worg

Worg is a term used in fantasy fiction to describe a large, wolf-like predator. Worgs are typically depicted as more intelligent and dangerous than ordinary wolves and are often portrayed as evil or mercenary creatures that operate with organized packs. The concept appears across various settings, including role-playing games, video games, and fantasy literature. Etymologically, the name is related to the broader mythic class of wolf-like beings, with the spelling “worg” used in some modern works as a variant of “warg,” a term familiar from folklore and fantasy lore.

In Dungeons & Dragons and related sources, worgs are commonly presented as predatory beasts that can be trained or used as mounts by goblinoids such as goblins and ogres. They are typically larger than ordinary wolves, possessing keen senses and pack-hunting tactics. Some editions grant worgs the ability to communicate with certain humanoids or goblinoids, reflecting their role as semi-intelligent allies or minions rather than mindless beasts.

In other media, worgs appear as enemies or beasts in fantasy video games and fiction inspired by Western fantasy motifs. They are often used to underline the menace of forests and wild areas and to provide a challenging encounter for adventurers or players.

Related terms include warg, a similar creature from Tolkien’s legendarium, and the broader category of giant canids such as the dire wolf. The concept of the worg continues to appear in various works as a versatile, wolf-like antagonist or ally in fantasy settings.