Okay, here is the inspiration, from Appendix F of LOTR:
But in the Third Age close friendship still was found in many places between Men and Dwarves; and it was according to the nature of the Dwarves that, travelling and labouring and trading about the lands, as they did after the destruction of their ancient mansions, they should use the languages of men among whom they dwelt. Yet in secret (a secret which unlike the Elves, they did not willingly unlock, even to their friends) they used their own strange tongue, changed little by the years; for it had become a tongue of lore rather than a cradle-speech, and they tended it and guarded it as a treasure of the past. Few of other race have succeeded in learning it. In this history it appears only in such place-names as Gimli revealed to his companions; and in the battle-cry which he uttered in the siege of the Hornburg. That at least was not secret, and had been heard on many a field since the world was young. “Baruk ’!Khazâd! Khazâd ai-mênu!” – ‘Axes of the Dwarves! The Dwarves are upon you!” Gimli’s own name, however, and the names of all his kin, are of Northern (Mannish) origin. Their own secret and ‘inner’ names, their true names, the Dwarves have never revealed to any one of alien race. Not even on their tombs do they inscribe them.
So, I am sure I have mentioned that I have no self-restraint a love of extreme detail! I went with this concept to the absolute limit. If we assume that Mahal makes each Dwarf personally and with utter love, I thought that perhaps instead of Dwarves naming their children twice – once with an ‘outer’ name, and once with a ‘secret and sacred’ name, it wasn’t beyond the realms of possibility that Mahal himself had given the Dwarf their sacred name. Mahal would have written it into their very bones, sent it swirling through their blood.
I went a bit further. That sacred name would be the whole and soul of a Dwarf – the very essence of their best self. It would be inextricably linked to a Dwarf’s very personality. (i.e. Gimli’s dark-name is Sansûkhâl [One who sees with perfect/pure sight], which refers to many things. His bluntness, his role in defeating darkness, his overcoming institutionalised racism, his perception of Elves, Dwarves and Men, his caring and comforting nature.)
Aaaaaand a bit further yet. If they are sacred names, then I reasoned that it was likely that Dwarves only shared such names with close kin. Also – they would customarily be shared only under stone, because Khuzdul itself is not to be used in outer lands amongst other peoples. Therefore – “Deep name” or “dark-name.”
And so, the ‘outer name’ (i.e. Gimli) would also be known as a ‘sky-name’ – to be used in the open air.
(I am wondering, actually, if there was a rota or something for digging the latrine hole every night – or if Gimli and the Hobbits had a long-standing argument: “You’re the lot that are famous for digging!” “In rocks an’ mountains! Not dirt! That’s Hobbits!” “But we’re not as big or strong as you…” “You think we dig holes with axes?” “Oh, and we’re meant to manage with our swords, I suppose!”
Meanwhile, Aragorn has shared a long look with Boromir and sighed, and they go off and dig the damned hole themselves.)
Absolutely. She remembers warm impish smiles, golden hair, and a loud laugh. She remembers a brother who sat with her and cheered her when she was cross or upset. She remembers… not much more than that. She was only 39 when he died.
Gimli started something when he drew Dis out of her mourning. Every child of the extended Durin line (and quite a few who aren’t) now call her ‘Aunt Dis’, just as he does. Even the adults sometimes refer to her as ‘Aunt Dis’ now and then, as in “go and ask your Aunt Dis.”
Frerinith likes to play with her measuring-weights, and will sit for ages just placing them on and off the scales, watching them bob. He also calls her ‘Aundish’ – because he doesn’t quite have his tongue-placement right yet.
She does love being Aunt to all these healthy, merry children. It’s one of her few sources of true joy.
Still, it never fails to remind her that nobody will ever call her ‘amad’ again.
Yes, it’s a bit – uh, well. The moment between Gloin and Gimli in Rivendell was intensely private. It was a special moment, a reaffirmation of self, before Gloin sent his son away to save the world.
Thorin overhearing that is a little bit. Well.
Still, he’s dead. It’s not as though he ever thought he would get the chance to speak to Gimli at all, and be known as himself and not as a passing thought in Gimli’s subconscious. He never thought he would get the chance to hear that name from Gimli’s own lips. He thought his affection for Gimli would forever be one-sided, and so was eager for any scraps of Gimli’s life that he could have.
Thorin using it, though (and above stone! In the open air!!) – that was a bit of a low blow. Naughty Thorin.
I mean as The Voice of Thorin in Sansukh, I’ve read stuff and thought ‘wow Im a massive douche, I’m going to have a hard time doing this’
First time was when asshole mc asshole said Gimli’s kherumel out loud
you fucking twit.
He really doesn’t make great decisions when he’s angry! (Exhibit A: charging alone down a tree – that is on fire – at a MOUNTED enemy. WTF THORIN.) And Gimli was driving him to epic, epic frustration. They’re very similar in several ways, Thorin and Gimmers: and one of those is that they’re both as stubborn as a whole herd of mules!
Yes, it’s a bit – uh, well. The moment between Gloin and Gimli in Rivendell was intensely private. It was a special moment, a reaffirmation of self, before Gloin sent his son away to save the world.
Thorin overhearing that is a little bit. Well.
Still, he’s dead. It’s not as though he ever thought he would get the chance to speak to Gimli at all, and be known as himself and not as a passing thought in Gimli’s subconscious. He never thought he would get the chance to hear that name from Gimli’s own lips. He thought his affection for Gimli would forever be one-sided, and so was eager for any scraps of Gimli’s life that he could have.
Thorin using it, though (and above stone! In the open air!!) – that was a bit of a low blow. Naughty Thorin.
Aw Yiss 