Dwimmerlaik
Dwimmerlaik was a name given to Lord of the Nazgûl by Éowyn (as Dernhelm) when she confronted him during the Battle of the Pelennor Fields.[1]
By extension, it is possible that Dwimmerlaik is how the Rohirrim called the Wraiths or rumors of the Nazgûl in general.[2]
Etymology
The word dwimmerlaik is said to mean "work of necromancy, spectre" in the language of Rohan.[3]. Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond have suggested that dwimmerlaik derives from Middle English dweomer, Old English (gwe)dwimor, -er ("illusion, phantom") + Middle English -layk, -laik ("play").[4] See also Dwimordene, Dwimorberg (Saruman is also referred to as "dwimmer-crafty" by Éomer).
It is not clear if the word refers to a generic creature of the Rohanese folklore (like the holbytlan), specifically a phantom; therefore when Éowyn confronted the Witch-King she likely rather identified him with one, than coining the word on that moment.
David Day in A Tolkien Bestiary considered that a Dwimmerlaik is any creature of Rohanese superstitious folklore that includes Elves and Ents. However, other than the appearance of the root dwimor- in the abovementioned names, there is no indication in Tolkien's writings that the word pre-existed or that it was used for other races.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King, "The Battle of the Pelennor Fields"
- ↑ David Day, A Tolkien Bestiary
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "Index"
- ↑ Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, p. 562
- ↑ http://tolkien.slimy.com/essays/DayBooks.html
