Gnoll - Definition

A gnoll is a humanoid creature originating in the Dungeons & Dragons fantasy role-playing game; a gnoll resembles a cross between a man and a hyena. Gnolls are savage, barbaric creatures that often practice cannibalism, and enjoy eating the flesh of other sentient species. Gnolls are not especially strong or intelligent, but they are cunning and, when pressed, will fight to the death. One notable race of gnoll is the flind; flinds are often found leading a tribe or settlement of gnolls. Flinds use a weapon called a flindbar, which resembles a pair of metal rods linked together by a chain.

An interesting side note: when first introduced in the original Dungeons and Dragons rules (1974), gnolls were described as a "cross between gnomes and trolls." It was also indicated that the creature was inspired by a Lord Dunsany short story. The entire concept was scrapped with the next rules edition, Advanced Dungeons and Dragons, and was replaced with the more popular hyena-man concept used today.

Gnolls play a major role in a subplot of the computer role-playing game Baldur's Gate. They are also are included in the strategy game Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos and feature prominently in the western part of the continent of Antonica in the MMORPG EverQuest.