Spectres

From Tolkien Gateway
Liz Danforth - Specter

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[edit | edit source]

Spectre derives from Latin spectrum.[4]

Portrayal in adaptations[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

References

  1. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, "Index" (entry for dwimmerlaik)
  2. J.R.R. Tolkien, "Quenya Phonology", in Parma Eldalamberon XIX (edited by Christopher Gilson), pp. 17, 101 (footnote 155; cf. root NASAG)
  3. 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
  4. "specter". Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition at Dictionary.com (retrieved December 16, 2010)
  5. 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
Dragon-kind:  Sea-serpents · Spark-dragons · Were-worms
Evil Races:  Ettens · Giants · Half-trolls · Hobgoblins · Ogres · Snow-trolls · Two-headed Trolls
Other:  Badger-folk · Great beasts · Lintips · Mewlips · Nameless things · Spectres
Individuals:  Talking Gurthang · Talking purse · The Hunter · Lady of the Sun · Lonely Troll · Man in the Moon · The Rider · River-woman · Tarlang · Tim · Tom · White cow