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 wolf-hound that had ever lived. He was also called Anfauglir (Jaws of Thirst; IPA: /anˈfaʊglir/).
Born of the foul breed of the Wolves of Angband, and fed with Elvish and man-flesh by Morgoth, Carcharoth guarded Morgoth's Dark Throne in 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. Beren then dies of his wound and is returned to Middle-earth only because the plea of Lúthien moves the Valar to pity and she herself becomes mortal.
Carcaroth was certainly the greatest of all Wolves, Werewolves and Wargs.
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.
