How Do You Spell DRAGONLANCE?

Pronunciation: [dɹˈaɡənləns] (IPA)

The word "dragonlance" is spelled with a "g" in the middle, despite it being pronounced with a "j" sound. This is because the "g" in this case is being used as a voiced velar stop, which can be represented by the IPA symbol /ɡ/. However, when followed by the letter "n", this consonant sound can sometimes be palatalized or softened, resulting in a /dʒ/ sound. This phenomenon, known as palatalization, occurs in words like "ginger" and "orange" as well.

DRAGONLANCE Meaning and Definition

  1. Dragonlance refers to a fictional world created by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman for their fantasy novel series of the same name. This term holds a specific significance within the context of this fantasy realm. In the Dragonlance universe, a Dragonlance is a magical weapon intricately crafted to vanquish dragons, which are formidable and mythical creatures within the realm.

    The Dragonlances are believed to possess the power to pierce the nearly invulnerable hides of dragons, enabling warriors equipped with these weapons to combat these creatures effectively. These weapons are not only enchanted with the ability to inflict greater damage, but they also possess an inherent ability to absorb and harness the vitality and powers of the slain dragons. This feature allows the Dragonlances to be a potent asset in the ongoing battles against dragons and other nefarious forces that threaten the world of Dragonlance.

    Moreover, the term "Dragonlance" can be extended to encompass the entire fictional universe in which these novels and stories take place. It refers to the world itself, with its unique lore, mythos, magical races, and various factions engaged in constant conflicts. Dragonlance serves as the backdrop for numerous adventures and epic tales, following the lives of various characters, each embarking on their own quests and destinies.

    Overall, "Dragonlance" can be seen as a multifaceted term representing both the powerful weapons designed for dragon-slaying and the expansive fantasy world that captivates readers with its rich and immersive storytelling.

Etymology of DRAGONLANCE

The word "dragonlance" is a compound word derived from "dragon" and "lance".

- "Dragon" comes from the Old French and Latin word "draco" which originated from the Greek word "drakon", meaning serpent or large serpent-like creature. The term later evolved to refer to mythical creatures with serpent-like or reptilian features, often associated with fire-breathing and immense strength.

- "Lance" comes from the Old French word "lance" which finds its roots in the Latin word "lancea", meaning spear. It typically refers to a long weapon with a pointed metal head, specifically designed for use on horseback.

When combined, "dragonlance" signifies a specific type of weapon designed to slay dragons. It first gained prominence and popularity through the fantasy book series called "Dragonlance", created by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman.