The Gorean movement within BDSM

“The Gorean movement within BDSM” was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

On this site you can discover that there is an enormous variety of experiences that fall under the BDSM umbrella. From soft BDSM (blindfold, little whip) to an intense and heavy TPE relationship. One of the movements is the Gorean movement, a movement that has its origins in the books of John Norman. Perhaps you have heard the term Gor or Gorean mentioned before.

The planet Gor

John Norman, the pseudonym of the American philosopher John Lange, introduced the planet Gor in 1966 in his first book "Tarnsman of Gor". Gor, also known as the "Counter-Earth", is a world on the other side of the sun that strikingly resembles our own planet, but with a hefty dose of sword-and-planet adventure. The series, which now counts some 35 books, combines science fiction, fantasy and philosophy, with an emphasis on themes such as dominance, hierarchy and slavery. The philosophy of Gor stresses a "natural order" in which power and submission are central themes.

The Gorean movement within BDSM

The Gorean subculture arose from fans of the books who wanted to integrate elements of the world of Gor into their own lives. Within the BDSM community, the term "Gorean" refers to a lifestyle that imitates the master-slave dynamic described in the books. This goes beyond role play; it is a life philosophy in which the natural order and hierarchy are central. Men take on the role of master, while women fulfil the role of "kajira" (slave).

The Gorean subculture is controversial because of its explicit portrayal and sometimes the practice of slavery and gender inequality, which leads to criticism from feminists and other groups who campaign for equality.

How far does this experience go?

For some followers, the Gorean lifestyle is more than a game in the bedroom. They try to integrate the values and structures from the books into their daily lives. This can range from specific rules of conduct and dress codes to taking on certain hierarchical roles within relationships. There are even online communities where people act out the world of Gor as Gorean avatars.

Specific terms and concepts

The Gorean subculture has developed its own terminology, often taken directly from the books. Some common terms are:

• Kajira: A female slave.

• Kajirus: A male slave.

• Gorean: Someone who follows the Gorean lifestyle.

• Nadu: A kneeling position that a kajira takes, with the knees apart, back straight and hands on the thighs.

• Tal: A Gorean greeting, similar to "hello".

• Se'Kara: The seventh month of the Gorean year, also called the "Second Kara" or "Second Turning".

Mistress Moriah

Source

Text: Mistress Moriah
© image: 123rf.com