Roc (mythology)
 Roc by Edward Julius Detmold
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| Grouping | Mythology |
|---|---|
| Similar creatures | Simurgh, Garuda, Phoenix, Thunderbird |
| Mythology | Middle Eastern |
| Other name(s) | Rukh |
| Habitat | Air |
Roc, from the Spanish words rocho and ruc, these latters from Arabic رخ (ruḵḵ) and that latter from Persian رخ (ruḵ), is an enormous legendary bird of prey.
Etymology is partially uncertain and thus, debated. It seems that currently, at least following dictionaries and other referenced source materials, the English word roc is exclusively reserved to refer to the mythological bird. The English form "roc" originates directly from the Spanish words rocho and ruc, these latters from Arabic ruḵḵ and that latter from Persian ruḵ. In both languages, Arabic and Persian, the word is written in Arabic alphabet as رخ. Common romanizations are ruḵḵ for the Arabic form and ruḵ,rokh or rukh for the Persian form. The English word rook (the chess piece) seems to have been originated from the Old French rok, roc or rock, ultimately from the Arabic ruḵḵ, on its turn "of uncertain original meaning", although supposedly both the Arabic (رخ, ruḵḵ) and Persian (رخ, ruḵ) words can be translated as castle, fortress or siege tower, but also chariot, as per in ancient times siege towers where often equipped with wheels. The chess piece term mainly stems from the Persian رخ rukh or Sanskrit रत rath, both meaning chariot (thus corresponding to the Asian chess variants).
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