Vampires
From Tolkien Gateway
Vampires | |
---|---|
Race | |
"Vampire" by Liz Danforth | |
General Information | |
Locations | Tol-in-Gaurhoth |
Affiliation | Morgoth, Sauron |
Members | Thuringwethil |
Physical Description | |
Distinctions | bat-like creatues |
Gallery | Images of Vampires |
Vampires were mysterious bat-like creatures in the service of Morgoth and of Sauron. The only vampire whose name is recorded in the annals of Arda is Sauron's messanger, Thuringwethil,[1] but Sauron himself took the form of a vampire on at least one occasion, to flee Huan.[2]
A vampire shape with pinions vast
screeching leaped from the ground, and passed,
its dark blood dripping on the trees
—J.R.R. Tolkien[3]
Portrayal in adaptations
1989: Middle-earth Role Playing (Dark Mage of Rhudaur):
- Vampires are described as former Maia patrons of normal bats, but corrupted by Morgoth and transformed into demons appearing as man-sized bats with "the faces of hideous Men or Women", having the ability to change shape.[4] A related creature is also envisioned, the Blood-wight, which is an undead Mannish shapechanger, draining blood from living beings.[5]
2007: The Lord of the Rings Online:
- A new creature created for the game, the Merrevail (singular, Morroval) appear to be based on Tolkien's vampires. They are fearsome bat-winged women with sharp talons. The males of the species are the Mervyl (singular, Morvul).
External links
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lays of Beleriand, "III. The Lay of Leithian: Canto XII (Fingolfin and Morgoth; the meeting with Carcharoth)", line 3782
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Quenta Silmarillion: Of Beren and Lúthien"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lays of Beleriand, "III. The Lay of Leithian: Canto IX (The defeat of Thû)", line 2820, p. 254
- ↑ Ruth Sochard Pitt, Jeff O'Hare, Peter C. Fenlon, Jr. (1994), Creatures of Middle-earth (2nd edition) (#2012), p. 91
- ↑ Jeffery McKeage (1989), Dark Mage of Rhudaur (#8013)