Werewolves have a complex social hierarchy and ranking system in many works of fiction. The highest rank a werewolf can achieve varies across different stories and mythologies. In some tales, the top wolf is an “Alpha” while in others, more elaborate titles are used. To understand the pinnacle of werewolf ranks, we must explore their origins and how roles have evolved over time.
Origins of Werewolf Pack Hierarchy
The concept of werewolves organizing themselves into packs with complex social structures has roots in real wolf behavior. In nature, wolf packs operate under a clear hierarchy. The alphas are the top-ranking male and female wolves who lead the pack and make decisions. Lower-ranking wolves show submission to the alphas. The idea of dominant alpha wolves translating directly to werewolf lore is common.
Werewolf fiction also draws inspiration from folklore and medieval legends. In stories where werewolves were seen as cursed humans, the focus was less on pack hierarchy and more on the tragedy of the werewolf’s transformation. But as werewolves became more integrated as natural creatures in fantasy worlds, authors built up complex werewolf cultures with political systems and rankings.
Alpha and Beta
One of the most ubiquitous werewolf ranking terms is “Alpha.” Derived from real wolf terminology, the Alpha is generally the top werewolf of a pack. They are the undisputed leader and may have privileges like breeding rights. Alphas are usually depicted as the strongest and wisest werewolves. Some common Alpha powers include:
- Commanding other werewolves through mental links or pheromones
- Telepathic communication with packmates
- Increased strength, speed, and endurance compared to other pack members
- Ability to “call” or convene the entire pack when needed
The second-in-command to an Alpha is sometimes referred to as a “Beta.” Betas serve as a lieutenant to the Alpha, carrying out their orders and assisting in pack leadership. They may take over temporarily if an Alpha is incapacitated or become the new Alpha if the position is vacant. Like real wolf packs, other werewolves also serve subordinate roles like sentries, hunters, den mothers, and elders.
Werewolf Ranks in Fantasy Fiction
Beyond the traditional Alpha/Beta dynamic, some fantasy books and movies have created more elaborate werewolf government systems and unique ranks. For example:
- The Elder: The wise, old leader of werewolves in the Underworld film series. Elders are hundreds of years old.
- The Ulfric: In the Mercy Thompson series, the Ulfric is the ruler of all werewolves in a given territory.
- The Marrok: The ultimate werewolf monarch in Patricia Briggs’ books. The Marrok controls all North American werewolves.
- Lords/Ladies: Some fictional werewolf packs have nobility ranks like Lord or Lady. They may rule over different regions.
- Dukes: A high aristocratic rank for elite pure-blood werewolves in David Wellington’s 13 Bullets.
- Packmaster: Another term for the leader of a particular werewolf pack.
So while “Alpha” is the most common term, fantasy authors have expanded ranks to create intricate political structures within werewolf societies.
Supernatural Werewolf Hierarchies
In supernatural or horror stories, werewolf ranks can take on demonic elements. Pack leaders ascend to positions like:
- Grand Devil: The supreme overlord of all werewolves, above even Alphas and Elders.
- Hellhound: An elite warrior/assassin werewolf that serves the Grand Devil.
- Cerberus: A massive, three-headed werewolf monster that protects underworld gates.
- Lycanthropus Rex: The “werewolf king” in some dark mythologies, commanding legions of werewolves.
These sinister ranks depict werewolves as demons or servants of evil, rather than noble pack creatures. The Grand Devil evokes images of a werewolf Satan commanding an army of beasts as his subordinates.
Werewolf Government Examples
To illustrate how intricate werewolf hierarchies can become, here are some examples from popular fantasy stories:
The Lycanthrope Command in Harry Potter
In Harry Potter, the werewolf Fenrir Greyback leads a dark werewolf movement he calls the Lycanthrope Command. Their mission is to infect as many humans as possible and eventually overthrow the wizard government. Greyback’s followers consist of:
- Werewolf recruits he has turned, organized into a militia.
- Feral werewolves who live wild in the woods and serve as scouts/warriors.
- Sympathetic werewolves already infected who support his goals.
- Wizard allies who share his anti-government views.
As commander, Greyback directs training operations to prepare his forces for war against humans and wizards alike. He portrays this struggle as necessary to create a world where werewolves can live free and dominate over those who used to oppress them.
The Volturi Coven in Twilight
The vampires in Twilight also operate under a complex hierarchy. While not werewolves themselves, the central Volturi Coven provides an example of how supernatural creatures form governing groups. Key roles include:
- The Elders (Aro, Caius, and Marcus): The oldest and most powerful vampires, who rule as a triumvirate council.
- The Guard: Elite enforcers of vampire law, with special combat gifts.
- The Wives: High-ranking vampires whose role is to pleasure the Elders.
- The Heads of Covens: Vampire coven leaders who become subordinates under the Volturi.
This pyramid structure shows how even beings as powerful as vampires and werewolves feel the need for leadership hierarchies and political systems within their societies.
Conclusion
The highest rank of werewolf in myth tends to be “Alpha” by default – heading packs as the dominant leader. But fantasy authors have expanded ranks for worldbuilding, creating elaborate werewolf cultures with nobility, aristocracy, and figures like Elders or Marroks leading an entire werewolf nation. Evil werewolf hierarchies under Grand Devils or Lycanthropus Rex depict the apex of raw werewolf power and dark magic. Regardless of whether they are animal alphas or occult demon-lords, the highest-ranked werewolves represent the ultimate personification of the raw strength, feral nature, and beastly aggression these creatures symbolize in folklore and film.