From Library of the Randirim

He swam west in storm and wind and frost.

Congratulations! You have just read a perfectly valid Anglo-Saxon/Rohirric sentence. However, if you’ve wound up here, I take it you’re looking for something a little more exciting. What follows is what I hope will be a handy resource for the interested, the geeky, and perhaps for the merely curious as well. More may be added as things come to mind. Feel free to suggest anything you think would be interesting!

- Alditha

Herewith the numerous disclaimers: 1) Tolkien used the Mercian dialect of Old English to represent the language of Rohan, while the version most often taught (in my neck of the woods, at least) is the West Saxon dialect, and that is what is referenced here for the most part. The difference is by no means large, but it is something to consider. 2) Of course, Old English is only a way to represent the language of Rohan, much as modern English was used to represent the language Westron. A finicky distinction to make, but one to keep in mind. 3) Standardized spelling didn’t come into vogue until fairly recently. If you have problems remembering how to spell things, never fear - the Anglo-Saxons sure didn’t. They even spelled names three different ways in the same paragraph. 4) Of course, the obvious one – I am not my professors, I am not an authority or even an expert. My proficiency in the noble tongue of the Anglo-Saxons is probably Journeyman (if not less), to put it in simple terms. Therefore, I readily admit that there could be mistakes, though hopefully only small ones. If you, gentle reader, are more awesome at this stuff than me, feel free to edit to your heart’s content.

That said… welcome to the wonderful world of Old English, and wes þu hal!

Note: þ/ð is pronounced "th", and can be written that way in a pinch if you are somewhere that does not allow you to use the þ/ð character.

Saying Hello

Greetings! Wes (þu) hal (to one person), Wesaþ (ge) hale (to a group of men)/hala (to a group of women)/hal (to a mixed group)
What is your name? Hwæt is þin nama? (more idiomatic: Hu hattest þu?)
My name is _________. Min nama is _____ (more idiomatic: Ic hatte _____)
Farewell! See Greetings!. Also: Sie (þu) hal (to one person) Sien (ge) hale (to a group of men)/hala (to a group of women)/ hal (to a mixed group) More formal: Beo gesund (singular), Beoþ (ge) gesunde (to a group of men)/gesunda (to a group of women)/gesund (to a mixed group)
Good morning! Godne morgen!
Good evening! Godne æfen!

Communication

Excuse me (attention-getting) Hierstu
What did you say? Hwæt spræc þu?
I understand. Ic undergiete.
I do not understand. Ic ne undergiete.
I wish to speak. Ic wille sprecan.
Do you want help? Wilt þu helpe?
Do you understand me? Undergietest þu me? (singular) Undergietaþ ge me? (plural)

Being polite

Yes Giese
No Nese
Please Bidde
Thank you þancas/Ic þe þancie
You’re welcome Georne
I serve with joy! Ic þegnie glædlic!
I am your servant. Ic eom þine þeow.
You are as beautiful as an Elf. þu eart ælfscine.

Being not-so-polite

You’re a traitor. þu eart hlafordswica.
You’re a fool. þu eart dysig.
You’re a coward. þu eart niþing.
You have no friends. þu eart freondleas.
Kin-slayer Mæg-slaga
For shame! Scome!
My horse is smarter than him. Min hors is geradra þonne him.

Emergencies

Help! Help!
Ah/alas/look/what! Eala! La! Nu! Hwæt la!
Follow me! Folga me! (singular), Folgiaþ me! (plural)
Trust me. Lief me. (singular) Liefaþ me. (plural)
Is it alive? Is hit on life?
It is not dangerous. Nis pleolic.
Orcs are coming! Orcas cumaþ!
If you turn, you (will) die! Gif þu hwierfst, þu swiltst!
Kill them! Cwellaþ hi!
Don’t kill me! Ne cwellaþ me!
Are you insane? Eart þu ylfig?
I have a spear and I’m not afraid to use it. Ic hæbbe gar and ic cunne hit notian.
My helmet is spiky! Min helm is gepiled!

Anachronisms

To boldly go where no man has gone before Gan caflice hwær nan aer is gegangen.
I think therefore I am Ic þence, forþon ic eom.
The only good language is a dead language Anlic god læden is dead læden