the Omega, it's not what we thought

[Anann Kelevra]

The following is quoted from a book Spirit of the Wolf by Shaun Ellis & Monty Sloan

Omega wolves are essential to the survival of the wolf pack. they are responsible for defusing tension within the pack and minimizing injury. From the age two to three weeks, the omega pup is always at the center of constant bouts of quarreling among its litter-mates. The omega learns very quickly how to attract attention towards itself by playing games and acting like a "court jester" or clown. Then by using a series of instinctive and learned behaviors, ranging from body postures, facial expressions and vocal sounds, the omega is able to calm a situation, avoid injury and restore harmony.

The omega wolf has often been labeled as the "Cinderella wolf" because it was assumed to be low-ranking and mistreated. This could be because when a wolf pack is feeding, the omega has been seen to be chased away, often repeatedly, from the carcass. One possible explanation for this behavior is to allow the high-ranking animals to change position at the carcass without fighting. This ensures that they get the select parts and the right amount of food for their rank. Hungry wolves could seriously injure each other without the distraction provided by the omega. Once the other wolves have fed, the omega is rewarded by being allowed acess to some high-quality food that has been saved for it specifically by the beta wolf. So it is probably that, despite appearances, the omega holds a high-ranking specialist position which is valued within the pack.

Its an interesting book, largely filled with lots of pictures. Its text is insightful to wolf behavior and sociology, yet simple enough you don't have to be an animal biologist to get good out of it ^^

[Bambi Lafron]

That's really cool. I shall have to get that book.

[Luna Sabino]

HEY, that's interesting. I didn't know that omegas were THAT important...hmmm...maybe the pack ranks need some adjustments??

[Orin Takekuro]

There is a really cool fantasy book that addresses this too written by Patricial Briggs. She has a series of werewolf based novels, and is now doing a "spin off" (if you will) called the Alpha and Omega series in which the main character is the Omega. It is assumed that she is the weak one, and she is submissive, but in fact she is TERRIBLY NEEDED in the pack to calm situations down. She even has a special power, and sometimes they even add in there that she is chased away when there are conflicts because she calms the other werewolve's rage down when they need that rage to win a fight.

Just a little tidbit I thought I'd add. Very very good series, both of them.

[Octavius Poer de Angelo]

Nuki, I LOVE the Alpha and Omega series, as well as the Mercy Thompson stuff. They are all really great books and I think Briggs has really gotten the attitudes and roles down spot on. <3

....no info to add though. >.>