Fantasy, the English language and Tolkien

Charlotte Guest
A woman holding a book to her face, reading in a bookstore with shelves of books behind her
Reading time: 6 minutes

A large number of well-known writers have often created or coined words that are used in everyday English. When you think of authors, prominent figures like Shakespeare may come to mind. He enriched the English language with words like "amazement," "bedazzled," and "fashionable." Charles Dickens introduced "boredom," showcasing his talent for capturing profound human emotions and societal issues in a single word. Lewis Carroll added whimsical words to our lexicon, including "chortle," a delightful mix of 'chuckle' and 'snort.'

But Tolkien is another one of those authors who has added to the English language's colorful dictionary. Tolkien did not just create worlds; he also enriched our language, adding a lexicon that elicits the smell of mead in crowded halls and the sight of smoky mountains veiled in mystery. Language enthusiasts and fantasy fans alike join us on this philological adventure as we uncover the words that J.R.R. Tolkien, the mastermind behind Middle-earth, either coined or brought into the limelight.

Words Tolkien invented or popularized
Play
Privacy and cookies

By watching, you agree ɫèAV can share your viewership data for marketing and analytics for one year, revocable by deleting your cookies.

So what English words did he invent/popularize?

Hobbit - A humble beginning

The word 'Hobbit' has become so synonymous with Tolkien's loveable, halfling creatures that it's easy to forget that prior to the publication of his book '' in 1937, this word was non-existent. While there has been some discussion over whether Tolkien may have unconsciously borrowed from other sources, he is widely credited with coining the term. These small, unassuming beings have secured their place in our world, much like they have in their home of the Shire.

Orc - An ancient word revived

Orcs, the vile creatures that often symbolize the corrupt and evil forces in Tolkien's works, have become a staple word in the lexicon of fantasy literature.

Although the term 'Orc' existed in English before, Tolkien's use and interpretation popularized it to signify a brutish monster. Its actual origin can be traced back to Old English and Latin, where it had a variety of meanings, including 'demon' and 'hell'.

Ent - Guardians of the forest

The term 'Ent,' used to describe the ancient tree-herders in 'The Lord of the Rings', is another linguistic gift from Tolkien. Drawing inspiration from the Old English word?eoten, meaning 'giant', Tolkien reimagined these beings as the sentient guardians of the forest, embodying the spirit and wisdom of trees. With their slow, deliberate manner and deep connection to the natural, Ents have come to represent environmental stewardship and the age-old battle against deforestation and environmental damage in popular culture.

Mithril - A precious creation

The fabled metal 'mithril', said to be stronger than steel yet lighter than a feather, is a testament to Tolkien's attention to detail in his world-building.

He could have easily opted for a metal that actually exists, but instead, he manufactured an entirely new material, replete with its unique properties and lore. Mithril has since transcended the borders of Middle-earth, being adopted by various fantasy franchises as a precious and magical metal.

Eucatastrophe - A linguistic turn

Those unexpected turns toward a positive resolution of stories in literature have a name thanks to Tolkien, the term 'eucatastrophe'. In his essay '', Tolkien discusses eucatastrophe as the sudden joyous turn in a story that pierces you with a joy that brings tears. This concept has been embraced by literary critics and readers alike to describe that moment of salvation when all hope seems lost.

Palant¨ªr - Far-seeing stones

The 'palant¨ªr' (pronounced p??l?n?t??r) or the seeing stones in Tolkien's novels allowed characters to communicate across vast distances, a fantastical predecessor to the technologies of today.

This invented term comes from an adapted form of Elvish, a language Tolkien crafted with its own set of linguistic rules. The concept of a 'palant¨ªr' has often been metaphorically used to describe any medium that allows one to perceive events at a distance.

Dwarves ¨C Storied origins ?

Tolkien was also responsible for the pluralization of the existing word "dwarf" into "dwarves.". Prior to Tolkien's influence," dwarf" was the standard plural form used in English. With his groundbreaking work in 'The Hobbit'?and 'The Lord of the Rings', Tolkien opted for "dwarves" to better fit the old English and mythological aesthetic he was aiming for. Tolkien's deliberate deviation from the norm has since been widely adopted, influencing not only subsequent fantasy literature but also the way we engage with these mythical beings in popular culture.

His invented languages and inspiration

In his quest to build a comprehensive mythology, J.R.R. Tolkien invented, coined, or revived many English words specifically for his Middle-earth saga. His skill as a philologist not only allowed him to create new words but also to revive old ones that had fallen out of use, blending them seamlessly into the narratives of his epic tales.

Tolkien extended beyond merely coining new words; he ventured into the realm of constructing entire languages, an effort that set Middle-earth apart as an exemplar of literary and linguistic depth. Among the most notable of these languages are Quenya and Sindarin, both of which are elvish tongues, each with its own detailed grammar, syntax, and rich vocabulary.

Quenya, inspired by Finnish and Latin, is often considered the high-elven language, used in lore and formal occasions, whereas Sindarin, influenced by Welsh, serves as the common language among the elves of Middle-earth.

Additionally, Tolkien developed other languages, including the guttural Black Speech of Mordor, the dwarvish Khuzdul, and the various Mannish tongues, thereby enriching the authenticity and immersive experience of his fantasy universe. Tolkien's?inspiration for writing his unique lexicon was as vast and varied as the universes he created. A linguist at heart and by profession, he drew heavily from ancient and medieval sources, including Old English, Old Norse, and other Germanic languages, as well as from Latin, Greek, and Welsh.

A lasting linguistic legacy

Tolkien's impact reminds us that language is a living, breathing entity. It is shaped by the realms we construct in our thoughts and shared tales. In this light, Tolkien's inventiveness with language inspires us to look at words as not just mere tools for communication but as magic incantations capable of transforming the mundane into the extraordinary.

Whether you're a lifelong fan of Middle-earth or a language enthusiast intrigued by the origins of words, his contributions remain legendary; some even now sit in the English dictionary. He shows us that with a bit of creativity and a love for language, we too can leave our mark on the lexicon for generations to come. Now, in the spirit of Tolkien, may your words always be as rich as a dragon's hoard and as heartfelt as a hobbit's supper.

If you're feeling inspired to read, make sure to check out our readers; we have a wide range of English readers to suit everyone. Or if you're looking for some novel inspiration, make sure to check out our blog post: Novels to help improve your English.

Or, if you want to expand your English vocabulary even more to match that of even the greatest writers, make sure to download the language learning app .

More blogs from ɫèAV

  • teenage boy studying with headphones on and with a laptop

    Why should I learn English?

    By Steffanie Zazulak

    English is the second most widely spoken language ¨C it is estimated that nearly two billion people worldwide can speak English at a useful level. That means they can hold a conversation with other English-speaking people.

    A report by the attests the importance of the English language to the world, and says that?second-language English speakers far outnumber fluent English speakers. It also recognizes how being able to speak English can give individuals a competitive edge over others. If you're asking the question, "Why should I learn English?", read on to find out more...

  • A boy wearing headphones smiling listening to music

    11 great English language song lyrics

    By Steffanie Zazulak

    What is it about music that helps boost your English skills, confidence and pronunciation? A song can provide an emotional connection between the music and the listener, providing learners with new ways to express their feelings. Music and rhythm have also been shown to benefit memorization, which is a key component of learning.

    Here are some of our favorite lyrics to some of our favorite songs:

    1. The Beatles ¨C Blackbird

    The Beatles are the best band to help you learn English. There are many Beatles songs with catchy melodies and simple lyrics, but Blackbird captures the Fab Four at their most poetic:

    Blackbird singing in the dead of night
    Take these broken wings and learn to fly
    All your life
    You were only waiting for this moment to arise

    2. The Cure ¨C Friday I¡¯m In Love

    This song is a great way to help learn the days of the week (that may be obvious). Love is also a very popular English word, so this one is for all the romantics out there.

    Always take a big bite
    It¡¯s such a gorgeous sight
    To see you eat in the middle of the night

    3. Ed Sheeran ¨C Thinking Out Loud

    Another one for the lovers, Ed¡¯s heartfelt lyrics are huge in the mainstream pop charts. Here, he tells the sweet story of long-time love in this ballad and he¡¯s becoming one of the world¡¯s most sought-after songwriters.

    Take me into your loving arms
    Kiss me under the light of a thousand stars
    Place your head on my beating heart

    4. The Smiths ¨C How Soon Is Now?

    This classic from Morrissey and co was voted runner-up in VH1¡¯s Top Lyrics poll, for the lyrics: So you go and you stand on your own, and you leave on your own, and you go home and you cry and you want to die¡¯ but it¡¯s the opening lines of the song that are the most intriguing. Firstly, they¡¯re adapted from George Eliot¡¯s novel Middlemarch and include some rather clever double meanings ¨C namely ¡®son¡¯ (sun) and ¡®heir¡¯ (air).

    I am the son
    And the heir
    Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar

    5. Neil Young ¨C Heart of Gold

    This was Neil Young¡¯s only number-one hit single from 1972¡¯s Harvest album. He uses simple lyrics and melodies to tell his story of searching for true love.

    I¡¯ve been in my mind
    It¡¯s such a fine line
    That keeps me searchin¡¯ for a heart of gold
    And I¡¯m gettin¡¯ old

    6. U2 ¨C City of Blinding Lights

    U2 is the second-best band to help you learn English and frontman Bono is the second-best male artist to help you learn (edged out by Justin Timberlake). The chorus was inspired by a moment during a performance in New York City, when Bono saw the audience lit up and shouted, ¡°Oh, you look so beautiful tonight!¡±

    And I miss you when you¡¯re not around
    I¡¯m getting ready to leave the ground
    Oh you look so beautiful tonight
    In the city of blinding lights

    7. The Police ¨C Every Breath You Take

    These lyrics are a good use of repetition and rhyme, which is excellent for helping memorization. Most people consider this a love song, but that¡¯s a common mistake. In 1983, Sting was interviewed for New Musical Express and explained: ¡°I think it¡¯s a nasty little song, really rather evil. It¡¯s about jealousy and surveillance and ownership.¡±

    Every move you make and every vow you break
    Every smile you fake, every claim you stake, I¡¯ll be watching you
    Every move you make, every step you take, I¡¯ll be watching you

    8. Bob Dylan ¨C Mr Tambourine Man

    Dylan¡¯s whimsical, poetic lyrics might be difficult for an English language learner to interpret, but that doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re not a pleasure to listen and sing along to.

    Hey! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
    I¡¯m not sleepy and there is no place I¡¯m going to
    Hey! Mr Tambourine Man, play a song for me
    In the jingle jangle morning I¡¯ll come followin¡¯ you

    9. Madness ¨C Our House

    This song takes you through the daily goings-on in a typical household in the 80s. This song has been around for a while now but is a story that most people can still connect with. This is an excellent song for understanding the concept of nostalgia!

    I remember way back then when
    everything was true and when
    we would have such a very good time
    such a fine time

    10. Otis Reading ¨C (Sittin¡¯ on) The Dock of the Bay

    Sadly, Otis Redding lost his life in a plane crash shortly after this song was recorded, and it was released after his death. His lyrics are quite reflective, provoking both contentment and sadness. You can really imagine yourself sitting on the dock with his simple yet descriptive words.

    Sittin¡¯ in the morning sun
    I¡¯ll be sittin¡¯ when the evening comes
    Watching the ships roll in
    Then I watch them roll away again

    11. Leonard Cohen ¨C Everybody Knows

    No list of standout turns of phrase would be complete without Leonard Cohen, a man whose songwriting process is so painstaking he¡¯ll often spend years on the same song. When quizzed on his process, Cohen once said it often took so long because, ¡°After a while, if you stick with the song long enough it will yield.¡± It¡¯s interesting to note then that, even for a master of the English language, the words don¡¯t always come easily. Everybody Knows remains a firm favorite among fans, with the majority of lines starting with the words ¡®Everybody knows¡­¡¯ It¡¯s a lengthy song, but for the sheer beauty of its words and phrasing, the opening lines are a highlight:

    Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
    Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
    Everybody knows that the war is over
    Everybody knows that the good guys lost

  • A couple laughing together while having drinks

    10 English words and slang terms you should know

    By Steffanie Zazulak

    Not everything can be taught in the classroom ¨C that¡¯s why we¡¯ve put together a list of 10 English words, slang terms and figures of speech for you to sprinkle into your English conversations. Not sure how to use them? Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ve included definitions and examples of how to use them in a sentence.

    Earworm

    A song or tune that, once you¡¯ve heard it, is stuck in your head.

    Use it: ¡°That new Taylor Swift song is such an earworm!¡±

    Staycation

    Spending your holiday in your hometown rather than traveling abroad. Often spent relaxing around the house or doing activities in the local area.

    Use it: ¡°I¡¯m having a staycation this summer, as I¡¯m trying to save money.¡±

    Webisode

    An episode or series created exclusively for online viewing. This can be part of a web series or used to promote a television series.

    Use it: ¡°There¡¯s a new Breaking Bad webisode online, have you seen it?¡±

    Crowdfunding

    Funding a project or business venture by asking a large number of people (typically online) to invest a small amount of money ¨C usually via websites such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

    Use it: ¡°We raised enough money to launch our business using crowdfunding.¡±

    Glamping

    Glamorous camping! Avoiding any rough conditions with luxurious facilities and accommodation, such as a yurt or cabin.

    Use it: ¡°We¡¯re going to be glamping at Glastonbury this year.¡±

    Lookalike

    Something or someone that closely resembles something else, often used to describe someone who looks very similar to a celebrity.

    Use it: ¡°Have you seen the Prince William and Kate Middleton lookalikes over there?¡±

    Handover

    This word has a more political significance, in terms of gaining land or ownership. However, its modern usage is commonly in the workplace: The act of passing over control or responsibility to another person while you are off work on holiday or leaving a job.

    Use it: ¡°I¡¯ll send my notes in a handover email so you can continue the project while I¡¯m away.¡±

    Meh

    When something is a little uninspiring or dull. Also a word you could use to describe your lack of interest or indifference. It¡¯s basically a verbal shrug.

    Use it: ¡°The film was a bit meh.¡±

    Binge-watch

    Watching multiple episodes of a TV show, one after another, in a single sitting. Usually, with a DVD box set or using online streaming.

    Use it: ¡°I¡¯m planning to binge-watch the entire series of Game of Thrones this weekend!¡±

    Spill the tea

    When someone 'spills the tea' they are telling you all the latest news or gossip.?

    Use it: ¡°Please spill the tea about last week's party!"