The invented writing system used for the Ring inscription in J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium is Tengwar. Tolkien designed the script as part of his extensive work on the languages and writing systems of Middle-earth. The Tengwar inscription on the One Ring is written in the Black Speech of Mordor, even though the script itself is associated especially with Elves.
The Ring verse begins with the famous line translated as “One Ring to rule them all.” In the novel, the letters become visible when the Ring is heated, revealing fiery writing. This detail helps Gandalf identify it and connect it to Sauron’s history.
Cirth is another Tolkien writing system, built from angular runes and used by several peoples, including Dwarves. Sarati is an earlier Elvish script in Tolkien’s invented history, while Angerthas refers to rune arrangements derived from Cirth. These names are related but are not interchangeable. Tengwar specifically describes the script used for the Ring inscription.