TranslatorsGuide

Translator's Guide

As per Lim Choon Kiat suggestion, here is a collection of problems (and solutions) for translators.

Gryphon does not exist in my language, how should I translate it?

A gryphon is a hybrid of Lion and Eagle. Hence if this word is not part of your language, then terms like "Lion-Eagle beast" are acceptable. It is important to note that this beast doesn't breathe fire. Hence, do not parallel it with a dragon or any mythical figures in your culture that breath fire. [1] and links to other languages will help as well.

Ogres are not known in my language

An ogre is a large, cruel, monstrous and hideous humanoid monster feeding on humans [2]. Look out for translations of the movie "Shrek", or try to find a translation of "Perceval, the Story of the Grail" from Chrétien de Troyes (*1140-†1190) - those are told to be the first mention of the term "Ogre": "que toz li reaumes de Logres, qui ja dis fu la terre as ogres" (in English "when all the kingdom of Logres [England] which formerly was the land of the ogres").

Alternatively, parallel it with a humanoid, man-(children)-eating monsters, like the cyclops of Odysseus (unfortunately, Ogres do have two eyes) or a known fairy-tale giant. You will have to separate them from "Orcs" (those will form a gang, ogres tend not to group) and trolls (which always are related to stone and live in mountains) or Yetis (which are living in snowy mountains, but are no trolls).

How should Yeti be translated?

Yetis are white, hairy, intelligent and strong creatures living in snowy mountains and are hiding themselves. (think "white, intelligent, mystical Orang-Utan"). "snow man" or "winter beast" might be worth a try [3]

TranslatorsGuide

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