Welcome to your comprehensive guide on how to say hello in Valyrian, the elegant and mythical language of the fictional world of Game of Thrones. Whether you’re a fan of the series or simply a language enthusiast, learning how to greet someone in Valyrian can be both fun and intriguing. In this guide, we’ll explore the formal and informal ways to say hello in Valyrian, and we’ll even touch upon some regional variations. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world of Valyrian greetings!
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The Basics of Valyrian Greetings
Valyrian, like any language, has its own rules and nuances when it comes to greetings. While the language itself is fictional, it was developed in great detail by linguist David J. Peterson for the Game of Thrones series. Although Valyrian has several dialects and variations, we’ll focus on the main standard version for the purposes of this guide. So, without further ado, let’s begin with the basics.
Formal Greetings in Valyrian:
1. Dracarys – This is the formal way to say hello in Valyrian. The word ‘dracarys’ literally translates to ‘dragonfire’. It is a respectful and honorable greeting used in more formal or official situations. Imagine yourself addressing a Valyrian noble or an important dignitary.
2. Hae gis – Another formal greeting in Valyrian is ‘hae gis’, which means ‘be strong’. This greeting conveys a sense of strength and resilience, making it suitable for greeting those in positions of power or authority.
Informal Greetings in Valyrian:
1. Skorverdon – When it comes to informal greetings, Valyrians use the word ‘skorverdon’. This word translates to ‘good fortune’ or ‘be lucky’, and it’s a casual way to greet friends, peers, or acquaintances in Valyrian.
2. Kessa – If you want to greet someone more casually, you can use the word ‘kessa’, which means ‘hey’. It’s the equivalent of a friendly and relaxed greeting that you might use with friends or family.
Regional Variations
While the standard Valyrian greetings mentioned above are widely understood, it’s worth noting that there are a few regional variations in how to say hello. These variations can add flavor and depth to your Valyrian greetings, and they are especially useful if you want to immerse yourself in the cultural nuances of the different regions within the Game of Thrones universe. Here are a couple of examples:
Valyria:
In the ancient city of Valyria, the birthplace of dragons and the Valyrian culture, the locals have their own unique way of saying hello. Instead of using the standard greetings mentioned earlier, Valyrians in Valyria say ‘Geros ilas‘, which means ‘bright eyes’. This greeting is a tribute to the mesmerizing and often distinctive purple or violet eyes frequently associated with the Valyrian bloodline.
Free Cities:
Valyrian is widely spoken in the Free Cities across Essos, where different dialects evolved over time. In the Free City of Braavos, for example, people greet each other by saying ‘Eyel morgulis‘, translated as ‘all men must die’. While this may sound morbid, in Braavos it’s regarded as a reminder to make the most of life, seize opportunities, and live valiantly.
Tips for Perfecting Your Valyrian Greetings
Learning Valyrian greetings requires attention to pronunciation, intonation, and the cultural context in which these greetings are used. To help you perfect your Valyrian greetings, here are some valuable tips:
- Listen to Valyrian greetings spoken by native speakers or actors in the Game of Thrones series. Pay close attention to the intonation and rhythm of their speech. Mimic their pronunciation to develop an authentic Valyrian accent.
- Practice regularly. Set aside some time each day to practice saying Valyrian greetings. Consistency is key when it comes to language learning.
- Immerse yourself in the Game of Thrones universe to understand the cultural context and social dynamics of the different regions. This will add depth and authenticity to your Valyrian greetings.
Did you know? Valyrian is known as the language of the dragonlords and was originally brought to Westeros by the Targaryen family. Its intricate grammar and vocabulary make it a fascinating language to explore!
Now armed with knowledge about formal and informal Valyrian greetings, as well as some regional variations, you can confidently greet your fellow Game of Thrones fans in Valyrian. Remember to practice regularly, embrace the nuances of pronunciation, and enjoy the process of immersing yourself in this captivating language.
Valar morghulis!”
