Acceptance Brand
A tiny brand worn on the forearm of merchants, peddlers, singers, musicians, haruspexes, etc. that offer safe passage during certain season amongst the Wagon Peoples.
"… here and there, small peddlers and merchants, of various cities, for such are occasionally permitted by the Tuchuks, who crave their wares, to approach the wagons. Each of these, I was later to learn, wore on his forearm a tiny brand, in the form of spreading bosk horns, which guaranteed his passage, at certain seasons, across the plains of the Wagon Peoples. The difficulty, of course is in first obtaining the brand. If, in the case of a singer, the song is rejected, or in the case of a merchant, his merchandise is rejected, he is slain out of hand. This acceptance brand, of course, carries with it a certain stain of ignominy, suggesting that those who approach the wagons do as slaves." — Nomads of Gor, pages 34-35.
Accountant
A member of the Scribes whose duties are to maintain accounting of the moneys in a holding.
"At his right hand there was a Scribe, an angular, sullen man with deep eyes, with and stylus. It was Caprus of Ar, Chief Accountant to the House of Cernus." — Assassin of Gor, page 40.
Adder
A poisonous snake.
Etymology: Middle English, alteration (by false division of a naddre) of naddre, from Old English n[AE]dre; akin to Old High German nAtara adder, Latin natrix water snake; Date: 14th century;
"The common venomous viper (Vipera berus) of Europe; broadly: a terrestrial viper (family Viperidae); any of several North American snakes (as the hognose snakes) that are harmless but are popularly believed to be venomous." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary © 2004-2006
"Another was slain when an adder forced into his mouth tore its way free through the side of his face." — Marauders of Gor, pages 26.
Administrator
The highest ranking official of a city; elected by the High Castes of the city.
"The High Castes in a given city," said my father, "elect an Administrator and Council for stated terms." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 42.
Administrator of the Mines
Top person in charge of the Mines of Tharna.
"Drown them all," had been the decision of the Administrator of the Mines. — Outlaw of Gor, page 148.
Afflicted One
Those plagued with Dar-Kosis Disease.
"An Afflicted One," said Talena, gravely, using the expression common for such plagued wretches on Gor. The name of the disease itself, Dar-kosis, is almost never mentioned. I glimpsed the face beneath the hood and felt sick. Its one bleared eye regarded us blankly for a moment, and then the thing moved on. — Tarnsman of Gor, page 113.
Aft
Toward the stern (rear) of a ship.
Etymology: Middle English afte back, from Old English aeftan from behind, behind; akin to Old English aefter; Date: 1628;
"Near, toward, or in the stern of a ship." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2004-2006
Agal
The agal is the cording which binds the kaffiyeh around the head of a free man of the Tahari; 
the cording denotes district and tribe.
"The man, rare in Port Kar, wore the kaffiyeh and agal. The kaffiyeh is a squarish scarf, folded over into a triangle, and placed over the head, two points at the side of the shoulders, one in back to protect the back of the neck. It is bound to the head by several loops of cord, the agal. The cording indicates tribe and district." — Tribesmen of Gor, page 20.
Agleskala
The red savages term meaning "striped lizard."
"Make ready your arrows," I heard, a crying from outside the lodge. "Make ready your arrows! Make ready your knives! We are going to make meat! We are going to make meat!" This was a crier of the Sleen Soldiers, Agleskala, Striped Lizard. He was moving through the village. — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 49.
Ah-il
A unit of measure by which items such as cloth is sold, measured from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger.
"Too, there were cloth merchants, with their silks and rolls of rep cloth. Cloth is measured in the ah-il, which is the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, and the ah-ral, which is ten ah-ils." — Tribesmen of Gor, page 50.
Ahleena
Someone created this word; it wasn't John Norman and never seen in the books of Gor.
Ahn
The Gorean hour, of which there are twenty (20) in a Gorean day; it consists of forty (40) Ehn. The Ahn is also used in measurement of latitude and longitude in cartography.
"Each Ahn consists of forty Ehn, or minutes, and each Ehn of eighty Ihn, or seconds." — Outlaw of Gor, page 26.
"There is also a system of latitude and longitude figured on the basis of the Gorean day, calculated in Ahn, twenty of which constitute a Gorean day, and Ehn and Ihn, which are subdivisions of the Ahn, or Gorean hour." — Nomads of Gor, page 3 (footnote).
Ah-ral
A unit of measure equaling ten ah-ils.
Too, there were cloth merchants, with their silks and rolls of rep cloth. Cloth is measured in the ah-il, which is the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, and the ah-ral, which is ten ah-ils. — Tribesmen of Gor, page 50.
Ahtudan
The red savages term meaning "something to be spit upon;" a slave name.
"Perhaps we should call you ‘Ahtudan'," I said.
"What does that mean?" she said.
"Something to be spit upon," I said. "It is a fitting name for a slave, it is not?" — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 288.
Ai
varied spellings: Aiee, Aiii, et al
1). An expression of exclamation or puzzlement, 2). a war cry, 3) akin to "aye-yi-yi" and "holy crap." Perhaps one of the many variations that became corrupted into the word "Hai" used in chat rooms as "Gorean language." The word "Hai" never appeared in the books of Gor by John Norman.
"Ai!" cried the grizzled man, and even Targo the Slaver looked baffled. — Outlaw of Gor, page 196.
"Aieee" cried the warrior of the Kataii. — Nomads of Gor, page 17.
4"What could have done this?" asked Cuwignaka, in awe.
I heard Mira, a few yards behind us, throwing up in the grass.
"I am not sure," I said.
Hci came up to join us, from where he had been crouching down in the grass. "Aiii," he muttered.
"What do your think?" asked Cuwignaka.
"Never have I seen anything like this," said Hci. To be sure it was awesome to contemplate the forces and pressures that could have done it. The tarn, besides its rude bridle, wore a girth strap.
I glanced back at Mira. She was on her hands and knees in the grass, sick. She was correct that she had seen legs. The knees were thrust under the girth strap. There were also thighs and a lower abdomen. There was no upper body." — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 224.
Aja
In the language of the Red Hunters of the northern polar cap, this means "hurry."
"Aja! Aja!" I heard, from behind the fence." Aja! Hurry, my brothers! Aja!" — Beasts of Gor, page 168.
Akamda
A term of the red savages literally meaning "fringe;" generally designates the fringe which might occur on leggings and shirts.
"Hou, Akamda," said he to the girl, halting his kaiila. ‘Akamda' is a word usually designating fringe, such as might occur on leggings or shirts. — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 53.
Akicita
Red savage word meaning "warrior."
"Canka," said the young warrior, striking himself in the chest with a fist. "Akicita hemaca. Isbu hemaca. Kaiila hemaca!"
"'I am Canka, Fire Steel,'" said Grunt. "'I am a warrior. I am of the Little Stones. I am of the Kaiila!'" — Savages of Gor, page 321.
Akihoka
A red savage term meaning "skillful."
She pointed to Grunt. "Wopeton," she said. "Akihoka Zontaheca."
I looked at Grunt. I knew one of his names among the red savages was Wopeton, which means Trader, or Merchant.
"She says I am a skillful and honest fellow," he said. — Savages of Gor, page 216.
Akko
Masculine Innuit name which means "Shirt Tail."
"Akko, or Shirt Tail, was a good fellow." — Beasts of Gor, page 194.
Alarm Bar
Generally, these devices are used in cities. They are hollow metal tubes, struck by hammers, and are used to warn of impending danger.
"An alarm bar, a hollow metal tube struck by hammers, began to ring in frenzy." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 199.
"The great alarm bars of the city were now ringing, struck by iron hammers." — Nomads of Gor, page 245.
Alarm Bugle
Bugles used to warn of impending attack; used often by cities.
"Periodically the shrill notes of alarm bugles would pierce the air, as forces from Ar emerged to do battle on the plains before the city." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 177.
Alars
The Alars are a nomadic, wandering herding people of the northern part of Gor, known for their adept skills with the axe.
"We were now within the laager of Genserix, a chieftain of the Alars, a nomadic, wandering herding people, and one well-known, like the folks of Torvaldsland, for their skills with the ax." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 43.
Alcove
Individual 'rooms' in a Paga Tavern, where one might spend time with a slave girl. The entrances are circular, with a diameter of about two feet. Each alcove is provided with a curtain for privacy. See: "Paga Tavern."
"One in particular I remembered, young, her body like a cheetah, he black hair wild on her brown shoulders, the bangles on her ankles, their sound in the curtained alcove." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 61.
"Beyond the area of the sand and the many tables there was a high wall, some twenty feet or so high, in which there were four levels, each containing seven small curtained alcoves, the entrances to which were circular, with a diameter of about twenty-four inches. Seven narrow ladders, each about eight inches in width, fixed into the wall, gave access to these alcoves." — Assassin of Gor, pages 8-9.
"His drink finished Kuurus rose and went to the darkened corner of the room, where the wall sloped down. He looked into the eyes of the girl in the yellow slave livery, who knelt there. Then he tuned the key in the lock of collar seven and released her. Thrusting her to her feet and forcing her to walk before him, he went to the counter, behind which stood the man in the grimy tunic of white and gold. Kuurus threw the key to him. "Use Twenty-seven," said the man, handing Kuurus a bit of silk, Pleasure Silk, wrapped about a set of slave chains.
Kuurus threw the silk and chain over his shoulder and motioned the girl to move ahead of him and, numbly, she did so, crossing the room, going between the tables, and stopping before the narrow ladder at the right side of the high wall, in which were found the ledges with their alcoves. Not speaking, but woodenly, she climbed the ladder and crawled onto the shelf near the tiny alcove marked with the Gorean equivalent of twenty-seven and entered, followed by Kuurus, who drew the curtains behind them.
The alcove, with its enclosing, curved walls, was only about four feet high and five feet wide. It was lit by one small lamp set in a niche in the wall. It was lined with red silk, and floored with love furs and cushions, the furs being better than some six to eight inches deep. In the alcove the demeanor of the girl changed and she suddenly rolled onto her back and lifted one knee. She looked at him saucily." — Assassin of Gor, page 22."He unfastened her, and she preceded him across the floor, between the tables. As Rim passed the proprietor, in his apron behind the paga-stained counter, he tossed him the key. The girl climbed the narrow, iron ladder to the sixth alcove. Rim followed her." — Hunters of Gor, page 55.
She rose to her feet and, scarcely able to move, numbly, went to the alcove. She could not bring herself to enter, through the red curtains. I took her by the left arm and thrust her within, onto the furs at my feet. I then turned about and drew shut the curtains, hooking them shut… I took the ankle ring and chain which lay at the right corner of the alcove, as you enter. The chain is about a yard long and runs to a ring bolted in the floor. There are similar chains in the four corners of the room, and in the center of the wall, near the floor, opposite the red curtains. In the left-hand corner of the room, as you enter, of course, on its chain, is another ankle ring. At the far corners of the room, of course, the chains terminate with wrist rings. In the center of the wall, near the floor, opposite the curtains, the chain terminates with a collar. There are provisions for lengthening and shortening the chains. All these devices work from locks, answering to a common key, which hangs high on the wall, toward the back and left, as you enter. Needless to say that key cannot be reached by the prisoner if even one of the chains is fastened upon her. Near that common key, which hangs on a peg, there is a second peg. From the second peg hangs a slave whip…" This is an alcove," I said." But you may think of it as a very special sort of place… As a chamber of submission," I said. — Explorers of Gor, pages 173-174.
Ale
A strong beer favored in Torvald.
"The Forkbeard himself now, from a wooden keg, poured a great tankard of ale, which must have been of the measure of five gallons. Over this he then closed his fist. It was the sign of the hammer, the sign of Thor. The tankard then, with two great bronze handles, was passed from hands to hands among the rowers. The men threw back their heads and, the liquid spilling down their bodies, drank ale. It was the victory ale." — Marauders of Gor, page 82.
Al-Ka
The first letter of the Gorean alphabet; corresponds to the English letter "A;" possibly a variant of the first letter of the Greek alphabet, Alpha.
"Al-Ka!" said Torm, pointing one long, authoritative finger at the sign.
"Al-Ka," he said.
"Al-Ka," I repeated. We looked at one another, and both of us laughed. A tear of amusement formed along the side of his sharp nose, and his pale blue eyes twinkled. I had begun to learn the Gorean alphabet." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 37."The expressions 'Al-Ka' and 'Ba-Ta' are the two first letters of the Gorean alphabet. In effect these men had no names, but were simply known as Slave A and Slave B." — Priest-Kings of Gor, page 94.
"Over forty percent of the language consists of the first five letters I mentioned, Eta, Tau, Al-Ka, Omnion and Nu… Further, over sixty percent of the language consists of those five letters plus Ar, Ina, Shu and Homan." — Slave Girl of Gor, page 384.
All Comrades
A warrior society of the Kaiila tribe of red savages, also known as the Fighting Hearts. See also: "Fighting Hearts."
"Two societies are represented among the Kaiila here," said Grunt. "Most belong to the All Comrades." — Savages of Gor, page 314.
"The sign for the All Comrades," I said, "is the heart and lance."
"Yes," said Grunt. "They are sometimes known, too, from the sign, as Fighting Hearts. The society name, however, more strictly, translates as the All Comrades." — Savages of Gor, page 314."The Kaiila were mostly members of the All Comrades, a warrior society, like the Sleen Soldiers, of the Isbu Kaiila. They were under the command of Canka, Cuwignaka's brother. One other was with the party, too, an older warrior, Kahintokapa, One-Who-Walks-Before, of the prestigious Yellow-Kaiila Riders. He was of the Casmu, or Sand, band." — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 14.
Altron
Letter of the Gorean alphabet.
"For example, we have learned not only the order of frequency of occurrence of letters but, as would be expected, rough percentages of occurrence as well. Eta, for example, occurs two hundred times more frequently in the language than Altron." — Slave Girl of Gor, page 384.
Amethyst
Purple gemstone commonly exported from Schendi.
"You, Master," said Tina, to a handsome young seaman, who wore a wristlet studded with purplish stone, amethysts from Schendi, "would you be so kind as to rise and come forward." — Hunters of Gor, pages 97-98.
Amomona
A word of the Dust Leg and Kaiila tribes which means literally translates to: "Baby" or "Doll."
"'Wincala'," she said, "which means 'Girl', and 'Amomona', which means 'Baby' or 'Doll'." — Savages of Gor, page 230.
Amphitheater
An oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats ranged about an open space and used for slave auctions, performances, public games and contests.
Etymology: Latin amphitheatrum, from Greek amphitheatron, from amphi- + theatron theater; Date: 14th century;
"1) An oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats ranged about an open space and used in ancient Rome especially for contests and spectacles;
2a) a very large auditorium; b) a room with a gallery from which doctors and students may observe surgical operations; 2c) a rising gallery in a modern theater; 2d) a flat or gently sloping area surrounded by abrupt slopes;
3) a place of public games or contests." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2004-2006
"I'm not sure what the seating capacity of the amphitheater was, theoretically, but I would guess that it would be in the neighborhood of four to six thousand; counting those crowded into the tiers, and standing and sitting in aisles, it might now have held twice that many; the air was hot with bodies; the faces of many of the men were streaked with sweat." — Assassin of Gor, page 291.
Amphora
A two-handled narrow-necked vessel generally having a pointed base; not a serving vessel but is commonly buried in the earth, its neck above the earth, to keep its contents cool. 
Depicted: Greek Amphora 375-70 BC
Etymology: Latin, modification of Greek amphoreus, amphiphoreus, from amphi- + phoreus bearer, from pherein to bear; Date: 14th century
"An ancient Greek jar or vase with a large oval body, narrow cylindrical neck, and two handles that rise almost to the level of the mouth." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2004-2006
"It would have been stored overnight, I assumed, in an amphora, buried to the neck in the cool earth. Sometimes Earth girls, first brought to Gor, do not understand why so many of these two-handled, narrow-necked vessels have such a narrow, usually pointed base, for they cannot stand upright on such a base. They have not yet learned that these vessels are not intended to stand upright. Rather they are commonly fitted into a storage hole, buried there to keep their contents cool, the necks above the earth. The pointed base, of course, presses into the soft earth at the bottom of the storage hole." — Mercenaries of Gor, page 257.
Amusements of Tharna
This event was popular in the days of Lara the Tatrix in the city of Tharna before Lara fell from power and the men of Tharna were liberated.
I heard the voice of Andreas next to me." Strange," said he, "usually the Tatrix does not attend the Amusements of Tharna." — Outlaw of Gor, page 109.
Anango
An exchange island in the Ushindi region.
"… the island of Anango …" — Explorers of Gor, page 16.
"I did not go as far south as Anango or Ianda, or as far north as Hunjer or Skjern, west of Torvaldsland." — Raiders of Gor, page 137.
Anchor-Hooks
Three-pronged anchors, similar to grappling irons, which are used on marsh barges.
"Soon, each drawn by two warriors, the anchor-hooks, curved and three-pronged, not unlike large grappling irons, emerged dripping from the mud on the marsh." — Raiders of Gor, page 61.
Anchor Knot
See "Karian Anchor Knot."
Anesthetic Dart
An anesthetic is placed in the needle of a dart; used often by slavers to capture females. These darts can be flung, or entered into the body by hand. It takes approximately forty (40) Ihn to render a female unconcious.
"Anesthetic darts, too, are sometimes used in the taking of females; these may be flung, or entered into her body by hand; they take effect in about forty Ihn; she awakens often stripped, in a slave kennel." — Marauders of Gor, page 116.
Ankle Bar
A device used in wagons for the transportation of slaves. The ankle bar generally extends to the length of the wagon. When chaining girls to the ankle bar, two ankle rings with a short chain attached are employed. First one ankle ring is secured around one ankle; the chain is passed around the bar and then the second ankle ring is secured to the girl's other ankle. When chained in a wagon to the ankle bar, girls are commonly unclothed.
"Targo gathered his men and goods. Nineteen of the girls, separately, taken deep into the thicket, had had their wrists bound together, either before their body or behind their back, about small trees. There were the ones he had managed to keep. Lana, Ute and Inge had, of course, been among them. The bosk, unfortunately for Targo, had either broken free or been cut free. They had disappeared over the grassy fields. When he emerged from the thicket he found left only one usable wagon, and that damaged by smoke and fire. He had lost a good deal, but he had saved goods, and, most importantly, his gold. He camped that night in the thicket. In the morning a harness was jerry-rigged. The girls looked at one another. Not now, indolently, would they ride chained to the ankle bar of the wagon. Then Targo had set out again for Laura. Some two or three days later, in the trackless fields, wandering, they had encountered a young barbarian girl, strangely clad, who they had made their slave. … — Captive of Gor, page 63.
From this, as I later saw, camisks were made, a simple slave garment. When chained in a wagon, to the ankle bar, girls are commonly unclothed. When the tarnsmen struck, the girls had been freed from the wagons, to be driven into the thicket. … — Captive of Gor, page 64.
The two wagons he bought were merchant wagons, with rain canvas. The back wheels were larger than the front wheels. Each was drawn by two bosk, large brown creatures with spreading, polished horns, hung with beads. Their hoofs were also polished and their long, shaggy coats groomed to a shine. One of the wagons had an ankle bar, and the other was fitted with the ankle bar from Targo's damaged wagon, which was the first wagon; my wagon was the second. Each wagon held nine girls. Targo had sold two girls. We were fitted with ankle rings joined by a short length of chain. One ankle ring is closed on the girl's ankle, the chain passed about the bar and then, on her other ankle, the second ankle ring is closed, securing her." — Captive of Gor, page 65.
Ankle Rack
Stockades in which a girl's ankles are held secure. A disciplinary means of securing a slave girl.
"Bring an ankle rack," said Ulafi to one of the guardsmen. One was brought. "Put her in it," said Ulafi. The guardsman removed his neck strap from her throat, freeing, too, her ankles. He untied her hands. Lifting her under the stomach he held her ankles near the rack; another guardsman placed her ankles in the semicircular openings in the bottom block and then swung shut the top block, with its matching semicircular openings, over them. He secured the top block, hinged at the left, to the bottom block, with a metal bolt on a chain, thrust through the staple on the lower block, over the hasp, swung down from the upper block. — Explorers of Gor, page 68.
Ankle Rings
Metal rings which fit about a slave's ankles; chains may then be attached to these.
"… at the end of the chain there is attached another device, a set of linked ankle rings, which, when closed about her ankles, lifts a portion of the slack chain from the floor …" — Nomads of Gor, page 42.
"I have a spare ankle ring," he said, and took Talena by the arm, thrusting her inside the wagon. In the (pg.134) wagon there were some twenty girls, dressed in the slave livery of Gor, perhaps ten on a side, chained to a metal bar which ran the length of the wagon. Talena would not like that. Before she disappeared, she called over her shoulder, saucily, "You're not rid of me as easily as this, Tarl of Bristol." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 123.
(CHECK ON THIS ONE)"One of the wagons had an ankle bar, and the other was fitted with the ankle bar from Targo's damaged wagon, which was the first wagon; my wagon was the second. Each wagon held nine girls. Targo had sold two girls. We were fitted with ankle rings joined by a short length of chain. One ankle ring is closed on the girl's ankle, the chain passed about the bar and then, on her other ankle, the second ankle ring is closed, securing her." — Captive of Gor, page 65.
Anpao
The red savages term meaning "dawn" or "daylight."
The red savages, themselves, incidentally, have their own names for the new, small community. In Kaiila it is called "Anpao" or sometimes "Anptaniya." The expression ‘Anpao' means "Dawn" or "Daylight." The expression ‘Anptaniya' has a more complex meaning in translation. It means, rather literally, "the breadth of day." It is used to refer, for example, to the first, lovely glimmerings of morning. The expression is related, of course, to the vapors raised by the sun in the early morning, these perhaps, poetically and beautifully, as is often the case in the languages of the red savages, suggesting "the breath of day." In both expressions, of course, the connotations are rather clear, that darkness is over, that a new day is at hand. — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 474.
Anptaniya
The red savages term which means literally "the breadth of day;" refers to the first glimmerings of morning, suggestion "the breath of day."
The red savages, themselves, incidentally, have their own names for the new, small community. In Kaiila it is called "Anpao" or sometimes "Anptaniya." The expression ‘Anpao' means "Dawn" or "Daylight." The expression ‘Anptaniya' has a more complex meaning in translation. It means, rather literally, "the breadth of day." It is used to refer, for example, to the first, lovely glimmerings of morning. The expression is related, of course, to the vapors raised by the sun in the early morning, these perhaps, poetically and beautifully, as is often the case in the languages of the red savages, suggesting "the breath of day." In both expressions, of course, the connotations are rather clear, that darkness is over, that a new day is at hand. — Blood Brothers of Gor, page 474.
Anteaters
There are several varieties found in the rainforests of the Ushindi area.
More than six varieties of anteater are also found here, and more than twenty kinds of small, fleet, single-horned tabuk." — Explorers of Gor, page 312.
Ants
Those irrascable picnic pests infest Gor as well.
"Here, too, may be found snakes and monkeys, gliding urts, leaf urts, squirrels, climbing, long-tailed porcupines, lizards, sloths, and the usual varieties of insects, ants, centipedes, scorpions, beetles and flies, and so on." — Explorers of Gor, page 311.
Anvil Block
One of the stones used in an ancient grinding device called the quern. The anvil block, or the mortar block, is used principally in the same way as the more ancient method of the mortar and pestle. The anvil block serves as the base in which the grain rests. The pounding block descends into the mortar block continually through the use of a springy, bent pole. See also: "Quern."
"In some villages, however, something approximating the old mortar and pestle is sometimes used, the two blocks, a pounding block strung to a springy, bent pole, and the mortar block, or anvil block. The pole has one or more ropes attached to it, near its end. When these are drawn downward the pounding block descends into the mortar block, and the springiness of the pole, of course, straightening, then raises it for another blow." — Renegades of Gor, pages 17-18.
Apricot
Small orange fruit with a single pit; most probably similar to the apricots of Earth.
"I brushed away two sellers of apricots and spices." — Tribesmen of Gor, page 45.
Apricot Tree
Tree that produces the small orange fruit.
"I brushed away two sellers of apricots and spices." — Tribesmen of Gor, page 45.
Ar [1]
Letter of the Gorean alphabet.
"With the spear blade I cut into the locked saddle pack. It contained, as I'd known it would, the Home Stone of Ar. It was unimpressive, small, flat, and of a dull brown color. Carved on it, crudely, was a single letter in an archaic Gorean script, that single letter which, in the old spelling, would have been the name of the city. At the time the stone was carved, Ar, in all probability, had been one of dozens of inconspicuous villages on the plains of Gor." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 144.
"Over forty percent of the language consists of the first five letters I mentioned, Eta, Tau, Al-Ka, Omnion and Nu… Further, over sixty percent of the language consists of those five letters plus Ar, Ina, Shu and Homan." — Slave Girl of Gor, page 384.
Ar [2]
City in the northern hemisphere of Gor.
"Corcyrus," said the girl, "is south of the Vosk. It is. southwest of the city of Ar." — Kajira of Gor, page 40.
Arani
A minor tribe of the Tahari; they are a vassal tribe of the Aretai.
"To my right were the lines of the Aretai. The Aretai themselves, of course, with black kaffiyeh and white agal cording, held their center. Their right flank was held by the Luraz and the Tashid. Their left flank was held by the Raviri, and four minor tribes, the Ti, the Zevar, the Arani and the Tajuks." — Tribesmen of Gor, pages 301.
Archer Blinds
Movable wooden screens used by armies to shield archers and light missile equipment.
"On the summit of the rampart, where it was completed, were numerous archer blinds, movable wooden screens to shield archers and light missile equipment." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 163.
Archon
A high official of a city.
"1) A high official; a ruler; 2) one of the nine principal magistrates of ancient Athens; 3) an authoritative figure; leader." — American Heritage College Dictionary, Third Edition ©2001
"Many in Venna," she said, "as I understand it, are alarmed at the killing, and the mysterious footprints. Some think it is an omen or warning. The archon is consulting augurs, to take the signs. They will concern themselves, surely, too with legalities and such…" This seemed understandable. The archon in Venna would be interested in putting his house in order before the taking of auspices. He would doubtless regard it as politic, at least from the point of view of soothing possible apprehensions in his constituency … — Dancer of Gor, page 339.
Arctic Gant
A migratory shore bird, found from the arctic down to the rushes of the Vosk delta.
"I stepped aside to let a young girl pass, who carried two baskets of eggs, those of the migratory arctic gant." — Beasts of Gor, page 196.
Aretai
A major tribe of the Tahari.
"There will be war between the Kavars and the Aretai," I heard a man say. — Tribesmen of Gor, page 58.
Argentum
A city well-known for its silver mines and production of silver.
"Corcyrus," said the girl, "is south of the Vosk. It is. southwest of the city of Ar. It lies to the east and somewhat north of Argentum." — Kajira of Gor, page 40.
"These wholesalers usually distribute to retailers, in their individual cities, or, often, also, in well-known slaving centers, of which there are many, for example, Ar, Ko-ro-ba, Venna, Vonda, Victoria, on the Vosk, Market of Semris, Besnit, Esalinus, Harfax, Corcyus, Argentum, Torcadino, and others." — Dancer of Gor, page 102.
Argentum Road
Major road that runs from Argentum east to the Viktel Aria.
"I made my way eastward, gasping, and walking and running, on the Argentum road, back toward the Viktel Aria." — Kajira of Gor, page 251.
Aria
Term meaning "belonging to Ar" (et al, "Ar's").
"It also commands, in effect, the northern terminus of one of the great roads, the Viktel Aria, or Ar's Triumph…" — Rogues of Gor, page 63.
Armored Gatch
A marsupial which inhabits the rainforests inland of the Ushindi.
"On the floor itself are also found several varieties of animal life, in particular marsupials, such as the armored gatch, and rodents, such as slees and ground urts." — Explorers of Gor, page 312.
Armored Transportation Disk
See: "Transportation Disk."
Arsenal
With respect to Port Kar, this is in reference to their warehouses in which ships, sails, equipment and weapons are manufactured and stored.
Etymology: Italian arsenale, ultimately from Arabic dAr sinA'ah house of manufacture; Date: 1555;
"An establishment for the manufacture or storage of arms and military equipment." — Merriam-Webster Dictionary ©2004-2006
"The Arsenal Guard, however, perhaps for traditional reasons, remained a separate body, concerned with the arsenal, and having jurisdiction within its walls." — Raiders of Gor, page 218.
Arsenal Guard
The military force responsible for keeping safe the arsenal of Port Kar.
""The arsenal guard, presumably, would become a branch of the newly formed council guard, if such became a reality." — Raiders of Gor, page 159.
"The Arsenal Guard, however, perhaps for traditional reasons, remained a separate body, concerned with the arsenal, and having jurisdiction within its walls." — Raiders of Gor, page 218.
Arthropod (of the Nest)
The "cattle" of the Priest-Kings.
"… and those from the Pastures drove before them with long pointed goads huge, shambling gray arthropods, the cattle of Priest-Kings…" — Priest-Kings of Gor, page 236.
Artificially Constructed Human Being
Human clone; one of the Muls, either Al-Ka or Mul Ba-Ta, created synthetically by the Priest-Kings; the other Mul was a genetically altered being.
"Yes," said Sarm, "one was synthesized, beginning with the synthesis of the protein molecules, and was formed molecule by molecule. It is an artificially constructed human being …"
"Is the other also synthesized?" I asked.
"No," said Sarm, "it is the product of genetic manipulation, artificial control and alteration of the hereditary coils in gametes." — Priest-Kings of Gor, page 94.
Ar's Station
An outpost and trading station of Ar located on the south bank of the Vosk.
"Ar's Station incidentally is near the site where there was a gathering, several years ago, of the horde of Pa-Kur, of the Caste of Assassins, who was leading an alliance of twelve cities, augmented by mercenaries and assassins, against the city of Ar." — Rogues of Gor, page 62.
Askari
A word from the villages inland of Schendi, meaning "soldier" or "guardian." The Askari on Earth have similar roles and the Askari are still currently active.
ASKARI: Taking her name from the Swahili word meaning "guard" or "protector." — The Askari Appeal; www.askari.org.uk
Askari, as the soldiers from East and Central Africa are called, have volunteered to serve the Crown from the turn of the century until the various nations became independent in the Sixties. They served with distinction in the King's African Rifles, its sister regiments the Northern Rhodesia Regiment and the Somaliland Scouts and their associated supporting arms and ancillary services. Many of the surviving askari fought in the fierce wartime campaigns in Abyssinia, Madagascar and Burma or the post war operations in Somalia, Uganda, Malaya and Kenya. During these campaigns and operations a large number askari were killed or wounded and many were decorated for acts of conspicuous gallantry.
Today many ex askari are living in abject poverty, without pensions, medical aid or financial support. Their only support comes through grants made from monies raised by the Askari Appeal which are administered by the British Commonwealth Ex-Services League (BCEL), This a registered charity, Number 231322, under Royal patronage, which seeks to ensure that no Commonwealth ex-serviceman or woman shall be without help if in need or suffering real hardship or distress.
The Askari Appeal has been launched by a group of officers who had served with the regiments and who were concerned at the circumstances in which some of their ex comrades in arms were were being forced to live. Already some £60,000 has been collected mainly from those who have served with the regiments or their widows and other kind people, and £10,000 has been distributed by BCEL. The Askari Appeal numbers as its patrons The Duke of Norfolk, The Bishop of Sherborne, The Right Reverend John Kirkham, Bishop to the Forces and Major General R.S.N. Mans, President the KAR & EA Forces Association, who have all served with askari.
There are many testimonies to the devoted service askari have given, but one in particular shines forth. It is from Michael Tetley MBE, who was blinded during an action with Mau Mau terrorists. When he sent a donation to the Askari Appeal he added this note:
"My Samburu batman saved my life. He stood over me after I was shot through the head killing seven terrorists who tried to cut me up"
— Sponsored by the British Commonwealth Ex-Services League
48 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5JV
UK Charities Registration Number 231322
"The word 'askari' is an inland word, which may be translated roughly as 'soldier' or 'guardsman.'"— Explorers of Gor, page 152.
Askari Hodari
A phrase of honor, a salute, in Ushindi, which literally translates to "brave warrior" but in simpler form, merely "warrior."
To my surprise I saw the Kur leader, a huge, brown Kur, doubtless from one of the far ships, lift his panga in salute to the black Ubar. Bila Huruma, then, breathing heavily, raised his stabbing spear in his dark and bloody fist. "Askari hodari!" he cried. I shook with emotion. It was much honor he had done the beast, not even human, confronting him. The salute of the Kur commander had been acknowledged and returned. The words Bila Huruma had uttered were of course in the native tongue of Ushindi. One might translate them, in the context, I suppose, as "Brave Soldier." A better translation, however, I think, especially since there is no other way to say this in the Ushindi tongue, is doubtless the simpler one, "Warrior." — Explorers of Gor, page 442.
Asperiche
One of the many exchange islands of Gor.
"From Lydius goods may be embarked for the islands of Thassa, such as Teletus, Hulneth and Asperiche, even Cos and Tyros, and the coastal cities, such as Port Kar and Helmutsport, and, far to the south, Schendi and Bazi." — Captive of Gor, page 59.
Assassins, Caste of
This Caste is comprised of those who kill strictly for pay.
"I had noticed that there was among the crowd one tall, somber figure who sat alone on a high, wooden throne, surrounded by tarnsmen. He wore the black helmet of a member of the Caste of Assassins." — Tarnsman of Gor, page 133.
Attestation Papers
Legal papers which attest to a slave girl being no longer a virgin and available for use; used in paga taverns.
"It is your attestation paper, together with your white ribbon, being nailed to the wall in the vestibule of the tavern," she said. "It is there now with mine, and Sita's, and those of some of the other girls." — Dancer of Gor, page 211.
Auburn [Hair Color]
Highly prized color for a slave girl's hair.
"Auburn hair is highly prized in slave markets." — Magicians of Gor, page 49.
Auction Block
Platform on which a girl is displayed during a sale.
"… the block itself, lying in the pit of the amphitheater, was perhaps seven or eight feet in height, round, and with a diameter of some twenty feet; it was doubtless incredibly heavy, being formed of huge beams, shaped and fitted together with long wooden pegs; it was of simple wood, plain and unvarnished; the broad, heavy stairs, without banisters, leading to its height were shining and concave, polished, shaped and worn smooth by the bare feet of countless wenches who had climbed them; the surface of the block itself was similarly worn smooth and slightly concave; its broad surface had now been sprinkled, as is traditional, with sawdust; it is a Gorean custom that the girl, no matter how richly silked she may be when she ascends the block, must from the very first feel the wood with her feet." — Assassin of Gor, page 289.
Augurs
Soothsayer. (See also: "Soothsayer.")
"1) One of a group of ancient Roman religious officials who foretold events by interpreting signs and omens; 2) a seer or prophet; soothsayer." — American Heritage College Dictionary, Third Edition ©2001
"Many in Venna," she said, "as I understand it, are alarmed at the killing, and the mysterious footprints. Some think it is an omen or warning. The archon is consulting augurs, to take the signs. They will concern themselves, surely, too with legalities and such…" This seemed understandable. The archon in Venna would be interested in putting his house in order before the taking of auspices. He would doubtless regard it as politic, at least from the point of view of soothing possible apprehensions in his constituency… — Dancer of Gor, page 339.
Aulus
Flute; from the Greek word "aulus"/"aulos" meaning flute.
plural auloi,
In ancient Greek music, a single- or double-reed pipe played in pairs (auloi) during the Classical period. After the Classical period, it was played singly. Under a variety of names it was the principal wind instrument of most ancient Middle Eastern peoples and lasted in Europe up to the early Middle Ages.
Each aulos was made of cane, wood, or metal and had three or four finger holes. The Greeks characteristically used double reeds made of cane that were held in the pipes by bulbous sockets. When played in pairs the pipes were held one in each hand and sounded simultaneously. Because of the powerful blowing necessary to sound the pipes, the Greeks often tied a phorbeia (Latin: capistrum), or leather strap, across the cheeks for additional support. During the Classical period auloi were equal in length, but this was not often true in later versions. Classical writers make few clear references to technical details for modern scholars to determine further how the instrument was played or the purpose for which it was designed.
Among similar modern instruments are the Sardinian launeddas , a triple pipe sounded by single reeds, and many types of double clarinets, including the arghul, mizmar, and zamar, all of which are played along the Mediterranean coast and in the Middle East. — Encyclopaedia Britannica ©2004-2006"The elegy was sung to the accompaniment of the aulus (aulos), an instrument translated as "flute" but which was end-blown like the oboe." — Encyclopaedia Romana ©2002
*Twice in the manuscript later, Cabot, refers to a "Flute Street." From the context it seems clear that this is "Aulus." — Magicians of Gor, page 377 (footnote).
Autumnal Equinox
The solstice which marks the Gorean autumn.
"It was fourth day of the sixth passage hand, shortly before the Autumnal Equinox, which in the common Gorean calendar begins the month of Se'Kara." — Raiders of Gor, page 1.
Auyark
Feminine Innuit name which means "Summer."
"Auyark is a word in the language of the People which means 'Summer.'" — Beasts of Gor, page 425.
Avan'shea
Someone created this word; it wasn't John Norman and never seen in the books of Gor.
Axe Glacier
A glacier located northeast of Torvaldsland.
"Ax Glacier was far to the north, a glacier spilling between two mountains of stone, taking in its path to the sea, spreading, in the form of an ax." — Marauders of Gor, page 139.
Azdal
One of the four original towns that later combined to form the city of Tetrapoli.
"Tetrapoli, on the other hand, began as four separate towns, Ri, Teibar, Heiban and Azdal, as legend has it founded by four brothers." — Rogues of Gor, page 63.
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.