Horse
This article is about the equine species. For the racing NPC, see Horse (racer). Horses are four-legged equines which are presently not seen in the accessible regions of Tyria. They have been historically used by humans as mounts and beasts of burden, and are well known by many humans and other Central Tyrian races.
History[edit]
The earliest known records of horses show that they existed on Cantha during the reign of Emperor Kaineng Tah. According to Loremaster Ermenred, the emperor was renowned for his horseback riding but died under mysterious circumstances while hunting in 464 BE with reports claiming that his horse had gone wild and killed him.[1]
As humanity expanded to Orr and Kryta, they used horses for various tasks in their new colonies as well, though it is unclear whether they brought horses with them or if horses were native in other lands. Both Orrians and Krytans were known to have horses for riding as well, both in military and leisure use in the case of the latter.[2][3] Mad King Thorn is known to have had many horsemen under his command in life and undeath. It is unclear whether Ascalonians or Elonians ever had horses in their nations; however, they have made occasional references to them so it is clear they knew of horses at the very least. Similarly, Elonians have in the past enslaved centaurs to work them in the same manner as they worked horses.
In 1319 AE, Caithe, Logan Thackeray and Rytlock Brimstone used an old asura gate to flee from destroyers in dwarven ruins. While calibrating the gate to take them to a safe location, they saw glimpses of other Tyrian regions, including a grassy plain with what they identified as wild horses.[4] As recently as 1325 AE, Krytans may have used equines to pull carts and carriages in Queensdale.[5]
Cultural impacts[edit]
Of all races on Tyria, humanity are the most impacted by the existence of horses. Human children view ponies as cute, contrasting them with the fierce looks of centaurs.[6] Many adult humans have compared centaurs to "horse-men", even different breeds of horses, and deridingly called them plough horses or ponies.[7][8][9][10][11] In modern Kryta, several carnival decorations feature horses ridden by knights and princesses in playful light, as well as works of art such as rocking horses or in common phrases. In Cantha, one of the twelve main celestials is the Celestial Horse, revered during the Canthan New Year festivities.
The impact of horses is not limited to humans, however. Charr and sylvari have similarly taken up to referring to centaurs as "ponies" or "horse-men" in recent years,[12][13] while skritt call them "horsefolk."[14] Ogres equate taming feisty Rock Dogs with taming bad-tempered horses,[15] while asura compare centaurs' scent with horses.[16] Although it is unknown for sure who named the dwarven-built Iron Horse Mines, it nevertheless raises the possibility that the dwarves were aware of horses and their uses.
Tyrians tell tales of mythical winged horses known as pegasi which are rumored to be good, gentle, and always eager to help those pure of heart.[17] Other mythical horse-like creatures include unicorns, one-horned creatures rumored to have magical power residing within their horns.[18]
Gallery[edit]
Concept art including creatures resembling horses.
Concept art of Ascalon by Levi Hopkins.
Cavalry charge concept art by Ruan Jia.
Flame and Frost concept art by Theo Prins.
Guild Wars 2: End of Dragons concept art featuring a horse.
Mural of horses found in Divinity's Reach.
The Dreamer projectile depicting an unicorn.
Concept art of horse decorations.
A Gem Store banner depicting a unicorn.
Sacred Pegasus Griffon Skin concept art by Zhengyi Wang.
Trivia[edit]
- The existence of horses in Tyria is a contested question amongst players, due to a perceived lack of concrete evidence. The Horse (racer) and Mini Lunar "Horse" is possibly a jab at this contention.
- The sole horse "seen" by players in Guild Wars 2 is Mr. Gum Drops.
- However, in Guild Wars, there are a handful of zombie and ghost horses, as well as the Celestial Horse, a Canthan celestial.
- Ambient dialogue about centaurs in Divinity's Reach includes a woman saying, "Horses are for riding. Who wants a pet that talks back?"
See also[edit]
|
The Guild Wars Wiki has an article on Horse. |
- Associated items
Horse Figure
Rocking Horse Ornament
The Dreamer
Thunderhorse Staff Skin
Bent Horseshoe
Zodiac Axe Skin
References[edit]
- ^ An Empire Divided
- His death came from an unlikely event: while on an extended hunting expedition, his favorite horse improbably threw Kaineng Tah. It is doubtful that the faithful, well-trained beast would have done this out of belligerence, though Canthan history does classify the death as completely accidental. It seems more likely that one or more of the emperor's fellow huntsmen spooked the horse. Fragmentary records of an unexplained wound on the horse's rump and three more such wounds on Kaineng Tah himself would appear to support this interpretation.
- ^ Serene Brody
- ^ Necrid Horseman
- ^ "Chapter 8: Deep Places", Edge of Destiny by J. Robert King:
- Suddenly, the gate flashed with light.
- Logan and Caithe shielded their faces. Only as their eyes adjusted could they see what strobed within the archway.
- Visions. Beautiful visions... a grassy plain where wild horses ran... a deep lagoon encircled by leaning palms... [...]
- ^ The map of Queensdale is set in 1325 AE, and cart tracks and hoofprints are visible on the ground near the stables at the Hunting Lodge.
- ^ Shire of Beetletun ambient dialogue
- ^ Gate of Desolation
- Palawa Joko: Easy now, my little plough horse.
- ^ Forward Scout Greta
- ^ Ministry Guard
- ^ Village of Shaemoor ambient dialogue
- ^ The Fall of Falcon Company
- Sergeant Bigsby: Reinforcements inbound! C'mon, you motherless ponies!
- ^ The Semifinals
- Balteus Bloodletter: And that pony is officially broken.
- ^ Brac
- ^ Rat-Tastrophe
- Ftokchak: Also need bomb powder to make big boom. Horsefolk...how do you say? Centaurs? Centaurs have plenty of powder. Steal powder, make boom, yes-yes? Now, you pick: plan one or plan two?
- ^ Pets and Walls Make Stronger Kraals
- Nojara: Proper taming can take months, even years, but we don't have time for that. We have to break them like you'd break a bad-tempered horse, and quickly. Overpower them.
- ^ Explorer Bink
- ^ Soar Magically with the Sacred Pegasus Griffon Skin, GuildWars2.com
- ^ Follow Your Dreams with the Magical Unicorn Helm Set, GuildWars2.com
