Halbwene

Halbwene is a term used in speculative fiction, dream studies, and modern folklore to denote a liminal state or space that lies between waking reality and the dreamworld. In many uses, Halbwene is conceived as a half-realm where memories, dreams, and everyday life intersect, and where boundaries between self and other become permeable. The concept functions as a metaphor for transitional periods such as adolescence, mourning, or ritual passage, as well as a narrative device that enables dream logic within a grounded setting.

Etymology and terminology: The construction combines elements akin to the German halb meaning "half" with a second element that various authors interpret as "realm" or "vision." The precise origin is ambiguous and often retroactive; some scholars treat Halbwene as a modern coinage.

In literature and gaming, Halbwene appears as both a metaphorical liminal space and a literal setting, sometimes as a city or realm accessible through thresholds or artifacts. Works that employ Halbwene often explore themes of memory, identity, and the uneasy overlap between day life and dream or past lives.

Impact and reception: Critics view Halbwene as a useful framework for analyzing liminality in contemporary fantasy and dream studies, though its usage varies widely by author. Some scholars caution that the term risks vagueness without clear definitional boundaries.