How do you say wolf in Elvish?

In Elvish, the word for "wolf" varies depending on the specific dialect, as there isn't a single "Elvish" language but rather a family of distinct tongues developed by J.R.R. Tolkien. Common terms for "wolf" and "wolf-howl" can be found in prominent dialects such as Quenya, Doriathrin, and Noldorin.

Words for "Wolf" in Elvish Dialects

The Elvish languages, much like real-world languages, evolved over time and branched into various dialects. Therefore, the term for "wolf" differs across these linguistic branches.

Quenya Words for Wolf

Quenya, often referred to as High-Elvish, offers multiple words for "wolf":

• ñarmo
• narmo
• ráka

Additionally, in Quenya, the word for a "wolf-howl" is naule.

Doriathrin Words for Wolf

Doriathrin, a dialect of Sindarin (another major Elvish language), has its own distinct term for "wolf":

• garm

Noldorin Words for Wolf

Noldorin is an older form of Sindarin, and it provides a different word for "wolf":

• garaf

For a "wolf-howl" in Noldorin, the word is gaul.

Summary of Elvish Words for "Wolf"

To provide a clear overview, here is a table summarizing the different terms for "wolf" and "wolf-howl" across these Elvish dialects:

Understanding these variations highlights the rich linguistic complexity within Tolkien's created world, where even common animal names have distinct forms depending on the Elvish branch.