{"id":4937,"date":"2022-06-22T19:28:49","date_gmt":"2022-06-22T19:28:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/?p=4937"},"modified":"2022-06-22T19:28:49","modified_gmt":"2022-06-22T19:28:49","slug":"valar-morghulis-meaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/english-grammar-lessons.com\/valar-morghulis-meaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Valar Morghulis \u2013 Meaning, Origin and Usage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you looking for a way to describe our mortality and that no one can escape death? You could use the saying \u201cValar morghulis<\/em>\u201d from the popular TV show \u201cGame of Thrones.\u201d This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.<\/p>\n

Meaning<\/h2>\n

The expression \u201cValar morghulis<\/em>\u201d translates from the high Valyrian language to \u201call men must die<\/em>.\u201d High Valyrian is a custom language designed for use in the Game of Thrones TV series only. The expression references the mortality of man and that no one can escape death.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the TV show, it is customary to answer \u201cValar morghulis<\/em>\u201d with \u201cValar dohaeris<\/em>,\u201d which translates to \u201call men must serve<\/em>.\u201d This means that despite us having a mortal life, what men do with their lives separates them from the beasts and leaves their legacy after they die.<\/p>\n

\u201cValar morghulis<\/em>\u201d can also serve as a warning, reminding people of imminent danger when they are at war or under threat. It\u2019s a reminder to give your all during a fight and not hold back for fear of death.<\/p>\n

Example Usage<\/h2>\n

\u201cWhile he is no longer with us, we persevere forward. His death serves as a reminder of \u201cValar morghulis,\u201d that we must all return to ashes at some stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you want to live forever, but so do all kids. You need to understand \u201cValar morghulis.\u201d It means that we all perish sooner or later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one is immortal. Valar morghulis, we all shuffle this coil at the end of life.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cValar morghulis, he lived his life, now he is gone. However, Valar dohaeris, the man, did not live his life in vain. We will forever remember him for his achievements.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTo understand the concept of \u2018Valar morghulis, one must understand mortality and what it means to die.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are of mortal ancestry, then Valar morghulis, all men must die. Only the gods can live forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Origin<\/h2>\n

The expression \u201cValar morghulis\u201d originates from the TV series \u201cGame of Thrones.\u201d The TV show has two specific languages written for it by experts. The languages contain a complete alphabet, vocabulary, and grammar for their use.<\/p>\n

The term \u201cValar morghulis\u201d comes from the High Valyrian language made for the series. Linguist David J. Peterson has experience creating over 50 languages for use in films and TV. Valyrian has approximately 2,000 words in the language.<\/p>\n

While high Valyrian is a fictional language in the show, it\u2019s also the title of one of the episodes in the series. The first appearance in writing is on a coin appearing in the episode of the same name.<\/p>\n

\u201cValar morghulis\u201d is similar to the Latin saying \u201cmemento mori.\u201d<\/p>\n