Werewolves are RPG Magical Girls

From u/SophiaKai at r/WhiteWorlfRPG

They have a transformation sequence. When they transform they get much stronger. They fight evil in the world. They have to balance the parts of their lives between their more mundane “human” lives and the more mystical parts of themselves. They’re magical girls.

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“Create a 1000 word essay about how werewolves are in fact magical girls”

Werewolves are in fact Magical Girls

The concept of werewolves as magical girls presents a fascinating juxtaposition between two seemingly disparate archetypes: the monstrous, often cursed figure of the werewolf and the bright, hopeful image of the magical girl. While werewolves are traditionally associated with horror and uncontrollable rage, magical girls represent purity, empowerment, and the struggle for justice. However, when we examine the underlying themes of transformation, identity, and the harnessing of inner power, a compelling case emerges that these two figures are more alike than they initially appear. In fact, one could argue that werewolves are a darker, more complex iteration of the magical girl archetype.

Transformation as a Core Element

At the heart of both the werewolf and magical girl archetypes is the concept of transformation. For magical girls, transformation is a defining feature; it is the moment when an ordinary girl, often depicted as shy, clumsy, or unsure of herself, transforms into a powerful heroine. This transformation is usually accompanied by a visually spectacular sequence that emphasizes the shift from mundane to magical, symbolizing the girl’s inner strength and the unlocking of her potential. The transformation not only grants her new abilities but also often a new costume, weapon, and even a change in demeanor, signifying her readiness to face the challenges ahead.

Werewolves, too, undergo a dramatic transformation, but theirs is typically portrayed as a curse. The full moon triggers a painful metamorphosis from human to beast, highlighting the loss of control and the unleashing of primal instincts. Unlike magical girls, who usually have control over when and how they transform, werewolves are often depicted as being at the mercy of their condition, with the transformation representing a struggle between their human side and their inner beast.

However, this distinction can be blurred. What if the werewolf’s transformation was not purely a curse, but also an opportunity for empowerment? In many narratives, werewolves who learn to control their transformations become powerful figures, much like magical girls who grow into their roles as heroines. This mastery over transformation could be seen as analogous to the magical girl’s journey of self-discovery and acceptance of her dual nature. In this light, the werewolf’s transformation becomes less about losing control and more about harnessing their inner power, a central theme in magical girl narratives.

The Duality of Identity

Both werewolves and magical girls grapple with dual identities. The magical girl must balance her everyday life with her responsibilities as a heroine, often keeping her magical identity a secret from friends and family. This duality creates tension and conflict, as the magical girl must navigate the challenges of adolescence while also facing supernatural threats. The struggle to maintain both identities is a common theme, with the magical girl’s ordinary life often serving as a grounding force, reminding her of the reasons she fights and the values she holds dear.

Werewolves, similarly, live between two worlds: the human and the beast. This duality is often portrayed as a curse, with the werewolf struggling to reconcile their human identity with the monstrous creature they become. The tension between these two identities can lead to internal conflict, as the werewolf may fear losing their humanity or harming those they love. However, just as the magical girl learns to embrace her dual identity, the werewolf can also come to terms with their dual nature, accepting both the human and the beast as integral parts of who they are.

In some interpretations, the werewolf’s beastly side can be seen as a source of strength, much like the magical girl’s powers. The werewolf’s enhanced senses, strength, and agility could be reframed as gifts rather than curses, allowing them to protect others and fight against evil. This reframing aligns the werewolf more closely with the magical girl, who also uses her powers to protect and serve, often at great personal cost.

The Use of Powers for a Greater Good

Magical girls are often portrayed as protectors, using their powers to fight against evil forces and protect the innocent. Their battles are typically symbolic of larger themes, such as the fight against darkness, chaos, or despair. Despite the challenges they face, magical girls are driven by a strong sense of justice and compassion, qualities that define their heroism. Their powers, while magical in nature, are rooted in their emotional and moral strengths, making them relatable and aspirational figures.

Werewolves, in contrast, are frequently depicted as tragic figures, struggling to control their powers and often causing harm unintentionally. However, this narrative can be subverted. If we view the werewolf’s abilities not as a curse but as a tool that can be mastered and directed, we begin to see parallels with the magical girl. A werewolf who learns to control their transformations and harness their abilities could use them for a greater good, much like a magical girl. They could protect their community from threats, both supernatural and mundane, using their powers to fight against the darkness within and without.

This shift in perspective allows for a more nuanced portrayal of werewolves, where their powers are not inherently evil or destructive but are instead a manifestation of their inner strength. Just as magical girls draw power from their emotions and beliefs, werewolves could be depicted as drawing strength from their inner resolve and determination to protect those they care about. This alignment with the magical girl archetype emphasizes the idea that power, in any form, can be a force for good if used with intention and care.

Self-Discovery and Acceptance

A key theme in many magical girl narratives is the journey of self-discovery. As the magical girl grows into her powers, she often learns important lessons about herself, her values, and her place in the world. This journey is not always easy, and the magical girl may face doubts, fears, and setbacks along the way. However, through perseverance and the support of friends and allies, she ultimately comes to accept and embrace her role as a heroine, understanding that her powers are a part of who she is.

Werewolves, too, often embark on a journey of self-discovery. Initially, they may view their condition as a curse, something to be feared or suppressed. However, over time, they may come to understand that their wolf side is not something to be ashamed of but rather a part of their identity that can be embraced and integrated. This process of acceptance mirrors the magical girl’s journey, where the werewolf learns to balance their human and beastly sides, finding strength in their dual nature.

In both cases, the journey of self-discovery is marked by challenges and growth. The magical girl must learn to wield her powers responsibly, just as the werewolf must learn to control their transformations. Both figures ultimately come to accept themselves fully, understanding that their powers—whether magical or beastly—are an intrinsic part of who they are and can be used to make a positive impact on the world.

Conclusion

While werewolves and magical girls may seem like polar opposites at first glance, a deeper exploration of their shared themes reveals a surprising alignment. Both archetypes revolve around transformation, dual identity, and the struggle to control and harness inner power. By reimagining the werewolf’s curse as a form of magical transformation and embracing the idea that their powers can be used for good, we can see that werewolves are, in many ways, magical girls of a darker, more complex variety. This perspective not only enriches our understanding of both archetypes but also offers new possibilities for storytelling, where the line between monster and hero is not so easily drawn.