D&D pronunciation. Does it matter? No. Can it be fun to discuss? Sure! While pedantry over pronunciation is the opposite of charisma, that's no reason not to look at the etymology of some of the words we use in our games.
The vocabulary of D&D has always been an important part of its appeal. From made-up words with a half-dozen apostrophes to more obscure real world words not often used in general conversation, a D&D player's lexicon of rare words grows as he or she plays the game for longer.
I can still remember my school days; my AD&D core rulebooks contributed to my education alongside the lessons of my teachers. In particular, those books cultivated not just a competency with the English language, but an actual interest in it. Those words – lycanthrope, halberd, dweomer, brigand, clairvoyant, melee, unguent, venerable – had a magic about them.
There was a problem, though. Most of these words, while being fine and wonderful words in their own right, were never used in general conversation with my classmates. Even less likely to be uttered aloud outside a D&D game were the dozens upon dozens of “made-up” words; and so, how could we know how to pronounce them? We made educated guesses. We were often wrong.
From my friend who insisted on pronouncing 'portcullis' as 'poor-TIC-yoo-lus' to the friend-of-a-friend who apparently – and somewhat unfortunately for him – repeatedly pronounced 'brazier' as 'brassiere' (which, to a 13-year old kid really is the height of hilarity); from the never-ending arguments about how to say “coup de grace” (hint: 'grace' is a different word to the 'gras' in 'Mardi Gras') and “drow”, to the amusing story of Eric and the Dread Gazebo, the D&D vocabulary is fraught with dangers.
This is a guide to how to pronounce various D&D words. This is largely a resurrection (and expansion) of an old EN World article which includes copyrighted WotC content for which EN World was given specific permission to use. Note that sometimes WotC's (or TSR's before them) own sources contradict each other, so just pick whichever you prefer.
Where syllables are indicated in CAPS, this indicates where the emphasis should be placed.
The Big Ones
Dice Notation
You pronounce the "d" as in the letter "d". So 1d4 is pronounced one-dee-four. 3d6 is three-dee-six. You don't substitue the "d" with the word "die" or "dice".
Drizzt
TSR, WotC, and R.A. Salvatore have various pronunciations.
Here are some commonly mispronounced words and their dictionary pronunciations where they are available and common-practice pronunciations or TSR rulings where they not. For more general pronunciation help, see the article "Ay pronunseeAYshun gyd" by Frank Mentzer in Dragon #93 (Jan. 1985) (see below). For help pronouncing words and names specific to the Forgotten Realms setting, see the Forgotten Realms box (see below) and the trilogy of Forgotten Realms deity books (see below). For help pronouncing the names of the various tanar'ri and baatezu types, see MC8 Outer Planes Appendix (see below).
The following pronunciations are found in TSR 1031 Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting.
Place Names
The following pronunciations were included in TSR 1085: Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (Revised).
Select NPCs
The Forgotten Realms "deity trilogy" of sourcebooks consisted of TSR 9516: Faiths & Avatars, TSR 9563: Powers & Pantheons, and TSR 9585: Demihuman Deities. They included the following pronunciations:
Faiths & Avatars
Faerunian Pantheon (Demipowers)
Drow Pantheon
For a list of Oriental Adventures terms, see the article Oriental Adventures Pronunciation Guide. There is a small handful of OA terms which sometimes crop up in a regular D&D game, and these have been relisted below:
The article "Ay pronunseeAYshun gyd" by Frank Mentzer in Dragon #93 (Jan. 1985) contains the following pronunciation guide. This list contains a large number of GREYHAWK personages and places, along with D&D monsters.
This appendix included pronunciations of various tanar'ri and baatezu types.
Many of the unique names for devils are historical alternative names for Satan or the seven princes of Hell of Christian demonology,
This is a list of pronunciations for many of the Pathfinder demon lords:
Eberron
Keith Baker's Eberron FAQ lists some pronunciations. Note that he says "As for the pronunciation, the stance we’ve always taken is that there is no official pronunciation; it’s entirely regional, just like “Missouri” or “tomato” in our world." The below are his pronunciations:
Dragonlance
The following pronunciations have been given by Dragonlance authors:
The Dragonlance deity pronunciations can be found in Holy Orders of the Stars.
Greyhawk
Gary Gygax' Pronunciations
These pronunciations come from the many Gary Gygax Q&A threads here on EN World. You can find them in the archive forum.
Many other people and places of Greyhawk can be found in the DRAGON #93 list, above. Those specifically marked as being from WORLD OF GREYHAWK™ Fantasy World Setting have been relisted below, but many other words in that section have relevance to Greyhawk.
The ZEITGEIST Player's Guide contains a brief pronunciation section.
The vocabulary of D&D has always been an important part of its appeal. From made-up words with a half-dozen apostrophes to more obscure real world words not often used in general conversation, a D&D player's lexicon of rare words grows as he or she plays the game for longer.
I can still remember my school days; my AD&D core rulebooks contributed to my education alongside the lessons of my teachers. In particular, those books cultivated not just a competency with the English language, but an actual interest in it. Those words – lycanthrope, halberd, dweomer, brigand, clairvoyant, melee, unguent, venerable – had a magic about them.
Those words – lycanthrope, halberd, dweomer, brigand, clairvoyant, melee, unguent, venerable – had a magic about them.
There was a problem, though. Most of these words, while being fine and wonderful words in their own right, were never used in general conversation with my classmates. Even less likely to be uttered aloud outside a D&D game were the dozens upon dozens of “made-up” words; and so, how could we know how to pronounce them? We made educated guesses. We were often wrong.
From my friend who insisted on pronouncing 'portcullis' as 'poor-TIC-yoo-lus' to the friend-of-a-friend who apparently – and somewhat unfortunately for him – repeatedly pronounced 'brazier' as 'brassiere' (which, to a 13-year old kid really is the height of hilarity); from the never-ending arguments about how to say “coup de grace” (hint: 'grace' is a different word to the 'gras' in 'Mardi Gras') and “drow”, to the amusing story of Eric and the Dread Gazebo, the D&D vocabulary is fraught with dangers.
This is a guide to how to pronounce various D&D words. This is largely a resurrection (and expansion) of an old EN World article which includes copyrighted WotC content for which EN World was given specific permission to use. Note that sometimes WotC's (or TSR's before them) own sources contradict each other, so just pick whichever you prefer.
Where syllables are indicated in CAPS, this indicates where the emphasis should be placed.
"Grace" has a strong "ss" sound at the end of it, and the phrase is pronounced "coo de grass"
The Big Ones
- Coup de Grace is the subject of many arguments. People will often gleefully tell you it's pronounced "coo de grah" because of the way "gras" is pronounced in "Mardi Gras". They're wrong. "Grace" (which means "mercy") and "Gras" (which means "fat") are entirely different words. They have different letters in them and everything, just like other words which aren't the same words as each other do. "Grace" has a strong "ss" sound at the end of it, and the phrase is pronounced "coo de grass" (that's a hard "a" like Americans pronounce "ass", not like how the English pronounce "arse"). You can hear a Frenchman pronouncing it here. Don't walk around saying "blow of fat", for pity's sake!
- Melee is pronounced "may-lay", though the "may" part is very short (almost "meh"). Not mee-lay, mee-lee, or meh-lee.
- Paladin has the emphasis on the first syllable: PAL-a-din (listen here).
- Sigil, the Planescape city, is not pronounced the same as the word "sigil" (which means "symbol"). It's a hard "G". Si-gill, not Si-jill. David 'Zeb' Cook says: "Yeah, we went with the “mispronunciation” (because I think I mispronounced it that way)." He indicates that it's a little in-joke at his expense.
- Blackguard is pronounced "blaggard". It's not just a D&D word, it's an actual, real word. Listen to it here.
- Drow rhymes with "cow". Page 9 of A Grand Tour of the Realms (2nd Edition Forgotten Realms boxed set) states, "Dark elves, also called Drow (pronounced to rhyme with now or how)..."
Dark elves, also called Drow (pronounced to rhyme with now or how)...
- A Grand Tour of the Realms
- Geas is an old celtic word pronounced "gesh". Listen to it here. WotC and TSR before them tend to say "GEE-ASS".
- Gaol is the British spelling of "jail" and is pronounced the same way. It's a current spelling, not an old-timey spelling.
- Gygax is pronounced "guy-gaks" (see below for more info on that).
- Guenhwyvar, Drizzt's panther, is an old spelling of "Guinevere", King Arthur's wife (you can hear that here). However, the panther is not pronounced that way.
- Gelatinous begins with a "j" sound, as you can hear here.
- Brazier is pronounced "bray-zier" (slightly sounds like the TV character Frasier); hear it here.
- Tiefling is pronounced TEEF-ling, not tie-fling, as you can hear here.
- A balor is a "BAY-lor" not a "BAH-lor".
- Fay-RUNE is located on Al-BEER-toh-RILL, according to Patrick Stewart narrating the Demon Stone PS2 game.
- Ye is pronounced "the"; or, more accurately, there was no such word as "ye" in the sense of "Ye Olde Shoppe" (though the word 'ye' did mean 'you'). In the 9th-12th century, the English used the letter thorn (þ) to represent the “th” sound. Later, as printing became widely used, they instead used the y key which was understood to mean a thorn, or the sound "th".
- Arcana has two different pronunciations. The British pronunciation is ar-KANE-uh, while the American pronunciation is ar-CAN-uh.
- Bahamut is pronounced "ba-HAH-moot" or "ba-HAH-mat" (see here). Bahamut, before the name was co-opted for D&D, was from Arabian mythology, and was actually a vast elephant-headed fish. The original pronunciation is the "moot" version; the later "mat" version is popular with gamers, though.
- The 'c' in scion is silent. The word is pronounced sigh-on, as demonstrated here.
- EN World is pronounced "ee-en-world"; the "E.N." part is the initials of Eric Noah, who most assuredly was not named "En".
- Behemoth is "BEEyamuth" (British) or "beeHEEmuth" (American) (listen); an episode of Deep Space 9 repeatedly pronounced it "bermuth", so it's different in space.
- Lich is LITCH, not Lik or Leek; see this video for more. (The English town Lichfield is pronounced the same way).
- Erinyes is understandably awkward to say. It's the plural of Erinys, an alternate name for the Greek Furies. You say it ih-rin-ee-eez (listen here; the top entry is the singular Erinys, but just below is the plural, Erinyes).
Yeah, we went with the “mispronunciation” (because I think I mispronounced it that way).
- David 'Zeb' Cook
Dice Notation
You pronounce the "d" as in the letter "d". So 1d4 is pronounced one-dee-four. 3d6 is three-dee-six. You don't substitue the "d" with the word "die" or "dice".
Drizzt
TSR, WotC, and R.A. Salvatore have various pronunciations.
- Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (Revised 2nd Edition): gives the pronunciation as Drist Doe-URR-den.
- The Crystal Shard (the novel by R.A. Salvatore) gives the pronunciation as "Drits" in a scene where the character teaches a child how to pronounce his name.
- In the Dark Elf Trilogy, Book 3: Sojourn, he again teaches a child how to pronounce his name using the pronunciation "drizzit".
Here are some commonly mispronounced words and their dictionary pronunciations where they are available and common-practice pronunciations or TSR rulings where they not. For more general pronunciation help, see the article "Ay pronunseeAYshun gyd" by Frank Mentzer in Dragon #93 (Jan. 1985) (see below). For help pronouncing words and names specific to the Forgotten Realms setting, see the Forgotten Realms box (see below) and the trilogy of Forgotten Realms deity books (see below). For help pronouncing the names of the various tanar'ri and baatezu types, see MC8 Outer Planes Appendix (see below).
Ay pronunseeAYshun gyd
- Dragon #93, Frank Mentzer
- Aarakocra: a-rah-KO-krah
- Arquebus: AR-keh-bus
- Baatezu: bay-AH-teh-zu or BAH-teh-zu
- Bardiche: bar-DEESH
- Bulette: boo-LAY (note that this one is universally condemned by gamers everywhere, so we suggest ignoring WotC and saying "boo-lett")
- Catoblepus: kuht-OH-bleh-puhs, also kah-TA-ble-pus
- Chatkcha: CHAT-k-cha (thri-kreen throwing weapon)
- Chimera: ky-MAEE-ruh, or ky-MAIR-ruh (rhymes with "care of")
- Chitin: KITE-in
- Cuirass: KWEE-rass
- Drow: DRAU (as in drowsy; rhymes with now and how)
- Dweomer: DWEH-mer (rhymes with "hem her"), or DWIH-mer; sometimes DWEE-mer
- Falchion: FAL-chun
- Geas: GEE-ass, or GYASS (both with a hard "g") (this one's wrong; it's "gesh" - see above)
- Gygax: GY-gaks
- Halberd: HAL-berd, (not HAL-bread)
- Herb: ERB (if you're American; "Herb" if you're British)
- Ioun: EYE-oon
- Iuz: YOOZ or EE-uz
- Ixitxachitl: iks-it-ZATCH-i-til or ik-zit-zah-chih-tull
- Lich: LITCH (as in ditch), not LIKE or LICK (seriously, try saying 'Wrath of the Lich King" with a "lick" pronunciation of 'lich')
- Lycanthrope: LY-kun-throhp, LY-kan-throhp (like lichen rope/my tan rope)
- Lycanthropy: ly-KAN-thruh-pee
- Mage: MAGE (as in age), not MADGE (as in badger)
- Melee: MAY-lay
- Otyugh: AHT-yuhg
- Sahuagin: sah-HWAH-gin
- Scythe: syth (rhymes with tithe)
- Svirfneblin: svirf-NEB-lin
- Tanar'ri: tah-NAHR-ree
- Tarrasque: tah-RASK
- THAC0: either THAK-oh, or THAKE-oh
- Vargouille: var-GWEEL
- Vrock: vrahk
- Wyvern: WIH-vern (as in did learn), or WHY-vern
- Zaknafein: zack-NAY-fee-in
The following pronunciations are found in TSR 1031 Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting.
Place Names
- ABEIR-TORIL (Ai-BEER-toh-RILL)
- AGLAROND (AHG-lah-rond)
- AMN (AWW-mmm)
- ANAUROCH (Ann-OAR-ock)
- ARABEL (AIR-ah-bell)
- ARCHENDALE (ARK-hen-dale)
- ASBRAVN (Az-BRAH-ven)
- BEREGOST (BEAR-eh-gost)
- BOARESKYR (Boar-reh-SKEER) Bridge
- CALANTAR’S (CAH-lan-tare's) WAY
- CALIMSHAN (CAL-im-shan)
- CORMYR (Core-MEER)
- DAERLUN (Dare-LOON)
- DAMARA (Dah-MARR-ah)
- DHEDLUK (DED-luke)
- ELTUREL (ELL-tur-ELL)
- ESSEMBRA (Ess-SEM-brah)
- EVERESKA (Eh-ver-EH-ska)
- ELVERSULT (EL-ver-suhlt)
- HLINTAR (Heh-LIN-tar)
- HLUTHVAR (Heh-LUTH-var)
- HUDDAGH (HUHD-agh)
- IMPILTUR (IM-pill-tur)
- IRIAEBOR (Ear-ee-AY-bore)
- KARA-TUR (Kah-rah-TOUR)
- KULTA (KUHL-tah)
- MARSEMBER (Mar-SEM-burr)
- MARSH OF CHELIMBER (Sheh-LIM-ber)
- MASKYR’S (MAH-skeer's) EYE
- MELVAUNT (MELL-vont)
- MOONSHAE (MOON-shay)
- MULHESSEN (Muhl-HEH-sen)
- MULHORAND (Muhl-HOH-rand)
- MULMASTER (MUHL-mah-ster)
- MYTH DRANNOR (Myth DRANN-or)
- ORDULIN (ORE-dyoo-lin)
- NIMBRAL (Nim-BRALL)
- ORLUMBOR (Or-LUM-bore)
- PRIAPURL (Pry-ah-PEARL)
- PROS (Prahss)
- PROSKUR (PROSS-kurr)
- PROCAMPUR (Pro-CAHM-pur)
- RASHEMEN (Rah-SHEH-men)
- RAURIN (ROAR-en)
- REDDANSYR (Reh-DAHN-seer)
- SAERLOON (Say-er-LOON)
- SCORNUBEL (SCOR-noo-bell)
- SELGAUNT (SELL-gont)
- SOSSAL (SAW-sall)
- SOUBAR (SOO-bar)
- SURD (Serd)
- SUZAIL (Soo-ZALE)
- TARKHALDALE (TARK-hal-dale)
- TETHYR (TEH-theer)
- TEZIIR (Teh-ZEER
- TSURLAGOL (Tsss-SIR-lah-gel)
- TULBEGH (TULL-beg)
- TYRLUK (TEER-luke)
- URMLASPYR (Erm-LASS-peer)
- VAASA (VAH-sah)
- WHELOON (way-LOON)
- YHAUNN (Uh-HAWN)
- YLRAPHON (Ee-ul-RAFF-on)
- YULASH (Yoo-LASH)
- ZHENTIL KEEP (Zz-HENT-ill Keep)
- AURIL (AWE-rill)
- AZUTH (AH-Zooth)
- BANE (BAIN)
- BESHABA (Beh-SHAH-ba)
- BHAAL (Beh-HAHL)
- CHAUNTEA (Chawn-TEE-ah)
- DENEIR (Deh-NEER)
- ELDATH (EL-dath)
- GOND (Gond)
- HELM (Hehlm)
- ILMATER (Ihl-MAY-ter)
- LATHANDER (Lah-THAN-der)
- LEIRA (LAIR-ah)
- LLIIRA (LEER-ah)
- LOVIATAR (Low-vee-A-tar)
- MALAR (MAY-larr)
- MASK (MAHSK)
- MIELIKKI (My-LEE-kee)
- MILIL (Meh-LILL)
- MYRKUL (MERR-kool)
- MYSTRA (MISS-trah)
- OGHMA (OGG-mah)
- SELUNE (Seh-LOON-eh)
- SHAR (Shahr)
- SILVANUS (Sihl-VANN-us)
- SUNE (SUE-nee)
- TALONA (Tah-LOW-nah)
- TALOS (TAH-los)
- TEMPUS (TEM-pos)
- TORM (torm)
- TYMORA (Tie-MORE-ah)
- TYR (teer)
- UMBERLEE (Um-ber-LEE)
- WAUKEEN (Wau-KEEN)
- GRUMBAR (GRUUM-bar)
- KOSSUTH (Koh-SOOTH)
- AKADI (Ah-KAHD-dee)
- ISTISHIA (Iss-TISH-ee-ah)
- AILOTH (EYE-loth)
- ALDOLPHUS (al-DOL-Fuss)
- ALZEGUND (Ahl-zeh-GUND)
- ARTHAGUS (Are-THAY-gus)
- ASBRAS HLUMIN (AZZ-brazz Huh-LOO-min)
- AUBAERUS (AWE-bare-us)
- AZALA (Ah-ZALE-ah)
- AZARGATHA NIMUNE (Ahz-zar-GAH-tha Nih-MOON-nee)
- AZOUN IV (Azz-OO-un)
- BORUSTINE (BORE-uh-stine)
- BRANDON (BRAHN-don)
- DEIOR RASTHAVIN (DAY-ore RAST-hah-vin)
- DELBOSSAN (Del-BOSS-an)
- DOUST SULWOOD (Dowst SULL-wood)
- DURKIN (DER-kin)
- ELMINSTER (El-MIN-ster)
- EMPEREL (Emp-er-EL)
- EREGUL (ERE-eh-gull)
- ERESSEA AMBERGYLES (Ere-ess-SEE-ah AHM-ber-giles)
- FLORIN (FLOOR-in) FALCONHAND
- FZOUL CHEMBRYL (Fzz-OOL CHEMM-bril)
- GHARRI (JAR-ee)
- GUNTHOR (GUN-thor)
- ILLISTYL ELVENTREE (IL-iss-til EL-ven-tree)
- ISLIF LURELAKE (ISS-liff LUR-lake)
- JELDE ASTURIEN (JEL-deh ASS-tur-ee-en)
- JHESSAIL SILVERTREE (Jes-SAIL SIL-ver-tree)
- KHELBEN 'Blackstaff' ARUNSUN (KEL-ben AIR-un-sun)
- KORTH (rhymes with NORTH)
- LANSERIL (LAN-sair-il) SNOWMANTLE
- LHARAVE (Lah-rah-VAY)
- LUVON (LOO-vahn) GREENCLOAK
- MANSHOON (Man-SHOON)
- MANXAM (MANK-zam)
- MASYR (MAW-zeer)
- MAXER (MAYK-ser)
- MERITH (MAIR-irh) STRONGBOW
- MHZENTUL (Mah-ZEN-tull)
- NAGLATHA (Nahg-LATH-ah)
- MIRAUN (Mih-RAWN)
- MOURNGRYM AMCATHRA (MORN-grim Am-CATH-rah)
- NEIRON (NEAR-on)
- NETHMURTA (Neth-MER-tah)
- NURLAR (NURR-larr)
- ORGAUTH (ORE-goth)
- OSPER LINTHALAM (AWE-spur Lin-THAY-lamm)
- PERENDRA (Per-EN-drah)
- PIERGEIRON (Peer-GEER-on)
- RAIRUN (RARE-unn)
- RATHAN THENTRAVER (Rath-ANN Then-TRAH-vur)
- RHAUNTIDES (RAWN-tee-dees)
- SEMEMMON (SEH-mem-on)
- SHAERL AMCATHRA (SHAY-earl Am-CATH-rah)
- SHARANTYR (SHAR-ann-TEER)
- SHAUNIL THARM (SHAW-nil Tharm)
- SUNDETH GOSSYL (SUN-deth GAW-sill)
- SYLUNE (Sill-OO-nay)
- TEMMI DHARIMM (TEHM-ee DARR-imm)
- THAGDAL (THAHG-dahl)
- THENTIAS (Then-TIE-ass)
- THURBRAND (THURR-brand)
- THURLOCK (THURR-lock)
- VANGERDAHAST (VAN-jer-dah-hast)
- YOREL (YORE-el)
- ZANDESS DANTHIIR (ZAHN-des DAN-theer)
The following pronunciations were included in TSR 1085: Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting (Revised).
Select NPCs
- Ailoth (AY-loth)
- Alias (AY-lee-us)
- Arthagus (Are-THAY-gus)
- Asbras Hlumin (AZ-braz HLOO-min)
- Aurora (Awe-ROAR-ah)
- Aubaerus (AWE-bare-us)
- Azargatha Nimune (Ahz-zar-GAH-tha Nih-MOON-nee)
- Azoun IV (A-ZOON)
- Brandon (BRAN-don)
- Doust Sulwood (Dowst SUL-wood)
- Drizzt Do'Urden (Drist Doe-URR-den)
- Elminster (El-MINN-ster)
- Eregul (AIR-eh-gull)
- Florin Falconhand (FLOAR-in FAL-con-hand)
- Fzoul Chembryl (Fzool CHEM-bril)
- Islif Lurelake (ISS-liff LURR-lake)
- Jelde Asturien (GHEL-deh As-TUR-ee-en)
- Jhessail Silvertree (Jes-SAIL SIL-ver-tree)
- Khelben 'Blackstaff' Arunsun (KELL-ben AIR-un-sun)
- Lanseril Snowmantle (LAN-sair-il SNOE-man-tul)
- Manshoon (Man-SHOON)
- Manxam (MANK-Zam)
- Maxer (MAYK-ser)
- Merith Strongbow (MAIR-ith STRONG-boe)
- Miraun (Mihr-RAWN)
- Mourngrym Amcathra (MORN-grim Am-CATH-rah)
- Naglatha (Nah-GLAH-thah)
- Neiron (NEAR-on)
- Osper Linthalam (AWE-spur Lin-THAY-lamm)
- Piergeiron (Peer-GEER-on)
- Rairun (RARE-un)
- Rhauntides (RAWN-tee-dees)
- Sememmon (SEH-mem-mon)
- Shaerl Amcathra (SHAY-earl Am-KATHthrah)
- Temmi Dharimm (TEH-mee DAH-rimm)
- Thentias (Then-TAY-us)
- Vangerdahast (VAN-gerr-dah-hast)
- Yorel (YOR-el)
- Zandess Danthiir (ZAHN-dess DAN-theer)
The Forgotten Realms "deity trilogy" of sourcebooks consisted of TSR 9516: Faiths & Avatars, TSR 9563: Powers & Pantheons, and TSR 9585: Demihuman Deities. They included the following pronunciations:
Faiths & Avatars
- Akadi (Ah-KAH-dee)
- Amaunator (Ah-MAWN-ah-tor)
- Ao (AY-oh)
- Auril (AWE-ril)
- Azuth (Ah-ZOOTH)
- Bane (BANE)
- Beshaba (Beh-SHAH-ba)
- Bhaal ((Bahl)
- Chauntea (Chawn-TEE-ah)
- Cyric (SEER-ick)
- Deneir (Deh-NEER)
- Eldath (EL-dath)
- Gond (GOHND)
- Grumbar (GRUM-bar)
- Heml (HELM)
- Ibrandul (Ih-BRAN-duhl)
- Ilmater (Ihl-MAY-ter)
- Istishia (Is-TISH-ee-ah)
- Iyachtu Xvim (ee-YACK-too-ZIM)
- Kelemvor (KELL-ehm-vor)
- Kossuth (Koh-SOOTH)
- Lathander (Lah-THAN-der)
- Leira (LAIR-uh)
- Lliira (LEER-ah, with a trill on the long "e" sound)
- Loviatar (Loh-VEE-a-tar)
- Malar (MAH-larr)
- Mask (MASK)
- Mielikki (My-LEE-kee)
- Milil (Mihl-LILL)
- Moander (non given)
- Myrkul (MER-kul)
- Mystra (Miss-trah)
- Oghma (OGG-mah)
- Selune (Seh-LOON-eh)
- Shar (SHAHR)
- Shaundakul (SHAWN-da-kul)
- Silvanus (Sihl-VANN-us)
- Sune (SUE-nee)
- Talona (Tah-LOW-na)
- Talos (TAH-los)
- Tempus (TEM-pus)
- Torm (TORM)
- Tymora (Te-MORE-ah)
- Tyr (TEER)
- Umberlee (Um-ber-LEE)
- Waukeen (Wau-KEEN)
Faerunian Pantheon (Demipowers)
- Finder Wyvernspur (FIND-er WHIV-urn-spur)
- Garagos (GAH-rah-gohs)
- Gargauth (GAR-goth)
- Gwaeron Windstrom (GWAIR-on WIND-strahm)
- Hoar (HORE)
- Jergal (JER-gull)
- Karsus (KAHR-sus)
- Lurue (Luh-RUE)
- Nobanion (No-BAN-yun)
- Savras (SAHV-ras)
- Sharess (SHAH-ress)
- Shiallia (shee-AL-lee-ah)
- Siamorphe (SIGH-a-morf)
- Ulutiu (oo-LOO-tee-oo)
- Uthgar (UHTH-gar)
- Valkur (none given)
- Velsharoon (VEL-shah-roon)
- Eshowdow (eh-SHOE-doe)
- Sseth (non given)
- Ubtao (oob-TAY-oh)
- Anhur (ANN-her)
- Geb (non given)
- Gilgean (non given)
- Hathor (HAA-thor)
- Horus-Re (hore-US-ray)
- Isis (eye-sis)
- Nephthys (NEF-this)
- Osiris (o-SIGH-rihs)
- Sebek (SEH-beck)
- Set (SEHT)
- Thoth (THOTH)
- Tiamat (TEE-a-maht)
Drow Pantheon
- Eilistraee (EEL-iss-TRAY-yee)
- Ghaunadaur (GONE-ah-door)
- Kiaransalee (KEE-uh-RAN-sa-lee)
- Lolth (LOLTH)
- Selvetarm (SELL-veh-TARM)
- Vhaeraun (Vay-RAWN)
- Abbathor (AB-bah-thor)
- Berronar Truesilver (BAlR-roe-nahr TROO-sihl-vur)
- Clangeddin Silverbeard (CLAN-gehd-din SIHL-vur-beerd)
- Deep Duerra (DEEP DWAIR-uh)
- Dugmaren Brightmantle (DUHG-mah-ren BRITE-man-tuhl)
- Dumathoin (DOO-muh-THOE-in)
- Gorm Gulthyn (GORM GULL-thin)
- Haela Brightaxe (HUH-ae-la BRITE-ax)
- Laduguer (LAA-duh-gwur)
- Marthammor Duin (Mar-THAM-more DOO-ihn)
- Moradin (MOAR-uh-din)
- Sharindlar (Sha-RIHN-dlar)
- Thard Harr (THARD HAHRR)
- Vergadain (VUR-guh-dane)
- Aerdrie Faenya (AIR-dree FAH-ane-yuh)
- Angharradh (ON-gahr-rath)
- Avachel (AH-vah-chel)
- Corellon Larethian (CORE-ehlon Lah-RETH-ee-yen)
- Deep Sashelas (DEEP SA-sheh-lahs)
- Erevan Illesere (AIR-eh-van ILL-eh-seer)
- Felarathael (FEH-leh-RAH-thay-ehl)
- Fenmarel Mestarine (FEHN-muh-rehl MESS-tuh-reen)
- Hanali Celanil (HAN-uh-lee SELL-uh-nihl)
- Khalreshaar (Kal-REH-shay-are)
- Labelas Enoreth (LAH-bay-lahs EHN-or-eth)
- Lashrael (LASH-ray-ehl)
- Rillifane Rallathil (RILL-ih-fane RALL-uh-thihl)
- Sehanine Moonbow (SEH-ha-neen MOON-boe)
- Shevarash (SHEV-uh-rash)
- Solonor Thelandira (SOE-lue-nohr Theh-LAN-dih-ruh)
- Zandilar (ZAN-dih-lahr)
- Baervan Wildwanderer (BAY-ur-van WILD-WAN-der-er)
- Baravar Cloakshadow (BARE-uh-vahr CLOKE-sha-doh)
- Callarduran Smoothhands (KAAHL-ur-duhr-an SMOOTHhands)
- Flandal Steelskin (FLAN-dahl STEEL-skin)
- Gaerdal Ironhand (GAIR-dahl EYE-urn-hand)
- Garl Glittergold (GARL GLIHT-ter'gold)
- Nebelun (NEHB-eh-luhn)
- Segojan Earthcaller (SEH-goe-jann URTH-cahl-ur)
- Urdlen (URD-len)
- Arvoreen (ARE-voh-reen)
- Brandobaris (BRAN-doe-BARE-iss)
- Cyrrollalee (SEER-oh-LAH-lee)
- Sheela Peryroyl (SHEE-lah PAlR-ree-roil)
- Urogalan (URR-roh-GAH-lan)
- Yondalla (Yon-DAH-lah)
For a list of Oriental Adventures terms, see the article Oriental Adventures Pronunciation Guide. There is a small handful of OA terms which sometimes crop up in a regular D&D game, and these have been relisted below:
- katana (kah-tah-nah)
- ki (kee)
- naga (nah-gah)
- nunchaku (nun-chah-koo)
- pennaggolan (pen-nag-oh-lawn)
- sai (sigh)
- wu jen (woo jen)
The article "Ay pronunseeAYshun gyd" by Frank Mentzer in Dragon #93 (Jan. 1985) contains the following pronunciation guide. This list contains a large number of GREYHAWK personages and places, along with D&D monsters.
- (M) = from the AD&D® Monster Manual, AD&D® Monster Manual II, or FIEND FOLIO® Tome
- (P) = AD&D® Players Handbook
- (D) = AD&D® Dungeon Masters Guide
- (G) = DEITIES & DEMIGODS™ Cyclopedia
- (R) = AD&D® Rogues Gallery game accessory
- (W) = WORLD OF GREYHAWK™ Fantasy World Setting
- Aaqa (D): A-ka
- Aarakocra (M): a-ra-KO-kra
- Abbathor (G): AB-ba-thor
- Abishai (M): AB-i-shy
- Aboleth (M): AB-o-leth
- Abyss (P): a-BIS
- Acererak (W): a-SER-ur-ak
- Achaierai (M): a-CHY-ur-y
- Acheron (P): ATCH-ur-un
- Acolyte (P): AK-o-lyt
- Adept (P): a-DEPT
- Adherer (M): ad-HEER-ur
- Adonais’ Deep (D): AD-o-nyz
- Aerdi (W): AYR-dee
- Afanc (M): AY-fank
- Agathion (M): a-GAY-thee-on
- Aishapra (M): y-SHaP-ra
- Al’Akbar (D): al-aK-bar
- Alastor (M): a-LAS-tor
- Aleax (M): AY-lee-aks
- Algoid (M): AL-goyd
- Allosaurus (M): al-lo-SAR-us
- Al-mi’raj (M): al-mi-RAJ
- Almor (W): aL-mor
- Alu-demon (M): AL-oo-dee-mun
- Alzoll (M): aL-zal
- Amaimon (M): a-MY-mun
- Amir (M): a-MEER
- Amon (M): AY-mun
- Amphisbaena (M): am-fis-BAY-na
- Anatosaurus (M): an-ah-to-SAR-us
- Androsphinx (M): AN-dro-sfinks
- Anhkheg (M): ANK-eg
- Ankisaurus (M): an-ki-SAR-us
- Ankylosaurus (M): ank-ee-lo-SAR-us
- Annis (M): AN-nis
- Anstruth College (P): AN-struth
- Anthraxus (M): an-THRAK-sus
- Antrodemus (M): an-tro-DEE-mus
- Apatosaurus (M): a-pat-o-SAR-us
- Arcadia (P): ar-KAY-dee-a
- Arcanadaemon (M): ar-CAN-a-day-mun
- Archelon ischyras (M): AR-ka-lon i-SHY-rus
- Arkayn (D): ar-KAYN
- Arlanni (D): ar-LAN-ee
- Arrarat (R): AR-a-rat
- Artur’s Dolmen (D): AR-torz DOL-men
- Arumdina (G): a-rum-DY-na
- Ascomoid (M): AS-ko-mid
- Asmodeus (M): az-mo-DAY-us, or az-MO-dee-us
- Aspis (M): AS-pis
- Atabeg (M): AT-uh-beg
- Atamen (M): AT-uh-men
- Atomie (M): AT-uh-mee
- Audible glamer (P): a-di-bul GLa-mur (or GLAY-mur)
- Augury (P): AG-ur-ee
- Aurora Borealis (W): a-ROR-a bor-ee-aL-is
- Aurumvorax (M): a-rum-VoR-aks
- Azer (M): AY-zur
- Baalberith (M): BAYL-bur-ith
- Baalzebul (M): BAYL-ze-bul
- Baalzephon (M): BAYL-ze-fan
- Baba Yaga (D): ba-ba YA-guh
- Babau (M): ba-BOW
- Bactrian camel (M): BaK-tree-en ka-mu1
- Bael (M): bayl
- Bahamut (M): ba-HA-mut, or BA-ha-mut
- Baku (M): BA-koo, or BaK-oo
- Ballista (D): ba-LIST-a
- Balor (M): BAY-lor
- Baluchitherium (M): ba-loo-ki-THEER-ee-um
- Banderlog (M): BAN-der-log
- Banshee (M): BAN-shee
- Baphomet (M): ba-FOM-et, or BAF-u-met
- Barbican (D): BAHR-bi-kun
- Bardiche (P): bar-DEESH
- Barghest (M): bar-GEST
- Bar-lgura (M): bar-lu-GOR-a
- Bartizan (D): BAR-ti-zun
- Basidirond (M): ba-SID-i-rund
- Basilisk (M): BAZ-i-lisk
- Bet de corbin (P): bek-de-KOR-bin
- Beetu (W): bee-TOO
- Beglerbeg (M): BEG-lur-beg
- Behemoth (M): bee-HEM-uth, or bee-HEE-muth
- Behir (M): be-HEER
- Belial (M): bee-LY-ul
- Belissica (W): be-LISS-i-ka
- Beluga (M): be-LOO-ga
- Berbalang (M): BUR-ba-lang
- Bey (M): bay
- Bill-guisarme (P): bil-gwee-ZARM
- Bilwhr (M): BIL-wur
- Bireme (D): by-REEM
- Blashikmund (W): BLaSH-ik-mund,or blash-IK-mund
- Blibdoolpoolp (G): blib-DOOL-poop,or BLIB-dool-poop
- Boalisk (M): BO-a-lisk
- Boccob (W): BAK-ab
- Bodak (M): BO-dak
- Boggart (M): BAG-art
- Boobrie (M): BOOB-ree
- Booka (M): BOO-ka
- Brachiosaurus (M): bratch-ee-o-SAR-us
- Brontosaurus (M): bran-to-SAR-us
- Bubonis (M): boo-BAN-is
- Bulette (M): boo-LET, or byoo-LET; also boo-LAY, or byoo-LAY
- Burneal (W): BURN-ee-ul
- Cabalist (P): KAB-u-list
- Cacodemon (P): KAK-o-dee-mun
- Camarasaurus (M): ka-mar-a-SAR-us
- Cambion (M): KAM-bee-on
- Camptosaurus (M): kamp-to-SAR-us
- Canaith (P): ka-NAYTH
- Caryatid column (M): KAR-ya-tid kal-um
- Catoblepas (M): ka-TAB-le-pus, kat-o-BLEPus, or kat-o-BLEEPus
- Cea (R): see
- Ceratopsian (M): ser-a-TAP-see-an
- Ceratosaurus (M): ser-ah-to-SAR-us
- Cerebus (D): SER-e-bus
- Cetiosaurus (M): set-ee-o-SAR-us
- Chaggrin (M): sha-GRIN
- Chaos (P): KAY-as
- Charon (M): KAR-un, or KAY-run
- Charonadaemon (M): ka-RAN-a-day-mun
- Chasme (M): KAZ-mee, or CHAZ-mee
- Chauves souris (P): sho-ves SOR-is
- Chimera (M): KIM-u-ru, or kim-AYR-u; also CHIM-u-ru, chim-AYR-u
- Choleria (M): ko-LAYR-ee-a
- Cifal (M): si-FAL
- Clangeddin (G): KLANG-e-din
- Cli College (P): klee
- Compsognathus (M): kamp-sag-NA-thus
- Cooshee (M): koo-SHEE
- Corellon Larethian (G): kor-el-un la-RETH-ee-an
- Corseque (P): kor-SEEK
- Corusk (W): KOR-usk
- Corvice (D): KOR-vis
- Corythosaurus (M): KOR-ith-o-SAR-us
- Couatl (M): koo-AT-ul, or koo-AT-ul
- Couteaux de breche (P): koo-to de BRESH
- Criosphinx (M): KRY-o-sfinks
- Cryonax (M): KRY-o-naks
- Crysmal (M): KRIS-mal
- Cuir bouli (D): keer boo-LAY
- Cyclopskin (M): SY-klops-kin
- Cygnet (M): SIG-net
- Dacentrurus (M): day-SEN-troo-rus
- Daemon (M): DAY-mun
- Dahlver-Nar (D): dal-vur-NAR
- Dakon (M): DAY-kan
- Dao (M): dow
- Decaton (M): DEK-a-tan
- Deep Sashelas (G): deep SASH-ul-us
- Deinonychus (M): day-in-o-NY-kuss
- Demodand (M): DEE-mo-dand
- Demogorgon (M): DEE-mo-gor-gun
- Denzelian (M): den-ZEL-ee-an
- Derghodaemon (M): DUR-go-day-mun
- Derro (M): DER-o
- Deva (M): DEE-va
- Diakk (M): DY-ak
- Dilophosaurus (M): dil-o-fo-SAR-us
- Dimetrodon (M): di-ME-tro-dan
- Dimre (W): DIM-ray
- Dinichtys (M): di-NIK-tis
- Diplodicus (M): di-PLO-di-kus
- Diptherius (M): dip-THEER-ee-us
- Dispater (M): dis-PAY-ter
- Djinni (M): JIN-nee, or JEE-nee
- Dracolisk (M): DRAY-co-lisk, or DRAK-o-lisk
- Drakkar (D): DRAK-kar
- Drow (M): drow, or dro
- Dryad (M): DRY-ad
- Duergar (M): DEW-ur-gar
- Dumathoin (G): doo-ma-THO-in
- Duodrone (M): DOO-o-dron
- Eadro (G): EE-dro
- Eblis (M): EB-lis
- Elasmosaurus (M): ee-las-mo-SAR-us
- Elysium (P): e-LIS-ee-um
- Emir (M): e-MEER
- Emu (M): E-moo
- Erac (R): E-rak
- Erinyes (M): AYR-i-neez
- Errtu (M): AYR-too
- Erythnul (W): e-RITH-nul
- Euparkeria (M): yoo-par-KAYR-ee-a
- Farastu (M): FaR-as-too, or far-AS-too
- Fharlanghn (W): far-LANG-n
- Firbolg (M): FEER-bolg
- Flanaess (W): fla-NES
- Fochlucan College (P): FOKH-loo-kan
- Formian (M): FOR-mee-un
- Formorian (M): for-MOR-ee-un
- Fraz-urb’luu (M): fraz-URB-loo
- Galeb Duhr (M): gay-leb DOR
- Gambado (M): gam-BA-do
- Geas (P): geez, or GEE-as
- Gehenna (P): ge-HEN-na
- Githyanki (M): gith-YAN-kee
- Githzerai (M): GITH-zer-y
- Glabrezu (M): GLaB-re-zoo, or glab-REE-zoo
- Glaive-guisarme (P): glayv-gwee-ZARM
- Godentag (P): GO-den-tag
- Golem (M): GO-lem
- Gorbel (M): GOR-bel
- Gorgimera (M): gor-gi-MAYR-a
- Grippli (M): GRIP-lee
- Grolantor (G): gro-LAN-tor
- Grue (M): groo
- Grugach (M): GROO-gatch
- Gruumsh (G): grumsh, or groomsh
- Guisarme (P): gwee-ZARM
- Gynosphinx (M): GY-no-sfinks
- Hanali Celanil (G): han-na-lee SEL-a-nil
- Harginn (M): har-GIN
- Heward (D): HYOO-ard
- Heironeous (W): hayr-O-nee-us
- Herzog (W): HAYRT-zog
- Hezrou (M): HEZ-ro
- Hieracosphinx (M): heer-AK-o-sfinks
- Hippocampus (M): hip-o-KaMP-us
- Hippogriff (M): HIP-o-griff
- Homonculous (M): hu-MUNK-yoo-lus
- Hruggek (G): HRUG-ek
- Huecuva (M): hyoo-KOO-va
- Hutijin (M): HUT-i-jin
- Hyaenodon (M): hy-aN-o-dan
- Hybsil (M): HIB-sil
- Ichor (D): IK-or
- Icthyosaurus (M): ik-thee-o-SAR-us
- Iguanadon (M): i-GWAN-a-dan
- Ildriss (M): IL-dris
- Illithid (M): il-LITH-id
- Imix (M): Y-miks
- Imorph (M): Y-morf
- Incabulos (W): in-KaB-yoo-lus
- Incubus (M): INK-yoo-bus
- Ioun stone (D): Y-oon stone
- Iuz (W): yooz, or EE-uz
- Ixitxachitl (M): ik-ZIT-za-chit-ul
- Jaculi (M): ja-KOO-lee, or JAK-oo-lee
- Jangada (D): jang-GAD-a
- Johydee (D): jo-HY-dee, or johee-DEE
- Juiblex (M): JOO-bleks, or ZHOO-bleks
- Kamadan (M): KAM-a-dan
- Kelanen (W): KEL-a-nen
- Kelubar (M): KEL-yoo-bar
- Kenku (M): keng-KOO, or KENK-oo
- Kentrosaurus (M): ken-tro-SAR-us
- Keoghtom (D): KEE-o-tum
- Kevokulli (M): ke-vo-KUL-ee
- Killmoulis (M): kil-MOO-lis
- Ki-rin (M): kee-RIN, or ky-RIN
- Kopoacinth (M): ko-PO-a-sinth
- Korseke (P): kor-SEEK
- Kostchtchie (M): KAS-tch-tch-ee
- Kraken (M): KRAY-ken, or KRA-ken
- Kuo-toa (M): koo-o-TO-a
- Kurtulmak (G): KUR-tul-mak
- Kwalish (D): kway-LISH
- Kyuss (M): kee-OOS
- Labelas Enoreth (G): lab-el-as EN-or-eth
- Lacedon (M): LAS-e-dan
- Lambeosaurus (M): lam-bee-o-SAR-us
- Lamia (M): LAY-mee-a, or LA-mee-a (rarely, la-MY-ah)
- Lammasu (M): LA-ma-soo
- Laogzed (G): lay-AG-zed
- Lemure (M): lem-YOOR, or lem-YOR
- Leomund (P): LEE-o-mund
- Lernaean hydra (M): ler-NAY-un HY-dra
- Lich (M): litch, or lik
- Locathah (M): LO-ka-tha, or lo-ka-THA
- Lochaber axe (P): lok-A-bur aks
- Lolth (M): lalth, or lolth
- Loxodont (M): LAK-so-dant
- Mac-Fuirmidh College (P): mak-FUR-mid
- Machicolation (D): mat-chick-ul-AY-shun
- Maglubiyet (G): ma-GLUB-i-yet
- Malebranche (M): MaL-u-bran-cha, or MaL-eh-bran-cha
- Mamenchisaurus (M): ma-men-chi-SAR-us
- Mandragora (M): man-dra-GoR-a
- Mantari (M): man-TAR-ee
- Marid (M): ma-RID
- Massopondylus (M): mass-o-PAN-du-luss
- Megalosaurus (M): meg-a-lo-SAR-us
- Mephistopheles (M): me-fis-TAF-e-leez
- Mezzodaemon (M): MEZ-o-day-mun
- Mihstu (M): MIS-too
- Mobat (M): MO-bat
- Modron (M): MO-dran
- Monoclonius (M): man-o-KLO-nee-us
- Moradin (G): MOR-a-din
- Mordenkainen (R): MOR-den-kay-nen
- Morkoth (M): MOR-kath
- Mosasaurus (M): mo-za-SAR-us
- Murlynd (W): MUR-lind
- Myconid (M): MY-ko-nid
- Myrmarch (M): MEER-march
- Myrmidon (P): MUR-mi-dun
- Nabassu (M): NAB-a-soo, or na-BA-soo
- Naga (M): NA-ga
- Nalfeshnee (M): nal-FESH-nee
- Nao (D): now
- Ndulu (M): n-DOO-loo
- Nothosaurus (M): noth-o-SAR-us
- Nupperibo (M): nup-pur-E-bo
- Nycadaemon (M): NY-ka-day-mun
- Nystul (P): NY-stul, or NIS-tul
- Obad-hai (W): o-bad-HY
- Obliviax (M): o-BLIV-ee-aks
- Oerid (W): O-rid
- Oerik (W): O-rik
- Oerth (W): OYth (rarely, URth or AYRth)
- Ogremoch (M): O-gre-mokh
- Ogrillon (M): o-GRIL-un, or AG-ril-un
- Oinodaemon (M): OY-no-day-mun
- Ollamh College (P): AL-lam
- Onager (D): AN-u-jer
- Ophidian (M): o-FID-ee-an
- Opinicus (M): o-PIN-i-kus
- Ornitholestes (M): or-nith-al-ES-tes
- Otiluke (P): O-ti-look
- Otyugh (M): AT-yug
- Paladin (P): PAL-a-din
- Paleoscincus (M): pay-lee-o-SING-kus
- Papyrus (D): pa-PY-rus
- Parasaurolophus (M): pa-x-a-sar-AL-o-fus
- Pazuzu (M): pa-ZOO-zoo
- Pech (M): petch
- Penanggalan (M): pe-NANG-ga-lun
- Pentaceratops (M): pen-ta-SER-a-tops
- Pernicon (M): PER-ni-kun
- Phaulkon (W): FAL-kun
- Phlogiston (D): flo-JIS-tun
- Phoenix (M): FEE-niks
- Pholtus (W): FOL-tus
- Phororhacos (M): for-or-HAY-kos
- Phycomid (M): FY-ko-mid
- Piscodaemon (M): PIS-ko-day-mun
- Plateosaurus (M): plat-ee-o-SAR-us
- Pleistocene (D): plee-IS-to-seen
- Plesiosaurus (M): ples-ee-o-SAR-us
- Podokesaurus (M): po-dak-e-SAR-us
- Primus (M): PREE-mus, or PRI-mus
- Prosaurolophus (M): pro-sar-o-LO-fus
- Psionics (P): sy-AN-iks
- Pteranodon (M): ter-aN-o-dan
- Pycomid (M): PY-ko-mid
- Quaal (D): kwal, or kwayl
- Quadrireme (D): KWA-dri-reem
- Quag (W): kwag
- Quaggoth (M): KWAG-uth
- Quasit (M): KWA-zit
- Quipper (M): KWIP-per
- Qullan (M): KWUL-un
- Racaraide (P): rak-ur-AYD
- Rakshasa (M): rak-SHA-sa
- Ranseur (P): ran-SOOR
- Rehnaremme (M): ray-nar-MAY
- Remorhaz (M): REE-mor-az, or REHM-or-az
- Rhizome (M): RY-zom
- Roncie (P): RAN-see
- Rothe (M): ro-THAY
- Sahuagin (M): sa-HWA-gin
- Saurolophus (M): sar-o-LO-fus
- Scimitar (P): SIM-i-tar
- Sekolah (G): SEK-o-la
- Semuanya (G): se-moo-aN-ya
- Shaman (D): SHAY-man, or SHA-man
- Shator (M): SHAY-tor
- Shedu (M): SHEH-doo, SHAY-doo, SHEE-doo, or any with reversed accent
- Shillelagh (P): shi-LAY-la
- Simulacrum (P): sim-yoo-LaK-rum, or si-MUL-a-krum
- Sirine (M): sy-REEN
- Skoraeus (G): skor-AY-us
- Slaad (M): slad, or slahd
- Smilodon (M): SMYL-o-dan
- Snyad (M): SNY-ad
- Solar (M): SO-lar
- Solifugid (M): sa-li-FYOO-jid
- Spetum (P): SPEE-turn
- Ssendam (M): SEN-dum, or SSS’sen-dam
- Stegosaurus (M): steg-o-SAR-us
- Storoper (M): STO-ro-pur
- Struthiomimus (M): struth-ee-o-MY-mus
- Styracosaurus (M): sti-rak-o-SAR-us
- Succubus (M): SUK-yoo-bus
- Su-monster (M): SOO-man-stur
- Sussurus (M): SUS-u-r-us
- Svirfneblin (M): svirf-NEB-lin
- Tabaxi (M): ta-BAK-see
- Tadhemoth (M): tad-HEE-muth
- Taer (M): tayr
- Tanystropheus (M): tan-is-TRO-fee-us
- Tarrasque (M): ta-RASK
- Tasloi (M): TAZ-loy
- Tenebrous worm (M): te-NEB-rus wurm
- Tennodontosaurus (M): ten-a-dan-to-SAR-us
- Tenser (W): TEN-sur
- Teratosaurus (M): ter-at-o-SAR-us
- Terithran (M): te-RITH-run
- Tharizdun (W): thar-IZ-dun
- Thoqqua (M): THAK-wa
- Thri-kreen (M): thry-KREEN
- Tiamat (M): TEE-a-mat
- Tirapheg (M): TEER-a-feg
- Titanothere (M): ty-TAN-o-theer
- Titivilus (M): ti-TIV-i-lus
- Trachodon (M): TRAK-o-dan
- Trebuchet (D): tre-boo-SHAY
- Trireme (D): TRY-reem
- Triton (M): TRY-tun
- Typhous (M): TY-fus
- Umiak (D): OO-mee-ak
- Umpleby (M): UM-pul-bee
- Ustilagor (M): oo-STIL-la-gor
- Vacuous Grimoire (D): VAK-yoo-us grim-WAR
- Valkyrie (G): VAL-kree, or VAL-kuree
- Vaprak (G): VAP-rak
- Vargouille (M): var-GWEEL
- Varrdig (M): VAR-dig
- Vecna (D): VEK-na
- Verbeeg (M): vur-BEEG
- Verme (M): verm
- Vilstrak (M): VIL-strak
- Vizier (M): viz-EER
- Vodyanoi (M): VOD-ya-noy, or VAD-ya-noy
- Voulge (P): voolj
- Vrock (M): vrak
- Wemic (M): WEM-ik, or WEE-mik
- Wendonai (M): WEND-o-ny
- Wyvern (M): WIH-vurn, or WY-vern
- Xag-ya (M): zag-YA
- Xaren (M): ZAR-un
- Xeg-yi (M): zeg-YEE
- Xill (M): zil
- Xorn (M): zorn
- Xvart (M): zvart
- Yagnodaemon (M): YAG-no-day-mun
- Yeenoghu (M): yee-NAG-hoo
- Yochlol (M): YAKH-lal
- Yuan-ti (M): yoo-an-TEE
- Zaebos (M): ZAY-bos
- Zuggtmoy (M): ZUG-tmoy
- Zygom (M): ZY-gam
This appendix included pronunciations of various tanar'ri and baatezu types.
- aassimon (ASS-eh-mun)
- baatezu (bay-At-eh-zoo)
- tanar'ri (teh-NAH-ree)
- yugoloth (YOU-go-loth)
- abishai (AB-ish-eye)
- agathinon (uh-GATH-uh-non)
- alu-fiend (AL-oo-feend)
- amnizu (ahm-NEE-tsu)
- arcanaloth (are-KAN-uh-loth)
- archon (ARE-kon)
- babau (buh-BAY-yoo)
- balaena (bal-uh-EE-nuh)
- balor (BAL-ore)
- barbazu (bar-BAT-soo)
- bariaur (BAR-ee-ahr)
- bar-lgura (BAR-el-GOO-ruh)
- bebilith (BEH-bil-ith)
- bodak (BOE-dak)
- cambion (KAM-bee-on)
- celestial lammasu (LAM-uh-soo)
- chasme (KAZ-me)
- cornugon (KORN-yoo-gon)
- dergholoth (DUR-goh-loth)
- deva (DEE-vuh)
- dretch (DRECH)
- enheriar (en-HARE-ee-ahr)
- erinyes (air-in-yes)
- gehreleth (GEH-rel-eth)
- gelugon (GEL-you-gon)
- githzerai (GIT-sir-eye)
- githyanki (gith-YANG-key)
- glabrezu (gla-BREET-soo)
- hamatula (hah-mah-CHOO-luh)
- hezrou (HETZ-row)
- hordling (HORD-ling)
- hydroloth (HI-dro-loth)
- lemure (LEEM-yur)
- maelephant (MAY-luh-font)
- manes (MAY-nes)
- marilith (MAR-ruh-lith)
- marut (muh-ROOT)
- mediator (MEE-dee-ate-or)
- mezzoloth (METZ-oh-loth)
- molydeus (mol-EE-dee-us)
- mortai (MOR-tie)
- nabassu (NAH-bah-soo)
- nalfeshnee (nal-FESH-nee)
- nightmare (NITE-mare)
- noctral (NOK-truhl)
- nupperibo (nuh-per-EE-bo)
- nycaloth (NY-kuh-loth)
- osyluth (OSS-ee-luth)
- piscoloth (PIS-ko-loth)
- planetar (PLAN-eh-tar)
- rutterkin (RUT-er-kin)
- slaad (SLAHD)
- solar (SO-lar)
- spinagon (SPIN-eh-gon)
- succubus (SUK-you-bus)
- titan (TIE-ten)
- t'uen-rin (TOO-en-rin)
- ultroloth (UL-truh-loth)
- vaporighu (VAH-por-ee-goo)
- vrok (VROK)
- yagnaloth (YAG-nuh-loth)
- zoveri (ZO-ver-ee)
Many of the unique names for devils are historical alternative names for Satan or the seven princes of Hell of Christian demonology,
- Asmodeus: az-ma-DEE-us (listen)
- Mephistopheles: MEFF-i-STOF-oh-leez (listen)
- Beelzebub: bee-EL-zi-bub (listen)
- Mammon: MAH-muhn (listen)
- Dispater: dis-PAY-ter (listen) (note: often shortened to "Dis" in mythology)
- Belial: BEE-lee-uhl (listen)
- Geryon: ge-REE-on
- Moloch: MOH-lok (listen)
- Bael: Bel (also spelled "Bel")
This is a list of pronunciations for many of the Pathfinder demon lords:
- Abraxus: a-BRAHK-zuhs
- Aldinach: ALL-di-nach
- Andirifkhu: an-de-RIF-ku
- Angazhan: ANG-uh-zan
- Areshkagal: uh-RESH-ka-gal
- Baphomet: BAPH-oh-meh
- Cyth-V'sug: SITH-vih-SUG
- Dagon: DAY-gon
- Deskari: des-KAR-ee
- Flauros: FLOR-us
- Gogunta: go-GUN-tuh
- Haagenti: hah-GEN-tie
- Jezelda: jeh-ZEL-dah
- Jubilex: JOOB-eh-lex
- Kabriri: ka-BREE-ree
- Kostchtchie: KOSH-chuh-chai
- Mazmezz: MAZ-mez
- Mestama: me-STA-mah
- Nocticula: nok-TICK-you-lah
- Orcus: OHR-kuhs
- Pazuzu: pah-ZOO-zoo
- Shax: SHAX
- Sifkesh: SIF-kesh
- Socothbenoth: so-KOTH-beh-noth
- Zura: ZOO-rah
- Lamashtu: lah-MAHSH-too
- Urxehl: URK-zhell
- Xoveron: ZOV-er-ahn
- Zevgavizeb: zev-GAV-ah-zeb
Eberron
Keith Baker's Eberron FAQ lists some pronunciations. Note that he says "As for the pronunciation, the stance we’ve always taken is that there is no official pronunciation; it’s entirely regional, just like “Missouri” or “tomato” in our world." The below are his pronunciations:
- Eberron: EH-berr-on
- Cyre: SEER-ee (and its citizens SEER-ans)
...the stance we’ve always taken is that there is no official pronunciation; it’s entirely regional, just like “Missouri” or “tomato” in our world.
- Keith Baker
Dragonlance
The following pronunciations have been given by Dragonlance authors:
- Bupu: boo-poo (Margaret Weiss)
- Majere: Mah-Jair-Ee (Jeff Grub; note this is the last name of Raistlin and Caramon, and is pronounced differently to the god's name, below)
- Raistlin: Rayst-Lin (rhymes with "waste" as in "wasting man")
- Caramon: Care-uh-mon (as in "caring man")
The Dragonlance deity pronunciations can be found in Holy Orders of the Stars.
- Branchala (bran-cha-luh or bran-kah-luh)
- Chemosh (kee-mosh or chee-mosh)
- Chislev (kiz-lev or chiz-lev)
- Gilean (gil-ee-un)
- Habbakuk (hab-buh-kuk)
- Hiddukel (hid-doo-kel)
- Kiri-Jolith (kee-ree-jo-lith)
- Lunitari (loo-nuh-tah-ree)
- Majere (mah-jeer)
- Mishakal (mish-uh-kul)
- Morgion (mor-gee-un)
- Nuitari (noo-uh-tah-ree)
- Paladine (pal-uh-dyne)
- Reorx (ree-orks)
- Sargonnas (sar-gon-us)
- Shinare (shi-nah-ree)
- Sirrion (sear-ee-un)
- Solinari (so-lin-ah-ree)
- Takhisis (tah-kee-sis)
- Zeboim (zuh-bo-im)
- Zivilyn (ziv-uh-lin)
- Paladine: PAL-ah-dine
- Majeré: Mah-JER-ray
- Kiri-Jolith: Keer-ee-JOE-lith
- Mishakal: Meh-SHACK-cal
- Habbakuk: Hah-bah-COOK
- Branchala: Bran-CHAH-Lah
- Solinari: SOLE-eh-NAR-ee
- Takhisis: Tah-KEY-Sis
- Sargonnas: Sar-GONE-Us
- Morgion: MORE-Guy-on (That's the french "Guy"- like "Gee" but with a hard g)
- Chemosh: CHEH-Mosh
- Zeboim: Zeh-BOW-im
- Hiddukel: HID-doo-kell
- Nuitari: NWEE-tar-ee (Yep, like the french for night)
- Gilean: GILL-ee-en (Hard "g" again, like in Morgion.)
- Sirrion: SEAR-ee-on
- Reorx: RAY-orcs
- Chislev: CHIZZ-lev
- Zivilyn: ZIV-ih-lin
- Shinaré: Shih-NAR-ay
- Lunitari: LOO-neh-TAR-ee
Greyhawk
Gary Gygax' Pronunciations
These pronunciations come from the many Gary Gygax Q&A threads here on EN World. You can find them in the archive forum.
Say it as Oi-th as if you were from Brooklyn, and that's the way I pronounce it. That annoys all who take a fantasy world far too seriously.
- Gary Gygax
- Oerth is pronounced "Oi-th". Gygax said: "Say it as Oi-th as if you were from Brooklyn, and that's the way I pronounce it. That annoys all who take a fantasy world far too seriously."
- On the subject of Mordenkainen, Gygax said: "The character is patterened after a Finnish wizard, so thus the KAY-nen pronunciation."
- Other pronunciations from Gary Gygax: "GUY-gax is how my family pronounces [my] name, but in proper Swiss it is pronounced GHE-gox. As for Ioun, I say Eeun but Yoon sounds fine, and so too [for Iuz] Eeuse, but Yuz is okay, We almost agree on the pronunciation of Tarrasque--err-ASK TO YOUR tar-ASK, WE HARMONIZE ON [for lich] litch (many prefer lick), and Tiamat as TEE-a-matt."
- Graz'zt: "Graz-zit is how I pronounce it."
- Dyvers: "Okay, the city's name is pronounced DYE-vers."
- "Well, FWIW, here is how I mumble those names. Nyr Dyv: "Nir Div," with a punning "Near Dive" when PCs were about to be immersed. Flanaess: "Flan-AeCE," the stressed syllable almost sounding "ace," the "Ae" like "Ay" perhaps."
Many other people and places of Greyhawk can be found in the DRAGON #93 list, above. Those specifically marked as being from WORLD OF GREYHAWK™ Fantasy World Setting have been relisted below, but many other words in that section have relevance to Greyhawk.
- Acererak: a-SER-ur-ak
- Aerdi: AYR-dee
- Aurora Borealis: a-ROR-a bor-ee-aL-is
- Beetu: bee-TOO
- Belissica: be-LISS-i-ka
- Blashikmund: BLaSH-ik-mund,or blash-IK-mund
- Boccob: BAK-ab
- Burneal: BURN-ee-ul
- Corusk: K0R-usk
- Dimre: DIM-ray
- Erythnul: e-RITH-nul
- Fharlanghn: far-LANG-n
- Flanaess: fla-NES
- Heironeous: hayr-O-nee-us
- Herzog: HAYRT-zog
- Incabulos: in-KaB-yoo-lus
- Iuz: yooz, or EE-uz
- Kelanen: KEL-a-nen
- Murlynd: MUR-lind
- Obad-hai: o-bad-HY
- Oerid: O-rid
- Oerik: O-rik
- Oerth: OYth (rarely, URth or AYRth)
- Phaulkon: FAL-kun
- Pholtus: FOL-tus
- Quag: kwag
- Tenser: TEN-sur
- Tharizdun: thar-IZ-dun
The ZEITGEIST Player's Guide contains a brief pronunciation section.
- Risur. REES-ser (rhymes with “fleecer”). A native is a Risuri (rhymes with “Missouri”).
- Crisillyir. kris-SILL-lee-ur (rhymes with “this sillier”). A native is a Crisillyiri (rhymes with “this ill eerie”).
- Danor. DAN-nor (rhymes with “fan oar”). A native is a Danoran.
- Drakr. DRAK-kur (rhymes with “tracker”). A native is a Drakran.
- Elfaivar. el-FIE-vahr (rhymes with “ell five bar”). A native is an Elfaivaran.
- Lanjyr. LAN-jeer (rhymes with “fan jeer”).
- Yerasol. YAIR-uh-sahl (rhymes with “aerosol”).
- Aodhan. AID-un (rhymes with “Aidan”), traditionally. Sometimes OWD-hahn (rhymes with “loud Ron”).
- Srasama. srah-SAH-muh (rhymes with “the llama”).
- You can (via Wayback Machine) download the Birthright Pronunciation Guide. This is a ZIP file with about 60 .WAV files of Birthright terms spoken by Rich Baker.
- Planewalker.com has a collection of .WAV Pronunciation Files for Planescape.
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