Tumbalë Laiqua by Chestnut_pod

Fanwork Notes

To be sung to the traditional tune of "Tumbalalaika," as here.

Sing along with the audio file or in a separate tab here.

Chorus/vamp:
Tumbalë, tumbalë, tumbalë laiqua, 
Tumbalë, tumbalë, tumbalë laiqua, 
Tumbalë laiqua, nandë an-aiqua
Na-nandë laiqua, alla, ilquen!

(Deep valley, deep valley, deep green valley, 
deep valley, deep valley, deep green valley,
deep green valley, rift so steep, 
to the green valley, welcome, everyone!)

Verse 1: 
A lost one wanders all night long,
'til her ears catch Rivendell’s song. 
Can you answer riddles three,
so we may know of malice you’re free?

Chorus:
Tumbalë, tumbalë, tumbalë laiqua, 
Tumbalë, tumbalë, tumbalë laiqua, 
Tumbalë laiqua, nandë an-aiqua
Na-nandë laiqua, alla, ilquen!

Verse 2:
Stranger, stranger, tell us true,
who grows not, yet is ever-new?
who can burn for years and years, 
who mourns long, but cries no tears?

Chorus: 
Tumbalë, tumbalë, tumbalë laiqua, 
Tumbalë, tumbalë, tumbalë laiqua, 
Tumbalë laiqua, nandë an-aiqua
Na-nandë laiqua, alla, ilquen!

Verse 3:
Proud guard, firm guard, let me come through,
Unchanging youth’s Vána Ever-New, 
Arien burns for years and years,
Mandos must mourn, yet sheds no tears. 

Final chorus:
Tumbalë, tumbalë, tumbalë laiqua, 
Tumbalë, tumbalë, tumbalë laiqua, 
Tumbalë laiqua, nandë an-aiqua
Na-nandë laiqua, alla, ilquen!

(Repeat chorus)

Fanwork Information

Summary: A traditional riddle-song passing along received wisdom on how to find shelter at the Last Homely House.  (Have you ever wanted to sing טום־באַלאַלײַקע in Quenya? Or… partly in Quenya, as much as my very limited skills allow?) Canon Source: Lord of the Rings Major Characters: Major Relationships: Genre: Music Challenges: Rating: General Warnings:
Posted on 8 September 2022	Updated on 8 September 2022
This fanwork is complete.