Teleri is a word commonly used in Welsh mythology to refer to the family of elves. The spelling of this word is pronounced /teˈlɛri/, with the stress on the second syllable. The initial "t" is pronounced with a voiceless dental stop, while the "e" is pronounced as the short "e" sound. The next syllable, "le", is pronounced as a short "e" followed by a voiced lateral approximant. The final syllable "ri" is pronounced with a short "i" followed by a voiced alveolar tap.
Teleri is a noun that refers to a fictional Elven kindred or race in J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium, particularly in his famous work, "The Silmarillion." Within Tolkien's complex mythos, the Teleri are depicted as one of the three main divisions of the Elves, the other two being Vanyar and Noldor. The Teleri were a significant segment of the Elven population, known for their close relationship with the natural world and their affiliation with the sea.
The Teleri, also referred to as the Sea-Elves, were known for their great love for the coasts and seas. They were skilled sailors and navigators and possessed a supreme mastery of maritime activities. They are commonly associated with coastal areas and harbors, embodying an intrinsic longing for the sea, which ultimately led to their delayed departure on the Great Journey to Valinor.
Though generally peaceful and desiring harmony, the Teleri possessed the potential for both great beauty and sadness. They were renowned for their musical talents and often utilized their melodic skills to create enchanting ballads or elegiac hymns, which profoundly affected all who heard them. As a race, the Teleri played a vital role in shaping the history and events of Tolkien's Middle-earth, and their legacy can be found in the tales of Elves and the profound influence they had on the world.
The word "Teleri" originates from J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional universe of Middle-earth. It is a term used to describe one of the three tribes or clans of the Elves known as the Eldar. The etymology of "Teleri" can be traced back to Tolkien's invented language, Quenya.
In Quenya, the word "Teleri" is derived from the root tele- meaning "silver", which is associated with shining or brilliance. This root is combined with the Quenya suffix -eri, indicating a collective or group. Therefore, "Teleri" roughly translates to "those who are brilliant" or "the shining ones".
Tolkien's Elves were known for their exceptional beauty and craftsmanship, and "Teleri" suggests that this particular tribe of Elves had some inherent brilliance or radiance. The Teleri were skilled in arts, music, and poetry.