How did the legend of werewolves begin?

Question

How did the legend of werewolves begin?

Answer 1

someone got bitten by a dog and got the rabies virus

Answer 2

http://www.mythicalrealm.com/legends/wer...

Answer 3

Here is a genetic disorder that might of helped.

The main reason though were cases of rabies found in people and the unusual behavior that followed.

There were also stories of people living with wolves.

Answer 4

It is one of the oldest of legends that can be found as far back and written history.  Shape-shifters  They can be found in nearly every culture.  

A King served passing Gods human flesh in one of the many dished prepared because he didn't believe they were true Gods.  When they discovered that it was human flesh, they were angry and turned the King into a werewolf assuming that the wolf aspect he would become was more akin to eating human flesh than a man.  

I also recall a story of a princess who was found missing her hand the morning after a gardner in her court chopped off the paw of a beast that was a wolf that walked as a human.  

Answer 5

It originates in Greece, actually. I forget the details, but that's where it started.