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It was during the rise of European folklore in the medieval and Renaissance periods that the connection between the werewolf and the full moon began to solidify. In these tales, the full moon was seen as a supernatural force that could awaken the beast within an afflicted person, often linked to pagan beliefs about the moon's mystical powers. The transformation, spurred by the moon's light, was symbolic of nature’s uncontrollable forces, causing the cursed individual to lose their humanity and become a wild predator.

In modern pop culture, the full moon is now almost universally depicted as the catalyst for a werewolf’s change. Movies and literature like The Wolf Man (1941) and Twilight have further popularized this trope. Though some adaptations allow for more flexible transformations, the full moon remains the most iconic trigger.

In summary, while the full moon is not strictly necessary in the oldest versions of werewolf legends, it has evolved to become an essential and recognizable feature of the transformation in modern storytelling.