Shadowbook

After Words: Hidden Meanings

Nyx: Nyx is the name of the Greek goddess of the Night. The Goddess Nyx plays a role in early Greek creation stories, but she has very little characterization in comparison to other Greek gods. Nyx's real name is Alexandra, the feminine form of Alexander, which means "defender of mankind".

Astor: Astor is a French and German name meaning "goshawk". The name just floated up out of my head when I created my Shadow's character, so he named himself— accordingly! "Astor" is sometimes used as a derogatory term for young men with hawk-like, predatory characteristics. The goshawk has been described as the "deadliest, handsomest, bravest bird of prey in the world". Like the goshawk, Astor is swift, powerful, and quick to attack when those he loves are threatened. The goshawk is a beautiful, elegant bird that you do not want to cross! As for his other names, "Peregrine" is also the name of a bird (the Peregrine falcon) and means "traveller". Astor enjoys traveling in the Otherworld in his fancy, comfortable carriage. Erebus is the Greek personification of darkness, and was Nyx's mate in mythology. Also in Greek mythology, Adonis was the most beautiful man in the world. He had not one but TWO goddesses in love with him. Today, "an Adonis" is an extremely attractive young man, like Astor. "Spyridon" is a Greek name meaning "spirit" (I gave this name to Astor's father, making it the inherited name). Shadowhawk is a combination of the word "Shadow" and the meaning of Astor's first name.

The Girls:

Senka: Senka is a Serbian name meaning "shadow". Senka's real name, Sasha, is a Russian form of Alexandra and means the same. This is a coincidence, and it works very well!

Atra: Latin word for black

Noire: French word for black

Lela: Variation of Arabic Leila, meaning 'night'

Other Characters:

Jasmine Shadowhawk: Night-blooming jasmine (cestrum nocturnum) is sometimes called "lady of the night" or "queen of the night", so Jasmine is a fitting name for a Shadow princess. Sometimes night-blooming jasmine is considered a weed because it is difficult to get rid of, and Astor occasionally has a similar opinion about his sister.

Orpheus: Orpheus was the name of a Greek hero who traveled to the underworld to retrieve his dead wife (Orphe jumps into the pit to rescue Noire). Unfortunately, Orpheus does not succeed and he falls into a state of depression, similar to Orphe's (though Orphe's depression is over his parents rather than a lost love). Orpheus was an incredible musician. Orphe enjoys drumming and has a beautiful singing voice, though he usually isn't happy enough to sing. He is sullen, and hides in the dark. "Orphe" is another Greek word for darkness.

Hecate: Hecate is the Greek Goddess of magic, witchcraft, and the crossroads. She represents the Otherworld and Unconsciousness.

Karesinda: I chose the name Karesinda as Nyx's middle name, which was then given to her mother to be the name that Nyx inherited. Karesinda is an Esperanto name meaning "worthy of a caress", which is what Astor feels about Nyx. As her mother's name, it indicates her mother's warm, loving character.

Abbadon: Greek name of Hebrew origin that means "destruction, ruination." It is the name of an arch-demon

Itzal: Basque name meaning "shadow"

Places:

Umbragard: Umbra is the Latin word for Shadow

Labyrinth of Dreams: "Labyrinth of Dreams" is a song by Nox Arcana

Ombra Observatory: Ombra is the Italian word for Shadow

Nocturne Park: Nocturne comes from the Latin nocturnus, which means "of the night". A nocturne is a romantic, dreamy piece of music suggestive of night, or a painting of a night scene.

Other:

Darnell: An old English name meaning "secret nook". It works well for a bed that is just that.

Astor's symbol is a waxing moon, which can represent instinct (a part of the Shadow), emotion, and the subconscious.