15 High Valyrian Tattoo Ideas With Powerful Meanings
Why High Valyrian Makes the Perfect Tattoo
A great tattoo says something about who you are in as few words as possible — and no language does that better than High Valyrian. Short, sharp, and dripping with meaning, these phrases carry the weight of dragons, destiny, and defiance. Unlike trendy script tattoos, a Valyrian phrase never really goes out of style: it’s ancient, elegant, and instantly recognizable to fellow fans.
Important note: every High Valyrian phrase below is attested canon — real vocabulary from the language of Old Valyria, not something made up. Where no canon Valyrian version of a phrase exists, we’ve marked it as an English suggestion with its meaning, so your ink stays authentic.
Here are 15 ideas, from minimalist single words to full statement pieces.
1. Valar Morghulis
Meaning: “All men must die.”
Why it works: The most famous Valyrian phrase in existence — a memento mori in the language of dragons. It’s bold, philosophical, and unmistakable.
Placement: Inner forearm or across the collarbone, in clean serif lettering.
2. Valar Dohaeris
Meaning: “All men must serve.”
Why it works: The traditional response to Valar morghulis — and a statement of purpose. Perfect as a companion piece to #1, or a standalone creed of duty and devotion.
Placement: The opposite forearm (matching pair with #1) or along the ribcage.
3. Dracarys
Meaning: “Dragonfire.”
Why it works: One word, total power. It’s Daenerys’s command that burned a city and freed an army — the ultimate symbol of unleashing your own strength.
Placement: Shoulder blade flowing into a dragon design, or bold across the upper back.
4. Zaldrīzes
Meaning: “Dragon.”
Why it works: Simpler and more elegant than the full battle cry — just the word “dragon,” with that beautiful long “ī” in the middle. Understated but unmistakable to fans.
Placement: Vertical script along the spine, or small behind the ear.
5. Jelmāzmo
Meaning: “Stormborn.”
Why it works: Daenerys’s legendary epithet — born in a storm, destined for greatness. A tattoo for anyone who came into the world fighting.
Placement: Upper back between the shoulder blades, or across the chest.
6. Perzys
Meaning: “Fire.”
Why it works: Minimalist and elemental. Five letters that say everything — passion, destruction, rebirth. The root of Dracarys itself.
Placement: Wrist, ankle, or finger — tiny and fierce.
7. Dovaogēdys
Meaning: “The Unsullied.”
Why it works: Discipline, loyalty, unbreakable will. The Unsullied chose their own name and their own freedom — a powerful symbol of reclaiming your identity.
Placement: Forearm in strong block lettering, or as part of a spear/shield design.
8. “Fire and Blood” (English suggestion)
Meaning: The words of House Targaryen.
Why it works: No fully attested Valyrian rendering of this motto exists in show canon, so it’s best inked in English — ideally paired with a three-headed dragon, the Targaryen sigil.
Placement: Chest piece or full back with dragon artwork.
9. “Breaker of Chains” (English suggestion)
Meaning: Daenerys’s title, earned by freeing the slaves of Slaver’s Bay.
Why it works: A tattoo about liberation — from anything that once held you. Pairs beautifully with a broken-chain motif.
Placement: Wrist (where shackles would sit) or ankle.
10. “Mother of Dragons” (English suggestion)
Meaning: The title that defines Daenerys.
Why it works: Fierce, maternal, mythic. For the protectors — of children, of dreams, of anything they’d burn cities for.
Placement: Thigh, hip, or a larger back piece with three dragon hatchlings.
11. “Not Today” (English suggestion)
Meaning: Defiance in the face of death itself.
Why it works: Two words, infinite attitude. The answer to anyone — or anything — that tells you your time is up.
Placement: Inner lip of the wrist, knuckles, or along the jawline of a portrait piece.
12. “Winter Is Coming” (English suggestion)
Meaning: The Stark words — a warning to always be prepared.
Why it works: Stark philosophy in four syllables: stay ready, stay humble, stay alive. A classic for a reason.
Placement: Forearm banner, or beneath a direwolf design.
13. “Fire Cannot Kill a Dragon” (English suggestion)
Meaning: Viserys’s doomed boast — and Daenerys’s living proof.
Why it works: A line about being unbreakable. What was meant as arrogance became her truth: she walked through fire and lived.
Placement: Ribcage or back, in flowing script with flame motifs.
14. “The Dragon Has Three Heads” (English suggestion)
Meaning: The Targaryen prophecy — strength in threes.
Why it works: Mysterious and symbolic. Perfect for trios: three siblings, three friends, three chapters of a life.
Placement: Three small dragon heads on the shoulder, or a triangular composition on the calf.
15. “Words Are Wind” (English suggestion)
Meaning: Promises mean nothing without action.
Why it works: The most tattooable philosophy in Westeros — a daily reminder to judge by deeds, not speeches. Clean, cynical, true.
Placement: Collarbone or forearm in minimalist typewriter font.
Before You Get Inked: 3 Quick Tips
- Double-check the spelling. Valyrian diacritics matter — zaldrīzes with the long “ī” is correct; without it, it’s a different word. Show your artist this list.
- Keep it canon. If a tattoo artist or generator offers you a “translation,” verify it against attested vocabulary. Invented Valyrian is forever — make sure yours is real.
- Test the placement. Print the phrase at actual size and tape it where you’re considering. Live with it for a week before the needle.
Find Your Perfect Phrase
Not sure which phrase fits you? Play with the language first using our free High Valyrian translator tool — explore real vocabulary and hear how each phrase sounds. And for more iconic lines to inspire your ink, check out our Daenerys Targaryen’s Best Quotes in High Valyrian post. Your perfect tattoo is waiting — dracarys. You can also browse the full set of High Valyrian phrases with meanings and pronunciation before you commit to the needle.