Wyrm
/wɪrm/noun
An ancient term for a serpent or dragon, often used in myth and folklore.
Did you know?In medieval texts, 'wyrms' were not only mythical creatures but also symbols of chaos and destruction, embodying the primal fears of humanity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
wurmiz
“A creature or being resembling a serpent or dragon.”
Old English
OE
wyrm
“A dragon or serpent, often associated with evil or chaos in folklore.”
Old Norse
ON
ormr
“A serpent or dragon, frequently appearing in sagas as a monstrous foe.”
Middle English
ME
wirme
“A mythological serpent or dragon, often linked to tales of heroism and peril.”
Modern English
English
wyrm
“An archaic term still used in fantasy to evoke the essence of dragons and serpents.”