Warg

The label combines Old Norse vargr and Old English wearh — terms historically applied both to wolves and to social/legal categories of outcast or outlaw. In Norse mythic background, prominent wolves such as Fenrir, Sköll, and Hati embody cosmic destructive roles; Tolkien and later fantasy authors drew on these linguistic and mythic associations to conceive 'wargs' as intelligent, malevolent wolves used in war and aligned with hostile humanoids. The synthesis of animal, outlaw, and destructive senses into a semi-intelligent war-beast is a literary development most clearly visible in Tolkien's works.

Described in the cited materials as distinctly large wolf-like creatures. In Tolkien's narratives they are larger-than-normal wolves capable of bearing Orcs as riders into battle. No detailed anatomical or coloration schema is given in the supplied sources beyond being 'particularly large' and wolf-like.

In Tolkien's depiction wargs are semi-intelligent or personified animals: they can speak (notably in The Hobbit), plan or take part in coordinated raids, and serve as mounts for Orcs in organized attacks. They are portrayed as malevolent, aggressive toward protagonists, and capable of organized cooperation with hostile humanoids. In gaming adaptations (e.g., Dungeons & Dragons derivatives) related forms (worgs) are given language abilities and speak their own tongue as well as Goblin and Common.