Ilk. initial [x] unvoiced following [l], [r], [w]; [x{lrw}-] > [ø{l̥r̥w̥}-]
In the Comparative Tables, where the initial aspirate [kʰ] appeared before an [l], [r], [w], the result was a voiceless [l̥], [r̥], [w̥] (PE19/18, 21). This was also true when the aspirate developed from an initial [s]: ᴹ✶skw > [kʰw >] Ilk. hw (PE19/20). There is only one example of this rule in The Etymologies: ᴹ✶khrassē > Dor. rhass (EtyAC/KHARÁS).
Most likely this development occurred after aspirates became voiceless spirants, ([kʰ-] > [x-]), and was part of the general trend whereby initial [x-] became [h-]. This development did not occur for [j] (“y”), since either [j] was lost after initial velars or initial palatalized velars became dentals; Tolkien vacillated on the exact development of [j] after initial velars.
Phonetic Rule Elements
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Phonetic Rule Examples
xl- > l̥- | xl- > l̥- | ᴹ✶khl- > Ilk. lh- | ✧ PE19/21 |
xr- > r̥- | xr- > r̥- | ᴹ✶khr- > Ilk. rh- | ✧ PE19/21 |
xrass > r̥ass | xr- > r̥- | ᴹ✶khrassē > Dor. rhass | ✧ EtyAC/KHARÁS |
xw- > w̥- | xw- > w̥- | ᴹ✶khw- > Ilk. hw- | ✧ PE19/18 |
xw- > w̥- | xw- > w̥- | ᴹ✶skw- > Ilk. hw- | ✧ PE19/20 |