SOCIETY

During the days of the Waiting Hand the streets are almost deserted, and in the houses there is much fasting, and little conversation, and no song."
---Assassin of Gor, p 211

the Amusements of Tharna a festival of sorts put on in the city of Tharna where prisoners of Tharna are put through rigorous contests for the amusements of the Women of the city, its beginning signified by the dropping of a golden scarf by the Tatrix.

The golden scarf fluttered to the sands of the arena and the Tatrix resumed her throne, reclining upon its cushions. The voice speaking through the trumpet said, 'Let the Amusements of Tharna begin.
---Outlaw of Gor, p 11

Kajuralia (last day of the twevth passage hand, March 15th for most Cities, last day of the fifth month in Ar (Aug 12th)
Annual festival of slaves, Kajuralia is a time when slaves play pranks on Masters and Mistresses, have Frees serve them. It is held in most Cities on the last day of the twevth passage hand.

The Kajuralia, or Holiday of Slaves, or Festival of Slaves, occurs in most of the northern, civilized cities of known Gor once a year. The only exception to this that I know of is Port Kar, in the delta of the Vosk. The date of the Kajuralia, however, differs. Many cities celebrate it on the last day of the Twelfth Passage Hand, the day before the beginning of the Waiting Hand; in Ar, however, and certain other cities, it is celebrated on the last day of the fifth month, which is the day preceding the Love Feast.
---Assassin of Gor, p 229

On the other hand, the single greatest period for the sale of slaves is the five days of the Fifth Passage Hand, coming late in the summer, called jointly, the Love Feast.
---Assassin of Gor, p 193

The Love Feast...is also a time of great feasting, of races and games....The evening of the fourth day of the Love Feast is usually taken as its climax from the point of view of slave sales. The fifth day, special races and games are celebrated, regarded by many Goreans as a fitting consummation of the holidays.
---Assassin of Gor, p 281

the Love War (second passage hand, May 15th to 19th)
An annual challenge celebrated in the Spring between Turia and the Nomads of the Plains. Thousands of FW of both Turia and the Wagons, are bound at stakes, defended by a warrior of their group. The two men engage in battle, generally to the death, the winner of the fight takes the other party's FW as slave while the woman he is defending remains free.

The institution of Love War is an ancient one among the Turians and the Wagon Peoples...The games of the Love War are celebrated every spring.
---Nomads of Gor, p 115

The theoretical justification of the games of the Love War, from the Turian point of view, is that they provide an excellent arena in which to demonstrate the fierceness and prowess of Turian warriors, thus perhaps intimidating or, at the very least, encouraging the often overbold warriors of the Wagon Peoples to be wary of Turian steel.
---Nomads of Gor, p 116

As I knew, not just any girl, any more than just any warrior, could participate in the games of the Love War. Only the most beautiful were eligible, and only the most beautiful of these could be chosen.
---Nomads of Gor, p 117

the Gorean New Year (Waiting Hand, March 21st)
The five day period that preceeds the New Year (Waiting Hand) is spent in a near mourning state by most Goreans. They fast, refrain from singing, paint their door white and attach Brak bush branches to them in order to discourage the entry of bad luck into the house in the coming year.
When this period is ended, on the day of the vernal equinox (March 21st), they begin celebrating the new Year.

On the first day of the Waiting Hand, the last five days of the old year, the portals of Ar, including that of even the House of Cernus, had been painted white, and in many of the low caste homes, sealed with pitch, not to be opened until the first day of En'Kara. Almost all doors, including that of the House of Cernus, had nailed to them some branches of the Brak Bush, the leaves of which, when chewed, have a purgative effect. It is thought that the pitch and the branches of the Brak Bush discourage entry of bad luck into the houses of the citizens. During the days of the Waiting Hand the streets are almost deserted, and in the houses there is much fasting, and little conversation, and no song.
---Assassin of Gor, p 211

but on the Vernal Equinox, which marks the first day of the new year in most Gorean cities, there is great rejoicing; the doorways are painted green, and there is song...and much feasting
---Assassin of Gor, p 78

the Turian New Year (Summer Solstice, June 21st)
Turia and other Southern Cities celebrate the new year on the Summer Solstice with a ten day celebration that includes most of the rituals and feasts of the Gorean New Year.

the Omen Year
Once a decade, the four tribes of Nomads known as the Wagon People gather for the Omen takings, which will announce if there is to be or not, Ubar-San (the One Ubar of ALL the Wagon People) to lead all of the Wagon People.

The animals sacrificed, incidentally, are later used for food, so the Omen taking, far from being a waste of animals, is actually a time of feasting and plenty for the Wagon Peoples, who regard the Omen taking, provided it results that no Ubar San is to be chosen, as an occasion for gaiety and festival. As I may have mentioned, no Ubar San had been chosen for more than a hundred years.
---Nomads of Gor, p 171

In the thinking of the Wagon Peoples it is called the Omen Year, though the Omen Year is actually a season, rather than a year, which occupies a part of two of their regular years, for the Wagon Peoples calculate the year from the Season of Snows to the Season of Snows...the Omen Year, or season, lasts several months, and consists of three phases, called the Passing of Turia, which takes place in the fall; the Wintering, which takes place north of Turia and commonly south of Cartius, the equator of course lying to the north in this hemisphere; and the Return to Turia, in the spring, or as the Wagon Peoples say, in the Season of Little Grass. It is near Turia, in the spring, that the Omen Year is completed, when the Omens are taken, usually over several days by hundreds of haruspexes, mostly readers of bosk blood and verr livers, to determine if they are favorable for a choosing of a Ubar San, a One Ubar, a Ubar who would be High Ubar, a Ubar of all the Wagon Peoples, a Ubar of all the Peoples, one who could lead them as one people...The omens, I understood, had not been favorable in more than a hundred years.
---Nomads of Gor, pp 11-12

Conrad spoke. The Omens have been taken, he said.
They have been read well, said Hakimba.
For the first time in more than a hundred years, said the Paravaci, there is a Ubar San, a One Ubar, Master of the Wagons!
Kamchak, they cried, Ubar San!
---Nomads of Gor, p 334

the Planting Feast (April 16th-18th)
Celebrated early in the growing season this feast of rituals and prayers is meant to ensure a plentifull harvest, it ends after three days, in a ritualistic celevration held usually on the City's highest cylinder, during which the Home Stone is sprinkled with sa-tarna grain and ka-la-na wine by the Administrator, Ubar, or a member of the ruling family.

The Home Stone of a city is the center of various rituals. The next would be the Planting Feast of Sa-Tarna, The Life-Daughter, celebrated early in the season to insure a good harvest. This is a complex feast, celebrated by most Gorean cities, and the observances are numerous and intricate. The details of the rituals are arranged and mostly executed by the Initiates of a given city.
---Tarnsman of Gor, p 68

in the annual Procession to the Sea, which takes place on the first of En'Kara, the Gorean New Year.
---Raiders of Gor, p 134

the Return to Turia (last day of the Second Hand of En'Kara, March 30th)
At the end of winter, on the last day of the Second Hand of En'Kara which marks the beginning of the season of Little Grass, the Wagon People begin their march back from the winter pastures to the Plains of Turia.

the Sardar Fairs (En'Kara; March 21st-March 30th, En'Var; June 19th-June 28th, Se'Kara; September 22nd-October 1st, Se'Var; December 21st-December 30th)
Held four times a year, at the equinoxes and solstices, at the foot of the Mountains after which they are named.

One is the fairs at the Sardar Mountains which occur four times a year and are number chronologically.
---Outlaw of Gor, p 179

...each Gorean, whether male or female, is expected to see the Sardar Mountains, in honor of the Priest-Kings, at least once in his life, prior to his twenty-fifth year.
---Priest-Kings of Gor, p 12

the Thing
Celebrated in the cold of Torvaldsland's spring, the Thing is a gathering of Northerners and a chance to display One's skills. The men engage in contests such as swimming, oar walking, pole climbing and axe weilding.

"Then," said my father, placing his hands solemnly on my shoulders, "in virtue of my authority as Adminstrator of this city and in the presence of the Council of High Castes, I declare you to be a Warrior of Ko-ro-ba."
---Tarnsman of Gor, p 63

When I returned to Ko-ro-ba with Talena, a great feast was held and we celebrated our Free Companionship. A holiday was declared, and the city was ablaze with light and song. Shimmering strings of bells pealed in the wind, and festive lanterns of a thousand colors swung from the innumerable flower-strewn bridges. There was shouting, and laughter, and the glorious colors of the castes of Gor mingled equally in the cylinders.

Gone for the night was even the distinction of master and slave, and many a wretch in bondage would see the dawn as a free man. To my delight, even Torm , of the Caste of Scribes, appeared at the tables, I was honored that the little scribe had separated himself from his beloved scrolls long enough to share my happiness, only that of a warrior. He was wearing a new robe and sandals, perhaps for the first time in my years. He clasped my hands, and, to my wonder, the little scribe was crying. And then in his joy, he turned to Talena and in gracious salute lifted the symbolic cup of Ka-la-na wine to her beauty.

Talena and I swore to honor that day as long as either of us lived. I have tried to keep that promise, and I know that she has done so as well. That night, that glorious night, was a night of flowers, torches, and Ka-la-na wine, and late, after sweet hours of love, we fell asleep in each other's arms.
---Tarnsman of Gor, p 216

Talena looked into my eyes. "What will you do with me?" she asked.
"I will take you to Ko-ro-ba," I said, "to my city"
"As your slave?" she smiled.
"If you will have me," I said, "as my Free Companion."
"I accept, Tarl of Ko-ro-ba by," said Talena with love in her eyes. "I accept you as my Free Companion."
"If you did not." I laughed, "I would throw you across my saddle and carry you to Ko-ro-ba by force."
She laughed as I swept her from her feet and lifted her to the saddle of my giant tarn. In the saddle, her arms were around my neck, her lips on mine.
"Are you a true warrior?" she asked, her eyes bright with mischief, testing me, her voice breathless.
"We shall see," I laughed. Then, in accord with the rude bridal customs of Gor, as she furiously but playfully struggled, as she squirmed and protested and pretended to resist, I bound her bodily across the saddle of the tarn. Her wrists and ankles were secured, and she lay before me, arched over the saddle, helpless, a captive, but of love and her own free will. The warriors laughed, Marlenus the loudest.
"It seems I belong to you, bold Tarnsman," she said. "What are you going to do with me?"
In answer, I hauled on the one-strap, and the great bird rose into the air, higher and higher, even into the clouds, and she cried to me,
"Let it be now, Tarl," and even before we had passed the outermost ramparts of Ar, I had untied her ankles and flung her single garment to the streets below, to show her people what had been the fate of the daugher of their Ubar.
---Tarnsman of Gor, p 213

There is no marriage as we know it on Gor, but there is the institution of free companionship, which is its nearest correspondent. Surprisingly enough, a woman who is bought from her parents, for tarns of gold, is regarded as a free companion, even though she may not have been insulted in the transaction. More commendably, a free woman may herself, of her own free will, agree to be such a companion. Such relationships are not entered into lightly, and they are normally sundered only by death.
---Outlaw of Gor, p 54

In certain cities, in connection with the free companionship, the betrothed or pledged beauty may wear eight veils, several of which are ritualistically removed during various phases of the ceremony of companionship; the final veils, and robes, of course, are removed in private by the male who, following their removal, arms interlocked with the girl, drinks with her the wine of the companionship, after which he completes the ceremony.

This sort, of thing, however, varies considerably from city to city. In some cities the girl is unveiled, though not disrobed, of course, during the public ceremony.

The friends of the male may then express their pleasure and joy in her beauty, and their celebration of the good fortunes of their friend. The veil, it might be noted, is not legally imperative for a free woman; it is rather a matter of modesty and custom.
---Slave Girl of Gor, p 106

Young men and women of the city, when coming of age, participate in a ceremony which involves the swearing of oaths, and the sharing of bread. fire and salt. In this ceremony the Home Stone of the city is held by each young person and kissed.

Only then are the laurel wreath and the mantle of citizenship conferred This is a moment no young person of Ar forgets. The youth of Earth have no Home Stone.

Citizenship, interestingly, in most Gorean cities is conferred only upon the coming of age, and only after certain examinations are passed. Further, the youth of Gor, in most cities, must be vouched for by citizens of the city, not related in blood to him, and be questioned before a committee of citizens, intent upon determining his worthiness or lack thereof to take the Home Stone of the city as his own.

Citizenship in most Gorean communities is not something accrued in virtue of the accident of birth but earned in virtue of intent and application.

The sharing of a Home Stone is no light thing in a Gorean city.
---Slave Girl of Gor, p 394

In the center of the amphitheater was a throne of office, and on this throne, in his robe of state a plain brown garment, the humblest cloth in the hall, sat my father, Administrator of Ko-ro-ba, once Ubar, War Chieftain of the city. At his feet lay a helmet, shield, spear, and sword.

"Come forward, Tarl Cabot," said my father, and I stood before his throne of office, feeling the eyes of everyone in the chamber on me. Behind me stood the Older Tarl. I had noted that those blue Viking eyes showed almost no evidence of the previous night. I hated him, briefly.

The Older Tarl vas speaking. "I, Tarl, Swordsman of Ko-ro-ba, give my word that this man is fit to become a member of the High Caste of Warriors."

Then, beginning with the lowest tier, each member of the Council spoke in succession, giving his name and pronouncing that he, too, accepted the word of the blond swordsman. When they had finished, my father invested me with the arms which had lain before the throne. About my shoulder he slung the steel sword, fastened on my left arm the round shield, placed in my right hand the spear, and slowly lowered,the helmet on my head.

Sensing what vas wanted, I replied, "My Home Stone is the Home Stone of Ko-ro-ba."

"Is it to that city that you pledge your life, your honor, and your sword?" asked my father.

We met in the center of the room and embraced. I wept, and he did, too, without shame. I learned later that on this alien world strong man may feel and express emotions, and that the hypocrisy of constraint is not honored on this planet as it is on mine.
---Tarnsman of Gor, p 21

To be sure, he had had a difficult night, keeping his lonely, tense vigil in the ally behind the tavern, while I rested and sported about inside. I reminded myself, however, that such sacrifices are only to be expected in the course of true friendship.
---Vagabonds of Gor, p 425

In the land of the wagon people

Suddenly the Tuchuk bent to the soil and picked up a handful of dirt and grass, the land on which the bosk graze, the land which is the land of the Tuchuks, and this dirt and this grass he thrust in my hands and I held it. The warrior grinned and put his hands over mine so that our hands, together held the dirt and grass, and were together clasped upon it. 'Yes,' said the warrior, 'come in peace to the Land of the Wagon Peoples.'
---Nomads of Gor, p 26

'You would risk,' I asked, 'the herds the wagons the peoples?....' 'Yes,' said Kamchak. 'Why?' I asked. He looked at me and smiled.'Because,' said he, 'we have together held grass and earth'
---Nomads of Gor, p 52

'He is a stranger,' she said. 'He should be slain!' Kamchak grinned up at her. 'He has held with me dirt and earth,' he said.
---Nomads of Gor, p 32

In the desert
Those of the desert value salt second only to water. It would seem natural then that the ritual of brotherhood in the Tahari include salt. This particular way of bonding is also found amongst the Giants of the North.

'Ride Free,' he said. "I will," I said. "I can teach you nothing more," he said. I was silent.

"Let there be salt between us," he said. "Let there be salt between us," I said.

He placed salt from the small dish on the back of his right wrist. He looked at me. His eyes were narrow.

"I trust," said he, "you have not made jest of me." "No," I said. "In your hand," he said, "steel is live, like a bird." The judge nodded assent. The boy's eyes shone. He stood back. "I have never seen this, to this extent, in another man." He looked at me. "Who are you?" he asked.

I placed salt on the back of my right wrist. "One who shares salt with you," I said. "It is enough," he said. I touched my tongue to the salt in the sweat of his right wrist, and he touched his tongue to the salt on my right wrist.

"We have shared salt," he said.
---Tribesmen of Gor, p 60

"I am coming with you," I said. "Save yourself," said he. "I am coming with you," I said. "We have not even shared salt," he said. "I shall accompany you," I said.

He looked at me, for a long time. Then he thrust back the sleeve of his right hand. I pressed my lips to the back of his right wrist, tasting there, in the sweat, the salt. I extended him the back of my right wrist, and he put his lips and tongue to it.

Do you understand this? he asked. I think so, I said. Follow me, said he. We have work to do my brother."
---Tribesmen of Gor, p185

'Friend', he had said. 'Friend,' I had said. We had then tasted salt, each from the back of the wrist of the other."
---Marauders of Gor, p 70

In the Barrens (Blood Brothers)

Cuwignaka's knife moved on his own forearm, and then on mine, and then on Hci's.
'You cannot be a member of the Sleen Soldiers of the All Comrades', had said Hci, 'for you are not Kaiila, and you do not know our dances and mysteries, the content of our medicine bundles'
'There is another thing', had said Cuwignaka, 'which can be done'.
'Do it', had said Hci.
Cuwignaka held his arm to mine, and then I held my arm to that of Hci, and then Hci, in turn, held his arm to that of Cuwignaka. Thus was the circle of blood closed.
'It is done', said Cuwignaka.
'Brothers', I said.
'Brothers', said Hci.
'Brothers', said Cuwignaka
---Blood Brothers of Gor, p 475

Drinking buddies?

"How is it that you can even think of doing this?" he asked. "Zarendargar may need my assistance," I said. "I may be able to aid him." "But why, why?" he asked... I shrugged. "Once," I said, "we shared paga."
---Savages of Gor, p 70

Sword Brothers (the Warrior code)

'Do not harm him,' said Kazrak. 'He is my sword brother, Tarl of Bristol.'

Kazrak's remark was in accord with the strange warrior codes of Gor, codes which were as natural to him as the air he breathed, and codes which I, in the Chamber of the Council of Ko-ro-ba, had sworn to uphold.

One who has shed your blood, or whose blood you have shed, becomes your sword brother, unless you formally repudiate the blood on your weapons. It is part of the kinship of Gorean warriors regardless of what city it is to which they owe their allegiance.

It is a matter of caste, an expression of respect for those who share their station and profession, having nothing to do with cities or Home Stones.
---Tarnsman of Gor, p 119

Last changed: October 31, 2001