gor

Gor is a fictional planet described in John Norman's science fantasy series, beginning with Tarnsman of Gor (1969). The books present Gor as a feudal, Earthlike world set apart from our own, with its own history and geography. Gorean society is organized around city-states and clans, with a rigid social hierarchy that emphasizes honor, warfare, and loyalty. The economy and daily life include a prominent system of slavery, with enslaved people forming a significant part of the social order.

Geography and culture: Gor features vast hinterlands, seas, and coastal cities; travel is often by horseback or on giant winged birds called tarns. The religion and politics are heavily intertwined, with several priesthoods and the enigmatic Priest-Kings exerting influence over society. The Gorean code emphasizes personal responsibility, martial prowess, and social contracts governing the treatment of slaves and the conduct of free persons.

Reception and influence: The Gor novels are among the best-known sword-and-planet works and have a dedicated fanbase. They have also attracted significant criticism for their depiction of gender roles and slavery, prompting ongoing discussions about consent, power, and politics in fiction. The books have influenced later fantasy and gaming communities, though they remain controversial for their political and erotic elements. The series comprises dozens of novels, with the first volumes published from 1969 onward, and it continues to be discussed in literary and fan circles.