In werewolf lore, imprinting is a powerful, almost magical bond that forms when a werewolf finds their destined mate. It’s an instant, intense connection that creates a deep sense of loyalty and protectiveness. Once a werewolf imprints, the person they imprint on becomes their top priority, often overriding any previous feelings or relationships. Imprinting is seen as fate bringing two people together, making for a romantic and dramatic element in werewolf stories, especially in romances.
Unique Features
- Immediate Bond
- Emotional Intensity
- Lifelong Commitment
- Instinctual Connection
- Destiny-Driven
What is the Background?
The concept of imprinting — finding a destined or “fated” mate — appears in various folklore and mythologies worldwide, symbolizing intense, soul-deep connections.
For example, in Greek mythology, the story of soulmates traces back to Plato, who described lovers as two halves of a whole, destined to reunite. In Norse mythology, the goddess Freyja symbolizes passionate, unbreakable bonds often seen as destined or fated. Many Native American tales also describe spirit connections or “soul bonds,” believed to bring together individuals preordained to be together. Each of these reflects the imprinting theme found in werewolf romances.
Contemporary Werewolf Romance
In contemporary werewolf romance, imprinting is shown as an instant, intense bond where a werewolf finds their “fated” mate, creating a connection that’s both emotional and physical.
This bond often overpowers any past feelings, making the imprinted person their main focus. Imprinting brings strong feelings of love and protection, which can make the romance extra intense. It also adds drama, especially if one person is unsure or resistant at first, creating tension as they navigate this unexpected, destiny-driven relationship.
Galatea Books about Werewolves
To get unlimited access to all of our stories – purchase your Galatea subscription with a 15% discount.
There are a lot of werewolf stories on Galatea (no surprise), but this selection includes the ones I’ve been reading lately and really loved. Here you go:
The Awakening Series by L.T. Marshall
Summary: This book follows Alora Dennison, who, after being rejected by the Whyte pack, joins the Santo pack to fight vampires. During an important awakening ceremony, she unexpectedly bonds with Colton Santo, the son of the alpha who despises her former pack. While Alpha Juan Santo opposes their union, destiny has tied Alora and Colton together, raising questions about the purpose and mystery behind their bond.
Alpha’s Unwilling Mate by Elle Chipp
Summary: This book follows Emma, the daughter of a beta and head of the kitchens in the Silver Dawn Pack, who has been waiting years to meet her mate. When she finally does, he turns out to be Orion, the ruthless alpha of the Blood Moon Pack, notorious for conquering packs with ease. When Emma tries to reject him, Orion, furious at her defiance, gives her an ultimatum: join his pack as his mate, or he’ll take over Silver Dawn by force.
The Werewolf King Series by Elle Chipp
This is another book by the same author, equally exciting – definitely recommend.
Summary: This book follows Rory, a wedding planner hired for the extravagant wedding of Darius’ little sister. The groom seems like a bad choice, and the bride’s spending is out of control, adding chaos to Rory’s job. To make things more complicated, Darius, the bride’s older brother, suddenly claims Rory as his mate. She’s ready to run from the situation, but fate seems to have different plans for her and Darius.
The Highlands Wolves by Ali Nafe
Imprinting VS Fated Mates
In werewolf lore, imprinting and fated mates are similar concepts but not exactly the same. Fated mates are typically seen as predetermined or destined partners, often with a bond that brings intense loyalty and love. Imprinting, on the other hand, usually refers to a sudden, magical recognition of one’s soulmate, sparking an immediate, unbreakable connection that might also have a protective instinct. Both add intensity to werewolf romances, but imprinting is often more instantaneous, while fated mates can involve a gradual realization of destiny.
| Differences | Imprinting | Fated Mates |
| Timing | Imprinting is instant and happens at first sight | Fated mates might realize their bond more gradually. |
| Intensity | It is an all-encompassing connection. | Fated mates develop a bond that feels natural and steady over time. |
| Recognition vs. Destiny | Imprinting is like “love at first sight.” | Fated mates are connected by destiny before they even meet. |
| Choice | Feels inevitable. | Fated mates can sometimes reject or delay their bond |
| Emotional Depth | Imprinting creates strong feelings immediately, adding drama. | Fated mates experience a full range of emotions before fully accepting their bond. |
Werewolf Imprinting in Movies and Series
Here are a few popular movies and TV series that feature themes of werewolf imprinting or similar “fated” bonds:
- Twilight Saga (film series): The Twilight movies, particularly Breaking Dawn, explore imprinting through characters like Jacob and his connection to Renesmee, highlighting werewolf lore.
- Teen Wolf (TV series): While not directly imprinting, Teen Wolf includes soul-bonded relationships and intense, destiny-driven connections that echo the imprinting concept.
- The Originals (TV series): The Originals dives into supernatural bonds, especially through its werewolf and hybrid characters, blending destiny with romance and loyalty.
- Bitten (TV series): Based on Kelley Armstrong’s novels, Bitten explores intense, fate-like connections within werewolf relationships, touching on loyalty and mate bonds.
- Being Human (TV series): This show features werewolf-human bonds, highlighting the challenges and tensions of supernatural connections in romantic relationships.
In a werewolf romance with the imprinting trope, the connection between the characters happens instantly and is driven by fate. The romance is intense and immediate, with the couple having to figure out their relationship based on a bond they didn’t choose. There’s a lot of emotional depth and tension because of this destined connection.
On the other hand, in a story where werewolves choose their partners, the romance unfolds more slowly, allowing the characters to build their relationship through personal choice, compatibility, and mutual attraction.
