What Does Temagami Mean in Night Swim?

In the film Night Swim, Temagami refers to "deep water," specifically the ancient, wish-granting natural spring that feeds the haunted backyard pool.

The Significance of Temagami in Night Swim

The term "Temagami" is introduced by Lucy Summers, one of the previous owners of the house, who explains its profound significance to the pool's power. For hundreds of years, this natural spring was revered and worshiped for its mystical abilities to grant wishes and bestow blessings. Lucy herself acknowledges receiving a blessing from the pool, underscoring its long history of supernatural influence.

Here's a breakdown of its meaning and context in the film:

• Definition: Temagami directly translates to "deep water."
• Source of Power: It is the inherent force and essence of the natural spring that supplies the pool, endowing it with its supernatural capabilities.
• Historical Worship: The spring was an object of reverence for centuries, believed to possess powerful wish-granting abilities.
• Blessings and Curses: While it can grant wishes and blessings, its ancient, deep-seated power also carries a dark side, demanding a price for its favors, which forms the central conflict of the movie.

The table below summarizes the key aspects of Temagami as presented in Night Swim:

The concept of Temagami is crucial to understanding the lore and supernatural elements driving the plot of Night Swim, as it represents the powerful, ancient force that influences the lives of those who come into contact with the pool.