GORN

Gorn is a term that refers to more than one entity in popular culture. In Star Trek, the Gorn are a reptilian humanoid alien species that first appeared in the original series episode Arena (1967). The episode depicts a one-on-one confrontation between Captain James T. Kirk and a Gorn on a barren planet, arranged by a powerful alien intelligence to test humanity. The Gorn are portrayed as tall, bipedal reptiles with green scales and distinctive head features, possessing advanced technology and starfarers, though their homeworld and broader civilization are not elaborated within the episode. In subsequent Star Trek materials, mostly outside of the broadcast canon, the Gorn are described with more extensive lore and political organization, but canonical details remain sparse. Arena's depiction of the Gorn has made them one of the more recognizable alien adversaries in the franchise and has influenced later appearances and parodic references in various media.

GORN is also the title of a virtual reality fighting game developed by Free Lives. The game, released for VR platforms, presents stylized gladiatorial combat in a physics-driven, over-the-top arena setting. Players wield improvised weapons and engage enemies in a humorous, exaggerated violence style, with emphasis on arcade-like combat rather than realistic simulation. GORN is distinct from the Star Trek Gorn in subject matter and tone, though the shared name has led to occasional confusion among fans.