This has to be one of my favorites among your many great stories. Your expansion of the region’s existing werewolf lore (which is fascinating in its own right) combined with your almost supernatural ability to authentically convey the character and particularity of a time and place really bring this story to life. I feel like I’m reading a real historical account which, for me, makes this story wonderfully unsettling :-)
Jacquie, thank you so much for this comment. This is so encouraging. And I have a confession. The kernel of this story came about after reading your essay last year on lycanthropy and wild men!
As the nights are drawing in, with Autumn just around the corner, these are the kind of dark fireside tales that I like to be reading
The dank, fog shrouded setting, populated by zealots and superstitious villagers really sets the tone for an interestingly brutal and bloody take on the werewolf mythology
I’m really enjoying your critical essays, Daniel. And this is a very flattering and generous comment. (I’ve come across a few of your encouraging remarks on other people’s stacks as well.) Writers and readers like you make the Substack community a fun place to hang out. 😊
It's never far away is it, even now. Exorcising perceived evil or bad luck by actual or symbolic crucification of an individual or group or family to bear the 'sins' of the 'good' people in a community. (I'm thinking LBGTQ and the Woke boogyman) And Hermann's father knew it was coming. What the community doesn't know is what was left behind...?
This has to be one of my favorites among your many great stories. Your expansion of the region’s existing werewolf lore (which is fascinating in its own right) combined with your almost supernatural ability to authentically convey the character and particularity of a time and place really bring this story to life. I feel like I’m reading a real historical account which, for me, makes this story wonderfully unsettling :-)
Jacquie, thank you so much for this comment. This is so encouraging. And I have a confession. The kernel of this story came about after reading your essay last year on lycanthropy and wild men!
wow, now I'm flattered :-)
Really enjoying this story, Daniel
As the nights are drawing in, with Autumn just around the corner, these are the kind of dark fireside tales that I like to be reading
The dank, fog shrouded setting, populated by zealots and superstitious villagers really sets the tone for an interestingly brutal and bloody take on the werewolf mythology
Looking forward to the next instalment 🐺
I’m really enjoying your critical essays, Daniel. And this is a very flattering and generous comment. (I’ve come across a few of your encouraging remarks on other people’s stacks as well.) Writers and readers like you make the Substack community a fun place to hang out. 😊
Thanks very much Daniel. That’s very kind of you 🙂
And so the journey begins! I have a feeling, Mariahilf is not in the clear and needs more "Hilfe"
😂 Genau!
It's never far away is it, even now. Exorcising perceived evil or bad luck by actual or symbolic crucification of an individual or group or family to bear the 'sins' of the 'good' people in a community. (I'm thinking LBGTQ and the Woke boogyman) And Hermann's father knew it was coming. What the community doesn't know is what was left behind...?
I really appreciate your sympathetic comment, Frank. That was exactly the kind of vibe I was going for.