Dante Grizia Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 Hi everyone. I know that Valar Morghulis means "All men must die" and Valar Dohaeris "All men must serve".But what is the meaning behind ?, why all men must (eventually) die (sooner of later) and why all men must serve ?, i'm looking forward to get a tattoo and i would love to make this one, but i want to understand it at all.Thanks anyway, and sorry for my english, greetings from Argentina ;D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anonnyscouse Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 It's the motto of followers of The God Of Many Faces (TGoMF), all men must die is a given, also TGoMF gives the gift of death to any visitor to the Black and White house who request it. Anyone entering the religion has to spend time serving, in the house when the moon is black, and serving in outside work for the rest of the time, which is where all men must serve comes from. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pod The Impaler Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 To me, it seems they can have multiple meanings. For example, "a Lannister pays his debts". Is it an assurance that Lannisters follow the rules of commerce ? Yes. Does it brag that Lannisters are so rich, they are never too broke to pay people back? Yes. Does it mean that Lannisters are obliged to pay back the favours people do them ? Yes. Does it also warn that Lannisters are vengeful and will retaliate for every attack or act of disrespect against them ? Yes. So my guesses are: "Valar Morghulis" - "All men must die" can mean:- That humans are not immortal, that death eventually comes to them all. Motivation to act, from fear of mortality (similar to "life is short")- That because humans are all going to die, one should not fear death, but act courageously. (A sort of fatalism.)- That nobody is truly safe, from a lowly slave to a king, anyone can be killed regardless of wealth or rank- Perhaps an exhortation from the Others, or their goal - literally, all mankind must die- That death is simply part of life to be cherished, perhaps even a gift to end one's suffering in the mortal world "Valar Dohaeris" - "All men must serve":- Everyone serves something. There is always something greater than yourself - be it a cause, or one's family, or the realm, or the inner desires which master you- Everyone who wishes to rule and be obeyed must first know what it is like to serve and obey. (humility, empathy)- Everyone should work diligently, contributing to the greater goal instead of only thinking of themselves (work ethic)- Everyone who is mortal is bound to follow the will of immortal god (fate, predestination) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerranV Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 "Valar Dohaeris" - "All men must serve": - Everyone serves ... something. There is always something greater than yourself, be it a cause, or one's family, or the realm - Everyone who wishes to rule and be obeyed must first know what it is like to serve and obey. - Everyone should work diligently, contributing to the greater goal instead of only thinking of themselves (work ethic) - Everyone who is mortal is bound to follow the will of immortal god I would like to add that people inevitably serve the God of Many Faces by bringing death to each other. Whether they intend to or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasterJack Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 Valar Morghulis is the "story of Ice and Fire world" equivalent of YOLO.And the other is just something similar to patriotic propaganda "I want you" bullshit when they want cannon fodder for free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dante Grizia Posted August 30, 2014 Author Share Posted August 30, 2014 To me, it seems they can have multiple meanings. For example, "a Lannister pays his debts". Is it an assurance that Lannisters follow the rules of commerce ? Yes. Does it brag that Lannisters are so rich, they are never too broke to pay people back? Yes. Does it mean that Lannisters are obliged to pay back the favours people do them ? Yes. Does it also warn that Lannisters are vengeful and will retaliate for every attack or act of disrespect against them ? Yes. So my guesses are: "Valar Morghulis" - "All men must die" can mean: - That humans are not immortal, that death eventually comes to them all. Motivation to act, from fear of mortality (similar to "life is short") - That because humans are all going to die, one should not fear death, but act courageously. (A sort of fatalism.) - That nobody is truly safe, from a lowly slave to a king, anyone can be killed regardless of wealth or rank - Perhaps an exhortation from the Others, or their goal - literally, all mankind must die - That death is simply part of life to be cherished, perhaps even a gift to end one's suffering in the mortal world "Valar Dohaeris" - "All men must serve": - Everyone serves something. There is always something greater than yourself - be it a cause, or one's family, or the realm, or the inner desires which master you - Everyone who wishes to rule and be obeyed must first know what it is like to serve and obey. (humility, empathy) - Everyone should work diligently, contributing to the greater goal instead of only thinking of themselves (work ethic) - Everyone who is mortal is bound to follow the will of immortal god (fate, predestination) thanks ! i was kind of thinking the same but i needed a confirmation haha, well now i have to see where i do this tattoo on the wrist o where ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mychel_Redfort Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 There's also the case of the iron coin Jaqen gave to Arya. Jaqen told Arya to give it to any man from Braavos, saying "Valar Morghulis", as a threat. And when Ternesio receives it, he answers "Valar Dohaeris", fearing Arya might be a Faceless Man and agreeing to serve her and take her on his ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Doe Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 To put it more simple, I would say these words adress the two central motivations of men; all have to die, and all must serve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.