[4e] Help with Orcus' Name

Huw said:
Yama is the Indian equivalent. If the name is too familiar, here is what he's known as amongst the neighbours:

China: Yen Wang
Tibet: Phyi sgrub
Japan: Emma O
Bali: Yama Raja

Most of these translate as "King Yama". So, you could have everyone refer in fearful terms to "the King", without elaborating.


A bit straying from the topic, but I don't think it's right to say that Yama is the Indian equivalent of Orcus. Yes, Yama is a god of Death and can be terrifying to behold, but he's not really an evil figure. He doubles as the god of duty at times and is certainly an aid to some Hindu heroes (shows up in the Mahabharata to test Yudhistira for instance). Certainly his portfolio wouldn't include wanton destruction and the promotion of undeath. In short-- he's no more the equivalent of Orcus than any death god.

Truth be told, just in terms of image, Siva might be closer in his skull bearer aspect. Again-- horrifying to behold. Notably he's often attended by ghouls and very undead type creatures. That's sort of Orcus like. But once again, clearly-- very clearly-- Siva is not an evil demonic god of death.

At any rate, that's why I'd shy from Hindu gods and toward Asuras. (not that some Asuras weren't noble and righteous, but on average they more fit the bill).

But enough. I realize we're just trying to come up with an 'Indian' sounding name for a fantasy game, not replicate existing mythology.

Cheers,
AD
 

log in or register to remove this ad



BlackMoria said:
Kostomojen (Kost-to-MO-jen) has a sankrit ring to it.

Kostomojen is the leader of the PaWraith for the ST-DS9 series
[startreknerd]Kosst Amojan![/startreknerd]

Sound better, too, I think. Otherwise I'd go with something like "Shiva", because nothing else says "trouble" like a six-armed Orcus! ;)

Cheers, LT.
 

lkj said:
At any rate, that's why I'd shy from Hindu gods and toward Asuras. (not that some Asuras weren't noble and righteous, but on average they more fit the bill).

I tend to agree. Thoughg my knowledge of Hindu deities is more derived from Bollywood, Yama comes across as a pretty nice guy.

The villain in Devi Maa was called Asuraj, and if you squint and stand on your head that kind of sounds like Orcus.

(Devi Ma: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrJANA1JSh0 Kali versus Satan.)
 
Last edited:

tsadkiel said:
The villain in Devi Maa was called Asuraj, and if you squint and stand on your head that kind of sounds like Orcus.

Sure he was nice, until his sister Yami the Raven Queen stole his throne and tossed him out on his Elvis impersonating butt. ;)

Now I know this is against the law on the internet but I'm goning to relent my original position and agree with the opinion above me. Asuraj sounds about right, Yama not so much.

I'd still like a picture of Orcus in full sideburns and sequined glory though. We all know his rod is really a mic, right?
 


I'm leaning toward Arunkesh, or Orshivu, or the Orukish, or Oriksus - something just "off" enough to make them cock their heads to the side and look quizzical. :)

This is a fantastic thread. Thanks, ladies and gents!

,,,and were this a repping forum, lutecius would have had it. Holy Crap-on-a-stick... :D
 

Pets & Sidekicks

Remove ads

Top