Linguistic observations + Introduction of me, the newbie

[Haggridd]

No: HPFGUIDX 20925

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., mediaphen at h... wrote:
> Given JKR's habit of giving her characters names that describes 
their 
> characteristics, I thought of something that may, or may not, be 
> purely coincidence:
> 
> Krum is, besides the name of a famous Bulgarian Seeker, a Swedish 
> word meaning "bent" or "crooked". It is used only when referring to 
> limbs, particulary legs: "Krumbent" meaning "with bent legs". Isn't 
> that precisely how Viktor is described when not on a broomstick? 
> Again, a name describing its owner.
> 
> Now allow me to extend this a little bit further, making it perhaps 
> even more far-fetched:
> 
> Swedish word krumbent (from which the name Krum may have derived) 
can 
> be translated into bent legs, crooked legs or crookshanks. Ring a 
> bell?
> Could it be that Crookshanks the cat in fact is a semi-animagi (as 
> discussed before in the Litter of Werewolves-Animagi-threads) 
> relative of Viktor Krum? And if so, maybe Krum's affection for 
> Hermione is caused, or fueled, by her affection for Crookshanks. 
That 
> would also explain the fact that Crookshanks is smarter than the 
> average cat.
> 
> Am I *way* out of line here, or have anybody else out there thought 
> along these lines?
> 
> Martin Smith, Gothenburg, Sweden
> 

Hi, Martin, welcome to the madhouse!  You have no reason to apologize.
Your observation about Krum's name is completely new to me and to 
everyone with whom I have spoken, who are all certain that the pun on 
bent legs was entirely intentional on JKR's part.  The origin of 
Crookshanks has been a matter of much spirited debate, with theories 
of Kneazles and  animagi with connections to various persons clashing 
merrily.  Crookshanks/Krumbent is a worthy addition to the mix.

Haggridd
p.s. Are you enjoying the visit of George W.?