The Meaning of Valar Morghulis: What It Is and How To Use It

Do you know the definition of valar morghulis? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word valar morghulis, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!

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What does the word valar morghulis mean?

According to Merriam-Webster, the term valar morghulis is from the television-series Game of Thrones. This is a High Valyrian language saying originating from the city of Braavos, a city located on the northwestern tip of Essos and translates to “all men must die.” This term is usually answered with valar dohaeris, meaning “all men must serve.” High Valyrian is a fictional language. This is used as a warning, but don’t worry: no plot spoilers here. There are currently seven planets Game of Thrones books, known as the A Song of Ice and Fire series. These are as follows: A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings, A Storm of Swords, A Feast for Crows, A Dance with Dragons, The Winds of Winter, A Dream of Spring. Valar morghulis is also the name of an episode of Game of Thrones. In the episode it is seen on a coin. This is similar to the Latin phrase memento mori. 

According to CNN, there are two different main languages that people are learning from the Game of Thrones seriesDothraki, and Valyrian. These languages were written by linguist David J. Peterson, who has created over 50 fictional languages, mostly for movies and TV shows. It has full grammar rules and was written from scratch. Today, Dothraki has about 4,000 official words, and Valyrian about 2,000. Even online language learning platforms like Duolingo include High Valyrian as a language people can learn. 1.2 million learners have started the course worldwide. It took Peterson  six months to a year to get the grammar up and running. He also records audio versions of each line, so the performers have a model to follow so that they can understand the grammar and the language. This is known as a conlang, or constructed language, like Klingon from Star Trek,  or Na’vi from Avatar, or Elvish from Lord of the Rings. 

You might wonder why someone would choose to learn a fake language as opposed to taking the time to learn a real language. People might argue that learning a fake language is not useful. However, learning a language can be a great way to build community. If you are looking to find new people or meet new friends and you love Game of Thrones, learning the language can be a great way to meet new people. Many people might join online communities for help learning the language which can in turn lead to them making new friends or meeting fellow fans. One does not necessarily have to learn a language to go speak it in a country they travel to, but it can simply be a fun hobby and a good way to work your brain. 

There are many different cities in Game of Thrones according to Fandom:

  •  Lorath
  •  Elyria
  •  Free Cities
  •  Lys
  •  Bayasabhad
  •  Bhorash
  •  Astapor
  •  King’s Landing
  •  Meereen
  •  Chroyane
  •  Ny Sar
  •  Gulltown
  •  Lannisport
  •  Norvos
  •  Mantarys
  •  Myr
  •  Braavos
  •  Asshai
  •  New Ghis

What are the characters and episodes of Game of Thrones?

There are many different characters in Game of Thrones. It may seem daunting to learn all of these characters’ names at one, but you will memorize them in no time with this list from The Wrap.

  •  Robert Baratheon
  •  Davos Seaworth
  •  Brandon “Bran” Stark
  •  Robb Stark
  •  Shae
  •  Tywin Lannister
  •  Joffrey Baratheon
  •  Missandei
  •  Samwell Tarly
  •  Ramsay Bolton
  •  Daario Naharis
  •  Catelyn Stark
  •  Jorah Mormont
  •  Viserys Targaryen
  •  Daenerys Targaryen
  •  Sandor Clegane
  •  Jaime Lannister
  •  Theon Greyjoy
  •  Roose Bolton
  •  Talisa Maegyr
  •  The High Sparrow
  •  Tyrion Lannister
  •  Ygritte
  •  Cersei Lannister
  •  Brienne of Tarth
  •  Bronn
  •  Eddard “Ned” Stark
  •  Gendry
  •  Gilly
  •  Tormund Giantsbane
  •  Jeor Mormont
  •  Ellaria Sand
  •  Arya Stark
  •  Margaery Tyrell
  •  Varys
  •  Stannis Baratheon
  •  Grey Worm
  •  Sansa Stark
  •  Jon Snow
  •  Jaqen H’ghar
  •  Tommen Baratheon
  •  Melisandre
  •  Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish

Below is a list of Game of Thrones episodes from Westeros. How many have you seen?

  •  The Children 
  •  The Spoils of War 
  •  Eastwatch 
  •  Beyond the Wall 
  •  Dragonstone 
  •  The Rains of Castamere 
  •  The Laws of Gods and Men 
  •  Fire and Blood 
  •  The Gift 
  •  The Bear and the Maiden Fair 
  •  Stormborn 
  •  No One 
  •  Sons of the Harpy 
  •  The Lion and the Rose 
  •  Walk of Punishment 
  •  A Golden Crown 
  •  And Now His Watch Is Ended 
  •  Valar Dohaeris 
  •  First of His Name 
  •  The Iron Throne 
  •  The Wars to Come 
  •  Breaker of Chains 
  •  The Broken Man 
  •  Oathbreaker 
  •  The Dance of Dragons 
  •  The Bells 
  •  A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms 
  •  The Last of the Starks 
  •  Kissed by Fire 
  •  Book of the Stranger 
  •  Lord Snow 
  •  Dark Wings, Dark Words 
  •  The Prince of Winterfell 
  •  Second Sons 
  •  Mockingbird 
  •  The Ghost of Harrenhal 
  •  Cripples, Bastards, and Broken Things 
  •  Mother’s Mercy 
  •  Kill the Boy 
  •  Mhysa 
  •  The Night Lands 
  •  The Watchers on the Wall 
  •  Garden of Bones 
  •  The Dragon and the Wolf 
  •  The House of Black and White 
  •  The Kingsroad 
  •  Winter Is Coming 
  •  The Mountain and the Viper 
  •  Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken 
  •  The North Remembers 
  •  Two Swords 
  •  Oathkeeper 
  •  The Queen’s Justice 
  •  Battle of the Bastards 
  •  The Red Woman 
  •  Home 
  •  Blood of My Blood 
  •  The Pointy End 
  •  The Winds of Winter 
  •  High Sparrow 
  •  Hardhome 
  •  What Is Dead May Never Die 
  •  The Climb 
  •  A Man Without Honor 
  •  Valar Morghulis 
  •  Winterfell 
  •  The Long Night 
  •  The Door 
  •  The Wolf and the Lion 
  •  You Win or You Die 
  •  The Old Gods and the New 
  •  Baelor 
  •  Blackwater 

Overall, the word valar morghulis means all men must die. This is in Valyrian, a language from Game of Thrones.

Sources:

  1. All 52 ‘Game of Thrones’ Main Characters Ranked, Worst to Best | The Wrap 
  2. ‘Valar Morghulis’ and the Histories of Game of Thrones Words | Merriam-Webster 
  3. Category:Cities | Game of Thrones Wiki | Fandom 
  4. List of Game of Thrones episodes – A Wiki of Ice and Fire | Westeros 
  5. 1.2 million people are learning this ‘Game of Thrones’ language | CNN