical tissue. Although they can be injured or harmed the only way to kill them is with a silver weapon (bullet, knife, sword, etc.) to the heart or brain. Meaning they are almost completely immortal.
The transformation process in these myths include; the skins pigment changing to become darker, facial and body hair grow,along with nail growth which forms in the shape of claws. And it is believed that this transformation will only last for one night.
Although they can age in their human form they cannot die. This is believed to be because of the constant regeneration of physical tissue. Although they can be injured or harmed the only way to kill them is with a silver weapon (bullet, knife, sword, etc.) to the heart or brain. Meaning they are almost completely immortal.
Werewolves in Twilight
The Werewolves or Shape-shifters in the Twilight series are descendants of the spirit warriors of the Quileute Tribe. The members include Jacob, Same, Quil, Embry, Paul, Jared, Leah, and Seth. The story told in the tribe is originally the spirits of these warriors could leave their bodies and travel, eventually the powers in which they possessed changed and then they could shift from human form to wolf form. The first transformation or "phasing" is initiated by the scent of the Vampires (the Cullens and their eneimies). After the initial phase, the members can change on will once they learn to control their powers.
The Quileute pack posses special talents which includes; speed, highly developed reflexes, incredible strength, they have telepathic abilities (only in wolf form). They have an incredibly high body temperature, and heightened senses. They also posses the ability to "imprint" on a person who is their "soul mate". Once they imprint on this person they become everything from a lover to a bodyguard and would do anything to keep them safe. Like they myths as long as the members of the pack continue to phase from human to wolf form they do not age and can live forever making them immortal. Although they cannot die they can be injured, like broken bones and cuts, but due to the powers that the shape-shifting gives them they heal extremely fast.
The Quileute pack posses special talents which includes; speed, highly developed reflexes, incredible strength, they have telepathic abilities (only in wolf form). They have an incredibly high body temperature, and heightened senses. They also posses the ability to "imprint" on a person who is their "soul mate". Once they imprint on this person they become everything from a lover to a bodyguard and would do anything to keep them safe. Like they myths as long as the members of the pack continue to phase from human to wolf form they do not age and can live forever making them immortal. Although they cannot die they can be injured, like broken bones and cuts, but due to the powers that the shape-shifting gives them they heal extremely fast.
Although being a werewolf or shape-shifter is at first seen as a curse in the eyes of most of the Quileute pack. They disliked having to hear the thoughts of their pack members, they had difficulty controlling the phasing, the members did not like the concept of imprinting. But they did enjoy the extra strength, the healing abilities and the speed that the shape-shifting gave them, Meyer's also made this form of immortality very appealing.