• acargitz
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    2 months ago

    A Elbereth Gilthoniel,

    silivren penna míriel

    o mendel aglar elenath!

    Na-chaered palan-díriel

    o galadhremmin ennorath,

    Fanuilos, le linnathon

    nef aear, sí nef aearon!

    • interdimensionalmeme@lemmy.ml
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      2 months ago

      This text is a poem in Sindarin, one of the languages created by J.R.R. Tolkien for his Middle-earth legendarium. It is a hymn to Varda (Elbereth), a revered figure among the Elves. Here’s a translation and analysis:

      Translation:

      A Elbereth Gilthoniel, (Oh Elbereth Star-kindler,)

      silivren penna míriel (white-glittering, slanting down sparkling like jewels)

      o menel aglar elenath! (from heaven the glory of the star-host!)

      Na-chaered palan-díriel (To-remote distance far-having gazed)

      o galadhremmin ennorath, (from tree-woven Middle-earth,)

      Fanuilos, le linnathon (Fanuilos [Ever-white], to thee I will chant)

      nef aear, sí nef aearon! (on this side of the ocean, here on this side of the Great Ocean!)

      Analysis:

      Elbereth Gilthoniel: Elbereth is another name for Varda, the Queen of the Stars, one of the Valar. Gilthoniel means "Star-kindler."
      
      silivren penna míriel: Describes the shining and glittering quality of the stars.
      
      o menel aglar elenath: Refers to the glory of the star-host (elenath) in the heavens (menel).
      
      Na-chaered palan-díriel: Indicates gazing into the remote distance.
      
      o galadhremmin ennorath: Mentions Middle-earth (Ennorath) being tree-woven.
      
      Fanuilos, le linnathon: Pledges to sing to Fanuilos (another name for Elbereth) forever.
      
      nef aear, sí nef aearon: A vow made on this side of the ocean (referring to the Great Ocean that separates Middle-earth from the Undying Lands).
      

      The poem reflects the deep reverence and love the Elves have for Elbereth, highlighting her connection to the stars and the distant heavens.