Wolves — dragonage

A wolf is a wild animal common to the forests and plains of Thedas. They hunt in packs and take advantage of large numbers to take down tougher targets.^[1] They are rarely seen by civilized folk and usually attack people only in times of desperation.^[2] Some rangers are known to summon wolves to fight on their side.

Background

In the days of elven Halamshiral, wolf companions walked alongside Emerald Knights, never leaving the side of their chosen knight. Wolf and elf would fight together, eat together, and when the knights slept, wolves would guard them. The statues called "Knights’ Guardians" were erected in the Emerald Graves in memory of their unbreakable bond.^[3]

The wolf was the most sacred of all the creatures worshipped by Alamarri. They believed it was created by the gods to be both a guide and protector for mankind. Promising young warriors were paired off with cubs, and wolves were honored as much as the greatest fighters when they fell in battle.^[4]^[5] Indeed, the alliance between humans and regular wolves is the subject of the popular Fereldan folk tale Dane and the Werewolf.^[6]^[7]

However, in contemporary times, Fereldans harbor a distrust of wolves that borders on the unreasonable. This is due to their history of wolves in Ferelden being possessed by demons—thus transforming them into werewolves and causing the wars against werewolves,^[7] spreading great fear and panic. The werewolves were eventually slain, but even today the noble wolf is still looked upon with distrust.^[2]

Ironically, since more than half the noble families of Ferelden claim to be descendants of Hafter, legendary Alamarri hero and son of Dane, who was reputed to be a werewolf; as a consequence, many Fereldans believe they have some distant kinship with wolves.^[8] Even the prized Mabari war hounds of Ferelden are said to have been bred from the wolves who served Dane.^[9]

Notable wolves

Witherfang - a unique great wolf and the head of a pack of werewolves

Involvement

Dragon Age: Origins

Dragon Age: Inquisition

The appearance of numerous Fade rifts in southern Thedas, following the explosion at the Temple of Sacred Ashes, has caused abnormally aggressive behavior among wolves. The Inquisitor can assist the Hinterland farmers by dealing with a group of such wolves as part of the quest Trouble with Wolves. When the Token of the Packmaster, a rare amulet, looted during the quest is equipped, wolves in the area will no longer be hostile (this also includes wolves encountered in other regions).