elf

noun. friend

penedh

noun. Elf

penn

noun. Elf

edhel

noun. Elf

caleledh

proper name. *Light Elf

Noldorin form that appeared in a marginal note in The Etymologies from the 1930s alongside a variant Celion and an unclear form Celelidh, possibly its plural (EtyAC/KAL). It appears to be a singular Noldorin equivalent to ᴹQ. Kalaqendi “✱Light Elves”, a combination of ᴹ√KAL “shine” and Eledh “Elf”.

dureledh

proper name. Dark-elf

A Noldorin name for the Dark Elves appearing in The Etymologies from the 1930s (Ety/DOƷ), also appearing as Duveledh in the entry for the root ᴹ√MOR (Ety/MOR). The latter may be a mistake since a miswritten “r” might appear as a “v”; another word Durion appears beside Duveledh, which supports it being a misreading for “r”. It is a combination of dûr “dark” and Eledh “Elf”.

elennor

place name. *Elf-land

A Noldorin name for Ilk. Eglador appearing in The Etymologies from the 1930s (Ety/ELED), apparently a combination of Eledh “Elf” and (n)dôr “land”, with the dh lost because [[n|[ð] vanished before nasals]] in Noldorin.

eledh

noun. Star-folk, Elf

eledhwen

feminine name. Elf-maid

celion

proper name. *Light Elf

Noldorin form that appeared in a marginal note in The Etymologies from the 1930s alongside a variant Caleledh, replacing a deleted form Calion (EtyAC/KAL). It appears to be a singular Noldorin equivalent ᴹQ. Kalaqendi “✱Light Elves”, a combination of ᴹ√KAL “shine” and the masculine suffix -on (though why the i was added is unclear). This might be a precursor to later S. Calben.

durion

proper name. Dark-elf

A Noldorin name for the Dark Elves appearing in The Etymologies from the 1930s (Ety/DOƷ, MOR), a combination of dûr “dark” and a variant of the agental suffix -(r)on. According to Carl Hostetter and Patrick Wynne, in one entry this form replaced an element duil- which was part of some kind of etymological definition, but the writing is obscured (EtyAC/MOR).

dân

noun. Green-elf

dîr

noun. man, referring to an adult male (elf, mortal, or of any other speaking race)

golodh

noun. "Deep Elf" or "Gnome", one of the Wise Folk

morbenn

proper name. Dark Elf

alf

noun. swan

golodhrim

noun. Deep Elves, Gnomes

lheben

cardinal. five

lheben

cardinal. five

meldir

noun. friend

meldis

noun. friend

mellon

noun. friend

mellon

noun. friend

sethnoss

proper name. Firstborn, Elves

A rejected term for the Elves as Firstborn of Iluvator (EtyAC/SET), a combination of (rejected) seth “first” and noss “clan”. The Sindarin form of this term did not appear in Tolkien’s later writing, though the inverse term S. Abonnen “After-born” for Men did appear.

thond

noun. friend

ell

noun. elf

n. elf, esp. [?in ?the ?South]. Noldorin form.

edhel

noun. Elf

_ n. _Elf, a general name for all the Elves (since the name Quendi had gone out of use in Sindarin). Probably related to or connected with Q. Elda. >> edhellen

edhel

Elf

pl1. edhil, pl2. edhellim {ð} _n. _Elf. A name used by the Sindar for themselves, characterizing other varieties by an adjective or prefix. >> Aredhel, Thinnedhel

edhel

Elf

{ð} _n. _Elf.

edhel

Elf

d _ n. _Elf. Q. elda.

edhel

noun. Elf

eledh Archaic

noun. Elf

ell Archaic

noun. Elf

penedh Archaic

noun. Elf

edhel

noun. Elf

elen Archaic

noun. Elf

ellon

noun. elf

haudh-en-elleth

place name. Mound of the Elf-maid

Grave of Finduilas translated “Mound of the Elf-maid” (S/216), a combination of haudh “mound”, en “of the” and Elleth “Elf-maid”.

Conceptual Development: In Silmarillion revisions from the 1950s-60s, this name appeared as Haudh-en-Ellas (WJ/92). This variant also appeared in notes from around 1966-7 (PE17/97).

adanedhel

masculine name. Elf-man

A name given to Túrin in Nargothrond for his noble, Elf-like nature, translated “Elf-man” (S/210). It is a compound of Adan “man” and Edhel “Elf” (SA/adan, edhel).

aredhel

feminine name. Noble Elf

The commonly known name of Turgon’s sister (S/60) and mother of Maeglin (S/133). Her name is a compound of ar(a)- “noble” and Edhel “Elf”, and thus: “Noble Elf” (WJ/318). She was also (less commonly) known by the sobriquet Ar-Feiniel “White Lady” (S/60).

Conceptual Development: This character dates back to the earliest Lost Tales, first appearing as G. Isfin (LT2/165). At this early stage, her name meant “Snow-locks” or “Exceeding-cunning” (LTA2/Isfin). Tolkien kept this name for a long time, and it appeared in The Etymologies from the 1930s as N. Isfin, a compound of N. ist “knowledge” and ON. phinya “skillful”, so: “✱Skillful Knowledge” (Ety/IS, Ety/PHIN).

Over time, this name lost any linguistic significance, until Tolkien became dissatisfied with it. Tolkien experimented with various alternate forms, first Íreth (MR/182), briefly Rodwen “High Virgin Noble” (WJ/317), and later either Aredhel or Ar-Feiniel (WJ/317). In the published version of The Silmarillion, Christopher Tolkien used both of the last two names, but elsewhere he admitted that the two names were in competition to replace Isfin, and that Aredhel seems to have been his father’s final choice (WJ/318).

To avoid the issue, this entry assumes that both Aredhel or Ar-Feiniel were sobriquets and that Íreth was her “true” Sindarin name, derived from her given name Q. Írissë. See S. Íreth for further discussion.

aredhel

proper name. Noble Elf

A term for the “Noble Elves”, the Sindar and Noldor, with the variant form Aerel (PE17/139, 141) and draft forms Edaeron, Edaerel, Aeriel (PE17/140). It is a combination of the prefix ar(a)- “noble” and Edhel “Elf”, with its variant using Ell “Elf” instead.

dúnedhel

proper name. West-Elf

A term for the Elves of the West who fought against Morgoth, coined to match Dúnadan (WJ/378, PE17/141). This name is a combination of dûn “west” and Edhel “Elf”. It also appeared in the variant form Dúnel(t) using Ell “Elf” (PE17/141-142), Dúneglon using Eglon (PE17/142), and Dúnedel using Edel (PE17/142).

edhellond

place name. Elf-haven

An Elvish haven in Belfalas, a compound of Edhel “Elf” and lond “haven” (UT/255).

eglahir

place name. *Elf-river

A name for a river in Beleriand, replacing earlier Ilk. Eldor/Eglor (SM/227) and replaced in turn by the name S. Nenning (WJ/117). It appears to be a combination of the prefixal form Egla- of Eglan “Forsaken (Elf)” and the lenited form -hir of sîr “river” also appearing in names such as Linhir and Nanduhirion.

eglan Archaic

proper name. Forsaken (Elf)

A name the Sindar used for themselves, mostly used in the plural forms Eglath, Eglain or Egladhrim (S/58, MR/170, WJ/365). It was often applied more specifically to the people of Círdan (WJ/380, PM/392 note #35). This name is derived from the adjective eglan “forsaken” < ✶heklanā, whereas the prefixal form Egla- (surviving only in names) was derived from the primitive noun form ✶hek(e)lā “a waif or outcast” (WJ/365). Tolkien experimented with a large variety of similar forms in Notes on Names from 1957, including eglon (PE17/140-142); see that entry for details.

Conceptual Development: In the Gnomish Lexicon from the 1910s, the word G. Egla was given as the Gnomish name for all Elves, meaning “a being from outside” and related to the word G. edh “outside” (which took the form eg before l) and ᴱQ. Elda (GL/32; LT1A/Eldar, Eglamar). Its class-plural Eglath also appeared in the Gnomish Lexicon (GL/50, entry idhrin). When Tolkien revised the phonology of the Noldorin language, he switched the language of this word to Ilk. Egla “Elf”, equivalent of ᴹQ. Elda and N. Eledh (Ety/ELED).

After Tolkien abandoned the Ilkorin language, he revised the meaning of this name to “The Forsaken”, a name the Sindar gave themselves after they were left in Beleriand (S/58). In this new sense, the class-plural S. Eglath “Forsaken” first appeared in a chart of the divisions of the Elves from the early 1950s, where it was equated to (and possibly replaced) Q. Ecelli of the same meaning (MR/170). The singular form Eglan appeared in his Quendi and Eldar essay from 1959-60, equated to Q. Hekel and with the etymology discussed above (WJ/365).

elvellyn

collective name. Elf-friends, Elf-lovers

A term for those friendly to the Elves, the equivalent of Eldameldor (WJ/412). This name is a compound of Ell “Elf” and the lenited form of the plural mellyn of mellon “friend”.

glinnel Archaic

proper name. *Singer-elf

An archaic Sindarin term for the Telerin people, equivalent to Q. Linda and used only in lore (WJ/378). It is a combination of a modified form of lind “song” and †Ell “Elf”.

glóredhel

feminine name. *Golden Elf

Daughter of Hador (S/158). Her name is a combination of glaur “gold” and Edhel “Elf” (SA/edhel, laurë).

Conceptual Development: In Silmarillion drafts from the 1930s, her name was first given as Glorwendil and Glorwendel, of unclear meaning (LR/310, 314).

lindedhel

proper name. Nandorin Elf

A Sindarin term for the Nandor based on their own name for themselves: Nan. Lindi (WJ/385). This name is a combination of lind “song” and Edhel “Elf”.

morbenedh

proper name. *Dark-elf

Another Sindarin term for the dark-elves or Avari in 1957 Notes on Names (NN), a combination of the element √MOR “black” and the lenited form of †penedh “Elf” (PE17/141).

mornedhel

proper name. Dark-elf

A Sindarin term for the Avari, a combination of morn “dark” and Edhel “Elf” (WJ/377), also appearing as Moredhel (PE17/140-141).

nínedhel

proper name. ?Tear(ful) Elf

A term for the Dark-elves (PE17/139). The final element is clearly Edhel “Elf”, but the initial element is less clear. It might be nîn “tear” referring to the sorrow of them being left behind, but this is just a guess.

peredhel

proper name. Half-elf

Term for one with mixed human and elvish blood, almost always appearing in its plural form Peredhil as in The Lord of the Rings appendices (LotR/1034). It is a combination of per- “half” and Edhel “Elf” (SA/edhel).

Conceptual Development: In Silmarillion drafts from the 1930s, Tolkien used the term N. Peringol to refer to Elrond’s half-blood (LR/152), but this term was a combination of N. perin “half” and the root ᴹ√ÑGOL from which the tribal name ᴹQ. Noldo was derived, so literally meant “Half-Gnome [Noldo]” (Ety/PER).

thinnedhel

proper name. Grey-elf

A Sindarin term for a “Grey-elf”, equivalent of Q. Sinda, a combination of thind “grey” and Edhel “Elf” (PE17/139).

ódhel Archaic

proper name. Elf who left for Aman

An archaic Sindarin term for the Elves who travelled to Aman, the equivalent of Q. Aurel from primitive ✶awādelo “away Elf” (WJ/364). Later the term was used to describe the exiled Noldor, and developed into S. Gódhel (WJ/379).

Adanedhel (Túrin)

noun. man-elf

adan (“man”) + edhel (“elf”)

Aredhel

'Noble-Elf'

{ð} n. 'Noble-Elf'. Afterwards including also the Exiled Noldor. >> edhel, Thinnedhel

Aredhel

noun. high, noble elf

ar(a) (prefix “high, noble, royal”) + edhel (“elf”)

Caledhel

probably 'Light-Elf'

{ð} _n. _probably #'Light-Elf'. Caleðel << Hareðel << gwenieðel (or gweineðel).

Calemben

noun. probably 'Light-elf'

_n. _probably #'Light-elf'.

Deniedhel

probably 'Elf of Dan'

pl1. Deiniedhil {ð}_ n. _probably #'Elf of Dan'.

Edhellond

noun. elf-haven

edhel (“elf”) + lond (“entrance to harbour, land-locked haven”)

Edhelvein

noun. 'fair as an Elf'

prop. n. 'fair as an Elf', a title of Arwen.

Eledhwen

noun. elf maid (Morwen)

eledh (“elf”) + gwend (“woman, maiden”, [Etym. ELED-]) [Etym. WEN-]: since it shows no -d even in the archaic spelling, it probably contains derivative of WEN-, not WENED- stem and the last element is Ilk. gwen “girl”; in Grey Annals the translation is given “Elfsheen”.

Gloredhel

noun. golden elf

glaur (“golden light”) + edhel (“elf”)

Moredhel

'Dark-Elf'

pl1. Moredhil {ð} n. 'Dark-Elf', distinguished from the Sindar (and usually also the Nandor). Q. Avar.

Thend

Grey-Elf

pl2. thendrim, thennath n. #Grey-Elf. Tolkien notes that in the plural forms "The e is analogical from (rare) sg. thend" (PE17:141).

Thinnedhel

'Grey-Elf'

{ð} n. 'Grey-Elf'. Later more generally used of the subjects of Thingol. >> edhel, thinn

dúnedel

'West-Elf'

dúnedil, pl2. dúnedellim n. #'West-Elf', Noldo. >> dún, edhel

dúnedhel

noun. west(ern) elf

(n-)dûn (“west”) + edhel (“elf”)

dúnel

'West-Elf'

pl1. dúnil, pl2. dúneldhrim {ð} n. #'West-Elf', Noldo. >> dúnelt, ell

dúnelleth

noun. West-Elf

fem. n. #West-Elf. >> -eth

dúnellon

noun. West-Elf

pl1. dúnellyn masc. n. #West-Elf. >> -on

dúnelt

West-Elf

pl1. dúnilt, pl2. dúneldhrim {ð} n. #West-Elf. >> dúnel

edhelharn

noun. elf stone

edhel (“elf”) + sarn (“stone”)

eglamar

noun. Elf-home

egla- (from PQ hekla “elf, Falathrim”) + (m-)bar (“land, dwelling”) It is said to be an old name, which is reflected by its formation, with the genitival element preceding: ekla-mbar; #the fact that the first part of the compound is egla-, not eglan- probably explains the mutation of mb- to m, in contrast to Eglador.

elladan

masculine name. Elf-man

Son of Elrond (LotR/227). This name is translated “Elf-man”, a combination of archaic Sindarin †Ell “elf” and Adan “man” (Let/281-2).

Conceptual Development: In Lord of the Rings drafts from the 1940s, this character was first named N. Elboron (WR/297). Earlier still, the name Ilk. Elboron used as a name for a son of Dior (LR/147). Later on, Elboron was used as the name of the son of Faramir (PM/221).

elrohir

masculine name. Elf-knight

Son of Elrond (LotR/227). This name is translated “Elf-knight”, a combination of archaic Sindarin †Ell “elf” and ro(c)hir “knight” (Let/281-2).

Conceptual Development: In Lord of the Rings drafts from the 1940s, this character was first named N. Elbereth (WR/297). Earlier still, the name Ilk. Elbereth used as a name for a son of Dior (LR/147), but later S. Elbereth was reserved for the Sindarin name of Varda.

elvellon

noun. elf-friend

el (from elen “elf”) + mellon (friend)

moravar

noun. 'Dark-Elf'

n. #'Dark-Elf'.

morben

'Dark-elf'

pl1. mœrbin, pl2. morbennath n. 'Dark-elf', excluding the Sindar.

morbenedh

'Dark-Elf'

pl1. morbenidh {ð} n. #'Dark-Elf'. >> penedh

mornedhel

noun. dark elf

morn (“black, dark”) + edhel (“elf”)

ogol

noun. ?Elf

An untranslated term appearing between the names of different names for the Noldor and possibly other Elf-tribes on the back page of Notes on Names (NN) from 1957 (PE17/142). It stems from some very rough notes in which Tolkien considered many different forms listed one after the other, so the connections presented here are somewhat tentative.

It has multiple different plural forms: a regular form egyl &lt; ✶okoli, and multiple forms for variants, where the word derives from ✶oklō, via syllabificaion of *-l &gt; -ol*:

• ygl, ygil: The -l vocalizes to -il instead of -ol. Before the vocalization took place, the plural mutation was carried out to produce ygl, which explains, why the resulting form is ygil instead of egil, which would be usual for o in non-final syllables.

• ygli: This form is rather unusual for a Sindarin word, as final vowels usually vanish, but the note also includes what seems to be a direct reference to this rule “?ḷ́ &lt; li, ṛ́ &lt; ri” (PE17/142).

peredhel

noun. half-elf

per (stem of perin “halve”) + edhel (“elf”)

rúnavar

noun. 'East-Elf'

n. #'East-Elf'.

thenn

Grey-Elf

pl1. thinn n. Grey-Elf. Q. thinda, sinda. The form thinn is given with a dagger, indicating an archaic or poetical form.

thennes

noun. Grey-Elf

fem. n. Grey-Elf. >> -es

thenneth

noun. Grey-Elf

fem. n. Grey-Elf. >> -eth

thennon

noun. Grey-Elf

pl1. thennyn masc. n. Grey-Elf. Note the rule on the same page stating that the ending was "after n -or". >> -on

thennor

noun. Grey-Elf

pl1. thennyr masc. n. Grey-Elf.

thind

Grey-Elf

pl2. thindrim n. #Grey-Elf.

thindeth

noun. Grey-Elf

fem. n. #Grey-Elf. >> -eth

thindon

noun. Grey-Elf

masc. n. #Grey-Elf. >> -on

thinedh

noun. Grey-Elf

{ð} fem. n. #Grey-Elf. >> -eth

thinidh

Grey-Elf

pl2. thinidhrim {ð} n. #Grey-Elf.

thinidhes

noun. Grey-Elf

{ð} fem. n. #Grey-Elf.

caledhel

proper name. *Light Elf

eledhon

noun. *Elf-man

elennor

place name. *Elf-land

elleth

noun. Elf-maid

ellon

noun. Elf-man

mîth

noun. *Sinda, Grey-Elf

thend Archaic

noun. *Sinda, Grey-Elf

Elladan

noun. elf-man

ell (from CE *eldā- connected or concerned with the stars) + adan (“a man from one of the three houses of the Edain”)

Elrohir

noun. elf-horse lord

el (from CE *eldā- connected or concerned with the stars) + roch (“horse”) + hîr (“master, lord”)

Teler

noun. an Elf, one of the Teleri

calben

noun. Elf of the Great Journey (lit. "light person")

dúnedhel

noun. Elf of the West, Elf of Beleriand (including Noldor and Sindar)

edhelharn

noun. elf-stone

eglan

noun/adjective. an Elf of the Falathrim

egol

noun. someone forsaken, an Elf of the Falathrim

eledhes

noun. *Elf-maid

ellas

noun. *Elf-maid

elles

noun. *Elf-maid

elleth

noun. elf-maid

elleth

noun. elf-woman

ell (from CE *eldā- connected or concerned with the stars) + eth (traditional ending for female names)

ellon

noun. elf-man

ell (from CE *eldā- connected or concerned with the stars) + on (traditional ending for male names)

elvellon

noun. elf-friend

galvorn

noun. a black metal devised by the dark elf Eol

glinnel

noun. Elf, one of the Teleri

golodh

noun. "Deep Elf" or "Gnome", one of the Wise Folk

gódhel

noun. "Deep Elf" or "Gnome", one of the Wise Folk

lachend

noun. Deep Elf (Sindarin name for the Ñoldor)

lachenn

noun. Deep Elf (Sindarin name for the Ñoldor)

laegel

noun. a Green Elf

laegel

noun. green elf

laeg (“fresh and green”) + el (from stem éled- “starfolk, elves”)

miniel

noun. an Elf, one of the Vanyar

mornedhel

noun. Dark-Elf

peredhel

noun. half-elf

ódhel

noun. Deep Elf or Gnome, one of the Wise Folk

Legolas (elf of Gondolin)

Legolas (elf of Gondolin)

The meaning of Legolas was twofold: it could mean "Greenleaf" from Gnomish laigos ("greenness") and las ("leaf"), as well as "Keen sight", from leg, lêg ("keen, piercing") and last ("look, glance").

edhel

elf

edhel (pl. edhil). Coll. pl. Edhelrim (or Edhellim) (UT:318). Also †eledh, pl. elidh, coll. pl. eledhrim (Letters:281), also elen, pl. elin, also with coll. pl. eledhrim (elen + rim with the regular change nr > dhr). _(WJ:363, 377-78; _the shorter coll. pl. Eldrim > Elrim_ _may also occur). But since elin also means "stars", other terms for "Elf" may be preferred.

edhel

elf

(pl. edhil). Coll. pl. Edhelrim (or Edhellim) (UT:318). Also †eledh, pl. elidh, coll. pl. eledhrim (Letters:281), also elen, pl. elin, also with coll. pl. eledhrim (elen + rim with the regular change nr &gt; dhr). (WJ:363, 377-78; the shorter coll. pl. Eldrim &gt; *Elrim*** may also occur). But since elin** also means &quot;stars&quot;, other terms for &quot;Elf&quot; may be preferred.

dúnedhel

beleriand, elf of

(literally "West-Elf", including Noldor and Sindar) Dúnedhel (i Núnedhel), pl. Dúnedhil (i Ndúnedhil) (WJ:378, 386)

dúnedhel

elf of beleriand

(literally "West-Elf", including Noldor and Sindar) Dúnedhel (i Núnedhel), pl. Dúnedhil (i Ndúnedhil). (WJ:378, 386) HALF-ELF (Elf-mortal hybrid) *peredhel (pl. peredhil) (PM:256, 348).

gwanwel

elf of aman

gwanwel (”departed” Elf), pl. gwenwil (in gwenwil), coll. pl. gwanwellath. (WJ:378) Also gwanwen; see DEPARTED.

gwanwel

elf of aman

(”departed” Elf), pl. gwenwil (in gwenwil), coll. pl. gwanwellath. (WJ:378) Also gwanwen; see

mornedhel

dark elf

Mornedhel (i Vornedhel), pl. Mornedhil (i Mornedhil). Conceivably the entire word could be umlauted in the pl.: ?Mernedhil. (WJ:409) Another term for ”Dark Elf” is Dúredhel (i Dhúredhel), pl. Dúredhil (i Núredhil).

mornedhel

dark elf

(i Vornedhel), pl. Mornedhil (i Mornedhil). Conceivably the entire word could be umlauted in the pl.: ?Mernedhil. **(WJ:409) Another term for ”Dark Elf” is Dúredhel (i Dhúredhel), pl. Dúredhil (i Núredhil**).

avar

non-eldarin elf

Avar, pl. Evair**, **also called

avar

non-eldarin elf

pl. Evair, also called

calben

elf of the great journey

(Elda, as opposed to the Avari) calben (i galben, o chalben), pl. celbin (i chelbin).

calben

elf of the great journey

(i galben, o chalben), pl. celbin (i chelbin).

dúnedhel

beleriand, elf of

(i Núnedhel), pl. *Dúnedhil*** (i Ndúnedhil*) (WJ:378, 386)*

dúnedhel

elf of beleriand

(i Núnedhel), pl. *Dúnedhil*** (i Ndúnedhil*). (WJ:378, 386)*

dúnedhel

west-elf

(i Núnedhel), pl. *Dúnedhil*** (i Ndúnedhil*). (WJ:378, 386)*

edhelharn

elf-stone

(a term for beryl) edhelharn (pl. edhelhern) (SD:128-31).

edhelharn

elf-stone

(a term for beryl) edhelharn (pl. edhelhern) (SD:128-31). SEEING STONE (palantír) *gwachaedir (i **wachaedir), no distinct pl. form except with prefixed article (in gwachaedir), coll. pl. ?gwachaediriath or ?gwachadirnath (the latter form assuming that -dir is reduced from older -dirn) The form occurring in the primary source, gwahaedir, must represent the late Gondorian pronunciation with h for ch** (PM:186).

edhelharn

elf-stone

(pl. edhelhern) (SD:128-31).

elleth

elf-woman

elleth (pl. ellith) (WJ:363-64, 377)

elleth

elf-woman

elleth (pl. ellith) (WJ:363-64, 377).

elleth

elf-woman

(pl. ellith) (WJ:363-64, 377)

ellon

elf-man

ellon (pl. ellyn),

ellon

elf-man

ellon (pl. ellyn) (WJ:363-64, 377).

ellon

elf-man

(pl. ellyn)

elvellon

elf-friend

elvellon (pl. elvellyn, coll. pl. elvellonnath (WJ:412);

elvellon

elf-friend

(pl. elvellyn, coll. pl. elvellonnath (WJ:412);

laegel

green-elf

laegel, pl. laegil; coll. pl. laegrim or laegeldrim (WJ:385). These forms from a late source would seem to supersede the ”N” forms listed in LR:368 s.v. _LÁ

laegel

green-elf

laegel, pl. laegil; coll. pl. laegrim or laegeldrim (WJ:385). These forms from a late source would seem to imply that Tolkien had abandoned the ”Noldorin” forms listed in LR:368 s.v. _LÁ

laegel

green-elf

pl. laegil; coll. pl. laegrim or laegeldrim (WJ:385). These forms from a late source would seem to supersede the ”N” forms listed in LR:368 s.v. LÁYAK: *Lhoebenidh* or *Lhoebelidh*. The Green-elves of Beleriand were also called Lindel (pl. Lindil), also Lindedhel (pl. Lindedhil)  *(WJ:385)*.

lefn

elf left behind

lefn, pl. lifn.

lefn

elf left behind

pl. lifn.

miniel

first elf

(one of the tribe of the Vanyar) Miniel (i Viniel), pl. Mínil (i **Mínil), coll. pl. Miniellath**. (WJ:383)

miniel

first elf

(= Vanya) Miniel (i Viniel), pl. Mínil (i Mínil), coll. pl. Miniellath. (WJ:383)

miniel

first elf

(i Viniel), pl. Mínil (i Mínil), coll. pl. Miniellath. (WJ:383)

mornedhel

dark elf

Mornedhel (i Vornedhel), pl. Mornedhil (i Mornedhil). Conceivably the entire word could be umlauted in the pl.: Mernedhil. (WJ:409). Also Duredhel (i Dhuredhel), pl. Duredhil (i Núredhil), also called Durion (i Dhurion), *"dark son", pl. Duryn (i Nuryn), coll. pl. Durionnath.

mornedhel

dark elf

(i Vornedhel), pl. Mornedhil (i Mornedhil). Conceivably the entire word could be umlauted in the pl.: Mernedhil. (WJ:409). Also Duredhel (i Dhuredhel), pl. Duredhil (i Núredhil), also called Durion (i Dhurion), ✱&quot;dark son&quot;, pl. Duryn (i Nuryn), coll. pl. Durionnath.

peredhel

half-elf

1. *peredhel (pl. peredhil) (PM:256, 348), 2) (actually ”Half-Noldo”) peringol (i beringol, o pheringol), pl. peringyl (i pheringyl), coll. pl. ?peringollath

peredhel

half-elf

(pl. peredhil) (PM:256, 348).

peringol

half-elf

(i beringol, o pheringol), pl. peringyl (i pheringyl), coll. pl. ?peringollath

send

grey-elf (sinda)

#send (i hend, o send, construct sen) _(probably a term only used by the Noldor, borrowed from Quenya Sinda)_, pl. sind (i sind), coll. pl. Sendrim (the only attested form). FORSAKEN ELVES (the Sindar in Beleriand), see FORSAKEN.

send

grey-elf

#send (i hend, o send, construct sen) _(probably a term only used by the Noldor, borrowed from Quenya Sinda)_, pl. sind (i sind), coll. pl. Sendrim.

send

grey-elf

(i hend, o send, construct sen) (probably a term only used by the Noldor, borrowed from Quenya Sinda), pl. sind (i sind), coll. pl. Sendrim (the only attested form).

leben

cardinal. five

The Sindarin word for “five” based on the root √LEPEN of the same meaning (PE17/95; VT42/24; VT47/10; VT48/6).

Conceptual Development: The Gnomish Lexicon of the 1910s had G. elf(in) “five” derived from the early root ᴱ√lef [LEǶE] (GL/32, 53). Rough notes associated with the Early Noldorin Grammar of the 1920s had the deleted forms ᴱN. leme and limel near ᴱN. eneg “✱six”, so these were probably words for “five” (PE13/128 note #78). The Etymologies of the 1930s had N. lheben “five” under the root ᴹ√LEPEN of the same meaning (Ety/LEPEN), with the 1930s sound change of initial *l* to *lh* which did not occur in Sindarin of the 1950s and 60s.

mellon

noun. friend

calben

noun. all Elves but the Avari

egladhrim

noun. "The Forsaken", Elves of the Falathrim

eglath

noun. "The Forsaken", Elves of the Falathrim

galadhrim

noun. Elves of Lothlórien

golodhrim

noun. Deep Elves, Gnomes

gódhellim

noun. "Deep Elves" or "Gnomes", the Wise Folk

iathrim

noun. Elves of Doriath

laegeldrim

noun. the people of the Green Elves

laegrim

noun. the people of the Green Elves

leben

cardinal. five

mellon

noun. friend

mellon

noun. friend

_ n. _friend. Pedo mellon a minno! 'Say friend and enter'. 

noll Archaic

noun. Noldo

tawarwaith

noun. Silvan elves

telerrim

noun. the Teleri, a tribe of Elves

ódhellim

noun. Deep Elves or Gnomes, the Wise Folk

golodh

noldo

(one of the Noldor) Golodh (i **Ngolodh = i Ñolodh, o N**golodh = o Ñgolodh), pl. Gelydh (in Gelydh = i Ñgelydh), coll. pl. Golodhrim. While Golodh is the actual Sindarin cognate of Quenya Noldo, the Noldor themselves apparently found this form unpleasing (WJ:379) and preferred the word Gódhel (i **Ódhel), pl. Gódhil (i Ngódhil = i Ñódhil), coll. pl. Gódhellim. Also Ódhel, pl. Ódhil, coll. pl. Ódhelllim** (WJ:364, 378-9). Adj.

golodh

noldo

(i Ngolodh = i Ñolodh, o N’golodh = o Ñgolodh), pl. *Gelydh* (*in Gelydh* = i Ñgelydh), coll. pl. Golodhrim. While Golodh is the actual Sindarin cognate of Quenya Noldo, the Noldor themselves apparently found this form unpleasing (WJ:379) and preferred the word Gódhel (i ’Ódhel), pl. *Gódhil*** (i Ngódhil = i Ñódhil), coll. pl. **Gódhellim. Also Ódhel, pl. Ódhil, coll. pl. Ódhelllim (WJ:364, 378-9). Adj.

golodhren

of the noldor, noldorin

*(WJ:318; Christopher Tolkien found the ”last letters illigible”, but the context might suggest Golodhrin as a pl. adj. ”Noldorin (ones)”. Lenited Ngolodhren = Ñolodhren*.

leben

cardinal. five

leben;

leben

five

;

meldis

friend

(i veldis), no distinct pl. form except with article (i meldis), coll. pl. meldissath.

mellon

friend

1. (masc.) mellon (i vellon) (lover), pl. mellyn (i mellyn), coll. pl. mellonnath. Also meldir (i veldir), no distinct pl. form except with article (i meldir). Also seron (i heron, o seron), pl. seryn (i seryn), coll. pl. seronnath. 2) (fem.) meldis (i veldis), no distinct pl. form except with article (i meldis), coll. pl. meldissath.

mellon

friend

(i vellon) (lover), pl. mellyn (i mellyn), coll. pl. mellonnath. Also meldir (i veldir), no distinct pl. form except with article (i meldir). Also seron (i heron, o seron), pl. seryn (i seryn), coll. pl. seronnath.

Quende#

noun. Elf

Elf

quendë

elf

quendë noun "Elf", the little-used analogical sg. of Quendi, q.v. (KWEN(ED), WJ:361)

elendili

collective name. Elf-friends

A term for the faithful of Númenor as friends of the Elves (S/266). It is a plural form of the name Elendil “Elf-friend”, and likely has a similar etymology.

Conceptual Development: In earlier writings it appeared as ᴹQ. Elendilli with two l’s (SD/403, PM/151).

elda

noun. Elf, (lit.) one of the Star-folk

The most common Quenya word for “Elf”. Its literal meaning is “one of the Star-folk” (WJ/374), a name given to them by Oromë (S/49) and derived from the same primitive root √EL as Q. elen “star”. Strictly speaking, this term excludes the Avari who chose not to journey to Valinor, so that the proper term for all of Elvenkind is Q. Quendë “one of the Elven race”. The Elves of the West rarely encountered the Avari, however, so that term Elda was ordinarily broad enough to describe all Elves.

Conceptual Development: This word dates back to the earliest stages of Tolkien’s languages. At its first appearance, ᴱQ. Elda was glossed “a beach-fay” (QL/35), but was soon extended to describe all Elves (LT1/113). In Tolkien’s earliest writings the word was not given a clear etymology. In the Lhammas “Account of Tongues” from the 1930s (LR/168-180), Tolkien gave ᴹQ. Elda the sense of “one who departed” (LR/169), as opposed to the ᴹQ. Lembi “Lingerers” who remained behind (precursors of the Avari). With this sense, Elda was derived from ᴹ√LED “go, fare, travel” (Ety/LED).

Tolkien soon revised the etymology of Elda so that it was derived instead from ᴹ√ELED “star-folk” (Ety/ELED). In some later writings, he considered both etymologies of this word to be valid, so that Elda was blending of both “star-folk” (from √EL) and Q. Eldo “marcher” (from √LED or √DEL), as discussed in the Quendi and Eldar essay from 1959-60 and elsewhere (WJ/362-3, PE17/139). However, the sense “star-folk” is probably better known.

In some notes from 1957, Tolkien considered deriving this word from a variant root √DEL “fair” so that its meaning would be “the fair” (PE17/151), but this seems to have been a transient idea.

eldameldor

collective name. Elf-friends, Elf-lovers

A term for those friendly to the Elves, as opposed to those interested in them as a subject of lore: Eldandili or Quendili (WJ/412). This name is a compound of Elda “Elf” and the plural of meldo “friend”.

eldandil

masculine name. Elf-friend

A term meaning “Elf-friend”, but implying an interest in them as a subject of lore (WJ/412). This name is a compound of Elda “Elf” and the suffix -(n)dil “-friend”.

eldanna

place name. *Elf-wards

A bay in western Númenor to which the Elves of Tol Eressëa usually came, so called because it faced towards Eressëa (UT/167). This name was the allative form of Elda “Elf”, and thus meant “✱Elf-wards”, similar to the names Elenna “Starwards” and Rómenna “Eastwards” (UTI/Eldanna).

elendil

masculine name. Elf-friend, Star-lover

Tar-Elendil was the fourth ruler of Númenor (UTI/219). Many centuries later a second, more famous, Elendil became the leader of the Men of the West against Sauron at the end of the Second Age and was considered the first king of Gondor and Arnor (LotR/1037). This name is attributed two different meanings: “Elf-friend” and “Star-lover” (WJ/410). The first interpretation was common among Men, and was derived from the ancient associations between Elda “Elf” and †él “star”. Properly speaking, though, his name was a compound of elen “star” and the suffix -(n)dil “lover”, so “Star-lover” is a better interpretation in proper Quenya. The proper Quenya for “Elf-friend” would be Eldandil.

Conceptual Development: In the very first draft of the tale of the Fall of Númenor, this character was named N. Agaldor &gt; N. Amroth (LR/12, 31). When this character first appeared in the “Lost Road”, his name was ᴹQ. Herendil “Fortune’s Friend” and his father was called ᴹQ. Elendil (LR/57). In “The Notion Club Papers”, the character was given the Adûnaic name Ad. Nimruzân &gt;&gt; Nimruzîr “Elf-friend” (SD/389-90), and his contemporaneous Quenya name also shifted to ᴹQ. Elendil (SD/356). His father became ᴹQ. Amardil, later Q. Amandil.

The earlier character Ælfwine might be consider a precursor to Elendil, at least in the meaning of his name: “Elf-friend”. Therefore, the Early Qenya name ᴱQ. Eldairon of Ælfwine could be considered a precursor to the name Elendil (LT2/313).

oärel

proper name. Elf who left Middle-earth for Aman

A term for the Elves who left Middle-earth for Aman, equivalent to Amanyar (WJ/374), a combination of öar “away from” and a suffixal form -el(d) of Elda “Elf”.

This name originally developed from primitive ✶awādelo = ✶awa- + ✶edelō, which became either Oarel or Aurel (WJ/363). The Oarel form was preferred due to its similarity to the preposition öar (WJ/364). Its plural form Oareldi was influenced by the archaic plural †Eldi of Elda (WJ/363). In the Vanyarin dialect, the forms were Oazel and Auzel. In the Telerin branches, only descendants of the Au- forms were used: T. Audel and S. Ódhel (WJ/364).

quendelië

proper name. Elf-race

A term for Elven people appearing in The Etymologies and other linguistic notes from the 1930s and 1950s (Ety/KWEN(ED); PE18/21, 71), presumably more inclusive than Eldalië. This term is a compound of Quendë “Elf” and lië “people”.

quendil

masculine name. Elf-friend

A term translated as “Elf-friend” (WJ/410), but more accurately describing those concerned with the lore of Elven-kind (WJ/412). This name is a compound Quendë “Elf” and the suffix -(n)dil “friend”. It also appear in the longer form Quendendil.

Eldameldor

elf-lovers

Eldameldor noun "Elf-lovers" (WJ:412), sg. #Eldameldo

Eldandil

elf-friend

Eldandil (pl. Eldandili in WJ:412) noun "Elf-friend" (by the Edain confused with Elendil, properly "Star-friend") (WJ:410)

Eldavehtë

elf-haunt

Eldavehtë noun *"Elf-haunt", description of Beleriand as "a habitation, haunt or place occupied by Eldar. See vehtë. (PE17:189)

Elessar

elf-stone

Elessar masc. name "Elf-stone" (Elen + sar, actually "Star-stone", cf. Elendil concerning elen "star" being used to mean "Elf") (LotR3:V ch. 8). Genitive Elesarno _(VT49:28, read _Elessarno?) indicates that the stem is -sarn-. As a common noun, elessar or "elf-stone" may signify "beryl" (in the chapter Flight to the Ford in the LotR, Aragorn finds "a single pale-green jewel" and declares: "It is a beryl, an elf-stone"). Elessar as a name may also be seen as a pun or variant of Elesser "Elf-friend".

Esselda

first-elf

[Esselda], noun?adj.?, deleted form which Tolkien never clearly glossed: *"first-elf"? Or an old comparative (in -lda) denoting something like "elder"? The word occurs in a context where Tolkien is considering terms for the Elves as the "Firstborn", aka "Elder Kindred" (VT45:12, cf. ESE-, ESET-)

Moriquen(de)

noun. dark elf

dark elf

Quendelie

noun. Elf-race

Elf-race

Quendendil

elf-friend

Quendendil (also contracted Quendil; pl. Quendili in WJ:410) masc. name "Elf-friend" (WJ:410)

Sindel

grey-elf

Sindel (þ) (Sindeld-, as in pl. Sindeldi) noun "Grey-elf" = Sinda pl. Sindar, but less common (WJ:384)

Telellë

little elf

Telellë noun "little elf" (also Teler); the Telelli are said to be "young Elves of all clans who dwelt in Kôr to perfect their arts of singing and poetry" (LT1:267; see Teler)

Teler

sea-elf

Teler noun "sea-elf", pl. Teleri, general (partitive) pl. Telelli, the third tribe of the Eldar (TELES (MIS) ), also called Lindar.Teleri means "those at the end of the line, the hindmost", (WJ:382 cf. 371), derived from the stem tel- "finish, end, be last" (SA:tel-). The Lindar were so called because they lagged behind on the march from Cuiviénen. In early "Qenya", Teler, also Telellë, was defined "little elf" (LT1:267), but this is hardly a valid gloss in Tolkien's later Quenya.

aurel

noun. elf who departed from beleriand to aman

Aurel (Aureld-, e.g. pl. Aureldi) noun "Elf who departed from Beleriand to Aman" (while the Sindar stayed there) (WJ:363). Also Oarel, q.v. Earlier Auzel.

quenya

noun. †elf-language

†elf-language

aurel

proper name. Elf who left Middle-earth for Aman

A less common variant of Oärel (WJ/363, 374). See the entry for Oärel for further discussion.

avar

proper name. Refuser, Elf who did not journey to Aman

The Elves who refused to journey to Aman, an agental formation of the ancient verb ava- “to refuse” with the common agental suffix -r(o) (VT47/13, WJ/371). This name most frequently appeared in its plural form Avari referring to this entire people (S/52).

Conceptual Development: The name ᴹQ. Avar(o) first appeared in plural form * in Tolkien’s linguistic notes from the 1930s with the gloss “The Departing”, and referred to those elves who left Middle-earth, whereas those who remained were referred to by the earlier name the ᴹQ. Lembi “Lingerers” (LR/169-170). Tolkien soon revised this name to refer to the Elves who remained behind, effectively replacing the term Lembi (LR/200). This name appeared in The Etymologies* with essentially the same derivation as given above (Ety/AB).

eldalië

noun. People of the Elves, Elven-folk, People of the Eldar, Elven-folk, [ᴹQ.] Elf-folk

hecel

proper name. Elf who stayed in Beleriand

A term for the Eldar who remained behind in Beleriand (WJ/365). In Quenya, it became a technical term, rarely used in everyday speech (WJ/374). It was originally derived from hecil “one lost or forsaken”, reformed to Hecel (pl. Heceldi) after the pattern of terms like Oärel (WJ/364).

Conceptual Development: A similar term Ecelli “The Forsaken” appeared in earlier writing (MR/169-170). Ecelli was in all cases replaced by other words: Alamanyar (MR/170) or Sindar (MR/175). Nevertheless, it was probably the precursor to Hecel.

quendë

noun. Elf, (lit.) One That Speaks

sinda

proper name. Grey-elf

Quenya name for the Grey Elves (PM/223), usually appearing in its plural form Sindar (LotR/1137). It is simply sinda “grey” used as a name (SA/thin(d)).

sindel

noun. Grey-elf

nér

noun. man, male person (of any kindred: elf, human or dwarf), man, male person; [ᴹQ.] adult male; [ᴱQ.] husband; warrior

The Quenya word for a “man”, or more specifically a person of male gender of any kindred (WJ/393; PE23/87). This word is derived from the root √N(D)ER, and the é is long in Quenya as a remnant of the lengthened vowel in the primitive subjective form ndēr, but the stem form is ner- because the vowel was not long in ancient inflective forms (PE19/102). Thus the singular is nér but the plural is neri (MR/213), and likewise for other inflected forms. Nér can be used regardless of species and so is equally applicable to male Elves, Men, or Dwarves, but is unlikely to be used of male animals, for which the word [ᴹQ.] hanu is more applicable.

Conceptual Development: This word was very well established in Tolkien’s mind, appearing as ᴱQ. ner “man, husband” in the Qenya Lexicon of the 1910s under the early root ᴱ√NERE (QL/65), though in the contemporaneous Poetic and Mythological Words of Eldarissa it was glossed “warrior, etc.” (PME/65). The long/short vowel variation had emerged by the time the Early Qenya Grammar was written in the 1920s, where Tolkien gave singular nēr but plural nĕri (PE14/43, 72).

The Declension of Nouns from the early 1930s has this same long/short vowel split (PE21/20) as does The Etymologies from later in the 1930s which had ᴹQ. nér with plural neri as derivatives of the root ᴹ√(N)DER (Ety/DER). This remained the case in later writings as well, except that the unstrengthened form of the root changed from ᴹ√DER to √NER (WJ/393), though this only barely matters, since the actual derivatives were all from strengthened √NDER in pretty much all cases from the 1930s forward.

nís

noun. woman (of any kindred: elf, human or dwarf)

The usual Quenya word for “woman” or more exactly a “female person” of any kindred (PE23/87), in later writings appearing as both nís (MR/213, 226, 229) and nisse (VT47/18, 33). Even in the cases where its singular was nís, its plural form was given as nissi, indicating a stem form of niss-. In rough notes from 1968 Tolkien said “The monosyllabic nouns (especially those with only one stem-consonant) were a small dwindling class often replaced by strengthened forms (as nis- was [by] nisse)” (VT47/18).

Thus it seems the ancient form was ✱nis- from the root √NIS, which like its male counterpart Q. nér “man” inherited a long vowel from the ancient subjective form ✱nīs. But the voiceless s was felt to be intrinsic to word, and it was thus strengthened to niss- in inflected forms to avoid the sound changes associated with an isolated s. From this a longer form nisse was generalized. In practice I think either form can be used, with singular nís being preserved by analogy with nér. However, I think inflected forms are probably all based on nisse, such as genitive nisseo “of a woman” rather than ✱✱nisso.

Conceptual Development: In The Etymologies of the 1930s Tolkien had both ᴹQ. nis and nisse “woman” derived from the root ᴹ√NIS, with plural nissi in both cases (Ety/NIS, NDIS). He explained this variation as follows: “nis was a blend of old nīs (nisen) and the elab[orated] form ✱nis-sē” (EtyAC/NĪ¹). Hence it is was essentially the same as the scenario described above, but in the 1930s the long vowel in ancient nīs did not survive in the later short form nis. Quenya Personal Pronouns (QPP1) from the late 1940s had nís “woman” with a long í (PE23/85).

In Quenya prayers of the 1950s, Tolkien experimented with some alternate plural forms nínaron [genitive plural] &gt;&gt; nísi [ordinary plural] (VT43/26-29, 31), the former apparently representing a variant singular form ✱nína, but in later writings plural nissi was restored.

quendi

noun. female Elf

quendu

noun. male Elf

quenya

noun. Elvish, High-elven, Elf-latin, †speech, Elvish, High-elven, Elf-latin, †speech; [ᴹQ.] belonging to the Qendi, Quendian

sinda eldō

a Grey Elf’s

Elemmírë (Elf)

Elemmírë (Elf)

Elemmírë is obviously named after the star Elemmírë. Note that the form of the word does not allow us to know whether Elemmírë was a male or a female Elf.

eldafindë

noun. maidenhair fern, (lit.) elf tress

meldo

friend, lover

meldo noun "friend, lover". _(VT45:34, quoting a deleted entry in the Etymologies, but cf. the pl. #_meldor in Eldameldor "Elf-lovers", WJ:412) **Meldonya *"my friend" (VT49:38, 40). It may be that meldo is the distinctly masculine form, corresponding to feminine #meldë** (q.v.)

-li

the elves

-li partitive pl. ending (simply called a plural suffix in the Etymologies, stem LI). The ending is used to indicate a plural that is neither generic (e.g. Eldar "the Elves" as a race) nor definite (preceded by article); hence Eldali is used for "some Elves" (a particular group of Elves, when they are first mentioned in a narrative, VT49:8). Sometimes Tolkien also lets -li imply a great number; in PE17:129, the form falmalinnar from _Namárië _is broken down as falma-li-nnar "foam wave-many-towards-pl. ending", and falmali by itself Tolkien translated "many waves" (PE17:73). A distinct accusative in -lī seems to occur in the phrase an i falmalī (PE17:127, apparently meaning the same as i falmalinnar, but replacing the allative ending with a preposition). Genitive -lion in vanimálion, malinornélion (q.v. for reference), allative -linna and -linnar in falmalinnar, q.v. The endings for other cases are only known from the Plotz letter: possessive -líva, dative -lin, locative -lissë or -lissen, ablative -lillo or -lillon, instrumental -línen, "short locative" -lis. When the noun ends in a consonant, r and n is assimilated before l, e.g. Casalli as the partitive pl. of Casar "Dwarf" (WJ:402), or elelli as the partitive pl. of elen "star" (PE17:127). It is unclear whether the same happens in monosyllabic words, or whether a connecting vowel would be slipped in before -li (e.g. ?queneli or ?quelli as the partitive pl. of quén, quen- "person").

-ndil

friend

-ndil (also -dil) ending occurring in many names, like Amandil, Eärendil; it implies devotion or disinterested love and may be translated "friend" (SA:(noun)dil); this ending is "describing the attitude of one to a person, thing, course or occupation to which one is devoted for its own sake" (Letters:386). Compare -ndur. It is unclear whether the names derived with the ending -ndil are necessarily masculine, though we have no certain example of a woman's name in -ndil; the name Vardilmë (q.v.) may suggest that the corresponding feminine ending is -(n)dilmë.

-ndur

friend

-ndur (also -dur), ending in some names, like Eärendur; as noted by Christopher Tolkien in the Silmarillion Appendix it has much the same meaning as -ndil "friend"; yet -ndur properly means "servant of" (SA:(noun)dil), "as one serves a legitimate master: cf. Q. arandil king's friend, royalist, beside arandur 'king's servant, minister'. But these often coincide: e.g. Sam's relation to Frodo can be viewed either as in status -ndur, in spirit -ndil." (Letters:286)

-ser

friend

-ser noun "friend" (SER)

Quendi

zF2% noun. elves

Quendi "Elves" as a race (analogical sg. quendë, not much used) (WJ:361;SA:quen-/quet-, WJ:372, KWEN(ED), spelt "qende, Qendi" in Etym). Gen. pl. Quendion (PM:395)

Quendingoldo

elves

Quendingoldo masc. name, apparently compound of Quendi "Elves" and -ngoldo "Noldo", Sindarin Pengolodh, a loremaster of Gondolin. (PM:401, 404-405, VT48:5) Shorter form Quengoldo (PM:404, VT48:14)

heldo

friend

[heldo, also helmo, fem. heldë, noun "friend" (VT46:3)]

lemen

cardinal. five

lemen, alternative cardinal "five" (VT48:6, 20); the word normally appears as lempë, but compare lemenya below.

lemen

cardinal. five

lemnë

cardinal. five

lempë

cardinal. five

lempë cardinal "five" (LEP/LEPEN/LEPEK, GL:53, VT42:24, VT47:10, 24); lempëa ordinal "fifth", an analogical formation replacing older lemenya, in turn altered from the historically "correct" form lepenya because of analogy with the cardinal lempë "five" (VT42:25; Vanyarin Quenya maintained lepenya, VT42:26)

lempë

cardinal. five

The Quenya word for “five” derived from the root √LEPEN via the Quenya syncope and metathesis: ✶lepene &gt; lepne &gt; lenpe &gt; lempe (PE17/95; VT42/24; VT47/10; VT48/6; Ety/LEP).

Conceptual Development: The Qenya Lexicon of the 1910s had ᴱQ. lemin “five” under the early root ᴱ√LEH [LEǶE] “half”, and Q. lempe was “ten” in this 1910s document (QL/52). In the contemporaneous Gnomish Lexicon, the word lempe was “five” (GL/53). In the Early Qenya Grammar of the 1920s (EQG), lemin “five” reappeared and ᴱQ. lempe was “half” (PE14/49, 82, 84). Beginning with The Etymologies of the 1930s the usual Quenya word for “five” was lempe (Ety/LEP), but occasional variants like lemne and lemen continued to appear (PE17/95; VT48/6).

meldë

friend

#meldë noun "friend", feminine (meldenya "my friend" in the Elaine inscription [VT49:40], Tolkien referring to Elaine Griffiths). Compare meldo.

málo

noun. friend

friend, comrade

málo

friend

málo noun "friend" (MEL, VT49:22)

nildo

friend

nildo noun "friend" (apparently masc.; contrast nildë) (NIL/NDIL)

nildë

friend

nildë noun "friend" (fem.) (NIL/NDIL)

nilmo

friend

nilmo noun "friend" (apparently masc.) (NIL/NDIL)

noldo

noun. Noldo

Noldo, Gnome

sermo

friend

sermo noun "friend" (evidently masc., since sermë is stated to be fem.) (SER)

sermë

friend

sermë noun "friend" (fem.) (SER)

seron

friend

seron noun "friend" (SER)

sondo

friend

[sondo noun "friend" (VT46:15)]

ella

noun/adjective. Elf

ello

noun. Elf

audel

proper name. Elf who left for Aman

pendë Archaic

noun. Elf (as a race)

goldo

noun. Noldo

lepen

cardinal. five

eldā

noun. Elf

ñgoldō

noun. Noldo

nimir

noun. Elf, (lit.) Shining One

A noun translated “Elf” (WJ/419) and fully declined as an example of a Strong I noun (SD/436). In one place, its plural Nimrî was translated “Shining Ones” (SD/358), which indicates was probably derived from the Primitive Adûnaic root √NIMIR.

Conceptual Development: In its earliest appearances from the 1940s, this noun had the plural form Nimrî (SD/358, 388) as opposed to later plural Nimîr (SD/388, 436), which could indicate either an earlier singular form Nimri or a variant syntax for draft-plural formation. The word also appears in Tolkien’s Quendi and Eldar essay from 1959-60 (WJ/386), indicating that this word survived in Tolkien’s later conception of Adûnaic.

nimruzîr

masculine name. *Elf-friend

The Adûnaic name for Q. Elendil “Elf-friend”, almost certainly with the same meaning (SD/247). The first element is the objective form of Nimir “Elf” and the second element is an agental-formation for zîr- “✱to love” (SD/389). Conceptual Development: The first Adûnaic version of this name, Nimruzân, shares the same suffix as the first Adûnaic version of his father’s Adûnaic name Arbazân.

nimruzîr

noun. Elf-friend

A noun meaning “Elf-friend”, attested only in the (subjective) plural form Nimruzîrim (PM/151). It is identical to the Adûnaic name Nimruzîr of Q. Elendil, which had the same meaning.

Conceptual Development: An earlier name for the faithful Númenóreans was Avaltiri (SD/347).

auzel

proper name. Elf who left Middle-earth for Aman

kwende

noun. speaker, elf

morikwende

noun. *Dark-elf, [ᴹ✶] Dark-elf

eled

root. *Star-Folk, Elf

kwened

root. spoken, articulate, spoken, articulate; [ᴹ√] Elf

lenep

root. five

lepem Archaic

root. five

lepen

root. five

√LEPEN was the most common root for “five” in Tolkien’s writings, but he explored a variety of other options. Its earliest iteration appeared in the Qenya and Gnomish lexicons as ᴱ√LEH (QL/52) or ᴱ√LEF “half” (GL/53), so I think the actual early form was ✱ᴱ√LEǶE [lexʷe]. At this early stage it had derivatives with the meanings “five”, “ten”, and “half”, but in later writings “ten” became ᴹ√KAYAN &gt;&gt; √KWAY(AM) and “half” became √PER.

In The Etymologies of the 1930s the root appeared as ᴹ√LEPEN “five” with variant ᴹ√LEPEK, but ᴹ√LEPEK had no derivatives (Ety/LEP). √LEPEN appeared again in a list of numbers from the late 1950s or early 1960s beside a variant √LENEP; again the variant had no clear derivatives (PE17/95). √LEPEN reappeared in numeric discussions from the late 1960s (VT42/24; VT47/10). In these late discussions Tolkien said that “five” most likely originally from ✱lepem as an ancient plural of √LEP, but it seems this became √LEPEN already in Common Eldarin (CE), given that the Sindarin word for “five” remained S. leben; Tolkien gave varying explanations for this CE sound change, either as dissimilation from p (VT47/26 note 2) or with final *-m* &gt; *-n* being the regular phonetic development (VT47/24).

lepene

noun. five

cwenda

noun. elf

A doubtful word according to Tolkien's later conception; in the branch of Eldarin that Nandorin belongs to, primitive KW became P far back in Elvish linguistic history [WJ:375 cf. 407 note 5]. This was not a problem in Tolkien's earlier conception, in which the Danians came from the host of the Noldor, not the Teleri [see PM:76; the idea of the Nandor being of Noldorin origin also occurs in VT47:29]. In his later version of Nandorin, the word cwenda is probably best ignored; simply emending it to *penda would produce a clash with primitive pendâ "sloping" [cf. WJ:375].

In the Etymologies, Tolkien derived cwenda from kwenedê "elf" (stem KWEN(ED) of similar meaning, LR:366; as for the shift of original final -ê to Nandorin -â, compare hrassa "precipice" from khrassê). But later the primitive word that yielded Quenya Quende was reconstructed as kwende (WJ:360).

No certain example shows how original short final -e comes out in Nandorin, so we cannot say whether kwende is also capable of yielding cwenda, ignoring the question of kw failing to become p.

edel

noun. Elda, High-elf

Stated in the Etymologies to be derived from a stem ÉLED (LR:356), defined as "Star-folk"; Tolkien points out that Doriathrin and Danian used a "transposed" form, clearly referring to the sounds L and D changing place. In Etym the development is apparently meant to be eledâ (this primitive form is explicitly given in Letters:281) > edela > edel. Later Tolkien reconstructed the primitive form of Quenya Elda as eldâ (WJ:360); whether this could regularly yield Nandorin edel is doubtful, unless final -ld metathesized to -dl and a vowel developed to break up this final cluster.

In Etym, Tolkien first gave the Nandorin form as elda, then changed it. *Eledâ could not yield elda, since final -â is regularly lost in Nandorin. Since in this word we do not see loss of the second of two identical vowels (compare golda), we must conclude that final -a was lost before this could happen.

Danas

noun. Green-elves, Nandor

In Etym derived from the stem DAN (LR:353), simply defined as an "element found in names of the Green-elves", and tentatively compared to NDAN "back" (since the Nandor "turned back" and did not complete the march to the Sea). Tolkien's later view on the derivation of the name of the Green-elves, as set down in WJ:412, is that the stem dan- and its strengthened form ndan- do indeed have a similar meaning: these forms have to do with "the reversal of an action, so as to undo or nullify its effect", and a primitive form ndandô, "one who goes back on his word or decision", is suggested. However, it seems unlikely that the Nandor would have called themselves by such a name, and indeed Tolkien in WJ:385 states that "this people still called themselves by the old clan-name Lindai [= Quenya Lindar], which had at that time taken the form Lindi in their tongue". It may be, then, that Tolkien had rejected the idea that the Nandor called themselves Danas. - As for the ending -as, it is probably to be compared to the Sindarin class plural ending -ath; indeed a Sindarin ("Noldorin") form Danath evidently closely corresponding to Danas is given in LR:353.

galadrim

noun. Elves of Lothlórien

Note: "The Galadrim were 'Tree-people' (though the formation is Sindarin, + S [rim] = Q rimbë, great number) = true Sindarin galadhrim."

golda

adjective. noldo

The primitive form of Quenya Noldo (and hence also Nandorin golda) is given in WJ:364, 380 as ñgolodô. This example demonstrates that in Nandorin, like in Quenya, the second of two identical vowels in adjacent syllables is lost in words that had another syllable following the lost vowel. This word alone provides a clear example of the change of primitive final _-ô to -a_. The form golda also suggests that in Nandorin as in Sindarin, the original initial nasalized stops ñg, nd, mb were simplified to g, d, b, though examples for d and b are lacking in our very small corpus. The stems involved are found in LR:377: ÑGOL "wise" and the extended form ÑGOLOD "one of the wise folk". Ñgolodô is thus either formed from ÑGOL by ómataina (suffixed base-vowel), suffixed D and the nominal (often masculine or agental) ending -ô, alternatively simply the longer ending -dô (of similar meaning) suffixed to the ómataina-form of the stem ÑGOL (sc. ñgolo-).