We are told,
early in the series, of the influence of Earth Cultures
on the building of the Gorean World. Indeed since the majority
of Goreans are of Earth stock, this would make sense. Large
portions of the series are set within the Gorean City-State
Culture or what the author likes to refer to as the High
Civilizations of Gor, and in these we cannot fail to recognize
Ancient Greek and Roman influences, be it in the language
or traditions of this Caste based system, and on the most
elementary level, down to the author's choice of name for
the planet 'Gor'.
But beyond the walls
of high Cities, the mosaic of Gorean cultures spreads over
the land much as the first tribal societies of Earth did
before the spoils of civilization.
The principles that
manage Tribal Societies, and more particularly perhaps,
the hunter-gatherer societies which preceede the apearance
the more sedentary peasant cultures, are always related
to ensuring survival of the Tribe before survival of individuals.
Its premise is that if the tribe survives, so too will the
individual. Ranks and levels of importance then, are usually
based on the ability of each to contribute in providing
the tribe with what it needs to survive. A good hunter for
example, is likely to more quickly become important within
the tribe, than one whose skills are less practical.
Another essential
element of tribal cultures is the respect they hold for
what is supplied to them by nature. To the tribe, survival
is always related with the ability not to control nature,
but rather, to remain in harmony with it. There is a recognition
of the need to maintain the environment at its purest level
in order to ensure it will continue to provide for the needs
of the tribe. They apply themselves then, to learn of nature,
to understand it, and to respect it. The tribesman believes
that he is only one link in this chain, rather than above
and separate from it and so it is important to him that
the chain not be broken.
In reading the various
encounters of Tarl Cabot with the Tribal Societies of Gor,
one makes a journey through the origins of Earth, from Mongols
to Vikings, from Inuits to African Jungle Tribes. The time
frame of the 'exports to Gor' as well as the will of Priest
Kings to create on Gor as diverse a population as possible,
allows the reader to tie each culture fairly easily to its
Earth origin.
This, of course,
is no coincidence, if one considers what John Norman writes
on the 'death' of hunters in other works. It apears clear
that the author believes the mindset of the hunting-gathering
society is one which allows closer bonds between man and
man, as wel as between man and nature.
All in all, it is
not very surprising that these cultures be a part of the
Gorean population. If one examines the principles John Norman
brings forth with regards to the importance of allowing
nature to be unspoiled, be it the land, the air, the creatures
within it or the biological truths of the male and female
human species, it would make sense that Priest-Kings, in
their exportation of Earth stock, would seek those closest
to a life spent in harmony with nature.