Quenya is the language J.R.R. Tolkien created for the Elves called the Ñoldor. It is one of Tolkien’s best-developed constructed languages and was influenced especially by Finnish, along with other linguistic traditions.
In Tolkien’s fictional history, Quenya originated among the Elves of Valinor and was associated with the High Elves. The Ñoldor brought it to Middle-earth, but its use changed over time. Sindarin became more widely spoken among many Elves in Middle-earth, while Quenya often retained a formal, literary, or ceremonial role.
Tolkien studied and taught languages, and his invented languages were designed with historical development, sound patterns, and related forms rather than as collections of random words. Quenya therefore has grammar, vocabulary, and a place within the family history of Elvish tongues.
Quenya and Sindarin are sometimes confused because both are Elvish languages. Quenya is not the everyday language of all Elves, and it is distinct from Khuzdul, the secret language of the Dwarves.