nu

preposition. under

The Sindarin word for “under”, appearing as an element in names like Dor-nu-Fauglith “Land under Choking Ash” (WJ/239) and Taur-nu-Fuin “Forest under Nightshade” (S/155), clearly based on the root √N(D)Ū “sink, go down” (17/64).

Conceptual Development: The Etymologies of the 1930s had N. no “under” derived from the root ᴹ√NŪ̆ (Ety/NU), with either short u becoming o, or unstressed au becoming o]], the latter being indicated by a parentical nau [perhaps the primitive form?] appearing after its Quenya equivalent ᴹQ. no “under” (EtyAC/NU). As noted above, in Tolkien’s later writings the form was nu, probably derived from ✱nū with the vowel shortening when unstressed.