Oriah

Oriah is a fictional character from the 2015 action-adventure video game *Horizon Zero Dawn*, developed by Guerrilla Games and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. She is the protagonist of the game and serves as the player’s avatar, guiding them through a post-apocalyptic world overrun by advanced robotic creatures known as Machines. Oriah is a member of the Nomad tribe, a group of hunter-gatherers who live in harmony with the remnants of human civilization while avoiding the Machines.

The game’s narrative follows Oriah as she uncovers the mysteries of her past, including the origins of the Machines and her own lineage. She discovers that she is the daughter of the legendary scientist Dr. Elina Rilwe, who created the Machines in an attempt to save humanity from a catastrophic event. Oriah’s journey involves exploring a vast, open-world environment filled with ruins, ancient technology, and other tribes, each with their own cultures and conflicts.

Oriah’s character is defined by her resourcefulness, adaptability, and deep connection to the natural world. She wields a variety of weapons, including a bow and arrow, a spear, and later, a powerful energy-based weapon called the "Solar Rifle." Her growth throughout the game reflects her evolving understanding of her heritage and her role in the broader struggle against the Machines.

The character was designed to appeal to a wide audience, blending elements of exploration, survival, and storytelling. Oriah’s design emphasizes her youthful energy and resilience, with a focus on her ability to navigate a world filled with both danger and wonder. Her portrayal has been praised for its depth, particularly in how it explores themes of identity, legacy, and the consequences of technological ambition.

Oriah’s story continues in *Horizon Forbidden West*, the 2022 sequel, where she further develops as a leader and confronts new challenges in an ever-changing world.