Where does the concept originate from that "SILVER" is the true way to conquer a Werewolf?

Question

Where does the concept originate from that "SILVER" is the true way to conquer a Werewolf?

Answer 1

The reason is that because of it's color silver is symbolically associated with the moon (in the same manner that gold is considered to correspond to the sun). The moon is supposed to rule the transformation of the werewolf. The moon is believed to be the ruler of the night and the hidden and suppressed (or even repressed) subconscious realm of dreams where our so called animal or atavistic passions hold sway over our conscious civilized and reasoning waking self.

It was also considered to be "sacred/holy" because it is the whitest of metals and so considered to be the most pure. Most Christian religious medals are still made of silver - and it is the metal deemed most acceptable for Muslim men to wear.

Curiously silver does have some interesting characteristics - it has the highest electrical conductivity of any element and the highest thermal conductivity of any metal. Silver ions and silver compounds show a toxic effect on some bacteria, viruses, algae and fungi, typical for heavy metals like lead or mercury, but without the high toxicity to humans that is normally associated with them. Silver nitrate was used as eye drops for many years to protect newborn infants from eye infections. Silver sulfadiazine is a sulfa derivative topical antibacterial used primarily as a topical burn cream on second- and third-degree burns. The cream is kept applied to the burned skin at all times, for the duration of the healing period or until a graft is applied. It prevents the growth of a wide array of bacteria, as well as yeast, on the damaged skin.

Consequently the curative effects of silver may have been sufficiently impressive as to suggest that it should be considered to be a sort of panacea and therefore a cure of the "disease" of lycanthropy.

Answer 2

http://www.google.com/search?q=why+silve...