Raemle Posted June 22, 2022 Posted June 22, 2022 Putting my crem theory out here while overanalyzing linguistics. So, the "ett" part in ettmetal is most likely derived from the word en/ett which translates to one (think un/une in french minus the gendering) in most nordic languages. I've seen someone suggest "the one metal" as an interpretation, which is completely valid and I think it sounds great. But may I raise you: United metal! If something is described as being "one" my first thought is that it is combined or united. Which fits given that it is Harmony's own metal, who is the literal embodiment of two combined/united shards. It's a bit of a reach, but I find the implications interesting when considering how important unity is in regards to stormlight and how it appears to be about rebuilding and combining the shards. (For clarity I am a fluent speaker in only one nordic language so my perspective is somewhat skewed based on that as there are things that differ between them, the phrasing stood out to me because it would be grammatically wrong in my language and therefore puts emphasis on it being one rather than just a metal. Tho I do doubt that it was Sanderson's intention since I believe it's correct in Norweigan which he appears to lean into more given the use of "konge" in the book. Either way it's a fun coincidence.) 3
cometaryorbit Posted June 22, 2022 Posted June 22, 2022 I agree that ettmetal is probably a reference to its being Harmony's metal, yeah. Allik also says that the Jaggenmire were 'always one, and always apart' and Sazed/Harmony comments on how holding both Ruin and Preservation limits his actions and influences his perspective, so I think the theme of (potentially unstable) unity of opposites is intended.
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