What is Valar Margulis? What does the phrase "Valar Margulis" from the series "Game of Thrones" mean

"Song of Ice and Flame", a cycle of 5 books written by George Martin, has long been a bestseller. But the peak of his popularity the saga reached after the decision of the HBO television company to buy rights to the screen version of the writer's works and create a series. He was named after the first book - "The Game of Thrones".

The vast world of George Martin

Epic about the Seven Kingdoms ranked top in the world rankings, and the last series of the fourth season was watched by 7 million people.

Now the series tells about the events of Martin's third book. The writer, as is known, is distinguished by very slow work on his works. The first book was written in 1996, the fifth - in 2011. The cycle, which was originally conceived as a trilogy, will now consist of seven volumes. I must say that George Martin is very thorough on the manuscripts, therefore it takes him 3 to 5 years to write each volume. Long working in Hollywood as a screenwriter, the creator of the famous epic saga has always been upset because of the need to ruthlessly cut the exciting moments and downplay the scale of the battles and battles.

As he sat down at the book, Martin told himself that this was only his world, and he would be as big as he wished. Therefore, the characters in the saga of the Seven Kingdoms are huge, and battles and battles occupy a good part of the books.

The writer created a huge fantasy world, carefully worked on descriptions of continents and countries, history, languages and culture of peoples inhabiting these lands. Many quotes from the cycle have become very popular: "Winter is near," "Lannisters always pay their debts," "In the game of thrones either die or win, the third is not given." But there are also mysterious, mysterious words in the book, for example, "Valar Margulis". What does this phrase mean and why is it needed?

Languages of the Seven Kingdoms

For George Martin, the reliability of his books is of great importance. This is a fictional universe, but it can be correlated with the Middle Ages of our world. The writer carefully thought out everything, up to the languages of the peoples inhabiting the Seven Kingdoms and other countries. In Västerås they speak a common dialect. In Essosa use low Valerian language. Four hundred years ago, people stopped using the high Valir language. He is known only by the priests of R'glor and the most educated people. The dynasty of Targariens, which ruled the Seven Kingdoms for more than 300 years, is of Valir origin.

For the book, the writer created several words and phrases in this ancient language. These are the names of the rulers of the Targarien dynasty and their famous dragons, the name of the dragon fire "drakaris", and also "valar margulis", which means "all people are mortal", and "valar dohaeris". The last phrase is translated as "all people must serve."

These words are not very common, although there are characters (except for the Faceless, which will be discussed later) who heard about the Valar Margulis. The translation of this phrase from the high Valir language is known, for example, by Missandea, assistant of Dayneris Targarien, mother of dragons. Also the meaning of these words is known to the prince of Dorje, Oberin Martell.

Another language that is used quite often in the series is Dothraki. For the adaptation of Martin's novels, he was specially designed by linguist David Peterson.

A small warrior of the kind of kings of the North and her dangerous debtor

And in the books "The Song of Ice and Fire", and in the series "The Game of Thrones", the phrase valar morghulis is most often mentioned in relation to Arya Stark and Yaken Khgar from the Order of the Faceless. The youngest daughter of the ruler of the North, Ned Stark, betrayed and executed by the enemies, managed to slip out of the city before being seized. The girl is only 9 years old, but she is good at handling weapons and can stand up for herself.

Arya rescues a prisoner named Yaken Hgar, who says that he will now kill three of her enemies, whom she will point to. From him, the girl later will hear the mysterious words "Valar Margulis", which means - "all people are mortal." This character is a real mystery of the cycle of books and series. Like all faceless, he easily changes his appearance, therefore appears in different places in the guise of an alchemist and Pat from the Night Watch. Also, it is possible that he is Sirio Trout, a martial arts teacher of Arya.

Valar morghulis and the iron coin - a farewell gift for Arya

Esso - continent, which is separated from the rest of the lands by the Narrow Sea. On it there are free cities, former colonies of ancient Valiria. The most famous of them is Braavos. From there comes Sirio Trout, the best sword of the city, which taught Arya at the request of Ned Stark, as well as Yakien Hgar, one of the Faceless.

The title of each series has a special meaning in the epic saga "The Game of Thrones". "Valar Margulis" - so named one of them in the second season. It is here that Arya says goodbye to her strange debtor Yaken Hgar, who tells her about the Order of the Faceless. He gives the girl an iron coin, showing it to people from Braavos and calling the password, she can get any help. Hgar makes Arya learn words in high Valerian language, which are the password of the Order of the Faceless. "Valar Margulis," which means "all people are mortal," the girl should tell any Braavoso if she has no one else to help her. Before parting Yakien Hgar invites her to go with him and learn the skills of Faceless, because she sees in her great ability. But Arya, who still hopes to find her family, regretfully refuses.

"Valar Margulis", "Valar Dohaeris" - phrases that open up great opportunities

These words are a password and a response to it from members of the Order of the Faceless and those who serve them. The Church of the Many-faced, Black and White House, is the center of the activity of this secret society. Faceless - the best hired killers, whose services are incredibly expensive. Those who can change their appearance at their discretion, the members of the order arrange the death of the victim in such a way that it looks like an accident or as an act of mystical forces. To themselves as pupils, they take only the most capable, those who can withstand incredibly heavy, and sometimes even inhuman training. For those who own the coin and the password, the doors to the Temple of the Many are always open.

Conclusion

Valar morghulis can be called the motto of George Martin himself. On five books - more than 300 deaths, including key characters. The writer strictly follows the principle of realism and reliability in his works. In the war they die, that's why the heroes of the epic "Games of Thrones" perish one by one.