Searches for ‘Learn Valyrian’ up by 1900%: Learning games to help you master the language

Searches for “learn Valyrian” have increased by 1900% since the debut of House of the Dragon, a HBO prequel to Game of Thrones.  

In the first few episodes of the long-anticipated show, we have seen both the Targaryens and Valeryons speak High Valyrian, with Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) and Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) frequently communicating in the language, creating some of the best scenes in the show.  

Avid Game of Thrones fans are also looking to improve their High Valyrian skills, with Duo Lingo reporting over 1 million users completing their Valyrian course since 2019.  

With that being said, the team at online gaming site Cribbage Challenge have revealed some learning games to help you learn High Valyrian if you’re looking to be the next Dragon.  

What is High Valyrian?  

High Valyrian is a constructed language, or conlang, meaning it was intentionally created by someone, rather than a language that emerged naturally without a single creator, like Spanish, French, or English. More specifically, High Valyrian is an a priori conlang, built without drawing grammar or vocabulary from an existing natural language. 

High Valyrian was created by David J. Peterson for HBO’s popular series, Game of Thrones. Peterson has also created languages for various television shows and feature films, including Doctor Strange (Nelvayu), Penny Dreadful (Verbis Diablo), and Dune (Chakobsa and Sardaukar). 

Learning Games to help improve your High Valyrian 

1. 1. Game of Thrones: The Card Game – Valyrian Draft Starter
2.   

The Valyrian Draft Pack is a card game that allows players to experience the power struggles, terrifying battles, and subtle intrigues of Game of Thrones. By combining Valyrian Draft Packs, you and up to seven of your friends can carefully draw together several factions, working with the options you’re given in order to create a deck and pursue victory.  

The Draft Starters Packs in the Valyrian set offer a completely unique way to play, and not just because of the way that you’ll collect your cards and build your deck. Four new agendas are included in every Draft Starter, offering a distinctive way to immerse yourself in the Valyrian Language.  

2. 2. Valyrian Duo Lingo 

Duo Lingo is a language learning game-style app that has over 500 million users around the world. Back in 2016, the app added High Valyrian, meaning users could spend as little as five minutes each day on game-like lessons, learning essential words and phrases in High Valyrian.  

As of 2022, the course also includes 159 new vocabulary words. As you progress, you’ll learn everything from the basics (talking about food, friends and family, using numbers) to unique skills that would benefit you in Westeros, like commanding dragons! Learning to command dragons is one of five new skills in the course, along with learning how to talk about buildings in Valyria.  

3. 3. Flamingo Valyrian (app) 

Another learning game, Flamingo Valyrian tests a player’s memory of the Valyrian language. The game uses flashcards that ask a question about the meaning of phrases in Valyrian, which the player must translate into English – with only one answer being correct. Points will be collected as you play and progress through the rounds.  

The Flamingo Word Selector algorithm also makes sure that the words are repeated throughout the game, in order to enhance learning. The game also allows you to track and monitor their progress, earning points as you go.  

High Valyrian terms you need to know 

English word/phrase	High Valyrian
Hello	Rytsas
Yes	Kessa
No	Daor
Please	Kostilus
Thank you	Kirimvose
Goodbye	Geros ilas
I love you	Avy jorrāelan
Dragon	Zaldrīzes
Dragon-fire	Dracarys
King	Dārys
Queen	Daria
Son	Tresy
Daughter	Tala
Father	Kepa
Mother	Muña
Brother	Lēkia
Sister	Mandia
Family	Lentor
War	Vīlībāzma
Fight	Vīlībagon

Credit to: https://cribbage-challenge.com/ who carried out the research