Valar Morgulis is the name of the tenth chapter of the second season of the HBO series, Game of Thrones. It also appears in the play A Song of Ice and Fire written by George RR Martin. The phrase is said in High Valyrian, language used in the plot that is spoken among the inhabitants of Braavos and refers to the God of Many Faces.
Although in the series the expression appears thanks to Jaquen H'ghar (also known as Man Without a Face in Braavos, and as a criminal and thief) in RR Martin's book it is understood as a usual greeting among the peoples of ancient Valyria.
Jaquen H'ghar, character who introduced the term Valar Morgulis
The phrase is believed to have a deeper meaning, as it indicates the importance of accepting death as part of the life process, no matter what type of person you are.
Context
During the development of the tenth chapter of the second season of the HBO production, a series of events also happens that serve as a context to understand the development of the characters throughout the plot:
- After the Battle of the Blackwater, King Joffrey designates his grandfather, Tywin Lannister, as Savior of the City, for which he is also named Hand of the King.
- Lady Margaery Tyrell offers her hand in marriage to the king, so that Sansa Stark is freed from her engagement, although she is in danger by staying longer in King's Landing.
- In view of Tywin Lannister's appointment, his son Tyrion is no longer Hand of the King. He concentrates on recovering after suffering an assassination attempt during battle. Later he learns that those plans were created by his sister Cersei; However, despite having no more allies at court, Tyrion remains in the capital.
- After the defeat suffered in the Battle of Blackwater, Stannis Baratheon tries to strangle the red witch, Melisandre, who promised him success. However, he fails to forge the act because it points out his relationship with the death of his brother, Renly Baratheon.
- The King of the North, Robb Stark, informs his mother Catelyn that he is in love with Lady Talisa. They later formalize the union despite her objections.
- Brienne of Tarth guards Jamie Lannister to take him to King's Landing and thus exchange him for Sansa and Arya Stark. On the way she faces a group of soldiers who had murdered some women. There, Brienne demonstrates her skills as a warrior.
- Winterfell is the scene of the defeat of Theon Greyjoy, who rejects the option to escape and become the Night's Watch, and decides to stay and fight with his men. However, they betray him and hand him over to Ramsey Bolton.
- In the same place, Bran and Rickon Stark -with Osha and Hodor- become aware of the events, so they decide to escape to the Wall so that Jon Snow can protect them upon arrival.
Other events
In the continuation of the events, it is also worth highlighting the following plots:
- In Qarth Daenerys Targaryen, in company with Sir Jorah Mormont, goes to the House of the Eternals, where the dragons of Daenerys are imprisoned by the actions of the sorcerer, Pyat Pree.
- Due to the magic and enchantments of the place, Daenerys is forced to go inside alone and it is there when she is exposed to a series of visions. She first sees her deceased husband, Khal Drogo, and their son. However, she realizes the danger of traps and manages to find the place where the dragons are. She frees them and kills Pyat Pree.
- Jon Snow, who is beyond the Wall, is a prisoner of the wild men. After a fight against Qhorin Halfman - who will help him infiltrate the ranks of the savages - Jon is taken to the king of these.
- At the same time, Jon's companions in the Night's Watch hear the announcement that the White Walkers have been seen, beings that, eventually, will become a major threat to the protagonists.
Meaning
During the chapter, Arya, Gendry and Hot Pie walk until they meet Jaqen H'ghar, who was waiting for them. Soon after, he offers to take Arya to Braavos so that she can learn the skills necessary to kill all the people who hurt her and her family.
Arya rejects the offer, so Jaqen hands her an iron coin in return, along with the expression Valar Morgulis. She invites you to say these words in Braavos when you want to see her again. Before leaving, Jaqen changes his face and leaves as a different man.
The translation given to the phrase is: "All men must die." It should be noted that it also refers to the fact that death is an imminent phenomenon and that it is part of the life process.
However, other analyzes suggest that Valar Morghulis seems to indicate that, after death, the souls of men will continue to serve the God of Many Faces.
Actors
The main characters involved in this particular scene are:
- Jaqen H'ghar, also known as the Faceless Man, played by Tom Wlaschiha.
- Maisie Williams, who plays Arya Stark.
The following characters are also linked:
Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister.
- Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen.
- Lena Headey as Cersei Lannister.
- Nicolaj Coster-Waldau as Jamie Lannister.
- Kit Harrington as Jon Snow
- Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy.
- Sofie Turner as Sansa Stark.
- Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth.
- Richard Madden as Robb Stark.
- Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark.
Which is the answer?
When greeting Valar Morghulis, the person should respond with the expression Valar Doheris, equally traditional among the people of Braavos and followers of the God of Many Faces.
In this video you can see a scene in which this expression is used:
References
- What do the phrases "Valar Dohaeris" and "Valar Morgulis" mean in Game of Thrones? Why are they so popular? (sf). On Quora. Retrieved: March 23, 2018. On Quora at es.quora.com.
- Jaqen H'ghar. (sf). On a Wiki of Ice and Fire. Retrieved: March 23, 2018. On Ice and Fire Wiki by iceyfuegowikia.com.
- Valar Morgulis. (sf). On Game of Thrones Wiki. Retrieved: March 23, 2018. On Game of Thrones Wiki at gameofthores.wikia.com.
- Valar Morghulis. (sf). In Ice and Fire Wiki. Retrieved: March 23, 2018. On Ice and Fire Wiki by ice and fire.wikia.com.
- Valar Morgulis. (sf). In What does it mean. Retrieved: March 23, 2018. In What does it mean from quesignifica.com.
- Valar Morgulis. (sf). On Wikipedia. Retrieved: March 23, 2018. In Wikipedia at es.wikipedia.org.
- What is the story behind “valar morghulis” and its anwers “valar dohaeris”? (sf). In Movies & Tv. Retrieved: March 23, 2018. In Movies & Tv of movies.stacexchange.com.