What language is the Elvish language from "The Lord of the Rings" based on, and who created it?

Elvish languages are a fascinating aspect of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, used extensively in his literary works like "The Lord of the Rings". They have captivated the hearts of fans and scholars alike, leading many to seek the origin and basis of these languages. In this article, we will discuss the inspiration behind the Elvish languages and shed light on their creator.

The Creator: J.R.R. Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, an English writer, poet, philologist, and professor, was the mastermind behind the creation of the beautiful and intricate Elvish languages. He wrote "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," "The Silmarillion," and many other works set in the fantastical realm of Middle-earth. Tolkien was a linguist and scholar, having a deep passion for languages and the history behind them. His linguistic expertise and love for mythology provided the foundation on which the Elvish languages were built.

The Elvish Languages: Quenya and Sindarin

Tolkien created several languages for his fictional Middle-earth, with the Elvish languages, Quenya and Sindarin, being the most prominent. Quenya, also known as High Elven, was the language of the exiled Noldorin Elves. It was primarily based on Finnish and, to a lesser extent, influenced by Latin and ancient Greek. Sindarin, or Grey-elven, was spoken by the Sindar Elves and was mainly based on Welsh, with some inspiration from other Celtic languages. Both languages come with their own written script: Tengwar for Quenya and Cirth for Sindarin.

Inspiration and Development

Tolkien's love for languages began in his childhood when he learned Latin, French, and German. He later acquired knowledge in Old and Middle English, Old Norse, Welsh, and other European languages. It was his deep admiration for the Finnish language and the "Kalevala," a Finnish national epic, that inspired Tolkien to create Quenya. Sindarin, on the other hand, was derived from his love for the Welsh language and its poetic form. Tolkien continued to refine and expand his Elvish languages throughout his life, making them more complex and detailed.

Overall, the Elvish languages of Middle-earth are a brilliant example of J.R.R. Tolkien's linguistic expertise and dedication to his fictional world. The intricate details of these languages showcase how a fictional universe can come alive through language and deepen the reader's immersion into the story. They also demonstrate the profound influence that real-world languages and mythologies can have on the creation of a writer's imagination.