Loups Garou

(LOOGA-roo)

Variation: Lupo Mannaro (Italian)

The Cajun folklore of Louisiana, United States, tells of a vampiric sorcerer who has the ability to shape-shift into a werewolf called a loups garou (see LIVING VAMPIRE). He rubs a salve over his body, which transforms him and gives him the ability to control bats. He uses the bats to lift him up and carry him through the air, depositing him on the roof of a house. From there he climbs down the chimney and bites the neck of a sleeping person, draining him of his blood.

The loups garou is impervious to gunshots, as BULLETs pass right through him. However, he can be killed. Place a sifter over the chimney, as he will be compelled to count the holes. As he does so, sneak up behind him and pour SALT on his tail—the loups garou will instantly catch on fire. As soon as he does, he will step out of his skin and run away. He is also terrified of frogs. If someone throws a frog at him, the loups garou will flee in terror.

Source: Métraux, Voodoo in Haiti, 58, 75, 89, 117; Phillpotts, Loup-Garou!, 20; Summers, The Werewolf, 94