Majora’s Mask is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s so earnest, yet so, so weird. I find myself returning to it more than some of the other Zelda games, probably because it’s such an oddball. There are so many strange characters and locations, some of whom get plenty of deep dives and articles, but some are overlooked.
Few will probably say that they love the Gorman Brothers, but most would agree that they are effective in their villainy. From slandering Romani Ranch, to blocking the road, and attempting to fix horse races, they’re pretty bad guys. And while they very clearly show us who they are throughout the game, we can see some of their character in the place that they live and work.
The Gorman Brothers’ Track can be found pretty early on in the game. Turn left off Milk Road and you’ll find the farm buildings and a gated off race track. It’s really not much to look at in comparison to the large Romani Ranch. It doesn’t have lush grass or even room to graze cattle.
The small farm is, in a word, mean. Which very clearly reflects the Gorman Brothers. The buildings are tired, with weather-beaten wooden shutters or, more likely, windows boarded up. The stable is empty, which is strange for two men who claim to be horse trainers. It’s unclear which of the buildings is a dwelling, and there’s an open fire for cooking in the middle of the bare dirt. So there’s either no fire inside, or the Gorman Brothers’ cook in this primitive fashion by choice, choosing to live in an uncivilized manner in comparison to the other characters of Termina.
The roof of the stable looks to be caving in – do they not care about repairs, or do they simply not have the rupees? They offer you overpriced milk, but beyond that they don’t seem to do any work. However, they are always ready for an opening, and when they find one they’re ready to scam an unsuspecting passerby.
Approach them on horseback and they’ll goad you into a race. This is where we see their ingenuity. Their meagre ranch is not well tended, but the track certainly is. Trees are planted at increments, trenches and pitfalls dug, fences erected, and pristine signs advertise their services. While the ranch is claptrap, their track is calculated and precise. This is their most fool proof scam: a rigged race on a course they’ve memorized.
Of course, Link can and does beat them, but how many have fallen for their scheme, lulled into a false sense of security by their rundown homestead?
While there is little to explore around the Gorman Brothers’ home, it’s still an interesting addition to the game. A counterpoint to Romani Ranch, and proof that villainy abounds even without the effects of Majora’s Mask and Skullkid’s pranks.
