Mannbjørn
Mannbjørn (man-bear) is a werebear in Norwegian folklore — a human who can transform into a bear. In Norwegian tradition, the bear transformation was more common than the werewolf of continental European folklore. The mannbjørn could transform by putting on a bearskin, by drinking a magical potion, or through a family curse. While in bear form, the person retained human intelligence but gained the bear's strength and ferocity. Vestlandet legends tell of men who became bears to fight enemies, protect their farms, or survive in the wilderness. Some mannbjørn were cursed to transform during the w