The spelling of the word "wulfila" can be a bit confusing, especially for English speakers who are not familiar with its origin. "Wulfila" is actually the name of a fourth-century Gothic bishop and missionary who translated the Bible into the Gothic language. The pronunciation of his name is /'wʊlfɪlə/ with stress on the first syllable. The letters "w" and "f" together create a unique sound in Gothic that does not have a direct equivalent in English.
Wulfila refers to the Latinized name of the 4th-century Gothic bishop and missionary, Ulfilas. He is famously known for his significant role in the translation of the Bible into the Gothic language and his efforts in spreading Christianity among the Goths.
Wulfila was born in around the year 311 in Cappadocia, which is located in modern-day Turkey. He was a member of the Gothic people, who were Germanic tribes inhabiting the region at that time. Wulfila became a bishop of the Goths and was instrumental in their conversion to Arian Christianity, a branch of Christianity that held the belief in the subordination of Jesus Christ to God the Father.
Wulfila's most notable accomplishment was the translation of the Bible from Greek into the Gothic language. This translation is known as the Wulfila Bible or the Gothic Bible and is considered one of the earliest surviving translations of the Bible into a Germanic language. It played a crucial role in the development of the Gothic alphabet and the preservation of the Gothic language.
Wulfila's efforts in spreading Christianity among the Goths were met with success, as many Goths embraced the new religion. His influence was far-reaching, as he not only converted the Goths but also played a key role in shaping the faith and language of this ancient Germanic people.
Overall, Wulfila was a significant figure in the history of the Goths and the spread of Christianity in the Gothic world. His translation of the Bible and his missionary work had a lasting impact on the Goths, both in terms of their religious beliefs and linguistic development.
The word "Wulfila" is an anglicized form of the Gothic name "Ulfila". The name "Ulfila" can be traced back to the Gothic language, an extinct Germanic language spoken by the Goths. In Gothic, the name "Ulfila" is formed by combining the words "ulfaz", meaning "wolf", and "gilth", meaning "sacrifice". Therefore, "wulfila" or "Ulfila" can be roughly translated as "wolf-sacrifice" in English.