Jean Grenier Child Werewolf

Since recorded history tales of unusual occurrences have been reported.  People practicing witchcraft became capable of changing their physical shapes. These abnormalities created stories of werewolves, vampires, or other unholy creatures. Over time these stories further evolved from ethnic superstitions, cultural misunderstandings, and/or religious misinterpretations. Nevertheless, several tales have been proven authentic and true. The life and times of Jean Grenier is one valid story.

Originating amid the French countryside Grenier’s story unfolds.  In fact, in 1603, French officials convicted Jean Grenier for being a werewolf.  Jean’s life was filled with abuse and mistreatment by his family. Abandoned and alone, Grenier wonders the French farmlands trying to sustain himself.  One afternoon, Jean was discovered trying to abduct a small child.  French police questioned and arrested Jean. While being interviewed, Grenier admitted being a werewolf. He also confessed to killing and cannibalizing more than fourteen children.

Grenier claimed he was transformed into a werewolf by the “lord of the forest.”  He revealed the forest lord was a large black imposing inhuman figure.  Grenier said the lord commanded him to disrobe and apply a strange paste onto his skin. His skin was draped by a wolf’s hide. Suddenly, Jean’s body distorted and he became a werewolf!

Once transformed, Grenier he started targeting area children. He searched throughout the countryside until he identified a vulnerable unattended victim. Then he crouched within the forest’s shadows attacking and killing his victims by biting their necks.  He carried his prey to remote locations and consumed their entrails.  In fact, Grenier confessed and provided detailed information about fourteen or more victims. French officials confirmed the disappearances of children in corresponding locations.

Jean Grenier’s trial could be likened to modern court cases.  Grenier’s defensive suggested family mistreatment, environmental pressures, and cultural ignorance led Jean to kill. Furthermore, an inquest committee noted that Jean was merely a feral child due to his limited intelligence, physical developmental delays, and cultural incompetence.  Grenier’s appearance included excessive hair, clawed fingernails, strange skin discoloration, and a slumped waistline. The judges ruled “He (Grenier) is incapable of rational thought because of a disorganized brain.”  The court sentenced the then fourteen year old Grenier to life imprisonment at a nearby cloister. Grenier died about seven years after his confinement.Grenier’s unusual physical appearance may have been accredited to an enzyme or metabolism disorder known as Porphyria.  Porphyria sufferers are often delusional, have strange skin discoloration, and frequently extremely sensitive to light.  Moreover, an iron deficiency or Pica (a desire to eat odd things such as dirt, hair or skin) could account for Jean desire consume flesh and blood. Lastly, a condition known as Lycanthropy afflicts patient with the belief they have the ability to transform into a wolf or dog.  Or perhaps, Jean Grenier was truly a werewolf!