Hypertrichosis may have been the culprit for medieval mistreatment to history’s so-called “werewolves.” So, what actually is a werewolf or lycanthropy? Is it a fact based on concrete evidences? Is it a myth, fabrication of feeble minds? Is it an exaggeration of some other things? Such as a person suffering from Hypertrichosis?
During the medieval werewolf trials, several people were accused of being werewolves due to their wolf-like resemblance. Many of these accused “werewolves” were described as having matted hair covering their bodies and faces and short stocky physiques. These people were often put on trial and killed. Their punishments were similar to those of the Salem witch trials (burning at the stake, hanging, stoning, etc.).
Perhaps some of the accused were actually suffering from Hypertrichosis. If so, then that would mean that several people died as a result of man’s inability to deal with the strange or unknown? These people could’ve been the subjects of cruelty, misunderstanding, and superstition during the medieval period. http://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/strange-creatures/werewolf5.htm
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