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{{disambig-more|Wolves|[[Wolf (disambiguation)]]}}
{{disambig-more|Wolves|[[Wolf (disambiguation)]]}}
[[File:Quinton Hoover - Orc-mounts.jpg|thumb|''Orc-mounts'' by [[Quinton Hoover]]]]
[[File:Quinton Hoover - Orc-mounts.jpg|thumb|[[Quinton Hoover]] - ''Orc-mounts'']]
'''Wolves''' were of old allied with the [[Dark Lord]];<ref>{{S|20}}</ref> [[Morgoth]] bred the two greatest of their kind, [[Draugluin]] and [[Carcharoth]], and [[Sauron]] was wont to take the form of a great Wolf. The lesser kinds were sometimes used as steeds by the [[Orcs]].


'''Wolf''' is also used as a short form of '''[[Werewolf]]'''.
'''Wolves''' were animals that could be found within [[Middle-earth]] during all three ages.


==Names==
== History ==
=== First age ===
Wolves were of old allied with the [[Dark Lord]],<ref name= "Fifth">{{S|Fifth}}</ref> and were often used as steeds by the [[Orcs]].<ref name= "Beren">{{S|Beren}}</ref> Wolves, or creatures in wolf-shapes, first came to [[Beleriand]] over mountain passes or through dark forests alongside other fell creatures during [[Morgoth|Melkor's]] third age of captivity.<ref>{{S|Sindar}}</ref>


In [[Quenya]], one of the words for "wolf" is ''ñarmo'' or ''[[narmo]]''. Cognates of the same meaning are [[Doriathrin]] ''[[garm]]'', and [[Noldorin]] ''[[garaf]]''. (A "wolf-howl" is ''[[naule]]'' in Quenya, and ''[[gaul]]'' in Noldorin.)<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 377 (roots [[ÑGAR(A)M|ÑGAR(A)M-]] and [[ÑGAW|ÑGAW-]])</ref>
During [[Fingolfin|Fingolfin's]] suicidal duel with [[Morgoth]], his body was broken and cast to great wolves of [[Angband]], only for [[Thorondor]] to take the body away for burial.<ref name= "Fingolfin">{{S|Fingolfin}}</ref> [[Rochallor]] stayed with Fingolfin until his death. Yet when he was assailed by the great wolves, the great steed escaped an immediate death by outrunning them due to his swiftness only to die when his heart broke upon coming to [[Hithlum]].<ref>{{GA|157}}</ref>


Another Quenya word for "wolf" is ''[[ráka]]''. Cognates, also meaning "wolf", are [[Noldorin|Exilic Noldorin]] ''[[draug]]'' and Doriathrin ''[[drôg]]''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 354 (root [[DÁRAK|DÁRAK-]])</ref>
When [[Sauron]] took over the isle of [[Tol Sirion]], he built a watch-tower upon it and renamed the isle to [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]], and becoming the ''"Lord of [[Werewolves]]"''.<ref name= "Fingolfin"/> These werewolves of Angband were bred from the great wolf [[Draugluin]]. Of which, [[Carcharoth]] was said to be the greatest of those descended from him.<ref name= "Beren"/>


In [[Noldorin|Gnomish]], one of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s early conceptions of an [[Elvish|Elven]] language, "wolf" is ''harog'' or ''harw''; "a she-wolf" is ''harach''.<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 48</ref>
When [[Gorlim]] was deceived into betraying [[Barahir]], he heard wolf howls when the deception was unmasked and Sauron revealed himself.<ref name= "Beren"/>


==Inspiration==
When Sauron had sent many wolves into the [[Talath Dirnen]], [[Celegorm]] and [[Curufin]] took their [[Hounds|wolf-hounds]], of whom [[Huan]] was their chief, and hunted the wolves down. It was said that Huan would meet his end upon encountering the [[Carcharoth|greatest wolf]] to walk upon [[Arda]].<ref name= "Beren"/>
 
When Huan and [[Lúthien]] assailed Sauron's watch-tower, they were met with an army of wolves which Sauron sent to attack them on the bridge one by one before sending [[Draugluin]] himself, only for him to be also be killed by Huan. After his death, [[Sauron]] decided to take on the form of the [[Wolf-Sauron|mightiest wolf]] in order to fulfill the prophecy of Huan's death, but failed and yielded [[Tol-in-Gaurhoth]].<ref name= "Beren"/>
 
Wolves were among the creatures that fought for Morgoth during the [[Nirnaeth Arnoediad]], after which, they moved freely alongside Orcs into [[Beleriand]] as far southwards as [[Nan-tathren]] and [[Ossiriand]].<ref name= "Fifth"/>
 
Wolves were among the Orcs that were holding [[Túrin]] captive. Four of these Wolf-sentinels were shot by the [[Elves|Elf]], [[Beleg]], to free his friend.<ref>{{CH|9}}</ref>
 
Wolves were among the forces that Morgoth used to assail the city of [[Gondolin]].<ref>{{S|Gondolin}}</ref>
 
=== Third age ===
During the [[Watchful Peace]], [[Aragorn I]] ruled as the fifth [[Chieftain of the Dúnedain]] for only eight years before his life was cut short in {{TA|2327}}, when he was killed by wild wolves in [[Eriador]].<ref>{{App|Eriador}}</ref>
 
After [[Gandalf]] had escaped [[Isengard]], [[Saruman]] sent out wolves and orcs in pursuit.<ref>{{UT|Other}}</ref>
 
On [[13 January]] of {{TA|3019}} the [[Fellowship of the Ring]] camped at [[Hollin]] and were attacked by wolves.<ref>{{App|Great}}</ref> The next morning no remains of Wolves were found around.
 
== Other names ==
'''Wolf''' is also used as a short form of '''[[Werewolves|Werewolf]]'''.
 
In [[Quenya]], one of the words for "wolf" is ''ñarmo'' or ''narmo''. Cognates of the same meaning are [[Doriathrin]] ''garm'', and [[Noldorin]] ''garaf''. (A "wolf-howl" is ''naule'' in Quenya, and ''gaul'' in Noldorin.)<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 377 (roots [[ÑGAR(A)M|ÑGAR(A)M-]] and [[ÑGAW|ÑGAW-]])</ref>
 
Another Quenya word for "wolf" is ''ráka''. Cognates, also meaning "wolf", are [[Noldorin|Exilic Noldorin]] ''draug'' and Doriathrin ''drôg''.<ref>{{LR|Etymologies}}, p. 354 (root [[DÁRAK|DÁRAK-]])</ref>
 
In [[Gnomish]], one of [[J.R.R. Tolkien|Tolkien]]'s early conceptions of an [[Elvish|Elven]] language, "wolf" is ''harog'' or ''harw''; "a she-wolf" is ''harach'';<ref>{{PE|11}}, p. 48</ref> [[Qenya]] has ''ulku'' "wolf".<ref>{{PE|16}}, p. 85</ref>
 
== Other versions of the legendarium ==
In [[The Book of Lost Tales Part One]], the discarded [[Valar]] siblings, [[Makar]] and [[Meássë]], hunted wolves and [[Bears]] within the black mountains.<ref>{{LT1|III}}</ref>
 
In [[The Book of Lost Tales Part Two]], it was said that poisonous snake dwelled where wolves roamed.<ref>{{LT2|I}}</ref>
 
== Inspiration ==
* Possibly wolves on the plains outside [[Bloemfontein]].
* Possibly wolves on the plains outside [[Bloemfontein]].
{{quote|Only a few hundred yards beyond the houses [in Bloemfontein] was the open veldt where '''wolves, wild dogs''', and jackals roamed and menaced the flocks, and where after dark a post-rider might be attacked by a marauding lion.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]}}
{{quote|Only a few hundred yards beyond the houses [in Bloemfontein] was the open veldt where '''wolves, wild dogs''', and jackals roamed and menaced the flocks, and where after dark a post-rider might be attacked by a marauding lion.|[[J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography]]}}  
 
There are, however, no wolf species native to Southern Africa.


==Portrayal in adaptations ==  
== Portrayal in adaptations ==  
'''2002: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (video game)|The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring]]'''''
:[[Lobelia Sackville-Baggins]] believes that wolves are in the Shire, and demands that [[Frodo Baggins]] alert the local [[Shirriff]], [[Robin Smallburrow]] about it by ringing Bywater's town bell. Robin initially dismisses Lobelia and Frodo's warning, but this changes when he is attacked by a white wolf the following night, and Frodo must save him. More wolves are encountered outside Bywater, then in the [[Old Forest]], the [[Barrow-downs]], and the streets of [[Bree]].


'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
'''2007: ''[[The Lord of the Rings Online]]'':'''
:Wolves are found in nearly every corner of Middle-earth. They are a popular mount of goblins, especially in Moria and Mirkwood.  
:Wolves are found in nearly every region of Middle-earth. The term specifically applies to the standard variety, which are most often found wild, occasionally tamed by [[ruffians|brigands]], but never ridden. [[Wargs]] have their own distinct classification and appearances, and are the creatures used as mounts by [[Orcs|Orcs and Goblins]].
==See also==
 
*[[:Category:Images of wolves|Images of wolves]]
'''2022: ''[[The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power]]'':'''
{{references}}
:In the [[A Shadow of the Past|first episode]] of the first season, wolf-tracks are spotted by [[Dilly Brandyfoot]], causing [[Elanor Brandyfoot]] to spot a wolf atop a hill and then order the [[Harfoots|Harfoot]] children back to the community's current dwelling place. In the [[Adar (episode)|third episode]], it is revealed during [[Sadoc Burrows|Sadoc Burrows's]] speech of remembrance that one Harfoot, [[Daffodil Burrows]], was killed and taken by wolves during a previous migration.
{{wolves}}
 
== See also ==
* [[:Category:Images of wolves|Images of wolves]]
 
{{References}}
 
{{Wolves}}


[[Category:Wolves]]
[[Category:Wolves]]
[[Category:Characters in The Hobbit]]
[[Category:Servants of Melkor]]
 
[[Category:Servants of Sauron]]
[[Category:Servants of Saruman]]
[[de:Wölfe]]
[[de:Wölfe]]
[[fi:Sudet]]

Latest revision as of 13:39, 1 February 2024

The name Wolves refers to more than one character, item or concept. For a list of other meanings, see Wolf (disambiguation).
Quinton Hoover - Orc-mounts

Wolves were animals that could be found within Middle-earth during all three ages.

History[edit | edit source]

First age[edit | edit source]

Wolves were of old allied with the Dark Lord,[1] and were often used as steeds by the Orcs.[2] Wolves, or creatures in wolf-shapes, first came to Beleriand over mountain passes or through dark forests alongside other fell creatures during Melkor's third age of captivity.[3]

During Fingolfin's suicidal duel with Morgoth, his body was broken and cast to great wolves of Angband, only for Thorondor to take the body away for burial.[4] Rochallor stayed with Fingolfin until his death. Yet when he was assailed by the great wolves, the great steed escaped an immediate death by outrunning them due to his swiftness only to die when his heart broke upon coming to Hithlum.[5]

When Sauron took over the isle of Tol Sirion, he built a watch-tower upon it and renamed the isle to Tol-in-Gaurhoth, and becoming the "Lord of Werewolves".[4] These werewolves of Angband were bred from the great wolf Draugluin. Of which, Carcharoth was said to be the greatest of those descended from him.[2]

When Gorlim was deceived into betraying Barahir, he heard wolf howls when the deception was unmasked and Sauron revealed himself.[2]

When Sauron had sent many wolves into the Talath Dirnen, Celegorm and Curufin took their wolf-hounds, of whom Huan was their chief, and hunted the wolves down. It was said that Huan would meet his end upon encountering the greatest wolf to walk upon Arda.[2]

When Huan and Lúthien assailed Sauron's watch-tower, they were met with an army of wolves which Sauron sent to attack them on the bridge one by one before sending Draugluin himself, only for him to be also be killed by Huan. After his death, Sauron decided to take on the form of the mightiest wolf in order to fulfill the prophecy of Huan's death, but failed and yielded Tol-in-Gaurhoth.[2]

Wolves were among the creatures that fought for Morgoth during the Nirnaeth Arnoediad, after which, they moved freely alongside Orcs into Beleriand as far southwards as Nan-tathren and Ossiriand.[1]

Wolves were among the Orcs that were holding Túrin captive. Four of these Wolf-sentinels were shot by the Elf, Beleg, to free his friend.[6]

Wolves were among the forces that Morgoth used to assail the city of Gondolin.[7]

Third age[edit | edit source]

During the Watchful Peace, Aragorn I ruled as the fifth Chieftain of the Dúnedain for only eight years before his life was cut short in T.A. 2327, when he was killed by wild wolves in Eriador.[8]

After Gandalf had escaped Isengard, Saruman sent out wolves and orcs in pursuit.[9]

On 13 January of T.A. 3019 the Fellowship of the Ring camped at Hollin and were attacked by wolves.[10] The next morning no remains of Wolves were found around.

Other names[edit | edit source]

Wolf is also used as a short form of Werewolf.

In Quenya, one of the words for "wolf" is ñarmo or narmo. Cognates of the same meaning are Doriathrin garm, and Noldorin garaf. (A "wolf-howl" is naule in Quenya, and gaul in Noldorin.)[11]

Another Quenya word for "wolf" is ráka. Cognates, also meaning "wolf", are Exilic Noldorin draug and Doriathrin drôg.[12]

In Gnomish, one of Tolkien's early conceptions of an Elven language, "wolf" is harog or harw; "a she-wolf" is harach;[13] Qenya has ulku "wolf".[14]

Other versions of the legendarium[edit | edit source]

In The Book of Lost Tales Part One, the discarded Valar siblings, Makar and Meássë, hunted wolves and Bears within the black mountains.[15]

In The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, it was said that poisonous snake dwelled where wolves roamed.[16]

Inspiration[edit | edit source]

"Only a few hundred yards beyond the houses [in Bloemfontein] was the open veldt where wolves, wild dogs, and jackals roamed and menaced the flocks, and where after dark a post-rider might be attacked by a marauding lion."
― J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography

There are, however, no wolf species native to Southern Africa.

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

2002: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Lobelia Sackville-Baggins believes that wolves are in the Shire, and demands that Frodo Baggins alert the local Shirriff, Robin Smallburrow about it by ringing Bywater's town bell. Robin initially dismisses Lobelia and Frodo's warning, but this changes when he is attacked by a white wolf the following night, and Frodo must save him. More wolves are encountered outside Bywater, then in the Old Forest, the Barrow-downs, and the streets of Bree.

2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:

Wolves are found in nearly every region of Middle-earth. The term specifically applies to the standard variety, which are most often found wild, occasionally tamed by brigands, but never ridden. Wargs have their own distinct classification and appearances, and are the creatures used as mounts by Orcs and Goblins.

2022: The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power:

In the first episode of the first season, wolf-tracks are spotted by Dilly Brandyfoot, causing Elanor Brandyfoot to spot a wolf atop a hill and then order the Harfoot children back to the community's current dwelling place. In the third episode, it is revealed during Sadoc Burrows's speech of remembrance that one Harfoot, Daffodil Burrows, was killed and taken by wolves during a previous migration.

See also[edit | edit source]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad"
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beren and Lúthien"
  3. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Sindar"
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of the Ruin of Beleriand and the Fall of Fingolfin"
  5. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The War of the Jewels, "The Grey Annals": §157
  6. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Children of Húrin, "The Death of Beleg"
  7. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Tuor and the Fall of Gondolin"
  8. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix A, "The Númenorean Kings", "Eriador, Arnor, and the Heirs of Isildur"
  9. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Unfinished Tales, "The Hunt for the Ring", "(ii) Other Versions of the Story"
  10. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, Appendix B, "The Great Years"
  11. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", p. 377 (roots ÑGAR(A)M- and ÑGAW-)
  12. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies", p. 354 (root DÁRAK-)
  13. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "I-Lam na-Ngoldathon: The Grammar and Lexicon of the Gnomish Tongue", in Parma Eldalamberon XI (edited by Christopher Gilson, Arden R. Smith, and Patrick H. Wynne), p. 48
  14. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Early Elvish Poetry and Pre-Fëanorian Alphabets", in Parma Eldalamberon XVI (edited by Christopher Gilson, Arden R. Smith, Patrick H. Wynne, Carl F. Hostetter and Bill Welden), p. 85
  15. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part One, "III. The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor"
  16. ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Book of Lost Tales Part Two, "I. The Tale of Tinúviel"


Wolves
Individuals: Carcharoth · Draugluin · Hound of Sauron · (Wolf-Sauron)
Races: Wargs · Werewolves · White Wolves
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