Tag: dark names

All of the Company’s dark names are PERFECT for them (though Dori’s made me sad :() I find it oddly sweet that both Bifur’s and Ori’s are to do with light. Bifur’s sounds like it makes him the Arwen of the Company :P

Awwww, thank you Nonnie! I am really glad you like them! (I KNOW – AUGH DORI)

I love Bifur’s, myself. Absolutely love it. And I love that it can refer to both his gentler and more creative side, and also the wilder side of him (because, of course, twilight is when all the night creatures come out to play!). 

Hey, bit of a weird thing – I was interested in the dark names, so I clicked the tag, and it’s not showing any posts as being tagged like that? I mean, I know for a fact you have a ton of posts about them. It’s just not letting me filter for them. Anyone have any idea what’s up with that?

ohHHHHHH-kay, it’s not working for me either. That’s annoying, I would like to read my posts on dark-names… 

All right, it might be the dash in the tag ‘dark-names’, urgh. I’ll go through my blog and change the tag to ‘dark names’. Thank heavens for tag-replacer!!!

EDIT: DONE! You should be able to search the tag now, Nonnie!

The Dark Names – are Dwarves personalities almost predestined or innate? Do Dwarves ever get upset because their personalities might give them a harder time in society, or if they think they’re not as good as someone else or if they’re “made” shy or something?

Ooooh, good – and really difficult – question, Nonnie.

I like to think that a kherumel is more of a description of a Dwarf’s best self. Some Dwarves might be very intimidated by the promise inherent in their dark-name, but I don’t think they would consider theirs ‘less good’ than another Dwarf’s.

It’s not about predestination, but it is innate. It is less a prophecy and more an promise of Mahal’s individual, specific love for them in particular. No Dwarf would ever wonder if their Maker does not love them. Their dark-name would be a confirmation of that – a secret and sacred acknowledgement of that love. 

Some Dwarves are definitely shy! Even with their esteem issues, however, I would think that their special and secret name would give comfort rather than take it away. Even if they find it hard to make their way in larger Dwarven society, they have a personal and enduring reminder of Mahal’s love, just for them.

EDIT: OH, and I also should mention! Each kherumel could easily be interpreted in many different ways. The Dwarf’s personality is not shaped by their dark-name. I’ll take Dwalin as an example.

Dwalin Fundinul – 

Bakhuzâluh
Mahal – Hammer of Mahal.

At first glance (and only because we know Dwalin) this appears to refer to Dwalin’s role as warrior and protector of the Durin line. BUT – what if Dwalin were rather more shy and studious? He could have become a great jurist or scholar – thus, he would have been fulfilling the promise in his name in another fashion, protecting and upholding justice or wisdom.

Another example!

Frerin Thrainul – 

Abkundûrzud – Dawning Sun

Because we know who Frerin is, this can be seen as referring to Frerin’s youth at death, and his sunny, warm and bright nature. But if he had lived? Perhaps Frerin would have been a great diplomat, and so have brought a new dawn to his people. Perhaps he could have been a mighty warrior, and his Name might have referred to his ferocity.

Each name is a descriptor, yes, but there is no specific mold that a Dwarf must fit in order to fulfil it. A dark-name is not a prophecy. 

Hope that answers the question, Nonnie!

Are there any dwarves who are not aware of their dark names? Or have difficulty accepting them? I have been working with my therapist recently on developing a sense of identity and self-value and thinking, “man, I wish I had a dark name.” Sorry to get so personal, but I find Sansukh so relevant to my own life!

Ah, Nonnie. *hugs* Good on you for getting the help you need. You’re awesome.

All dwarves are aware of their dark-names from a very young age, I think.

Absolutely, I think there would definitely be some Dwarves who have a hard time accepting theirs. For some, it could be mental illness, or a lack of certainty or self-confidence in their identity. Perhaps some of them are intimidated by that promise. Maybe some of them simply don’t like it. And for other Dwarves, that lack of acceptance could be due to their circumstances.

For instance, Thror’s dark-name is Umùhud-zaharâl. It means ‘Builder of Glory’. And it must have felt utterly impossible to live up to when he was young. He’d lost everything – his parents, his brother, his home. The young King of a houseless people, once more wandering the world looking for a place.

And then he did build glory. He re-took Erebor, and it was magnificent, a palace and a home that lived on in song. He would have felt like he was fulfilling his purpose at last. Providing for his people in peace and plenty, ensuring their protection and wealth from the smallest child to the eldest greybeard. Building glory, to live on after he had returned to stone.

And then. It was lost. Again.

His dark-name would have felt like a mockery. A cruel taunt. I think it certainly contributed to the overwhelming anger and guilt that led him into the catastrophe at Azanulbizar.

Anyway. Look after yourself, Nonnie. You don’t need a special name to tell you that you’re awesomely brave.