Carcharoth

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In J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional universe of Middle-earth, Carcharoth (IPA: /ˈkarxarɔθ/), Sindarin for "The Red Maw", was the greatest werewolf that had ever lived. He was also called Anfauglir (Jaws of Thirst; IPA: /anˈfaʊglir/).

Bred from the foul breed of Draugluin, the first werewolf, and fed with Elvish and human flesh by Morgoth, Carcharoth was set as a guard on the gates of Angband.

He became involved with the Quest for the Silmaril when Beren and Lúthien had to pass him on their way in. Lúthien enchanted him with her magic, but on their way out Carcharoth attacked before Lúthien could enthrall him again. Beren held out the captured Silmaril in an attempt to stay the beast, but Carcharoth bit off Beren's hand and swallowed it together with the Silmaril.

The Silmaril burnt away Carcharoth's insides, and he became crazed with pain. A terror to Elves, Men and Orcs alike, he passed south through Beleriand, until he arrived in Doriath. There Beren Erchamion, Elu Thingol, Beleg Cúthalion and Mablung joined with Huan the Hound to Hunt the Wolf.

Carcharoth was killed by Huan, but Huan died soon afterwards from his wounds. When Mablung cut open the belly of Carcharoth, he found there the Silmaril with Beren's hand still around it, but when he touched the flesh it was swept away by a wind.

The detail of Beren losing his hand to Carcharoth was possibly modelled after the Germanic legend of the god Tyr, who lost his hand to the wolf Fenris.