Although both the Lycans and Werewolves have several similarities, such as both having a wolf-like appearance and the ability to transform a wolf-like creature from the human form, there do exist various dissimilarities between the two.

Yes, these are two different creatures, with each having its distinct powers, abilities, and weaknesses.

However, due to their wolf-like appearance, many people have confused them and assume they are the same.

For this very reason, let's dig deeper to bring out these differences in a transparent way.

Key Differences Between Lycans and Werewolves

While werewolves usually transform from their human form into the wolf-like creature only during the full moon night, the transformation of a Lycan isn't limited to a particular condition, i.e., the conversion can occur at any given time.

Besides, a Lycan change is voluntary, whether initiated by emotions or wanting to shapeshift voluntarily.

Their appearance differs in various ways.

In comparison, a Lycan resembles a humanoid wolf, while in its wolf form, a werewolf resembles an ordinary wolf, only that it may be much more extensive and robust.

Both the werewolf and Lycan possess supernatural powers in speed, agility, power, regenerative abilities, ability to coordinate, and exceptional tracking abilities.

Their physical strength is almost the same.

However, Lycans are considered to be more muscular and more intelligent than their counterparts werewolves.

An amazing fact about these two creatures is that lycans are believed to be very religious creatures, while werewolves are considerably associated with witchcraft and magic powers.

How They Can Die & Be Killed

Killing a Lycan is more complicated since you must completely sever their spines or decapitate them, i.e., separate their head from the spine; otherwise, it will heal from any form of minor injury.

Besides, Lycans are not easily killed by Silver, unlike Werewolves that will instantly die from an attack or injury using a Silver weapon. However, in lycans, wounds caused by a Silver weapon might take a considerably longer time to heal but not necessarily kill them. 

A person must shoot or stab a werewolf in the heart or head using a silver weapon to prevent it from biting; otherwise, the person transforms into a werewolf if it succeeds in biting.

Killing a Lycan isn't that easy. You must decapitate or sever its spine from the rest of the body. Silver weapons won't kill a lycan by a minor injury. In contrast, a shot or a cut in the head or heart using Silver weapons will cause instant direct death.

Powers & Abilities

Powers and abilities of a Lycan:

• A gigantic wolf that stands on its legs

• Transformation can happen at any time

• Voluntary transformation.

• Silver can only cause weakness but not necessarily causing death.

Powers and abilities of a werewolf:

• A typical wolf that will stand on its two legs

• Involuntary transformation

• A shot in the head with a silver weapon will result in instant death.

• Shifts only happen during the full moon night.

Which One Is Better? (Stronger & Intelligent)

Physically, lycans are more muscular and challenging to murder. Besides, lycans are believed to be quicker than werewolves.

After transformation, a Lycan appearance is more of a giant wolf with gigantic claws. A werewolf appearance is more of a wolf having a human posture after shifting.

Lycans are believed to be more intelligent than werewolves. Although both a lycan and a werewolf are physically strong, Lycan is more muscular than a werewolf.

Transformation

The werewolf transformation can only happen on the full moon day, and the change is usually involuntary, i.e., the werewolf cannot prevent it from occurring.

In lycans, shapeshifting to a wolf-like creature can happen at any place and time. The transformation is usually voluntary, especially after emotional distress.

A werewolf will only shapeshift during a full moon night, and it can't prevent this transformation from happening, i.e., the conversion is involuntary. Lycan can voluntarily shapeshift at any given time or place.

In modern reference, Lycanthropy is considered to be a form of mental illness.

How Long Does The Transformation Take?

When a werewolf bites a person, the bitten person transforms into another werewolf.

It is believed that this transformation can be harrowing and accompanied by several bodily changes such as the bones lengthening, changing the body shape and sometimes the skin may rupture mainly due to the hairy growth.' The transformation process may take several minutes.

Similarly, when a Lycan bites a healthy person, the person experiences severe pain as the body transforms.

However, the transformation process takes a few minutes, and a new Lycan is born, which can retain its human form even after transformation. 

Their Evolution

Both Werewolves and Lycans are mythological characters in fiction and films.

While werewolves are typical humans who have transformed into humanoid wolves, Lycans are themselves humanoid wolves with the ability to shapeshift to a wolf-like beast.

The use of Werewolves in folklores is first seen in English folklore. "Werewolf" is a derivative word from an Old English term wer' which means "man" and "Wulf," meaning a wolf. A werewolf is, therefore, a half-man, half-wolf creature.

"Lycan" is a derivative word from the term "lycanthropy," which is delivered from the Greek term meaning a mentally ill person.

A person who has this mental illness believes that they have transformed into a wolf-like animal to mimic animal behaviors.

While werewolf mythologies originate from ancient English folklore, Lycan has their origins in Greek legendaries.

According to ancient English folklore, a werewolf is described as a man who could transform from their human form into a wolf-like beast at night to bite corpses, humans, or even animals.

During the day, they would shapeshift to their human form.

The term Lycan is first seen in Greek folklore. In contrast, the term werewolf has its origins in ancient English folklores, especially after the Spanish army's invasion.

According to old Greek folklore, a Lycan is described as an insane, naked man who ran across the streets biting anyone he met with his/her bare teeth. 

Werewolves originated in English folklore, are ordinary human beings who a werewolf has bitten to transform into a humanoid wolf. In contrast, lycans are by nature humanoid wolves.