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Eva Gordon | Why I Write Werewolves
September 16, 2009
My blog is about why my fantasy and paranormal novels center on wolves as main
characters, or spirit guides. In my debut fantasy novel, Mystic Stone of the Tenth
Realm, my hero is a Scottish werewolf, an alpha of his own pack( to be
re-released soon). My current series is an epic lycan series, The Wolf Maiden
Chronicles. Book 1, Werewolf
Sanctuary released May 2009 followed by Beast Warrior (August
2009), which takes place during the Viking era. White Wolf of
Avalon:
Werewolf Knight (Fall 2009) will be forthcoming. My totem guide is the raven
but my heart guide is the wolf. I also do presentations on wolf and werewolf
lore. I’m not alone in my love of the wolf. Numerous authors are following the
call of the wild. Why is the wolf a common archetype in many myths and stories, even today?
Nothing sends a chill down your spine more that hearing a wolf’s howl in the
night. While at a wolf sanctuary, I spent the night in a trailer on the grounds
and was privileged to hear night after night of thirty wolves in their nightly
serenade. No sound is more awesome.  Yet in the past the wolf had a more sinister reputation.
During the development
of agriculture and domestication of livestock people settled down and pushed out
old hunting deities. Wolves were vilified as part of pagan beliefs and turned
the wolf into Satan’s ally. Fear of the wolf once ruled Europe. Wolves were
hunted and exterminated. Legends of werewolves were rampant. Little Red Riding
Hood and the story of Bisclaveret brought fear to the hearts of many. Many
accused of being werewolves were tortured and or burned at the stake.
Today there is more of a movement to save the wolf and what
was once considered
a savage killer is now becoming a spirit guide for folks who need a strong
archetype and for environmentalist who see the wolf as a "spokes creature" for
nature. So why is the admiration and fear of the wolf so universal? My own
explanation is that the wolf’s biogeography, high intelligence; and social
interaction helped them enter into the mythos and literature.
The wolf is ubiquitous, found throughout most of the world from the icy Tundra
in the Northern Hemisphere to the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula. Even in
countries where the wolf is not found such as Australia, there are canines that
serve as a wolf proxy such as the dingo. Here in our modern homes and cities our
pet dogs are constant reminders of our "wolfen" companion. We after all, created
the dog from the ancestral wolf, as our most loyal companion.  Wolves display common social and intelligent behavior similar
to our own. They
both play and have a strict social status, just as some of our cultures have.
They communicate with their kind, much the same way we do, both vocally and in
non-verbal ways. We have kings and presidents, they have the alpha pair. Humans
low in status such as slaves and peasants certainly were low on the pecking
order or in a wolf pack the omega. Wolves also mate for life, which endears them
to people who long to have a long and loving relationship with a mate. How
romantic! What impressed me the most about the wolf sanctuary was the
relationship between two wolves, Beasly and Barksalot. Beasily a white wolf had
been rescued from a cruel man who gouged his eyes out, leaving the wolf blind
and helpless. He was brought to the sanctuary and became friends with another
rescued wolf, Barksalot, who literally became his "guide dog". Beasly grabbed
on to Barksalot’s tail and would be lead around. Barksalot would also bark to
communicate with Beasly. Barking is unusual for wolves. Beasly was unusual in
that he was the only blind alpha known. He passed away last year and soon after
his two other companions joined him. These similarities to human behaviors let
us see the good and bad in us in them.
We long to emulate their hunting prowess. Wolves use team strategy and their
powerful carnassials to bring down a much larger prey. Imagine a hero that can
do damage without a weapon.
The wolf is universally regarded as creatures of prophesy and omens, and have
connections between the worlds of the living and the dead. The wolf is
affiliated worldwide with magic, medicine, healing and transformation. In
Native American culture the wolf is an important archetype. They had great
respect for the wolf and often offered prayers before a hunt to the wolf spirit.
Wolf spirit was also powerful medicine for shamans who traveled to the world of
the dead. In the New World, there never was an attempt to eradicate the wolf
from their land by the indigenous people. In Europe just as in the New World,
myths and stories about wolves are universal. Early Europeans Respected the Wolf
as Protector and Teacher. From the Steppes of Asia Minor to the British Isles
the Wolf was mighty totemic protector. Hecate, an Ancient Greek deity was
worshipped as a goddess with three wolf heads. Rome was founded by Romulus and
Remus who were fed by the she-wolf, Alcala. Ancient Celts respected the wolf as a totem and often as a spirit guide. In
Ireland, King Cormac was nursed by a she-wolf. In the Viking world to be a
member of the Wolf Clan, Ulfhednar was the greatest honour. Viking warriors
believed that if they died a heroic death they would be turned into magnificent
wolves. Vikings also believed wolves chasing and devouring the sun and moon
caused eclipses. Two wolves accompanied Odin, ruler of the Norse Gods. He
created the wolves Freki (Hungry One) and Geri (Greedy One) as loyal
companions. Today the wolf is once again a positive force in literature and as an important
part of the predator/prey relationship that keeps nature in balance. And those
hot one mate werewolf lovers make us long for the coming full moon. Because I writes paranormal romance with werewolves I
will be giving away a copy of The Girl’s Guide to Werewolves: All you
need to know about the original untamed Bad Boys By
Barb Karg today. It’s a fun guide to all things werewolf
for the reader who enjoys werewolf novels and movies. Leave a comment for a
chance to win.
Comments
38 comments posted.
Re: Eva Gordon | Why I Write Werewolves
I can't wait for the event. Hope my computer continues working, been having problems. I love Werewolves!!
(Denise Tobar 9:51pm September 13, 2009)
Hi Eva,
I enjoyed your post here today about Wolves. Very interesting. I also have a love for any stories about wolves and shifters.I look forward to reading your Viking Werewolf and Beast Warrior. Thank you.
Carol Luciano
[email protected]
(Carol Luciano 1:17pm September 14, 2009)
Hi Eva,
I found this post about wolves very interesting. I have read your Werewolf Sanctuary and have ordered Beast Warrior. Thanks.
Alicia Coleman
[email protected]
(Alicia Coleman 11:52pm September 14, 2009)
I just finished a Werewolf novel of my own, a bit of romance in it. The main focus was the on the people who became wolves, and the people who had to hunt them, rather than the werewolves themselves.
(Marc Vun Kannon 12:40pm September 15, 2009)
Very interesting post. I am fascinated by the wolf, love their howl, but do not think I could stay in the woods at night:) Went to your website and found it very interesting.
Wolves need to be protected..
(Judy Cox 2:36pm September 15, 2009)
I love werewolf books got done reading seven of the wolf tale books By Kate Douglas a few days a go and now I'm reading a few books by Karen Whiddon right now Whit werewolfs in them the one I'm in right now is her third book called Dance of the Wolf.I think its the third .I only just learnd about your books But I'm deffently going to get your books as soon as I can Thay look Good.
[email protected]
(Stacey Smith 4:36am September 16, 2009)
What a lot of wonderful information about a creature that is both loved and abhorred. They really are beautiful and interesting animals.
(Joanne Reynolds 6:24am September 16, 2009)
I love wolves in fact I have a couple of wolf tattoos I think wolves are so interesting. My favorite paranormal books are about werewolves. I haven't read your books yet but they sound so good.
(Sherry Strode 10:18am September 16, 2009)
Howlo all! Love hearing from all my fellow werewolf loving pack. Speaking of tattoos, all my wolf maidens have the mark of the wolf on their left hip.
(Eva Gordon 11:18am September 16, 2009)
Eva -
Very cute greeting I love it.
No tattoos here but wolves and werewolves are very intriguing.:)
(Shellie Nunn 12:24pm September 16, 2009)
My daughter is starting to get into paranormal subjects. Will show her the above when she gets home from school. Thanks
(Susan Kramer 12:29pm September 16, 2009)
As an alpha female, I would love to win this book. I have loved werewolves since Quentin in Dark Shadows.
(Vikki Parman 12:52pm September 16, 2009)
Can't wait to read the book, my favorite paranormal books are about werewolves
(Laura Miller 1:29pm September 16, 2009)
What a interesting blog. Thank you for sharing. Count me in for the contest, the guide sounds like something fun to read.
(Theresa Buckholtz 1:33pm September 16, 2009)
Actually, I have been glad to find some paranormal stories that involve something besides vampire. Werewolves fit that bill!
(Carol Gowett 1:52pm September 16, 2009)
LOVE Paranomal novels with WEREWOLVES, collect all I can find my TBR pile is about 50 books high and keeps growing with all I keep finding. You done a lot of research on these wolves some facts I didn't even know. I know that I be adding you to my list fo authors that I must by books from. Love when there is a FULL MOON.
(Jeanette Bowman 1:53pm September 16, 2009)
Thanks for the history about weres. I love reading about them and look forward to reading your books.
(Erica Paczesny 2:08pm September 16, 2009)
I learned so much from reading your post. It gave me a renewed respect for those beautiful animals. Your books will be a great read. Thank you.
(Rosemary Krejsa 2:31pm September 16, 2009)
Werewolves are fun!!
Thanks!
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 3:00pm September 16, 2009)
I love books about werewolves. I can't wait to read your book.
Thanks,
Tracey
(Tracey Dent 3:10pm September 16, 2009)
What an interesting post. I didn't know there was so much more to the wolf. Thank you for that information. I would love to read your book. A Scottish shapeshifter story is my kind of book.
(Armenia Fox 3:32pm September 16, 2009)
There is something absolutely fascinating about werewolves. I certainly appreciated all the information about wolves. I think that all creatures have a place on our world - in reality & fiction.
(Mary Preston 4:47pm September 16, 2009)
Eva loved your post today about wolves/werewolves. I too like one of your other fans got hooked on the paranormal while watching "Dark Shadows" at 13 and my town never allowed ownership of wolves within it's boundaries I had dogs. I was the alpha leader both growing up and after I got married. My spaniels Would stand at my side and growl baring teeth if anyone raised their voice to me and follow me EVERYWHERE even the bathroom! And I swear my last two spaniels spoke not barking or howling but English slurred like Scoobie Doo and I understood them. I now understand my kinship to them after your tale about wolves.
(Susan Lathen 5:00pm September 16, 2009)
I enjoy reading about werewolves, just finished Kissing Sin by Keri Arthur!
(Teresa Warner 5:11pm September 16, 2009)
When I was a little girl, maybe 4 or 5, my entire family, my mom, uncle, grandma and grandpa, was watching a werewolf movie and everyone but me fell asleep. I watched the entire movie, basically by myself, and was afraid to go to the bathroom by myself for at least a week! Better story, I got to go to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone for the first time last September. I was lucky enough to get to witness a pack of gorgeous wolves having dinner. The alpha male was solid black and utterly beautiful! His pack were all the gray, black, white wolves, but he was solid black. They took my breath away!
(Kelli Jo Calvert 5:41pm September 16, 2009)
Fascinating! I love wolves and werewolves. One of my favorite movies is the original Wolfman in black and white. My family and I went to a wolf howl in a sanctuary and my daughter then 3 was able to get the wolves to howl with her.
(Heather Hardy 6:06pm September 16, 2009)
I really enjoyed your post! I love werewolves and shapeshifters. I need to check out your books, they sound awesome.
(Denise Tobar 6:10pm September 16, 2009)
Wolves and werewolves have been around for a long time and both are amazing creatures, whether real or imagined.
(Deidre Durance 7:53pm September 16, 2009)
I like shapeshifters. In fact, we stayed at Forks Washington. A real Twilight experience!
fork
(Karin Tillotson 8:01pm September 16, 2009)
I love werewolves.Shapeshifting/romance for me started when I watched LadyHawk the movie early one morning many years ago and I was hooked since.Your books are wonderful.They are as unique as the wolves themselves.I agree that the howl of the wolves at night is a sound like no other.Thanks for writing these awesome books.
(Debra McDonald 9:23pm September 16, 2009)
It all sounds so interesting! I'd love to become familiar with your books!
(MaryAnne Banks 9:34pm September 16, 2009)
I love werewolves, shifters and paranormal books. Good luck with your book
(Diane Sadler 10:53pm September 16, 2009)
Thanks for af ascinating post about wolves. I learned quite a bit.
(Cherie Japp 11:16pm September 16, 2009)
This contest is terrific and your books
sound terrific! I'll admit, I never was
much of a werewolf fan until recently--
Kelley Armstrong steered me right! Now
I enjoy reading about werewolves!
(Kimberly Bea 11:29pm September 16, 2009)
What an interesting lesson on wolves
and werewolves.
Unfortunately, the wolf is still
misunderstood and under attack. Our
environment needs the predators to
remain healthy.
(Patricia Barraclough 12:00pm September 17, 2009)
I love paranormal books. Keep them coming!!!
(Tammy Garcia 10:28pm September 19, 2009)
Congratulations Carol L.
Fresh Fiction selected you as the winner of the Girl's Guide to Werewolves.
(Eva Gordon 1:20pm September 20, 2009)
Wolves & dogs; my favorites. Speaking as an alpha female,you definitely expand one of my favorite subjects, without drenching it in sugar coating. Your titles have been added to my Must Read stack. Thank you for the informative article.
(Susan Driskill 12:10pm October 27, 2009)
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