Difference between revisions of "Glyphs"

'''Glyphs''' were a form of writing used on [[Roshar]] during the [[Era of Solitude]], that were said to have been given to the Rosharans by the [[Dawnsingers]].{{book ref|b|twok|c|33}}

While the lines of the glyph itself have meaning, it is often drawn as a pictograph, in the shape of its meaning, so those who cannot read glyphs, such as illiterate servants,{{book ref|b|twok|c|8}} can still understand what they mean.{{book ref|b|twok|c|3}} There are both major and minor glyphs, as well as more topical glyphs.{{book ref|b|twok|c|5}} In keeping with [[Vorin]] belief, the glyphs have bilateral symmetry.{{book ref|b|twok|c|8}} The sounds they represent are also pronounced symmetrically. There are ten fundamental glyphs.{{book ref|b|twok|c|13}} Glyphs can easily be drawn in complicated ways that make it difficult to identify what they are, unless a person knows what they are looking for.{{book ref|b|twok|c|27}}

;idi: Meaning unknown{{book ref|b|wor|c|52}}

;khakh: Determination{{book ref|b|twok|c|47}}

;khokh: Meaning unknown, often drawn in the shape of a crown{{book ref|b|twok|c|28}}

;lerel: Meaning unknown{{book ref|b|twok|c|67}}

;linil: Meaning unknown, often drawn in the shape of a tower{{book ref|b|twok|c|28}} or a sword{{book ref|b|twok|c|4}}

;merem: Honor{{book ref|b|twok|c|47}}

;morom: Meaning unknown{{book ref|b|twok|c|2}}

;nahn: Meaning unknown, likely tied the caste [[nahn]]{{book ref|b|twok|c|51}}

;parap: Meaning unknown{{book ref|b|wor|c|52}}

;sas: Meaning unknown{{book ref|b|twok|c|51}}

;shash: Dangerous{{book ref|b|twok|c|2}}

;shesh: Meaning unknown{{book ref|b|twok|c|67}}

;thath: Justice, had a very complex shape{{book ref|b|twok|c|69}}

Despite the Vorin ban on men reading, it is permissible for them to read glyphs.{{book ref|b|twok|c|3}} However, mostly they look at the pictographs and could not actually identify what a glyph meant if it was not drawn in the form of its meaning.{{book ref|b|twok|c|59}} When a man is able to read glyphs not drawn in the shape of their meaning, it is still remarkable, especially if the man is a [[darkeyes]].{{book ref|b|twok|c|1}} [[Stormwarden]]s' books are written in glyphs.{{book ref|b|twok|c|60}}

Glyphs are inexplicably tied to the Heralds and [[Knights Radiant]]. They are inscribed upon all of the [[Honorblade]]s.{{book ref|b|twok|prelude}} In fact the hilts of the Honorblades are themselves the bases of the '''swordglyphs'''. The hilt of those glyphs are the symbols of the Knights Radiant. These are possibly the ten fundamental glyphs. They also appear on some [[Shardblade]]s.{{book ref|b|twok|c|13}} When [[Shardplate]] was worn by Radiants before the [[Recreance]], it had glowing glyphs etched into the plate that trailed vapor corresponding to the Radiant's order.{{book ref|b|twok|c|19}} These have since vanished for unknown reasons.{{book ref|b|twok|c|26}} Some of these glyphs were known in the Era of Solitude, and others were not.

Glyphs are pervasive in decorations of all sorts. Glyphs are often put on clothing. They are often sewn into military uniforms, depending on the highprince the soldier serves.{{book ref|b|twok|c|18}} [[Alethi]] women sometimes wore dresses patterned with glyphs.{{book ref|b|twok|c|43}} The [[Parshendi]] have weapons, such as daggers, decorated with carved unfamiliar glyphs.{{book ref|b|twok|c|27}}{{book ref|b|twok|c|59}}

Sometimes glyphs were believed to be able to be used to tell the future, by using extrapolations of the tenth glyphic paradigm. This was considered to be nothing but superstition.{{book ref|b|twok|c|33}}

Glyphpairs are used for a variety of things. Most commonly they serve as the crest for various families of [[lighteyes]].{{book ref|b|twok|c|4}} These glyphpairs were used on maps of the [[Shattered Plains]] to show which [[highprince]] owned what plateaus.{{book ref|b|twok|c|24}} Glyphpairs were also used to designate body parts in anatomical diagrams.{{book ref|b|twok|c|31}}

Glyphpairs are also used to mark slaves.{{book ref|b|twok|c|2}} The glyphpair of the district they were enslaved in is branded onto their forehead to signify their new caste. The addition of a shash glyph, marking a dangerous slave, can make it difficult to get a good price for the slave.{{book ref|b|twok|c|4}}

*khokh linil - [[House Kholin]]'s glyphpair, in the shape of a tower and crown for most of House Kholin,{{book ref|b|twok|c|28}} but in the shape of a sword and crown for King [[Elhokar]].{{book ref|b|twok|c|28}}{{book ref|b|twok|c|4}}

*merem khakh - [[Amaram]]'s glyphpair drawn in the shape of a [[whitespine]]{{book ref|b|twok|c|47}}

*sas morom - Slave brand, glyphpair of a highlord's district{{book ref|b|twok|c|2}}

*sas nahn - Slave brand, possible glyphpair for Amaram's district{{book ref|b|twok|c|51}}

*shesh lerel - [[Sheler]]'s glyphpair{{book ref|b|twok|c|77}}

*Tower & Hammer - Highprince [[Torol Sadeas]]'s glyphpair{{book ref|b|twok|c|6}}

'''Glyphwards''' are prayers, written in the form of glyphs, that are used in Vorinism. Glyphwards can be a short in length as a single glyph,{{book ref|b|twok|c|69}} or as long as several glyphs strung together.{{book ref|b|twok|c|62}} They do take some skill to draw well and neatly, so a person who can draw glyphwards calligraphically well is considered to have an impressive ability.{{book ref|b|twok|c|5}} After a glyphward is created, whether through drawing or sewing it into cloth,{{book ref|b|twok|c|62}} it is burned to send the soul of the prayer to the [[Almighty]]. If the prayer fails to be answered, it is simply treated as his will. In addition to sending prayers to the Almighty, glyphwards often appeal to one of the [[Herald]]s, such as [[Jezrien|Jezerezeh]]'Elin, the Stormfather.{{book ref|b|twok|c|62}} Glyphs were also drawn on surfaces with [[burn ink]], and then set on fire to burn a glyph onto something.{{book ref|b|twok|c|69}}

The prayers sent by glyphwards vary quite a bit. Some are burned before a an action, for a blessing such as luck or success.{{book ref|b|twok|c|49}} Others are burned in a prayer of thanksgiving for some perceived blessing.{{book ref|b|twok|c|8}} Some glyphwards are commissioned to absolve sins, such as visiting the [[Nightwatcher]].{{book ref|b|twok|c|61}} When a person dies or is in danger, his or her wife or daughters will create glyphwards to pray for that person.{{book ref|b|twok|c|69}} Glyphwards are also believed to be able to turn away evil.{{book ref|b|twok|c|25}}

On some occasions, glyphwards are not burned right away, or at all. A '''bride's prayer''' is a glyphward made up of a glyphpair.{{book ref|b|twok|c|44}} A woman who is to be married has it sewn onto her sleeve. After the engagement is formally announced, the prayer is removed and burned. Other times, a glyphward is simply sewn onto a person's sleeve in the event that they ever need it, in which case it would be burned.{{book ref|b|twok|c|44}} Some are simply worn for protection or good fortune, without ever needing to be burned.{{book ref|b|twok|c|62}} On occasion, Rosharans will even get tattoos of glyphwards.{{book ref|b|twok|c|55}}

Women are the only ones to typically make glyphwards,{{book ref|b|twok|c|28}} although both men and women make use of them. In addition to being homemade, glyphwards are often purchased from [[luckmerch|luckmerches]] or apothecaries,{{book ref|b|twok|c|25}} the latter of which will often decorate their shops will glyphwards.{{book ref|b|twok|c|17}} [[Ardent]]s will also burn prayers to the Almighty, to help the people they serve.{{book ref|b|twok|c|37}}

More scientifically minded or more logical Rosharans deplore glyphwards as mere nonsense and superstition.{{book ref|b|twok|c|5}}{{book ref|b|twok|c|17}} Some wonder why, if the Almighty is omniscient, he needs to have a prayer burned to him before he can aid someone.{{book ref|b|twok|c|43}}