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m (→‎Elvish phrases: Solas does not say the phrase "emma lath" in Inquisition.)
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The '''Elven language''', or "Elvish",<ref>[[Tamlen]] refers to the language as "Elvish" at the beginning of the [[Dalish Elf Origin]]</ref> was largely lost when [[Elvhenan]] fell to the [[Tevinter Imperium]] and its people were
 
 
[[File:Writing1.jpg|thumb|371x371px|Written Elvish upon a column]]
  
[[File:Writing1.jpg|thumb|371x371px|Written Elvish upon a column]]
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enslaved around two millennia before the [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon Age]]. When the [[Elf|elves]] settled their second homeland, [[the Dales]], they aimed to restore their lost [[language]] and lore, but the Dales fell after an [[Exalted March]] declared by the [[Chantry]] in the early [[Glory Age]]. Some clans, such as the ones encountered in The Stolen Throne, speak it fluently and exclusively. The Elvish of the Dragon Age is thus a fragmented remnant, a few words that are thrown into conversation rather than a working language used to conduct everyday life. The [[Dalish|Dalish Elves]], self-appointed custodians of the elven language and lore, use more Elvish than their [[City Elf]] brethren. Living among humans, the City Elves now retain only a few old Elvish words whose origin is almost forgotten, such as "''shem''" - derived from "''shemlen''", meaning "quickling", or "quick children" the old Elvish term for humans - and "''hahren''" - the leader of an [[Alienage]], meaning "elder" in Elvish.
  
   
  +
The '''Elven language''', or "Elvish",<ref>[[Tamlen]] refers to the language as "Elvish" at the beginning of the [[Dalish Elf Origin]]</ref> was largely lost when [[Elvhenan]] fell to the [[Tevinter Imperium]] and its people were enslaved around two millennia before the [[Dragon Age (time period)|Dragon Age]]. When the [[Elf|elves]] settled their second homeland, [[the Dales]], they aimed to restore their lost [[language]] and lore, but the Dales fell after an [[Exalted March]] declared by the [[Chantry]] in the early [[Glory Age]]. The Elvish of the Dragon Age is thus a fragmented remnant, a few words that are thrown into conversation rather than a working language used to conduct everyday life. The [[Dalish|Dalish Elves]], self-appointed custodians of the elven language and lore, use more Elvish than their [[City Elf]] brethren. Some clans, such as the ones encountered in ''[[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]]'', speak it fluently and exclusively. Living among humans, the City Elves now retain only a few old Elvish words whose origin is almost forgotten, such as ''shem''—derived from ''shemlen'', the old Elvish term for humans meaning "quickling" or "quick children,"—and ''hahren''—the leader of an [[Alienage]], meaning "elder" in Elvish.
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With the release of ''Dragon Age II'', and Merrill's speech patterns, it has been determined that pronouns most likely carry an implied possessive. What this means for translation is that words like "ma" and "ar" can carry a "have" with them - "you have", "I have" - without actually needing to add in the "have" as a separate word.
  
   
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According to [[David Gaider]], a differentiating factor between Elvish and other languages in [[Thedas]]--particularly as regards aspects like names--is the avoidance of hard consonants.<ref>Elven naming conventions. http://social.bioware.com/forum/Dragon-Age-Inquisition/Dragon-Age-Inquisition-General-Discussion/Elven-naming-conventions-17321539-1.html.</ref>
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A differentiating factor between Elvish and other languages in [[Thedas]]—particularly as regards aspects like names—is the avoidance of hard consonants.<ref>{{BWF|author=[[David Gaider]]|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009095006/https://forum.bioware.com/topic/483756-elven-naming-conventions/?bioware=1|title=Elven naming conventions}}
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</ref>
   
 
It has been observed that "Elven is often a game of intents, not direct mapping of phonetic meaning. That means it's a mess" and that it tends "to meander".<ref>According to one archivist's [[Codex entry: On Skyhold|notes on Skyhold]].</ref>
  
It has been observed that "Elven is often a game of intents, not direct mapping of phonetic meaning. That means it's a mess" and that it tends "to meander".<ref>According to one archivist's [[Codex entry: On Skyhold|notes on Skyhold]].</ref>
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== Written Elvish ==
  
== Written Elvish ==
 
[[File:Last_Flight_Battle_Map.png|thumb|Battle map from the [[Fourth Blight]], featuring a rare example of written Elvish|230x230px]]
  
[[File:Last_Flight_Battle_Map.png|thumb|Battle map from the [[Fourth Blight]], featuring a rare example of written Elvish|230x230px]]
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The clan [[Keeper]]s are the only ones who know the secret of writing Elven Language.<ref name="RPG set 1">Pramas, Chris. "Chapter Three: Focuses and Talents: Talents". ''Dragon Age RPG, Set 1 - Player's Guide''. p.37.</ref> The spelling system for Elvish contains an apostrophe to mark register tone, not to mark stress or to decorate text as per the usual usage of the apostrophe. It also indicates contraction points between two full words that cannot be reduced by adjoining letters.
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Though a number of ancient sites, including the [[Temple of Mythal]], have recently been found to contain examples of Elvish writing, these are few and far between, and jealously guarded by the [[Dalish]]. Some [[Circle of Magi|Circles]] have also come to possess old elven texts.<ref>In [[Witch Hunt]], [[Ariane]] tells the [[Warden]] that her clan had been guarding the book since the days of Arlathan. The book later ended up in a Circle before being reclaimed by an elf.</ref> In the Dragon Age, clan [[Keeper]]s are generally the only ones who know the secret of writing Elvish.<ref name="RPG set 1">Pramas, Chris. "Chapter Three: Focuses and Talents: Talents". ''Dragon Age RPG, Set 1 - Player's Guide''. p.37.</ref>
   
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Many of the words in the following list are extrapolations and deconstructions of words found in the games, done by parsing the order of meanings versus given words and comparisons of fragments to the meanings given.
  
 
[[File:Elvish3.png|thumb|376x376px]]
  
[[File:Elvish3.png|thumb|376x376px]]
   
 
== Elvish phrases ==
  
== Elvish phrases ==
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<!--This section is for canon translations only! Speculative translations should not be listed-->
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*{{LanguageRow|Andaran atish’an||Enter this place in peace. A formal elven greeting. Literally: "I dwell in this place, a place of peace."}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Aneth ara||A sociable or friendly greeting, more commonly used among the Dalish themselves rather than with outsiders. Literally: "My safe place".}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Ara seranna-ma||"Excuse me," as in after a sneeze or belch; this phrase may be differently conjugated depending on the speaker<ref>According to a banter between [[Solas]] and [[Sera]].</ref>}}
 
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*{{LanguageRow|Ar lasa mala revas||"You are (now) free."<ref>According to what [[Solas]] says to the female [[Lavellan clan|Lavellan]].</ref>/"I give you your freedom."}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow| Ar lath ma|| "I love you."<ref>Spoken by Solas to the Inquisitor, if in a romance</ref>}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Arlathan||The major city of [[Elvhenan]], original homeland of the elves, from the phrase "ar lath’an" meaning "This place of love".}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Asha'belannar||"The Woman of Many Years." How the Dalish refer to [[Flemeth]].<ref>[[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]], p76.</ref>}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Atish'all vallem||meaning unknown - greeting of the elven spirits in the [[Elven Mountain Ruins]].}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Atish'all Vir Abelasan||"Enter the path of the Well of Sorrows."<ref>Translated by [[Solas]] at the [[Temple of Mythal]].</ref>}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Bellanaris Din'an Heem||"Make you dead."<ref>[[Gatsi Sturhald|Gatsi's]] translation of [[Note: Bellanaris Din'an Heem]]</ref>}}
 
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*{{LanguageRow|Dareth shiral||Used as a "farewell" it means, "Safe journey".}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Din'anshiral||A journey of death.<ref>According to [[Solas]].</ref>}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Dirth'ena enasalin||"knowledge that led to victory" - the Elvish term for the [[Arcane Warrior]] or, more recently, [[Knight Enchanter]] disciplines<ref>According to [[Solas]] when acquiring the [[Knight Enchanter]] specialization.</ref>}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Dirthara-ma||"May you learn." Used as a curse.<ref>In a banter between [[Solas]] and [[Vivienne]]</ref>}}
 
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*{{LanguageRow|Emma lath||My love.}}
  
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* {{LanguageRow|Ellasin selah<ref>[http://i.imgur.com/belmPt1.jpg Morrigan]</ref>}}
  
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{{SpoilerTME|*{{LanguageRow|Fen'Harel enansal||The Dread Wolf's blessing. The password to activate [[eluvian]]s.<ref>Spoken by [[Briala]] in [[The Masked Empire]]</ref>}}}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Fen'Harel ma ghilana||"Dread Wolf guides you" Indicates someone being mislead/making bad life choices.}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Fen'Harel ma halam||"Dread Wolf ends you" A threat.}}
  
   
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{{SpoilerDAIT|style=short|{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Amae lethalas||Meaning unknown.<ref>Elven guardian spirit’s response to [[the Inquisitor]] correctly saying [[Fen'Harel|Fen'Harel]]’s greeting in the [[Elven Mountain Ruins]]</ref>}} }}
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{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Andaran atish’an||"Enter this place in peace." A formal elven greeting.}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Aneth ara||A sociable or friendly greeting, more commonly used among the Dalish themselves rather than with outsiders.}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ara seranna-ma||A way to excuse oneself, such as after a sneeze or belch.<ref name=SeraBanter>[[Solas/Dialogue#Solas and Sera|Banter between Solas and Sera]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ar dirthan’as ir elgara, ma’sula e’var vhenan||Meaning unknown.<ref name=SeraBanter />}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ar lasa mala revas||"You are free."<ref>What [[Solas]] says to Lavellan when taking away her [[vallaslin]]</ref> More literally "I give you your freedom."}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ar lath ma, vhenan||"I love you, heart/my heart"<ref>Spoken by Solas to Lavellan if romanced</ref>}}
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{{SpoilerDAIT|style=short|{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ar-melana dirthavaren. Revas vir-anaris||[[Fen'Harel|Fen'Harel]]’s secret greeting. Meaning unknown.<ref>Spoken by an [[The Inquisitor|Inquisitor]] who drank from the [[Well of Sorrows]] in the [[Elven Mountain Ruins]]</ref>}} }}
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{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Asha'bellanar||"The Woman of Many Years." How the Dalish refer to [[Flemeth]].<ref>[[Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne]], p. 76.</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Atish'all vallem||Meaning unknown.<ref>Greeting of the elven spirits in the [[Elven Mountain Ruins]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Atish'all Vir Abelasan||"Enter the path of the Well of Sorrows."<ref>Translated by [[Solas]] at the [[Temple of Mythal]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Banal nadas||Nothing is known for certain./Not necessarily.<ref>[[Solas]]' response to the [[Nightmare_(demon)|Nightmare]] in the Fade</ref><ref>Translation per [https://youtu.be/aFx1nCdZFjw?t=2132 The Story Behind Solas with Dragon Age Lead Writer Patrick Weekes, 35:32]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Bellanaris Din'an Heem||"Make you dead."<ref>[[Gatsi Sturhald|Gatsi's]] translation of [[Note: Bellanaris Din'an Heem]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Dareth shiral||farewell; literally "Safe journey."}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Din elvhen emma him?||Meaning unknown.<ref name=SeraBanter />}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Dirth ma banal. Mar solas ena mar din||"You have learned nothing. Your pride will be your death/downfall." A Dalish saying.<ref>[[Heroes of Dragon Age]]: [[Nexus (Heroes of Dragon Age)#Dirth Ma Banal|Nexus Event]], [https://www.facebook.com/HeroesOfDragonAge/photos/a.291622627642283/2020682138069648/?type=3&source=48 Facebook fanpage]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Dirth ma, harellan. Ma banal enasalin. Mar solas ena mar din||Roughly means: "Your pride is responsible for everything that has gone wrong; you will die alone."<ref name=Nightmare>The [[Nightmare_(demon)|Nightmare]] addressing [[Solas]] in the Fade</ref><ref>Translation per [https://youtu.be/aFx1nCdZFjw?t=2115 The Story Behind Solas with Dragon Age Lead Writer Patrick Weekes, 35:16]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Dirth'ena enasalin||"Knowledge that led to victory"; the Elvish term for the [[Arcane Warrior]] or, more recently, [[Knight Enchanter]] disciplines.<ref>According to [[Solas]] when acquiring the [[Knight Enchanter]] specialization</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Dirthara-ma||"May you learn." Used as a curse.<ref name=Viv>[[Solas/Dialogue#Solas and Vivienne|Banter between Solas and Vivienne]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Emmasalin var suledin evanura||Meaning unknown.<ref>Written to an elven [[Inquisitor]] when receiving [[The Red Hart]].</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ellasin selah||Meaning unknown.<ref>Said by [[Morrigan]] after drinking from the [[Well of Sorrows]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Falon’Din enasal enaste||A prayer for the dead.<ref>[[Codex entry: Epitaphs for the Lost]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Fenedhis lasa||Meaning officially undefined as of yet. A common curse.<ref name=SeraBanter /><ref>{{Twitter|author=[[Patrick Weekes]]|url=https://twitter.com/PatrickWeekes/status/624013938800246784}}</ref>}}
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{{SpoilerTME|{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Fen'Harel enansal||The Dread Wolf's blessing. The password set by [[Briala]] to activate [[eluvian]]s.<ref name=Epi>Spoken by [[Briala]] in [[The Masked Empire]], Epilogue</ref>}}}}
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{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Fen'Harel ma ghilana||"Dread Wolf guides you." Indicates someone being misled.}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Fen'Harel ma halam||"Dread Wolf ends you." A threat.}}
 
*{{LanguageRow|Garas quenathra||"Why are you here?/Why have you come?" Spoken by the voices of the Vir'abelasan}}
  
*{{LanguageRow|Garas quenathra||"Why are you here?/Why have you come?" Spoken by the voices of the Vir'abelasan}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ghil-Dirthalen||"One who guides seekers of knowledge true."<ref>As explained by the [[Archivist]] spirit in [[Shattered Library|Vir Dirthara]] in the [[Trespasser]] [[Downloadable content (Inquisition)|DLC]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ghil-Dirthalen||"One who guides seekers of knowledge true."<ref>As explained by the [[Archivist]] spirit in the [[Shattered Library|Vir Dirthara]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ghilan'him banal'vhen||"The path that leads astray": a derogatory term for Arcane Warriors among those elves who eschewed physical combat<ref>According to [[Solas]] after acquiring the [[Knight Enchanter]] specialization.</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ghilan'him banal'vhen||"The path that leads astray": a derogatory term for Arcane Warriors among those elves who eschewed physical combat.<ref>According to [[Solas]] after acquiring the [[Knight Enchanter]] specialization</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Halam'shivanas||The sweet sacrifice of duty<ref>As explained by [[Morrigan]] at the [[Temple of Mythal]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ghilas dennar!||Meaning unknown.<ref name=librarians>Spoken by attacking [[Librarian]]s in the [[Vir Dirthara]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Halam'shivanas||The sweet sacrifice of duty.<ref>As explained by [[Morrigan]] in the [[Temple of Mythal]]</ref>}}
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* {{LanguageRow|Ir abelas||I am sorry.}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Ir abelas||I am sorry.<ref>Spoken by various characters, including [[Merrill]] to [[Marethari Talas]] right before Merrill stabs her in the shrine of [[Pride's End]] during [[A New Path]].</ref>}}
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* {{LanguageRow|Ir abelas, ma vhenan||"I am filled with sorrow for your loss, my heart."}}
  
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* {{LanguageRow|Ir tel'him||"I'm me again."<ref name=Wisdom>Spoken by the Spirit of Wisdom to [[Solas]] during the quest, [[All New, Faded for Her]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ir abelas, ma vhenan||"I am filled with sorrow for your loss, my heart."<ref>Said by [[Merrill]] if romanced after [[All That Remains]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Lasa ghilan||Grant/give guidance. Spoken by a Dalish Inquisitor to Solas with low approval in conversation with Solas.}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ir tel'him||I'm me again.<ref name=Wisdom>Spoken by the Spirit of Wisdom to [[Solas]] during the quest, [[All New, Faded for Her]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Lathbora viran||Roughly translated as "the path to a place of lost love," a longing for a thing one can never really know.<ref>[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]], p27.</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Lasa ghilan||Grant/give guidance.<ref>Spoken by a Dalish Inquisitor to Solas with low approval in conversation with Solas. Paraphrase says: “You could teach us.”</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ma banal las halamshir var vhen.||You do nothing to further our people. <ref>Spoken by a Dalish Inquisitor with low approval in conversation with Solas</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Lathbora viran||Roughly translated as "the path to a place of lost love," a longing for a thing one can never really know.<ref>[[Dragon Age: Last Flight]], p. 27</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ma banal las halamshir var vhen||You do nothing to further our people. <ref>Spoken by a Dalish Inquisitor with low approval in conversation with Solas. Paraphrase says: “You have abandoned us.”</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ma harel, da’len||You lie, child.<ref>[[Solas]] to [[Mihris]] during [[Measuring the Veil]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ma harel lasa!||You lied to me.<ref>Spoken by Lavellan during the final conversation with [[Solas]] in [[Trespasser]]</ref>}}
 
*{{LanguageRow|Ma ghilana mir din'an||Guide me into death.<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
  
*{{LanguageRow|Ma ghilana mir din'an||Guide me into death.<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
 
*{{LanguageRow|Ma melava halani||You helped me.<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
 
*{{LanguageRow|Ma melava halani||You helped me.<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Mas enasalin lasa revas evanura||Meaning unknown.<ref>Written to a non-elven [[Inquisitor]] when receiving [[The Red Hart]].</ref>}}
 
*{{LanguageRow|Mala suledin nadas||Now you must endure.<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
  
*{{LanguageRow|Mala suledin nadas||Now you must endure.<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ma nuvenin||As you wish.<ref>Spoken by [[Solas]] to the Spirit of Wisdom during the quest, [[All New, Faded for Her]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Malas amelin ne halam||I hope you find a new name.<ref>[[Solas]] to [[Abelas]] during [[What Pride Had Wrought]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ma vhenan||My heart (a term of endearment).}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ma nuvenin||As you say.<ref>Spoken by [[Solas]] to the Spirit of Wisdom during the quest, [[All New, Faded for Her]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ma vhenan||My heart; sometimes shortened simply to '''vhenan''', "heart"; a term of endearment.<ref>Said by [[Merrill]] and [[Solas]] to a romanced PC</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Ma serannas||My thanks (Thank you).}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Ma serannas||My thanks./Thank you.}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Mana. Ma halani.||Spoken by a Dalish Inquisitor in the quest [[Measuring the Veil]]. "Ma halani" is "Help me". In this context, "Mana" is an imperative verb, like "Stop" or "Wait".}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Mana. Ma halani||Help me. <ref>Special dialogue option for Lavellan or Solas during [[Measuring the Veil]].</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Masal din'an||A threat, meaning unknown.<ref>Spoken by [[Abelas]] after [[the Inquisitor]] has refused the alliance</ref>}}
 
*{{LanguageRow|Melana en athim las enaste||Now let humility grant favor.<ref name=TempleTracing>[[Codex entry: Tracing from Temple Doors]]</ref>}}
  
*{{LanguageRow|Melana en athim las enaste||Now let humility grant favor.<ref name=TempleTracing>[[Codex entry: Tracing from Temple Doors]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Na din'an sahlin!||Your death now (Now you die)!<ref>Parsed from the elven spirit guardian's response when the [[Inquisitor]] does not know [[Fen'Harel]]'s password greeting.</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Mythal'enaste||Mythal's favor.<ref>Spoken by the elven sentinel guide in the [[Temple of Mythal]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Sulevin ghilana hanin||Guide to certain glory / Guide of Glorious Purpose <ref>see [[Path to Glory]]</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Na abelas||You'll be sorry.<ref name>Merrill battle cry</ref> }}
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*{{LanguageRow|Na din'an sahlin!||Your death is come!<ref>Elven guardian spirit’s response when [[the Inquisitor]] does not know [[Fen'Harel|Fen'Harel]]’s secret greeting.</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Tel'abelas||"I'm not [sorry]."<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
  
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* {{LanguageRow|Tel garas solasan||Come not to a prideful place.<ref name=TempleTracing/>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Na melana sahlin||Your time is come.<ref>[[Codex entry: In Uthenera]]</ref>}}
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{{SpoilerDAIT|{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Nuvenas mana helanin, dirth bellasa ma||Meaning unknown.<ref>What the elven guardian spirit says when asking for [[Fen'Harel|Fen'Harel's]] secret greeting</ref>}}}}
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{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Penshra! Ghilas vellathan!|| Politely translated as "I prefer that you remain close."<ref>Translation by Solas of what the elven sentinel guide in the [[Temple of Mythal]] says, but he seems to have translated it more politely</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Seran viar malas shivera mellavar!||Meaning unknown.<ref name=librarians />}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Sulevin ghilana hanin||Roughly translates to "purpose guides to glory". This is an inscription on the back of the Dalish shield called "The Path to Glory".<ref>Inscription on [[Path to Glory]].</ref>}}
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{{SpoilerDAIT|{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Sylaise enaste var aravel. Lama, ara las mir lath. Bellanaris.||Dalish marriage vows.<ref>Spoken by an elven [[Inquisitor]] in the [[Trespasser]] [[Downloadable content (Inquisition)|DLC]] if she decides to marry [[Cullen]].</ref>}} }}
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{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Tel'abelas||I'm not sorry.<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Tel'dellan sa Vir Dirthara!||Meaning unknown.<ref name=librarians />}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Tel garas solasan||Come not to a prideful place.<ref name=TempleTracing/>}}
 
*{{LanguageRow|Telanadas||Nothing is inevitable.<ref>According to Inquisitor [[Ameridan]] during the quest [[Where Once We Walked]]</ref>}}
  
*{{LanguageRow|Telanadas||Nothing is inevitable.<ref>According to Inquisitor [[Ameridan]] during the quest [[Where Once We Walked]]</ref>}}
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{{SpoilerDAIT|{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|"Viran se lan'aan? Ir annala for ros... Nae! Ga rahn s'dael! Ga rahn! Ir emah'la shal! Ir emah'la shal!"||Spoken by the ghostly elven mother in the crypt where you get the Juggernaut armour. See "Deconstructing Elvish", below, for details on both ghosts' possible meanings.}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Vir sumeil||"We are close." <ref>Translation by [[Solas]] of what the elven sentinel guide in the Temple of Mythal says.</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Var lath vir suledin!||Our love will endure<ref>According to the paraphrase in the final conversation with [[Solas]] in [[Trespasser]], if romanced.</ref>}} }}
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{{clrl}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Vir'abelasan||"The place of the way of sorrows." Refers to the [[Well of Sorrows]].<ref>Spoken by [[Abelas]] at the [[Temple of Mythal]]</ref>}}
  
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*{{LanguageRow|Viran se lan'aan? Ir annala for ros... Nae! Ga rahn s'dael! Ga rahn! Ir emah'la shal! Ir emah'la shal!||Meaning unknown.<ref>Spoken by the ghostly elven mother in the crypt where you get the [[Juggernaut armor set]].</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Vir enasalin!||We [will] win!<ref>Spoken by [[Neria]] in combat.</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Vir sumeil||We are close.<ref>Translation by [[Solas]] of what the elven sentinel guide in the Temple of Mythal says.</ref>}}
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*{{LanguageRow|Virthar ma||Meaning unknown.<ref>The elven guardian spirit's response when [[the Inquisitor]] does not known [[Fen'Harel|Fen'Harel's]] secret greeting</ref>}}
   
 
== Elvish Vocabulary ==
  
== Elvish Vocabulary ==
  +
<!--This section is for canon translations only! Speculative translations should not be listed-->
  +
 
==='''A'''===
  
==='''A'''===
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:{{LanguageRow|Abelas||Sorrow. Also used as an apology.<ref>Mentioned by [[Athras]] if [[the Warden]] refuses to help him because of the reward.</ref><ref name=WOT>{{Cite wot|32}}</ref>}}
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:{{LanguageRow|Abelas||Sorrow; to be sorry.<ref name=WOT>{{Cite wot|32}}</ref> }}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Adahl/Adhal||Tree.<ref>As in Vir Tanadhal, “The Way of the Three Trees” and Vhenadahl, “the Tree of the People”</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Adahl||tree/bush.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Adahlen||forest.<ref name=TheWayof>[[Codex entry: Andruil: Goddess of the Hunt]], [[Codex entry: Vir Tanadhal: The Way of Three Trees]]</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Adahlen||Wood.<ref name=TheWayof>[[Codex entry: Andruil: Goddess of the Hunt]], [[Codex entry: Vir Tanadhal: The Way of Three Trees]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Alas||earth, dirt.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Alas||Earth, dirt.{{citation needed}}}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|-An||suffix indicating place or location.<ref>As in the phrase "vir'abelasan," "the place of the way of sorrows"; or "Solasan," the "place of pride."</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|-an||Suffix indicating place or location.<ref>As in the phrase "vir'abelasan," "the place of the way of sorrows"; or "Solasan," the "place of pride."</ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Ar||First person pronoun; I, me.<ref>As in “ar lath ma vhenan” and “ar lasa mala revas”</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Annar||year.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ar||personal pronoun: I, me.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Aravas||Meaning unknown.}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Aravas||journeys.<ref name=WOT2Lullaby></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Aravel||A wagon used by the Dalish; also a physical and spiritual path, a journey with purpose.<ref name=WOT></ref> Humans call them "landships."}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Arlathan||The major city of [[Elvhenan]], original homeland of the elves; from the phrase "ar lath’an" meaning, "This place of love".}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Aravel||A wagon used by the Dalish; literally a physical and spiritual path, a journey with purpose.<ref name=WOT></ref> Humans call them "landships."}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Arlathvhen||Meeting of the Dalish clans that occurs every ten years. Means "for love of the people."<ref name=WOT></ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Arla||home.}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Assan||Arrow.<ref name=TheWayof></ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Arlathvhen||Meeting of the Dalish clans, every ten years.<ref>Arla: home; Ar: I, me; Lath: love; Vhen: people, us. The meaning of this title is connotative more than anything else.</ref> Means "for love of the people."<ref name=WOT></ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Asha||woman.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Atish’an||Peace.<ref>[[Codex entry: Vir Atish'an]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Assan||arrow.<ref name=TheWayof></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Athim||Humility.<ref name=TempleTracing/>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Awell||Meaning unknown.<ref>Said by attacking temple guardians at the Temple of Mythal.</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Atisha||peace, peaceful.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Athim||humility<ref name=TempleTracing/>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Aval'var||Our journey.<ref>Name of the first Avvar Chieftan as given by the elven spirit in [[Codex entry: Saga of Tyrdda Bright-Axe, Avvar-Mother|The Saga of Tyrdda Brightaxe]]</ref>}}
  
   
 
==='''B''' ===
  
==='''B''' ===
−
:{{LanguageRow|Banal||nothing, not, no}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Banal||Never.<ref name=Deep>[[Codex entry: Torn Notebook in the Deep Roads, Section 3]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Banalhan||"The place of nothing", a name for the Blight or its place of origin.<ref name=WOT></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Banalhan||A name for the Blight or its place of origin; the place of nothing.<ref name=WOT></ref>}}
 
:{{LanguageRow|Banal'ras||Shadow.<ref>[[Vir Banal'ras]]</ref>}}
  
:{{LanguageRow|Banal'ras||Shadow.<ref>[[Vir Banal'ras]]</ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Bellanaris||Eternity.<ref name=WOT/><ref name=VB>[[Landmarks_on_the_Plains#Var_Bellanaris|Description]] of [[Var Bellanaris]].</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Bel||many.}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Boranehn||Lost joy.<ref>{{Tumblr|author=Nunzio DeFilippis|url=https://weirdefilippis.tumblr.com/post/161870246677/clan-boranehn-from-knight-errant-translation|title=Clan Boranehn from Knight Errant translation}}</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Bellanaris||Eternity<ref name=WOT/><ref name=VB>[[Landmarks_on_the_Plains#Var_Bellanaris|Description]] of [[Var Bellanaris]].</ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Bora||to throw, project, lose.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Bor'assan||Bow.<ref name=TheWayof></ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Bor'assan||bow.<ref name=TheWayof></ref>}}
  
   
 
==='''D'''===
  
==='''D'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|Da||small, diminutive prefix.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Da||Diminutive prefix; small.<ref name=Deep />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Dar||to be.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Dar||To be.{{citation needed}}}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Da'len||little child, or "little one"}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Da'len||Little child; little one.<ref name=lullaby>From ''Mir Da'Len Somniar'' in {{Cite wot2|217}}</ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Dahl'amythal||Tree of Mythal from which Dalish Keepers’ staves are cut.<ref>Conversation with [[Velanna]] in [[Amaranthine]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Dareth||be safe.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Delltash||meaning unknown, perhaps used as a curse.<ref>yelled by attacking [[Librarian]]s in [[Vir Dirthara]]. Also spat derisively by the limping sentinel guide in the Temple of Mythal in response to [[Sera]]'s attempt at elven translation.</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Delltash||Meaning unknown; possibly used as a curse.<ref name=librarians /><ref>Also said derisively by the limping sentinel guide in the Temple of Mythal in response to [[Sera]]'s attempt at elven translation.</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Din||"not", or "isn't"; also used to indicate someone who has died: someone who is not.<ref name=WOT></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Din||The dead.<ref name=WOT />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Din'an||death<ref name=Wisdom/>, end<ref name=TempleTracing/>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Din'an||Death<ref name=Wisdom/>; end.<ref name=TempleTracing/>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Dirth||tell, speak. A term for knowledge, secrets.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Din'anshiral||A journey of death.<ref>Final conversation with [[Solas]] in [[Trespasser]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Dirthara||learn, seek truth.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Dirth||A term for knowledge or secrets; tell; speak.{{Citation needed}}}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Dirthara||Learn;<ref name=Viv />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Dirthavaren||"The promise"—Elvish name for the [[Exalted Plains]].<ref>As mentioned by [[Hawen|Keeper Hawen]] in ''Inquisition''.</ref>}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Dirthavaren||The promise; the Elven name for the [[Exalted Plains]].<ref>As mentioned by [[Hawen|Keeper Hawen]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Dirthera||tell.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Dorf||grey.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Dirthera||To tell tales.<ref>[[Codex entry: In Uthenera]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Durgen||stone.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Durgen||Stone.{{Citation needed}}}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Durgen’len||Children of [[The Stone|the stone]]. The original Elvish term for the [[Dwarf|dwarves]].<ref>When first speaking to [[Varathorn]], it is mentioned by him to [[Oghren]].</ref><ref name=WOT></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Durgen’len||Children of [[The Stone|the stone]]; the Ancient Elvish term for the [[Dwarf|dwarves]].<ref name="WOT" /><ref>When first speaking to [[Varathorn]], it is mentioned by him to [[Oghren]].</ref>}}
   
 
==='''E'''===
  
==='''E'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|El||our.}}
+
:{{LanguageRow|Elgar||Spirit.<ref>From “elgar’arla” meaning “spirit trap”</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Elgar||spirit.}}
+
:{{LanguageRow|Elgara||Sun.<ref name= lullaby />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Elgara||sun.<ref name=WOT2Lullaby>parsed from the Mir Da'len Somniar on p.217 of [[Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 2]] and p.19 of The Seer's Yarn</ref>}}
+
:{{LanguageRow|Elgar'arla||Spirit-trap; a binding circle to hold a [[spirit]] or [[demon]].<ref>[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]], Chapter 12.</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Elgar'arla||a spirit-trap, a binding circle to hold a [[Spirit]] or [[Demon]].}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|[[Eluvian]]||Mirror; literally "seeing glass."<ref>According to [[Finn]] in ''[[Witch Hunt]].''</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|[[Eluvian]]||mirror. Literally, "seeing glass."<ref>According to [[Finn]] in ''[[Witch Hunt]].''</ref>}}
+
:{{LanguageRow|Elvhen||Elven name for their own race; our people.<ref name=wot27>{{Cite wot|27}}</ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Elvhenan||The name of the [[Elvhenan|elven civilization]] before the arrival of humans in [[Thedas]]; the place of our people.<ref>[[Codex entry: Arlathan: Part One]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Elvarel||longer, more effort.}}
 
−
:{{LanguageRow|Elvhen||"Our People". Elven name for their own race.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Enasal||Joy in triumph over loss; a variation of joyful relief.<ref name=WOT />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Elvhenan||Place of our people. The name of the [[Elvhenan|elven civilization]] before the arrival of humans in [[Thedas]].<ref>[[Codex entry: Arlathan: Part One]]</ref> Also could be translated as: "Our hearts".}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Enasalin||Victory.<ref>[[Codex entry: Enasalin]]</ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Enansal||Blessing.<ref name=Epi />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Emma||I am/my or within/full of.<ref>Suledin (Endure) and The Elvish Eulogy songs</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: Torn Notebook in the Deep Roads, Section 3]]</ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|-en||suffix indicating plural.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Enaste||Favor.<ref name=TempleTracing/>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ena||appear; emerge.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Enfenim||To fear.<ref name =lullaby />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Enasal||joy in triumph over loss; a variation of joyful relief<ref name=WOT></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Era'harel||Demon-mage; similar to an [[arcane horror]].<ref>[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]], Chapter 15.</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Enasalin||victory.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Eth||Safe.{{citation needed}}}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Evanuris||Leader;<ref name=Deep /> Translated by Dorian in context as "mage leader";<ref>[[Dorian Pavus|Dorian]]'s translation of the word. Note that it is not a literal translation, only his approximation of its meaning based on external context; he also compares them to [[magister]]s.</ref> what the [[Elf|elvhen]] called their [[elven pantheon|gods]].}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Enansal||gift or blessing.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Enaste||favor, approval.<ref name=TempleTracing/>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Enfanim||to fear.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Era'harel||demon-mage; similar to an [[arcane horror]].}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Eth||safe.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Evanuris||mage leader.<ref>[[Dorian]]'s translation of the word.</ref> What the [[elves|elvhen]] called their [[elven pantheon|gods]].<ref>[[Codex entry: Torn Notebook in the Deep Roads, Section 3]]</ref>}}
  
   
 
==='''F'''===
  
==='''F'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|Falon||friend.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Falon||Friend.<ref>From [[Falon’Din]], friend of the dead</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Felas||slow.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Felandaris||Demon weed.<ref>[[Codex entry: Felandaris]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Felandaris||demon weed.<ref>[[Codex entry: Felandaris]]</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Felassan||Slow arrow.<ref>As explained by [[Felassan]] in [[The Masked Empire]], Chapter 3</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Felassan||slow arrow.<ref>As explained by [[Felassan]] in [[The Masked Empire]]</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Fen||Wolf.<ref>From [[Fenris]] meaning “little wolf” and Fen’Harel meaning “Dread Wolf”</ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Fenedhis||Meaning officially undefined as of yet; a common curse.<ref>{{Twitter|author=[[Patrick Weekes]]|url=https://twitter.com/PatrickWeekes/status/624013938800246784}}</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Fen||wolf.<ref>[[Fenris]]</ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Fenedhis||undefined common curse. Possibly the equivalent of "crap."<ref>[https://twitter.com/PatrickWeekes/status/624013938800246784 Patrick Weekes Twitter].</ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Fenedhis lasa||an expansion on Fenedhis, a common curse.<ref>In a banter between [[Solas]] and [[Sera]]</ref>}}
  
   
 
==='''G'''===
  
==='''G'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|Garas||come.<ref name=TempleTracing></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Garas||Come.<ref name=TempleTracing></ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ghilan||a guide.<ref>[[Solas]] thanks the sentinel guide by saying "Ma serannas, ghilan."</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Ghilana||To guide.<ref name=Wisdom />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ghilani||to guide.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Ghilas||To go.<ref name=lullaby />}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Glandival||Meaning unknown.<ref>Used in conversation by Solas with [[Mihris]] during [[Measuring the Veil]] if he is in the party and his special dialogue is selected</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ghilas||to go.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Glandival||wish, to believe.<ref>From the lullaby "Where Willows Wail {{Cite wot2|201.}}</ref>}}
  
   
 
==='''H'''===
  
==='''H'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|Hahren'al||A gathering of ''hahrens'' during ''arlathvhen''.<ref>{{Cite wot2|108.}}</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Hahren'al||A gathering of ''hahrens'' during the Arlathvhen.<ref>{{Cite wot2|108}}</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Hahren||Elder. Used as a term of respect by the Dalish, but more specifically for the leader of an alienage by the City Elves.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Hahren||Elder; used as a term of respect by the Dalish as well as by city elves for the leader of an alienage.}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|[[Halamshiral]]||The capital of the second elven homeland in the [[Dales]]; the end of the journey.<ref name=walk>[[Codex entry: The Long Walk]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Halam||the end, finished.}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Halani||Help.<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|[[Halamshiral]]||The end of the journey. Also the name of the capital of the second elven homeland in the [[Dales]].<ref>[[Codex entry: The Long Walk]]</ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Halani||help.<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Hamin||Rest.<ref name=Uth>[[Codex entry: In Uthenera]]</ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|[[Hanal'ghilan]]||Elven name for the mythical golden [[halla]] said by the [[Dalish]] to appear during times of great need; the pathfinder.<ref>According to [[Keeper]] Hawen's clan in the [[Exalted Plains]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Hamin||rest, relax.}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Harel||To trick or deceive;<ref name="WOT" />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Hanal'ghilan||"the pathfinder;" Elvish name for the mythical golden [[halla]] said by the [[Dalish]] to appear during times of great need<ref>According to [[Keeper]] Hawen's clan in the [[Exalted Plains]].</ref>}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Harellan||Trickster;<ref name=WOT /> used by the [[Dalish]] to mean "traitor to one's kin".<ref name="Rebel">[[Codex entry: The Rebel God]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Hanin||glory.}}
 
−
:{{LanguageRow|Harel||To trick or deceive. Dreaded, frightening, causing fear.<ref name=WOT></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Harillen||Opposition.<ref name= "Rebel" />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Harellan||trickster, traitor to one's kin.<ref>[[Codex entry: The Rebel God]]</ref><ref name=WOT></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Hellathen||Noble struggle.<ref name= "Rebel" />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Harillen||opposition<ref>[[Codex entry: The Rebel God]]</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Him||Become.<ref name=TempleTracing/>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Hellathen||noble struggle<ref>[[Codex entry: The Rebel God]]</ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Him||become<ref name=TempleTracing/>}}
  
   
 
==='''I'''===
  
==='''I'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|In||with or inside; dwell.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|In||In.<ref name=Uth />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Inan||eyes. Literally: "inside place" or "dwelling place" - i.e. windows to the soul.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Ir||I am.<ref>As in “ir abelas” meaning “I’m sorry” and “ir tel’him” meaning “I’m me again”</ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Iras||Where.<ref name=lullaby />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ir||very, more; I'm/I am<ref name=Wisdom>as spoken by [[Solas]] to his spirit friend during his personal quest, [[All New, Faded for Her]]</ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Iras||where.<ref name=WOT2Lullaby></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Irassal||Wherever.<ref name=lullaby />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Irassal||wherever.<ref name=WOT2Lullaby></ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Isala||in need of.}}
  
   
 
==='''L'''===
  
==='''L'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|La||and.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|La||And.<ref name=Uth />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Las||grant, give.<ref name=TempleTracing/>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Las||Grant; give.<ref name=TempleTracing/><ref name=Deep />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Lath||love.<ref name=WOT></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Lath||Love of being; to be in love.<ref name=WOT />}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Lethallin/Lethallan/Lethallen||Casual reference used for someone with whom one is familiar; generally, lethallin is used for males while lethallan is used for females;<ref>During the [[Dalish Elf Origin]], [[Tamlen]] refers to [[the Warden]] as "lethallin" if male, and as "lethallan" if female.</ref> lethallen has been stated to be the appropriate gender neutral term unless otherwise stated later in canon, though it is likely to remain the same.<ref>{{Twitter|author=[[Patrick Weekes]]|url=https://twitter.com/PatrickWeekes/status/873240708596899840}}</ref> }}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Len||child.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Lethallin; Lethallan||Casual reference used for someone with whom one is familiar. Lethallin is used for males, while lethallan is used for females,<ref>During the [[Dalish Elf Origin]], [[Tamlen]] refers to [[the Warden]] as "lethallin" if male, and as "lethallan" if female</ref> but this is not always the case. <ref>In Dragon Age: Inquisition, [[Solas]] will refer to a female elf Inquisitor as lethallin a few times, as does [[Minaeve]] in Haven.</ref> Akin to "cousin" or "clansman" since "lin" is the word for blood. See talk page for more information.}}
 +
{{Note|Though "lethallin" is usually used for males and "lethallan" for females, as stated above, there are instances where this is not the case. For example, in the ''[[Dragon Age: Origins|Dragon Age]]'' [[Dalish Elf Origin]] opening scene on {{Platforms|PC}}, your fellow clansman, [[Tamlen]], will once refer to you as "lethallin" for a female [[The Warden|warden]], and as "lethallan" for a male<ref>See also [[Talk:Elven language#Lethallin/Lethallan|the talk page]].</ref>. And in ''[[Dragon Age: Inquisition]]'', [[Solas]] will refer to a female elf Inquisitor as lethallin a few times, as does [[Minaeve]] in [[Haven]]. However it is unclear if this is intentional or a production error.}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Lethanavir||Another appellation of [[Falon'Din]].<ref>[[Elven Prayer for the Dead]]</ref><ref>[[Codex entry: Song to Falon'Din]]</ref>
−
:{{LanguageRow|Lin||blood.}}
  
  +
}}
   
 
==='''M'''===
  
==='''M'''===
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Ma||Meaning unknown<ref>As in “ma vhenan” meaning “my heart”, “ma harel” meaning “you lie”, and “ma melava halani” meaning “you helped me”</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ma||my, mine, OR you, your}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Mahvir||tomorrow.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Mala||Your.<ref name= lullaby />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Mala||your.<ref name=WOT2Lullaby></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Mana||Meaning unknown; see “Mana. Ma halani.”}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Mamae||Mother.<ref>Ghostly boy in [[Lower Ruins]].</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Melana||Time.<ref name=Uth />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Mana||distant past; long amount of time.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Melanada||All time. <ref>[[Codex entry: On Skyhold]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Melana||time.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Melava||Time;<ref name=lullaby />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Melava||time, past tense.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Mi||Blade.{{citation needed}}}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Mi||blade.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Mi'durgen||Diamond; literally 'blade stone'.<ref>[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]], pg. 132</ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Mien'harel||Rebellion; depending on the interpretation, a violent call for justice; a concept that when humans push the elven population too far they must remind them that even a "short blade" must be respected; most commonly a term used by [[city elves|city elf]].<ref>According to [[Briala]] in ''[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]], Chapter 5.</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Mi'durgen||diamond, literally 'blade stone'.}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Mir||My.<ref name=lullaby />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Mien'harel||rebellion (or else a violent call for justice, depending on the interpretation), normally a [[city elves| city elf]] term; a concept that when humans push the elven population too far they must remind them that even a "short blade" must be respected.<ref>According to [[Briala]].</ref>}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Mirthadra||Honored.<ref>The [[Archivist]] greets an elven [[The Inquisitor|Inquisitor]] or [[Sera]] by calling them "mirthadra elvhen" or "honored elvhen."</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Mir||my.}}
  
   
 
==='''N'''===
  
==='''N'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|Na||your; is}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Na||Is.<ref name=Uth />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Nadas||Inevitable<ref name=WOT></ref>. Also used as an expression of obligation (i.e. "must").<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Nadas||Inevitability; something that must be;<ref name=WOT /> used as an expression of obligation, i.e. "must".<ref name=Wisdom></ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Nan||Elven suffix, meaning unknown.<ref>See [[Elgar'nan]], known as the God of Vengeance, the All-Father, the Eldest of the Sun.</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Nan||revenge; vengeance.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ne||you.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Numin||Cry.<ref name=Uth />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Nehn||joy.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Nuvenin||Say, as in “as you say”.<ref name=Wisdom />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Numin||cry, tears.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Nuvenin||want, need.}}
  
   
 
==='''R'''===
  
==='''R'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|Renan||voice.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Renan||Voice.<ref name=lullaby />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Revas||freedom.<ref name=WOT></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Revas||Freedom.<ref name=WOT />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Revasan||"The place where freedom dwells". <ref>[[Landmarks_on_the_Plains#Fort_Revasan|Banner at Fort Revasan]]</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Revasan||The place where freedom dwells.<ref>[[Landmarks_on_the_Plains#Fort_Revasan|Banner at Fort Revasan]]</ref>}}
   
 
==='''S'''===
  
==='''S'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|Sa||one.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Sa||One; one more.<ref name=Uth />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Sahlin||now, in this moment.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Sahlin||Now; is come.<ref name=Uth />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Samahl||laugh, laughter.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Samahl||Laugh.<ref name =Uth />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Sa'vunin||a single day.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Sa'vunin||One more day.<ref name=Uth />}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Setheneran||Land of waking dreams; a place where the [[Veil]] is thin.<ref>According to [[Tamlen]] in the [[Dalish Elf Origin]] if asked about the walking corpses.</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Serannas||grateful, appreciative.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Seth||thin, tenuous.<ref>Breakdown of "setheneran."</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|She'va dhal||Exclamation, meaning unknown.<ref>Said by [[Merrill]] when she first sees [[Ketojan]] in [[Shepherding Wolves]]</ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Shem||Quick. Also used as a slang term for humans by both the Dalish and City elves. It can sometimes be intended as a derogatory term or an insult, especially with elves who are distrustful of humans.}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Setheneran||Land of waking dreams. A place where the [[Veil]] is thin.<ref>[[Tamlen]] speaks of it in the [[Dalish Elf Origin]], if asked about the walking corpses</ref> Literally: "Tenuous waking dream place".}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Shemlen||The original name elves use for the human race; continues to see use as a slang term amongst the Dalish clans and the City Elves ("shems") even though its meaning has largely been lost; literally "quick children".}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Shem||quick, fast.}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Shiral||Journey.<ref name=walk />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Shemlen||Literally "quick children". The original name of the elves for the human race. It continues to see use as a slang term amongst the City Elves ("Shems") even though its meaning has largely been lost.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Shiral||journey.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Solas||Pride; to stand tall.<ref name=WOT />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Solas||Pride, to stand tall.<ref name=WOT></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Solasan||A prideful place.<ref name=TempleTracing></ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Solasan||a prideful place.<ref name=TempleTracing></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Somniar||To dream.<ref name=lullaby />}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Somniari||Dreamer.<ref>According to Keeper [[Marethari]] during [[Night Terrors]]. Marethari makes the following remark about [[Feynriel]]: "The magic he possesses makes him what the Tevinters called "somniari," a dreamer." This indicates that somniari is possibly a loan word from [[Tevene]].</ref><ref>''[[Dragon Age: The Masked Empire]]'', chapter 12, chapter 15. [[Felassan]] and [[Mihris]] bring up the rituals of the somniari; neither of them suggests the word is Tevinter in origin.</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Somniar||to dream.<ref name=WOT2Lullaby></ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Souveri||weary, tired.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Sulahn'nehn||Rejoice; joy.<ref name=WOT />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Sumeil||close, near.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Sulahn||Sing.<ref name=Uth />}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Suledin||The concept of finding strength in enduring loss or pain;<ref name=WOT /> endure.<ref name=Wisdom /><ref name=wot29 />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Suv||happen.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Sulahn'nehn||joy/happiness.<ref name=WOT></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Sulevin||Purpose.<ref>[[Sulevin Blade]] description</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Sulahn||sing.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Suledin||endure, strength to withstand loss.<ref name=WOT></ref> See enasal for doing so successfully}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Sulevin||certain, purpose.<ref>[[Sulevin Blade]] description</ref>}}
  
   
 
==='''T'''===
  
==='''T'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|Tan||three.<ref name=TheWayof></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Tan||Three.<ref name= TheWayof />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Tarasyl'an Te'las||the place where the sky was held back. Original elven name for [[Skyhold]].<ref>According to [[Morrigan]], and [[Solas]]' [[Codex entry: On Skyhold|notes on Skyhold]].</ref>}}
+
:{{LanguageRow|Tarasyl'an Te'las||The place where the sky was held back; Ancient Elven name for [[Skyhold]].<ref>According to [[Morrigan]], and [[Solas]]' in [[Codex entry: On Skyhold|notes on Skyhold]].</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Taren||mind.<ref name=WOT2Lullaby></ref>}}
+
:{{LanguageRow|Taren||Mind.<ref name=lullaby />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Tasallan||meaning unknown. [[Merrill]]'s staff in ''[[Dragon Age II]]'' is called [[Vir Tasallan]].}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Tasallan||Meaning unknown; [[Merrill]]'s staff in ''[[Dragon Age II]]'' is called [[Vir Tasallan]].}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Then||Awake; alert.{{Citation needed}}}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Tel||not; often used to negate the noun/verb that proceeds it.<ref>See "Deconstructing Elvish."</ref>}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Theneras||Dream.<ref>Inscription at Razikale's Reach in the Frostback Basin according to [[Bram Kenric]]</ref><ref name=Deep />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Then||awake, alert.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Theneras||dream.<ref>According to Bram Kenric. The world is inscribed at the Razikale's Reach in the Frostback Basin.</ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Tu||to make, to cause.}}
  
   
 
==='''U'''===
  
==='''U'''===
  +
:{{LanguageRow|[[Uthenera]]||The name of the ancient practice of immortal elves who would "sleep" once they tired of life; immortal;<ref name=WOT></ref> waking sleep; literally "eternal waking dream".{{Citation needed}}}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|U||alone.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Uth||long, forever, never ending, eternal.<ref>Breakdown of "uthenera."</ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Uthenera||Waking sleep; immortal.<ref name=WOT></ref> [[Uthenera]] was the name of the ancient practice of immortal elves who would "sleep" once they tired of life. Literally: "Eternal waking dream".}}
  
   
 
==='''V'''===
  
==='''V'''===
−
:{{LanguageRow|Vallas||writing<ref>[[Codex entry: Vallaslin: Blood Writing]]</ref>, set.<ref name=WOT2Lullaby></ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Vallas||Set, as in the setting of the sun.<ref name=lullaby />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Vallasdahlen||Life-trees. Trees planted in remembrance of those who dedicated their lives to the Dalish kingdom, that grew into a mighty wood.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Vallasdahlen||Trees planted in remembrance of those who dedicated their lives to the Dalish kingdom that grew into a mighty wood;<ref>[[Landmarks in the Graves#Vallasdahlen]]</ref> life-trees.}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Vallaslin||Blood writing. The art of tattooing adopted by some elves to more prominently (and some might say belligerently) display their worship of the traditional elven pantheon.<ref>[[Codex entry: Vallaslin: Blood Writing]]</ref>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|[[Vallaslin]]||Blood writing; The art of tattooing adopted by some elves to more prominently display their worship of the traditional elven pantheon.<ref>[[Codex entry: Vallaslin: Blood Writing]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Vallem|3 = "To bid" or "I bid you".}}:{{LanguageRow|Var||our.<ref name=TempleTracing/><ref name=VB/>}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Var||Our.<ref name=TempleTracing/><ref name=VB/>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ven||to go.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Venavis||Meaning unknown<ref>Spoken by [[Abelas]].</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Venavis||stop.}}
 
−
:{{LanguageRow|Vhen||"people of" or "belonging to the elves, the clans, elven society".}}
  
 
:{{LanguageRow|Vhenadahl||The tree of the people.<ref>[[Codex entry: Vhenadahl: The Tree of the People]]</ref>}}
  
:{{LanguageRow|Vhenadahl||The tree of the people.<ref>[[Codex entry: Vhenadahl: The Tree of the People]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Vhen'alas||The land itself, as in "the ground". Literally: "our earth".}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Vhen'alas||The land itself, as in "the ground"; literally "our earth".{{citation needed}}}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Vhenan||heart.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Vhenan||Heart; often used as a term of endearment.<ref>Spoken by Solas to a romanced Inquisitor.</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Vhenas||home.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Vhenas||Home.<ref name=lullaby />}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Vir||Way;<ref name= TheWayof /> we.<ref name=Uth />}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Vir||way or path.<ref>As seen on the [[Dalish]] page: Vir Assan, Vir Bor'Assan, Vir Adahlen - "Way of the Arrow", "Way of the Bow", and "Way of the Forest".</ref>}}
  
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Vir'abelasan||The place of the way of sorrows; refers to the [[Well of Sorrows]].<ref>Spoken by [[Abelas]] at the [[Temple of Mythal]], translated by [[Morrigan]]</ref>}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|Vissanalla||translation unknown<ref>[http://i.imgur.com/belmPt1.jpg well of sorrows]</ref>}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Vunin||day.}}
 +
:{{LanguageRow|Vissanalla||Meaning unknown.<ref>Spoken at the [[Well of Sorrows]]</ref>}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Vunin||Day.<ref name=Uth />}}
  +
{{Tabletop RPG material}}
  +
:{{LanguageRow|Vhenallin||Friends of the People.<ref>''[[Dragon Age (tabletop RPG)]]'', Game Master's Guide, set 1, p. 56 ('[After the players save the clan of Dalish elves], the Dalish make the characters adopted members of their clan, offering them tokens showing them to be vhenallin, or “friends of the People.”')</ref>}}
   
−
== The Elvish Eulogy ==
 +
== Songs ==
  +
=== Suledin (Endure) ===
−
<poem>
  
  +
Suledin is "an elven song about enduring and emerging from sorrow, tied to the loss of their ancient lands, but commonly adapted to express personal struggles as well".<ref name="wot29">{{Cite wot|29}}</ref>
−
:hahren na melana sahlin
  
−
:emma ir abelas
  
−
:souver'inan isala hamin
  
−
:vhenan him dor'felas
  
−
:in uthenera na revas<br>
  
−
:vir sulahn'nehn
  
−
:vir dirthera
  
−
:vir samahl la numin
  
−
:vir lath sa'vunin<br>
  
−
:Translation:<br>
  
−
:elder your time is come
  
−
:now I am filled with sorrow
  
−
:weary eyes need resting
  
−
:heart has become grey and slow
  
−
:in waking sleep is freedom<br>
  
−
:we sing, rejoice
  
−
:we tell the tale
  
−
:we laugh and cry
  
−
:we love one more day
  
−
</poem>
  
−  
−
{{CodexQuote|In Uthenera|}}
  
−  
−
{{Note|These are also the lyrics to the song Leliana sings for you in camp during ''Origins'' , and its beginning is played in the end of the Dalish Elf Origin. From in-game explanation, plus the fact that elves can no longer undergo the Uthenera, since they are no longer immortal, it seems this is a song used to mourn the dead now.}}
  
−  
−
== Suledin (Endure) - an Elven Song ==
  
−
The elven song Suledin is played during the dungeon escape portion of the ''[[Leliana's Song]]'' [[Downloadable content (Origins)|DLC]]. (This is yet to be confirmed, for the only thing close enough to Suledin in Leliana's Song is Inon Zur's "Captivity". It does include the lines "lath aravel ena" and "ir sa lethalin", but otherwise the lyrics are different - the ni-la/neela part, for example) The song is about enduring and emerging from sorrow, tied to the elves' loss of their ancient lands. It is adapted to personal struggles, as well.<ref>[http://social.bioware.com/forum/1/topic/141/index/4595798%26lf%3D8#4600000 | Post by Dragon Age writer Lukas Kristjanson in the BioWare forums]</ref>
  
   
 
{| cellpadding="20"
  
{| cellpadding="20"
Line 291: Line 278:
 
|
  
|
 
Melava inan enansal<br />
  
Melava inan enansal<br />
−
ir su araval tu elvaral<br />
 +
ir su aravel tu elvaral<br />
 
u na emma abelas<br />
  
u na emma abelas<br />
 
in elgar sa vir mana<br />
  
in elgar sa vir mana<br />
−
in tu setheneran din emma na<br /><br />
 +
in tu setheneran din emma na<br />
  +
 
lath sulevin<br />
  
lath sulevin<br />
 
lath araval ena<br />
  
lath araval ena<br />
 
arla ven tu vir mahvir<br />
  
arla ven tu vir mahvir<br />
 
melana ‘nehn<br />
  
melana ‘nehn<br />
−
enasal ir sa lethalin<br />
 +
enasal ir sa lethalin
 
||
  
||
 
Time was once a blessing<br />
  
Time was once a blessing<br />
Line 310: Line 298:
 
to a home tomorrow<br />
  
to a home tomorrow<br />
 
and time will again<br />
  
and time will again<br />
−
be the joy it once was<br />
 +
be the joy it once was
 
|}
  
|}
  +
{{Note|The translated lyrics are described as a "rough" translation in World of Thedas Vol. 1, and shouldn't be used as a guideline for translation purposes.}}
   
  +
=== Mir Da'len Somniar ===
−
{{Note|This is an extremely loose translation. For instance, "lath" means "love", and yet "lath aravel ena" is translated as "and the path will emerge".}}
  
  +
A traditional Dalish lullaby found in the children's book ''[[The Seer's Yarn]]'', collected by [[Seer]] Agata.<ref>{{Cite wot2|217}}</ref>
−  
  +
[[File:Matt-rhodes-worldofthedas2-mirdalensomniar.jpg|right|275px]]
−
== I Am the One ==
  
−
Played at the end credits of ''[[Dragon Age: Origins]]'' and included in the [[Dragon Age: Origins (soundtrack)|soundtrack]], 'I Am the One' features elven lyrics written by [[Inon Zur]]. A translation for the song can be found in [[Codex entry: "I Am The One"]].
  
−  
−
{| cellpadding="20"
  
−
|-
 
−
|
  
−
Heruamin lotirien<br />
  
−
Alai uethri maeria<br />
  
−
Halurocon yalei nam bahna<br />
  
−
Dolin nereba maome<br />
  
−  
−
Ame amin<br />
  
−
Halai lothi amin<br />
  
−
Aloamin Heruamin<br />
  
−  
−
Heruamin oh lonai<br />
  
−
Imwe naine beriole<br />
  
−  
−
Ame amin<br />
  
−
Halai lothi amin<br />
  
−
Aloamin Heruamin<br />
  
−  
−
Ame amin<br />
  
−
Halai lothi amin<br />
  
−
Noamin<br />
  
−  
−
Ame amin<br />
  
−
Halai lothi amin<br />
  
−
Noamin Heruamin<br />
  
−
|}
  
−
{{InfoBoxRowOptional}}
  
−
== Mir Da'len Somniar - a Dalish Lullaby ==
  
−
Found in [[Dragon Age: The World of Thedas Volume 2]] and The Seer's Yarn.
 
 
{| cellpadding="20"
  
{| cellpadding="20"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 384: Line 341:
 
|}
  
|}
   
  +
=== Where Willows Wail ===
−
{{InfoBoxRowOptional}}
  
  +
An elven version of a lullaby local to [[Denerim]] and nearby villages to the south.<ref>{{Cite wot2|201}}</ref>
−
== Where Willows Wail ==
  
−
An elven version of a lullaby local to [[Denerim]] and nearby villages to the south. <ref>{{Cite wot2|201}}</ref>
  
 
{| cellpadding="20"
  
{| cellpadding="20"
 
|-
 
|-
Line 395: Line 351:
 
Vora’nadas san banal’him emma abel revas.<br />
  
Vora’nadas san banal’him emma abel revas.<br />
 
Ir tela’ena glandival, vir amin tel’hanin.<br />
  
Ir tela’ena glandival, vir amin tel’hanin.<br />
−
Ir tela las ir Fen halam, vir am’tela’elvahen.<br />
 +
Ir tela las ir Fen halam, vir am’tela’elvahen.
−  
 
||
  
||
 
We/it lost eternity or the ruined tree of the [[elf|People]]<br />
  
We/it lost eternity or the ruined tree of the [[elf|People]]<br />
Line 405: Line 360:
 
When the [[Fen'Harel|Wolf]] failed/won, we lost the People to war.<br />
  
When the [[Fen'Harel|Wolf]] failed/won, we lost the People to war.<br />
 
|}
  
|}
−
<nowiki> </nowiki>{{Note|The above translation is described as not being a literal translation, as "some form of lyrical shorthand is employed throughout" and it is completely different from modern formal Dalish. Thus it is impossible to use it to try to deconstruct the language.}}
 +
{{Note|The above translation is described as not being a literal translation, as "some form of lyrical shorthand is employed throughout" and it is completely different from modern formal Dalish. Thus it is impossible to use it to try to deconstruct the language.}}
   
  +
== Codex entries ==
−
== Constructing Elvish: Examples of Phrases ==
  
  +
:{{:Codex entry: In Uthenera|style=iconmini}}
−
{{Note|The following are ''possible'' phrases based on known definitions of elven words; they do not appear in any canon references.}}
  
  +
:{{:Codex entry: On Skyhold|style=iconmini}}
−  
  +
:{{:Codex entry: Tracing from Temple Doors|style=iconmini}}
−
==='''Endearments'''===
  
  +
:{{:Codex entry: Torn Notebook in the Deep Roads, Section 3|style=iconmini}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|da'assan||little arrow}}
  
  +
:{{:Codex entry: "I Am The One"|style=iconmini}}
−
:{{LanguageRow|da'mi||little blade}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|da'vhenan||little heart}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|emm'asha||my girl}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|ma sa'lath||my one love}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|ma'arlath||my love}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|ma emma lath||you are my love}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|vhenan'ara||heart's desire}}
  
−  
−
==='''Insults'''===
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|elvhen'alas||dirt elves}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|len'alas lath'din||dirty child no one loves}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|seth'lin||thin blood}}
  
−  
−
==='''Threats'''===
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ar'din nuvenin na'din||I don't want to kill you.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ar tu na'din||I will kill you.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ar tu na'lin emma mi||I will see your blood on my blade.}}
 
−
:{{LanguageRow|Emma shem'nan||My revenge is swift.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Halam sahlin||This ends now.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ma emma harel||You should fear me.}}
  
−
:{{LanguageRow|Ma halam||You are finished.}}
  
−  
−
== Deconstructing Elvish ==
  
−
Many words of Elvish are made up of contractions of smaller words. For instance, "Arlathan" means, "this place that I love". Deconstructing it, we arrive at Ar: I or me; Lath: love; and An: place. We know that this is correct, because: "lath" is used later in the eulogy poem to mean "love"; "an" is seen as a suffix in the word "Elvhenan", meaning "the place of our people", which is a direct extension of "Elvhen", meaning "our people". By elimination, "Ar" becomes the personal pronoun. In the same way, many other words can be deconstructed into their individual components.
  
−  
−
While "ar" exists as a personal pronoun, often times in a sentence, that pronoun is dropped. For example, "Ir abelas," can translate to "I am filled with sorrow for your loss," or, more colloquially, "I'm very sorry," with "ir" meaning "I" and "abelas" meaning "sorrow." So the predicate itself is enough to imply that "I" am the one who is expressing the sorrow.
 
−  
−
=== Examples ===
  
−  
−
:*{{LanguageRow|"Mamae? Mamae na mara san..."|| The panicked phrases of a lost child. It is known that "mamae" means "mother", and "na" is "your", but "Mara" and "san" are a different matter. "Ma" (you) and "ar" (i, me) don't offer any clues. "San" looks like a contraction of "sa" and "an", so, one place. Since the boy seems to be in a panic, and it is clear that he's looking for her, it's reasonable to assume that this is the gist of his statement, as well. So, "Mother your [mara] one place...", so "mara" can be parsed as "i can't find" or "where is". A reasonable translation would be, "Mama, I can't find you..." or "Mama, where is the place..."}}
  
−
:*{{LanguageRow|"Viran se lan'aan? Ir annala for ros... Nae! Ga rahn s'dael! Ga rahn! Ir emah'la shal! Ir emah'la shal!"||These sentences are spoken by the ghostly elven mother in the crypt where you get the Juggernaut armour. A possible translation: "How did you people find the path to this place? This place has been lost for centuries. No! Get away from our tree! Get away! You are desecrating my grave! You are desecrating my grave!"}}
  
−
:*{{LanguageRow|"Viran se lan'aan?"||"Vir" and "an" mean "the path" and "this place", respectively, so "the path to this place". If "se" is assumed to be a pronoun (since "lan'aan" is a bit long for that), then, going off of "sa" as "one" and "-en" as a plural, one could extrapolate "se" as possibly a plural "you". In that case, since it is a question, it can be assumed that she is asking "How did you people find the path to this place?", since that is a reasonable thing to be asking. Then, "lan'aan" would mean "how to find".}}
  
−
:*{{LanguageRow|"Nae! Ga rahn s'dael! Ga rahn!"||This is a very difficult part, because there's so little to go on. "Nae" might be "no", but "na" means "your". There is no precedent for "ga rahn", but "s'dael" could be broken down as: "sa" - one; "adahl" - tree; and "el" - our. Taking that on faith, the sentence might read something like, "No! Get away from our tree! Get away!"}}
  
−
:*{{LanguageRow|"Ir annala for ros..."||"Ir" means "very", and "annar" means "years", so it is reasonable to assume that "annala" has to do with a measurement of time in years. Perhaps it means "centuries". So, it begins with "A very many years or centuries", and then "for ros" has no precedent. Taking it together with the last line, it is highly probable that it means "This place has been lost for very many centuries."}}
  
−
:*{{LanguageRow|"Ir emah'la shal!"||"ir" (very). Deconstructing "emah'la": "emma" (my); "alas" (dirt, earth); "halam" (ending); "shiral" (journey) - all of these words contain elements similar to this compound word. It could possibly mean "the ground of my end", or, more loosely, "my grave". So, "My grave is very..." something. Perhaps "shal" means sacred, or desecrated. So, loosely, "You are desecrating my grave!"}}
  
−
:*{{LanguageRow|"Ir tel'him"||"Him" means "become" or "transform," and "tel" seems to be often used to negate the verb/noun that follows - for example, tel'abelas translates into "I'm not sorry." So, here, "tel'him" could mean, "not changing/transforming." "Ir" usually means "very" or "more," but, in this case, it can be indirectly translated as "any more." So, put together, "ir tel'him" could translate into, "I'm not changing/transforming anymore," which would be another way of saying, "I'm me again."}}
  
−
:*{{LanguageRow|"Dar'Misu; Dar'Misaan"||"Dar" means "to be", and they both have "mi" in common, so it is possible that "mi" is "blade", and "su" means "happen", and "u" means "alone". So, "dar'misu" could translate, roughly, to "this blade acts alone" or "this blade happens". "Sa" is "one" and "an" is "place". A possible translation: Dar'Misu: "to be a blade that acts alone" - daggers being the weapon of choice for rogues; Dar'Misaan: "to be a blade of one place" - long swords being the weapon of choice for a sword-and-shield defender.}}
  
   
 
== Notes ==
  
== Notes ==
−
* The elven language as used in the games is actually a cipher<ref>As stated by David Gaider [http://fenxshiral.tumblr.com/post/106036862413/incidentally-the-big-reason-i-am-the-one on Tumblr].</ref>.
 +
* The elven language as used in the games is actually a cipher.<ref>{{Tumblr|author=[[David Gaider]]|url=http://fenxshiral.tumblr.com/post/106036862413/incidentally-the-big-reason-i-am-the-one|title=Incidentally, the big reason I am the One...}}</ref> As such, it doesn't always follow traditional linguistic rules.
   
 
== References ==
  
== References ==
−
{{Scroll box|<references/>}}
 +
{{Scroll box|<references />}}
   
 
{{Elves}}
  
{{Elves}}
  +
  +
<!--Categories-->
 
[[Category:Elven lore]]
  
[[Category:Elven lore]]
 
[[Category:Languages]]
  
[[Category:Languages]]
  +
<!--Interwiki links-->
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[[de:Die Sprache der Elfen]]

Latest revision as of 06:30, 19 April 2024

Writing1

Written Elvish upon a column

The Elven language, or "Elvish",[1] was largely lost when Elvhenan fell to the Tevinter Imperium and its people were enslaved around two millennia before the Dragon Age. When the elves settled their second homeland, the Dales, they aimed to restore their lost language and lore, but the Dales fell after an Exalted March declared by the Chantry in the early Glory Age. The Elvish of the Dragon Age is thus a fragmented remnant, a few words that are thrown into conversation rather than a working language used to conduct everyday life. The Dalish Elves, self-appointed custodians of the elven language and lore, use more Elvish than their City Elf brethren. Some clans, such as the ones encountered in Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne, speak it fluently and exclusively. Living among humans, the City Elves now retain only a few old Elvish words whose origin is almost forgotten, such as shem—derived from shemlen, the old Elvish term for humans meaning "quickling" or "quick children,"—and hahren—the leader of an Alienage, meaning "elder" in Elvish.

A differentiating factor between Elvish and other languages in Thedas—particularly as regards aspects like names—is the avoidance of hard consonants.[2]

It has been observed that "Elven is often a game of intents, not direct mapping of phonetic meaning. That means it's a mess" and that it tends "to meander".[3]

Written Elvish

Last Flight Battle Map

Battle map from the Fourth Blight, featuring a rare example of written Elvish

Though a number of ancient sites, including the Temple of Mythal, have recently been found to contain examples of Elvish writing, these are few and far between, and jealously guarded by the Dalish. Some Circles have also come to possess old elven texts.[4] In the Dragon Age, clan Keepers are generally the only ones who know the secret of writing Elvish.[5]

Elvish3

Elvish phrases

This section contains spoilers for:
Trespasser.

  • Amae lethalas: Meaning unknown.[6]


  • Andaran atish’an: "Enter this place in peace." A formal elven greeting.
  • Aneth ara: A sociable or friendly greeting, more commonly used among the Dalish themselves rather than with outsiders.
  • Ara seranna-ma: A way to excuse oneself, such as after a sneeze or belch.[7]
  • Ar dirthan’as ir elgara, ma’sula e’var vhenan: Meaning unknown.[7]
  • Ar lasa mala revas: "You are free."[8] More literally "I give you your freedom."
  • Ar lath ma, vhenan: "I love you, heart/my heart"[9]
This section contains spoilers for:
Trespasser.

  • Ar-melana dirthavaren. Revas vir-anaris: Fen'Harel’s secret greeting. Meaning unknown.[10]


  • Asha'bellanar: "The Woman of Many Years." How the Dalish refer to Flemeth.[11]
  • Atish'all vallem: Meaning unknown.[12]
  • Atish'all Vir Abelasan: "Enter the path of the Well of Sorrows."[13]
  • Banal nadas: Nothing is known for certain./Not necessarily.[14][15]
  • Bellanaris Din'an Heem: "Make you dead."[16]
  • Dareth shiral: farewell; literally "Safe journey."
  • Din elvhen emma him?: Meaning unknown.[7]
  • Dirth ma banal. Mar solas ena mar din: "You have learned nothing. Your pride will be your death/downfall." A Dalish saying.[17]
  • Dirth ma, harellan. Ma banal enasalin. Mar solas ena mar din: Roughly means: "Your pride is responsible for everything that has gone wrong; you will die alone."[18][19]
  • Dirthara-ma: "May you learn." Used as a curse.[21]
  • Emmasalin var suledin evanura: Meaning unknown.[22]
  • Ellasin selah: Meaning unknown.[23]
  • Falon’Din enasal enaste: A prayer for the dead.[24]
  • Fenedhis lasa: Meaning officially undefined as of yet. A common curse.[7][25]
This section contains spoilers for:
Dragon Age: The Masked Empire.

  • Fen'Harel enansal: The Dread Wolf's blessing. The password set by Briala to activate eluvians.[26]


  • Fen'Harel ma ghilana: "Dread Wolf guides you." Indicates someone being misled.
  • Fen'Harel ma halam: "Dread Wolf ends you." A threat.
  • Garas quenathra: "Why are you here?/Why have you come?" Spoken by the voices of the Vir'abelasan
  • Ghil-Dirthalen: "One who guides seekers of knowledge true."[27]
  • Ghilan'him banal'vhen: "The path that leads astray": a derogatory term for Arcane Warriors among those elves who eschewed physical combat.[28]
  • Ghilas dennar!: Meaning unknown.[29]
  • Halam'shivanas: The sweet sacrifice of duty.[30]
  • Ir abelas: I am sorry.[31]
  • Ir abelas, ma vhenan: "I am filled with sorrow for your loss, my heart."[32]
  • Ir tel'him: I'm me again.[33]
  • Lasa ghilan: Grant/give guidance.[34]
  • Lathbora viran: Roughly translated as "the path to a place of lost love," a longing for a thing one can never really know.[35]
  • Ma banal las halamshir var vhen: You do nothing to further our people. [36]
  • Ma harel, da’len: You lie, child.[37]
  • Ma harel lasa!: You lied to me.[38]
  • Ma ghilana mir din'an: Guide me into death.[33]
  • Ma melava halani: You helped me.[33]
  • Mas enasalin lasa revas evanura: Meaning unknown.[39]
  • Mala suledin nadas: Now you must endure.[33]
  • Malas amelin ne halam: I hope you find a new name.[40]
  • Ma nuvenin: As you say.[41]
  • Ma vhenan: My heart; sometimes shortened simply to vhenan, "heart"; a term of endearment.[42]
  • Ma serannas: My thanks./Thank you.
  • Mana. Ma halani: Help me. [43]
  • Masal din'an: A threat, meaning unknown.[44]
  • Melana en athim las enaste: Now let humility grant favor.[45]
  • Mythal'enaste: Mythal's favor.[46]
  • Na abelas: You'll be sorry.[47]
  • Na din'an sahlin!: Your death is come![48]
  • Na melana sahlin: Your time is come.[49]
This section contains spoilers for:
Trespasser.

  • Nuvenas mana helanin, dirth bellasa ma: Meaning unknown.[50]


  • Penshra! Ghilas vellathan!: Politely translated as "I prefer that you remain close."[51]
  • Seran viar malas shivera mellavar!: Meaning unknown.[29]
  • Sulevin ghilana hanin: Roughly translates to "purpose guides to glory". This is an inscription on the back of the Dalish shield called "The Path to Glory".[52]
This section contains spoilers for:
Trespasser.

  • Sylaise enaste var aravel. Lama, ara las mir lath. Bellanaris.: Dalish marriage vows.[53]


  • Tel'abelas: I'm not sorry.[33]
  • Tel'dellan sa Vir Dirthara!: Meaning unknown.[29]
  • Tel garas solasan: Come not to a prideful place.[45]
  • Telanadas: Nothing is inevitable.[54]
This section contains spoilers for:
Trespasser.

  • Var lath vir suledin!: Our love will endure[55]


  • Viran se lan'aan? Ir annala for ros... Nae! Ga rahn s'dael! Ga rahn! Ir emah'la shal! Ir emah'la shal!: Meaning unknown.[56]
  • Vir enasalin!: We [will] win![57]
  • Vir sumeil: We are close.[58]
  • Virthar ma: Meaning unknown.[59]


Elvish Vocabulary

A

Abelas: Sorrow; to be sorry.[60]
Adahl/Adhal: Tree.[61]
Adahlen: Wood.[62]
Alas: Earth, dirt.[citation needed]
-an: Suffix indicating place or location.[63]
Ar: First person pronoun; I, me.[64]
Aravas: Meaning unknown.
Aravel: A wagon used by the Dalish; also a physical and spiritual path, a journey with purpose.[60] Humans call them "landships."
Arlathan: The major city of Elvhenan, original homeland of the elves; from the phrase "ar lath’an" meaning, "This place of love".
Arlathvhen: Meeting of the Dalish clans that occurs every ten years. Means "for love of the people."[60]
Assan: Arrow.[62]
Atish’an: Peace.[65]
Athim: Humility.[45]
Awell: Meaning unknown.[66]


B

Banal: Never.[67]
Banalhan: A name for the Blight or its place of origin; the place of nothing.[60]
Banal'ras: Shadow.[68]
Bellanaris: Eternity.[60][69]
Boranehn: Lost joy.[70]
Bor'assan: Bow.[62]


D

Da: Diminutive prefix; small.[67]
Dar: To be.[citation needed]
Da'len: Little child; little one.[71]
Dahl'amythal: Tree of Mythal from which Dalish Keepers’ staves are cut.[72]
Delltash: Meaning unknown; possibly used as a curse.[29][73]
Din: The dead.[60]
Din'an: Death[33]; end.[45]
Din'anshiral: A journey of death.[74]
Dirth: A term for knowledge or secrets; tell; speak.[citation needed]
Dirthara: Learn;[21]
Dirthavaren: The promise; the Elven name for the Exalted Plains.[75]
Dirthera: To tell tales.[76]
Durgen: Stone.[citation needed]
Durgen’len: Children of the stone; the Ancient Elvish term for the dwarves.[60][77]


E

Elgar: Spirit.[78]
Elgara: Sun.[71]
Elgar'arla: Spirit-trap; a binding circle to hold a spirit or demon.[79]
Eluvian: Mirror; literally "seeing glass."[80]
Elvhen: Elven name for their own race; our people.[81]
Elvhenan: The name of the elven civilization before the arrival of humans in Thedas; the place of our people.[82]
Enasal: Joy in triumph over loss; a variation of joyful relief.[60]
Enasalin: Victory.[83]
Enansal: Blessing.[26]
Enaste: Favor.[45]
Enfenim: To fear.[71]
Era'harel: Demon-mage; similar to an arcane horror.[84]
Eth: Safe.[citation needed]
Evanuris: Leader;[67] Translated by Dorian in context as "mage leader";[85] what the elvhen called their gods.


F

Falon: Friend.[86]
Felandaris: Demon weed.[87]
Felassan: Slow arrow.[88]
Fen: Wolf.[89]
Fenedhis: Meaning officially undefined as of yet; a common curse.[90]


G

Garas: Come.[45]
Ghilana: To guide.[33]
Ghilas: To go.[71]
Glandival: Meaning unknown.[91]


H

Hahren'al: A gathering of hahrens during the Arlathvhen.[92]
Hahren: Elder; used as a term of respect by the Dalish as well as by city elves for the leader of an alienage.
Halamshiral: The capital of the second elven homeland in the Dales; the end of the journey.[93]
Halani: Help.[33]
Hamin: Rest.[94]
Hanal'ghilan: Elven name for the mythical golden halla said by the Dalish to appear during times of great need; the pathfinder.[95]
Harel: To trick or deceive;[60]
Harellan: Trickster;[60] used by the Dalish to mean "traitor to one's kin".[96]
Harillen: Opposition.[96]
Hellathen: Noble struggle.[96]
Him: Become.[45]


I

In: In.[94]
Ir: I am.[97]
Iras: Where.[71]
Irassal: Wherever.[71]


L

La: And.[94]
Las: Grant; give.[45][67]
Lath: Love of being; to be in love.[60]
Lethallin/Lethallan/Lethallen: Casual reference used for someone with whom one is familiar; generally, lethallin is used for males while lethallan is used for females;[98] lethallen has been stated to be the appropriate gender neutral term unless otherwise stated later in canon, though it is likely to remain the same.[99]
Note: Though "lethallin" is usually used for males and "lethallan" for females, as stated above, there are instances where this is not the case. For example, in the Dragon Age Dalish Elf Origin opening scene on pcPC, your fellow clansman, Tamlen, will once refer to you as "lethallin" for a female warden, and as "lethallan" for a male[100]. And in Dragon Age: Inquisition, Solas will refer to a female elf Inquisitor as lethallin a few times, as does Minaeve in Haven. However it is unclear if this is intentional or a production error.
Lethanavir: Another appellation of Falon'Din.[101][102]


M

Ma: Meaning unknown[103]
Mala: Your.[71]
Mana: Meaning unknown; see “Mana. Ma halani.”
Melana: Time.[94]
Melanada: All time. [104]
Melava: Time;[71]
Mi: Blade.[citation needed]
Mi'durgen: Diamond; literally 'blade stone'.[105]
Mien'harel: Rebellion; depending on the interpretation, a violent call for justice; a concept that when humans push the elven population too far they must remind them that even a "short blade" must be respected; most commonly a term used by city elf.[106]
Mir: My.[71]
Mirthadra: Honored.[107]


N

Na: Is.[94]
Nadas: Inevitability; something that must be;[60] used as an expression of obligation, i.e. "must".[33]
Nan: Elven suffix, meaning unknown.[108]
Numin: Cry.[94]
Nuvenin: Say, as in “as you say”.[33]


R

Renan: Voice.[71]
Revas: Freedom.[60]
Revasan: The place where freedom dwells.[109]


S

Sa: One; one more.[94]
Sahlin: Now; is come.[94]
Samahl: Laugh.[94]
Sa'vunin: One more day.[94]
Setheneran: Land of waking dreams; a place where the Veil is thin.[110]
She'va dhal: Exclamation, meaning unknown.[111]
Shem: Quick. Also used as a slang term for humans by both the Dalish and City elves. It can sometimes be intended as a derogatory term or an insult, especially with elves who are distrustful of humans.
Shemlen: The original name elves use for the human race; continues to see use as a slang term amongst the Dalish clans and the City Elves ("shems") even though its meaning has largely been lost; literally "quick children".
Shiral: Journey.[93]
Solas: Pride; to stand tall.[60]
Solasan: A prideful place.[45]
Somniar: To dream.[71]
Somniari: Dreamer.[112][113]
Sulahn'nehn: Rejoice; joy.[60]
Sulahn: Sing.[94]
Suledin: The concept of finding strength in enduring loss or pain;[60] endure.[33][114]
Sulevin: Purpose.[115]


T

Tan: Three.[62]
Tarasyl'an Te'las: The place where the sky was held back; Ancient Elven name for Skyhold.[116]
Taren: Mind.[71]
Tasallan: Meaning unknown; Merrill's staff in Dragon Age II is called Vir Tasallan.
Then: Awake; alert.[citation needed]
Theneras: Dream.[117][67]


U

Uthenera: The name of the ancient practice of immortal elves who would "sleep" once they tired of life; immortal;[60] waking sleep; literally "eternal waking dream".[citation needed]


V

Vallas: Set, as in the setting of the sun.[71]
Vallasdahlen: Trees planted in remembrance of those who dedicated their lives to the Dalish kingdom that grew into a mighty wood;[118] life-trees.
Vallaslin: Blood writing; The art of tattooing adopted by some elves to more prominently display their worship of the traditional elven pantheon.[119]
Var: Our.[45][69]
Venavis: Meaning unknown[120]
Vhenadahl: The tree of the people.[121]
Vhen'alas: The land itself, as in "the ground"; literally "our earth".[citation needed]
Vhenan: Heart; often used as a term of endearment.[122]
Vhenas: Home.[71]
Vir: Way;[62] we.[94]
Vir'abelasan: The place of the way of sorrows; refers to the Well of Sorrows.[123]
Vissanalla: Meaning unknown.[124]
Vunin: Day.[94]
BioWare canon
The following information is only mentioned in Dragon Age Tabletop. Certain portions of this media may no longer reflect currently established lore.
Vhenallin: Friends of the People.[125]


Songs

Suledin (Endure)

Suledin is "an elven song about enduring and emerging from sorrow, tied to the loss of their ancient lands, but commonly adapted to express personal struggles as well".[114]

Melava inan enansal
ir su aravel tu elvaral
u na emma abelas
in elgar sa vir mana
in tu setheneran din emma na

lath sulevin
lath araval ena
arla ven tu vir mahvir
melana ‘nehn
enasal ir sa lethalin

Time was once a blessing
but long journeys are made longer
when alone within.
Take spirit from the long ago
but do not dwell in lands no longer yours.

Be certain in need,
and the path will emerge
to a home tomorrow
and time will again
be the joy it once was

Note: The translated lyrics are described as a "rough" translation in World of Thedas Vol. 1, and shouldn't be used as a guideline for translation purposes.

Mir Da'len Somniar

A traditional Dalish lullaby found in the children's book The Seer's Yarn, collected by Seer Agata.[126]

Matt-rhodes-worldofthedas2-mirdalensomniar

Elgara vallas, da'len
Melava somniar
Mala taren aravas
Ara ma'desen melar

Iras ma ghilas, da'len
Ara ma'nedan ashir
Dirthara lothlenan'as
Bal emma mala dir

Tel'enfenim, da'len
Irassal ma ghilas
Ma garas mir renan
Ara ma'athlan vhenas
Ara ma'athlan vhenas

Sun sets, little one,
Time to dream
Your mind journeys,
But I will hold you here.

Where will you go, little one
Lost to me in sleep?
Seek truth in a forgotten land
Deep with in your heart.

Never fear, little one,
Wherever you shall go.
Follow my voice--
I will call you home.
I will call you home.

Where Willows Wail

An elven version of a lullaby local to Denerim and nearby villages to the south.[127]

Tel’enara bellana bana’vhenadahl,
Sethen’a ir san’shiral, mala tel’halani
Ir sa’vir te’suledin var bana’vallaslin,
Vora’nadas san banal’him emma abel revas.
Ir tela’ena glandival, vir amin tel’hanin.
Ir tela las ir Fen halam, vir am’tela’elvahen.

We/it lost eternity or the ruined tree of the People
Time won’t help when the land of dreams is no longer our journey
We try to lead despite the eventual failing of our markings.
To the inevitable and troubling freedom we are committed.
When we could no longer believe, we lost glory to war.
When the Wolf failed/won, we lost the People to war.

Note: The above translation is described as not being a literal translation, as "some form of lyrical shorthand is employed throughout" and it is completely different from modern formal Dalish. Thus it is impossible to use it to try to deconstruct the language.

Codex entries

Codex entry: In Uthenera Codex entry: In Uthenera
Codex entry: On Skyhold Codex entry: On Skyhold
Codex entry: Tracing from Temple Doors Codex entry: Tracing from Temple Doors
Codex entry: Torn Notebook in the Deep Roads, Section 3 Codex entry: Torn Notebook in the Deep Roads, Section 3
Codex entry: "I Am The One" Codex entry: "I Am The One"

Notes

  • The elven language as used in the games is actually a cipher.[128] As such, it doesn't always follow traditional linguistic rules.

References

  1. ↑ Tamlen refers to the language as "Elvish" at the beginning of the Dalish Elf Origin
  2. ↑ BSN David Gaider. "Elven naming conventions" . The BioWare Forum.
  3. ↑ According to one archivist's notes on Skyhold.
  4. ↑ In Witch Hunt, Ariane tells the Warden that her clan had been guarding the book since the days of Arlathan. The book later ended up in a Circle before being reclaimed by an elf.
  5. ↑ Pramas, Chris. "Chapter Three: Focuses and Talents: Talents". Dragon Age RPG, Set 1 - Player's Guide. p.37.
  6. ↑ Elven guardian spirit’s response to the Inquisitor correctly saying Fen'Harel’s greeting in the Elven Mountain Ruins
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Banter between Solas and Sera
  8. ↑ What Solas says to Lavellan when taking away her vallaslin
  9. ↑ Spoken by Solas to Lavellan if romanced
  10. ↑ Spoken by an Inquisitor who drank from the Well of Sorrows in the Elven Mountain Ruins
  11. ↑ Dragon Age: The Stolen Throne, p. 76.
  12. ↑ Greeting of the elven spirits in the Elven Mountain Ruins
  13. ↑ Translated by Solas at the Temple of Mythal
  14. ↑ Solas' response to the Nightmare in the Fade
  15. ↑ Translation per The Story Behind Solas with Dragon Age Lead Writer Patrick Weekes, 35:32
  16. ↑ Gatsi's translation of Note: Bellanaris Din'an Heem
  17. ↑ Heroes of Dragon Age: Nexus Event, Facebook fanpage
  18. ↑ The Nightmare addressing Solas in the Fade
  19. ↑ Translation per The Story Behind Solas with Dragon Age Lead Writer Patrick Weekes, 35:16
  20. ↑ According to Solas when acquiring the Knight Enchanter specialization
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Banter between Solas and Vivienne
  22. ↑ Written to an elven Inquisitor when receiving The Red Hart.
  23. ↑ Said by Morrigan after drinking from the Well of Sorrows
  24. ↑ Codex entry: Epitaphs for the Lost
  25. ↑ Twitter icon Patrick Weekes. https://twitter.com/PatrickWeekes/status/624013938800246784 . Twitter.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 Spoken by Briala in The Masked Empire, Epilogue
  27. ↑ As explained by the Archivist spirit in the Vir Dirthara
  28. ↑ According to Solas after acquiring the Knight Enchanter specialization
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 Spoken by attacking Librarians in the Vir Dirthara
  30. ↑ As explained by Morrigan in the Temple of Mythal
  31. ↑ Spoken by various characters, including Merrill to Marethari Talas right before Merrill stabs her in the shrine of Pride's End during A New Path.
  32. ↑ Said by Merrill if romanced after All That Remains
  33. ↑ 33.00 33.01 33.02 33.03 33.04 33.05 33.06 33.07 33.08 33.09 33.10 Spoken by the Spirit of Wisdom to Solas during the quest, All New, Faded for Her
  34. ↑ Spoken by a Dalish Inquisitor to Solas with low approval in conversation with Solas. Paraphrase says: “You could teach us.”
  35. ↑ Dragon Age: Last Flight, p. 27
  36. ↑ Spoken by a Dalish Inquisitor with low approval in conversation with Solas. Paraphrase says: “You have abandoned us.”
  37. ↑ Solas to Mihris during Measuring the Veil
  38. ↑ Spoken by Lavellan during the final conversation with Solas in Trespasser
  39. ↑ Written to a non-elven Inquisitor when receiving The Red Hart.
  40. ↑ Solas to Abelas during What Pride Had Wrought
  41. ↑ Spoken by Solas to the Spirit of Wisdom during the quest, All New, Faded for Her
  42. ↑ Said by Merrill and Solas to a romanced PC
  43. ↑ Special dialogue option for Lavellan or Solas during Measuring the Veil.
  44. ↑ Spoken by Abelas after the Inquisitor has refused the alliance
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 45.4 45.5 45.6 45.7 45.8 45.9 Codex entry: Tracing from Temple Doors
  46. ↑ Spoken by the elven sentinel guide in the Temple of Mythal
  47. ↑ Merrill battle cry
  48. ↑ Elven guardian spirit’s response when the Inquisitor does not know Fen'Harel’s secret greeting.
  49. ↑ Codex entry: In Uthenera
  50. ↑ What the elven guardian spirit says when asking for Fen'Harel's secret greeting
  51. ↑ Translation by Solas of what the elven sentinel guide in the Temple of Mythal says, but he seems to have translated it more politely
  52. ↑ Inscription on Path to Glory.
  53. ↑ Spoken by an elven Inquisitor in the Trespasser DLC if she decides to marry Cullen.
  54. ↑ According to Inquisitor Ameridan during the quest Where Once We Walked
  55. ↑ According to the paraphrase in the final conversation with Solas in Trespasser, if romanced.
  56. ↑ Spoken by the ghostly elven mother in the crypt where you get the Juggernaut armor set.
  57. ↑ Spoken by Neria in combat.
  58. ↑ Translation by Solas of what the elven sentinel guide in the Temple of Mythal says.
  59. ↑ The elven guardian spirit's response when the Inquisitor does not known Fen'Harel's secret greeting
  60. ↑ 60.00 60.01 60.02 60.03 60.04 60.05 60.06 60.07 60.08 60.09 60.10 60.11 60.12 60.13 60.14 60.15 60.16 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 32
  61. ↑ As in Vir Tanadhal, “The Way of the Three Trees” and Vhenadahl, “the Tree of the People”
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 62.2 62.3 62.4 Codex entry: Andruil: Goddess of the Hunt, Codex entry: Vir Tanadhal: The Way of Three Trees
  63. ↑ As in the phrase "vir'abelasan," "the place of the way of sorrows"; or "Solasan," the "place of pride."
  64. ↑ As in “ar lath ma vhenan” and “ar lasa mala revas”
  65. ↑ Codex entry: Vir Atish'an
  66. ↑ Said by attacking temple guardians at the Temple of Mythal.
  67. ↑ 67.0 67.1 67.2 67.3 67.4 Codex entry: Torn Notebook in the Deep Roads, Section 3
  68. ↑ Vir Banal'ras
  69. ↑ 69.0 69.1 Description of Var Bellanaris.
  70. ↑ Tumblr icon Nunzio DeFilippis. "Clan Boranehn from Knight Errant translation" . Tumblr.
  71. ↑ 71.00 71.01 71.02 71.03 71.04 71.05 71.06 71.07 71.08 71.09 71.10 71.11 71.12 71.13 From Mir Da'Len Somniar in Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 217
  72. ↑ Conversation with Velanna in Amaranthine
  73. ↑ Also said derisively by the limping sentinel guide in the Temple of Mythal in response to Sera's attempt at elven translation.
  74. ↑ Final conversation with Solas in Trespasser
  75. ↑ As mentioned by Keeper Hawen
  76. ↑ Codex entry: In Uthenera
  77. ↑ When first speaking to Varathorn, it is mentioned by him to Oghren.
  78. ↑ From “elgar’arla” meaning “spirit trap”
  79. ↑ Dragon Age: The Masked Empire, Chapter 12.
  80. ↑ According to Finn in Witch Hunt.
  81. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 27
  82. ↑ Codex entry: Arlathan: Part One
  83. ↑ Codex entry: Enasalin
  84. ↑ Dragon Age: The Masked Empire, Chapter 15.
  85. ↑ Dorian's translation of the word. Note that it is not a literal translation, only his approximation of its meaning based on external context; he also compares them to magisters.
  86. ↑ From Falon’Din, friend of the dead
  87. ↑ Codex entry: Felandaris
  88. ↑ As explained by Felassan in The Masked Empire, Chapter 3
  89. ↑ From Fenris meaning “little wolf” and Fen’Harel meaning “Dread Wolf”
  90. ↑ Twitter icon Patrick Weekes. https://twitter.com/PatrickWeekes/status/624013938800246784 . Twitter.
  91. ↑ Used in conversation by Solas with Mihris during Measuring the Veil if he is in the party and his special dialogue is selected
  92. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 108
  93. ↑ 93.0 93.1 Codex entry: The Long Walk
  94. ↑ 94.00 94.01 94.02 94.03 94.04 94.05 94.06 94.07 94.08 94.09 94.10 94.11 94.12 Codex entry: In Uthenera
  95. ↑ According to Keeper Hawen's clan in the Exalted Plains
  96. ↑ 96.0 96.1 96.2 Codex entry: The Rebel God
  97. ↑ As in “ir abelas” meaning “I’m sorry” and “ir tel’him” meaning “I’m me again”
  98. ↑ During the Dalish Elf Origin, Tamlen refers to the Warden as "lethallin" if male, and as "lethallan" if female.
  99. ↑ Twitter icon Patrick Weekes. https://twitter.com/PatrickWeekes/status/873240708596899840 . Twitter.
  100. ↑ See also the talk page.
  101. ↑ Elven Prayer for the Dead
  102. ↑ Codex entry: Song to Falon'Din
  103. ↑ As in “ma vhenan” meaning “my heart”, “ma harel” meaning “you lie”, and “ma melava halani” meaning “you helped me”
  104. ↑ Codex entry: On Skyhold
  105. ↑ Dragon Age: The Masked Empire, pg. 132
  106. ↑ According to Briala in Dragon Age: The Masked Empire, Chapter 5.
  107. ↑ The Archivist greets an elven Inquisitor or Sera by calling them "mirthadra elvhen" or "honored elvhen."
  108. ↑ See Elgar'nan, known as the God of Vengeance, the All-Father, the Eldest of the Sun.
  109. ↑ Banner at Fort Revasan
  110. ↑ According to Tamlen in the Dalish Elf Origin if asked about the walking corpses.
  111. ↑ Said by Merrill when she first sees Ketojan in Shepherding Wolves
  112. ↑ According to Keeper Marethari during Night Terrors. Marethari makes the following remark about Feynriel: "The magic he possesses makes him what the Tevinters called "somniari," a dreamer." This indicates that somniari is possibly a loan word from Tevene.
  113. ↑ Dragon Age: The Masked Empire, chapter 12, chapter 15. Felassan and Mihris bring up the rituals of the somniari; neither of them suggests the word is Tevinter in origin.
  114. ↑ 114.0 114.1 Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 1, p. 29
  115. ↑ Sulevin Blade description
  116. ↑ According to Morrigan, and Solas' in notes on Skyhold.
  117. ↑ Inscription at Razikale's Reach in the Frostback Basin according to Bram Kenric
  118. ↑ Landmarks in the Graves#Vallasdahlen
  119. ↑ Codex entry: Vallaslin: Blood Writing
  120. ↑ Spoken by Abelas.
  121. ↑ Codex entry: Vhenadahl: The Tree of the People
  122. ↑ Spoken by Solas to a romanced Inquisitor.
  123. ↑ Spoken by Abelas at the Temple of Mythal, translated by Morrigan
  124. ↑ Spoken at the Well of Sorrows
  125. ↑ Dragon Age (tabletop RPG), Game Master's Guide, set 1, p. 56 ('[After the players save the clan of Dalish elves], the Dalish make the characters adopted members of their clan, offering them tokens showing them to be vhenallin, or “friends of the People.”')
  126. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 217
  127. ↑ Dragon Age logo - new Dragon Age: The World of Thedas, vol. 2, p. 201
  128. ↑ Tumblr icon David Gaider. "Incidentally, the big reason I am the One..." . Tumblr.
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