How Do You Spell MORIA?

Pronunciation: [mˈɔːɹiə] (IPA)

The word "Moria" is spelled with three syllables: /mɔːriə/. The first syllable is pronounced "mor" with a long "o" sound, the second syllable is pronounced "ee" with a short "i" sound, and the third syllable is pronounced "uh" with a neutral vowel sound. The spelling of the word is based on the ancient Greek word Μωρία, which means "folly" or "foolishness." In modern usage, the word is often associated with the fictional location "Moria" from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

MORIA Meaning and Definition

  1. Moria is a noun that refers to a fictional underground kingdom in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, specifically in his iconic fantasy novels, The Lord of the Rings. In Tolkien's vast and imaginative world, Moria is an ancient dwarven city situated deep within the Misty Mountains, east of the fictional land of Eriador. Also known as Khazad-dûm, it is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate mines, and vast wealth, as well as its tragic downfall.

    The word Moria often evokes a sense of mystery, danger, and grandeur. It represents a legendary and mythical place of incredible depth and history. The city was once a flourishing dwarven stronghold, filled with mining activity and immense prosperity. However, it experienced a catastrophic event known as the Balrog's awakening, an otherworldly creature of fire and shadow, forcing the dwarves to abandon their beloved city.

    The name Moria itself derives from Sindarin, one of Tolkien's many Elvish languages, and translates to "Black Chasm" or "Dark Abyss." This aptly captures the darkness and vastness of the abandoned subterranean realm. Moria has become an iconic location in fantasy literature and has been featured widely in adaptations, including Peter Jackson's film trilogy. It symbolizes both the prosperity and the tragedy of the dwarves, while also embodying the theme of the rise and fall of civilizations.

  2. 1. Foolishness, dulness of comprehension, hebetudinosity. 2. A mental state marked by frivolity, joviality, an inveterate tendency to jest, and inability to take anything seriously, said to be associated with the presence of a tumor in the frontal region of the brain.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for MORIA

Etymology of MORIA

The word "Moria" has different etymological origins depending on its context.

1. In J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth: Moria is a fictional place in Tolkien's legendarium, particularly in "The Lord of the Rings". The term "Moria" was created by Tolkien and is derived from Sindarin, one of the Elvish languages he constructed. In Sindarin, "mor" means "black", and "ia" is a suffix denoting a place, thus "Moria" can be translated as "black pit" or "black chasm".

2. In ancient Greece: "Moria" can also refer to the region of Laconia in ancient Greece. This usage predates Tolkien and has a different etymology.

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