Mbg2 (Message Wall | contribs) (Expanded) |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File:Elhokar Kholin Sigil.png|thumb|250px|Stylized Glyphpair representing<br> King [[Elhokar Kholin|Elhokar]] [[House Kholin|Kholin]] Sigil]] |
[[File:Elhokar Kholin Sigil.png|thumb|250px|Stylized Glyphpair representing<br> King [[Elhokar Kholin|Elhokar]] [[House Kholin|Kholin]] Sigil]] |
||
| − | '''Glyphs''' are symbols. Used as a form of written system or as pictures meant to be understood by people who had never seen one before.{{Ref|twok|c|60}} For example book shaped Glyphs decorate the front of book-stores. |
+ | '''Glyphs''' are inscribed symbols. Used as a form of written system or as pictures meant to be understood by people who had never seen one before.{{Ref|twok|c|60}} For example book shaped Glyphs decorate the front of book-stores. |
==History== |
==History== |
||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
In [[Vorinism|Vorin]] Kingdoms, where reading and writing considered feminine arts, Glyphs is the only form of writing system considered proper for non-Ardent men to learn. While most [[lighteyes|lighteyed]] children can read glyphs, many [[darkeyes]], the majority of the population are illiterate.<ref>Conjecture, from reactions of darkeyes who discovered that Kaladin can read and Jasnah interview with Shallan</ref> As such, glyphs were often styled into commonly understood concepts, that the illiterate would be able to recognize them. For example sign hanging out front of bookstores, bearing the glyphpair for book, were styled into a shape of a book. |
In [[Vorinism|Vorin]] Kingdoms, where reading and writing considered feminine arts, Glyphs is the only form of writing system considered proper for non-Ardent men to learn. While most [[lighteyes|lighteyed]] children can read glyphs, many [[darkeyes]], the majority of the population are illiterate.<ref>Conjecture, from reactions of darkeyes who discovered that Kaladin can read and Jasnah interview with Shallan</ref> As such, glyphs were often styled into commonly understood concepts, that the illiterate would be able to recognize them. For example sign hanging out front of bookstores, bearing the glyphpair for book, were styled into a shape of a book. |
||
| − | + | Glyph writing consisted of major, minor, and topical sets, which can be designated in complex ways that made it hard to read them, unless you knew exactly what to look for. They can be inscribed calligraphically, and seen as an art form.{{Ref|twok|c|5}} Like the [[Alethi Script]], Glyphs are symmetrical and can be folded in half perfectly. Which was brought as an argument to the [[Almighty]]'s existence. {{Ref|twok|c|33}} |
|
| + | |||
| + | Glyph have a religious meaning in Vorinism and were used in prayers, wards, charm and are associated with the fundamental tenet associated with the Heralds. These are possibly the [[ten]] fundamental glyphs.{{Ref|twok|c|13}}. |
||
{{Expandsect|missing info on glyphpairs, glyphwards and cultural aspects}} |
{{Expandsect|missing info on glyphpairs, glyphwards and cultural aspects}} |
||
Revision as of 16:58, 19 July 2013
Glyphs are inscribed symbols. Used as a form of written system or as pictures meant to be understood by people who had never seen one before.[1] For example book shaped Glyphs decorate the front of book-stores.
History
Mythologically, Glyphs are said to come from the Dawnsingers, who were sent by the Almighty to help mankind. Many relics from the Heraldic Epochs, are still found all over Roshar inscribed with intricate geometric patterns etched with glyphs, such as weapons, buildings and mystical items. This makes glyphs one of, if not the oldest form of communication known on Roshar.
Those relics include the curving inside the Palanaeum, which is said to be built by the Dawnsingers; Honorblades wield the Heralds were inscriped with glyphs as well as some of thier lesser variants the Shardblades; and Shardplates worn by Radiants were etched with glyphs, which glowed in hues that modern plate can only imitate with paint.
In the modern era, Glyphs are commonly used among the vorin kingdoms. Information about the rest of the world is sparse, however, we known that Parshendi have weapons, such as daggers, decorated with unfamiliar glyphs.
It's been theorized that the original symbolic associations of the Glyphs may have been lost or altered over time, similarly to what happend to the Dawnchant.
Overview
In Vorin Kingdoms, where reading and writing considered feminine arts, Glyphs is the only form of writing system considered proper for non-Ardent men to learn. While most lighteyed children can read glyphs, many darkeyes, the majority of the population are illiterate.[2] As such, glyphs were often styled into commonly understood concepts, that the illiterate would be able to recognize them. For example sign hanging out front of bookstores, bearing the glyphpair for book, were styled into a shape of a book.
Glyph writing consisted of major, minor, and topical sets, which can be designated in complex ways that made it hard to read them, unless you knew exactly what to look for. They can be inscribed calligraphically, and seen as an art form.[3] Like the Alethi Script, Glyphs are symmetrical and can be folded in half perfectly. Which was brought as an argument to the Almighty's existence. [4]
Glyph have a religious meaning in Vorinism and were used in prayers, wards, charm and are associated with the fundamental tenet associated with the Heralds. These are possibly the ten fundamental glyphs.[5].
Examples
| Glyph representation of the Ten Ideals/Essencess associated with heralds | |
|---|---|
    |     
| |
| Glyph representation of the Ten Surges | |
    |     
| |
Known Glyphs:
- khakh - Determination
- Merem - Honor
- Shash - Dangerous
- Thath – Justice
Other Glyphs:
- sas - likely means slave. It could also feasibly mean without or least/lowest, as the glyphpair sas nahn is a mark of a slave, and darkeyes are ranked by nahn.[6]
- nahn - almost assuredly tied to nahn, the darkeyes ranking system.
- morom - likely indicates a location. The slave glyphpair sas morom may indicate the highlord's district where the man had originally been branded.[7]
Family Sigils/Banners:
- khokh and linil, is House Kholins glyphpair, stylized and painted as a sword standing before a crown.[8]
- shesh and lerel, is Brightlord Sheler's company glyphpair.[9]
- Merem and khakh, is Amarams banner, shaped like a whitespine with tusks, its dark green blazoned over burgundy field.[10]
- House Sadeas family banner is a glyphpair in the shape of a tower and a hammer, names unknown.[11]
Refernces
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 60. That Which We Cannot Have
- ↑ Conjecture, from reactions of darkeyes who discovered that Kaladin can read and Jasnah interview with Shallan
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 5. Heretic
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 33. Cymatics
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 13. Ten Heartbeats
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 51. Sas Nahn
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 2. Honor is Dead
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 4. The Shattered Plains
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 67. Words
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 47. Stormblessings
- ↑ The Way of Kings, 6. Bridge Four