Oliphaunts

Gandalf and Bilbo, Calvin and Hobbes edition

I have just discovered my new favorite word. What is this new favorite word? Why, it's oliphaunt, of course! I was reading The Two Towers (LotR book 2) when I stumbled upon the word while reading, and Gollum voiced the very thought I had: "What are oliphaunts?" And so, Mr. Sam Gamgee provided a rhyme that told me what an oliphaunt was.

"Grey as a mouse, 
Big as a house. 
Nose like a snake, 
I make the earth shake, 
As I tramp through the grass; 
Trees crack as I pass. 
With horns in my mouth 
I walk in the South, 
Flapping big ears. 
Beyond count of years 
I stump round and round, 
Never lie on the ground, 
Not even to die. 
Oliphaunt am I, 
Biggest of all, 
Huge, old, and tall. 
If ever you'd met me 
You wouldn't forget me. 
If you never do, 
You won't think I'm true; 
But old Oliphaunt am I, 
And I never lie."

I think by now you've figured out what an oliphaunt is, eh?

I just thought that oliphaunt was a fun word. Perhaps I shall call elephants by the name of oliphaunts from now on.