Beorning, also known as skin-changers were creatures in the Lord of The Rings who could assume different forms according to their own will. Also called ‘Shape-Changers,’ they were men and rare creatures who had the ability to turn into animals and exhibit their characteristics. They were very tall, about twice the size of a man with their bear form double the size of a regular bear.
History
Not much is known about the origins and history of skin-changers. The famous skin-changers in the Third Age were Beorn and his descendants, who could assume the shape of a bear or man. However, other skin-changers also existed. Beorn lived in the north-eastern Anduin Vales and helped Bilbo Baggins, Thorin, and his company when they marched on their Quest to Erebor. [1] Beorn had acquired the form of a giant black bear, as well as a man with black hair, though little is known about the origin of his abilities. As suggested by Gandalf, Beorn was not under anybody’s control but his own. They lived away from men and elves and only mated with skin-changers. It is believed that his son Grimbeorn was also a skin-changer. Radagast, the master of shapes and hues, was also capable of changing forms. [2]
References
Categories:
Northmen
