One of the areas that AI like Chatgpt can excel is generating fantasy languages. Not just word emulation, but grammar rules. I’ve been playing around with expanding the vocabularies that have floated around Shadow World books since the original Iron Wind, with a focus on Iruaric and Kugor (the language of Dragonlords). I start with uploading the current available words from the Master Atlas to create a baseline for the AI to work from. Kugor was interesting since it seemed to relate to, or draw, from Norse or Scandanavian influences. I’d be curious if that was intentional on Terry’s part.
The following is a basic first run with a sampling of results:
Kugor
Kugor appears to have a rich tapestry of words, with distinct sounds and themes focused on power, nature, elements, and societal structures. We’ll create new words that reflect and extend these themes, ensuring they’re phonetically aligned with what you’ve shared.
Given the established vocabulary’s emphasis on strong consonant sounds (like “g,” “k,” “r,” and “b”), use of double vowels for emphasis, and thematic focus on elements, creatures, and societal roles, the new words will follow suit.
Nature and Environment
- Storm – Raathuon
- Volcano – Shaangarn
- Iceberg – Raathkarn
- River – Biarkael
- Valley – Karnbrod
- Meadow – Prykachaw
- Sun – Utumkodur
Creatures and Beings
- Wolf – Drayn
- Eagle – Kodry
- Serpent – Ssovalg
- Giant – Hoerkarn
- Witch – Womuulga
- Wizard – Womawga
Societal and Conceptual
- King – Folmgaak
- Queen – Folmgaakur
- Hero – Breyaalc
- Villain – Gartgaath
- Treasure – Utumwomul
- Curse – Gaarkchaur
Objects and Artifacts
- Sword – Daagutum
- Shield – Aalkaed
- Book – Cuivagak
- Potion – Rúansig
- Crown – Aedfolm
- Jewel – Eanwomul
Actions and Properties
- To Conquer – Druskarn
- To Betray – Gartkraaw
- To Celebrate – Brechaw
- To Enchant – Womuulchort
- To Discover – Uscurackarn
- To Heal – Prykawomul
Additional Vocabulary Expansion
Natural World and Geography
- Thunder – Raathlyyg
- Lightning – Piriig
- Forest Glade – Chawlocha
- Ocean – Aactoskuur
- Mountain Pass – Karnny
- Volcanic Ash – Shaangdes
Creatures and Beings
- Sea Monster – Aactosdrak
- Mountain Spirit – Karnorg
- Forest Guardian – Horlyalc
- Sky Serpent – Awduussoi
- Ancestral Ghost – Androskhomul
Societal Roles and Constructs
- Chieftain – AWkanga
- Sage – Fawshrydrul
- Craftsman – Arxduleer
- Emissary – Druulkaag
- Rebel – Ordir
Concepts and Abstract Ideas
- Oath – Kodulryt
- Exile – Iirmord
- Alliance – Chaaggagur
- Ritual – Yhomechooth
- Prophecy – Koduldrul
Objects and Artifacts
- Rune Stone – Orguscurac
- Heirloom Sword – Daagutumleer
- Enchanted Cloak – Womuulain
- Druidic Staff – Uscuractarmen
- Ship’s Figurehead – Progaorg
Actions and States
- To Envision – Piriidrul
- To Enchant – Uscuracchort
- To Forsake – Gartord
- To Illuminate – Piriolias
- To Reign – Kangaoran
I think this is an encouraging first step! AI tools will actually build rules around verb and adverb usage, conjugation, gender use and perspective. My own usage is around building a word toolkit that is phonetically related to the baseline and generating compound words and short phrasing. However, someone with a deeper understanding of language building could really run with this.
We’ve already been working on a central repository for non-commercial Shadow World artwork, it would also be helpful to create a wiki dictionary with expanded lexicon of the more prominent languages. I’m simultaneously working on Iruaric which I’ll post up next, but the Elven languages might be very interesting given Terry’s initial work in the Tolkien setting.
Again, as a disclaimer, I understand the concern and issues around AI generative material, but I also see powerful tools able to expand on Terry’s work without a disruption of canon.
Your thoughts?
