galad

From Tolkien Gateway

Sindarin[edit | edit source]

galad is a Sindarin word for "radiance", "glittering", or "reflection", usually connected to water, gems, or a smooth surface.[1]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Tolkien experimented with several possible etymologies of galad:

  1. galad deriving from Primitive Elvish galatā ("radiance, radiate"), from root KAL.[2]
  2. galad deriving from Primitive Elvish ñaladā, from root ÑGAL ("gleam, sheen").[3]
  3. galad deriving from Common Eldarin ñalatā ("radiance, glittering reflection"), from root ÑAL ("shine by reflection").[1]

Examples[edit | edit source]

Cognates[edit | edit source]

bSilvan[edit | edit source]

galad is a Silvan Elvish word for "tree".[4]

Noldorin[edit | edit source]

galad is a Noldorin word meaning "light".[5]

Etymology[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Peoples of Middle-earth, "XI. The Shibboleth of Fëanor", "The names of Finwë's descendants" (section 5), p. 347
  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), p. 50
  3. 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. 59
  4. J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), Morgoth's Ring, "Part Three. The Later Quenta Silmarillion: (I) The First Phase: 5. Of Eldanor and the Princes of the Eldalië", p. 182 (commentary to §42)
  5. 5.0 5.1 J.R.R. Tolkien, "Addenda and Corrigenda to the Etymologies — Part One" (edited by Carl F. Hostetter and Patrick H. Wynne), in Vinyar Tengwar, Number 45, November 2003, p. 13