Black Sidekick Trope
A long-standing stereotype in media that gives Black or minority characters supporting roles to white protagonists. It creates an illusion of diversity while maintaining a white-centered narrative. This trope reinforces the message that people of color are side characters in their own stories and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Stems from long history of underrepresentation and lack of diversity in Hollywood writers’ rooms and behind the camera
Protagonist
The main or central character of a story whose actions drive the plot. The audience typically experiences the story through this character’s perspective or emotional journey. (The leading character or one of the major characters in a drama, movie, novel, or other fictional text)
Antagonist
A character who opposes the protagonist, creating conflict within the story. While often portrayed as villains, antagonists can have complex motivations that could make them more nuanced or sympathetic. [All villains are antagonists, not all antagonists are villains]
Sankofa Principle
An Akan concept from West Africa meaning “go back and fetch it.” It teaches that we must look back to our past to understand our present and move wisely into the future. The symbol is often depicted as a bird looking backward with an egg (the future) on its back. [Go back and reclaim the past to move forward]
Ancestral Plane
In Black Panther, a mystical realm inspired by African spiritual traditions where the living can connect with their ancestors. It represents guidance, legacy, and the enduring bond between the living and the dead. Though fictional, it reflects real-world African beliefs about the power and wisdom of ancestors. Marvel’s Ancestral Plane (in Black Panther) is inspired by a blend of African spiritual beliefs, particularly the idea of connecting with ancestors through a spiritual realm after death. It is not an exact representation of any single African religion but draws on themes of ancestral reverence and spiritual guidance, It has limited similarities to the classical Underworld.
Bast
The Black Panther goddess who protects Wakanda and the panther clan and grants the power of the Black Panther. Based on the Egyptian goddess Bastet, she symbolizes protection, strength, and divine justice.
Totsiyaa
A Comanche word meaning “flower.” In the film Prey, it refers to a healing plant that stops bleeding and lowers body temperature, making the user nearly invisible to the Predator’s heat vision.
Kühtaamia
A Comanche term referring to a great hunt or trial that serves as a rite of passage. Completing it demonstrates bravery, skill, and readiness to become a warrior or adult in the tribe.
Mupitsi
A Comanche word meaning “the monster” or “the creature,” used to describe the predator
Scylfings
The ruling clan of the Swedes, often mentioned in contrast to the Geats and Danes. They represent one of the major dynasties in early Scandinavian legend.
Scyldings
The ruling dynasty of the Danes, descended from Scyld (Shield Sheafson). Their royal hall, Heorot, is the setting for much of Beowulf.
Waegmundings
The family or clan to which Beowulf and Wiglaf belong. They are known for their loyalty, courage, and strong warrior lineage.
Scop (Bard)
A poet or storyteller in Anglo-Saxon society who preserved history, heroism, and values through oral poetry. Scops were both entertainers and moral teachers, keeping culture alive through verse.
Kennings
A poetic device in Old English literature that uses compound expressions to replace simple nouns (e.g., “whale-road” for “sea”). They add richness, imagery, and metaphor to storytelling.
Litotes
A figure of speech that uses understatement to emphasize a point by negating its opposite (e.g., “not bad” meaning “very good”). In Beowulf, litotes often show restraint, humility, or irony.
Beowulf (Etymology)
Means “bee-wolf,” a kenning for “bear,” symbolizing strength and ferocity.
Ecgtheow (Etymology)
Means “edge-servant” or “sword-thane,” emphasizing his identity as a warrior. (Sword-servant)
Hrothgar (Etymology)
Means “fame-spear,” representing a noble and renowned warrior-king. (Spear of Glory)
Unferth (Etymology)
Likely means “un-peace” or “strife,” reflecting his jealousy and moral conflict. (Discord)
“Might of Heroes”
An axe forged for Gilgamesh (and his companion Enkidu) weighing “six score pounds” (≈120 lbs) and cast specifically to arm the hero for his journey against Humbaba, indicating his super-human status.
Bödvar Bjarki (Etymology)
A Norse hero whose name means “Warlike Little Bear.” He is a bear-warrior similar to Beowulf and represents the blend of man and beast in hero myths.
“Voice of Heroes”
A breastplate worn by Gilgamesh in his quest against Humbaba, described as weighing thirty shekels and covering him entirely as though it were a light garment.
“Bow of Anshan”
A mighty bow mentioned alongside the axe in the epic’s armour list (“They cast … the bow of Anshan”) signalling a royal weapon of ancient kingship and linking Gilgamesh’s gear to divine or legendary heritage.
Berserk (Etymology)
From Old Norse berserkr, meaning “bear-shirt” or “bare-shirt.” Refers to Norse warriors who entered battle in a trance-like fury, believed to channel animal spirits for invincibility.
