Sindarin Crash Course

by Rínor

1.1 Course Introduction

• 1.1.1 Pennas Thindren “History of Sindarin”
• 1.1.2 Prestennith Thindren "Mutations of Sindarin"

This course explores Sindarin, an Elvish language created by J.R.R. Tolkien, prominently featured in his Middle-earth saga. Sindarin, often termed “Common Elven,” contrasts with the “High Elven” tongue Quenya. Originating with the Elves of Beleriand, Sindarin evolved in Middle-earth, distinct from the Quenya spoken across the Sea. Its rich history includes adoption by the Dúnedain and influence on placenames like Minas Tirith. This course requires no prior knowledge of Elvish languages but it is challenging, aiming to teach Sindarin as a complex, living language.

Sindarin Enthusiasts will delve into Sindarin's grammar, sound mutations, and Tolkien’s intricate linguistic design. The course acknowledges the incomplete nature of Tolkien's linguistic work, guiding students through the intricate process of piecing together Sindarin from his writings. By the end, students will appreciate Sindarin's role in Middle-earth’s history and its relevance in Tolkien's universe.

This course is largely based on Eldamo Introductory Quenya - A Quenya language course by Paul Strack, as well as the compiled information from Eldamo itself. If you are looking for a quick overview of what Sindarin is like, I recommend checking out the simpler and shorter “basic grammar” entry in the Eldamo lexicon.

I want to note that I am not an expert in Sindarin, nor do I claim to be. However, I do have a basic understanding of the language. This site may have errors, or I might be missing something; again, I'm not an expert. Please feel free to let me know, and I will do my best to keep this site updated with all recommendations. I am on Vinyë Lambengolmor, so just shoot me a message. If it's something I don't know or needs further exploration, I can definitely bring it up with the pethryn on there. It's important to recognize that Sindarin is not a fully developed language and was never intended to be. There are members who are well-versed in Neo-Sindarin, and you might find them on platforms like Sindarin/Reddit or the Discord channel Vinyë Lambengolmor. Other sites that you should visit are Fiona Jallings site RealElvish.net, and Parf Edhellen maintained by Leonard.

Please note that there are many outdated and inaccurate resources out there. Additionally, for those considering tattoos in Sindarin, remember that the language is incomplete and new information could emerge that might change the construction of a word or even an entire sentence, potentially rendering it obsolete. Therefore, most members suggest transcribing the English phrase you want into Tengwar, rather than directly translating it into Sindarin. For those looking for names, it is advised that you first understand the language before delving into name construction or “compounds.” If you are just looking for a name and don't want to delve too deeply, simply go to one of the sites and ask. There's no need to search for words in Sindarin; just provide the English words you want to combine. I have provided a small section about it here to show you how involved it can be.

1.1.1 Pennas Thindren

Sindarin, the language of the Grey Elves of Middle-earth, has its roots in the Common Quenderin language, first spoken by the Elves at Cuiviénen (S. Nen Echui). It evolved from the dialect of the Teleri, the third tribe of Elves, who were initially reluctant to journey to Valinor. The language's development reflects the Elves' complex history, including the division of the Teleri and the emergence of the Sindar in Beleriand.

During the ancient Telerin period, the language began diverging from its Elvish counterparts, a process accelerated when a faction of the Teleri, led by Elwë (Thingol), remained in Middle-earth. This group, known as the Sindar, saw their language evolve independently, marked as Old Sindarin. Despite the influence of Noldorin exiles and the wars with Morgoth, Sindarin maintained a significant degree of stability through the Second and Third Ages of Middle-earth, becoming the dominant Elvish tongue in the west.

Sindarin's linguistic journey is marked by several key periods, outlined in Tolkien's Annals of Aman. These include the Common Quenderin, Common Eldarin, Ancient Telerin, and Old Sindarin periods, each significant in shaping the language. The Late Sindarin period, encompassing the Second and Third Ages, is notable for its relative stability, possibly influenced by the Elven Rings.

Tolkien's exploration of Sindarin's evolution highlights its gradual displacement of Nandorin and its eventual status as a common language among Elves in western Middle-earth. While its boundaries and precise evolution are subject to interpretation, Sindarin's history is a testament to the richness of Tolkien's linguistic creation. This course delves into this history, offering insights into the development of Sindarin and its place in Middle-earth's linguistic landscape.

1.1.2 Prestennith Thindren

Mutations are important in Sindarin, but can be hard for people who speak languages like English, where each word usually means just one thing. Still, English has some similar ideas. For example, “man” becomes “men,” changing “a” to “e.” This is different from how we usually make plurals in English by adding “-s.” In Sindarin, words regularly change vowels to make plurals, like “adan” (singular) turning into “edain” (plural). The only exceptions are words where the vowels can't change, and other types of plurals (class/group plurals).

Sindarin also changes consonants and vowels in different ways for grammar. For example, if an adjective comes after a noun, its first consonant changes to a softer sound. In Sindarin, “beleg” means “great, mighty.” So, “the great man” is said as “i adan veleg.” And “the great men” is “in edain velig,” changing both consonant and vowel. To read Sindarin, you need to figure out these changes.

Consonant Mutations: Sindarin features several types of consonant mutations, with the most important being soft mutation and nasal mutation. These mutations affect the initial consonant of a word, occurring when it follows another word closely or is used in compounds. See the chart below for details on how the sounds of initial consonants change. You can also find the full chart here:

Check out the Sindarin Stress Analyzer here.

On to 1.2.1 Nouns!