Sauron and Saruman why are the names similar? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 09-20-2004, 02:06 PM

[QUOTE=Kransha]Arwen: "Noble Maiden" (Sindarin)[QUOTE]
Which is equivalent to the English name Patricia, which is from the latin for 'noblewoman'. Also, Ioreth is Sindarin for 'old woman', which is the meaning of the English name Priscilla!

(Sorry, I picked up a book of boys & girls names at Oxonmoot, which gives Sindarin equivalents of English names. The Sindarin equivalent of my actual name is apparently Melben.

And Helen, from Greek for sunbeam would have the Sindarin equivalent of Glawareth, while George (GK=earthworker)would be Barmudon.

Yes, I know I'm off topic now - I'll get me coat!)

Gothbogg the Ripper · 09-23-2004, 03:05 AM

Maybe the names are similar because Saruman always had something bad inside of him, of course he wasn't always evil but maybe his name was meant to be similar to Sauron's due to their similar characteristics;budding imperialism and tremendous pride.
Just my thoughts.

HerenIstarion · 09-23-2004, 05:55 AM

Quote:

while George (GK=earthworker)would be Barmudon

Thank you, I say, thank you for revealing the secret! Barmudon, indeed. Being called names after all my services! But who cares?! Silly of me to hope to keep it all nice and quiet all of these years. You, you, you Melben!

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 09-23-2004, 09:37 AM

Well, Sauron and Saruman both had a number of names. If I had, say, four names and so did you then there is a decent chance that two of them could be similar.

Lhundulinwen · 09-24-2004, 09:00 PM

Tolkien used a lot of existing languages, so its natural for word parts in names (especially if both characters are good or evil) to have similar names. Yes, it does make it confusing. Especially if you aren't already familiar to the story. But like Eomer said, they both had a bunch of alliases so, personally I think it works okay.

Nenya · 10-09-2004, 04:48 PM

Isn't it so very, I dunno, tolkien to care more about the linguistic origins of his two main badguys' names than about the fact that a casual reader is bound to be a little confused by their apparent similarity...You've got to love the man.

09-20-2004, 02:06 PM	#1
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	[QUOTE=Kransha]Arwen: "Noble Maiden" (Sindarin)[QUOTE] Which is equivalent to the English name Patricia, which is from the latin for 'noblewoman'. Also, Ioreth is Sindarin for 'old woman', which is the meaning of the English name Priscilla! (Sorry, I picked up a book of boys & girls names at Oxonmoot, which gives Sindarin equivalents of English names. The Sindarin equivalent of my actual name is apparently Melben. And Helen, from Greek for sunbeam would have the Sindarin equivalent of Glawareth, while George (GK=earthworker)would be Barmudon. Yes, I know I'm off topic now - I'll get me coat!) __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

09-23-2004, 03:05 AM	#2
Gothbogg the Ripper Wight Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Southend,U.K Posts: 113	Maybe the names are similar because Saruman always had something bad inside of him, of course he wasn't always evil but maybe his name was meant to be similar to Sauron's due to their similar characteristics;budding imperialism and tremendous pride. Just my thoughts. __________________ Thanks for abandoning me for three years guys. I really enjoyed being a total outcast.

09-23-2004, 09:37 AM	#4
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	Well, Sauron and Saruman both had a number of names. If I had, say, four names and so did you then there is a decent chance that two of them could be similar. __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond

09-24-2004, 09:00 PM	#5
Lhundulinwen Wight Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wishin' and hopin' in the Shire Posts: 139	Tolkien used a lot of existing languages, so its natural for word parts in names (especially if both characters are good or evil) to have similar names. Yes, it does make it confusing. Especially if you aren't already familiar to the story. But like Eomer said, they both had a bunch of alliases so, personally I think it works okay. __________________ ~Just call on me, and I'm there. I'll always be your Sam~

10-09-2004, 04:48 PM	#6
Nenya Wight Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: the hand of Lady Galadriel Posts: 127	Isn't it so very, I dunno, tolkien to care more about the linguistic origins of his two main badguys' names than about the fact that a casual reader is bound to be a little confused by their apparent similarity...You've got to love the man.