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Ai! laurië lantar lassi súrinen,
Yéni únótimë ve rámar aldaron!
Yéni ve lintë yuldar avánier
mi oromardi lisse-miruvóreva
Andúnë pella, Vardo tellumar
nu luini yassen tintilar i eleni
ómaryo airetári-lirinen

Si man i yulma nin enquantuva?


--Altariello naine Lóriendesse:
The Lord of the Rings


The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth is one of those little books that should not only be read but should also be studied and owned if at all possible. J.R.R.Tolkien invented 14 languages and assorted alphabets for the inhabitants of his Middle-earth. Anyone who reads his captivating stories is mesmerized by the beauty and fluidity of these different languages. Indeed, many readers find hours of enjoyment playing with translations and attempting Quenta, Sindarin, or Rhovannion words and phrases of their own. The possibilities are endless.

When The Languages of Tolkien's Middle-earth is studied in conjunction with Tolkien's own writings on his languages contained in The Lost Road and Other Writings, it becomes a virtual textbook on reading and speaking these fascinating tongues. It is these languages that go a long way in setting Tolkien's works of fantasy fiction in a class completely their own. No one before or after has come close to his genius. Ruth S. Noel's book is comprehensive, organized and easy to follow. Study her book and you open a door to a remarkable world the likes of which you have not seen before.

Of Special Interest:

Language in Tolkien's Middle-earth: This entire section is fascinating but pay particular attention to The Language of Hobbits, The Language of the Rohirrim and especially the very interesting chapter on Runes and Letters.

The Elvish Languages This section contains the indispensible English to Elvish Glossary.

The Tolkien Dictionary: Fourteen Tolkien Languages Here it is The Tolkien Dictionary that, in itself, makes owning the book worthwhile.