Lesson 31: Class Plurals

Introduction

In Lessons 6 and 7 we studied the i-affection plural — the standard Sindarin plural formed by vowel changes in the stem (aran → erain, galadh → gelaidh). That plural simply signals "more than one X." But Sindarin possesses a second, entirely different plural system called the class plural (or collective plural). Class plurals do not merely count items; they express a group viewed as a whole unit — all members of a race, a hostile army viewed as a mass, a fellowship, or the total aggregate of a thing.

Understanding class plurals is essential for reading Tolkien's texts. Many of the most famous names in Middle-earth — Galadhrim, Periannath, Glamhoth, Gwaith-i-Mírdain — are class plural formations. This lesson covers all four principal class-plural suffixes with every attested example from Tolkien's published writings.

1. What Is a Class Plural?

A class plural differs from a regular plural in its semantic scope:

Type	Example	Meaning
Regular plural	gelaidh	(some) trees
Class plural	Galadhrim	the Tree-People (Lothlórien Elves as a whole kindred)

The regular plural (gelaidh) could describe three trees in a garden. The class plural (Galadhrim) describes the Galadhrim as a people — not a specific count, but a collective identity. Think of the difference in English between "elves" (some elves) and "Elfkind" or "the Elven folk" (a people considered as a whole).

Sindarin has four main class-plural suffixes, each with its own nuance:

Suffix	Core Meaning	Typical Use
-ath	total collective: all of, the entirety of	stars, lands, a named total group
-rim	kindred, race, people (neutral or positive)	racial/ethnic designations
-hoth	hostile host, warlike horde	enemies, orcs, werewolves
-gwaith	company, organized fellowship	a specific group of people

2. The Suffix -ath — Total Collective

Meaning and Function

The suffix -ath expresses totality: all of a class of things, viewed as an undivided group. It is the most abstract of the class-plural suffixes and can be applied to things (stars, lands) as well as people.

Tolkien himself glossed -ath in his notes as indicating a "collective plural" or "total group." It often carries a sense of grandeur — not just some stars, but all the stars of heaven.

Attested Examples

1. elenath — all the stars

The most famous example appears in the hymn A Elbereth Gilthoniel:

o menel aglar elenath! "from heaven [the] glory of all-the-stars!"

Here elenath = elen (star) + -ath. Note the final -n of elen assimilates into -ath to give elenath (not elenath with separate n). The effect is to invoke not merely many stars, but the entire host of stars as a single, glorious whole.

2. ennorath — all the Middle-lands

Also from A Elbereth Gilthoniel:

fanuilos, le linnathon / nef aear, si nef aearon! / sí man i yulma nin enquantuva / an i·Elbereth Gilthoniel / ... nef aear, si nef aearon!

And earlier in the poem:

A Elbereth Gilthoniel / o menel palan-díriel / le nallon sí di'nguruthos! / A tiro nin, Fanuilos!

The form ennorath (Middle-earth as a whole) is:

ennor (Middle-land, Middle-earth, from ened middle + dor land) + -ath
Meaning: all the middle-lands, the entirety of the inhabited world

3. Periannath — all the Halflings

Attested in a famous cry from The Return of the King:

Cuio i Pheriannath anann! — "May the Halflings live long!"

Analysis:

Perian (Halfling, hobbit) + -ath
The n of perian is reinforced before -ath: perian + -ath → Periannath (double -nn- appears, from nasal assimilation)
Soft mutation under article i: P → Ph (i Pheriannath)
The cry treats the hobbits as a total people, honoring the entire race

4. Theoretical gondath — all the stones

gond (stone, rock) + -ath → gondath — all stones, every stone (ᴺS.; not attested in Tolkien's published text but well-formed by the pattern).

Formation Rules for -ath

Simple addition: stem + -ath (elenath, gondath)
Nasal assimilation: stems ending in -n may geminate before -ath (Periannath from perian)
Vowel change: sometimes the stem's final vowel shifts when the suffix is added (parallel to how suffixes cause vowel changes elsewhere in Sindarin)
Stress: in -ath words, stress typically falls on the syllable before -ath if the word is long enough: e·LE·nath, en·NO·rath, pe·ri·AN·nath

3. The Suffix -rim — People/Kindred

Meaning and Function

The suffix -rim denotes a race, kindred, or folk — a group of beings sharing a common identity, origin, or nature. Unlike -ath (which can apply to things), -rim is almost exclusively used for sentient peoples. The connotation is neutral to positive; -rim does not imply hostility (that is -hoth's domain).

Attested Examples

1. Galadhrim — the Tree-People (Elves of Lothlórien)

galadh (tree) + -rim → Galadhrim

Tolkien uses this name throughout The Lord of the Rings for the Elves of Lothlórien, whose culture is defined by their great mallorn trees. The name does not mean "many trees" — it designates the people associated with trees.

The irregular plural of Galadhrim itself would be Galadhrim (class plurals are already collective and don't take a second plural marker).

2. Naugrim — the Dwarves

naug (dwarf, stunted one) + -rim → Naugrim

Used throughout The Silmarillion for Dwarves as a race. Compare the alternative Nogothrim (from nogoth, another word for dwarf). Both are attested; Naugrim is more common in Tolkien's published text.

3. Onodrim — the Ents

onod (Ent, tree-herder) + -rim → Onodrim

The Sindarin name for the Ents as a race, used in Unfinished Tales and The Silmarillion. The individual Ent is onod; the collective race is Onodrim.

4. Nogothrim — the Dwarves (alternate)

nogoth (dwarf) + -rim → Nogothrim

Alternative collective for Dwarves. Tolkien used both Naugrim and Nogothrim; they are synonymous in meaning.

5. Gwathuirim — the Shadow-People

gwathui (shadowy) + -rim → Gwathuirim

Used for the Drúedain (Wild Men) in some of Tolkien's notes, indicating their association with shadows and hidden places. This illustrates that -rim can be applied even to Men, not only Elves and Dwarves.

6. Rohirrim — the Horse-Lords

The Sindarin (or Sindarin-influenced) name for the people of Rohan. The analysis:

roch (horse) + -ir- (a connective element seen in several names) + -im (variant of -rim)
The Rohirrim call themselves the Eorlingas; the Sindarin name was given by Gondor
Note: the suffix appears as -im (without initial r-) here; Rohirrim = Rohir- + -rim where Rohir = horse-lord (compound roch + hîr lord, with sound changes: roch → rohi- in the compound)

Formation Rules for -rim

Simple addition: stem + -rim (Naugrim, Onodrim)
Stem form: use the singular stem (not the i-plural): naug not noeg
Voicing: stem-final consonants remain unchanged before -rim; galadh + -rim = Galadhrim (dh preserved)
Note on -im: in some names the suffix appears as -im alone (without the r- of -rim); this may reflect a variant or the r being absorbed into the preceding syllable

4. The Suffix -hoth — Hostile Host

Meaning and Function

The suffix -hoth carries negative, menacing overtones: it designates an enemy horde, a warlike host, a threatening multitude. When an Elvish speaker uses -hoth, they are expressing not just that a group exists, but that it is dangerous and hostile. It is the class-plural suffix of war and dread.

Attested Examples

1. Glamhoth — the Noisy Horde (Orcs)

glam (din, uproar, clamour; also used as a word for Orcs) + -hoth → Glamhoth

The Sindarin Elvish name for Orcs. Glam captures both the literal noise of their battle-cries and the general sense of chaotic, brutish tumult. Adding -hoth makes it "the din-host" — the horde of noise and horror. Compare the related words:

glamor (echo; resonance) — phonologically related root
Glamdring (sword name: glam + dring beat/hammer = "Foe-hammer")

2. Gaurhoth — the Werewolf-Host

gaur (werewolf) + -hoth → Gaurhoth

From The Silmarillion: the host of werewolves serving Sauron on Tol-in-Gaurhoth (Isle of Werewolves). Tolkien writes Tol-in-Gaurhoth = "Isle of the Werewolf-host" (tol island + in of-the + Gaurhoth).

3. Balchoth — the Cruel Horde

balch (cruel, tyrannical) + -hoth → Balchoth

The Balchoth were a confederacy of Easterling peoples who invaded Gondor in TA 2510 (the Battle of the Field of Celebrant). Gondorian historians applied the Sindarin -hoth suffix to them, marking them as an enemy horde. The element balch (cruel) is attested in Tolkien's Etymologies.

4. Implications of -hoth in Naming

It is significant that Tolkien never uses -hoth for Elves, Men of the West, Dwarves, or Hobbits — only for enemies. This suffix is a cultural and moral judgment encoded in language. An Elf calling a group [something]-hoth is marking them as the enemy.

Formation Rules for -hoth

Simple addition: stem + -hoth
The stem is typically a monosyllabic root or short word carrying the "essence" of the enemy group
-hoth does not require the stem to end in any particular consonant; it follows freely

5. The Suffix -gwaith — Company/Fellowship

Meaning and Function

The suffix (or independent word) gwaith means people, folk, a company of people — specifically an organized group defined by a shared purpose, craft, or identity. Unlike -rim (race/kindred by blood or origin), -gwaith often designates groups organized by what they do or a specific fellowship.

Gwaith can also stand alone as a noun meaning "people, host, region of people."

Attested Examples

1. Gwaith-i-Mírdain — the Company of the Jewel-Smiths

gwaith (company) + i (of the, genitive article) + mírdain (jewel-smiths, pl. of mírdan)

The name of Celebrimbor's guild of Elvish craftsmen in Eregion (Second Age), who forged the Rings of Power. The full name:

gwaith = company, people
i = of the (genitive article with lenition)
mírdain = jewel-smiths: mír (jewel, treasure) + -dan (craftsman, smith) → pl. mírdain

This is the premier example of -gwaith in action.

2. gwaith as Independent Noun

Tolkien uses gwaith alone in several contexts to mean "people" or "a body of people." In some compound place names, -waith appears as a suffix denoting "the people of [a place]":

Gwathuirim (as noted above uses -rim, but the gwath- element relates to the waith root)

Formation Notes

Gwaith is most commonly used in genitive constructions (gwaith + article i + genitive noun) rather than as a true suffix attached to a stem. It functions as a compound head: "the company of X."

6. Choosing the Right Suffix

When creating Neo-Sindarin class plurals or interpreting attested ones, use this guide:

Context	Suffix	Example
All members of a group (total collective)	-ath	elenath (all the stars)
A race, kindred, or folk (neutral/positive)	-rim	Galadhrim (the tree-people)
A hostile horde or warlike enemy group	-hoth	Glamhoth (the orc-horde)
An organized company (by purpose/craft)	-gwaith	Gwaith-i-Mírdain (the jewel-smiths' guild)

Practical Examples

"The eagle-folk" (neutral, a race of eagles): → Thorondrim ᴺS. (thoron eagle + -rim)
"All the mountains" (total collective of things): → Eredath ᴺS. (ered mountains + -ath)... but wait — ered is already the plural; for class plural from singular orod: Orodath ᴺS.
"The spider-horde" (enemy force of spiders): → Ungoliath-hoth ᴺS. or ungolhoth ᴺS.
"The fellowship of wanderers": → Gwaith i rambor ᴺS. (company of wanderers)

7. Class Plurals with the Article

When the definite article i precedes a class plural noun, soft mutation applies to the noun's initial consonant (as with all nouns after i):

Bare Form	With Article	Mutation
Periannath	i Pheriannath	P → Ph (soft mutation)
Galadhrim	i 'Aladhrim	G → ' (soft mutation, g drops)
Glamhoth	i 'Lamhoth	Gl → 'l (soft mutation)

The example i Pheriannath is fully attested in Tolkien's text (Cuio i Pheriannath anann!).

8. Class Plural Formation Patterns — Summary

Pattern A: Direct Attachment

Stem + suffix, no change to stem:

naug + -rim → Naugrim
gaur + -hoth → Gaurhoth
balch + -hoth → Balchoth

Pattern B: Nasal Assimilation Before -ath

Stems ending in -n geminate the nasal:

perian + -ath → Periannath (not Perianath)
elen + -ath → elenath (here n + ath does not geminate; the n belongs to the stem)

Actually, the gemination in Periannath is better explained as: perian + -nath (a variant of -ath with connecting nasal) → Periannath. This is a matter of scholarly discussion; the result Periannath is fully attested.

Pattern C: Stem Truncation

Sometimes the stem is shortened before the suffix:

Rohirrim: roch (horse) does not appear directly but as Rohir- (a modified stem form meaning horse-lord) before -rim

9. Complete Attested Class Plural List

All class plurals with strong attestation in Tolkien's published writings:

Form	Elements	Meaning	Source
elenath	elen + -ath	all the stars	A Elbereth Gilthoniel
ennorath	ennor + -ath	all the middle-lands	A Elbereth Gilthoniel
Periannath	perian + -ath	all the Halflings	RotK
Galadhrim	galadh + -rim	the tree-people (Lórien Elves)	LotR passim
Naugrim	naug + -rim	the Dwarves	Silmarillion
Nogothrim	nogoth + -rim	the Dwarves (alternate)	Tolkien's notes
Onodrim	onod + -rim	the Ents	UT, Silm.
Rohirrim	Rohir + -rim	the Horse-Lords	LotR passim
Gwathuirim	gwathui + -rim	the Shadow-people (Drúedain)	Tolkien's notes
Glamhoth	glam + -hoth	the Orc-horde	Silmarillion
Gaurhoth	gaur + -hoth	the Werewolf-host	Silmarillion
Balchoth	balch + -hoth	the Cruel-horde (Easterlings)	UT, Appendices
Gwaith-i-Mírdain	gwaith + i + mírdain	Company of the Jewel-Smiths	UT

10. Practice: Forming Class Plurals

Create class plurals using the indicated suffix. Label each ᴺS. (Neo-Sindarin) since they are your own formations:

Exercise 1 — -ath (total collective)

lhaw (ear) → __________ (all ears)
orn (tree) → __________ (all the trees of a forest)

Exercise 2 — -rim (kindred/race)

edhel (Elf) → __________ (the Elvish folk)
adan (Man) → __________ (the race of Men)

Exercise 3 — -hoth (hostile host)

drag- / draug (wolf) → __________ (the wolf-horde)
orch (orc) — already using Glamhoth, but try: orchoth ᴺS.

Exercise 4 — -gwaith (company)

"Company of the Elf-lords" → Gwaith i + __________ ᴺS.

Model Answers:

lhawath ᴺS.; ornath ᴺS. (or yrn-ath if you take the plural stem)
Edhellim ᴺS. (edhel + -rim, with ll from l + r assimilation) or Edhel·rim; Edain·rim ᴺS. (though Edain is already the plural; from singular adan: Adan·rim ᴺS.)
Drauwhoth ᴺS. or Draugoth ᴺS.; Orchoth ᴺS.
Gwaith i Heryn Edhellen ᴺS. (Company of the Elvish Lords)

Key Points to Remember

Class plurals ≠ regular plurals: they express collective identity, not a count
Four suffixes: -ath (totality), -rim (kindred), -hoth (hostile), -gwaith (company)
Moral weight: -hoth is always pejorative; using it marks the group as the enemy
Article + class plural: triggers soft mutation (i Pheriannath)
Most class plurals are proper nouns: they name specific groups; forming generic class plurals with -rim/-hoth etc. is possible but usually reserved for named peoples in Tolkien's world

Next: Lesson 32 — Possessive & Diminutive Suffixes