Numbers in Elder Speech
Numbers in Elder Speech follow a vigesimal (base-20) system, used for magical and ceremonial purposes in the fictional universe of The Witcher. Spoken by a select group of practitioners, it is derived from Welsh, Latin, and other European languages. The Elder Speech's counting system is unique due to its mixture of additive and positional elements, making it both complex and poetic. This language's numbers in Elder Speech are essential for casting spells, rituals, and maintaining cultural traditions. Understanding the counting rules reveals a rich linguistic structure that blends historical influences with fictional magic, making it a fascinating subject for linguists and fans alike.
Number system
Elder Speech employs a vigesimal (base-20) system, where numbers are built around multiples of twenty. For example, 6 is formed as 'thaess aep' (5+1), and 7 as 'thaess aep ar' (5+2). The number 20 itself is 'theis eip', serving as a key multiplier. Numbers from 21 to 39 combine 'theis eip' with units, such as 42 being 'theis eip ar' (20+2). Tens like 40 are formed by repeating the pattern, e.g., 42 is 'theis eip ar' (20+2). Hundreds are constructed similarly, with 100 being 'thaess aep theis eip' (5×20). Compound numbers like 78 are built by combining 60 ('theis eip thaess aep') and 18 ('thaess aep thaess eip'), resulting in 'theis eip thaess aep thaess eip'. This pattern continues consistently, with the language combining additive and multiplicative elements to form all numbers up to 1000.
Counting rules
Numbers 1-5
Numbers 1 to 5 are unique words: 1 is 'acel', 2 is 'aryo', 3 is 'thar', 4 is 'nep', and 5 is 'thaess'. These form the basis for all other numbers.
Forming numbers 6-9
Numbers 6-9 are formed by adding 1-4 to 5: 6 is 'thaess aep' (5+1), 7 is 'thaess aep ar' (5+2), 8 is 'thaess aep thar' (5+3), 9 is 'thaess aep nep' (5+4).
Number 10
The number 10 is 'theis eip', which also functions as a key multiple of 20.
Forming multiples of 20
20 is 'theis eip'. 40 is 'theis eip thaess eip' (2×20), 60 is 'theis eip thaess aep' (3×20), and so forth. The pattern repeats with the base word for 20, combined with multiplicative suffixes.
Numbers 21-39
Numbers like 21 are 'theis eip acel' (20+1), 22 is 'theis eip aryo' (20+2), 35 is 'theis eip thaess' (20+15, where 15 is 'thaess'), and 39 is 'theis eip thaess nep' (20+4).
Hundreds
100 is 'thaess aep theis eip' (5×20). 200 is 'thaess aep thaess eip' (10×20), and 300 is 'thaess aep thaess aep' (15×20). Larger hundreds follow the same pattern, combining the base words for 5, 10, 15, etc., with the multiple of 20.
Forming large numbers
Numbers like 78 are 'theis eip thaess aep thaess eip' (60, which is 3×20, plus 18). 999 is 'thaess aep thaess aep thaess eip thaess aep thaess eip' (which combines 50, 20, and 9). The language uses additive and multiplicative patterns to build large numbers efficiently.
Unique features
The number 6 is 'thaess aep' (5+1), showing additive formation from the base 5.
Unlike many languages, Elder Speech combines additive and multiplicative elements for numbers, e.g., 78 as 'theis eip thaess aep thaess eip' (60+18).
The number 20 ('theis eip') is a central pivot, with many numbers built around it, creating a vigesimal system.
Large numbers like 1000 are formed by repeating the pattern for hundreds, e.g., 'thaess aep thaess eip thaess aep thaess eip' (50×20).
The language borrows the word 'theis eip' from Latin 'tres' (three) and Welsh influences, blending cultural elements into its counting system.
Cultural context
The Elder Speech is used primarily in magical, ritualistic, and ceremonial contexts within the fictional universe of The Witcher. Its speakers are a secretive, mystical community living in isolated regions, valuing tradition and secrecy. Numbers hold symbolic importance, with certain numbers like 3 ('thar') and 7 ('thaess aep ar') considered lucky or sacred. Large numbers are rarely used in daily life but are essential in spells and rituals. The language's numerical system reflects their complex relationship with magic, emphasizing multiplicative patterns that symbolize power and harmony. Taboo numbers are not explicitly documented, but the emphasis on specific multiples suggests cultural significance.
Fun facts
The number 7 in Elder Speech is 'thaess aep ar', combining 5 ('thaess') and 2 ('aryo'), emphasizing the additive nature of the language.
Compared to English, which is decimal, Elder Speech's vigesimal system is similar to French 'quatre-vingt' (80), but more complex in formation.
Mathematically, Elder Speech's system allows for efficient representation of large numbers through repeated multiplication, e.g., 1000 as 'thaess aep thaess eip thaess aep thaess eip'.
Historically, vigesimal systems are found in Celtic languages, suggesting Elder Speech's deep cultural roots in ancient European traditions.
For very large numbers, Elder Speech repeats the pattern of hundreds and thousands, making it highly systematic and logical despite its complexity.
Frequently asked questions
How do you count to 10 in Elder Speech?
1 is 'acel', 2 is 'aryo', 3 is 'thar', 4 is 'nep', 5 is 'thaess', 6 is 'thaess aep', 7 is 'thaess aep ar', 8 is 'thaess aep thar', 9 is 'thaess aep nep', and 10 is 'theis eip'.
What number base does Elder Speech use?
It uses a vigesimal (base-20) system, evidenced by words like 'theis eip' for 20 and the formation of numbers like 40 ('theis eip thaess eip') and 100 ('thaess aep theis eip').
How do you say 42 in Elder Speech?
42 is 'theis eip ar', formed by 20 ('theis eip') plus 2 ('aryo'), following the pattern of combining the base word with units.
How do you say 100 in Elder Speech?
100 is 'thaess aep theis eip', which is 5×20, combining the words for 5 ('thaess') and 20 ('theis eip').
How many people speak Elder Speech?
The exact number of speakers is unknown, but it is used within the fictional universe of The Witcher by magical practitioners and enthusiasts.
Is Elder Speech related to other languages?
Yes, it is inspired by Celtic languages, especially Welsh, and incorporates elements from Latin and French, reflecting a rich Indo-European heritage.
What makes Elder Speech counting unique?
Its use of a vigesimal system combined with additive and multiplicative patterns, such as 78 being 'theis eip thaess aep thaess eip', makes it highly distinctive among fictional languages.