Almmand

Almmand is a fictional language created by linguist and author David J. Peterson for use in the television series *Game of Thrones* and its associated media. It is one of several constructed languages (conlangs) developed by Peterson for the show, alongside High Valyrian, Dothraki, and others. Almmand is spoken by the Free Folk, a nomadic people inhabiting the frozen lands of the North beyond the Wall, known as the Free Cities.

The language draws inspiration from various real-world sources, including Old Norse, Finnish, and other Uralic languages, as well as elements of Slavic and Turkic influences. Its phonology and grammar reflect the harsh, isolated environment of its speakers, with a limited vowel inventory and a focus on consonant-heavy words. Almmand features a complex system of noun cases and verb conjugations, reflecting its speakers' need for precise communication in a challenging landscape.

Peterson designed Almmand to convey the cultural identity of the Free Folk, emphasizing their independence, resilience, and connection to nature. The language includes loanwords from other cultures they interact with, such as the Old Tongue (a fictional language resembling Sanskrit) and Norse-inspired terms. Unlike the more structured High Valyrian, Almmand has a looser, more fluid grammar to better match its speakers' oral tradition and nomadic lifestyle.

Almmand has been featured in the show through dialogue, songs, and place names, though its use is limited due to the series' focus on other languages. Peterson has also released resources, including dictionaries and audio samples, to help fans learn and appreciate the language. Its creation highlights the role of constructed languages in enriching fictional worlds by providing depth and authenticity to their cultures and histories.