MORGUL Meaning and
Definition
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"Morgul" is a term derived from J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional universe, particularly in his renowned fantasy novels "The Lord of the Rings." The word primarily refers to a mysterious and malevolent element associated with the dark magic of the Witch-king of Angmar, who serves as the chief antagonist in Tolkien's epic saga. In this context, the primary reference of "morgul" is the Morgul-blade, a sinister weapon wielded by the Nazgûl, or Ringwraiths.
Morgul-blades are imbued with a nefarious enchantment that can inflict a lethal, but also cursed, wound on its victims. The impact of these weapons often results in a gradual and relentless deterioration, turning the injured person into a wraith-like creature, eventually succumbing to the power of the Witch-king. Therefore, the term "morgul" has come to be used metaphorically as a representation of a subversive, insidious, or corruptive influence that gradually erodes or destroys the essence, spirit, or morality of individuals or institutions, similar to the Morgul-blade's effects.
Beyond its specific use in Tolkien's works, "morgul" has not found a place in mainstream dictionaries as a standalone term, but rather remains intricately linked to the lore and mythology he created. As such, its definition extends beyond a mere linguistic understanding, encompassing the palpable and ominous sense of evil and corruption evoked by the Morgul-blades in Tolkien's fantasy world.
Etymology of MORGUL
The word "morgul" does not have a clear etymology as it is a fictional term associated with J.R.R. Tolkien's works, particularly his novel "The Lord of the Rings". In Tolkien's fictional world, Middle-earth, the name "morgul" is primarily known from "the Morgul Vale" and "the Morgul Road", both of which are locations near the city of Minas Morgul. It is associated with darkness, fear, and the evil forces of Mordor.
It is worth noting that "morgul" bears some resemblance to other words in Tolkien's invented language, such as the Elvish term "morgoth" meaning "the black enemy" (referring to the main antagonist of Middle-earth, Morgoth). However, it is uncertain whether there is any direct connection between the two terms.
