Springle-ring
From Tolkien Gateway
The Springle-ring was a dance of the Shire-hobbits. It was described as "a pretty dance, but rather vigorous" where dancers leaped up often.[1]
At the Bilbo's Farewell Party the dance was performed by Everard Took and Melilot Brandybuck.[1] The dance is also mentioned in the Bucklandish poem Bombadil Goes Boating, witnessed by the daughters of Farmer Maggot.[2]
Etymology
The word springle has several meanings in English, however Tolkien commented that the name is made-up, ought to evoke the style of the dance.[3]
Robert Foster gives the erroneous translation "war-horse ring".[4][5]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, "A Long-expected Party"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, "Bombadil Goes Boating"
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Nomenclature of The Lord of the Rings" in Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion
- ↑ Robert Foster, The Complete Guide to Middle-earth, p. 363
- ↑ Cf. Forum discussion: "...although where this information proceeds from is not given ('springle' does not seem to be a synonym for 'war-horse' in any online dictionary)."
