Eratimus
27-02-2009, 02:48
The Compendium of Tyrian Paleography
9th Edition
Eratimus Swiftarrow, GuildWars Paleologist
As our website is not yet ready, the 8th Edition will be submitted again *** a forum thread.
View Previous Edition Discussions
Compendium of Tyrian Sciences, 8th Edition (http://guildwars.incgamers.com/showthread.php?t=388239)
New this Edition:
1. Update of previous findings
About the Compendium of Tyrian Paleology
During the beta of Guild Wars in late December of 2004 a few others and I conducted research to uncover the lost languages, runes, glyphs and scripts for GuildWars and the world of Tyria. Today, as the evident interest in the hidden lore of GuildWars has grown, as there are many who desire to delve into the fields of Paleography, Archaeology, Paleo-Anthropology, and History, the Tyrian Academy of Sciences was founded. After some years of inactivity due to real life getting in the way, TOAS had become just about non-existent. It is my desire to re-establish a connection with the community and their desire to explore the world of GuildWars.
Glossary
archaeology
n.
The systematic study of past human life and culture by the recovery and examination of remaining material evidence, such as graves, buildings, tools, and pottery.
glyph
Architecture.</em></u> A vertical groove, especially in a Doric column or frieze.
A symbolic figure that is usually engraved or incised.
A symbol, such as a stylized figure or arrow on a public sign that imparts information nonverbally
hieroglyph
1: writing that resembles hieroglyphics (usually by being illegible)
2: a writing system using picture symbols; used in ancient Crystal Desert
paleo-anthropology
n.
The study of ancient cultures.
paleography
n.
The study and scholarly interpretation of earlier, especially ancient, writing and forms of writing.
rune
Any of the characters in several alphabets used by ancient Tyrian peoples
A similar character in another alphabet, sometimes believed to have magic powers.
A poem or incantation of mysterious significance, especially a magic charm.
Updates in Edition
1. Possible Maldune or Stone Summit emblem
2. Addition of Contributors section
3. Established possible connection between the Crystal Desert and the Catacombs
4. Identification of ancient Druid summoning glyph
5. Added Disclaimer Category
6. Added Possible Margonite or Elona banner
7. Expansion into Archaeology and Paleo-Anthropology
8. Mursaat and Enchanted armor connection
9. The Unseen Ones Revealed: Mursaat
10. Addition of Bleached Bone collection
11. Introduction to...Discovering Tyria and Exploration
Discovering Tyrian, An Expedition of Uncovering Tyrian Hidden lore by the Community.
Inspired by the History Channel's, Digging for Truth, we at TAOS introduce had, Discovering Tyria. This is was a community involved project. Each month the community decided on an aspect not yet revealed that they wish researched and discovered. In response we will ran expeditions to discover these answers. Our results were brought back to the community written in the view of the researchers, giving you a personal view of the expeditions we went on.
This activity was discontinued over the years as involvement dropped off.
Paleography
How was the alphabet translated?
Tyrian Alphabet (http://img6.imageshack.us/my.php?image=orrianalphabet4xu.jpg) | Tyrian Rune Map (http://img287.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tyrianmap5co.jpg) | Translated Map (http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3334/tyriamaptranslated0gg.th.jpg)
I won't go over how I translated ad figured out all the runes and glyphs in the research, but will only concentrate on the Tyrian Alphabet itself as these inspired the rest of my work.
The idea of an obscure runic language came to me when Banegrivm, Guild Leader of the 1st Fist of Light posted a “strange map” he had found a screen shot of what had been on a sign on the Tyrian continent, north of the Wall which was the focused area for the first Chapter of the GuildWars story. I took one look at it and realized that indeed for the most part they were Runes. Not any obscurely created runes, but in fact resembled those used in Gothic, Fulthark, and Swedish-Norwegian runic alphabets, as the various runes I saw on the map included a mixture of all three. I did also find that the game developers may indeed have changed a few, perhaps to make them unique.
The first thought that came to me was that they are using real world runes and the letters corresponding to them. At which point I began trying to translate the upper most set of runes which was believed to spell “Tyria”;. In the end of that process after combining a mixture of real life runes and their letters, I came to realize that in fact the runes are NOT using the same letters as used in real life. That in fact, the image of the runes were used, but the developers. designated their own letters to each rune.
With this new insight, and the knowledge of what the locations were representing, I soon was able to translate and document those areas, ending with at least 3 groups translated. Those being Ascalon, Tyria, Kryta. You can say, Well ok, you think you know what an area is representing, then you assumed those runes were letters? Well I backed and continue to prove that the translations were correct because of cross-comparison.; The "y" in Tyria uses the same "y' rune in Kryta. The rune for "a" is used all in the right places for all three of those groupings. This lead to the discovery of the letters A, S, C, L, O, N, T, Y, I, and K. Soon after I was able to decipher the south central set of runes where we see the Shiverpeaks. But, this was a mistake by me, as I originally thought that the first set is Shiver and the second set below is Peaks. This uncovered the letters, P, V, and H. I wondered why the words were separated. It wasn’t until I got a screen shot originally taken and submitted by a community member that I was able to get a clearer written set of runes. The SW area by Linea and Androgial was mentioned to have been either the Ring of Fire or Fire Isle. After some close translating I was finally able translate and find the right runes for Ring of Fire, which revealed the letters G, F, and E.
After some close observations I soon uncovered that my translation of "Shiver Peaks" was wrong. In fact, the first line DID spell out the complete Shiverpeaks, and surprise to me, as again the Alphabet proved itself, I translated _ o_ntns. Hmm, I wondered what that could mean. Then, out of the blue a realization came that hit me like a freight train. OF Course that is what it is, it was "mountns" This spelling does not include the ai when referring to the correct spelling of mountains, but it did give some insight as it revealed the letters M, O, and U.
Soon after I began my translations of the set of runes in the South East. I originally translated the runes to Try_ _a_ Desert. This left me at a standstill as those missing letters I could not see clearly. It was not until “Linitas” mentioned that the first set could even be Crystal, did it hit me that he was right. I had miss translated the first letter as a T and not C. It was found that location was the Crystal Desert. At this time that section of the world wasn’t known about, nor could anyone access it. So the translation of an area using the alphabet unknown to others helped to validate the work. It was not until an later interview did Community Manger Gaile Gray reveal the existence of the Crystal Desert:
"The Crystal Desert is a nexus of powerful mystical energies. For centuries entire cultures have made pilgrimages to the burning sands in search of spiritual atonement. Their bones litter the dunes, a testament to the dangers of this inhospitable environment. The only other evidence of their existence is the hollow, wind-torn buildings of their temporary civilizations."
The one location that had bewildered me for the longest time was that set of runes to the West. Drytchnath and Androgial had mentioned that it could be Majesty's Rest or Maguuma Jungle. It was not until I realized those central two letters of the first set of runes was uu and not a c or v, did it come to me that the first letter of the second group was a J. A letter that had eluded any sort of translating. This revealed it to be Maguuma Jungle and the letters J, and a new rune for M and G.
This completed the entire translation of the Map. It also completed the alphabet, save the translations for B, X, W, Q, and Z. I have come to see that map as a "Rosetta Stone" of sorts for this ancient runic language.
That brings up another point, WHERE did this language come from, is it perhaps from a past fallen Kingdom?
There were a few more sets of rune found that were quite original. The runes found on the road signs were not of this unknown Alphabet. We also located runes on 4 obelisks located in the "Talmark Wilderness" just west of "The Black Curtain" which after some discussion, were soon thought to be a zodiac of some kind. It was originally thought the screen shot was taken in the Maguuma Desert, but I soon confirmed the location to not be that far West, but to be just west of the Temple of Ages.
Tyrian Hieroglyph
We had also located what appear to be hieroglyphs on he walls of the Tomb of Primeval Kings which appear to be Egyptian, but were not able to get clear enough imaging to decipher them. These same hieroglyphs were recently found on the base of a Dragon Statue in the Crystal Desert.
I have also made efforts in the translations of the Primeval King Hieroglyphs found on the walls, on the base of a dragon statue in the Crystal Desert, and various other locations. It has come to me that the alphabet is very similar to the Egyptians, but certain symbols were modified to give variations between them to. I have uncovered some of the alphabet from these inscriptions and was able to partially translate a stone submitted by oGgaming Moderator Eolan, thank you. Right now the translations are jumbled and no words can be found from them, it is still a great start in uncovering the hidden lore of Tyria.
Eqyptian/Tyrian Hieroglyph Alphabet (http://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crystaldesertheiroglyphsalphab.jpg)
Eolen's Original (http://img405.imageshack.us/my.php?image=heiroglyphscircled6qm.jpg)
Eolen's Translated (http://img310.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hieroglyphtranslation016mh.png):
It still needs some work, and they may not be using the Egyptian translations and just the image, but it is a start.
Runes and Glyph and other Symbols
The Common Runes
The runes have been dubbed "Common" Runes until its creators are discovered.
The Common Rune Alphabet (http://img439.imageshack.us/my.php?image=commonrunealphabet4qi.jpg) Common Rune Location Comparisons (http://img67.imageshack.us/my.php?image=acsttrunecomparisons4dg.jpg)
This rune set has been found in a number of different locations.
1. Banner found among Charr camps depicting what looks like some sort of fierce toothed creature which could refer to Charr, or their leader, or something they worthship. These runes are found along both edges.
2. Banner found near the entrance to the Ascalon Arena gate and in the Nolani Academy which depicts the runes along each side with what looks to be a figure with four wings in the center.
3. Four obelisks in the Talmark Wilderness display a number of these runes. It has been thought that perhaps the obelisks there could be a druid shrine, circle, or belongs to some ancient culture. It is thought that perhaps these obelisks could in fact be Rosetta stones for the alphabet itself, as they include runes that are not on any of the others such as the |69 and a number of others. It has been considered that these obelisks are indeed Druid relics or spires.
Druid Spires (http://img66.imageshack.us/my.php?image=druidspires3wj.jpg)
4. There are pillars in the Ruins of Surmia staging area with a women’s face at the top and a single row of these runes down the center.
5. The statues in the staging area of the Tomb of Primeval Kings along each side of the entrance that have these runes at their base. Each statue has the same set of runes displayed.
6. These runes have also been found on pennanti seen in Bergen Hot Springs in the Kryta nation now.
7. While thought that it would not be found, these Common runes are ALSO found among the Zhaisen as small pennants. This shows that the Commons runes are not just on the mainland Tyria. Do we see them among the Battle Isle in the Random arena simply due to the close proximity to the mainland? Will we see these runes among the homeland of the Zaishen?
Why do we find the same runes through out different cultures. So far they are being used by the Charr, Kryta, Ascalon, the Orr who are found in the Tombs, and whom ever built the Talmark obelisks.
Could they all be sharing a common ancestor, or writing system for specific needs?
Ultimately, what situation would cause 6 different cultures/civilizations to use the same set of runes for what ever reason they are used?
I have attempted to try and cipher them into an alphabet, but so far no success. There does not seem to be any logical correlation between the use of runes depicting letters. Of course the runes could symbolize images or concepts. But you also find the same runes in separate orientations. All of them but one of the runes change orientation in specific locations.
It has been stated that like real life languages the inhabitants of the Talmark area could have adopted a similar language as the Charr. But, I am not sure if ArenaNet would have gone that far, if in fact they have gone as far as all this actually meaning anything, which we all hope it does. So you must wonder, if they are separate, yet adopted languages, what language does the Talmark belong to? If they are the same language, which points to being Charr, does this mean the Charr once were found in the western lands of Kryta? It has also been suggested that this could be an adopted language of the serpent creatures of legend, later adopted by the Charr and the Talmark inhabitants.
Others suggest that perhaps these runes for to words or ideals rather then being letters.
Another theory lies in the fact that the common runes are found in so many different locations. The theory is also based off of the specific locations. It would seem that the only explanation for such a wide spread use, as well as the use in such ancient and connected locations as Druid spires and the Tomb of Primeval Kings is that in fact the glyph are a symbolization, writing, rune system, glyph or sort of connection with the Deity themselves.
Teleporter Runes
Ascension, Teleporter, and other Crystal Desert Glyph/Runes (http://img366.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cdascensionglyphs6gu.jpg)
It would seem that the transporters used to magically move from one transporter artifact to another have a ring of runes encircled which we believe to be the origin of the magic. It may seem as if they are a full set of runes all around, but in fact are 7 distinctly different runes, reversed at least 4 times as they encircle the portal area. These runes have yet to be seen anywhere else nor do they resemble any others.
Ascension Runes:
There are another set of 5 glyphs found on multiple pillars/towers/obelisks through out the Crystal Desert that give sight of magical properties. Excitingly so, 3 of these glyphs are actually found within the portal area one must travel to prior to your Ascension Mirror Self battle. You must step on the correct sequence of the three glyphs. We have yet to locate any other locations for the remaining 2 glyphs anywhere else but those pullers.
"The Wilds" bonus glyph
Glyph Image (http://img48.imageshack.us/my.php?image=unknownwildsrunes2mo.jpg)
There is a set of three glyphs found on three small stone pillars in the Wilds mission area. Each pillar has these same three glyphs. One depicts what looks like an image of a dragon, perhaps Glint or a Bone Dragon, or some other creature of legend. The origin of the other tree are unknown.
Another idea roots in the process of the Flameseeker Prophecies. While it is a long shot, the dragon glyph could refer to the prophecies seen by Glint, that the chosen are to gain use of the triangle, as it refers to the Eye of Janthir and the cross referring to the ascension these chosen must imitate to later fulfill their destiny in this tale.
Diety Statue Plaques
Image (http://img69.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deitystatuerplaque5vr.jpg)
Yet again we have more runes that are similar yet different from others we found. Plaques found before statues have runes similar to the Orrian, yet none are a match. The other quandary is, they too all are written exactly the same. Whether the "hover text" of Statue of Dwayna or for others are different, each and every plaque are written with the same exact runes in the say exact pattern, saying it says the same thing. Which either this means they all say something, but is something basic like Deity Statue, or the like, or again Arena Net simply did not have an intention to have them mean anything and thus make them all the same.
Ruined Temple of Balthazar Runes and Glyphs
Image (http://img66.imageshack.us/my.php?image=balthazartemplerunesandglyphs3.jpg)
There is found a Glyph depicting what is assumed to be the Eye of Janthir, the same eye one uses to gather the Chosen in the Divinity Coast mission. We also see various other eye symbols referring tot he same symbolism. Although you must note what looks to be four crescent moons with in the primary large eye Glyph. What th reference is, I do not know.
Elemental Glyph
On going research to uncover any runic meanings to the Elemental Glyphs<br />
Image (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=elementalglyphs0nn.jpg)
The Underworld Runes
Glyph and Pillars (http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/5091/underworldrunes7co.jpg) | Image (http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/8176/underworldpillars1ox.jpg)
Found by a community member, a number of runes can be found on pillars in the Under World. These seem to be a little more complex then other set that are used by a number of different cultures on Tyria.
These pillars also included 3 glyphs. These could simply be enlarged runes that are a part of the other runes or could in fact be a separate usage more like Pictographs. We will have to see if there are anymore of these similar runes around. The glyphs seem to partly resemble an eye or a symbolism similar to it.
Recent findings show this same eye looking glyph can be found on the pillers of a platform in Shaemore by the Janthir Eye location.
Druid Talmark spires
Druid Spires (http://img66.imageshack.us/my.php?image=druidspires3wj.jpg)
For the past year the origin of the tree turned to 4 spires in the Talmark Wilderness has baffled me. Many have suggested they originate from the Druids, other an ancient culture. I try not to make anything more then a theory until I have enough evidence to state otherwise. Well, after revisiting and exploring Henge of Denravi, I came upon the huge hollowed out dead tree that acts as a platform and possible old temple. The way it was built reflects a great deal of what was done by the spires in Talmark. As Denravi was inhabited by the druids up to a decade ago it would be logical to state that the tree platform/temple was guilt by these druids. With this knowledge in mind, taking into account the close proximity of the Talmark, the way the spires were built and the close travels of the druids themselves, I have come to the standpoint to identify these spires indeed as old Druid spires. Their use is still under speculation as well as the origin of the runes we find on them and else where in the world.
I see the possible use for the Druid spires as a place of worship and ritual as the roots of the tree/trees expand deep into Tyria making it ideal for close commune with Tyria and Melandru.
9th Edition
Eratimus Swiftarrow, GuildWars Paleologist
As our website is not yet ready, the 8th Edition will be submitted again *** a forum thread.
View Previous Edition Discussions
Compendium of Tyrian Sciences, 8th Edition (http://guildwars.incgamers.com/showthread.php?t=388239)
New this Edition:
1. Update of previous findings
About the Compendium of Tyrian Paleology
During the beta of Guild Wars in late December of 2004 a few others and I conducted research to uncover the lost languages, runes, glyphs and scripts for GuildWars and the world of Tyria. Today, as the evident interest in the hidden lore of GuildWars has grown, as there are many who desire to delve into the fields of Paleography, Archaeology, Paleo-Anthropology, and History, the Tyrian Academy of Sciences was founded. After some years of inactivity due to real life getting in the way, TOAS had become just about non-existent. It is my desire to re-establish a connection with the community and their desire to explore the world of GuildWars.
Glossary
archaeology
n.
The systematic study of past human life and culture by the recovery and examination of remaining material evidence, such as graves, buildings, tools, and pottery.
glyph
Architecture.</em></u> A vertical groove, especially in a Doric column or frieze.
A symbolic figure that is usually engraved or incised.
A symbol, such as a stylized figure or arrow on a public sign that imparts information nonverbally
hieroglyph
1: writing that resembles hieroglyphics (usually by being illegible)
2: a writing system using picture symbols; used in ancient Crystal Desert
paleo-anthropology
n.
The study of ancient cultures.
paleography
n.
The study and scholarly interpretation of earlier, especially ancient, writing and forms of writing.
rune
Any of the characters in several alphabets used by ancient Tyrian peoples
A similar character in another alphabet, sometimes believed to have magic powers.
A poem or incantation of mysterious significance, especially a magic charm.
Updates in Edition
1. Possible Maldune or Stone Summit emblem
2. Addition of Contributors section
3. Established possible connection between the Crystal Desert and the Catacombs
4. Identification of ancient Druid summoning glyph
5. Added Disclaimer Category
6. Added Possible Margonite or Elona banner
7. Expansion into Archaeology and Paleo-Anthropology
8. Mursaat and Enchanted armor connection
9. The Unseen Ones Revealed: Mursaat
10. Addition of Bleached Bone collection
11. Introduction to...Discovering Tyria and Exploration
Discovering Tyrian, An Expedition of Uncovering Tyrian Hidden lore by the Community.
Inspired by the History Channel's, Digging for Truth, we at TAOS introduce had, Discovering Tyria. This is was a community involved project. Each month the community decided on an aspect not yet revealed that they wish researched and discovered. In response we will ran expeditions to discover these answers. Our results were brought back to the community written in the view of the researchers, giving you a personal view of the expeditions we went on.
This activity was discontinued over the years as involvement dropped off.
Paleography
How was the alphabet translated?
Tyrian Alphabet (http://img6.imageshack.us/my.php?image=orrianalphabet4xu.jpg) | Tyrian Rune Map (http://img287.imageshack.us/my.php?image=tyrianmap5co.jpg) | Translated Map (http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3334/tyriamaptranslated0gg.th.jpg)
I won't go over how I translated ad figured out all the runes and glyphs in the research, but will only concentrate on the Tyrian Alphabet itself as these inspired the rest of my work.
The idea of an obscure runic language came to me when Banegrivm, Guild Leader of the 1st Fist of Light posted a “strange map” he had found a screen shot of what had been on a sign on the Tyrian continent, north of the Wall which was the focused area for the first Chapter of the GuildWars story. I took one look at it and realized that indeed for the most part they were Runes. Not any obscurely created runes, but in fact resembled those used in Gothic, Fulthark, and Swedish-Norwegian runic alphabets, as the various runes I saw on the map included a mixture of all three. I did also find that the game developers may indeed have changed a few, perhaps to make them unique.
The first thought that came to me was that they are using real world runes and the letters corresponding to them. At which point I began trying to translate the upper most set of runes which was believed to spell “Tyria”;. In the end of that process after combining a mixture of real life runes and their letters, I came to realize that in fact the runes are NOT using the same letters as used in real life. That in fact, the image of the runes were used, but the developers. designated their own letters to each rune.
With this new insight, and the knowledge of what the locations were representing, I soon was able to translate and document those areas, ending with at least 3 groups translated. Those being Ascalon, Tyria, Kryta. You can say, Well ok, you think you know what an area is representing, then you assumed those runes were letters? Well I backed and continue to prove that the translations were correct because of cross-comparison.; The "y" in Tyria uses the same "y' rune in Kryta. The rune for "a" is used all in the right places for all three of those groupings. This lead to the discovery of the letters A, S, C, L, O, N, T, Y, I, and K. Soon after I was able to decipher the south central set of runes where we see the Shiverpeaks. But, this was a mistake by me, as I originally thought that the first set is Shiver and the second set below is Peaks. This uncovered the letters, P, V, and H. I wondered why the words were separated. It wasn’t until I got a screen shot originally taken and submitted by a community member that I was able to get a clearer written set of runes. The SW area by Linea and Androgial was mentioned to have been either the Ring of Fire or Fire Isle. After some close translating I was finally able translate and find the right runes for Ring of Fire, which revealed the letters G, F, and E.
After some close observations I soon uncovered that my translation of "Shiver Peaks" was wrong. In fact, the first line DID spell out the complete Shiverpeaks, and surprise to me, as again the Alphabet proved itself, I translated _ o_ntns. Hmm, I wondered what that could mean. Then, out of the blue a realization came that hit me like a freight train. OF Course that is what it is, it was "mountns" This spelling does not include the ai when referring to the correct spelling of mountains, but it did give some insight as it revealed the letters M, O, and U.
Soon after I began my translations of the set of runes in the South East. I originally translated the runes to Try_ _a_ Desert. This left me at a standstill as those missing letters I could not see clearly. It was not until “Linitas” mentioned that the first set could even be Crystal, did it hit me that he was right. I had miss translated the first letter as a T and not C. It was found that location was the Crystal Desert. At this time that section of the world wasn’t known about, nor could anyone access it. So the translation of an area using the alphabet unknown to others helped to validate the work. It was not until an later interview did Community Manger Gaile Gray reveal the existence of the Crystal Desert:
"The Crystal Desert is a nexus of powerful mystical energies. For centuries entire cultures have made pilgrimages to the burning sands in search of spiritual atonement. Their bones litter the dunes, a testament to the dangers of this inhospitable environment. The only other evidence of their existence is the hollow, wind-torn buildings of their temporary civilizations."
The one location that had bewildered me for the longest time was that set of runes to the West. Drytchnath and Androgial had mentioned that it could be Majesty's Rest or Maguuma Jungle. It was not until I realized those central two letters of the first set of runes was uu and not a c or v, did it come to me that the first letter of the second group was a J. A letter that had eluded any sort of translating. This revealed it to be Maguuma Jungle and the letters J, and a new rune for M and G.
This completed the entire translation of the Map. It also completed the alphabet, save the translations for B, X, W, Q, and Z. I have come to see that map as a "Rosetta Stone" of sorts for this ancient runic language.
That brings up another point, WHERE did this language come from, is it perhaps from a past fallen Kingdom?
There were a few more sets of rune found that were quite original. The runes found on the road signs were not of this unknown Alphabet. We also located runes on 4 obelisks located in the "Talmark Wilderness" just west of "The Black Curtain" which after some discussion, were soon thought to be a zodiac of some kind. It was originally thought the screen shot was taken in the Maguuma Desert, but I soon confirmed the location to not be that far West, but to be just west of the Temple of Ages.
Tyrian Hieroglyph
We had also located what appear to be hieroglyphs on he walls of the Tomb of Primeval Kings which appear to be Egyptian, but were not able to get clear enough imaging to decipher them. These same hieroglyphs were recently found on the base of a Dragon Statue in the Crystal Desert.
I have also made efforts in the translations of the Primeval King Hieroglyphs found on the walls, on the base of a dragon statue in the Crystal Desert, and various other locations. It has come to me that the alphabet is very similar to the Egyptians, but certain symbols were modified to give variations between them to. I have uncovered some of the alphabet from these inscriptions and was able to partially translate a stone submitted by oGgaming Moderator Eolan, thank you. Right now the translations are jumbled and no words can be found from them, it is still a great start in uncovering the hidden lore of Tyria.
Eqyptian/Tyrian Hieroglyph Alphabet (http://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crystaldesertheiroglyphsalphab.jpg)
Eolen's Original (http://img405.imageshack.us/my.php?image=heiroglyphscircled6qm.jpg)
Eolen's Translated (http://img310.imageshack.us/my.php?image=hieroglyphtranslation016mh.png):
It still needs some work, and they may not be using the Egyptian translations and just the image, but it is a start.
Runes and Glyph and other Symbols
The Common Runes
The runes have been dubbed "Common" Runes until its creators are discovered.
The Common Rune Alphabet (http://img439.imageshack.us/my.php?image=commonrunealphabet4qi.jpg) Common Rune Location Comparisons (http://img67.imageshack.us/my.php?image=acsttrunecomparisons4dg.jpg)
This rune set has been found in a number of different locations.
1. Banner found among Charr camps depicting what looks like some sort of fierce toothed creature which could refer to Charr, or their leader, or something they worthship. These runes are found along both edges.
2. Banner found near the entrance to the Ascalon Arena gate and in the Nolani Academy which depicts the runes along each side with what looks to be a figure with four wings in the center.
3. Four obelisks in the Talmark Wilderness display a number of these runes. It has been thought that perhaps the obelisks there could be a druid shrine, circle, or belongs to some ancient culture. It is thought that perhaps these obelisks could in fact be Rosetta stones for the alphabet itself, as they include runes that are not on any of the others such as the |69 and a number of others. It has been considered that these obelisks are indeed Druid relics or spires.
Druid Spires (http://img66.imageshack.us/my.php?image=druidspires3wj.jpg)
4. There are pillars in the Ruins of Surmia staging area with a women’s face at the top and a single row of these runes down the center.
5. The statues in the staging area of the Tomb of Primeval Kings along each side of the entrance that have these runes at their base. Each statue has the same set of runes displayed.
6. These runes have also been found on pennanti seen in Bergen Hot Springs in the Kryta nation now.
7. While thought that it would not be found, these Common runes are ALSO found among the Zhaisen as small pennants. This shows that the Commons runes are not just on the mainland Tyria. Do we see them among the Battle Isle in the Random arena simply due to the close proximity to the mainland? Will we see these runes among the homeland of the Zaishen?
Why do we find the same runes through out different cultures. So far they are being used by the Charr, Kryta, Ascalon, the Orr who are found in the Tombs, and whom ever built the Talmark obelisks.
Could they all be sharing a common ancestor, or writing system for specific needs?
Ultimately, what situation would cause 6 different cultures/civilizations to use the same set of runes for what ever reason they are used?
I have attempted to try and cipher them into an alphabet, but so far no success. There does not seem to be any logical correlation between the use of runes depicting letters. Of course the runes could symbolize images or concepts. But you also find the same runes in separate orientations. All of them but one of the runes change orientation in specific locations.
It has been stated that like real life languages the inhabitants of the Talmark area could have adopted a similar language as the Charr. But, I am not sure if ArenaNet would have gone that far, if in fact they have gone as far as all this actually meaning anything, which we all hope it does. So you must wonder, if they are separate, yet adopted languages, what language does the Talmark belong to? If they are the same language, which points to being Charr, does this mean the Charr once were found in the western lands of Kryta? It has also been suggested that this could be an adopted language of the serpent creatures of legend, later adopted by the Charr and the Talmark inhabitants.
Others suggest that perhaps these runes for to words or ideals rather then being letters.
Another theory lies in the fact that the common runes are found in so many different locations. The theory is also based off of the specific locations. It would seem that the only explanation for such a wide spread use, as well as the use in such ancient and connected locations as Druid spires and the Tomb of Primeval Kings is that in fact the glyph are a symbolization, writing, rune system, glyph or sort of connection with the Deity themselves.
Teleporter Runes
Ascension, Teleporter, and other Crystal Desert Glyph/Runes (http://img366.imageshack.us/my.php?image=cdascensionglyphs6gu.jpg)
It would seem that the transporters used to magically move from one transporter artifact to another have a ring of runes encircled which we believe to be the origin of the magic. It may seem as if they are a full set of runes all around, but in fact are 7 distinctly different runes, reversed at least 4 times as they encircle the portal area. These runes have yet to be seen anywhere else nor do they resemble any others.
Ascension Runes:
There are another set of 5 glyphs found on multiple pillars/towers/obelisks through out the Crystal Desert that give sight of magical properties. Excitingly so, 3 of these glyphs are actually found within the portal area one must travel to prior to your Ascension Mirror Self battle. You must step on the correct sequence of the three glyphs. We have yet to locate any other locations for the remaining 2 glyphs anywhere else but those pullers.
"The Wilds" bonus glyph
Glyph Image (http://img48.imageshack.us/my.php?image=unknownwildsrunes2mo.jpg)
There is a set of three glyphs found on three small stone pillars in the Wilds mission area. Each pillar has these same three glyphs. One depicts what looks like an image of a dragon, perhaps Glint or a Bone Dragon, or some other creature of legend. The origin of the other tree are unknown.
Another idea roots in the process of the Flameseeker Prophecies. While it is a long shot, the dragon glyph could refer to the prophecies seen by Glint, that the chosen are to gain use of the triangle, as it refers to the Eye of Janthir and the cross referring to the ascension these chosen must imitate to later fulfill their destiny in this tale.
Diety Statue Plaques
Image (http://img69.imageshack.us/my.php?image=deitystatuerplaque5vr.jpg)
Yet again we have more runes that are similar yet different from others we found. Plaques found before statues have runes similar to the Orrian, yet none are a match. The other quandary is, they too all are written exactly the same. Whether the "hover text" of Statue of Dwayna or for others are different, each and every plaque are written with the same exact runes in the say exact pattern, saying it says the same thing. Which either this means they all say something, but is something basic like Deity Statue, or the like, or again Arena Net simply did not have an intention to have them mean anything and thus make them all the same.
Ruined Temple of Balthazar Runes and Glyphs
Image (http://img66.imageshack.us/my.php?image=balthazartemplerunesandglyphs3.jpg)
There is found a Glyph depicting what is assumed to be the Eye of Janthir, the same eye one uses to gather the Chosen in the Divinity Coast mission. We also see various other eye symbols referring tot he same symbolism. Although you must note what looks to be four crescent moons with in the primary large eye Glyph. What th reference is, I do not know.
Elemental Glyph
On going research to uncover any runic meanings to the Elemental Glyphs<br />
Image (http://img230.imageshack.us/my.php?image=elementalglyphs0nn.jpg)
The Underworld Runes
Glyph and Pillars (http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/5091/underworldrunes7co.jpg) | Image (http://img333.imageshack.us/img333/8176/underworldpillars1ox.jpg)
Found by a community member, a number of runes can be found on pillars in the Under World. These seem to be a little more complex then other set that are used by a number of different cultures on Tyria.
These pillars also included 3 glyphs. These could simply be enlarged runes that are a part of the other runes or could in fact be a separate usage more like Pictographs. We will have to see if there are anymore of these similar runes around. The glyphs seem to partly resemble an eye or a symbolism similar to it.
Recent findings show this same eye looking glyph can be found on the pillers of a platform in Shaemore by the Janthir Eye location.
Druid Talmark spires
Druid Spires (http://img66.imageshack.us/my.php?image=druidspires3wj.jpg)
For the past year the origin of the tree turned to 4 spires in the Talmark Wilderness has baffled me. Many have suggested they originate from the Druids, other an ancient culture. I try not to make anything more then a theory until I have enough evidence to state otherwise. Well, after revisiting and exploring Henge of Denravi, I came upon the huge hollowed out dead tree that acts as a platform and possible old temple. The way it was built reflects a great deal of what was done by the spires in Talmark. As Denravi was inhabited by the druids up to a decade ago it would be logical to state that the tree platform/temple was guilt by these druids. With this knowledge in mind, taking into account the close proximity of the Talmark, the way the spires were built and the close travels of the druids themselves, I have come to the standpoint to identify these spires indeed as old Druid spires. Their use is still under speculation as well as the origin of the runes we find on them and else where in the world.
I see the possible use for the Druid spires as a place of worship and ritual as the roots of the tree/trees expand deep into Tyria making it ideal for close commune with Tyria and Melandru.