THE SCENE: Ovid recounts one of the first recorded incidents of human-wolf transformation. When the Greek King Lycaon attempted to trick Jupiter into eating human flesh, the God furiously transformed his shape.
THE TEXT: In vain he attempted to speak; from that very instant his jaws were bespluttered with foam, and only he thirsted for blood, as he raged amongst flocks and panted for slaughter. His vesture was changed into hair, his limbs became crooked; a wolf, — he retains yet large trace of his ancient expression, hoary he is as afore, his countenance rabid, his eyes glitter savagery still, the picture of fury.
– The Metamorphoses, Ovid, 1st Century AD
