cára
From Tolkien Gateway
cára also cas[1] (pl. cari[2]) means "head" in Quenya.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The word derives from earlier cáza[3] < PQ *kāsa, root KAS[4].
The short form retained the s being final, but again, it evolved into r when inflected.
See also[edit | edit source]
- cassa "helmet"
Other versions[edit | edit source]
The Etymologies show a reverted case: the nominative is cár and the inflected form casi. It represents a very early phonological scenario of the language, as seen in the Qenya Lexicon. Since the Etymologies have the newer, reversed scenario, the case of cár appears as an anomaly among similar words. Tolkien later revised it to be consistent with his concurrent scenario.
Inspiration[edit | edit source]
Κάρα means "head" in Ancient Greek.
References
- ↑ Vinyar Tengwar, Number 49, June 2007 p. 17
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, "Early Qenya and The Valmaric Script", in Parma Eldalamberon XIV (edited by Carl F. Hostetter, Christopher Gilson, Arden R. Smith, Patrick H. Wynne, and Bill Welden) p.68
- ↑ 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.188
- ↑ J.R.R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien (ed.), The Lost Road and Other Writings, Part Three: "The Etymologies"
