airë

From Tolkien Gateway

airë (alt. aira[1]) is a Quenya adjective meaning "holy".[2]

It also appears as a noun: airë- is glossed as "holiness",[2] airë (airē) is glossed as "sanctity, holiness",[3] and airë is glossed as "sanctity".[1]

It is said that the Eldar used the word Airë as a title of address to the Valar and greater Maiar. An example is Varda, who was addressed as Airë Tári, the "holy queen"[1] (see also airetári in Galadriel's Lament[4]).

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Examples[edit | edit source]

Cognates[edit | edit source]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", pp. 363-364, note 45
  2. 2.0 2.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 67
  3. 3.0 3.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, "Words, Phrases and Passages in Various Tongues in The Lord of the Rings: Eldarin Roots and Stems", in Parma Eldalamberon XVII (edited by Christopher Gilson), p. 149
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Donald Swann, The Road Goes Ever On, "Namárië (Farewell)", line 7