Wolf

Wolves refer to several species of canines in the genus Canis, most notably the Grey Wolf. Between 105 and 160cm long and can weigh between 25-79 kg, wolves are intelligent social predators that live in packs of up to 15 members. Wolves are not particularly fast, but they are built for endurance running. This social behaviour has made them one of the apex predators of the Quaternary period. It also meant that about 15,000 years ago the wolf was likely the first animal domesticated, with the wolves that went along with the upright apes eventually giving rise to dogs.

Wolves in Fantasy

People have had several views of wolves. Traditionally in Europe the view of wolves have been negative, making them out as crazed bloodthirsty man-eaters. In truth, wolves generally avoid humans and unprovoked attacks on humans by wolves are rare. In the 20th century there has been a backlash against this narrative and a certain level of romanticism about Wolves as noble beautiful loyal creatures, this is going a bit towards an opposite extreme.

Either way, the mythic man-eaters and proud moon-howlers both have found a place in fantasy fiction. If you want something which is wild and sometimes brutal, but free, social and loyal a wolf can be a fitting symbol for it.

In Middle Earth Goblins often ride wolves into battle.

Wolves are also often used in fantasy heraldry.

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