were wolves - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

White_Knight · 10-20-2008, 02:08 PM

ok- hears a question for people that are far wiser than me in the ways of LoTR... I have done some research on the topic and have found very little on it. I have an idea for an RPG character, and I was wondering if lycanthropy actually existed in the JRR tolken world. I think that it does, but perhaps not in the way I am thinking/hoping/expecting....

Can any one provide the answers that I seek??

Aganzir · 10-20-2008, 02:25 PM

Lycanthropy as it is understood now - people shifting shape at fullmoon - did not exist in Middle-earth. However, there were great wolves inhabited by spirits that were of the same origin as the valar and maiar, only lesser. There were only a few of them, though, and they all lived in the First Age serving Melkor (and Sauron) - if you have read the Silmarillion, you probably remember Carcharoth and Draugluin and Tol-in-Gaurhoth. So, I'm afraid a werewolf would be pretty unorthodox of an RPG character.

Welcome to the Downs.

Morthoron · 10-20-2008, 03:10 PM

Nope, no lycanthropes, or as Aggie said, none that bear the silver bullet, howlin' at the moon, Lon Chaney Jr. hirsuteness, ah-oooo Werewolves of London-type persona.

Oh, and no Bela Lugosi-type vampirish Nosferatus either (in case you were wondering).

How about a nice undead Barrow-wight?

Tuor in Gondolin · 10-20-2008, 05:07 PM

Still, it is interesting that the theme of a sort of
"shape shifting" exists in all three ages, Sauron
in the Second Age and Beorn in The Third,
plus, of course, Luthien, Beren,
and Sauron in The First.

And exactly what is to be made of the wargs
attacking The Fellowship between Caradhras
and Moria and their bodies vanishing?

White_Knight · 10-20-2008, 05:31 PM

well that is NOT was I was hoping to hear- tho I should have assumed that it was so- I was thinking more of a shape shifting spiritual protector type tho- I have read the similain but I was younger and prolly didn't understand the vast majority of it- it does pose the question that was just asked... I know not the answer- perhaps someone wiser than myself can answer it.....

Aganzir · 10-21-2008, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tuor in Gondolin

Still, it is interesting that the theme of a sort of
"shape shifting" exists in all three ages, Sauron
in the Second Age and Beorn in The Third,
plus, of course, Luthien, Beren,
and Sauron in The First.

Sauron is a bit special case when it comes to this, being a powerful Maia and all and having therefore the Ainur's ability to choose his appearance, at least in the beginning. Lúthien has Maian blood in her veins which kind of explains the "magical" things she did, but as for Lúthien and Beren's entering Thangorodrim, they hadn't actually turned into a wolf and a bat, only dressed up in their hides. Lúthien deserves some credit for making them fit, though.

Quote:

And exactly what is to be made of the wargs
attacking The Fellowship between Caradhras
and Moria and their bodies vanishing?

I have always thought the living wolves or some other creatures just cleared up the mess, and Gandalf's remark about they being no ordinary wolves pointed merely at their calculation and cunning - or, even simpler, to the fact a pack of wolves attacked a considerable number of people in the first place.
Or maybe the crebain came and ate them.

Rune Son of Bjarne · 10-21-2008, 05:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aganzir

Sauron is a bit special case when it comes to this, being a powerful Maia and all and having therefore the Ainur's ability to choose his appearance, at least in the beginning. Lúthien has Maian blood in her veins which kind of explains the "magical" things she did, but as for Lúthien and Beren's entering Thangorodrim, they hadn't actually turned into a wolf and a bat, only dressed up in their hides. Lúthien deserves some credit for making them fit, though.

In some mythology that is exactly what a werewolf is. . . a person who wears the skin of a wolf. Not as a fur or coat of course, when they put this on they would actually "become" a wolf. This seems an awful lot like what Luthien and Beren did. . .

10-20-2008, 02:08 PM	#1
White_Knight Pile O'Bones Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: DC Posts: 8	were wolves ok- hears a question for people that are far wiser than me in the ways of LoTR... I have done some research on the topic and have found very little on it. I have an idea for an RPG character, and I was wondering if lycanthropy actually existed in the JRR tolken world. I think that it does, but perhaps not in the way I am thinking/hoping/expecting.... Can any one provide the answers that I seek?? __________________ One day, our paths will lead us there and the tower guard will take up the call: The Lords of Gondor have returned.

10-20-2008, 02:25 PM	#2
Aganzir Woman of Secret Shadow Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: in hollow halls beneath the fells Posts: 4,511	Lycanthropy as it is understood now - people shifting shape at fullmoon - did not exist in Middle-earth. However, there were great wolves inhabited by spirits that were of the same origin as the valar and maiar, only lesser. There were only a few of them, though, and they all lived in the First Age serving Melkor (and Sauron) - if you have read the Silmarillion, you probably remember Carcharoth and Draugluin and Tol-in-Gaurhoth. So, I'm afraid a werewolf would be pretty unorthodox of an RPG character. Welcome to the Downs. __________________ He bit me, and I was not gentle.

10-20-2008, 03:10 PM	#3
Morthoron Curmudgeonly Wordwraith Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Ensconced in curmudgeonly pursuits Posts: 2,509	Nope, no lycanthropes, or as Aggie said, none that bear the silver bullet, howlin' at the moon, Lon Chaney Jr. hirsuteness, ah-oooo Werewolves of London-type persona. Oh, and no Bela Lugosi-type vampirish Nosferatus either (in case you were wondering). How about a nice undead Barrow-wight? __________________ And your little sister's immaculate virginity wings away on the bony shoulders of a young horse named George who stole surreptitiously into her geography revision.

10-20-2008, 05:07 PM	#4
Tuor in Gondolin Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Southeast Pennsylvania Posts: 3,651	Still, it is interesting that the theme of a sort of "shape shifting" exists in all three ages, Sauron in the Second Age and Beorn in The Third, plus, of course, Luthien, Beren, and Sauron in The First. And exactly what is to be made of the wargs attacking The Fellowship between Caradhras and Moria and their bodies vanishing? __________________ The poster formerly known as Tuor of Gondolin. Walking To Rivendell and beyond 12,555 miles passed Nt./Day 5: Pass the beacon on Nardol, the 'Fire Hill.'

10-20-2008, 05:31 PM	#5
White_Knight Pile O'Bones Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: DC Posts: 8	well that is NOT was I was hoping to hear- tho I should have assumed that it was so- I was thinking more of a shape shifting spiritual protector type tho- I have read the similain but I was younger and prolly didn't understand the vast majority of it- it does pose the question that was just asked... I know not the answer- perhaps someone wiser than myself can answer it..... __________________ One day, our paths will lead us there and the tower guard will take up the call: The Lords of Gondor have returned.