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| Lydia Varadi | |
| Continuity: | Marvel Universe |
| Notability: | Antagonist |
| Type: | Werewolf |
| Gender: | Female |
| Location: | Romania, Transylvania |
| Relatives: | None |
| Status: | Deceased by virtue of time era |
| Died: | Unknown |
| First: | Werewolf by Night #15 |
| Final: | Werewolf by Night #15 |
Lydia Varadi is a fictional werewolf and a minor antagonist featured in comic books published by Marvel Comics. She is associated with the character of werewolf Jack Russell and first appeared in flashback in Werewolf by Night #15 in March, 1974 in a story called "Death of a Monster!"
Biography[]
Lydia Varadi was a young woman who lived in Transylvania, Romania in the latter half of the 18th century. She was also a werewolf. Lydia had been captured and imprisoned by the vampire lord known as Dracula.
A man named Baron Grigory Russoff, seeking vengeance against Dracula for murdering his wife Louisa, came to Castle Dracula during the waning hours of twilight and plunged a wooden stake into his heart. After disposing of Dracula's coffin, he discovered Lydia and freed her. As the two walked away from the castle, the full moon rose high in the sky and Lydia transformed into a werewolf. The Baron tried to back away, but Lydia lunged at him and bit him, transferring the curse of lycanthropy upon him and his bloodline. [1]
Abilities[]
Powers[]
Note: The following list are the general abilities commonly associated with being a werewolf. Not all abilities or vulnerabilities necessarily apply to every character.
- Lycanthropy: Lycanthropy is the condition under which one becomes a werewolf. It is often perceived as a curse and is usually developed through supernatural processes. Some werewolves however, may inherit lycanthropy at birth as a result of genetic lineage. Other origins may include scientific experimentation or mutation. Lycanthropy is usually spread by way of suffering a bite or a scratch from another lycanthrope. As such, affected individual can in turn spread the condition to another through a bite or a scratch. This of course assumes that the person who is bitten or scratched survives the initial encounter.
- Transformation: The most basic sub-application of lycanthropy is the ability to transform, either partially or fully, from a human being into a werewolf. In many cases, this ability is restricted to the nights of the full moon, though some werewolves might possess the ability to change whenever they please.
- Enhanced senses: While in full werewolf form, the lycanthrope may possess increased senses, similar to that of an animal. Some werewolves may possess this ability even when they are not in werewolf form. In some instances, a werewolf's senses may intensify the closer it gets to a full moon.
- Enhanced hearing: A werewolf's sense of hearing is greatly increased, particularly on the nights of the full moon.
- Enhanced smell: A werewolf has an extremely acute sense of smell. They can often track prey by scent, or identify what type of prey is present in their immediate surroundings.
- Accelerated healing: While in full werewolf form, a werewolf can often regenerate lost or damaged tissue.
- Claws: While in full werewolf form, their fingernails and toenails extend into sharpened claws.
- Fangs: A werewolf possesses sharpened canines, ideal for tearing and rending flesh.
- Physical prowess
- Superhuman strength: A werewolf's strength level is usually several times greater than that of the average human being.
- Superhuman durability: A werewolf's ability to resist pain or fatigue is usually several times greater than that of the average human being.
- Superhuman stamina: A werewolf can remain physically active without tiring during nights of the full moon.
- Superhuman reflexes: A werewolf's reflex action is usually several times greater than that of the average human being.
- Superhuman agility: A werewolf's agility level is usually several times greater than that of the average human being.
Weaknesses[]
- Substance vulnerability: Like all werewolves, Lydia Varadi suffers a fatal vulnerability to physical contact with anything made of silver.
Notes & Trivia[]
- The character of Lydia Varadi was created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist Mike Ploog.
- Jack Russell, also known as the "Werewolf by Night" traces his family curse of lycanthropy back to Lydia Varadi.
See also[]
External Links[]
Appearances[]
References[]
- ↑ Werewolf by Night #15 (March, 1974). "Death of a Monster!" Written by Marv Wolfman. Artwork by Mike Ploog and Frank Chiaramonte.