Gort

Gort, as illustrated by Zach Franzen, as part of S. D. Smith's Green Ember LIVE.

## Biographical information

### Home

Black Lake region formerly
Cloud Mountainformerly

## Book information

### Appears

• *The Green Ember*
• *The Last Archer*
• *Potter's War*
• *The First Fowler*
• *Ember's End*

### Mentioned

• *Ember Falls*
• *The Archer's Cup*

**G****ort** is the head cook at the Savory Den. He takes his cooking job seriously and demands that his cooking assistants feel the same way, often chiding them about their carelessness in cooking.

## Biography

Gort grew up in the area of Black Lake, and was close friends with his cousin Grare. The pair often played on the lakeshore and its surrounding hills and tunnels, discovering many secret routes. Gort was also one of only two rabbits whom Grare would bring to his secret workshop, though as Gort grew larger and more stout they had to find alternate paths for him to reach it.

**Gort**: You're in luck! I have prepared a culinary castle for your bellies.

—*The Green Ember*

Gort is first seen by Heather and Picket when he emerges from the Savory Den to speak with Lord Rake, along with Emma. After Emma finished wrapping Picket's foot, Gort and Picket, Heather, Smalls, and Uncle Wilfred all entered the Savory Den, where Gort had prepared some soup for the weary travelers. Gort was friendly to them, never minding the opinion of the other rabbits, and appreciating that they appreciated his cooking. Kyle then arrived, and distracted Gort with a joke while his friends took some food (Gort did not notice).

Gort served Heather and Picket sliced peaches in maple syrup, and sweet bread. He stayed near them while they ate, and when they praised his food he sighed delightedly, hid his face, and then left.

Heather and Picket later walked past Gort rebuking one of his apprentices, Welton, about adding too much salt. Gort threw a ladle at Welton, emphasizing the importance of the correct amount of salt. The rest of the kitchen covered their giggles with bowls and towels while agreeing with Gort as one.

Heather later saw Pacer arguing with Gort and some other rabbits.

Gort welcomed the soldiers of the secret citadels upon their arrival at Cloud Mountain, and was particularly pleased by Jo Shanks' enjoyment of his cooking. When Jo spilled some of his soup, Gort waved him off from cleaning, promising that he would attend to it. Shortly thereafter, Eefaw Potter came in with a load of mugs, and his precarious means of moving them prompted Gort to rush and try and prevent them from breaking.

Unfortunately, he slipped in Jo's spilled soup and crashed into Eefaw, and was only able to save two of the mugs. These were later broken when Eefaw slapped him on the back, prompting Eefaw to retreat as Gort fumed at him.

When Captain Frye attacked Heather and Picket and Kyle fought him, Gort stepped in, telling Captain Frye to leave Kyle alone. Captain Frye glared at Gort as he left. Gort sighed, and stomped back into the kitchen.

Following the arrival of Lord Blackstar, Gort served lunch. He peeked in and out of the kitchen, wanting to receive the praise of the happily eating rabbits. He then rebuked his apprentices again for adding too much salt.

After Heather and Picket left the Savory Den after Captain Frye accused them again of being traitors, Emma brought them bread and cheese to eat, saying that while it was not Gort's work it was technically food.

Gort caught one of his apprentices, Breshwack, putting spices and salt in a dish when he specifically instructed him to put "nothing" in it. Consequently, he chased Breshwack through the kitchen, only to lose him after he made a hasty exit. Gort then suddenly calmed himself for the sake of his many customers, who gathered around him immediately in order to praise his cooking. Beaming with delight, he thanked them for their praise and invited them to get second helpings.

While visiting Cloud Mountain, Heather Longtreader reminisces how Gort would always hang around in the Savory Den until someone complimented his food.

Upon meeting Grare at Blackstone Citadel, Jo recognizes the family resemblance and learns of their relationship. Heyna Blackstar is also pleased to learn that Grare is related to Gort, though she and Jo both admit to Lokson that Grare's similarities to Gort are mostly in voice.

Gort is mentioned by Moonlight in conversation with Picket, having taken charge of the food services in First Warren leading up to the Siege of First Warren. Moonlight also mentions another mug incident and Gort's subsequent wrath displayed towards Eefaw Potter. Later, Gort assists with preparations for the first Feast of the Mending, nervously addressing the soon to be queen Heather until she reassures him.

## Physical appearance

Gort is short, somewhat scruffy, and said to be 'about as wide as he is tall.' Like other cooks, he wears a simple tunic and apron. Unlike most rabbits, his ears lay flat against his head, and he walks in a waddling fashion.

## Personality and traits

Gort is a friendly, good-natured rabbit who is skilled in little else than cooking, loving it when rabbits praised his food; with every remark of commendation, he would cover his face so that his admirers could not see his pleasure. However, Gort can also prove to be rather formidable, especially if his patience is running thin or if he is challenged in any way.

## Trivia

* In Gaeilge, the native language of the Irish, the word "gorta" means "hunger".

*This article has received The Green Ember of excellence.*