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'''High Valyrian''' was the language of [[Valyria]] and the [[Valyrian Freehold]]. It is no longer widely spoken due to the [[Doom of Valyria]], although there are songs and books still sung and read in it. In [[Westeros]], highborn children, specifically the [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]], are taught Valyrian as a sign of their noble education.<ref>[[A Game of Thrones]] p.87</ref><ref>[[A Storm of Swords]] p.676</ref> Corrupted dialects known as bastard Valyrian are spoken in the [[Free Cities]] and [[Slaver's Bay]].
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'''High Valyrian''' is a language originating from [[Valyria]] and the [[Valyrian Freehold]]. Corrupted dialects known as '''bastard Valyrian''' are spoken in the [[Free Cities]]{{Ref|AGOT|11}} and [[Slaver's Bay]].{{Ref|ASOS|23}}
  
According to [[GRRM]],
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==History==
{{Quote|[[w:Tolkien|Tolkien]] was a philologist, and an Oxford don, and could spend decades laboriously inventing [[w:Elvish languages (Middle-earth)|Elvish]] in all its detail. I, alas, am only a hardworking SF and fantasy novel, and I don't have his gift for languages.  That is to say, I have not actually created a Valyrian language. The best I could do was try to sketch in each of the chief tongues of my imaginary world in broad strokes, and give them each their characteristic sounds and spellings.<ref>[ http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1250/ So Spake Martin] </ref>}}
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Some of the oldest remaining ancient texts were written by [[Andals]], [[Valyria]]ns, [[Ghiscari]], and [[Asshai|Asshai'i]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Dawn Age}} After the [[Old Empire of Ghis]] was conquered by the [[Valyrian Freehold]] in the [[Ghiscari wars]], the Ghiscari began speaking the High Valyrian of their conquerors.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria}}
==Language==
+
 
[[House Targaryen]] came from Valyria and thus its members can be considered to have High Valyrian names. Such as:  
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High Valyrian is no longer widely spoken due to the [[Doom of Valyria]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities}} and most Valyrian records were destroyed in the catastrophe.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: Valyria's Children}} The tongues of the [[Free Cities]] have continued to evolve from the original High Valyrian.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities}}
 +
 
 +
Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]] is said to have begun learning how to read from Valyrian scrolls while still at the breast of her mother, Queen [[Alyssa Velaryon]].{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}} Alysanne's husband, King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], was fascinated with the Old Valyrian scrolls in the library of [[Dragonstone]].{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
 +
 
 +
[[Racallio Ryndoon]] is said to have spoken a dozen dialects of Valyrian.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}} Lord [[Alyn Velaryon]] studied Valyrian treaties about warship design and sea tactics when he visited the [[Citadel]].{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist}} [[Larra Rogare]], the wife of Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys Targaryen]], was fluent in High Valyrian and the dialects of [[Lys]], [[Myr]], [[Tyrosh]], and [[Volantis]].{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}
 +
 
 +
Some highborn children of [[Westeros]] are still taught Valyrian as a sign of their noble education.{{Ref|ADWD|1}}{{Ref|ADWD|6}} Songs{{Ref|ASOS|60}} and scrolls{{Ref|AGOT|9}}{{Ref|AFFC|Prologue}} are still sung and read in High Valyrian, although by {{Date|300}} most Westerosi nobles cannot understand the language.{{Ref|ASOS|60}}
 +
 
 +
==High Valyrian==
 +
===Language===
 +
The High Valyrian phrase ''[[valar morghulis‎]]''{{Ref|ACOK|47}} is translated as "all men must die."{{Ref|ASOS|27}} A counterpart phrase, ''[[valar dohaeris]]'',{{Ref|AFFC|6}} is translated as "all men must serve."{{Ref|AFFC|34}}
 +
 
 +
The word ''dracarys'' is translated as meaning "[[dragonfire]]".{{Ref|ASOS|8}} Obsidian is called "[[dragonglass]]" in the [[Common Tongue]], but "frozen fire" in High Valyrian.{{Ref|ASOS|78}} ''[[Valonqar]]'' is the word for "little brother".{{Ref|AFFC|39}} High Valyrian is the most likely source language for ''[[maegi]]'' (pronounced differently from 'Maggy'),{{Ref|AFFC|36}} which means "wise".{{Ref|AGOT|72}}
 +
 
 +
According to [[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]], the conlanger who has constructed languages for the television adaptations of [[George R. R. Martin]]'s works, the word "Anogrion" (introduced in "''[[The Rogue Prince (TV)|The Rogue Prince]]''") is an old Valyrian word for "temple".<ref>[https://twitter.com/zionius/status/1564214426185900033?cxt=HHwWgoDRlfWumrUrAAAA Twitter: Etymology of "Anogrion"]</ref>
 +
 
 +
The Valyrian writing system, or at least a Valyrian writing system, is described as involving glyphs.{{Ref|AGOT|3}} It was also probably standard practice to write on scrolls, and not in books.{{Ref|ACOK|6}} The glyphs can also be inscribed, as on an old Valyrian [[dragon horn]], which, when sounded, had "every line and letter shimmering with white fire".{{Ref|AFFC|19}} Valyrian carvings have been found on obelisks.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands}}
 +
 
 +
[[Valyrian steel]] is forged with [[spells]], as well as hammers.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} Some smiths still know them, although not entirely.{{Ref|ASOS|32}}
 +
 
 +
===Names===
 +
[[House Targaryen]] came from [[Valyria]] and thus most of its members can be considered to have High Valyrian names. These include:  
 
{{Columns|3|
 
{{Columns|3|
*''Ayrmidon'' <ref>[[A Game of Thrones]] p.87</ref>
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*Aegon
*''Aegon''
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*Aelor
*''Aemon''
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*Aelora
*''Aerys''
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*Aelyx
*''Jaehaerys''
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*Aemon
*''Rhaegar''
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*Aemond
*''Visenya''
+
*Aenar
*''Rhaenys''
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*Aenys
*''Aenys''
+
*Aerea
*''Maegor''
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*Aerion{{Ref|ACOK|6}}
*''Daeron''
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*Aeryn
*''Rhaenyra''
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*Aerys
*''Baelor''
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*Alysanne{{Ref|ASOS|40}}
*''Naerys''
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*Ayrmidon{{Ref|AGOT|9}}
*''Maekar''
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*Baela
*''Rhaella''
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*Baelon
*''Viserys''
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*Baelor
*''Daenerys'' <ref> [[A Game of Thrones]] pages 832-5</ref>
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*Daella
*''Aerion'' <ref> [[A Clash of Kings]] p.104 </ref>
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*Daemion
*''Maelys'' <ref> [[A Storm of Swords]] p.752 </ref> 
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*Daemon
*''Alysanne'' <ref>[[A Storm of Swords]] p.453</ref>
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*Daena
 +
*Daenerys{{Ref|ADWD|15}}
 +
*Daenora
 +
*Daenys
 +
*Daeron
 +
*Elaena
 +
*Gael
 +
*Gaemon
 +
*Helaena
 +
*Jaehaera
 +
*Jaehaerys
 +
*Maegelle
 +
*Maegon
 +
*Maegor
 +
*Maekar
 +
*Maelys{{Ref|ASOS|67}}
 +
*Naerys
 +
*Rhae
 +
*Rhaegar
 +
*Rhaegel
 +
*Rhaella
 +
*Rhaelle
 +
*Rhaena
 +
*Rhaenyra
 +
*Rhaenys
 +
*Rhalla
 +
*Saera
 +
*Shaena
 +
*Shaera
 +
*Vaegon
 +
*Vaella
 +
*Valarr
 +
*Valerion
 +
*Visenya
 +
*Viserra
 +
*Viserys
 
}}
 
}}
Houses ''[[House Baratheon|Baratheon]]'', ''[[House Velaryon|Velaryon]]'' and ''[[House Qoherys|Qoherys]]'', being of Valyrian descent, are probably also Valyrian names. <ref>[[A Clash of Kings]] p.25 </ref>
 
  
The Valyrians most likely gave names in Valyrian to their [[dragons]], as: ''"The singers had given them the names of gods: ''[[Balerion|Balerion]], [[Meraxes|Meraxes]], [[Vhagar|Vhagar]]."'' <ref>[[A Game of Thrones]] p.122</ref>  
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Houses [[House Baratheon|Baratheon]], [[House Celtigar|Celtigar]], [[House Qoherys|Qoherys]], and [[House Velaryon|Velaryon]] are of Valyrian descent, and thus these names are possibly Valyrian as well.<ref>Citadel. Heraldry: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Houses/1/#In%20the%20area%20of%20King's%20Landing/ In the area of King's Landing]</ref><ref>The Citadel. Heraldry: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/Heraldry/Houses/4/ Houses in the Riverlands]</ref>  
However, not all the [[House Targaryen]] dragons have Valyrian names: Queen [[Alysanne]]'s dragon was named [[Silverwing]]. <ref>[[ A Storm of Swords]] p.453 </ref>
 
  
Eight of the nine [[Free Cities]], being founded as colonies of the [[Valyrian Freehold]], most likely bear Valyrian names,
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Velaryon first names include:
 
{{Columns|2|
 
{{Columns|2|
*''[[Volantis]]''
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*Aethan
*''[[Lys]]''
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*Corlys
*''[[Tyrosh]]''
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*Daenaera
*''[[Myr]]''
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*Jacaerys
*''[[Pentos]]''
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*Laena
*''[[Norvos]]''
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*Laenor
*''[[Qohor]]''
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*Lucerys
*''[[Lorath]]''
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*Monterys
 +
*Vaemond
 +
*Valaena
 
}}
 
}}
As well as Volantis's satellite cities,
 
*''[[Volon Therys]]''
 
*''[[Valysar]]''
 
*''[[Selhorys]]''
 
It is also likely that ''[[Tolos]], [[Elyria]], [[Oros]], [[Tyria]], [[Velos]]'' and ''[[Mantarys]]'' are names in Valyrian, being cities so close to Old Valyria. <ref>[[A Storm of Swords]] p.X </ref>
 
  
The phrase, "''[[Valar Morghulis‎]]''" <ref>[[A Clash of Kings]] p.520</ref>, is translated as "''all men must die.''" <ref>[[A Storm of Swords]] p.308</ref>. A counterpart phrase, "''[[Valar Dohaeris]]''" <ref>[[A Feast for Crows]] p.95</ref>, is translated as "''all men must serve.''" <ref>[[A Feast for Crows]] p.507 </ref>
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[[Jaenara Belaerys]] was a Valyrian explorer{{Ref|TWOIAF|Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos}} and [[Aurion]] was a would-be emperor.{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria}}
  
The word "''dracarys''" is translated as meaning "''dragonfire.''" <ref>[[A Storm of Swords]] p.93</ref> Obsidian is called ''[[dragonglass]]'' in the Common Tongue, but ''frozen fire'' in High Valyrian. This may be a direct translation of obsidian, the word, but given the word ''dracarys'', it is not likely. <ref>[[A Storm of Swords]] p.885</ref> ''[[Valonqar]]'' is the word for ''little brother.''<ref> [[A Feast for Crows]] p.584</ref> High Valyrian is the most likely source language for ''maegi'' (pronounced differently from 'Maggy') <ref>[[A Feast for Crows]] p.544</ref>, which means ''wise''. <ref>[[A Game of Thrones]]p.798</ref>
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The Valyrians most likely gave Valyrian names to their [[dragons]], as the dragons [[Balerion]], [[Meraxes]], [[Vhagar]], and [[Syrax]] were named after Valyrian gods and goddesses.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|ACOK|12}} However, not all dragons of [[House Targaryen]] had Valyrian names (e.g., Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]]'s dragon, [[Silverwing]]{{Ref|ASOS|40}}).
  
The Valyrian writing system, or at least a Valyrian writing system, is described as involving glyphs.<ref>[[A Game of Thrones]] p.33 </ref> It was also probably standard practice to write on scrolls, and not in books.<ref>[[A Clash of Kings]] p.581 </ref> The glyphs can also be inscribed, as on an old Valyrian dragonhorn, which, when sounded, had ''"every line and letter shimmering with white fire."'' <ref>[[A Feast for Crows]] p.277 </ref>
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Eight of the nine [[Free Cities]] were founded as colonies of the [[Valyrian Freehold]], and are thus likely to bear Valyrian names as well:
 +
{{Columns|2|
 +
*[[Lorath]]
 +
*[[Lys]]
 +
*[[Myr]]
 +
*[[Norvos]]
 +
*[[Pentos]]
 +
*[[Qohor]]
 +
*[[Tyrosh]]
 +
*[[Volantis]]
 +
}}
  
[[Valyrian steel]] is forged with spells, as well as hammers. Those spells were assumed to be in Valyrian, or another, unknown language.<ref> [[A Game of Thrones]] p.24</ref> Some smiths still know them, although not entirely.<ref>[[A Storm of Swords]] p.359 </ref>
+
Volantis's satellite towns of [[Selhorys]], [[Valysar]], and [[Volon Therys]] likely have Valyrian names as well. It is also probable that [[Elyria]], [[Mantarys]], [[Oros]], [[Tolos]],  [[Tyria]], and [[Velos]] are Valyrian in name, being cities close to Old Valyria.<ref>''[[A Dance with Dragons]]'', [[A Dance with Dragons-Map of Valyria|Map of Valyria]]</ref>
  
== Bastard Valyrian ==
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==Bastard Valyrian==
Bastard Valyrian is the languages of the nine [[Free Cities]],<ref>[[A Game of Thrones]] p.101 </ref>. Each of the cities has its own dialect, and each dialect likely has its own separate derived vocabulary. See [[Free Cities|here]] for examples of names from each of the Free Cities.
+
===Free Cities===
 +
Bastard Valyrian includes the languages of the nine [[Free Cities]].{{Ref|AGOT|11}} Each of the cities has its own dialect, and each dialect likely has its own separate derived vocabulary. [[Syrio Forel]] of [[Braavos]] speaks the [[Common Tongue]] with a lilting accent.{{Ref|AGOT|22}} One of the [[Brave Companions]] is described as having a thick [[Myr]]ish accent.{{Ref|ASOS|39}}
  
The Free Cities use Valyrian glyphs, as ''"[[Arya]] could not read the name painted on the hull; the words were strange, Myrish, Braavosi, perhaps even High Valyrian."'' <ref> [[A Game of Thrones]] p.721 </ref> The Ghiscari certainly use glyphs to write Valyrian.<ref> [[A Storm of Swords]] p.262 </ref>
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The Free Cities use glyphs to write Valyrian.{{Ref|AGOT|65}} The Valyrian of the Free Cities is described as sounding "liquid".{{Ref|ACOK|27}}
  
Valyrian is described as sounding "liquid". <ref>[[A Clash of Kings]] p.429 </ref>
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===Slaver Cities===
 +
The [[Old Empire of Ghis]] was conquered by the [[Valyrian Freehold]] five thousand years ago, and the [[Ghiscari]] have since spoken High Valyrian. The [[Slaver's Bay]] cities of [[Yunkai]], [[Meereen]], and [[Astapor]] have their own versions of bastard Valyrian, which have been influenced mainly by [[Old Ghiscari]], the ancient language of [[Old Ghis]]. Like the [[Free Cities]], the people of the [[Slaver Cities]] use glyphs to write Valyrian.{{Ref|ASOS|23}}
  
== Slaver Cities ==
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Astapori Valyrian is described as having a "characteristic growl," influenced by Ghiscari.{{Ref|ASOS|23}} The dialect of Yunkai is close enough to that of Astapor to be mutually intelligible.{{Ref|ASOS|42}}
The [[Slaver's Bay|Slaver Cities]] of [[Yunkai]], [[Meereen]], and [[Astapor]] have their own versions of bastard Valyrian, which have been influenced mainly by [[Ghis]]cari.  
 
  
[[Astapor]]i Valyrian is described as having a "characteristic growl," influenced by Ghiscari.<ref>[[A Storm of Swords]] p.258</ref> Also, [[Syrio Forel]] of [[Braavos]] "had an accent, the lilt of the [[Free Cities]], [[Braavos]] perhaps, or [[Myr]]."<ref>[[A Game of Thrones]] p.244</ref> One of the Mummers is described as having a "thick [[Myr]]ish accent."<ref>[[A Game of Thrones]] p.441 </ref>
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Yunkai used to be part of the [[Old Empire of Ghis]], and has multiple languages spoken in the city. ''[[Mhysa]], Maela, Aelalla, Qathei,'' and ''Tato'' are given as words for "mother", but which tongue fits which word is unknown (excepting the first, which is Ghiscari).{{Ref|ASOS|42}}
  
[[Yunkai]] has its own variations on Valyrian.
+
Some slavers speak a mongrel tongue,{{Ref|ADWD|59}} a blend of Old Ghiscari and High Valyrian.{{Ref|ADWD|60}}
: [[Daenerys Targaryen|Dany]] asks: ''"[[Missandei]], what language will these [[Yunkai]]'i speak, Valyrian?" ''
 
: ''"Yes, Your Grace,"'' the child said. ''"A different dialect than Astapor's, yet close enough to understand. The slavers name themselves the [[Wise Masters]]."''<ref>[[A Storm of Swords]] p.476</ref>
 
  
Yunkai used to be part of [[Ghis]], and has at least languages tongues which are spoken in the city. ''Mhysa, Maela, Aelalla, Qathei,'' and ''Tato'' are given as names for ''mother'', but which tongue fits which name is unknown (excepting the first, which is Ghiscari).<ref>[[A Storm of Swords]] p.487</ref>
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==Characters familiar with High Valyrian==
 +
*[[Gerris Drinkwater]] speaks a halting approximation of High Valyrian.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}
 +
*[[Haldon|Haldon Halfmaester]]{{Ref|ADWD|14}}
 +
*[[Tyrion Lannister]] learned to read High Valyrian on his [[maester]]'s knee.{{Ref|ADWD|1}}
 +
*[[Quentyn Martell]] can read and write High Valyrian but has little practice speaking it.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}
 +
*[[Melisandre]] is known to pray in High Valyrian, the [[Common Tongue]], and the speech of [[Asshai]].{{Ref|ACOK|10}}
 +
*[[Missandei]]{{Ref|ASOS|27}}
 +
*[[Moqorro]] can apparently sing in High Valyrian.{{Ref|ADWD|56}}
 +
*[[Collio Quaynis]] can sing in High Valyrian.{{ref|ASOS|60}}
 +
*Septa [[Saranella]] tells [[Cersei Lannister]] the meaning of ''[[valonqar]]''.{{Ref|AFFC|39}}
 +
*Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] has some High Valyrian, though not as much as [[Daenerys Targaryen]].{{Ref|ASOS|23}}
 +
*[[Arya Stark]] knows some High Valyrian{{Ref|AFFC|22}} but the [[kindly man]] insists that she improve it.{{Ref|ADWD|45}}
 +
*[[Catelyn Stark]] considers the speech of [[Moreo Tumitis]] of [[Tyrosh]] to be the vulgar Valyrian of the [[Free Cities]].{{Ref|AGOT|18}}
 +
*[[Sweets]] is fluent in High Valyrian{{Ref|ADWD|47}}
 +
*[[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon Targaryen]] is fluent in High Valyrian.{{Ref|ADWD|6}}
 +
*[[Daenerys Targaryen]]{{Ref|ASOS|23}}
 +
*[[Samwell Tarly]] only has a little High Valyrian.{{Ref|AFFC|26}}
 +
*The closest thing the [[Windblown]] have to a company tongue is classic High Valyrian.{{Ref|ADWD|25}} Their leader, the [[Tattered Prince]], says "and now we ride" to his men in the language.{{Ref|ADWD|25}}
  
==Some characters that are familiar with High Valyrian==
+
==Quotes==
*[[Daenerys Targaryen]] {{Ref|ASOS|23}}
+
{{Quote|Each of the [[Free Cities]] has its own history and character, and each has come to have its own tongue. These are all corruptions of the original, pure form of High Valyrian, dialects that drift further from their origin with each new century since [[Doom of Valyria|the Doom]] befell [[Valyrian Freehold|the Freehold]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities}}|writings of [[Yandel]]}}
*[[Arya Stark]] – was taught High Valyrian by Master [[Luwin]] but in [[Braavos]] the [[Kindly Man]] insists that she improve it.  
 
*Septa [[Saranella]] – it was she who told [[Cersei Lannister]] the meaning of ''valonqar''. {{Ref|aFfC|39}}
 
*[[Tyrion Lannister]] – learned to read High Valyrian on his [[maester]]’s knee.
 
*Ser [[Barristan Selmy]] - has some High Valyrian, though not as much as [[Dany]] {{Ref|ASOS|23}}
 
*[[Missandei]]
 
*[[Melisandre]] - known to pray in High Valyrian. {{Ref|aCoK|10|p 146}}
 
*[[Samwell Tarly]] – only has a little High Valyrian {{Ref|aFfC|26}}
 
*[[Gerris Drinkwater]] - speaks a halting approximation of High Valyrian {{Ref|ADWD|6}}
 
*[[Quentyn Martell]] - can read and write High Valyrian but has little practice speaking it. {{Ref|ADWD|6}}
 
*[[Aegon Targaryen]] - is fluent in High Valyrian {{Ref|ADWD|6}}
 
*[[Haldon]] Halfmaester
 
*The [[Tattered Prince]] - he says ''and now we ride'' to his men in a classic High Valyrian. {{Ref|aDwD|25}}
 
*The men of the [[Windblown]] - the closest thing they have to a company tongue is classic High Valyrian. {{Ref|aDwD|25}}
 
*[[Sweets]] – is fluent in High Valyrian. {{Ref|ADWD|47}}
 
  
==See Also==
+
==Behind the Scenes==
* [[w:Valyrian languages|Valyrian languages]] on Wikipedia.
+
According to [[George R. R. Martin]],
* [http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/2014/5/8/high-valyrian-101-learn-and-pronounce-common-phrases/ High Valyrian 101: Learn and Pronounce Common Phrases] By Katie M. Lucas
+
{{Quote|[[w:Tolkien|Tolkien]] was a philologist, and an Oxford don, and could spend decades laboriously inventing [[w:Elvish languages (Middle-earth)|Elvish]] in all its detail. I, alas, am only a hardworking SF and fantasy novel[sic], and I don't have his gift for languages. That is to say, I have not actually created a Valyrian language. The best I could do was try to sketch in each of the chief tongues of [[known world|my imaginary world]] in broad strokes, and give them each their characteristic sounds and spellings.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/1250/ Yet More Questions], July 22, 2001</ref>}}
 +
 
 +
[[w:David J. Peterson|David J. Peterson]] further developed High Valyrian for the television adaptations ''[[Game of Thrones]]'' and its prequel ''[[House of the Dragon]]''.
  
== References and Notes ==
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==References==
{{References|4}}  
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{{References}}  
  
* The material on this p.is taken from the web p.[http://wiki.dothraki.org/dothraki/Other_languages Other_languages] at [http://wiki.dothraki.org Dothraki Wiki] that is owned by dothraki.org and may be used for noncommercial purposes.
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*The material on this page is taken from the web page [http://wiki.dothraki.org/dothraki/Other_languages Other languages] at [http://wiki.dothraki.org Dothraki Wiki] that is owned by dothraki.org and may be used for noncommercial purposes.
  
 +
==External Links==
 +
* [[w:Valyrian languages|Valyrian languages]] on Wikipedia.
 +
* [http://www.makinggameofthrones.com/production-diary/2014/5/8/high-valyrian-101-learn-and-pronounce-common-phrases/ High Valyrian 101: Learn and Pronounce Common Phrases] By Katie M. Lucas
  
 
{{Languages}}
 
{{Languages}}
  
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[[Category:Languages]]
 
[[Category:Terms]]
 
[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Languages]]
 
 
[[Category:Valyria]]
 
[[Category:Valyria]]
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[[es:Alto Valyrio]]
 
[[es:Alto Valyrio]]
[[fr:Haut valyrien]][[zh:&#39640;&#31561;&#29926;&#38647;&#21033;&#20122;&#35821;]]
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[[fr:Haut valyrien]]
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[[ru:Валирийский язык]]
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[[zh:&#39640;&#31561;&#29926;&#38647;&#21033;&#20122;&#35821;]]

Revision as of 15:23, 19 October 2022

High Valyrian is a language originating from Valyria and the Valyrian Freehold. Corrupted dialects known as bastard Valyrian are spoken in the Free Cities[1] and Slaver's Bay.[2]

History

Some of the oldest remaining ancient texts were written by Andals, Valyrians, Ghiscari, and Asshai'i.[3] After the Old Empire of Ghis was conquered by the Valyrian Freehold in the Ghiscari wars, the Ghiscari began speaking the High Valyrian of their conquerors.[4]

High Valyrian is no longer widely spoken due to the Doom of Valyria,[5] and most Valyrian records were destroyed in the catastrophe.[6] The tongues of the Free Cities have continued to evolve from the original High Valyrian.[5]

Queen Alysanne Targaryen is said to have begun learning how to read from Valyrian scrolls while still at the breast of her mother, Queen Alyssa Velaryon.[7] Alysanne's husband, King Jaehaerys I Targaryen, was fascinated with the Old Valyrian scrolls in the library of Dragonstone.[8]

Racallio Ryndoon is said to have spoken a dozen dialects of Valyrian.[9] Lord Alyn Velaryon studied Valyrian treaties about warship design and sea tactics when he visited the Citadel.[9] Larra Rogare, the wife of Prince Viserys Targaryen, was fluent in High Valyrian and the dialects of Lys, Myr, Tyrosh, and Volantis.[10]

Some highborn children of Westeros are still taught Valyrian as a sign of their noble education.[11][12] Songs[13] and scrolls[14][15] are still sung and read in High Valyrian, although by 300 AC most Westerosi nobles cannot understand the language.[13]

High Valyrian

Language

The High Valyrian phrase valar morghulis‎[16] is translated as "all men must die."[17] A counterpart phrase, valar dohaeris,[18] is translated as "all men must serve."[19]

The word dracarys is translated as meaning "dragonfire".[20] Obsidian is called "dragonglass" in the Common Tongue, but "frozen fire" in High Valyrian.[21] Valonqar is the word for "little brother".[22] High Valyrian is the most likely source language for maegi (pronounced differently from 'Maggy'),[23] which means "wise".[24]

According to David J. Peterson, the conlanger who has constructed languages for the television adaptations of George R. R. Martin's works, the word "Anogrion" (introduced in "The Rogue Prince") is an old Valyrian word for "temple".[25]

The Valyrian writing system, or at least a Valyrian writing system, is described as involving glyphs.[26] It was also probably standard practice to write on scrolls, and not in books.[27] The glyphs can also be inscribed, as on an old Valyrian dragon horn, which, when sounded, had "every line and letter shimmering with white fire".[28] Valyrian carvings have been found on obelisks.[29]

Valyrian steel is forged with spells, as well as hammers.[30] Some smiths still know them, although not entirely.[31]

Names

House Targaryen came from Valyria and thus most of its members can be considered to have High Valyrian names. These include:

  • Aegon
  • Aelor
  • Aelora
  • Aelyx
  • Aemon
  • Aemond
  • Aenar
  • Aenys
  • Aerea
  • Aerion[27]
  • Aeryn
  • Aerys
  • Alysanne[32]
  • Ayrmidon[14]
  • Baela
  • Baelon
  • Baelor
  • Daella
  • Daemion
  • Daemon
  • Daena
  • Daenerys[33]
  • Daenora
  • Daenys
  • Daeron
  • Elaena
  • Gael
  • Gaemon
  • Helaena
  • Jaehaera
  • Jaehaerys
  • Maegelle
  • Maegon
  • Maegor
  • Maekar
  • Maelys[34]
  • Naerys
  • Rhae
  • Rhaegar
  • Rhaegel
  • Rhaella
  • Rhaelle
  • Rhaena
  • Rhaenyra
  • Rhaenys
  • Rhalla
  • Saera
  • Shaena
  • Shaera
  • Vaegon
  • Vaella
  • Valarr
  • Valerion
  • Visenya
  • Viserra
  • Viserys

Houses Baratheon, Celtigar, Qoherys, and Velaryon are of Valyrian descent, and thus these names are possibly Valyrian as well.[35][36]

Velaryon first names include:

  • Aethan
  • Corlys
  • Daenaera
  • Jacaerys
  • Laena
  • Laenor
  • Lucerys
  • Monterys
  • Vaemond
  • Valaena

Jaenara Belaerys was a Valyrian explorer[37] and Aurion was a would-be emperor.[38]

The Valyrians most likely gave Valyrian names to their dragons, as the dragons Balerion, Meraxes, Vhagar, and Syrax were named after Valyrian gods and goddesses.[39][40] However, not all dragons of House Targaryen had Valyrian names (e.g., Queen Alysanne Targaryen's dragon, Silverwing[32]).

Eight of the nine Free Cities were founded as colonies of the Valyrian Freehold, and are thus likely to bear Valyrian names as well:

Volantis's satellite towns of Selhorys, Valysar, and Volon Therys likely have Valyrian names as well. It is also probable that Elyria, Mantarys, Oros, Tolos, Tyria, and Velos are Valyrian in name, being cities close to Old Valyria.[41]

Bastard Valyrian

Free Cities

Bastard Valyrian includes the languages of the nine Free Cities.[1] Each of the cities has its own dialect, and each dialect likely has its own separate derived vocabulary. Syrio Forel of Braavos speaks the Common Tongue with a lilting accent.[42] One of the Brave Companions is described as having a thick Myrish accent.[43]

The Free Cities use glyphs to write Valyrian.[44] The Valyrian of the Free Cities is described as sounding "liquid".[45]

Slaver Cities

The Old Empire of Ghis was conquered by the Valyrian Freehold five thousand years ago, and the Ghiscari have since spoken High Valyrian. The Slaver's Bay cities of Yunkai, Meereen, and Astapor have their own versions of bastard Valyrian, which have been influenced mainly by Old Ghiscari, the ancient language of Old Ghis. Like the Free Cities, the people of the Slaver Cities use glyphs to write Valyrian.[2]

Astapori Valyrian is described as having a "characteristic growl," influenced by Ghiscari.[2] The dialect of Yunkai is close enough to that of Astapor to be mutually intelligible.[46]

Yunkai used to be part of the Old Empire of Ghis, and has multiple languages spoken in the city. Mhysa, Maela, Aelalla, Qathei, and Tato are given as words for "mother", but which tongue fits which word is unknown (excepting the first, which is Ghiscari).[46]

Some slavers speak a mongrel tongue,[47] a blend of Old Ghiscari and High Valyrian.[48]

Characters familiar with High Valyrian

Quotes

Each of the Free Cities has its own history and character, and each has come to have its own tongue. These are all corruptions of the original, pure form of High Valyrian, dialects that drift further from their origin with each new century since the Doom befell the Freehold.[5]

—writings of Yandel

Behind the Scenes

According to George R. R. Martin,

Tolkien was a philologist, and an Oxford don, and could spend decades laboriously inventing Elvish in all its detail. I, alas, am only a hardworking SF and fantasy novel[sic], and I don't have his gift for languages. That is to say, I have not actually created a Valyrian language. The best I could do was try to sketch in each of the chief tongues of my imaginary world in broad strokes, and give them each their characteristic sounds and spellings.[58]

David J. Peterson further developed High Valyrian for the television adaptations Game of Thrones and its prequel House of the Dragon.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 11, Daenerys II.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 23, Daenerys II.
  3. The World of Ice & Fire, Ancient History: The Dawn Age.
  4. The World of Ice & Fire, Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities.
  6. The World of Ice & Fire, Ancient History: Valyria's Children.
  7. Fire & Blood, The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC.
  8. Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
  9. 9.0 9.1 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Voyage of Alyn Oakenfist.
  10. Fire & Blood, The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency.
  11. 11.0 11.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 1, Tyrion I.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 6, The Merchant's Man.
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  14. 14.0 14.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 9, Tyrion I.
  15. A Feast for Crows, Prologue.
  16. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 47, Arya IX.
  17. 17.0 17.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 27, Daenerys III.
  18. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 6, Arya I.
  19. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 34, Cat Of The Canals.
  20. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 8, Daenerys I.
  21. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 78, Samwell V.
  22. 22.0 22.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 39, Cersei IX.
  23. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 36, Cersei VIII.
  24. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 72, Daenerys X.
  25. Twitter: Etymology of "Anogrion"
  26. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 3, Daenerys I.
  27. 27.0 27.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 6, Jon I.
  28. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 19, The Drowned Man.
  29. The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: The Grasslands.
  30. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 1, Bran I.
  31. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 32, Tyrion IV.
  32. 32.0 32.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 40, Bran III.
  33. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 15, Davos II.
  34. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 67, Jaime VIII.
  35. Citadel. Heraldry: In the area of King's Landing
  36. The Citadel. Heraldry: Houses in the Riverlands
  37. The World of Ice & Fire, Beyond the Free Cities: Sothoryos.
  38. The World of Ice & Fire, Ancient History: The Doom of Valyria.
  39. Fire & Blood, Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession.
  40. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 12, Daenerys I.
  41. A Dance with Dragons, Map of Valyria
  42. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 22, Arya II.
  43. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 39, Arya VII.
  44. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 65, Arya V.
  45. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 27, Daenerys II.
  46. 46.0 46.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 42, Daenerys IV.
  47. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 59, The Discarded Knight.
  48. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 60, The Spurned Suitor.
  49. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 14, Tyrion IV.
  50. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 10, Davos I.
  51. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 56, The Iron Suitor.
  52. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 22, Arya II.
  53. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 45, The Blind Girl.
  54. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 18, Catelyn IV.
  55. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 47, Tyrion X.
  56. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 26, Samwell III.
  57. 57.0 57.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 25, The Windblown.
  58. So Spake Martin: Yet More Questions, July 22, 2001
  • The material on this page is taken from the web page Other languages at Dothraki Wiki that is owned by dothraki.org and may be used for noncommercial purposes.

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