Aerlinn
From Tolkien Gateway
Aerlinn is Sindarin for 'holy song' or maybe 'sea song'.[1]
The ony use of this word is given in the title of the song A Elbereth Gilthoniel: Aerlinn in edhil o imladris.[2] Therefore an aerlinn could be an Elven song or hymn addressed to Elbereth, or more probably to any of the Valar.
The exact meaning of the word is ambiguous: the word for "holy" has been attested in Sindarin as the equivalent of the Quenya word airë.[1] On the other hand aer means 'sea'. In that case these songs express their longing for Valinor beyond the Sea.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, "Ae Adar Nín: The Lord's Prayer in Sindarin" (edited by Bill Welden), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 44, June 2002, p.24
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Donald Swann, The Road Goes Ever On, "A Elbereth Gilthoniel", p. 62