Elventongue

Elventongue is a constructed language featured in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. It is primarily associated with the Elves, one of the ancient and immortal races. Tolkien, a philologist by profession, developed Elventongue as a deeply detailed and evolving language, reflecting the long history and cultural nuances of its speakers.

The most prominent form of Elventongue is Quenya, often referred to as High Elven. Quenya was developed by the Elves in Valinor, the Undying Lands, and served as a language of lore, ceremony, and scholarship. It is characterized by its complex grammar and a rich vocabulary, often drawing inspiration from Finnish. Another significant dialect is Sindarin, or Grey Elven, which became the common tongue of the Elves in Middle-earth after their return from Valinor. Sindarin shows more influence from other languages spoken in Middle-earth and is known for its softer, more flowing sounds, with roots in Welsh.

Tolkien meticulously crafted Elventongue, creating intricate grammatical rules, phonetic systems, and vocabulary. He envisioned these languages not merely as tools for communication within his fictional world, but as artistic creations in themselves, possessing aesthetic beauty and internal consistency. The development and study of Elventongue have become a significant aspect of Tolkien's linguistic legacy, inspiring many fans and scholars.