What symbol does Gandalf put on Bilbo's door?
Do we know what the symbol is that Gandalf puts on the door of Bag End?
I mean the one in the novel. Is it the same as the one in the movie?
tolkiens-legendarium books the-hobbit
add a comment |
Do we know what the symbol is that Gandalf puts on the door of Bag End?
I mean the one in the novel. Is it the same as the one in the movie?
tolkiens-legendarium books the-hobbit
1
Hmmm.. this question includes this one, as "for bonus points", and halfway was answered. Not sure if this should be a duplicate or not, especially since it's Slytherincess's comment that contains the answer.
– Izkata
Mar 9 '14 at 5:20
1
The symbol itself has not been disclosed but the meaning was clear, "Free food here". It may have been a large 'M' etched in gold.
– Morgan
Apr 24 '14 at 23:54
add a comment |
Do we know what the symbol is that Gandalf puts on the door of Bag End?
I mean the one in the novel. Is it the same as the one in the movie?
tolkiens-legendarium books the-hobbit
Do we know what the symbol is that Gandalf puts on the door of Bag End?
I mean the one in the novel. Is it the same as the one in the movie?
tolkiens-legendarium books the-hobbit
tolkiens-legendarium books the-hobbit
edited Mar 9 at 13:20
Rand al'Thor♦
98k42465654
98k42465654
asked Mar 9 '14 at 5:03
WOPRWOPR
12.7k65480
12.7k65480
1
Hmmm.. this question includes this one, as "for bonus points", and halfway was answered. Not sure if this should be a duplicate or not, especially since it's Slytherincess's comment that contains the answer.
– Izkata
Mar 9 '14 at 5:20
1
The symbol itself has not been disclosed but the meaning was clear, "Free food here". It may have been a large 'M' etched in gold.
– Morgan
Apr 24 '14 at 23:54
add a comment |
1
Hmmm.. this question includes this one, as "for bonus points", and halfway was answered. Not sure if this should be a duplicate or not, especially since it's Slytherincess's comment that contains the answer.
– Izkata
Mar 9 '14 at 5:20
1
The symbol itself has not been disclosed but the meaning was clear, "Free food here". It may have been a large 'M' etched in gold.
– Morgan
Apr 24 '14 at 23:54
1
1
Hmmm.. this question includes this one, as "for bonus points", and halfway was answered. Not sure if this should be a duplicate or not, especially since it's Slytherincess's comment that contains the answer.
– Izkata
Mar 9 '14 at 5:20
Hmmm.. this question includes this one, as "for bonus points", and halfway was answered. Not sure if this should be a duplicate or not, especially since it's Slytherincess's comment that contains the answer.
– Izkata
Mar 9 '14 at 5:20
1
1
The symbol itself has not been disclosed but the meaning was clear, "Free food here". It may have been a large 'M' etched in gold.
– Morgan
Apr 24 '14 at 23:54
The symbol itself has not been disclosed but the meaning was clear, "Free food here". It may have been a large 'M' etched in gold.
– Morgan
Apr 24 '14 at 23:54
add a comment |
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
About the symbol/letter (Theory A)
@Jimmy Shelter's answer is the one that should be marked as the correct (as it answers the author's doubt), but as a comment I'd like to talk about the symbol itself.
At first sight I thought it was just an "F" (feoh) in Futhorc. Futhorc is an old Anglo-Saxon runic alphabet, that Tolkien uses in the maps we can see in the book.
Later on, in the Lord of the Rings, Tolkien uses Cirth, an invented alphabet based on Futhorc (and futhark, and similars), to write Khuzdul: the language of the Dwarrow. Probably the best example for this is Balin's tomb in the Fellowship of the Ring.
BALIN FUNDINUL UZBADKHAZADDUMU BALINSONOVFUNDINLORDOVMORIA (Balin
Fundinul Uzbad Khazaddumu in Khuzdul - Balin Son of Fundin Lord of
Moria in Westron [English]).
I thought they would use Cirth in the Hobbit films, however, every piece of Khuzdul (English, actually) is written using Futhorc (click on the images to enlarge them):
"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun
with the last light of Durin's day will shine upon the keyhole. Th."
(in perfect English).
"Herein lies the seventh kingdom of Durin's folk. If this fortress be
lost or overthrown, look to the power of the Arkenstone." (again, in
perfect English).
This is actually weird, as in the movie Glóin reads it:
"Herein lies the seventh kingdom of Durin’s folk. May the Heart of
the Mountain unite all Dwarves in defence of this home."
As I said before, I expected every map and so on written in Khuzdul using Cirth, but I appreciate the fact that Jackson and the artistic team have respected the fact that Cirth didn't exist at the time the Hobbit was created.
Having said that, the only conclusion is that the letter is just an English F. I don't know how that relates to "[...] the usual one in the trade, or used to be.", but that's the way it is. The only thing that comes to my mind is that a synonym to trade or maybe a related word starts with F in Ænglisc.
Theory B
Some say it's a G in Cirth that somehow connects to the G (Gandalf) seen in Gandalf's carriage (The Fellowship of the Ring), but in my honest opinion that makes no sense in the context of the film and the story: why would Gandalf mark Bilbo's door with his very name?
This seems to be the correct theory, apparently (see the bottom of the answer).
What should have been done
The illustration above was made by Master Tolkien himself. It depicts the letters B, D and a symbol (probably a diamond). Now, let's discuss their meaning:
“Yes, yes, but that was long ago,” said Glóin. “I was talking about you. And I assure you there is a mark on this door—the usual one in the trade, or used to be. Burglar wants a good job, plenty of Excitement and reasonable Reward, that’s how it is usually read.
The Hobbit, Chapter I: An Unexpected Party.
Thanks to this quote we may affirm the symbols mean: Burglar, Danger (excitement), and Reward (a diamond).
Actual meaning in the Jacksonverse
Why does the film show a Futhorc F (or a Cirth G)? Most likely because of the timing of the scene: what works in books doesn't necessary work in a motion picture.
UPDATE:
All seems to indicate that the in-universe explanation is Theory B, as Weta Workshop sells a Stone Pendant collectible with the Feoh (Cirth 19, actually) letter under the name of The Mark of Gandalf. It's worth noting that it clearly is a The Hobbit collectible and not a The Lord of the Rings one, as you can read from the watermark on the picture below.
3
I'd actually recommend that this one be accepted; the reference to the picture by Tolkien and analysis of the runes (particularly the deciperment of Burglar/Danger/Reward and relating it to the text) is awesome. Thank you!
– user8719
Apr 25 '14 at 12:15
2
I’m not really sure if the Weta pendant is much proof—the fact that it’s called “The Mark of Gandalf” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a G or has anything to do with Gandalf(’s name); it could just mean that it’s the mark Gandalf makes on Bilbo’s door. If it is indeed Futhorc, an ᚠ could possibly be intended to mean both burglar, danger, and reward: ‘danger’ in Old English was fǣr, and ‘reward [for rescuing cattle or property]’ was forfangfeoh. Sadly, I’ve been unable to find an Old English word that could mean ‘burglar’ or ‘job’, but if there is one, it could work.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:52
@JanusBahsJacquet, yeah. It's disappointing that it's just a Cirth G, but given the information we have from The Hobbit production, that's what can be deduced. I would love to be proved wrong, though; I still have hopes of it being a feoh!
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 22:02
1
Gandalf leaves a G to mark that he was on Weathertop in the Fellowship of the Ring, so I'd assume that's why it's "the Mark of Gandalf". This doesn't match the mark being a burglar sign, but "Gandalf was here" would let the dwarves identify the house well enough.
– Nolimon
Sep 11 '18 at 14:55
add a comment |
The actual form of the symbol is not described in the book; the most we get is that Gandalf "scratched a queer sign" on the door:
After a while he stepped up, and with the spike of his staff scratched a queer sign on the hobbit's beautiful green front-door.
Later on Gloin describes what the sign means:
In fact, if it had not been for the sign on the door, I should have been sure we had come to the wrong house ... I assure you there is a mark on this door - the usual one in the trade, or used to be. Burglar wants a good job, plenty of excitement and reasonable reward, that's how it is usually read.
And Gandalf had also taken steps to cover his tracks, which seems rather unnecessary as he later on admits to having put the mark there:
He had made quite a dent on the beautiful door; he had also, by the way, knocked out the secret mark that he had put there the morning before ..... "Of course there is a mark," said Gandalf. "I put it there myself."
All references: the Hobbit, Chapter 1, an Unexpected Party
14
Maybe Gandalf wanted to be sure the burglar symbol was gone before he sent Bilbo on his quest. Otherwise all sorts of unsavoury types might turn up looking for the services of a burglar while Bilbo was away. Gandalf may be grumpy but in the end he's pretty considerate.
– Royal Canadian Bandit
Mar 10 '14 at 10:01
add a comment |
I don't know much about Tolkien stuff, but yesterday I came across an article on wikipedia about "Old English" and it had an image about the runic alphabet and the "f" one says something about "wealth", maybe it has to do with that? The movie version, but I don't know about the books.
I'm pretty sure Tolkien invented his own runic alphabet, although probably based on this one.
– Rand al'Thor♦
Feb 21 '16 at 21:27
The f rune in the English Futhark is called feoh, which is indeed an Old English word that means ‘(mobile) wealth’. The original meaning is ‘cattle’, and it is etymologically related to pecuniary (originally a derivative of Latin pecu, which is the precise cognate of Old English feoh). The Modern English form of the word is fee.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:38
1
@randal'thor, in The Hobbit, tolkien uses actual Futhorc, as a matter of fact, as covered in my answer.
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 21:57
add a comment |
I fairly believe that the F belonging on Bilbo's door would either mean "Friend" as in The Lord of the Rings, to answer the Riddle to Enter Moria, the old abandoned mines. Or it would mean Fundin, the Father of Dwalin and Balin, accompanied by Thorin Oakensheild.
1
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! We are looking for answers which cite sources, though. Can you provide any sources to support your answer?
– Null♦
Jun 16 '16 at 20:16
add a comment |
Runic f in viking runes is fehu meaning wealth,abundance,energy,foresight,fertility or creation.
But as in the film the dwarves arrive and expect to be fed i'd go for abundance.
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! :) Thanks for your first post :) What makes you think it's a Viking rune rather than an Old English one?
– Au101
Nov 8 '16 at 12:23
add a comment |
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
About the symbol/letter (Theory A)
@Jimmy Shelter's answer is the one that should be marked as the correct (as it answers the author's doubt), but as a comment I'd like to talk about the symbol itself.
At first sight I thought it was just an "F" (feoh) in Futhorc. Futhorc is an old Anglo-Saxon runic alphabet, that Tolkien uses in the maps we can see in the book.
Later on, in the Lord of the Rings, Tolkien uses Cirth, an invented alphabet based on Futhorc (and futhark, and similars), to write Khuzdul: the language of the Dwarrow. Probably the best example for this is Balin's tomb in the Fellowship of the Ring.
BALIN FUNDINUL UZBADKHAZADDUMU BALINSONOVFUNDINLORDOVMORIA (Balin
Fundinul Uzbad Khazaddumu in Khuzdul - Balin Son of Fundin Lord of
Moria in Westron [English]).
I thought they would use Cirth in the Hobbit films, however, every piece of Khuzdul (English, actually) is written using Futhorc (click on the images to enlarge them):
"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun
with the last light of Durin's day will shine upon the keyhole. Th."
(in perfect English).
"Herein lies the seventh kingdom of Durin's folk. If this fortress be
lost or overthrown, look to the power of the Arkenstone." (again, in
perfect English).
This is actually weird, as in the movie Glóin reads it:
"Herein lies the seventh kingdom of Durin’s folk. May the Heart of
the Mountain unite all Dwarves in defence of this home."
As I said before, I expected every map and so on written in Khuzdul using Cirth, but I appreciate the fact that Jackson and the artistic team have respected the fact that Cirth didn't exist at the time the Hobbit was created.
Having said that, the only conclusion is that the letter is just an English F. I don't know how that relates to "[...] the usual one in the trade, or used to be.", but that's the way it is. The only thing that comes to my mind is that a synonym to trade or maybe a related word starts with F in Ænglisc.
Theory B
Some say it's a G in Cirth that somehow connects to the G (Gandalf) seen in Gandalf's carriage (The Fellowship of the Ring), but in my honest opinion that makes no sense in the context of the film and the story: why would Gandalf mark Bilbo's door with his very name?
This seems to be the correct theory, apparently (see the bottom of the answer).
What should have been done
The illustration above was made by Master Tolkien himself. It depicts the letters B, D and a symbol (probably a diamond). Now, let's discuss their meaning:
“Yes, yes, but that was long ago,” said Glóin. “I was talking about you. And I assure you there is a mark on this door—the usual one in the trade, or used to be. Burglar wants a good job, plenty of Excitement and reasonable Reward, that’s how it is usually read.
The Hobbit, Chapter I: An Unexpected Party.
Thanks to this quote we may affirm the symbols mean: Burglar, Danger (excitement), and Reward (a diamond).
Actual meaning in the Jacksonverse
Why does the film show a Futhorc F (or a Cirth G)? Most likely because of the timing of the scene: what works in books doesn't necessary work in a motion picture.
UPDATE:
All seems to indicate that the in-universe explanation is Theory B, as Weta Workshop sells a Stone Pendant collectible with the Feoh (Cirth 19, actually) letter under the name of The Mark of Gandalf. It's worth noting that it clearly is a The Hobbit collectible and not a The Lord of the Rings one, as you can read from the watermark on the picture below.
3
I'd actually recommend that this one be accepted; the reference to the picture by Tolkien and analysis of the runes (particularly the deciperment of Burglar/Danger/Reward and relating it to the text) is awesome. Thank you!
– user8719
Apr 25 '14 at 12:15
2
I’m not really sure if the Weta pendant is much proof—the fact that it’s called “The Mark of Gandalf” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a G or has anything to do with Gandalf(’s name); it could just mean that it’s the mark Gandalf makes on Bilbo’s door. If it is indeed Futhorc, an ᚠ could possibly be intended to mean both burglar, danger, and reward: ‘danger’ in Old English was fǣr, and ‘reward [for rescuing cattle or property]’ was forfangfeoh. Sadly, I’ve been unable to find an Old English word that could mean ‘burglar’ or ‘job’, but if there is one, it could work.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:52
@JanusBahsJacquet, yeah. It's disappointing that it's just a Cirth G, but given the information we have from The Hobbit production, that's what can be deduced. I would love to be proved wrong, though; I still have hopes of it being a feoh!
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 22:02
1
Gandalf leaves a G to mark that he was on Weathertop in the Fellowship of the Ring, so I'd assume that's why it's "the Mark of Gandalf". This doesn't match the mark being a burglar sign, but "Gandalf was here" would let the dwarves identify the house well enough.
– Nolimon
Sep 11 '18 at 14:55
add a comment |
About the symbol/letter (Theory A)
@Jimmy Shelter's answer is the one that should be marked as the correct (as it answers the author's doubt), but as a comment I'd like to talk about the symbol itself.
At first sight I thought it was just an "F" (feoh) in Futhorc. Futhorc is an old Anglo-Saxon runic alphabet, that Tolkien uses in the maps we can see in the book.
Later on, in the Lord of the Rings, Tolkien uses Cirth, an invented alphabet based on Futhorc (and futhark, and similars), to write Khuzdul: the language of the Dwarrow. Probably the best example for this is Balin's tomb in the Fellowship of the Ring.
BALIN FUNDINUL UZBADKHAZADDUMU BALINSONOVFUNDINLORDOVMORIA (Balin
Fundinul Uzbad Khazaddumu in Khuzdul - Balin Son of Fundin Lord of
Moria in Westron [English]).
I thought they would use Cirth in the Hobbit films, however, every piece of Khuzdul (English, actually) is written using Futhorc (click on the images to enlarge them):
"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun
with the last light of Durin's day will shine upon the keyhole. Th."
(in perfect English).
"Herein lies the seventh kingdom of Durin's folk. If this fortress be
lost or overthrown, look to the power of the Arkenstone." (again, in
perfect English).
This is actually weird, as in the movie Glóin reads it:
"Herein lies the seventh kingdom of Durin’s folk. May the Heart of
the Mountain unite all Dwarves in defence of this home."
As I said before, I expected every map and so on written in Khuzdul using Cirth, but I appreciate the fact that Jackson and the artistic team have respected the fact that Cirth didn't exist at the time the Hobbit was created.
Having said that, the only conclusion is that the letter is just an English F. I don't know how that relates to "[...] the usual one in the trade, or used to be.", but that's the way it is. The only thing that comes to my mind is that a synonym to trade or maybe a related word starts with F in Ænglisc.
Theory B
Some say it's a G in Cirth that somehow connects to the G (Gandalf) seen in Gandalf's carriage (The Fellowship of the Ring), but in my honest opinion that makes no sense in the context of the film and the story: why would Gandalf mark Bilbo's door with his very name?
This seems to be the correct theory, apparently (see the bottom of the answer).
What should have been done
The illustration above was made by Master Tolkien himself. It depicts the letters B, D and a symbol (probably a diamond). Now, let's discuss their meaning:
“Yes, yes, but that was long ago,” said Glóin. “I was talking about you. And I assure you there is a mark on this door—the usual one in the trade, or used to be. Burglar wants a good job, plenty of Excitement and reasonable Reward, that’s how it is usually read.
The Hobbit, Chapter I: An Unexpected Party.
Thanks to this quote we may affirm the symbols mean: Burglar, Danger (excitement), and Reward (a diamond).
Actual meaning in the Jacksonverse
Why does the film show a Futhorc F (or a Cirth G)? Most likely because of the timing of the scene: what works in books doesn't necessary work in a motion picture.
UPDATE:
All seems to indicate that the in-universe explanation is Theory B, as Weta Workshop sells a Stone Pendant collectible with the Feoh (Cirth 19, actually) letter under the name of The Mark of Gandalf. It's worth noting that it clearly is a The Hobbit collectible and not a The Lord of the Rings one, as you can read from the watermark on the picture below.
3
I'd actually recommend that this one be accepted; the reference to the picture by Tolkien and analysis of the runes (particularly the deciperment of Burglar/Danger/Reward and relating it to the text) is awesome. Thank you!
– user8719
Apr 25 '14 at 12:15
2
I’m not really sure if the Weta pendant is much proof—the fact that it’s called “The Mark of Gandalf” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a G or has anything to do with Gandalf(’s name); it could just mean that it’s the mark Gandalf makes on Bilbo’s door. If it is indeed Futhorc, an ᚠ could possibly be intended to mean both burglar, danger, and reward: ‘danger’ in Old English was fǣr, and ‘reward [for rescuing cattle or property]’ was forfangfeoh. Sadly, I’ve been unable to find an Old English word that could mean ‘burglar’ or ‘job’, but if there is one, it could work.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:52
@JanusBahsJacquet, yeah. It's disappointing that it's just a Cirth G, but given the information we have from The Hobbit production, that's what can be deduced. I would love to be proved wrong, though; I still have hopes of it being a feoh!
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 22:02
1
Gandalf leaves a G to mark that he was on Weathertop in the Fellowship of the Ring, so I'd assume that's why it's "the Mark of Gandalf". This doesn't match the mark being a burglar sign, but "Gandalf was here" would let the dwarves identify the house well enough.
– Nolimon
Sep 11 '18 at 14:55
add a comment |
About the symbol/letter (Theory A)
@Jimmy Shelter's answer is the one that should be marked as the correct (as it answers the author's doubt), but as a comment I'd like to talk about the symbol itself.
At first sight I thought it was just an "F" (feoh) in Futhorc. Futhorc is an old Anglo-Saxon runic alphabet, that Tolkien uses in the maps we can see in the book.
Later on, in the Lord of the Rings, Tolkien uses Cirth, an invented alphabet based on Futhorc (and futhark, and similars), to write Khuzdul: the language of the Dwarrow. Probably the best example for this is Balin's tomb in the Fellowship of the Ring.
BALIN FUNDINUL UZBADKHAZADDUMU BALINSONOVFUNDINLORDOVMORIA (Balin
Fundinul Uzbad Khazaddumu in Khuzdul - Balin Son of Fundin Lord of
Moria in Westron [English]).
I thought they would use Cirth in the Hobbit films, however, every piece of Khuzdul (English, actually) is written using Futhorc (click on the images to enlarge them):
"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun
with the last light of Durin's day will shine upon the keyhole. Th."
(in perfect English).
"Herein lies the seventh kingdom of Durin's folk. If this fortress be
lost or overthrown, look to the power of the Arkenstone." (again, in
perfect English).
This is actually weird, as in the movie Glóin reads it:
"Herein lies the seventh kingdom of Durin’s folk. May the Heart of
the Mountain unite all Dwarves in defence of this home."
As I said before, I expected every map and so on written in Khuzdul using Cirth, but I appreciate the fact that Jackson and the artistic team have respected the fact that Cirth didn't exist at the time the Hobbit was created.
Having said that, the only conclusion is that the letter is just an English F. I don't know how that relates to "[...] the usual one in the trade, or used to be.", but that's the way it is. The only thing that comes to my mind is that a synonym to trade or maybe a related word starts with F in Ænglisc.
Theory B
Some say it's a G in Cirth that somehow connects to the G (Gandalf) seen in Gandalf's carriage (The Fellowship of the Ring), but in my honest opinion that makes no sense in the context of the film and the story: why would Gandalf mark Bilbo's door with his very name?
This seems to be the correct theory, apparently (see the bottom of the answer).
What should have been done
The illustration above was made by Master Tolkien himself. It depicts the letters B, D and a symbol (probably a diamond). Now, let's discuss their meaning:
“Yes, yes, but that was long ago,” said Glóin. “I was talking about you. And I assure you there is a mark on this door—the usual one in the trade, or used to be. Burglar wants a good job, plenty of Excitement and reasonable Reward, that’s how it is usually read.
The Hobbit, Chapter I: An Unexpected Party.
Thanks to this quote we may affirm the symbols mean: Burglar, Danger (excitement), and Reward (a diamond).
Actual meaning in the Jacksonverse
Why does the film show a Futhorc F (or a Cirth G)? Most likely because of the timing of the scene: what works in books doesn't necessary work in a motion picture.
UPDATE:
All seems to indicate that the in-universe explanation is Theory B, as Weta Workshop sells a Stone Pendant collectible with the Feoh (Cirth 19, actually) letter under the name of The Mark of Gandalf. It's worth noting that it clearly is a The Hobbit collectible and not a The Lord of the Rings one, as you can read from the watermark on the picture below.
About the symbol/letter (Theory A)
@Jimmy Shelter's answer is the one that should be marked as the correct (as it answers the author's doubt), but as a comment I'd like to talk about the symbol itself.
At first sight I thought it was just an "F" (feoh) in Futhorc. Futhorc is an old Anglo-Saxon runic alphabet, that Tolkien uses in the maps we can see in the book.
Later on, in the Lord of the Rings, Tolkien uses Cirth, an invented alphabet based on Futhorc (and futhark, and similars), to write Khuzdul: the language of the Dwarrow. Probably the best example for this is Balin's tomb in the Fellowship of the Ring.
BALIN FUNDINUL UZBADKHAZADDUMU BALINSONOVFUNDINLORDOVMORIA (Balin
Fundinul Uzbad Khazaddumu in Khuzdul - Balin Son of Fundin Lord of
Moria in Westron [English]).
I thought they would use Cirth in the Hobbit films, however, every piece of Khuzdul (English, actually) is written using Futhorc (click on the images to enlarge them):
"Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks and the setting sun
with the last light of Durin's day will shine upon the keyhole. Th."
(in perfect English).
"Herein lies the seventh kingdom of Durin's folk. If this fortress be
lost or overthrown, look to the power of the Arkenstone." (again, in
perfect English).
This is actually weird, as in the movie Glóin reads it:
"Herein lies the seventh kingdom of Durin’s folk. May the Heart of
the Mountain unite all Dwarves in defence of this home."
As I said before, I expected every map and so on written in Khuzdul using Cirth, but I appreciate the fact that Jackson and the artistic team have respected the fact that Cirth didn't exist at the time the Hobbit was created.
Having said that, the only conclusion is that the letter is just an English F. I don't know how that relates to "[...] the usual one in the trade, or used to be.", but that's the way it is. The only thing that comes to my mind is that a synonym to trade or maybe a related word starts with F in Ænglisc.
Theory B
Some say it's a G in Cirth that somehow connects to the G (Gandalf) seen in Gandalf's carriage (The Fellowship of the Ring), but in my honest opinion that makes no sense in the context of the film and the story: why would Gandalf mark Bilbo's door with his very name?
This seems to be the correct theory, apparently (see the bottom of the answer).
What should have been done
The illustration above was made by Master Tolkien himself. It depicts the letters B, D and a symbol (probably a diamond). Now, let's discuss their meaning:
“Yes, yes, but that was long ago,” said Glóin. “I was talking about you. And I assure you there is a mark on this door—the usual one in the trade, or used to be. Burglar wants a good job, plenty of Excitement and reasonable Reward, that’s how it is usually read.
The Hobbit, Chapter I: An Unexpected Party.
Thanks to this quote we may affirm the symbols mean: Burglar, Danger (excitement), and Reward (a diamond).
Actual meaning in the Jacksonverse
Why does the film show a Futhorc F (or a Cirth G)? Most likely because of the timing of the scene: what works in books doesn't necessary work in a motion picture.
UPDATE:
All seems to indicate that the in-universe explanation is Theory B, as Weta Workshop sells a Stone Pendant collectible with the Feoh (Cirth 19, actually) letter under the name of The Mark of Gandalf. It's worth noting that it clearly is a The Hobbit collectible and not a The Lord of the Rings one, as you can read from the watermark on the picture below.
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:43
Community♦
1
1
answered Apr 24 '14 at 23:07
Alfredo HernándezAlfredo Hernández
2,77721837
2,77721837
3
I'd actually recommend that this one be accepted; the reference to the picture by Tolkien and analysis of the runes (particularly the deciperment of Burglar/Danger/Reward and relating it to the text) is awesome. Thank you!
– user8719
Apr 25 '14 at 12:15
2
I’m not really sure if the Weta pendant is much proof—the fact that it’s called “The Mark of Gandalf” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a G or has anything to do with Gandalf(’s name); it could just mean that it’s the mark Gandalf makes on Bilbo’s door. If it is indeed Futhorc, an ᚠ could possibly be intended to mean both burglar, danger, and reward: ‘danger’ in Old English was fǣr, and ‘reward [for rescuing cattle or property]’ was forfangfeoh. Sadly, I’ve been unable to find an Old English word that could mean ‘burglar’ or ‘job’, but if there is one, it could work.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:52
@JanusBahsJacquet, yeah. It's disappointing that it's just a Cirth G, but given the information we have from The Hobbit production, that's what can be deduced. I would love to be proved wrong, though; I still have hopes of it being a feoh!
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 22:02
1
Gandalf leaves a G to mark that he was on Weathertop in the Fellowship of the Ring, so I'd assume that's why it's "the Mark of Gandalf". This doesn't match the mark being a burglar sign, but "Gandalf was here" would let the dwarves identify the house well enough.
– Nolimon
Sep 11 '18 at 14:55
add a comment |
3
I'd actually recommend that this one be accepted; the reference to the picture by Tolkien and analysis of the runes (particularly the deciperment of Burglar/Danger/Reward and relating it to the text) is awesome. Thank you!
– user8719
Apr 25 '14 at 12:15
2
I’m not really sure if the Weta pendant is much proof—the fact that it’s called “The Mark of Gandalf” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a G or has anything to do with Gandalf(’s name); it could just mean that it’s the mark Gandalf makes on Bilbo’s door. If it is indeed Futhorc, an ᚠ could possibly be intended to mean both burglar, danger, and reward: ‘danger’ in Old English was fǣr, and ‘reward [for rescuing cattle or property]’ was forfangfeoh. Sadly, I’ve been unable to find an Old English word that could mean ‘burglar’ or ‘job’, but if there is one, it could work.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:52
@JanusBahsJacquet, yeah. It's disappointing that it's just a Cirth G, but given the information we have from The Hobbit production, that's what can be deduced. I would love to be proved wrong, though; I still have hopes of it being a feoh!
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 22:02
1
Gandalf leaves a G to mark that he was on Weathertop in the Fellowship of the Ring, so I'd assume that's why it's "the Mark of Gandalf". This doesn't match the mark being a burglar sign, but "Gandalf was here" would let the dwarves identify the house well enough.
– Nolimon
Sep 11 '18 at 14:55
3
3
I'd actually recommend that this one be accepted; the reference to the picture by Tolkien and analysis of the runes (particularly the deciperment of Burglar/Danger/Reward and relating it to the text) is awesome. Thank you!
– user8719
Apr 25 '14 at 12:15
I'd actually recommend that this one be accepted; the reference to the picture by Tolkien and analysis of the runes (particularly the deciperment of Burglar/Danger/Reward and relating it to the text) is awesome. Thank you!
– user8719
Apr 25 '14 at 12:15
2
2
I’m not really sure if the Weta pendant is much proof—the fact that it’s called “The Mark of Gandalf” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a G or has anything to do with Gandalf(’s name); it could just mean that it’s the mark Gandalf makes on Bilbo’s door. If it is indeed Futhorc, an ᚠ could possibly be intended to mean both burglar, danger, and reward: ‘danger’ in Old English was fǣr, and ‘reward [for rescuing cattle or property]’ was forfangfeoh. Sadly, I’ve been unable to find an Old English word that could mean ‘burglar’ or ‘job’, but if there is one, it could work.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:52
I’m not really sure if the Weta pendant is much proof—the fact that it’s called “The Mark of Gandalf” doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a G or has anything to do with Gandalf(’s name); it could just mean that it’s the mark Gandalf makes on Bilbo’s door. If it is indeed Futhorc, an ᚠ could possibly be intended to mean both burglar, danger, and reward: ‘danger’ in Old English was fǣr, and ‘reward [for rescuing cattle or property]’ was forfangfeoh. Sadly, I’ve been unable to find an Old English word that could mean ‘burglar’ or ‘job’, but if there is one, it could work.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:52
@JanusBahsJacquet, yeah. It's disappointing that it's just a Cirth G, but given the information we have from The Hobbit production, that's what can be deduced. I would love to be proved wrong, though; I still have hopes of it being a feoh!
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 22:02
@JanusBahsJacquet, yeah. It's disappointing that it's just a Cirth G, but given the information we have from The Hobbit production, that's what can be deduced. I would love to be proved wrong, though; I still have hopes of it being a feoh!
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 22:02
1
1
Gandalf leaves a G to mark that he was on Weathertop in the Fellowship of the Ring, so I'd assume that's why it's "the Mark of Gandalf". This doesn't match the mark being a burglar sign, but "Gandalf was here" would let the dwarves identify the house well enough.
– Nolimon
Sep 11 '18 at 14:55
Gandalf leaves a G to mark that he was on Weathertop in the Fellowship of the Ring, so I'd assume that's why it's "the Mark of Gandalf". This doesn't match the mark being a burglar sign, but "Gandalf was here" would let the dwarves identify the house well enough.
– Nolimon
Sep 11 '18 at 14:55
add a comment |
The actual form of the symbol is not described in the book; the most we get is that Gandalf "scratched a queer sign" on the door:
After a while he stepped up, and with the spike of his staff scratched a queer sign on the hobbit's beautiful green front-door.
Later on Gloin describes what the sign means:
In fact, if it had not been for the sign on the door, I should have been sure we had come to the wrong house ... I assure you there is a mark on this door - the usual one in the trade, or used to be. Burglar wants a good job, plenty of excitement and reasonable reward, that's how it is usually read.
And Gandalf had also taken steps to cover his tracks, which seems rather unnecessary as he later on admits to having put the mark there:
He had made quite a dent on the beautiful door; he had also, by the way, knocked out the secret mark that he had put there the morning before ..... "Of course there is a mark," said Gandalf. "I put it there myself."
All references: the Hobbit, Chapter 1, an Unexpected Party
14
Maybe Gandalf wanted to be sure the burglar symbol was gone before he sent Bilbo on his quest. Otherwise all sorts of unsavoury types might turn up looking for the services of a burglar while Bilbo was away. Gandalf may be grumpy but in the end he's pretty considerate.
– Royal Canadian Bandit
Mar 10 '14 at 10:01
add a comment |
The actual form of the symbol is not described in the book; the most we get is that Gandalf "scratched a queer sign" on the door:
After a while he stepped up, and with the spike of his staff scratched a queer sign on the hobbit's beautiful green front-door.
Later on Gloin describes what the sign means:
In fact, if it had not been for the sign on the door, I should have been sure we had come to the wrong house ... I assure you there is a mark on this door - the usual one in the trade, or used to be. Burglar wants a good job, plenty of excitement and reasonable reward, that's how it is usually read.
And Gandalf had also taken steps to cover his tracks, which seems rather unnecessary as he later on admits to having put the mark there:
He had made quite a dent on the beautiful door; he had also, by the way, knocked out the secret mark that he had put there the morning before ..... "Of course there is a mark," said Gandalf. "I put it there myself."
All references: the Hobbit, Chapter 1, an Unexpected Party
14
Maybe Gandalf wanted to be sure the burglar symbol was gone before he sent Bilbo on his quest. Otherwise all sorts of unsavoury types might turn up looking for the services of a burglar while Bilbo was away. Gandalf may be grumpy but in the end he's pretty considerate.
– Royal Canadian Bandit
Mar 10 '14 at 10:01
add a comment |
The actual form of the symbol is not described in the book; the most we get is that Gandalf "scratched a queer sign" on the door:
After a while he stepped up, and with the spike of his staff scratched a queer sign on the hobbit's beautiful green front-door.
Later on Gloin describes what the sign means:
In fact, if it had not been for the sign on the door, I should have been sure we had come to the wrong house ... I assure you there is a mark on this door - the usual one in the trade, or used to be. Burglar wants a good job, plenty of excitement and reasonable reward, that's how it is usually read.
And Gandalf had also taken steps to cover his tracks, which seems rather unnecessary as he later on admits to having put the mark there:
He had made quite a dent on the beautiful door; he had also, by the way, knocked out the secret mark that he had put there the morning before ..... "Of course there is a mark," said Gandalf. "I put it there myself."
All references: the Hobbit, Chapter 1, an Unexpected Party
The actual form of the symbol is not described in the book; the most we get is that Gandalf "scratched a queer sign" on the door:
After a while he stepped up, and with the spike of his staff scratched a queer sign on the hobbit's beautiful green front-door.
Later on Gloin describes what the sign means:
In fact, if it had not been for the sign on the door, I should have been sure we had come to the wrong house ... I assure you there is a mark on this door - the usual one in the trade, or used to be. Burglar wants a good job, plenty of excitement and reasonable reward, that's how it is usually read.
And Gandalf had also taken steps to cover his tracks, which seems rather unnecessary as he later on admits to having put the mark there:
He had made quite a dent on the beautiful door; he had also, by the way, knocked out the secret mark that he had put there the morning before ..... "Of course there is a mark," said Gandalf. "I put it there myself."
All references: the Hobbit, Chapter 1, an Unexpected Party
answered Mar 9 '14 at 10:29
user8719
14
Maybe Gandalf wanted to be sure the burglar symbol was gone before he sent Bilbo on his quest. Otherwise all sorts of unsavoury types might turn up looking for the services of a burglar while Bilbo was away. Gandalf may be grumpy but in the end he's pretty considerate.
– Royal Canadian Bandit
Mar 10 '14 at 10:01
add a comment |
14
Maybe Gandalf wanted to be sure the burglar symbol was gone before he sent Bilbo on his quest. Otherwise all sorts of unsavoury types might turn up looking for the services of a burglar while Bilbo was away. Gandalf may be grumpy but in the end he's pretty considerate.
– Royal Canadian Bandit
Mar 10 '14 at 10:01
14
14
Maybe Gandalf wanted to be sure the burglar symbol was gone before he sent Bilbo on his quest. Otherwise all sorts of unsavoury types might turn up looking for the services of a burglar while Bilbo was away. Gandalf may be grumpy but in the end he's pretty considerate.
– Royal Canadian Bandit
Mar 10 '14 at 10:01
Maybe Gandalf wanted to be sure the burglar symbol was gone before he sent Bilbo on his quest. Otherwise all sorts of unsavoury types might turn up looking for the services of a burglar while Bilbo was away. Gandalf may be grumpy but in the end he's pretty considerate.
– Royal Canadian Bandit
Mar 10 '14 at 10:01
add a comment |
I don't know much about Tolkien stuff, but yesterday I came across an article on wikipedia about "Old English" and it had an image about the runic alphabet and the "f" one says something about "wealth", maybe it has to do with that? The movie version, but I don't know about the books.
I'm pretty sure Tolkien invented his own runic alphabet, although probably based on this one.
– Rand al'Thor♦
Feb 21 '16 at 21:27
The f rune in the English Futhark is called feoh, which is indeed an Old English word that means ‘(mobile) wealth’. The original meaning is ‘cattle’, and it is etymologically related to pecuniary (originally a derivative of Latin pecu, which is the precise cognate of Old English feoh). The Modern English form of the word is fee.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:38
1
@randal'thor, in The Hobbit, tolkien uses actual Futhorc, as a matter of fact, as covered in my answer.
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 21:57
add a comment |
I don't know much about Tolkien stuff, but yesterday I came across an article on wikipedia about "Old English" and it had an image about the runic alphabet and the "f" one says something about "wealth", maybe it has to do with that? The movie version, but I don't know about the books.
I'm pretty sure Tolkien invented his own runic alphabet, although probably based on this one.
– Rand al'Thor♦
Feb 21 '16 at 21:27
The f rune in the English Futhark is called feoh, which is indeed an Old English word that means ‘(mobile) wealth’. The original meaning is ‘cattle’, and it is etymologically related to pecuniary (originally a derivative of Latin pecu, which is the precise cognate of Old English feoh). The Modern English form of the word is fee.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:38
1
@randal'thor, in The Hobbit, tolkien uses actual Futhorc, as a matter of fact, as covered in my answer.
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 21:57
add a comment |
I don't know much about Tolkien stuff, but yesterday I came across an article on wikipedia about "Old English" and it had an image about the runic alphabet and the "f" one says something about "wealth", maybe it has to do with that? The movie version, but I don't know about the books.
I don't know much about Tolkien stuff, but yesterday I came across an article on wikipedia about "Old English" and it had an image about the runic alphabet and the "f" one says something about "wealth", maybe it has to do with that? The movie version, but I don't know about the books.
edited Feb 21 '16 at 21:28
bleh
4,22173877
4,22173877
answered Feb 21 '16 at 20:51
FurimaFurima
1
1
I'm pretty sure Tolkien invented his own runic alphabet, although probably based on this one.
– Rand al'Thor♦
Feb 21 '16 at 21:27
The f rune in the English Futhark is called feoh, which is indeed an Old English word that means ‘(mobile) wealth’. The original meaning is ‘cattle’, and it is etymologically related to pecuniary (originally a derivative of Latin pecu, which is the precise cognate of Old English feoh). The Modern English form of the word is fee.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:38
1
@randal'thor, in The Hobbit, tolkien uses actual Futhorc, as a matter of fact, as covered in my answer.
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 21:57
add a comment |
I'm pretty sure Tolkien invented his own runic alphabet, although probably based on this one.
– Rand al'Thor♦
Feb 21 '16 at 21:27
The f rune in the English Futhark is called feoh, which is indeed an Old English word that means ‘(mobile) wealth’. The original meaning is ‘cattle’, and it is etymologically related to pecuniary (originally a derivative of Latin pecu, which is the precise cognate of Old English feoh). The Modern English form of the word is fee.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:38
1
@randal'thor, in The Hobbit, tolkien uses actual Futhorc, as a matter of fact, as covered in my answer.
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 21:57
I'm pretty sure Tolkien invented his own runic alphabet, although probably based on this one.
– Rand al'Thor♦
Feb 21 '16 at 21:27
I'm pretty sure Tolkien invented his own runic alphabet, although probably based on this one.
– Rand al'Thor♦
Feb 21 '16 at 21:27
The f rune in the English Futhark is called feoh, which is indeed an Old English word that means ‘(mobile) wealth’. The original meaning is ‘cattle’, and it is etymologically related to pecuniary (originally a derivative of Latin pecu, which is the precise cognate of Old English feoh). The Modern English form of the word is fee.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:38
The f rune in the English Futhark is called feoh, which is indeed an Old English word that means ‘(mobile) wealth’. The original meaning is ‘cattle’, and it is etymologically related to pecuniary (originally a derivative of Latin pecu, which is the precise cognate of Old English feoh). The Modern English form of the word is fee.
– Janus Bahs Jacquet
Feb 21 '16 at 21:38
1
1
@randal'thor, in The Hobbit, tolkien uses actual Futhorc, as a matter of fact, as covered in my answer.
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 21:57
@randal'thor, in The Hobbit, tolkien uses actual Futhorc, as a matter of fact, as covered in my answer.
– Alfredo Hernández
Feb 21 '16 at 21:57
add a comment |
I fairly believe that the F belonging on Bilbo's door would either mean "Friend" as in The Lord of the Rings, to answer the Riddle to Enter Moria, the old abandoned mines. Or it would mean Fundin, the Father of Dwalin and Balin, accompanied by Thorin Oakensheild.
1
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! We are looking for answers which cite sources, though. Can you provide any sources to support your answer?
– Null♦
Jun 16 '16 at 20:16
add a comment |
I fairly believe that the F belonging on Bilbo's door would either mean "Friend" as in The Lord of the Rings, to answer the Riddle to Enter Moria, the old abandoned mines. Or it would mean Fundin, the Father of Dwalin and Balin, accompanied by Thorin Oakensheild.
1
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! We are looking for answers which cite sources, though. Can you provide any sources to support your answer?
– Null♦
Jun 16 '16 at 20:16
add a comment |
I fairly believe that the F belonging on Bilbo's door would either mean "Friend" as in The Lord of the Rings, to answer the Riddle to Enter Moria, the old abandoned mines. Or it would mean Fundin, the Father of Dwalin and Balin, accompanied by Thorin Oakensheild.
I fairly believe that the F belonging on Bilbo's door would either mean "Friend" as in The Lord of the Rings, to answer the Riddle to Enter Moria, the old abandoned mines. Or it would mean Fundin, the Father of Dwalin and Balin, accompanied by Thorin Oakensheild.
answered Jun 16 '16 at 19:19
Master of RiddlesMaster of Riddles
1
1
1
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! We are looking for answers which cite sources, though. Can you provide any sources to support your answer?
– Null♦
Jun 16 '16 at 20:16
add a comment |
1
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! We are looking for answers which cite sources, though. Can you provide any sources to support your answer?
– Null♦
Jun 16 '16 at 20:16
1
1
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! We are looking for answers which cite sources, though. Can you provide any sources to support your answer?
– Null♦
Jun 16 '16 at 20:16
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! We are looking for answers which cite sources, though. Can you provide any sources to support your answer?
– Null♦
Jun 16 '16 at 20:16
add a comment |
Runic f in viking runes is fehu meaning wealth,abundance,energy,foresight,fertility or creation.
But as in the film the dwarves arrive and expect to be fed i'd go for abundance.
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! :) Thanks for your first post :) What makes you think it's a Viking rune rather than an Old English one?
– Au101
Nov 8 '16 at 12:23
add a comment |
Runic f in viking runes is fehu meaning wealth,abundance,energy,foresight,fertility or creation.
But as in the film the dwarves arrive and expect to be fed i'd go for abundance.
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! :) Thanks for your first post :) What makes you think it's a Viking rune rather than an Old English one?
– Au101
Nov 8 '16 at 12:23
add a comment |
Runic f in viking runes is fehu meaning wealth,abundance,energy,foresight,fertility or creation.
But as in the film the dwarves arrive and expect to be fed i'd go for abundance.
Runic f in viking runes is fehu meaning wealth,abundance,energy,foresight,fertility or creation.
But as in the film the dwarves arrive and expect to be fed i'd go for abundance.
answered Nov 8 '16 at 11:39
DennisDennis
1
1
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! :) Thanks for your first post :) What makes you think it's a Viking rune rather than an Old English one?
– Au101
Nov 8 '16 at 12:23
add a comment |
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! :) Thanks for your first post :) What makes you think it's a Viking rune rather than an Old English one?
– Au101
Nov 8 '16 at 12:23
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! :) Thanks for your first post :) What makes you think it's a Viking rune rather than an Old English one?
– Au101
Nov 8 '16 at 12:23
Welcome to Science Fiction & Fantasy! :) Thanks for your first post :) What makes you think it's a Viking rune rather than an Old English one?
– Au101
Nov 8 '16 at 12:23
add a comment |
protected by Community♦ Mar 9 at 13:20
Thank you for your interest in this question.
Because it has attracted low-quality or spam answers that had to be removed, posting an answer now requires 10 reputation on this site (the association bonus does not count).
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1
Hmmm.. this question includes this one, as "for bonus points", and halfway was answered. Not sure if this should be a duplicate or not, especially since it's Slytherincess's comment that contains the answer.
– Izkata
Mar 9 '14 at 5:20
1
The symbol itself has not been disclosed but the meaning was clear, "Free food here". It may have been a large 'M' etched in gold.
– Morgan
Apr 24 '14 at 23:54