Werewolves: Difference between revisions

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'''Werewolves''' were servants of [[Morgoth]], bred from [[wolf|wolves]] and inhabited by dreadful spirits (fallen lesser [[Maiar]] or [[fëar]] of [[Orcs]]).  
'''Werewolves''' were servants of [[Morgoth]], bred from [[wolf|wolves]] and inhabited by dreadful spirits (fallen lesser [[Maiar]] or [[fëar]] of [[Orcs]]).  


They were created (or a least corrupted from some other form) by [[Sauron]], who was their master, and who took the shape of a great [[wolf]] himself at least once. The Middle-earth werewolves were not shapeshifters like the Werewolves of European mythology — they were always in the form of beasts. The name ''werewolf'' appears to have been chosen because they were in essence sentient (but evil), and thus had a status beyond that of normal wolves.
They were created (or a least corrupted from some other form) by [[Sauron]], who was their master, and who took the shape of a great [[wolf]] himself at least once. .


The first werewolf was [[Draugluin]], and the greatest werewolf was [[Carcharoth]], the guardian of [[Angband]], a descendant of Draugluin as all other werewolves were. [[Huan]] the Hound of [[Valinor]], while also sentient, was not a werewolf.
The first werewolf was [[Draugluin]], and the greatest was [[Carcharoth]], the guardian of [[Angband]], a descendant of Draugluin as all other werewolves were.


It is probable that the [[Wargs]] of the [[Third Age]] were descended from the werewolves, as these wolves could speak, suggesting they had fëar. Another possibility is that Sauron attempted to recreate the werewolves after his return to Middle-earth, and that the Wargs were the result.
It is probable that the [[Wargs]] of the [[Third Age]] were descended from the werewolves, as these wolves could speak, suggesting they had fëar. Another possibility is that Sauron attempted to recreate the werewolves after his return to Middle-earth, and that the Wargs were the result.
==Etymology==
==Etymology==
The element "were-" is a Germanic term that refers to humans. It suggests a shapeshifting creature of modern-day folktales such as [[Wikipedia:wererat|wererat]].  
The Middle-earth werewolves were not shapeshifters like the Werewolves of European folk culture.
 
The name ''werewolf'' appears to have been chosen because they were in essence sentient (but evil), and thus had a status beyond that of normal wolves. The element "were-" is a Germanic term that refers to humans. It suggests a shapeshifting creature of modern-day folktales such as [[Wikipedia:wererat|wererat]].  


In [[Middle-earth]], "Werewolves", did not shapechange and the name perhaps refers to their size and intelligence.
{{wolves}}
{{wolves}}



Revision as of 21:22, 15 July 2009

Werewolves were servants of Morgoth, bred from wolves and inhabited by dreadful spirits (fallen lesser Maiar or fëar of Orcs).

They were created (or a least corrupted from some other form) by Sauron, who was their master, and who took the shape of a great wolf himself at least once. .

The first werewolf was Draugluin, and the greatest was Carcharoth, the guardian of Angband, a descendant of Draugluin as all other werewolves were.

It is probable that the Wargs of the Third Age were descended from the werewolves, as these wolves could speak, suggesting they had fëar. Another possibility is that Sauron attempted to recreate the werewolves after his return to Middle-earth, and that the Wargs were the result.

Etymology

The Middle-earth werewolves were not shapeshifters like the Werewolves of European folk culture.

The name werewolf appears to have been chosen because they were in essence sentient (but evil), and thus had a status beyond that of normal wolves. The element "were-" is a Germanic term that refers to humans. It suggests a shapeshifting creature of modern-day folktales such as wererat.


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