Spectres were evil creatures only mentioned fleetingly in linguistic writings.[1][2] Likely spectre was just another name for undead beings such as ghosts or wraiths.
Perhaps spectres were related to the Sindarin concept auth (Quenya ausa), referring to a spectral apparition.[3]
Etymology
Spectre derives from Latin spectrum.[4]
Portrayal in adaptations
1982-97: Middle-earth Role Playing:
- Specters are rare, incorporeal Undead monsters. They are included among the minions of the Balrog of Moria.[5]
See also
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "Index" (entry for dwimmerlaik)
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Quenya Phonology", in Parma Eldalamberon XIX (edited by Christopher Gilson), pp. 17, 101 (footnote 155; cf. root NASAG)
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "The Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 42, July 2001, p. 9
- ↑ "specter". Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition at Dictionary.com (retrieved December 16, 2010)
- ↑ Ruth Sochard Pitt, Jeff O'Hare, Peter C. Fenlon, Jr. (1994), Creatures of Middle-earth (2nd edition) (#2012), p. 129
| Legendary races of Arda | |
| Animals: | Dumbledors · Gorcrows · Hummerhorns · Pards · Swans of Gorbelgod · Turtle-fish · Wise-fish |
|---|---|
| Dragon-kind: | Sea-serpents · Spark-dragons · Were-worms |
| Other: | Badger-folk · Ettens · Giants · Great beasts · Half-trolls · Hobgoblins · Lintips · Mewlips · Nameless things · Ogres · Otter-folk · Snow-trolls · Spectres |
| Individuals: | Badger-brock · Bill Butcher · Farmer Hogg · Fastitocalon · Fisher Blue · Fíriel · Grip · Hunter and Rider · The Lady of the Sun · Lonely Troll · Man in the Moon · Mee · Mrs. Bunce · Old Swan · Peeping Jack · Perry-the-Winkle · Pott the Mayor · Talking Gurthang · Talking purse · River-woman · Shee · Tarlang · Tim · Tom · Whisker-lad · White cow · Willow-wren |