Werewolves

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

Werewolves were servants of Morgoth, bred from wolf 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