Anim Eidhen is a term that has recently gained traction, primarily within the context of fantasy literature. It refers to a specific location or concept within The Will of the Many, a novel by James Islington, the first book in The Hierarchy series. While the term itself might be new, its construction and the world it inhabits draw upon familiar fantasy tropes while introducing unique elements.
Etymology and Pronunciation
The etymology of “Anim Eidhen” is not explicitly detailed within the available information. However, we can break down the components to speculate on potential origins.
- Anim: The root “anim” is Latin in origin, meaning “mind,” “spirit,” or “life.” This root appears in various English words such as “animal” (a living being), “animate” (to give life or movement to), and “unanimous” (of one mind). In the context of Anim Eidhen, “Anim” might suggest something related to consciousness, essence, or a vital force.
- Eidhen: The name “Eidhen” appears to have Gaelic origins, possibly related to the Irish surname “Ó hEidhin,” which means “descendant of Eidhin.” The personal name “Eidhin” itself has uncertain origins, potentially derived from “eidhean” (ivy) or an altered form of the place name “Aidhne” in County Galway, Ireland. In the novel, “Eidhen” is also the name of a character, further solidifying a potential link to this Gaelic root. The pronunciation of “Eidhen” is suggested as “ihN ei-d-hin”. “Anim,” being of Latin origin, would likely be pronounced with a short ‘a’ as in “animal.” Therefore, “Anim Eidhen” would likely be pronounced as \ˈænɪm ˈiːən.
Given these potential etymological roots, “Anim Eidhen” could be interpreted as “the life/spirit of Eidhen” or “the mind/essence of Eidhen,” depending on the specific context within the fictional world.
Anim Eidhen in The Will of the Many
In The Will of the Many, Anim Eidhen is not just a name but a significant location with deep ties to the world’s lore and potentially its magic system.
- A Place of Isolation and Secret Knowledge: The character Eidhen is described as being from a secluded people. This isolation suggests that Anim Eidhen, as their homeland or a significant place to them, might also be remote and hold secrets unknown to the wider world within the novel. This isolation could be a deliberate choice to safeguard something important, perhaps related to their unique understanding of the world or a hidden power.
- Potential Connection to the “Gates”: There is speculation among readers about whether Eidhen’s people were guarding the secret of a second or even a third “Gate” to other realms (Luceum and Obiteum). These Gates appear to be significant portals or pathways between different worlds or dimensions within the series’ cosmology. If Anim Eidhen is the location of such a gate, it would explain the isolation and the potential importance of Eidhen’s people.
- Obsidian and Synchronism: The use of obsidian blades is mentioned in connection to eyeless zombies and potentially the ability to combat “Synchronism,” a key element of the magic system where individuals can give and take “Will.” Given Eidhen’s background and the potential secrets of Anim Eidhen, it’s possible that this location holds knowledge about obsidian and its properties, as well as the workings of Synchronism.
- A Third Gate Theory: The theory of a third Gate being located in or near Anim Eidhen is intriguing. The existing Gates to Luceum and Obiteum seem to be central to the world’s history and power dynamics. A third Gate in a secluded region could represent a forgotten power source, a different pathway to other realms with unique properties, or a key to understanding the Cataclysm mentioned in reader theories.
Significance and Potential Role in the Series
Given its connection to a seemingly isolated people and the speculation surrounding hidden Gates and knowledge, Anim Eidhen is likely to play a significant role as the Hierarchy series progresses.
- Unlocking Mysteries: Vis, the protagonist, is on a journey of discovery, uncovering secrets about the Catenan Empire and the world’s true history. His interactions with Eidhen and any potential journey to Anim Eidhen could be crucial in revealing more about the world’s past, the nature of Synchronism, and the existence of other realms.
- Challenging the Established Order: The Catenan Empire thrives on the manipulation of Will. A secluded society in Anim Eidhen, potentially guarding a Gate or possessing unique knowledge about Will or how to resist it, could represent a challenge to the Empire’s dominance.
- Introducing New Powers or Threats: A third Gate, if located in Anim Eidhen, could lead to the introduction of new powers, entities, or threats from other realms, further complicating the political landscape and the challenges Vis faces.
- Developing Eidhen’s Character: Exploring Anim Eidhen would undoubtedly provide more depth to the character of Eidhen, revealing his history, his people’s culture, and his motivations. His reticence about his past suggests a hidden burden or a crucial secret tied to his homeland.
Conclusion
While Anim Eidhen is currently a relatively obscure term known primarily to readers of The Will of the Many, its potential significance within the Hierarchy series is substantial. The name itself hints at a connection to life, spirit, and a specific individual with Gaelic roots. The surrounding theories of isolation, hidden Gates, and unique knowledge about the world’s magic system suggest that Anim Eidhen is not just a place but a key to unlocking deeper mysteries within James Islington’s intricate fantasy world. As the series continues, we can expect to learn more about this enigmatic location and its role in the unfolding narrative.
