The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Dated back to the Years of the Trees
Location
Originally spoken by the Elves of Valinor; it was also known in Middle-earth, but there it was a language of lore rather than daily use
Race
Division
Pronunciation
kwe'nya
Meaning
From an original form Quendya, the language 'of the Quendi'
Other names

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 11 November 2016
  • Updates planned: 1

Quenya

The ancient and noble tongue of the High Elves

"Utúlie'n aurë! Aiya Eldalië ar Atanatári, utúlie'n aurë!"
Fingon's war-cry beneath Ered Wethrin, in Quenya
The Silmarillion
Quenta Silmarillion 20
Of the Fifth Battle: Nirnaeth Arnoediad

The tongue of the High Elves in Valinor, the first to be recorded in writing. It was never widely used in Middle-earth except among the Noldor; the related Eldarin language, Sindarin, was more commonly spoken.

By the Third Age, Quenya had become, in Middle-earth, a language used only on formal or state occasions by the Elves and the descendants of the Númenóreans.


See also...

Aduial, Ainulindalë, Aldëa, Aldudénië, Aldúya, Altáriel, Amon Uilos, Anarya, Ancient Speech, Ancient Tongue, Anor, Apanónar, Ar-Abattârik, Ar-Inziladûn, Araw, [See the full list...]

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 11 November 2016
  • Updates planned: 1

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