Published: November 13 2023
The word "ogre" has long been debated for its origins and potential connection to the Hungarian language. In this article, we will explore the theories surrounding the Hungarian connection to the word "ogre" and debunk some of the misconceptions.
Debunking the Hungarian connection
The theory proposing that "ogre" used to mean Hungarian is based on the belief that the devastating raids of the Pagan Hungarians in Europe led to the perception of them as monstrous entities, giving rise to the term "ogre". However, this theory is disputed and there is no conclusive evidence supporting it. Many historians argue that the word "ogre" has its roots in Etruscan mythology surrounding the deity Orcus, known for consuming human flesh.
Chrétien de Troyes and the Legend of Lancelot
Another interesting theory suggests that the French author Chrétien de Troyes may have used the word "ogre" in the context of political propaganda during the marriage of the French Queen Margaret and the Hungarian king Béla III. This theory connects the word "ogre" to a mixture of political intrigue and mythical storytelling rather than to the Hungarians themselves. It is also worth noting that British myths about creatures residing on the island of Britain before human settlement influenced the concept of orcs in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings".
Beyond Hungarian raids
In conclusion, while there have been attempts to link the word "ogre" to Hungarian history and raids, there is no concrete evidence supporting this connection. The origins of the word seem to be more rooted in myth, ancient deities, and political narratives. For those interested in further exploring Hungarian history, mythology, and linguistic theories, the TikTok account "Turan Explorer" offers a captivating journey.
Questions & Answers
Is the word "ogre" synonymous with Hungarian? No, the word "ogre" was never a synonym for Hungarian.
Did the term "ogre" originate from the Hungarian raids in Europe? There is a theory suggesting that during the initial incursions of Pagan Hungarians into Europe, their destructive raids led to widespread beliefs and rumors that they were monstrous entities, giving rise to the term "ogre". However, this theory is fiercely disputed.
What is the alternative origin of the word "ogre"? Many historians argue that the term "ogre" and its derivative "orc" find their origins in the Etruscan mythology surrounding the deity Orcus, known for consuming human flesh. There is evidence connecting the word "ogre" to ancient deities and mythical storytelling rather than to the Hungarians themselves.
How does Chrétien de Troyes and the legend of Lancelot relate to the word "ogre"? Some scholars propose that Chrétien de Troyes, a French author, may have woven the legend of Lancelot as political propaganda during the marriage of the French Queen Margaret and the Hungarian king Béla III. In this narrative, Lancelot is seen as an implicit reference to the Hungarian king László, which ties into the word "ogre" and its connection to mythical storytelling and political intrigue.
Were the Hungarians seen as monstrous entities during their raids? During the raids of the Pagan Hungarians into Europe, rumors circulated that painted the Hungarians as the scourge of God, cannibals, and harbingers of the apocalypse. The common phrase "De saggitus Hungarorum, libere nos domine" ("Lord save us from the arrows of the Hungarians") further fueled this narrative.
Are there any linguistic connections between the word "ogre" and Hungarian? The Dictionary of the Academy of France attributes the word's roots to the Hungarians, but this viewpoint is disputed. The linguistic connections between "ogre" and Hungarian are not conclusive.
What other factors influenced the origin of the word "ogre"? The word "ogre" has ties to ancient deities, political maneuvering, and mythical origins. It may also have been influenced by British myths about creatures residing on the island of Britain before human settlement.
