Origin and Etymology

The word “skelmir“ originates from Old Norse, the North Germanic language spoken by the inhabitants of Scandinavia and their overseas settlements during the Viking Age.

• Ancient Roots: Linguists trace the word back to the Proto-Germanic root skalmjaną, which evolved from *skalmaną, which is an older, darker term associated with “epidemic,” “plague,” or “death”.
• The “Terror” Connection: Some historical texts suggest it is a variant of the Old Norse word skelfir, which translates to “shaker” or “terror,” effectively describing someone who makes their enemies tremble.
• Linguistic Cousins: As Old Norse fractured and evolved, the word’s root survived in other regions. You can see its genetic footprint in the modern German word Schelm (meaning “rogue” or “prankster”) and the Danish word skælm.
• In today’s world, “skelmir” is generally taken to mean “scoundrel,” “rogue,” “rascal,” or “devil”.

Why SKELMIR for the Book’s Title?

The fact that skelmir is not a commonly used word and means “rogue” or “rascal” cemented its place as the antagonist for my book – SKELMIR.  The evil encountered by the Wade and Acosta families required a serious name.  Given the scale of what unfolds in the book, this evil force needed a name that was mysterious, uncommon, and maybe a little ominous. SKELMIR fit perfectly.

What or Who is SKELMIR?

These questions can only be answered by reading the book. As Mason Wade and his family dig deep to find their attackers, the role of SKELMIR morphs over time. The discovery process concerning “the what” and “the who” is key to the storyline.