The werewolf is a favorite creature of horror fans around the world. It lurks through our half-remembered nightmares. The werewolf combines both intelligence and bestiality by being a creature of three forms. The first form is a man. The second a wolf with above average intelligence. And the third, a half wolf half man. This change is thought to be brought on by the full moon, but it can be triggered by a specific herb, called wolf's bane, when it is in bloom. In many cases, while the werewolf is in human form, it has no memory of what it does during its bestial escapades.
In days of old, these creatures killed without remorse. Due to the lack of memory, they often left those who suffered with no way to avenge their loved ones. In those days, few realized that werewolves could be cured of their affliction. Many people, especially those related to the victims of a werewolf attack, did not care. Many people only wanted the beast gone. Their lust for the beast's death would sometimes mean that they accepted what they believed to be the beast's head, whether it be human or canine. Mostly what they received was an innocent wolf's head. Many people and wolves died senselessly after a reported werewolf attack.
Fear and loathing were completely understandable. However, in today's climate, if someone were to be afflicted with the "turn furry once a month" syndrome, people would push for the cure to be found. There is a cure, but sometimes the cure does not work. To prevent the worst from happening it may become necessary to destroy the werewolf in question.
The question then becomes, "how can one destroy a werewolf?"
The Silver Bullet
Probably the best-known method of killing the beast is the silver bullet. Popular fiction states that any silver bullet will do the job. That is not actually true. If the bullet has already been shaped from silver, it will require the blessing of a priest to be affective. However, if you do not want to get a priests blessing, you can always get a silver cross that has been inside a church for some time. However, if you take the cross without permission, it will lose its divinity. Without divinity, it will not do more than punch a hole in the werewolf's chest.
Silver Mercury
This method has recently been brought to attention through a movie series. It is guaranteed to be used more often in movies as well. However, it is unknown if silver mercury can do the job. The problem with silver mercury is the fact that it would need to be contained in a bullet form until impact. This can be a substantial problem. If the casing is too thin, it will melt on the way out of the barrel. If the casing is too thick, then the silver mercury will not enter the system on contact.
Decapitation
It is assumed that like any other unnatural creature, decapitation should solve the problem. It is best if you can use a silver blade, or a blade that has been coated in silver. If you are a really good aim with a machine gun, or sub machine gun, you could probably take the head off in a spray of bullets. However, the likelihood of the head coming completely off before regeneration starts is very small.
Removal of the Heart
Like the head, the heart is a necessary component of the body. Without it, the body will cease to function. The werewolf is no exception to this rule. However, being able to take the heart out is a problem because you will either need to do it surgically or be an amazing aim with the appropriate gun. This is one of the least likely to be used ways to destroy the werewolf.
Fire
If the werewolf can be knocked unconscious long enough for the flames to consume its body, then it will definitely be dead. Fire has long been known as a purifier of evil. However, the chances of success with burning a werewolf are next to nil. It would most likely awaken before flames could completely obliterate it. Even if you tied the beast up, it would probably be able to snap through just about any restraints. This option is possible: with use of accelerant and proper restraints, but unlikely.
Silver Knife and other objects
If you can shove it hard enough to penetrate the hide, muscle, and ribs, and sink into the heart, you are good to go. Unfortunately, that is seriously unlikely. However, if you can get a hold of a crossbow or regular hunting bow, you have a possible modifiable weapon. You should also be able to coat any arrows in silver before launching them from the bows. A harpoon is also likely, especially coated in silver. With a harpoon, if you can get extremely lucky, you can cause the beast to be pinned to a wall long enough to take a second shot, or decapitate it.
Herbs
They may not kill a werewolf but used properly, they can help force the creature to hesitate long enough for you to do some real damage. Wolf's Bane, also known as monkshood, is probably the best werewolf deterrent that there is. It is reported to have been created when Hercules lead Cerberus out of Hades during one of his twelve labors. Cerberus drooled on the weeds nearest him. The drool watered the plants and thus created what is now known as Monkshood or Wolf's Bane.
Rye, Mistletoe, and Mountain ash are also great deterrents when combating the werewolf. Mountain Ash is not technically a herb, but a tree. If you decide to use a bow and arrow, it would probably be best to make them out of Mountain Ash. Especially the arrows.
In Conclusion
It is recommended that you try to cure the werewolf before destroying it. The reason being that there is a person in that wolf form. They could have a family, friends... Or may be integral to society. Few people ever become werewolves by choice and even fewer remember the deeds that they perform while in their bestial form. Or it could be that they themselves are screaming for help but unable to defend themselves or the people that they are harming.
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