By Any Other Name

by Lasgalendil

After saving his son from the dragon, Thranduil gives him a new name.

Ech Legolas.

I-lais dhannen ú-chaeron:

Man sad i-chwesta toltha gen,

Ennas fertelithon.

.

You are Greenleaf.

The fallen leaves are never far:

Where the wind carries you,

There also I will come.

---

Literally:

You [are] Greenleaf.

The-leaves fallen [are] not-far:

What place the-wind takes you

There quickly-come-will-I.

Original Sindarin/English poetry inspired by the custom of naming among the Noldor. Elves of the Noldor took different names throughout their lives based on their age, foretelling of their mothers, personal interests or skills. Here, Thranduil makes a promise as he names his son.

Sources:

1) Hiswelókë's Sindarin-English Dictionary: "Strict" Sindarin & Noldorin Alphabetical and Analogical Dictionaries.

2) Thorsten Renk's Pedin Edhellen, a Sindarin-Course, Version 3.05