The Tengwar Scribe

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Welcome to the Tengwar Scribe!

Have you always wanted to know what your name looked like in the Elvish writing from Lord of the Rings?  Do you want an Elvish phrase for a tattoo or wedding invitation but don't know where to get started?  Elvish writing is beautiful and mysterious but it doesn't have to be impossible to get the results you are looking for.


What is tengwar?

Tengwar is a script that was invented by J.R.R. Tolkien and was used to write a number of languages of Middle-earth.  However it can be used to write other languages such as English.

Quenya is one of the fictional languages that was spoken by the Elves.  Quenya was mainly used for official names and writings and as a ceremonial language, much as the Latin language was used in medieval Europe.

The word tengwar is Quenya for "letters."


How does it work?

Here is the tengwar alphabet:



Here are some of the common alphabet rules:



Here are the numbers and punctuation:



Tengwar is written left to right in horizontal lines ordered top to bottom just the same way we read English.

Writing with tengwar is relatively easy.  Typically the consonant symbols are written first and then the vowel symbols are written above the appropriate consonant.  In the Quenya mode that I use the vowel is placed above the previous consonant.  To read Quenya tengwar you would read each consonant and then the vowel symbol above it (in an upward motion) before going on to the next symbol. Example:



If a word starts with a vowel or there is no previous consonant in the word then a special "carrier" symbol is used.  It does not represent a sound but rather a place for the vowel to be placed upon.  Example:




Sample transcriptions:



Please note that this is the only font that I currently offer.  I do not offer the cursive font, also known as the One Ring or Annatar Italic font, but I hope to in the future.

Also visit the Gallery for more photos.

You can teach yourself tengwar and write with it yourself, but you will still need good handwriting to make your name or phrase look beautiful.  Why not let me take care of that for you?  I use a software program for the transcriptions and will send you a high resolution .jpeg image of your name or phrase.


How do I order?

I am accepting debit/credit card payments through www.paypal.com only.



Please use the Contact page and including the following information:

- email address
- what you would like transcribed (name, word, or phrase)

Cost:
$5.00 for the first word, $2.00 per word thereafter

Current promotions!

- Send me a photo of the finished product, whether it is your tattoo, wedding invitation, or an engraved ring.  Let me post it on this website and you will receive 50%* of your payment back.

*up to $10.00


Disclaimers:

- I write English words into Elvish script only.  I do not translate your word into the Elvish language.
- Elvish is an invented language and the creator is no longer alive to consult.  There are many different ways (modes) to write with tengwar.  Please feel free to double check my transcription especially if you are planning to get a tattoo.
- If there is anything you want to change about your transcription I will be glad to assist you to my fullest ability.