The People of Gor

Gor, the counter-earth, is said to rest behind the sun, following the same orbital path of Earth in such a way so that it is never visible to those on Earth, and therefore remains virtually unknown. Gor bears many similarities to Earth, with much of the same general geological and ecological makeup, differing only enough to have its own character and wealth of indigenous organisms.

It was the Priest-Kings who manipulated the planet of Gor, moving it to its current orbital location, keeping it safely hidden away from the prying eyes of humans on Earth. Studying life forms on other planets, they determined the lay of the land, the geography, and adjusted the atmospheric nature of the planet to be able to contain the various organisms they intended to bring to the planet.

Living organisms, be it animal, plant or man, were transported to Gor, removed during various time periods on Earth by the insectile Priest-Kings. Far more intelligent than man, despite that they are in fact overgrown cockroaches, the Priest-Kings are the true masters of Gor. Leaving mankind and other beasts alike to inhabit the world with almost no outside interference, the Priest-Kings remain hidden away in their nest in an almost unapproachable mountain range. From the safety of their nests, they study mankind much in the same way as we did when we were children with our ant farms. In retrospect, the planet that John Norman created is actually one large zoo. Species for many planets were obtained and transported to this planet called Gor by the Priest-Kings in what they rationalize as "studying for the betterment of each species."

The people of Gor, controlled by the Priest-Kings, whom many consider gods, are used to harsh living conditions. Even those of the cities live a far more barbaric life than modern times on earth. Yet — those born on earth are called barbarians by the people of Gor! Mankind as found on Gor is reminiscent of those peoples seen on Earth during our world's ancient times. While the calendric time is paralelled to that of earth, that is about the only semblance of similarity between the two worlds. While allowed to advance in such things as medicine, the people live as those of earth did in ancient times. Technology in things such as weaponry is not allowed and means a certain and swift death when discovered. Mankind revels in the beauty of nature and considers the land and sky sacred.

In retrospect, the planet is actually one large zoo. Species for many planets were obtained and transported to this planet called Gor by the Priest-Kings in what they rationalize as "studying for the betterment of each species." Mankind exists in relation to his surroundings; not in spite of them. Men still dream and explore, adventures and exploits of magnitude are always open for opportunity.

 

 

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Special Note

Because of the differences in publishing the books, depending upon whether published in the U.S. or Europe, depending upon whether a first publishing or a Masquerade Books release, page numbers will often vary. All of my quotes are from original, first-printing U.S. publications (see The Books page for a listing of publishers and dates) with the exception of the following books:

  • Tarnsman of Gor (2nd Printing, Balantine)
  • Outlaw of Gor (11th Printing, Balantine)
  • Priest-Kings of Gor (2nd Printing, Balantine)
  • Assassin of Gor (10th Printing, Balantine)
  • Raiders of Gor (15th Printing, Balantine)
  • Captive of Gor (3rd Printing, Balantine)

Disclaimer

These pages are not written for any specific home, but rather as informational pages for those not able to get ahold of the books and read them yourself. Opinions and commentaries are strictly my own personal views, therefore, if you don't like what you are reading — then don't. The information in these pages is realistic to what is found within the books. Many sites have added information, assuming the existences of certain products and practices, such as willowbark and agrimony for healing, and travel to earth and back for the collection of goods. I've explored the books, the flora, the fauna, and the beasts, and have compiled from those mentioned, the probabilities of certain practices, and what vegetation mentioned in the books is suitable for healing purposes, as well as given practicalities to other sorts of roleplaying assumptions.