The Races of Hyrule: Part 2, The Gorons

Gorons, the mountain people of Hyrule, watch over the land from their villages usually built atop active volcanoes. The exact reason they choose this location of habitation is never clearly specified, however, it could be that they harness the power and natural heat of the volcano’s magma for purposes of industry and comfortable living (For example, in Twilight Princess, Gorons are seen relaxing in a naturally heated hot spring near the summit of Death Mountain). Contrary to initial perceptions, the Gorons are quite an industrious and modern culture, arguably more so than any other of Hyrule’s inhabitants.  They are also a very mobile people and can be found in many places throughout Hyrule; when they aren’t sailing the vast ocean or going locomotive in New Hyrule, they still get around efficiently by means of their rolling technique. Click the jump to learn more about this fascinating race!

Gorons are identified by their large and sturdy stature. They have body art depicting the Gorons’ Crest (modeled after the Spiritual Stone of Fire) on their arms, and sometimes other decorative body art.  They have ochre colored skin, and rarely wear any clothing; when they do wear clothes, they never where shirts, which is surprising considering one of their main exports is a type of tunic. They have rough and rigid backs, most likely to blend with the mountainside as well as provide defense.

The Gorons are the leaders of industry in Hyrule; they mine the mountains for raw materials, using the fruits of their labor for technology and apparel. Their stock includes bomb flowers (the Goron cash crop), powder kegs, and the red Goron tunic. Like the Deku, the Gorons have a government system: the tribe is ruled over by a patriarch, followed by the Elders who act as a senate. The working class performs many tasks, including mining for delicious rocks, crafting protective gear for the intense heat of the volcano lifestyle, or producing explosives for said mining.

 

 

 

 

Goron’s can be found almost anywhere in Hyrule. They’ve taken on the great sea, railroads, even the frozen tundra. The Gorons are pioneers, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that they are nomadic, because once they find a nice cozy mountain, they tend to stay put. They’re more like settlers, with a few travelers here and there.

The Gorons have a well-established history dating back to the early days of Hyrule. They were one amongst many tribes that helped in the first battle against Demise. It has also been established that there have been great Goron warriors that go down in history; one such example is Darmani, a Goron warrior hailing from a village in Snowhead. Darmani is held in high reverence amongst the other  Gorons in the village, suggesting that warriors are quite honorable. This is not to say that the Gorons are a war-mongering people; in fact, they are content to live peaceful lives. But when the call to action arises, they are not hesitant to answer that call. With Demise defeated, Goron warriors nowadays most likely protect their villages from Dodongos.

 

Gorons are generally friendly people, but can become ornery when distressed. Darunia is a prime example of this; when you first meet him, you are greeted with a big scowl on his face. It’s not until after you have cleared out the Dodongos that he not only makes a 180 in his mood, but also adopts you as his brother!

Gorons are best known for their ability to roll around as a means of travel. Their instrument of choice is the drums. They eat rocks for sustenance, Rock Sirloin being a delicacy among tribes. Some tribes even hold sporting events in which competitors must race to the end of a track by rolling.

Now comes the part where I speculate and theorize: anyone ever notice that there appears to be no Goron women? It could be a design choice by Nintendo who didn’t want to put female parts on already naked characters. It could be that there are Goron women, and we just can’t tell them apart from Goron males, as coincides with Gimli’s explanation of Dwarf women.

However, I think it’s much deeper than that; the Gorons are the protectors of the Spiritual Stone of Fire, naturally their matron deity must be Din. Enter the Gerudo tribe (another race for another day, but all you need to know is that a male Gerudo is born every 1000 years) whose matron deity could very well be Din also. If this were the case, then the Gorons and Gerudo could share common interests at least spiritually. So, how do the Gerudo reproduce with no men and how do the Gorons reproduce without women? That’s right! I submit that Ganondorf is half Goron!

That’s all for the Gorons! Next on our list is the Zoras! If you have anything to add or feel like I’ve left something out, please leave a comment!