Fictional depictions of worms
Worms have played major roles in world mythology and its associated literatures.[1] The word was often used to describe creatures now classified as snakes, lindworms, serpents and dragons.[1] Its symbolic meaning is divided between death and renewal.[1]
Worms continue to play mixed roles in modern cultures. The current usage of worm as a type of malicious Internet software is derived from John Brunner's 1975 science fiction novel The Shockwave Rider.[2] More positive interpretations, based on the concept of the friendly 'bookworm' or mutated forms of the common earthworm, are found in many recent books, especially those written for children.[citation needed]
On Pink Floyd's album The Wall, worms were used as "symbols of negative forces within ourselves."[3]
Although more usually used in the context of earthworms, the English word "worm" derives from Old Norse orm and Old English wyrm, which could also mean "serpent" or "dragon".[4] The synonymous usage of worm and dragon in English lessened during the following centuries. Samuel Johnson's dictionary drew a distinction between worms and dragons (while retaining the word serpent as a definition of worm) and the last synonymous usage of worm and dragon as noted in the Oxford English Dictionary dates to the 17th century.[5]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Hope B. Werness (2004). The Continuum encyclopedia of animal symbolism in art. Continuum International Publishing Group. p. 439. ISBN 978-0-8264-1525-7.
- ^ Jose Nazario (2004). Defense and detection strategies against Internet worms. Artech House. p. 38. ISBN 978-1-58053-537-3.
- ^ Waters, Roger and Jim Ladd. "An Explanation of The Wall". Retrieved June 28, 2015.
- ^ Brian Bates (2003), The real Middle-Earth: exploring the magic and mystery of the Middle Ages, J.R.R. Tolkien and "The Lord of the Rings, ISBN 9781403963192
- ^ Sayre N. Greenfield (1998). The ends of allegory. University of Delaware Press. p. 75. ISBN 978-0-87413-670-8.
worm dragon oed.