lesbianganondorf:

Details about botw Gerudo (I neglect to call them headcanons because it’s more like fuckcanons instead):

1. They’re split into 8 tribes: The Gerudo are split into 8 tribes and even more sub-tribes, with eight cities along the region corresponding to each tribe. The distinction between all of them isn’t clear cut, however. Many Gerudo who live in one city may have been born in another and from another tribe. 

2. The 8 tribes correspond with the 8 heroines: Originally, in Gerudo myth, there were 8 heroines, but due to the betrayal of one of them, she was disowned from the rest of them. Her actions had gray motives and have been considered by some Gerudo to be an act of true heroism, though in general the 8th Gerudo tribe (known as the Avarra) are no longer really considered part of the Gerudo. The tribe nearest them (the Wazi) are still in close contact and agree with the assertion that the 8th heroine deserves respect. As such, though the Wazi are part of the Gerudo, they are more closely aligned with the Avarra and these two tribes have a great deal of tension with the other Gerudo.

This is why the statue of the 8th heroine is in the colder region of Gerudo, between the settlements of the Avarra and Wazi tribes.

3. Leadership is not by lineage: Considering that most Gerudo aren’t even obliged to have children, a leadership by lineage wouldn’t make any sense. Riju came to inherit the throne based on her own merit, and while she is incredibly young for a leader, she has won her people’s trust five times over with the level of compassion and intellect she possesses. 

4. The largest Gerudo cities are 1) Qayas (where Gerudo Town is in canon) 2) Chambeli (across from where Vah Naboris stalks) 3) Issa (Kara Kara Bazaar in canon) in that order.

5. The Gerudo are the most knowledgeable about the Guardians: While the Sheikah created the Guardians, the Gerudo were the targets of most of these attacks in ancient history. As such, the Gerudo possess a volume of ancient texts that provide instructions and weakpoints involving Sheikah technology. Because of this, they managed to survive Calamity Ganon’s onslaught a hundred years ago better than the rest of Hyrule. The rebellion’s base of operations is in Gerudo Desert. Also hence, why the Yiga Clan hideout is near them. They’ve been trying to chip into the Gerudo’s defenses for the last 100 years and only recently managed to make Yarna Valley (where the Yonani live, and where they were displaced from) recently. 

6. There are actually eight thunder helms: While they can be used separately, the amount of electricity Vah Naboris produces can only be counteracted with all of them working in conjunction. As such, the retrieval of the Qayas helm is vital, and when Link goes off to assist Riju against Vah Naboris, 7 other Gerudo accompany him. (All of them have one person who wears the helm, and another who acts as a bowperson. Except for the Chambeli leader because she’s blind, bearded and a badass)

7. The Chambeli leader Ganesa is a direct descendant of Ganondorf: Known as the *Blind Queen or Lady Ganondorf (lol), she’s a direct descendant of the old Gerudo king. She inherited his beard, but has no other resemblance to him. No one really considers this a good or bad thing, but like how Urbosa expresses her hatred for Ganondorf, most Gerudo share the same sentiment. 

*all of the Gerudo queens have nicknames corresponding with their most recognizable attribute. Riju is the Child Queen, the leader of Issa is known as the Flower Queen (because she’s always wearing flowers), etc etc.