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In the Middle Ages, legends and folk tales full of monstrous creatures were popular. One favorite fearful image was the werewolf, a being that is half-human, half-wolf.
Interestingly, this mythical creature is found in many stories in Ireland, such as the account found in the Topographia Hibernica (Topography of Ireland) by Giraldus Cambrensis (Gerald of Wales).
He tells the story of an Irish priest who encountered a werewolf.
The wolf then proceeds to explain how he is a human, but cursed to assume the form of a wolf every few years.
The reason the werewolf approached the priest was to ask him to give the last rites to a werewolf that was dying.
The priest was hesitant to give the werewolf communion, but eventually submitted to the request.
There are many other stories from Ireland that highlight the presence of werewolves, and reveal a more human side to the typical, terrifying tale.
