It's not a poem with a clear, straightforward origin story, but here's what we know:
* Carroll's creative process: Carroll was known for his playful use of language and nonsense. He invented many of the words and concepts in "Jabberwocky" himself, which reflects his fascination with wordplay and linguistic experimentation.
* Inspiration from Old English: Some scholars believe that Carroll was inspired by the structure and vocabulary of Old English poems, particularly the epic poem "Beowulf". The poem's rhythmic structure and use of alliteration are similar to those found in Old English poetry.
* A "portmanteau" of words: Many of the words in "Jabberwocky" are portmanteaus, meaning they combine two or more words to create a new one, like "slithy" (sly + lithe), "mimsy" (miserable + flimsy), and "frumious" (furious + frivolous).
* A "nonsense poem": Carroll himself described "Jabberwocky" as a "nonsense poem," designed to be playful and nonsensical rather than conveying a clear meaning.
While we may not know exactly what sparked Carroll's imagination, the poem's blend of whimsical imagery, nonsensical language, and potential inspiration from Old English make it a unique and enduring piece of literature.