The Encyclopedia of Arda - an interactive guide to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien
Dates
Emerged after the separation of the Elves of the Great Journey, more than three thousand years before the first rising of the Moon and Sun
Location
Originated in Beleriand, and especially in Doriath; later spread across Middle-earth and across the Sea to Númenor
Race
Divisions
Originated among the Sindar, but became widely spoken in Middle-earth and in Númenor
Cultures
Associated with various cultures across Beleriand, but the most noble form of the tongue was spoken by the Elves of Doriath
Pronunciation
si'ndarin
Meaning
'(Language) of the grey people'
Other names
Grey-elven; variants included Númenórean Sindarin and a form incorporating Quenya elements used by the High Elves

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 30 January 1998
  • Updates planned: 13

Sindarin

The tongue of the Grey-elves

The language of the Grey-elves of Beleriand and most commonly used of the Elf-tongues in Middle-earth. When the Noldor returned to Middle-earth, Thingol decreed that their tongue, Quenya, was not to be spoken in his realms. So the language of his people, Sindarin, came to dominate. Quenya, though, was still used as a language of ceremony and poetry.

Sindarin shared common roots with Quenya, and the two languages had many similar words. Sindarin was said to be more changeful than the older tongue, however, and there were a number of regional Sindarin 'dialects'. The variant spoken in Doriath was said to be the highest and most noble form of the language.


See also...

Aduial, Alatáriel, Aldúya, Altáriel, Amon Anwar, Amon Uilos, Anarya, Ancient Speech, Ancient Tongue, Angerthas, Angerthas Daeron, Angrod, Annon-in-Gelydh, Anor, Artanis, [See the full list...]

Indexes:

About this entry:

  • Updated 30 January 1998
  • Updates planned: 13

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