Gerudo
A minority ethnicity primarily dispersed across the Gerudo Desert. This group is known for consisting almost entirely of women.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Gerudo speak both their native language developed over generations of isolation in the Gerudo Desert, but also the Hylian Tongue. Even then, they regularly use Gerudan greetings and colloquial terms.
Common Dress code
Due to the harsh conditions of the desert, the Gerudo traditionally wear airy leggings and tops that expose large portions of torso to give the best airflow. Long, flowing skirts are not uncommon among merchants, but most clothing is cinched at openings to keep sand out, especially from sensitive areas. Some vai and voe will wear a tight fitting undergarment made from Lycaren for additional protection and to reduce chafing from long travel.
Art & Architecture
The Gerudo are well renowned for their two cultural exports: Weaponry and Jewelry.
The traditional curved scimitars common to soldiers of the Gerudo Guard are built with sand ground iron and hand smelted gold alloy. Many of the finest are encrusted with expertly crafted topaz, ruby, sapphire, opal, and even occasional diamonds.
The various bangles, head circlets, earrings and rings made by the jewel Smith's of the desert are all resplendent, evoking the dangerous beauty of burning dunes and cold efficaciousness of the moonlight nights.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
One of the most well known traditions amongst the Gerudo is the banning of men from any official Gerudo settlement. While this is fairly strict, a controversial exception has been made for members of the Goron Brotherhood who are all male. Legend holds that this tradition was born from ancient days when voe would attempt to breach the deserts to steal glimpses of Gerudo chieftain in her regal beauty. Other tales harken back to the days of Unification when Gerudo vai would kidnap men that strayed too close to the provinces boarders and force them into copulation.
Birth & Baptismal Rites
Water is considered a holy blessing among the Gerudo, so much so that all Gerudo vai take part in a water birth, preferably in flowing water. This is always attended to by the tribes Rov'aim, as to ensure the birth of female child. The birth of male Gerudo, while unheard of for the last 10,000 years, must be known immediately as custom dictates that the new Mali'voe must be raised by the Rov'aim and taken from his birth mother.
At twelve days old, the Ramil Zam or 'binding of the sands' is performed on the child. Heated sand is scrubbed on the child's body in a purification rite, cleansing them for their life as a member of the desert warriors.
Historical figures
Would you like to read The Hylian Fantasy from the point of view of the Gerudo? Select the option below to be able to read sections and articles that only one of these desert dwelling, warrior women would know!
Note
Only one of each primary group in the world can be given at any one time, though each may have further sub groups that can be joined. Gerudo
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Great article, and very detailed!