Verna
From Tolkien Gateway
Verna was an obscure location in southwest Beleriand near the Mouths of Sirion.
Arvernien was named after it.
Inspiration
Verna does not appear in narration or any maps of Beleriand; Tolkien appears to have invented the name in order to explain the etymology of Arvernien.[1] Since Tolkien explains Arvernien as "Land beside Verna", geographically, Verna could refer to adjacent regions like the forest of Nimbrethil or Lisgardh.
Etymology
Verna could be related to Quenya feren which means "birch, beech tree", and if so, it could refer to the forest of Nimbrethil ("(forest of) silver birches").[2] Another possibility is that it refers to a river, obviously Sirion, and comes from the Root WER, "winding" (thus, "Winding River").[3]
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 19
- ↑ This connection was suggested by the Encyclopedia of Arda, and it referred to Arvernien, without acknowledging the existence of Verna as an independent word[1].
- ↑ David Salo, Message 34598, Elfling
