SOURCE: "The Transformation of Lycaen" (Metamorphosis, Book I, Circa 8 AD) by Ovid

DESCRIPTION:

           "The tyrant in a fright, for shelter gains
            The neighb'ring fields, and scours along the plains.
            Howling he fled, and fain he wou'd have spoke;
            But humane voice his brutal tongue forsook.
            About his lips the gather'd foam he churns,
            And, breathing slaughters, still with rage he burns,
            But on the bleating flock his fury turns.
            His mantle, now his hide, with rugged hairs
            Cleaves to his back; a famish'd face he bears;
            His arms descend, his shoulders sink away
            To multiply his legs for chase of prey.
            He grows a wolf, his hoariness remains,
            And the same rage in other members reigns.
            His eyes still sparkle in a narr'wer space:
            His jaws retain the grin, and violence of his face"

PLOT: Lycaen, wanting to impress Zeus, makes for him a lavish feast featuring the forbidden meat, human flesh. Zeus is revolted by this and curses the king to become that animal which his nature is closest to, a wolf.

WEREWOLF FACTS: This story gives us the term "Lycanthropy" for the affliction of being a werewolf, after the name of Lycaen.

INTERESTING FACTS: Metamorphosis by Ovid features numerous transformation into many different animals and creatures.