Distance Measurements
The Hort, a unit of length, spans approximately one and a quarter inches (31.75mm). It serves as the foundational reference, while the smallest measure known is a fraction of a hort, precisely a tenth, which equates to one-eighth of an inch (3.175mm).
The Hand, utilized for height measurement in certain contexts, lacks a direct inch-based comparison. On Earth, hands are employed to measure horses, with one hand equaling four inches (101.6mm).
In Gorean culture, the Gorean Foot, also known as the Merchant Foot, encompasses ten horts, roughly translating to twelve and a half inches (317.5mm).
When it comes to measuring cloth, the Ah-il takes precedence, symbolizing the length from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger. Nevertheless, no specific inch-based correlation is provided.
The Ah-ral encompasses ten ah-ils, establishing a higher order of measurement.
A Pace, reminiscent of the English yard, extends to approximately 91.44 centimeters or 0.9144 meters.
A Spear Length, alluded to several times, is estimated to span six to seven feet (1.82 - 2.13m), based on contextual cues and other references.
While a Lance Length is mentioned once, its precise measurement remains elusive, likely indicating the kaiila lance, yet without explicit details.
The Kaiila Length, another enigmatic distance measure, lacks a direct comparison in feet or yards.
A Pasang, the approximate equivalent of 0.7 miles (1.12km), denotes a considerable span of distance.
The League, though referenced sparingly, lacks a clear comparison. Therefore, whether it aligns with the Earth league of three miles (4.82km) or a Gorean league potentially linked to the pasang of 2.1 miles (3.37km) remains uncertain.
| Measurement | Conversion |
|---|---|
| Hort | 1.25 inches (31.75mm) |
| Tenth of a Hort | 0.125 inches (3.175mm) |
| Hand | 4 inches (101.6mm) |
| Gorean Foot | 12.5 inches (317.5mm) |
| Ah-il | No inch-based comparison |
| Ah-ral | 10 Ah-ils |
| Pace | 1 yard (91.44cm, 0.9144m) |
| Spear Length | 6-7 feet (1.82-2.13m) |
| Lance Length | No specific length given |
| Kaiila Length | No specific length given |
| Pasang | 0.7 miles (1.12km) |
| League | No specific length given |
Other Measures:
| Measurement | Conversion |
|---|---|
| Liquid Volume | |
| Gill | No specific comparison given |
| Talu | 2 gallons (7.57 liters) |
| Dram (Weight) | 1/16 ounce |
| Dram (Liquid Measure) | 1/8 ounce |
| Dry Volume | |
| Tef | Handful with fingers closed |
| Tefa | Six handfuls (tiny basket) |
| Huda | Five Tefas (tiny baskets) |
| Weight | |
| Minna | No specific comparison given |
| Stone | Approximately 4 pounds (1.81kg) |
| Weight | 10 Stone |
| Compass Directions | |
| Ta-Sardar-Var (North) | Appears on all Gorean maps |
| Ror | Subdivision of East |
| Rim (East) | |
| Tun | Subdivision of East |
| Vask or Verus Var (South) | |
| Cart | Subdivision of West |
| Klim (West) | |
| Kail | Subdivision of West |