Tolkien was by no means a person to half-heartedly title his characters. He would supply considerate, translatable names constructed on real linguistic foundations. Heck, in his ahead to the Second Version of “The Fellowship of the Ring” guide, Tolkien defined that he did not suppose folks would love “The Silmarillion,” saying, “particularly because it was primarily linguistic in inspiration and was begun so as to present the mandatory background of ‘historical past’ for Elvish tongues.” Yeah, this man was intense.
When it got here time to call the horses of Rohan, Tolkien turned to the legendary languages of Northern Europe for inspiration. In an essay from The Tolkien Society titled the Tolkien’s Equestrian Epic, the academically-minded fan group explains, “The names Shadowfax and Snowmane [Théoden’s horse] relate to Icelandic names of legendary horses reminiscent of Hrimfaxi, a reputation that means ‘Frosty mane’ from ‘hrim’, ‘frost’ and ‘faxi’, ‘mane’.” Shortly after this, the paper provides, “Icelandic legend has different horses with related names, reminiscent of Freyfaxi – Frey’s black-maned stallion.”
Shadowfax might sound cool on the floor — and do not get us mistaken. It’s! However as with all issues Tolkien, the title is far deeper than it seems to be. It’s a part of who Shadowfax is and what he is recognized for. In “The Two Towers” guide, Gandalf (who additionally has an fascinating title and that means) displays this reality, saying, “Does he not shine like silver, and run as easily as a swift stream?” Later within the guide, Éomer additionally says of Shadowfax, “Have been the breath of the West Wind to take a physique seen, even so wouldn’t it seem.” Translation: Shadowfax’s title is not random. It pairs along with his super-equine talents and otherworldly velocity.