Shield (disambiguation)

"Talents that are purely defensive, that protect some aspect of the bearer, are always called shields."

- Eleazar

A shield (a term used by the Volturi) is a vampire with a talent that enables the vampire to defend him- or herself in some way, aside from melee combat. Since no two people think exactly the same way as humans, no two talents manifest themselves the same way when those humans become vampires; accordingly, no two shields will function in exactly the same way, but all somehow protect the bearer.

Confirmed Shields
The following are specifically identified by Eleazar as shields.
 * Bella Cullen, a Mental shield
 * Renata, a Protective Shield
 * The only known exception to Renata's ability is fellow shield Bella Cullen.

Probable Shields
The following are not formally named as shields, but possess self-protective abilities that clearly fit the description.
 * Fred, with the gift of Illusionary Repulsion
 * Since Fred's ability works in the minds of others, it is likely that, like Renata, Bella Cullen is immune to his gift.
 * Victoria, with a talent for Self-preservation that allowed her to find the escape from danger in a given situation

Range
Some shields can defend not only themselves, but also others.
 * Bella is able to project her shield at least fifty yards, and simultaneously protect twenty-seven vampires and seventeen shape-shifters. There does not seem to be a limit to the number of minds she can protect, and the physical area she can shield is enormous. However, her shield functions as a "bubble", and has no physical barrier; anyone who gets under it is immune to its effects, unless attacking Bella herself, who has a secondary layer of shield that always protects her own mind.
 * Fred had, by the events of Eclipse, developed enough control to shield both himself and Bree Tanner simultaneously.
 * Renata is stated to have a range of "several meters out from herself", and regularly shields Aro, as well as Caius and Marcus when necessary.