Who are the "Real" Goreans?

Although the books written by John Norman are but a fantasy, he did take from many cultures of the ancient periods on Earth.

While there is no such world as Gor, John Norman was not the originator of the theories of the Central Fire and a counter earth. In fact, you'll read how it was in fact, Pythagoras who developed such theories, and whose followers lived a lifestyle very similar to the Initiates. Some of the cultures you will find noticeable in this world is derived from such groups as the ancient Greeks and Romans. John Norman took from other cultures as well, such as the fierce Norsemen, Arabic and African tribes, and the tribes of the Americas — the Native Americans and Inuit.

Gor is a barbaric world ruled with steel, primarily male dominated. Slavery is politically and morally correct for the Gorean peoples, not simply because it is Gor, but because of the diverse cultures brought to Gor which indeed even on Earth, slavery was acceptable. You'll also read of the "real" kajirae — the ancient Greek heteira and the flute-girl, in which I'll also touch upon the socio-impact of slavery, its orgins and diversities. Also in these archives are the stories of the real "rencers" — those peoples whose lives are spent on floating islands, as well as the original fighting slaves — the gladiators of Rome.

By the time you finish with these pages, you will have basically the world of Gor as it happened on Earth many years ago.

 

 

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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.