Westerosi typically do not speak High or Low Valyrian Tyrion can understand Zanrush's introduction of Kinvara, and uses the same language to say 'Welcome to Meereen', but then confesses 'That's about the extent of my Valyrian'. The Valyrians forced the peoples they subjugated to speak in (or at least be able to converse in) their language.Īfter the Doom of Valyria 400 years before the War of the Five Kings, 'High Valyrian' (as it became known) ceased to be a living language, instead being used as a lore-language by scholars throughout both Essos and Westeros. Much of Essos was once dominated by the Valyrians for thousands of years, stretching from the Free Cities in the west, to Slaver's Bay in the east. High Valyrian is the language of the old Valyrian Freehold which was located on the eastern continent of Essos. It is the only proper language for poetry.' ― Missandei ' The gods could not devise a more perfect tongue.
