The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Date
Race
Division
Maiar, probably of Manwë and Varda
Order
Settlements
Gríma gave the name to Gandalf in Meduseld, the Golden Hall in Edoras
Pronunciation
la'thspell ('a' as in English 'father')
Meaning
'Ill-news'
Other names
Ill-news
Title of

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  • Updated 7 February 2012
  • This entry is complete

Láthspell

Gríma’s insulting name for Gandalf

"Láthspell I name you, Ill-news; and ill news is an ill guest they say."
Gríma's address to Gandalf
The Two Towers III 6
The King of the Golden Hall

A name given to Gandalf by Gríma in Théoden's hall of Meduseld. Attempting to keep the King weak, Wormtongue pointed out that Gandalf always seemed to appear in the land of Rohan at times of hardship or war. His strategy did not succeed, for Gandalf broke his hold over Théoden, and he soon found himself exiled from Edoras.

The compound láðspel (literally, 'evil tale' or 'evil news') comes from Old English. It is in fact the almost exact opposite of the much more familiar Old English term gospel (which means 'good news').


Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 7 February 2012
  • This entry is complete

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