Lycan Resistance

From chains to claws: a war for survival and sovereignty.

The Lycan Resistance emerged from centuries of enslavement under the Vampire Nation, transforming a scattered population of werewolves into a unified military force. In the early 5th century, Markus Corvinus, the first Vampire, granted immortality to Viktor in exchange for his army to fight William's Werewolf spawn. These soldiers eventually became the Death Dealers, but other Lycans remained as slaves. The resistance began when Lucian, a slave born of this lineage, sought freedom for his people rather than continued servitude.

Quick Facts

Leader: Lucian
First major appearance: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Lore & Background

The conflict is rooted in the actions of the original Vampire Elders: Markus, Viktor, and Amelia. Markus was bitten by a bat and became the first Vampire, while his twin brother William, bitten by a wolf, became the first Werewolf who could not return to human form. To combat William's rampaging infection, Markus allied with Viktor, a dying Hungarian general from the 4th or early 5th century. Viktor accepted immortality and created the Death Dealers from his army. However, the tension escalated when Sonja, Viktor's daughter, fell in love with Lucian, a Lycan slave. They had a secret relationship and Sonja became pregnant. When Viktor discovered this violation of the Covenant, he executed both Sonja and her unborn child by exposing them to sunlight. This act of cruelty, driven by his desire to protect Vampire line purity, ignited the war that defined the centuries following.

Reader's Guide

The Resistance operates through covert alliances rather than traditional pack structures. Key figures like Tanis provided essential weapons to kill Vampires, while Kraven manipulated internal Vampire politics by conspiring with Lucian. The faction relies on the element of surprise and the ability to operate in the shadows, utilizing the weaknesses of their enemies, such as ultraviolet radiation. While Death Dealers were originally created from Viktor's army to hunt Lycans, the Resistance turned this dynamic on its head by infiltrating Vampire covens and forging alliances with disaffected members like Lucian. The ultimate goal shifted from mere survival to the destruction of the Elder Council, a mission that saw the deaths of key leaders including Amelia, Viktor, and eventually Markus.

Did You Know?

Amelia was shot with a silver bullet by Lucian during an attack on her territory.
Sonja's death started the war between Vampires and Lycans that lasted for centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Lycan Resistance?

The Lycan Resistance is a united werewolf army that broke free from centuries of bondage under the Vampire Nation. Led by Lucian, they first appear on screen in the prequel Underworld: Rise of the Lycans.

What powers do the Lycan Resistance have and what is their role?

As werewolves, members possess superhuman strength, accelerated healing, and heightened senses far beyond ordinary humans. Their role in the Underworld is to wage war against the Vampire Nation and secure sovereignty for their kind.

What's the difference between the Death Dealers and the Lycan Resistance?

The Death Dealers were Viktor's personal soldiers who earned immortality in exchange for loyalty, making them a separate, elite faction. The Resistance, by contrast, is the broader population of enslaved Lycans who organized under Lucian to overthrow their captors.