Translation Help?!

[Mair of the Tribe of Mar]

Everyone,

I was wondering if someone could help me with a translation. I have looked through books and online and nothing seems to have all the words I need and/or there are conjugational issues that I may not be aware of.

I was hoping that someone here could help me translate the phrase, "With the Valor of God" into;

1) Gaelic
and
2) Scots

Thanks for all of the help!
Peace and Harmony,
Jason

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Jason, something that heralds often do when working with clients on their motto is to ask them to use the word, or phrase, in a sentence. This allows both the herald and the client to focus on the meaning and intent as much as the words themselves. The reason that they do this is that not all phrases can translate, directly, into another language and still convey the meaning--sometime subtle--that the client intends.

I think it might be a good idea if you used your phrase in a sentence so that the Gealic and Scots boffins could have a better run at giving you an accurate translation.

[Mair of the Tribe of Mar]

Thank you for that clarifier(?)!

"He fought with the valor of God."
or
"He lives with the valor of God."

Thanks,
Jason

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Thank you for that clarifier(?)!

"He fought with the valor of God."
or
"He lives with the valor of God."

Thanks,
Jason

Okay, Jason. Valor means "courage or bravery". So does this convey the same meaning if you change it to say:

"He fought with the bravery of God" or "He lives with the bravery of God"

and does the word "courage" change it?

"He fought with the courage of God" or "He lives with the courage of God"

In my opinion "courage" is closer to the meaning of valor than "bravery". Consider it this way:

"Brave in battle, courageous in life"

In this instance courage encompasses bravery and therefor is closer to the meaning of valor.

And, since mottoes tend to reflect personal aspirations, would it not be better to say:

"I fight with the courage of God"

If that's more in keeping with what you want to convey, then it might be more expressive to say something like:

"God gives me courage" or "My courage comes from God"

Either of these could be shortened to:

"God gives courage" or "Courage from God"

Assuming, of course, that this is what you intend the motto to convey.

[beloitpiper]

In Irish:

Throid sé le an crógacht na Dia aige.
(He fought with the courage of God.)

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

In Irish:

Throid sé le an crógacht na Dia aige.
(He fought with the courage of God.)

Thanks for the fast (Irish) translation. Scots Gaelic would be similar, and at least as long.

Now, supposing that this is to be used on the traditional buckle and strap or circlet of a cap badge. Will these 36 letters and spaces fit? Probably not.

Even if you change it to "I fight" etc (which is probably better than "He fights" because it eliminates the question, "Who is 'He'?") it is still a bit unwieldy.

In Scots I think

"Wight wi' Guid" or (possibly mixing languages a bit) "Wight wi' God"

which translates as "Courageous with God" is probably closest to your intent--

[Mair of the Tribe of Mar]

Assuming, of course, that this is what you intend the motto to convey.

Absolutely, courage is what I was going for! Now, how would you translate "My Courage comes from God"?

[Mair of the Tribe of Mar]

You beat me to the punch! I guess now my question was answered, Thank you!

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Always glad to be of service! Are you planning on using this as a personal motto? And if so, does than mean you are going to apply for a grant of arms from the Lord Lyon in Scotland, or some other heraldic authority?

[slohairt]

Absolutely, courage is what I was going for! Now, how would you translate "My Courage comes from God"?

Ma smeddum comes frae God (Scots)

(Doesn't sound so great, does it?)