The Curious Case of Gorons in Gerudo Town: Unraveling the Mystery

Why are male Gorons allowed in Gerudo Town in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild? The simple answer is: the in-universe explanation remains ambiguous and open to interpretation. However, considering the complexities of Gerudo culture and societal norms in the Zelda universe, we can posit several plausible theories. The most compelling explanations revolve around the Gerudo’s pragmatic approach to survival, their potential view of Gorons as a non-gendered species (or at least, a species where gender is less rigidly defined), and the shifting priorities of Gerudo society after the Calamity. It’s also possible, though less likely, that the allowance is a gameplay convenience, a design choice prioritizing player freedom over strict adherence to established lore.

Understanding Gerudo Society and its Rules

To understand why Gorons might be an exception to the “no men allowed” rule, we must first dissect the intricacies of Gerudo society. The Gerudo are a race of exclusively (or almost exclusively) women, renowned for their warrior skills, intelligence, and independence. Their societal structure hinges on the exclusion of men, born from a deep-seated distrust stemming from Ganondorf’s betrayal.

The Importance of the “No Men Allowed” Rule

Before Ganondorf transformed into Calamity Ganon, Gerudo attitudes towards men were not overtly hostile. However, his actions irrevocably shattered their trust. Consequently, Gerudo Town was established as a sanctuary for women, a place where they could thrive without male influence. This policy, though seemingly absolute, appears to have some wiggle room, as evidenced by the Goron exception.

Examining the Goron Enigma

So, why Gorons? Here are the key theories:

• Perception of Gorons as Non-Gendered/Single Gendered: The most prevalent theory is that the Gerudo perceive Gorons as a race where gender distinctions are either non-existent or less pronounced. This is supported by the fact that in some Zelda games, Gorons use masculine pronouns regardless of their actual gender. Perhaps the Gerudo see them as a monolithic entity, a “race of brothers,” mitigating concerns about potential romantic interests or power imbalances within their all-female society. This ties into the Zeldapedia quote mentioned which may imply they see Gorons as one gender race, or as a non-human race and thus not susceptible to the same rules as Hylian or Gerudo men.

• Pragmatism and Trade: Gerudo society is, above all, pragmatic. They need resources to survive, and Gorons are master miners and traders. Maintaining good relations with the Gorons may be strategically vital for Gerudo Town’s economy and access to essential materials like ore and gemstones. Allowing Gorons access, even male ones, is a calculated trade-off, prioritizing the well-being of the community over strict adherence to their exclusionary policy.

• Post-Calamity Shift in Priorities: The Great Calamity and the subsequent revival of Calamity Ganon may have forced the Gerudo to re-evaluate their priorities. The need for allies against a common enemy might outweigh their historical distrust of men. While they may still be wary of Hylian men, the Gorons, known for their generally good nature and strength, might be considered reliable allies in the fight against evil.

• Limited Interaction and Oversight: While Gorons are allowed in Gerudo Town, their interactions with the Gerudo may be limited and closely monitored. This controlled environment minimizes the risk of any inappropriate behavior and ensures the Gorons are primarily present for trade and business purposes.

• Rule Bending and the Vilia Precedent: The character of Vilia, who is suspected of being a man disguised as a Gerudo woman, demonstrates that the Gerudo are not infallible in enforcing their “no men allowed” rule. The Goron situation could be seen as a similar case of “bending the rules” for the greater good.

• Gameplay Convenience: It’s crucial to acknowledge the meta-perspective. Allowing Gorons in Gerudo Town enhances gameplay by providing access to merchants and quests. Restricting Gorons would artificially limit the player’s freedom and potentially hinder progression. While lore is essential, gameplay often takes precedence in video game design.

Additional Information

Are the Gorons in Gerudo Town female?

Notably, the English version also has Traisy emphasize that these Gorons are “male”, which is actually not directly stated in Japanese here. Since characters do wonder why Gorons are allowed in the town, we can gather that most people would consider them male, but they don’t say it outright.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do Gerudo not let men in?

The primary reason is rooted in historical trauma. Ganondorf’s betrayal instilled a deep distrust of men in Gerudo society, leading them to establish Gerudo Town as a safe haven exclusively for women.

2. Is Vilia a male Gerudo?

The truth about Vilia’s gender identity is intentionally ambiguous. Some NPCs refer to Vilia as a man who infiltrated Gerudo Town, while others describe Vilia as a woman. Vilia identifies as female, further blurring the lines.

3. How often is a male Gerudo born?

A male Gerudo is born only once every hundred years. Tradition dictates that this male is destined to become the king of the Gerudo.

4. Is Ganondorf always a Gerudo?

Yes, in all main entries of The Legend of Zelda series in which he appears, Ganondorf is a Gerudo. This is a fundamental aspect of his character and lore.

5. How do Gerudo reproduce?

The exact method of Gerudo reproduction is never explicitly stated. Some fan theories suggest they might reproduce asexually or require Hylian men in some manner, but these remain speculative. One outlandish theory purports they fertilize eggs parthenogenically and then deposit them in male Hylian rectums to develop.

6. Do all Gerudo have red hair?

While red hair is a defining trait, there can be variation in skin tone among Gerudo.

7. How long can Gerudo get?

Since we know that one male Gerudo is born every 100 years, that seems to imply that male Gerudo have a lifespan of less than 100 years unless they just kill the current male Gerudo King when they come of age.

8. Has there ever been a female Goron?

The existence of female Gorons is debated. In some interpretations, Gorons are considered a single-gendered race or a race where gender is less relevant. The games don’t explicitly feature or mention female Gorons.

9. How do Gorons reproduce?

The exact mechanism is never explicitly stated, but the popular theory is Gorons literally sprout out of the ground from caves and such. Some sources point to a piece of the rocky outer “shell” on their backs being loosed, and after being incubated in lava for a considerable amount of time, will form a whole new Goron.

10. What pronouns do the Gorons use?

Gorons typically use masculine pronouns, regardless of their gender (if they even have distinct genders).

11. How long is a Goron lifespan?

The average life span for a Goron is about 80 years.

12. Why do the Gorons say Goro?

“Goro” is thought to be derived from the Japanese onomatopoeia “Goro Goro,” which represents the sound of a rolling rock, fitting their boulder-like appearance and lifestyle.

13. Do Gorons reproduce asexually?

The only feasible way the Gorons could reproduce is asexually. Potentially through a weird spot in the lava pools.

14. Is every male Gerudo evil?

No, not every male Gerudo is evil. While Ganondorf is the recurring antagonist, his actions do not define the entire race. The Gerudo themselves are not inherently evil.

15. Where can I learn more about game studies and the educational impact of games?

For further exploration into game studies and the educational benefits of gaming, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization provides valuable resources and insights into the intersection of games and learning. Games Learning Society is a great place to find more content of this type.

In conclusion, the allowance of male Gorons in Gerudo Town remains a fascinating enigma, fueled by a complex interplay of lore, societal structures, and gameplay considerations. While a definitive answer may never be provided, the existing theories offer a glimpse into the intricate world-building that makes The Legend of Zelda such an enduring and beloved franchise.