The Tolkien Dictionary – Part 2

In this installment of the Tolkien Dictionary, I examine several words featured in book two of The Fellowship of the Ring.

I have already released the first part of the Tolkien Dictionary.  

I plan to release at least one more part of the Tolkien Dictionary that will define additional terms used in The Fellowship. 

 

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Wargs: Evil wolves that work for Sauron, the Dark Lord.

According to Tolkien Gateway, Tolkien derived the word from terms in Old English, Old High German, and Old Norse that refer to someone or something that strangles or chokes.  

During a conversation with Frodo, who is recovering from his injuries in Rivendell, Gandalf lists wargs among the servants of the Dark Lord.

“These horses are born to the service of the Dark Lord in Mordor. Not all his servants and chattels are wraiths! There are orcs and trolls, there are wargs and werewolves; and there have been and still are many Men, warriors and kings, that walk alive under the Sun, and yet are under his sway. And their  number is growing daily.” (Chapter 1) 

 

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Venerable: Accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character

“The face of Elrond was ageless, neither old nor young, though in it was written the memory of many things both glad and sorrowful. His hair was dark as the shadows of twilight, and upon it was set a circlet of silver; his eyes were grey as a clear evening, and in them was a light like the light of stars.

“Venerable he seemed as a king crowned with many winters, and yet hale as a tried warrior in the fullness of his strength. He was the Lord of Rivendell and mighty among both Elves and Men.” (Chapter 1)

Elrond was a king who was well respected by Elves and Men. 

 

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Renowned: known by many people, famous

Gloin, one of the dwarves who journeyed with Bilbo in The Hobbit, was pleased to meet Frodo at Elrond’s house in Rivendell.

“I do not ask, for I have already been told that you are the kinsman and adopted heir of our friend Bilbo the renowned. Allow me to congratulate you on your recovery.” (Chapter 1)

Bilbo became famous for helping the Dwarves during their quest to recapture the Lonely Mountain and their former treasure. He earned the respect of his fellow adventurers, Gloin included.  

 

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Insolence: rude and disrespectful behavior  

Saruman sought to persuade Gandalf to help him find the Ruling Ring, which Saruman planned to wield himself.

“Until you reveal to me where the One may be found. I may find means to persuade you. Or until it is found in your despite, and the Ruler has time to turn to lighter matters: to devise, say, a fitting reward for the hindrance and insolence of Gandalf the Grey.” (Chapter 2)

Saruman told Gandalf that he would be punished for his rude and disrespectful behavior if he didn’t help Saruman find the Ruling Ring.  

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Tryst: a prearranged meeting

In its modern use, the term is commonly used to refer to a secret meeting between lovers.

Gandalf spoke at the Council of Elrond to share what he knew about the Ruling Ring and discuss his imprisonment by Saruman, who sought to use the ring to gain power.

 “And that, Frodo is the end of my account. May Elrond and the others forgive the length of it. But such a thing has not happened before, that Gandalf broke tryst and did not come when he promised. An account to the Ring-bearer of so strange an event was requires, I think.” (Chapter 2)

Gandalf explained why he didn’t join Frodo when Frodo departed from the shire on his quest, as Gandalf had promised. Gandalf planned to keep their meeting secret from the prying eyes of the servants of the Dark Lord. 

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Breeches: short trousers

Frodo accepted a sword and chain-mail armor as gifts from Bilbo, before Frodo departed from Rivendell to continue on his quest.

“‘Very well, I will take it,’ said Frodo. Bilbo put it on him, and fastened Sting upon the glittering belt; and then Frodo put over the top his old weather-stained breeches, tunic, and jacket.” (Chapter 3)

Frodo put on chain mail armor and fastened a sword on his belt, before putting on the rest of his clothes. 

 

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Doughty: brave and persistent

Boromir, Aragorn, and Legolas went down the mountain Caradhras to clear a path for the fellowship to retreat the way they had come.

“‘But happily your Caradhras has forgotten that you have Men with you,’ said Boromir, who came up at that moment. ‘And doughty Men too, if I may say it; though lesser men with spades might have served you better. Still, we have thrust a lane through the drift; and for that all here may be grateful who cannot run as light as Elves.’” (Chapter 3)  

The three adventurers were successful in creating a path for the others to follow. Boromir credited their success in part to himself and Aragorn, the brave and persistent men of the fellowship. 

 

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Cordial: a sweet liquor

Draught: a swig or serving of a liquid, especially a dose of medicine

Both of these words have many meanings, but Tolkien uses these definitions in The Fellowship.

Gandalf shared swigs of a liquor from Rivendell, known as miruvor, with members of the fellowship. The liquor invigorated them and relieved their weariness.

“Frodo’s spirits had risen for a while after his escape, and after food and a draught of the cordial; but now a deep uneasiness, growing to dread, crept over him again.” (Chapter 4)

After Frodo escaped from the grasp of a lake monster, he ate and took a drink of miruvor. These things had made him feel better. But after a while, his fears returned once again. 

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Whiles: Sometimes                        

Frodo was aware that danger surrounded the adventurers as they journeyed through Moria.

“He was in any case the bearer of the Ring: it hung upon its chain against his breast, and at whiles it seemed a heavy weight. He felt the certainty of evil ahead and of evil following; but he said nothing. He gripped tighter on the hilt of his sword and went on doggedly.” (Chapter 4)   

At times, Frodo felt the Ruling Ring, which hung on a chain he wore around his neck, was a heavy load to bear. 

 

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Corslet: a piece of armor that covers much, but not all, of the upper body  

Gimli the dwarf sang about the wonders of Khazad-dûm under the leadership of King Durin. Khazad-dûm  had been a prosperous mining city, but it was eventually abandoned after the dwarves accidently awakened a monster known as a balrog.

 

"There hammer on the anvil smote,

There chisel clove, and graver wrote;

There forged was blade, and bound was hilt;

The delver mined, the mason built

There beryl, pearl, and opal pale,

And metal wrought on fishes’ mail,

Buckler and corslet, axe and sword,

And shining spears were laid in hoard.” (Chapter 4)

Khazad-dûm produced a variety of metal products, including armor.  

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Truncheon: a wooden shaft used as a weapon or as part of a weapon

The fellowship was attacked by orcs shortly after discovering Balin’s tomb in Khazad-dûm, which is also known as Moria.

An Orc Chieftain thrust a spear into Frodo’s side.  

“But even as the orc flung down the truncheon and swept out his scimitar, Anduril came down upon his helm. There was a flash like flame and the helm burst asunder. The orc fell with cloven head. His followers fled howling, as Boromir and Aragorn sprang at them.” (Chapter 5)

As the orc dropped his spear and picked up a sword, Aragorn used his own sword, Anduril, to decapitate the orc.