The Warg and Warg Rider Appreciation Thread

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Ah! the origin of Wargs! There is a debate in which we have only scratched the surface of the content, here at the Appreciation Thread. For I don't believe Tolkien ever mentioned from whence they came. Please, list your ideas.

By the way, so nice of you to join us Azaelia. May your fascination with Wargs be long and healthy!

[Diamond18]

It is told that in their beginning the Wargs were made by Aulë in the darkness of Middle-earth; for Aulë was mighty headstrong and the whole Dwarf incident had not taught him his lesson.

Aulë wrought the Wargs in secret under the mountains of Middle-earth, crafting their magnifcent bodies to be strong and unyielding. He made them much larger than Dwarves, and gave them a form of the kelvar, like unto wolves since as far as humanoid forms went, he'd already been there and done that. Yet he also made the Wargs things of beauty and elegance, and gave to them minds capable of infinite knowledge and wisdom.

Now Ilúvatar knew what was done, as always, and in the very hour when Aulë's work was complete, and he was giddy with pleasure, and began to instruct the Wargs in the speech he had devised for them, Ilúvatar spoke to him; and Aulë heard his voice and was silent, thus ending this run on sentence. "Why hast thou done this? Why hast thou done what I told thee not to do, again? What part of 'don't do this stuff anymore' dost thou not understand?"

Then Aulë scuffed his sneakers on the floor and shoved his hands in his pockets, shrugging. "I dunno," he mumbled.

And then Ilúvatar took up a gigantic hammer with teeth on the end, and said to the Wargs, "I know what thou art thinking. Is he going to forgive Aulë again or not? Well, to tell thee the truth, I can't really decide. But being as this is a 44 pound meat tenderizer, the most powerful hammer in the world, and would flatten thine heads to little pancakes, thou hast got to ask thyselves one question: Do we feel lucky? Well, do ya punks?"

And the Wargs shrank from the hammer and were afraid, and they bowed their heads and begged for mercy. Wargs are fearless, noble creatures, but this is Eru we're talkin' about here.

And Aulë said, "Noooooo!" and flung himself in front of the hammer. "I am the one who is in the wrong, kill me and let them live!" he pleaded.

But Ilúvatar took compassion upon Aulë and his creatures, and put aside the hammer. "Oh alright," he said. "But next time someone is going to get it, verily."

Aulë began to thank him profusely, but Ilúvatar held up a mighty hand and added, "Finished I am not. Since thou hast so presumptuously wrought creatures in secret not once but twice, still there is a punishment thou must endure. These creatures, so noble and magnificent, shall be cursed ever onward to live a dual existence. Moreso than any other creature shall they be prone to the extremities of good and evil -- thou hast given them great minds capable of much wisdom, and bodies capable of great strength, and now I also give to them teeth and jaws of totally wicked awesomeness, much like my Hammer of Death. It will ever be a struggle for them to use this gift for things that are good, pure, and just. And always they shall be misunderstood and loathed by my Children."

"Sounds fair," said Aulë. "Nonetheless, they will have need of meat."

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

It was definitely worth the wait. Bravo!

It certainly explains a lot. Any idea who devised this legend, Diamond?

[One of the Nine]

How the wargs were made is a good question. I've heard many a folk tale and many a rumor in my recent travelings, and I do believe that Diamond18 has everything almost correct. One thing I have to add to this unfortunate tale is that one of the wargs did not cower in fear, however, he went away, thus avoiding the punishment of having to struggle. There was another with him, who he taught to banish the bad from his life, and they traveled together. They discovered a multitude of wonderful things, but no man or elf etc... would give them the time of day to discuss it. They would sooner just kill them. But there was someone who listened, and listened very well. His name is Morgoth, and he listened to everything the poor deceived wargs had to say. And then, after having milked them for all the knowledge he could get, he killed them with poisoned rabbit. He then set out, corrutpting the whole world that is Ea. This is how the last of the pure wargs came to an end.

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

My goodness One of the Nine, that is a conclusion rife with despair. It pains me to think that it could end that way. I suppose that it is in keeping with the melancholy of Tolkien's legendarium though.

Can you tell us which people foretold this final doom of Wargs? Probably Men I would think, they are always thriving on the tales of dastardly Wargs.



Edit to add; Diamond, that is either a hoax, or a very unfortunate coincidence!

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

....by a forgotten Hobbit known only as Conor.




Well they're sure keen on dancin'
Those Evendim Wargs, those Evendim Wargs got it made
When they act big doors open
Those Evendim Wargs, those Evendim Wargs got it made
So let's party, Rosie Cotton
Those Evendim Wargs, those Evendim Wargs got it made

Oh how the Sun sets on the Tower Hills,
But leaves quite a shadow to fill

Oh the death of a fast life
Those Evendim Wargs, those Evendim Wargs got to pay
That's some will you've been drinking
Those Evendim Wargs, those Evendim Wargs got to pay

So look closer, do you still think that
Those Evendim Wargs, those Evendim Wargs got it made?

[SamwiseGamgee]

That's quite a song, Eomer. It does, however, sound strangely reminiscent of some song I can't quite put my finger on. I imagine some scoundrel has changed the song and taken credit for it. If I ever find that mischievous cretin I shall skin him like a giant auk!

[Diamond18]

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

It certainly explains a lot. Any idea who devised this legend, Diamond?

I believe it was a Wargish scholar in the Third Age, by the name if Dir Te'Harre.