The Elvish script used for the One Ring inscription in Tolkien’s Middle-earth is Tengwar.
Tengwar is a writing system devised by the Elf Fëanor in Tolkien’s fictional history. The script can represent several languages, so it is not itself a language. The inscription on the One Ring is written in Tengwar characters but records words in the Black Speech of Mordor.
The famous inscription begins, “Ash nazg durbatulûk,” meaning “One Ring to rule them all.” Tolkien designed the visual form of the script as part of his broader interest in constructed languages, writing systems, and historical linguistics. Its letter forms are among the most recognizable elements of Middle-earth.
Readers often confuse Tengwar with Cirth. Cirth is another writing system, especially associated with the Dwarves, while Tengwar is the elegant script commonly associated with Elves. Tolkien’s own illustrations and lettering helped establish the forms seen in editions of The Lord of the Rings.