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The '''Gerudo''' are a recurring race in [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]]. They are in stark contrast to the other races of [[Hyrule]] for the fact that virtually all of them are female. It is only once per century that a Gerudo male is born, the only known example of which being [[Ganondorf]]. This unusual facet of their biology, along with their desirable status among [[Hylian]] males, has produced a very distinct society in which men are simultaneously revered and despised.  

Female Gerudo make their debut in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''. They are encountered only within their homeland of [[Gerudo Valley]], in which most occupy the [[Gerudo's Fortress]]. They harbor much disdain towards men, though they are said to sometimes venture into [[Castle Town]] in search of boyfriends.{{Ref|OoT|597|[[Gossip Stone]]}} They initially extend this resentment to [[Link (Ocarina of Time)|Link]], but he is able to earn their respect once he proves to them his impressive thieving skills.{{Ref|OoT|1626|[[Gerudo Warrior]]}}

The Gerudo are depicted as a fairly malicious group in ''Ocarina of Time''. It seems they carry a bad reputation among [[Hylians]] in particular, some of whom can even be frightened by the [[Gerudo Mask]] if worn in their vicinity. The Gerudo are implicated in the destruction of a bridge that was built by the [[Carpenters]], most of whom they later imprison. Furthermore, it seems that most Gerudo do indeed swear allegiance to their king, [[Ganondorf]]. To what lengths their allegiance goes is unknown, however, as their admiration for him is only touched upon briefly.{{Ref|OoT|1625|[[Gerudo Warrior]]}}

Second within the Gerudo chain of command is [[Nabooru]], junior only to [[Ganondorf]] himself. While her position may seem indicative of where her loyalties lie, Nabooru is actually in strong opposition to Ganondorf's aspirations. She assists [[Link (Ocarina of Time)|Link]] during his foray into the [[Desert Colossus]] and is later awakened as the Sage of Spirit.

It is by this time that the Gerudo's status as that of a band of thieves seems to have greatly diminished. They are held in good economic and social affluence among the other races of [[Hyrule]], including the [[Hylian]]s, who once feared them. Proficiency in combat is still seen as a very valuable trait, as is tradition, but seems to now hold a similar value to that of merchantry and worldliness.

The Gerudo take on a very physically imposing appearance in ''Breath of the Wild''. While individuals in previous depictions are shown to be of an average height and build when compared to the other human races, Gerudo in ''Breath of the Wild'' are much larger all-around. Adults regularly grow to heights well above eight feet, and even those that are not fighters by trade are remarkably muscular. These attributes do tend to fade with age, however, much like one would expect. Their ears appear to have become more pointed over time, resembling those of a [[Hylian]]. Most attest this to the many generations of intermingling between the two races. However, others perceive it to be a gift from the gods—the Gerudo's ears having been supposedly opened to hearing divine messages.{{Ref|The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Creating a Champion|It is said that, long ago, the ancient Gerudo had rounded ears. The prevailing theory is that the shape of their ears changed gradually after so many generations of partnering with Hylian voes, but a competing narrative is more supernatural in nature. There is a story that the shame that the Gerudo felt over giving birth to the source of Calamity Ganon so long ago opened them up to listening for messages from the goddesses. So, they came to have the same long, pointed ears as the Hylians, which some believe allow them to receive special messages from the divine.|page 401}}

The Gerudo are known to possess an innate tolerance of extreme temperatures, hot or cold, probably due to their storied history of living in deserts. The volcanic heat of the [[Eldin Province]], however, is too much to bear, requiring the use of [[Elixir]]s.

The Gerudo are known for their pride and exuberance, leading to a somewhat stubborn nature towards other Hyrulean races—though they are on more amicable terms with said peoples than as depicted previously. In terms of romantic prospects, they have only ever been shown in pairings with Hylians, and it is unknown as to whether the Gerudo are compatible with [[Rito]] or [[Goron]] partners. Gorons in particular may not be suitable mates, as suggested by their toleration within [[Gerudo Town]], where men are typically denied entry. One Goron, [[Strade]], remarks that he is unsure of why he is allowed admittance.{{Ref| — [[Strade]], ''[[Breath of the Wild]]''|''I made it to Gerudo Town! But I'm not sure why they let me in...''}}  

Though the Gerudo speak to visitors in Hylian, they often intersperse words from their own language when speaking. It is recommended that travelers learn a few words before their visit to Gerudo Town:

In addition to being strong warriors, the Gerudo also make many weapons that are specifically designed to match Gerudo fighting styles.

File:Gerudo FSA.png|A Gerudo from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]''