Tolkien the Wordsmith - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

the guy who be short · 06-20-2005, 01:02 PM

Well, it's common knowledge that Tolkien created Middle Earth to give his languages a history, not vice versa, and that he was incredibly interested in words, their roots and evolution, and languages in general. I call such people wordsmiths.

Anywho, does anybody else notice the maifestation of this love of words in Middle Earth? There are two examples I can think of.

I noticed that Aragorn and arwen's son was called Eldaron, and knowing a little Quenya, I knew this meant "of the Elves." I didn't really think about it any more. Then, I suddenly realised how fitting the name was for a man of his descend, having Elven blood on both sides.

The other is the use of the word Shirriffs. I knew it was an adaptation of Sheriff, of course, but only recently did I realise why it was adapted: Shirriffs in the Shire. Again, I marvelled at the way tolkien could play with words.

It has occurred to me that perhaps I'm simply a little slow and other people might have noticed these things from the start. If so, in my defense, I would like to say: Look over there!

Kath · 06-25-2005, 10:25 AM

The strange thing is though that Tolkien often gets criticised for his use of the English language. He writes in a 'high' style but there are words and phrases that we (as in those who speak English) see as being a bit rough.

Maybe in trying to mix english and his new languages caused this?

06-20-2005, 01:02 PM	#1
the guy who be short Shadowed Prince Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Thulcandra Posts: 2,496	Tolkien the Wordsmith Well, it's common knowledge that Tolkien created Middle Earth to give his languages a history, not vice versa, and that he was incredibly interested in words, their roots and evolution, and languages in general. I call such people wordsmiths. Anywho, does anybody else notice the maifestation of this love of words in Middle Earth? There are two examples I can think of. I noticed that Aragorn and arwen's son was called Eldaron, and knowing a little Quenya, I knew this meant "of the Elves." I didn't really think about it any more. Then, I suddenly realised how fitting the name was for a man of his descend, having Elven blood on both sides. The other is the use of the word Shirriffs. I knew it was an adaptation of Sheriff, of course, but only recently did I realise why it was adapted: Shirriffs in the Shire. Again, I marvelled at the way tolkien could play with words. It has occurred to me that perhaps I'm simply a little slow and other people might have noticed these things from the start. If so, in my defense, I would like to say: Look over there!

06-25-2005, 10:25 AM	#2
Kath Everlasting Whiteness Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Perusing the laminated book of dreams Posts: 4,725	The strange thing is though that Tolkien often gets criticised for his use of the English language. He writes in a 'high' style but there are words and phrases that we (as in those who speak English) see as being a bit rough. Maybe in trying to mix english and his new languages caused this? __________________ “If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”