The following is an attempt to sort and classify all Tengwar modes whose existence we know of today. Rather than distinguishing between different languages, the following classification is based on characteristics in the usage of the tengwar, the two most important being the method of indicating vowels, and which series of the tengwar table is used for velar sounds. Within each mode there may be language-specific additions or variations.
All mode names are used by Tolkien on at least one occasion to describe a Tengwar orthography that matches the characteristics given for the mode. It is quite possible that all the names are not correctly applied: further criteria may have to be met for the distinction of any particular mode. Future Tengwar publications may give reason to revise these mode names or their application.
Modes with descriptions on this site are linked from each respective heading.
Modes in which the vowels are primarily represented by ómatehtar.
Characteristics: Series III represents velar sounds, grade 4 represents nasal-plosive clusters, vowels above preceding consonant tengwa
Sample language: Quenya
Samples: DTS12, DTS20, DTS26, DTS40, DTS55, DTS62, DTS66, DTS70, DTS73, DTS74
Characteristics: Series IV represents velar sounds, vowels above preceding or following consonant tengwa
Sample languages:
Samples: DTS5, DTS7, DTS10:1, DTS37, DTS38, DTS39, DTS41, DTS43, DTS44, DTS46, DTS47, DTS49, DTS50, DTS51, DTS52, DTS54:2, DTS56, DTS58, DTS59, DTS62, DTS64, DTS67, DTS68, DTS70, DTS72, DTS81, DTS84, DTS89
Modes in which vowels are primarily represented by tengwar.
Mainly used “by the Loremasters for special purposes” (FQD).
Samples: none certain. Possibly DTS75, DTS76, DTS79, DTS80, DTS83 (Quenya) or DTS77, DTS78 (Quendian). The mode called qanta-tenkele (PE22 p.19) is most likely an earlier conceptual version of Quanta Sarme. See FQD.
Characteristics: Series III represents velar sounds.
Sample language: Sindarin
Samples: DTS8, DTS21, DTS29, DTS30, DTS31, DTS58
Characteristics: Series IV represents velar sounds.
Sample languages:
Samples: DTS1, DTS10:2, DTS13, DTS14, DTS22, DTS45, DTS48, DTS49, DTS53, DTS54:1, DTS71, DTS85, DTS86, DTS87, DTS88
Characteristics: Series IV represents velar sounds, osse is used for e, w is written with “stemless vala” (a tengwa shaped approximately like a 2).
This mode was used by Tolkien before The Lord of the Rings was published, and might not have occurred in the Elder Days of Middle-earth.
Sample languages: