Qwghlm is a fictional archipelago, comprising the two large islands of Inner and Outer Qwghlm and a number of small uninhabited outcroppings. Qwghlm is said to somewhat resemble islands of the Outer Hebrides, probably combining aspects of Skye and Uist. It is from where Eliza was originally kidnapped. The language of Qwghlm is used in Cryptonomicon by the British in much the same way that the Navajo language was used by the Americans. It is probable that Eliza is a reference to Eliza Island , a small island in Bellingham Bay, a foggy, body of water similar t the fictional Qwghlm, and ninety miles north of Seattle, WA, where Stephenson has lived sinced 1984.