únat (pl. únati) is a Quenya noun meaning "a thing impossible to be or to be done". The term refers to physical laws established by Ilúvatar that are impossible to break. The únati contrast with the axani, which are laws established by Ilúvatar that lesser beings should not, but can, disobey. Melkor refused to accept any axani as binding upon him, but he was unable to violate the únati much to his frustration. Since the únati remained, they were a perpetual reminder of the existence of Eru and His invincibility, which fed Melkor's unceasing and unappeasable rage.[1]
Etymology
The word consists of the prefix ú-, meaning "not, un-, in- (usually with bad sense)", and nat, meaning "thing".[2]
See also
References
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Carl F. Hostetter (ed.), The Nature of Middle-earth, "Part Two. Body, Mind and Spirit: IX. Ósanwe-kenta", pp. 205-218
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Ósanwe-kenta: 'Enquiry into the Communication of Thought'" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 39, July 1998