The Enigmatic Men of the Gerudo Desert: Unveiling the Identities of Those Outside Gerudo Town
The Gerudo Desert in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a land of mystery, intrigue, and strict social codes. Foremost amongst these codes is the segregation of genders, making the presence of any man outside the walls of Gerudo Town a subject of curiosity. Two prominent male characters encountered outside the town are Bozai and Benja, each with their own unique purpose and story. Bozai, a Hylian man, is encountered jogging around the perimeter of Gerudo Town after Link acquires the Camera rune. He offers side quests. Benja is the leader of a merchant group who cannot gain access to the town.
Bozai: The Jogging Hylian and Quest Giver
The Energetic Outsider
Bozai is a memorable character due to his unusual hobby: jogging on sand. He is a single, 35-year-old Hylian who can be found circling Gerudo Town. His presence raises immediate questions, considering the Gerudo’s strict policies regarding men (“voe”) entering their territory.
Bozai’s Role: Side Quests and More
Bozai is the giver of two notable Side Quests: “The Eighth Heroine” and “The Forgotten Sword“. These quests involve Link exploring the Gerudo Desert and uncovering ancient relics, adding depth to the world and lore. By directing Link to these locations, Bozai indirectly contributes to the player’s understanding of Gerudo history and culture. He is essential for players wanting to immerse themselves fully in the game’s narrative.
Why is Bozai Allowed Near Gerudo Town?
The game never explicitly states why Bozai is tolerated outside Gerudo Town. One can speculate that because he remains outside the walls and does not attempt to enter, he’s not seen as a threat to the Gerudo‘s customs. His harmless nature and the services he indirectly provides through quests may also contribute to their tolerance. Another possibility is the Gerudo find him amusing and harmless enough to ignore, a somewhat eccentric figure in their otherwise strictly controlled environment.
Benja: The Aspiring Merchant
Blocked at the Gates
Benja represents a different kind of outsider. He is the leader of a group of merchants, which also includes his friend Robsten, eager to establish business relations with Gerudo Town. However, as a male, Benja is denied entry and can be found near the Daqo Chisay Shrine, just outside the town’s main gate.
Commerce and Cultural Barriers
Benja‘s predicament highlights the cultural barriers between the Gerudo and the outside world. His desire for commerce clashes with the Gerudo‘s isolationist policies. This situation adds a layer of realism to the game, showcasing the challenges of cross-cultural interaction. While he doesn’t offer a specific questline like Bozai, his presence enriches the game’s world by illustrating the impact of Gerudo‘s rules on outsiders.
The Daqo Chisay Shrine Location
Benja‘s location near the Daqo Chisay Shrine is also noteworthy. Shrines in Breath of the Wild serve as fast travel points and offer various challenges. The proximity of Benja to the shrine places him in a central location, making him easily accessible to players and reinforcing his role as a point of contact for those approaching Gerudo Town.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Gerudo and Their World
Here are fifteen frequently asked questions that help in understanding the culture and context of the game.
1. Why are there no Gerudo men, generally?
According to Creating a Champion, a male Gerudo hasn’t been born since the king who became Calamity Ganon. While Ganon was sealed, he was technically considered alive, preventing the birth of another male Gerudo.
2. How do Gerudo reproduce?
Gerudo pair with Hylian males. Their offspring are heterozygous, carrying dominant Gerudo genes. If these offspring then mate with the dominant male Gerudo, there’s a 50/50 chance of homozygous or heterozygous dominant Gerudo offspring.
3. Can a male enter Gerudo Town?
Not without a disguise. Only females (vai) are allowed entry. Link must complete the “Forbidden City Entry” quest and disguise himself as a Hylian vai with the Gerudo Set to enter.
4. What is the Forbidden City Entry quest?
The “Forbidden City Entry” is a Main Quest in Breath of the Wild that requires Link to acquire the Gerudo Set to enter Gerudo Town.
5. Where can I get the Gerudo outfit?
The Gerudo Outfit, consisting of the Gerudo Veil, Gerudo Top, and Gerudo Sirwal, can be purchased from Vilia on top of the Kara Kara Bazaar for 600 Rupees during the “Forbidden City Entry” quest.
6. How old is Riju?
Riju is roughly around twelve years old but appears more mature due to the Gerudo‘s faster maturation rate compared to Hylians.
7. Is Riju Urbosa’s daughter?
No, Riju is a direct descendant of Urbosa, following the line of succession, and became Chieftainess after her mother passed away.
8. Is Ganon always a Gerudo?
Yes, in The Legend of Zelda series, Ganondorf consistently appears as a Gerudo since his first appearance in Ocarina of Time.
9. What happens if a male Gerudo is born?
A single male Gerudo is born into the tribe every hundred years and is destined to become their king by Gerudo law.
10. Are the Yiga Clan all male?
The Yiga Clan is comprised almost exclusively of males, forming a stark contrast to the all-female Gerudo.
11. What is the secret code in Gerudo Town?
The password to enter Greta’s Secret Club is “GSC♦“, which Link can learn by eavesdropping on a group of Gerudo in The Noble Canteen during a Side Quest.
12. Is Gerudo asexual?
No, the assertion that the Gerudo reproduce asexually is inaccurate. Gerudo need to pair with males from other races to reproduce.
13. Can a Hylian and a Zora have a child?
No, Zora and Hylians cannot have hybrid children, as Zora lay eggs. They can, however, adopt children.
14. What happens if Riju dies?
If Riju dies during certain quests, it’s game over, emphasizing her importance to the storyline and her people.
15. What is Kara Kara Bazaar?
Kara Kara Bazaar is a small settlement in the Gerudo Desert. It serves as a rest stop and a place for Link to buy the Gerudo Outfit from Vilia to enter Gerudo Town.
Understanding the Broader Context
The characters of Bozai and Benja, and the many cultural nuances of the Gerudo, contribute significantly to the richness and complexity of Breath of the Wild. They provide valuable insights into the game’s world-building and narrative depth. Beyond simple gameplay mechanics, these elements foster a more immersive and engaging experience for players, reinforcing the power of storytelling in video games. Exploring the roles and motivations of these characters demonstrates the nuances of game design and cultural representation.
This exploration also highlights the educational potential of games, a topic often discussed by the Games Learning Society as they examine the intersection of games and education. Games, like Breath of the Wild, provide opportunities for players to learn about different cultures, social dynamics, and problem-solving skills in an engaging and interactive way, which aligns with the mission of the GamesLearningSociety.org.
By examining these characters and their situations, players gain a greater appreciation for the detailed world-building and nuanced storytelling that make The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild a memorable gaming experience.