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Despite its compact size, Luxembourg has its fair share of fables, folktales, myths and legends, from a mermaid and a wild woman to a wolfman and an underwater bogeyman.
In this series of articles, Chronicle.lu will be delving into some of these tales and their lasting impact in Luxembourg.
Next up is the Bettembourg Werewolf.
Like elsewhere, there are tales of werewolves in Luxembourg. Such a creature was believed to have prowled the hills of Bettembourg long ago. A young local man reportedly went off to war, leaving his poor old parents behind to be cared for by fellow villagers. His parents eventually died, unaware of his fate.
One day, an old, disabled soldier suddenly appeared in Bettembourg. He recounted his story but appeared possessed after spotting a stone crucifix. He destroyed the holy symbol before he himself vanished. Shortly after, an aggressive wolf started to attack the town each night. As suggested by a monk, only a blessed silver bullet could put the wolf down. However, instead of the wolf's corpse, the villagers found that of the soldier who had abandoned his parents years earlier.
According to the legend, the selfish soldier still has not found peace, and a howling creature continues to roam the hills of Bettembourg...
