The elven language is a beautiful and poetic melody of lyrical sounds. From the original language of the first born that awoke by Cuivienen, the elven language has evolved and divided into several distinct languages in much the same way the firstborn were sundered. The two most common and well known are Quenya and Sindarin. Those keen to learn a little of the history of these two languages may find the following to be of some interest. There are also links provided in the library for those more interested in learning how to speak the language or delve deeper into its evolution over time. Also provided are a list of words and phrases commonly used amongst the members of this kinship.

Quenya

Quenya is believed to be the closest language to that spoken by the first elves to have awoken by Cuivienen. Also known as high elven, Quenya is the language of the Eldar of Valinor. In Aman several dialects were established, Vanyarin, Noldorin and Telerin. The Noldorin dialect was the only one to be spoken in Middle-earth. The Telerin were the most seclusive of all elves in Aman and perhaps led to developments in Telerin that now sees it considered as a seperate language all together.

Amongst the many changes Quenya endured from the original elven language were those of adopted and adapted words from the language of the Valar. The Valar encouraged the Elves to create words of their own style. The Valar began speaking Quenya themselves with great regularity even amongst themselves. Quenya was the first language to make use of letters, invented by Rumil, making the language capable of being recorded in written form.

In Aman, the language would have stayed had not the Noldor migrated to Middle-Earth in their rebellion. When Thingol, lord of Doriath and the Sindar elves, heard that the Noldor had been responsible for the slaying of their own kin, he banned the use of the Quenya language. Thus Quenya was spoken little and only by the lords of the Noldor amongst themselves. It remained as a language of lore and was even learned by some of the Edain.