The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post - Writing - Characterizations, faults and strengths (was pro/antagonist)

littlemanpoet · 08-13-2002, 09:01 AM

I have one small suggestion. Tolkien used contractions of Sindarin and Quenya for his Elves' names. The end product was usually a softening of the names by removal of harder consonants, making the name easier for everyday Elvish use. I'm not expert of Sindarin or Quenya. Nevertheless, I trust my ear for language enough to suggest, for:

Lindoameldawen, Beloved Maiden Singer - Lindamelwen or Limelwen

Thronalarca, Swift Eagle - Thronlarcin

Furinecco, concealed spear - Furneccor

Rínawilwarin, Crowned Butterfly - Rinwilwaren or Rinwilwen

Nyamelissenuruwen, Daughter of my Lover’s Death - Nyalissewen or Lissenurwen or Nuruwen

These are, of course, suggestions, but my main point is that you need to make the names something with which your reader is not intimidated. Make them sound beautiful and noble. That seems to be Tolkien's way.

08-13-2002, 09:01 AM	#55
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	I have one small suggestion. Tolkien used contractions of Sindarin and Quenya for his Elves' names. The end product was usually a softening of the names by removal of harder consonants, making the name easier for everyday Elvish use. I'm not expert of Sindarin or Quenya. Nevertheless, I trust my ear for language enough to suggest, for: Lindoameldawen, Beloved Maiden Singer - Lindamelwen or Limelwen Thronalarca, Swift Eagle - Thronlarcin Furinecco, concealed spear - Furneccor Rínawilwarin, Crowned Butterfly - Rinwilwaren or Rinwilwen Nyamelissenuruwen, Daughter of my Lover’s Death - Nyalissewen or Lissenurwen or Nuruwen These are, of course, suggestions, but my main point is that you need to make the names something with which your reader is not intimidated. Make them sound beautiful and noble. That seems to be Tolkien's way.