Werewolves
Werewolves (Sind. sing., gaur, pl. gaurhoth)[1][2] were servants of Morgoth, bred in the Elder Days 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.
Although not appearing as such in the known written records of Arda during the Second and Third Ages, Gandalf mentioned the werewolves as being among Sauron's servants in the late Third Age, along with orcs, trolls, wargs, and wraiths.[3]
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.
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Index of Names"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Silmarillion, "Appendix: Elements in Quenya and Sindarin Names"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "Many Meetings"
| Wolves | |
| Individuals: | Carcharoth · Draugluin · Hound of Sauron · (Wolf-Sauron) |
|---|---|
| Races: | Wargs · Werewolves · White Wolves |
