Gerudo

Summary

The Gerudo are a prominent group in the Legend of Zelda series, known for their distinctive culture, desert homeland, and intricate ties to the overarching lore of Hyrule. Predominantly female, the Gerudo have played pivotal roles throughout the series, often intertwined with the fate of the kingdom itself.

Origins and Historical Context

The Desert

The Gerudo reside in the arid expanses of the Gerudo Desert, a harsh environment that has shaped their resilient and resourceful nature. This setting has not only influenced their physical prowess and survival skills but also their architectural ingenuity, as seen in the construction of their fortified settlements and temples. The Gerudo people decided to settle the desert when the different groups began to resettle the surface. It is unknown why they chose the desert over another habitable region on the surface.

The Once-in-a-Century Boy

A unique aspect of Gerudo biology is that a male is born only once every hundred years. This male is traditionally destined to become their king. This rarity has significant implications for their society and has been a focal point in many of Hyrule’s historical events, especially concerning the infamous Ganondorf.

Translation Source: Lorulean Historian
100年に一度の男子

ゲルド族は女性しか生まれない部族であるが、100年に一度男子が生まれ、その子は例外なく王になるしきたりがあった。ハイラル王国が建国される少し前にも男子が生まれており、ガノンドロフと名付けられた。のちに「魔王」となり、ハイラルに滅亡を招く「厄災ガノン」へと変貌したのである。

ゲルドの王ガノンドロフ。絶対のしきたりによるものだけでなく、強者の威厳や統治者としてのカリスマ性が感じられる人物であった。なお2名の側近の所持品からは「コタケ」「コウメ」の名前が見つかっており、雷の賢者とは別の人物と思われる

ガノンドロフ以外の男子については、それらしい文献は残っていない。ガノンドロフ以降、男子の存在は危険視され、王位に就くことはなくなったのではないかと考えられるが、そもそも出生したかどうかすら曖昧である。生まれなくなったのか、存在しないものとされたか･･････。その民族性もあって、真相は不明である。^[1]

The Once-in-a-century Boy The Gerudo are an all-female race, but once a century, a boy child is born, and it is customary that this child would be crowned their king without exception. Several years before the founding of Hyrule Kingdom, such a child was born. His name was Ganondorf. He would go on to become the “Demon King,” and later, transform into “Calamity Ganon” that would bring about ruin to Hyrule. Ganondorf, the King of the Gerudo. He not only ruled by his absolute birthright, but he also had charisma and dignity as a strong leader. The names of “Kotake” and “Koume” are found on the attire of his two closest aides, and they are believed to be unrelated to the Sage of Thunder. There is a lack of documentation pertaining to any other boy children after Ganondorf. It could be that, perhaps, boy children were considered dangerous and no longer ascended the throne. But it is equally unclear whether they continued to be born in the first place. Perhaps they were born, but treated as though they didn't exist…… Due to the nature of this race, the truth remains unknown.

Once-in-a-Century Excerpt

Ganondorf: The Gerudo King

The Rise of the Demon King

Ganondorf, perhaps the most renowned Gerudo, plays a central role in the series’ main conflicts. His ascent to power and subsequent transformation into the Demon King are critical events that have reshaped Hyrule’s destiny multiple times.

Ambition and Betrayal: Initially presenting himself as a loyal subject to the Hylian monarchy, Ganondorf’s true intentions were far more sinister. His quest for the Triforce led to betrayals that plunged Hyrule into chaos. Cycle of Conflict: Ganondorf’s actions have perpetuated a cycle of reincarnation and conflict, binding him eternally to the spirits of the hero and the princess.

Impact on the Gerudo

Ganondorf’s legacy has cast a long shadow over the Gerudo people. While some have followed his lead, others have sought to distance themselves from his dark ambitions, striving for peaceful coexistence with the rest of Hyrule.

Society and Culture

Matriarchal Structure

With the scarcity of males, Gerudo society is predominantly matriarchal. Women hold positions of power and responsibility, guiding their people through both prosperity and hardship.

Customs and Traditions

Laws and Honor: The Gerudo are governed by strict codes that emphasize honor, strength, and loyalty. These principles are evident in their combat training and the enforcement of laws within their territory.

Relations with Outsiders: Historically wary of outsiders, especially men, the Gerudo have established specific protocols for interactions, including the exclusion of males from certain areas like Gerudo Town.

Architectural Achievements

The Gerudo have demonstrated remarkable architectural skills, constructing impressive structures that withstand the desert’s harsh conditions. Their designs often incorporate symbolic motifs and serve both practical and ceremonial purposes.

Linguistics

Writing System

The Gerudo Language is built upon a Latin-based alphabet, with support for 26 characters, numerals one and five, and some punctuation.

The Gerudo Alphabet

The Gerudo Across Eras

Ocarina of Time

In this era, the Gerudo are portrayed with complexity, balancing their roles as formidable warriors and Ganondorf’s followers. The Hero of Time’s interactions with them reveal both the rigidity and the potential for change within their society.

Era of the Wilds

These games depict a Gerudo people striving for harmony and integration with the wider world.

Chief Riju’s Reign: As a young and progressive leader, Riju seeks alliances to protect her people from threats like the Divine Beast Vah Naboris and the resurgence of Calamity Ganon.

Cultural Evolution: There’s a noticeable shift towards openness, with the Gerudo engaging in trade and diplomacy, though still upholding certain traditions like the exclusion of men from their city.

The Gerudo’s Role in Hyrule’s Destiny

Guardians Against Darkness

Despite the notoriety of figures like Ganondorf, many Gerudo have fought to protect Hyrule. Their warriors have joined battles against common enemies, demonstrating courage and a commitment to peace.