Lore:Bretic

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Bretic is the language of the Bretons.[1] The Sephavre (the song traditionally sung during the observance of Broken Diamonds) is written in Old Bretic, and each generation only knows it because they were taught by their parents.[2]

Before High Rock's integration into the Alessian Empire circa 1E 1029,[3] some Breton nobility were known to write in Aldmeris as a sign of their pride for their Elvish heritage.[4] Despite the many divides among Breton clans their language, bardic traditions, and heroic legends are a unifying common legacy.[5]

Written in 1E 200, the Tamrilean Tractates speak of an early encounter between a Nord hunting party and the earliest Bretons, the Manmer. These Manmer were scarcely recognizable as Men, and the Nords attacked them thinking they were another strain of Aldmeri. The Nords ceased their assault when one of the Manmer spoke in "broken Nordic", and the hunting party brought word of this "newly discovered" race of Men back to Windhelm. The Nords believed the Manmeri from beyond the Reach were descended from human slaves taken during the Night of Tears.[6] If this "broken Nordic" language is related to Bretic or Old Bretic is unknown.

Druids speak in their own language. Occasional Druidic words have made their way into the local language of the Bretons from the Systres Archipelago.[7][8] Druidic runes are referred to as draoifoglyphs.[9]

In 1E 2327, despite being under Imperial administration, the Systres Archipelago's thriving labor communities were predominantly Bretonic in language, culture, and custom.[10]

Known Old Bretic Words[edit]

Alien
Stranger / Not Like Us[11]

Known Druidic Words[edit]

Draioch
[12]
Draoife
Druid ruling council[13]
Draigh
Impolite curse originating from Druid language[8][7]
Dray'hoon
Forest Wraith[14]
Galen
A name that conveys "solace, home and hearth, reverence and conservation".[15]
Sandpiper
Derogatory term for "a person from off the isles"[8]
Tor
[12]
Vailten
Welcome[8]

Breton Locations, Settlements and Regions[edit]

Below are the Bretic names (and their translated meanings, where available) of some known locations, settlements and regions of High Rock and the Systres.

Gallery[edit]

Possible examples of Breton language

Notes[edit]

  • There is a Druidic word for a type of weaving symbol that translates to "Knots of Earthbones" in Tamrielic.[16]

References[edit]