Valar morghulis
Valar morghulis translates to "all men must die" in High Valyrian.[1] It is a customary saying in Essos that is traditionally answered with "valar dohaeris," meaning "all men must serve."[2][3]
Contents
Recent Events

A Clash of Kings
Jaqen H'ghar teaches Arya Stark these words when he departs and gives her a small coin.[4] Although he does not explain the meaning to her (nor does anybody else) she begins to use the words in her prayer of people she wants dead.[5][6][7][8][9]
Just before fleeing Harrenhal with Gendry and Hot Pie, Arya slits the throat of the guard at the postern gate; she whispers valar morghulis as he dies.
A Storm of Swords
Arya says the words to Ternesio Terys, the captain of the Titan's Daughter. He replies with valar dohaeris and offers her passage to Braavos.[10]
A Feast for Crows
In Braavos Arya goes to the temple of the Many-Faced God. Its closed doors open when she says the words.[11]
Quotes
There were stone cups along the rim of the pool. Arya filled one and brought it to him, so he could drink. The young man stared at her for a long moment when she offered it to him. “Valar morghulis,” he said. “Valar dohaeris,” she replied.
References
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 66, Tyrion IX.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 22, Arya II.
- ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 64, The Ugly Little Girl.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 47, Arya IX.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 64, Arya X.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 3, Arya I.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 17, Arya III.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 39, Arya VII.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 47, Arya IX.
- ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 74, Arya XIII.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 3, Cersei I.