Human by Night, Beast by Day: The Werewolf Archetype in Latvian Culture

Alberton, Ieva (2025) Human by Night, Beast by Day: The Werewolf Archetype in Latvian Culture. In: 7th European Dramatherapy Conference / 2nd International Conference “Human & Nature in Dramatherapy”, 2-3 May 2005, Riga, Latvia.

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Abstract

This cultural and therapeutic exploration of Vilkatis—the Latvian werewolf—examines its significance through the lenses of folklore, literature, and history. The archetype embodies themes of shapeshifting, duality, and transformation, reflecting both individual and collective 'shadow' aspects. Drawing on dainas (traditional folk songs), classical Latvian texts, and historical sources, the study also engages with Giorgio Agamben's concepts of 'homo sacer' and the 'state of exception', framing the werewolf as a liminal figure at the margins of law and society. The paper further considers how Vilkatis may be integrated into Dramatherapy as a symbolic tool for identity exploration, intergenerational healing, and personal empowerment.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	werewolf, shadow, shapeshifting, duality, transformation, dramatherapy
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BL Religion C Auxiliary Sciences of History > C Auxiliary sciences of history (General) G Geography. Anthropology > GN Anthropology G Geography. Anthropology > GR Folklore
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ID Code:	554
Deposited By:	Mrs Ieva Alberton
Deposited On:	06 May 2025 11:33
Last Modified:	06 May 2025 12:01

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