Thuringwethil - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

***Sharkû*** · 06-05-2003, 11:42 AM

There are no 'vampires' in Tolkien's work. "His [Tolkien's] vampires" is an oxymoron.
"Vampire-form" (S77) does not constitute being a Vampire, certainly not so if skin-changing is implied. Beorn is a man, not a bear.

The most likely interpretation is:
"Vampire [...]
3. Zool.
a. One or other of various bats, chiefly South American, known or popularly believed to be blood-suckers." (OED² on CD-Rom, vamnpire, my stress"

Bear in mind that 'vampire-form' Thuringwethil had 'iron claws' and was thus virtually a bat and not a suave Romanian. Same goes for Sauron.

[ June 05, 2003: Message edited by: Sharkû ]

06-05-2003, 11:42 AM	#8
*Sharkû* Hungry Ghoul Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 1,719	There are no 'vampires' in Tolkien's work. "His [Tolkien's] vampires" is an oxymoron. "Vampire-form" (S77) does not constitute being a Vampire, certainly not so if skin-changing is implied. Beorn is a man, not a bear. The most likely interpretation is: "Vampire [...] 3. Zool. a. One or other of various bats, chiefly South American, known or popularly believed to be blood-suckers." (OED² on CD-Rom, vamnpire, my stress" Bear in mind that 'vampire-form' Thuringwethil had 'iron claws' and was thus virtually a bat and not a suave Romanian. Same goes for Sauron. [ June 05, 2003: Message edited by: Sharkû ]