Vanimelda is the highest word for praise of beauty in Quenya. It meant at once both "beautiful and beloved" and "Elven-fair".[1]
It was used within the name of Arwen (Arwen Vanimelda Elerondiel).[1] It was the basis for the name of Vanimeldë.
Etymology
Vanimelda had two distinct etymologies. The first is a compound of vanima ("beautiful") + melda ("beloved"). The second is a compound of vanima + elda ("Elf"); or "fair as an Elf".
Cognates
The Sindarin cognate was edhelvein.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 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), pp. 56