idevenë

Idevenë is a fictional language created by J.R.R. Tolkien for his Middle-earth legendarium. It is one of the many constructed languages, or conlangs, that Tolkien developed for his works. Idevenë is primarily associated with the Elves of Middle-earth, particularly the Noldor, who are said to have spoken it in the First Age. The language is notable for its complex grammar and extensive vocabulary, which Tolkien used to create a rich and detailed linguistic framework for his stories.

The name "Idevenë" itself is derived from the Quenya phrase "Idenë" meaning "the language of the Elves," with the suffix "-ë" indicating possession. Quenya, another of Tolkien's constructed languages, is closely related to Idevenë, and the two languages share many grammatical and lexical features. Idevenë is written using the Tengwar script, which Tolkien also invented for his languages.

Tolkien's work on Idevenë was influenced by his interest in the languages of ancient Europe, particularly the Finno-Ugric and Uralic languages. He aimed to create a language that was both logical and aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the cultural and linguistic traditions of the Elves in his fictional world. Despite its complexity, Idevenë is not entirely regular, and Tolkien included various irregularities and exceptions to make the language more naturalistic.

Idevenë has been used sparingly in Tolkien's published works, primarily appearing in his essays and letters. However, it has gained significant attention among linguists and language enthusiasts for its intricate structure and the depth of Tolkien's linguistic creativity. The language continues to be studied and appreciated by fans of Tolkien's legendarium and those interested in constructed languages.