Goron
Special | Enhanced strength | |
Games | ||
Location | Ocarina of Time | |
Gorons are a recurring race in The Legend of Zelda series. Massively heavy and equally as hardy, the Gorons' sturdy exteriors and hulking statures grant them impressive strength and defense in comparison to other races. They are fond of mountainous regions for their abundance in stone, the Gorons' preferred form of sustenance. Furthermore, their unique anatomy enables them to easily traverse these areas by way of curling into a ball and rolling about. Though slow and lumbering while standing, Gorons can achieve very high speeds when in this position. Gorons are also known for their tolerance of extreme temperatures, enabling their continued survival living in and around volcanoes.
It is said that Gorons are born from the rocks of Death Mountain, though the specifics of this process are unknown. Every Goron is assumed to be male, as all refer to themselves as such, and the virtues of Goron society seem to have been heavily steered by this. Confidence and physical strength hold great value to the Gorons and many are further defined by an easy-going demeanor. They are skilled in the making of weaponry, such as bombs and swords, and are known to operate vast mines as a means of gathering food.
Ocarina of Time
Gorons first debuted in Ocarina of Time, in which they inhabit Goron City on top of Death Mountain. The Gorons are depicted as a tough, prideful, and jolly race of creatures; a standard that has remained constant throughout the series. They hold much respect for the Royal Family of Hyrule and were long ago trusted with the safekeeping of the Spiritual Stone of Fire, also known as the Goron's Ruby.
On Link's initial arrival to Death Mountain as a child, the residents of Goron City are struggling with food security on account of Dodongo's Cavern, the Gorons' primary source of rocks, having been sealed off by a large boulder. Additionally, it is now inhabited by a gigantic monster known as King Dodongo, further complicating the harvest of stone. Darunia, leader of the Gorons, bestows upon Link the Goron's Bracelet and sends him to rid the cavern of evil, later resulting in the resumption of mine operations.
Upon Link's return as an adult, the Gorons are troubled once again, as most have been imprisoned in the nearby Fire Temple. The Gorons are freed by Link after his slaying of Volvagia, an ancient dragon previously known for eating Gorons that had been resurrected by Ganondorf.
Notable Gorons
Darunia, as the so-called "big boss" of the Gorons, is the most important Goron encountered in Ocarina of Time. It is through him that Link receives the Goron's Bracelet, enabling his entry into Dodongo's Cavern. Though fickle upon first meeting, Darunia is soothed by Saria's Song, revealing his love for song and dance. After Link completes the Fire Temple, Darunia is awakened as the Sage of Fire.
Biggoron is an individual known for his skilled craftsmanship. He is a known acquaintance of the Master Craftsman and is the apparent creator of the Broken Goron's Sword. If Link obtains the weapon via the Trading Sequence he can bring it to Biggoron for repairs. After which, he will receive an incredibly powerful weapon known as Biggoron's Sword. Biggoron is additionally noted for his incredibly large size, being dozens of times larger than any other Goron in Hyrule, including Medigoron, his younger brother.
Majora's Mask
In Majora's Mask, the Goron race appears much the same as in Ocarina of Time. In Termina, the Goron population is nestled high in the mountains near Mountain Village and Snowhead, their chief settlement being the adjacent Goron Village. It is in these mountains that the Gorons practice Goron racing, a prized pasttime in which many are put head-to-head to see who can complete the race track the fastest. It is also here that Link can receive training in the use of powder kegs, as well as acquisition of the essential Goron Mask from the former Goron champion, Darmani.
Due to the Skull Kid's interference, the mountains have become permanently embroiled in a harsh winter, inflicting heavy suffering onto the local Gorons. It is because of this that the Goron Elder, their leader, has set out to confront the evil in the nearby Snowhead Temple, but to no avail. His departure has moreover struck the ire of his own infant son, whose constant weeping bemoans all who have taken refuge inside the Goron Shrine. Link calms the child by use of the Goron's Lullaby, consequently enabling his own entry into the Snowhead Temple. After Link's defeat of Goht, spring returns to the mountains once again.
Oracle of Seasons
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In Oracle of Seasons, the Gorons live on Goron Mountain.
Oracle of Ages
In Oracle of Ages, Gorons again share many similarities with their depiction in Ocarina of Time. The Gorons inhabit Rolling Ridge, an area located in north-eastern Labrynna. Here, they were previously known for their farming of Bomb Flowers, but have been recently impeded in their efforts by the Great Moblin from his fortress atop Rolling Ridge. It is after Link's defeat of this moblin that the Gorons are once again able to continue this practice.
By traveling between the past and the present, Link can encounter both of the Graceful Gorons. They are unique in their respective colorings, with the third-generation Goron of the past being red in color, and the fifth-generation Goron of the present being blue. They will each invite Link to dance if spoken to, rewarding him with a prize if he puts on an adequate performance. Also notable is the Goron Elder whom Link rescues from the clutches of a large, fallen boulder. It is after which he proclaims Link a hero and awards him with the Crown Key.
The Wind Waker
In The Wind Waker, Gorons are very few in number, likely due to their aversion to water. They are quite small in stature in contrast to past depictions, though they are still larger than the majority of human characters. During Link's adventure, there are only three individuals to be found—all of which are traveling merchants. It is unknown as to the whereabouts of any permanent Goron settlement, and these characters never make mention of their race. Their faces are kept obscured by the hats that they don and the brims of them can be blown upwards by the swing of a Deku Leaf, revealing their true identities.
All three of these Gorons are spread out onto different islands across the flooded Hyrule's area and each take a role in the Trading Sequence, along with Zunari. They each sell a respective rare item that must be traded to another Goron in exchange for a different, more valuable item. Through this sequence, Link can obtain a prize of either a Piece of Heart or the Magic Armor, depending on the circumstances.
Four Swords Adventures
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The Minish Cap
In The Minish Cap, Gorons are again very few in number, as was the case in The Wind Waker, though they sport an appearance more akin to that of previous titles.
If Link happens upon the Goron found digging in Lon Lon Ranch, he has the opportunity to fuse a blue Kinstone with him. Doing so will prompt the appearance of the Goron Merchant in Hyrule Town, whom is a seller of Kinstones. Later on when Link is able to fuse Kinstones with strange walls, more Gorons will appear in Lon Lon Ranch. When the maximum of six Gorons have appeared, Link can acquire a Bottle. Additionally, Biggoron makes an appearance atop the waterfall at Veil Springs where he will, for Link, craft the Mirror Shield as part of an optional post-game quest.
Twilight Princess
In Twilight Princess, the Gorons once more reside on Death Mountain. Differing from past depictions, individuals are noticeably taller and more lean, albeit still incredibly hefty. Extensive body tattoos are now characteristic to adults, whether young or elderly, and they are capable of growing fair amounts of hair. They dress themselves with nothing but fundoshi, a light undergarment that is tied around the waist, mirroring real-world sumo wrestlers. Their nature is remarkably more xenophobic, hindering Link's advances up Death Mountain, but are shown later to be good-natured at heart.
On Link's arrival at Death Mountain, he will have to wrestle several Gorons into submission before he can progress. Though normally impossible for a Hylian due to the massive weight differences at play, Link can equip the Iron Boots to level the playing field—defeated Gorons curling into balls and acting as springs Link can utilize to reach high places. When Link defeats Gor Coron, a Goron elder, he earns the respect of the Gorons as well as their ceased hostility.
Upon proving himself, Link is informed of the Gorons' troubles. The nearby volcano has been subject to constant eruptions, causing them much dismay. When several prominent Gorons embark on an investigation into the mines, the Gorons' patriarch, Darbus, was transformed into a monster that now rages on in the Goron Mines below, leaving Gor Coron to lead in his stead. He sends Link into the mines in order to restore peace, an endeavor in which he is ultimately successful. Afterwards, Link can encounter Gorons outside of Death Mountain performing deeds such as building bridges and transporting Hot Spring Water.
Phantom Hourglass
In Phantom Hourglass, Gorons are found on Goron Island. They protect the valuable Crimsonine, which is needed to forge the Phantom Sword. Their leader is Biggoron, and his son, Gongoron, assists Link in the Goron Temple. Unlike other series entries, Gorons in Phantom Hourglass seem to greatly value intelligence. In stark contrast to Twilight Princess, Link must first pass a quiz to gain the Gorons' trust.
Spirit Tracks
In Spirit Tracks, the Gorons live in Goron Village and in the Fire Realm. It is through the Gorons that Link obtains the Freight Car.
Skyward Sword
In Skyward Sword, the Gorons are once again relegated to having an extremely small population, with there only being three. In terms of appearance, they are most similar to their portrayal in Ocarina of Time, but sport body tattoos similar to those seen in Twilight Princess. There is no mention of any permanent Goron settlements.
Gorko and Golo are partners that share an interest in the research of ancient legends. Gortram, a seemingly unrelated character, operates a mini-game known as Rickety Coaster in the Shipyard.
Breath of the Wild
In Breath of the Wild, Death Mountain again houses the majority of the Goron population, the largest cluster of them being situated in Goron City, though they are known to frequently travel elsewhere. They sport an appearance not unlike their previous portrayals, but seem to be markedly heavier in terms of body fat. None have tattoos, save for Daruk, but are once again shown to be fond of wearing fundoshi. Hair on the head is common and is most typically pulled back and tied. Goron society has remained mostly the same as it has been shown previously, emphasizing toughness and honor.
Death Mountain's resident Divine Beast is Vah Rudania, which has been the source of many of the Gorons' recent troubles. When Link arrives in Goron City, he is told by Bludo, their leader, to seek out a Goron named Yunobo. As a descendant of the former champion, Daruk, Yunobo holds the power of Daruk's Protection. Because of this power, Yunobo is essential in Link's quest to quell the Divine Beast, which the pair are eventually able to drive back successfully. Afterwards, Link enters Vah Rudania and defeats Fireblight Ganon, freeing the beast and ensuring its loyalty to the Gorons. As a reward, Link is given Daruk's Protection.
Tears of the Kingdom
In Tears of the Kingdom, the Gorons are still resident to Goron City near Death Mountain. Gloom, however, seems to have taken a hold over most of the city's residents, many becoming obsessed with the mining of Marbled Rock Roast in particular. Furthermore, Yunobo, now owner of the newly founded Yunobo Co., is seen to have been brainwashed upon Link's arrival by the mask that he dons. Only when Link is able to free him from this mask does the city's situation improve, as Yunobo is able to summon a massive fireball that rids the area of the gloom infection. It is only after completion of the Fire Temple, however, that things truly return to normal.
Non-Canon Appearances
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This section describes a subject that is or may be outside the core Zelda canon. |
Battle Quest
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This magnificant statue is modeled after the Gorons, a hardy race said to live in rocky, mountainous regions. I'm sure they excel at bowling. |
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Gallery
Goron model from Ocarina of Time
Darunia key art from Ocarina of Time
Goron Elder's Son key art from Majora's Mask
Artwork of Gorons from Oracle of Ages
Goron sprite from Oracle of Ages
A Goron from The Wind Waker
Gorons from Phantom Hourglass
A Goron from Twilight Princess
Darbus, the Goron patriarch in Twilight Princess
Gor Amoto, one of several Goron elders in Twilight Princess
Gortram from Skyward Sword
Bayge from Breath of the Wild
Bludo, an elderly Goron from Breath of the Wild
Pelison, a Goron child from Breath of the Wild
Daruk art from Age of Calamity
Yunobo art from Age of Calamity
Goron trophy from Super Smash Bros. Melee
Goron trophy from Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Gorons trophy from Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
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Trivia
- Goron Link obviously cannot survive underwater in Majora's Mask, but in Twilight Princess a Goron can be found in Zora's Domain, beneath the surface of the water. A young Goron in a Hot Spring also mentions practicing holding his breath, but never needing to come up for air.
- In Japanese, the word "Goron" (ゴロン) is onomatopoeia for rolling.
- In Ocarina of Time, Link can encounter a Goron that shares his name. It is revealed through dialogue that Darunia is his father and that Link was his namesake.
- Though Gorons are an all-male race, they are permitted entry into Gerudo Town in Breath of the Wild, as evidenced by Strade and Lyndae, though this confuses them.
- In Tears of the Kingdom the town's guards seem to have changed their policy on this. Kairo, a Goron whom seems to know of Strade and Lyndae's previous admittal, is refused entry and left to camp at the entrance with his companion, Zorona.
- If two Gorons are not biologically related, but are born around the same time and place, they may consider themselves "rock brothers".[1]
References
- ↑ "Gorons are born of the land, ya see. Volcon and I were born from the same place, so you could say we're rock brothers." — Tray, Tears of the Kingdom.