"In Tenerife, an image illustrating the first documented case in the world of werewolf syndrome. The photo shows an individual affected by this rare medical condition, characterized by excessive facial and body hair growth."
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The story of a beautiful young woman who falls in love with a man

In Tenerife, the first case of the werewolf

The story of a young woman in love in Tenerife. Renaissance portraits with details of clothing and documents, evoking the era of humanism.

The Real Story of Beauty and the Beast: The Case of Petrus Gonsalvus

According to a widely held theory, the tale of Beauty and the Beast may have partly been inspired by a true story: the life of Petrus Gonsalvus, born in Tenerife in 1537, who suffered from a rare condition called congenital generalized hypertrichosis or werewolf syndrome. This syndrome causes excessive hair growth on the body, including the hands and face.

From Tenerife to the court of France

Long before the famous novel by Gabrielle de Villeneuve, Gonsalvus' story was known at European courts. Born in Tenerife, he arrived in 1547, at about ten years old, at the court of King Henry II of France, sent as a gift. The king took him under his protection and provided him with a distinguished education, unusual for someone whom many saw as a curiosity.

Petrus Gonsalvus and Catherine: an improbable love

Petrus married a young French woman named Catherine, who may have been a lady-in-waiting to Catherine de Medici. According to tradition, it was an arranged marriage, but it lasted a lifetime. They had several children, most of whom inherited hypertrichosis. Portraits of the family, like those preserved in the Ambras Castle in Innsbruck (Austria), traveled through European courts. Petrus died in Italy in 1618.

The story of a young woman in love in Tenerife. Four portraits of werewolves, with baroque details and richness in jewels and clothing.

Werewolf Syndrome: Science and Evolution

Congenital generalized hypertrichosis is an extremely rare genetic disorder. It typically does not cause other serious health problems, but those who suffered from it throughout history have faced rejection or have been exhibited as curiosities. The story of Petrus Gonsalvus shows how the view of science and society regarding this disorder has changed over the centuries.

Conclusion

The life of Petrus Gonsalvus, who may have inspired the tale of Beauty and the Beast, is also a reminder of how acceptance and affection can overcome prejudice. Considered "monsters" in their time, today their story invites us to reflect on rare diseases and on how we treat those who are different. If you want to peek into the island where he was born, take a look at our Tenerife webcams.

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