Eruanno in Tolkien’s Aia Maria

Abstract

J.R.R. Tolkien translated several Catholic prayers into his invented language, Quenya—presumably out of professional interest as a linguist and possibly for personal use as a devout Catholic. This article explores Tolkien's use of borrowed words in this effort and their significance in his invented languages, and their connections to real-world languages and meanings. In particular, the essay offers an interpretation of a change Tolkien made from one version to the next in the Quenyan word for “full of grace” in the Hail Mary translation. The article also highlights the significance of examining Tolkien's translation of Catholic prayers into Quenya, providing insights into the role of his faith in his sub-creation.