Sindarin Crash Course

1.1 Introduction to the Lessons

This course refers to the Elvish language Sindarin, the “common language of the Elves,” which was devised by J.R.R. Tolkien for the Legendarium of Middle-earth. Originating with the Elves of Beleriand, Sindarin is the language that spread after it to Middle-earth; it is different from Quenya “High Elven”, which was spoken on the other side of the Great Sea. ISindarin is a language with a long history, notably the history of its adoption by the Dúnedain and its role in the creation of place names such as Minas Tirith. The lessons in this course introduce different aspects of Sindarin grammar, sound mutations, and the patterns of Tolkien’s language construction.

It also explains to students that because there is not enough material to know everything that Tolkien invented about this language, learning Sindarin means that students must also learn to distinguish between what is known and what is not, and therefore what might be theorized.

If you just want a small taste of what Sindarin is like, I recommend looking at basic grammar on Eldamo. You may also be interested in Celephinnel's site. A lot of information about Sindarin (and other Elvish languages) out there is wrong or out of date; this is a work in progress.

If you're considering getting a tattoo with a Sindarin name, keep in mind that this language is incomplete and its characters are subject to change.

1.1.1 History of Sindarin

Sindarin, the language of the Grey Elves of Middle-earth, has a history stretching back to Common Quenderin, the language first spoken by the Elves at Cuiviénen (S. Nen Echui). Over time, it developed from the speech of the Teleri, the third tribe of Elves. As the Teleri went their separate ways and the Sindar established themselves in Beleriand, their language gradually took on its own distinct character.

One of the major turning points came when Elwë (Thingol) and many of his people remained in Middle-earth rather than continuing west. Separated from their kindred across the Sea, their speech continued to develop independently. Even after the arrival of the Noldorin exiles and the devastating wars against Morgoth, Sindarin remained the most widely spoken Elvish language in western Middle-earth.

Sindarin did not develop overnight. Tolkien traced its history through several stages, beginning with Common Quenderin and continuing through Common Eldarin, Ancient Telerin, and Old Sindarin. By the Second and Third Ages, the language had entered its Late Sindarin period, during which it appears to have changed relatively little. Tolkien suggested that the influence of the Elven Rings may have played a part in preserving the language during this time.

Understanding how Sindarin developed gives us more than just a look at its vocabulary and grammar. It also reveals how the history of the Elves shaped the way they spoke. Throughout this course, we will explore that history, follow the changes that shaped Sindarin, and see how the language fits into the wider world Tolkien created.

1.1.1a Pronunciation and Spelling

The course uses Roman letters. Acute accents and circumflexes mark vowel length; keep them when copying a word. Stress is governed by the syllable pattern, so an accent is not simply a stress mark.

For vowel lengths, diphthongs, and further spelling details, see Eldamo’s pronunciation and transcription guide, which discusses Tolkien’s Appendix E.

Finding the stressed syllable

In a two-syllable word, stress the first syllable. With three or more syllables, stress the second-to-last if it has a long vowel, a diphthong, or a vowel followed by two or more consonants; otherwise stress the third-to-last. Count sounds: th, dh, and ch each represent one consonant. Medial m and ph need special attention because of their historical length.

Read the full stress explanation, or explore a form with the Sindarin Stress Analyzer.

1.1.1b Further Reading

The lessons introduce a consistent set of course choices. For the evidence and historical questions behind them, explore the Sindarin essays at Nolmar.

• Names and grammar: the lesson on Names and Historical Usage explains how to approach established names alongside the course patterns.
• Advanced sound history: Paul Strack's Vocalization of Spirants in Sindarin and Noldorin investigates how certain consonants developed into vowel sounds. Its historical proposals distinguish stages of Tolkien's languages; they are not additional sentence-level rules for the mutation chart below.

1.1.2 Mutations of Sindarin

Vowel changes help form many noun plurals. In English, “man” becomes “men”; Sindarin also uses vowel changes in plural formation. For example, adan (man) becomes edain (men). Some plurals are unchanged, irregular, or affected by the word’s history. Class plurals have their own formations. The noun lesson explains these patterns in more detail.

Initial-consonant mutation is a separate process: a word’s beginning changes because of its grammatical environment. For instance, adjectives after nouns may change their initial consonant: “the great man” is i adan veleg; “the great men” is in edain velig.

Vocalic mutation is another name for soft consonant mutation; it is distinct from the vowel changes used in forming plurals.

Prestennith Gelyf “Mutations of Consonants”: Soft and nasal mutations are the best starting points. This introductory chart also includes mixed mutation. Stop, liquid, and sibilant mutation are covered by the full chart and tool.

Next, the noun lesson explains ordinary plurals, class plurals, irregular forms, and definite articles.