In response to Malcolm back on Oct. 21, 2001:

Since "Reynard" (however one might adapt or misspell it) was the well known stereotypical name for a fox, it seems unlikely to me that Hughes's informant originated the idea, from whole cloth, that the ballad's protagonist was a supernatural fox, especially since there are no vulpine references in the text.

But if he did, isn't this the way that folklore originates?

Of course, Hughes himself might have concocted the notion, on the same principle. But thanks to Hughes, Lloyd, and others, "Reynardine," now appeals to people partially from this association with lycanthropy, a subject of popular interest, if not belief, since the Wolfman films of the 30s. By adding teeth, Lloyd gave the song a new popularity.