Talk:Eriador

etymology?

The name Eriador is unusual in having no transparent meaning, though perhaps someone more expert in Elvish can see it. Does anyone know? —Tamfang 20:56, 3 July 2006 (UTC)

This is one of the problematic words that pre-dates the LOTR state of Sindarin (many other names in Arnor share this problem: it is speculated that the early Númenórean settlers did not use the Falathrim Sindarin dialect, but North Sindarin, and some proper names (especially those in the royal House of Arthedain/Arnor) appear to be a blend between Quenya and Sindarin). Likely The name Eriador is a variant of the old Noldorin (=proto-Sindarin) name Ariador, 'The Land Outside' (from the Etymologies), and it could be related to the obscure Common Eldarin stem erjá (lonely). In this case Eriador would mean something like The Lone Lands, a term used in the Hobbit and possibly the Hobbitish name for the region. -- Jordi·✆ 12:12, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

The 'Lone lands' theory is substantiated by Tolkien's notes (see Vinyar Tengwar 42). He translates Eriador as "wilderness" and cites 'eryā', 'isolated / lonely', as the relevant root. This root is also attested in the etymologies. --CBD 20:14, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

Thanks, nice to see I haven't misinterprated the name. I'll have to track down backorders of VT one of these days (if at all possible). -- Jordi·✆ 10:01, 11 July 2006 (UTC)

See [1] for Vinyar Tengwar back issues. —Tamfang 17:54, 12 July 2006 (UTC)

Thanks, both. —Tamfang 20:30, 4 July 2006 (UTC)