Wyrn

Wyrn is a term used in fantasy fiction and role-playing games to denote a race or class of beings associated with ancient knowledge and arcane power. The concept appears across multiple works, with attributes that vary by author and medium.

The etymology of the name is not standardized. In some sources it is linked to wyrm or dragon, echoing draconic ancestry, while other writers treat Wyrn as a distinct term with its own lore within a given world.

In many depictions, Wyrn are long-lived humanoids with strong memory or rune magic. They are often portrayed as scholars, archivists, or guardians who protect libraries, relics, and sacred sites. Physical form ranges from draconic or serpentine traits to more human appearances, depending on the work.

Wyrn societies are typically secretive and hierarchical, organized around elder councils or orders dedicated to knowledge stewardship. Narratives frequently explore tensions between secrecy and access to knowledge, and Wyrn may act as mentors, adversaries, or ambiguous powers depending on the story.

Because there is no single canonical Wyrn, interpretations reflect the world-building goals of individual authors and game designers, making the creature a flexible trope within fantasy.