How did the idea of having to use a silver bullet to kill a werewolf get started?

[raccoon]

Why wouldn't regular bullets do the job?

[dawg]

1. Duh

'Cause they're not silver. That's why!

Actually, I think it has something to do with the ancient connection some people made between silver and the moon. Werewolves are controlled by the full moon, so silver, which is associated with the moon, would obviously affect them as well.

[baldguy]

2. I think the "silver bullet" thing is all Hollywood.

And is it a coincidence that the Lone Ranger used silver bullets? Were vampires that big of a problem in the Old West?

[HopeHoops]

3. The Lone Ranger was drunk and bragging about shooting one. Tonto was sober...

...and quietly just let everyone know it was only a coyote.

[tonekat]

6. "Kemo Sabe off meds again, pay no mind!" N/T

[RandomThoughts]

4. Silver is redemption. n/t

[CBGLuthier]

5. Curt Siodmak writer of The Wolfman

Made up a lot of the "lore."

[Rabrrrrrr]

7. The synmbol for silver is Ag. "Ag" begins agriculture. Agriculture happens outside.

Agriculture grows when the sun shines. Werewolves come out at night under full moons.

That's why it's silver.

And it's bullets because a bullet is a sort of elliptoid shape. The guy who did a lot of work with ellipses was Euclid, who was Greek. Greeks wear hats. Werewolves DON'T wear hats.

That's why it's bullets.

[Ikonoklast]

8. I want some of whatever it is you're smoking.

It must be some awesome.

[Fire Walk With Me]

9. The Silver Lobby, or Silver PAC.