Orko is a character from the Masters of the Universe franchise. He is a diminutive creature known as a Trollan, a magical being who migrated to Eternia from his home in the Timeless Dimension. He serves the Eternian royal family as their court magician and is one of the few who knows Prince Adam's dual identity as He-Man.
Overview[]
Orko migrated to Eternia from his homeworld of Trolla. In his homeland, he was known as "Orko the Great" and was a magician of some reknown. However, his magical powers are diminished on Eternia and he frequently miscasts his spells. In spite of the failure of his magicks, Orko has made a home for himself in the Royal Palace of Eternos where he serves King Randor and Queen Marlena as their court magician. He is regarded by many as the palace fool due to the clownish mishaps that result from his magic spells.
Orko is one of the few people on Eternia who is aware of the true identity of He-Man, having witnessed Prince Adam's first transformation at Castle Grayskull. Though clumsy and sometimes annoying to others, Orko is a good friend to Adam, the royal family and the Masters of the Universe. He has even helped He-Man a number of times in battle against Skeletor and his minions.
Orko's age is unknown, though he possesses an innocent, child-like personality. He is curious, playful and at times, mischievous, but always tries to do right by his friends. No one has ever seen Orko's face as he hides it behind his scarf at all times, as is Trollan custom. To Trollans, showing one's face is considered an act of intimacy.
Notable Incarnations[]
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (Filmation)[]
During Eternia's Season of Storms, Orko was transported from his home dimension to Eternia where he immediately saved Prince Adam and Cringer from the Tar Swamp. Adopted by the royal family, Orko was made a member of King Randor's court, where his tricks and quick wit entertained all. An important member of the Masters of the Universe, Orko was a close friend and confidant of Prince Adam and a keeper of many secrets, such as Adam's dual identity. He shared a close relationship with Man-at-Arms who, while stern with him, filled a fatherly role for the Trollan.
On Trolla, Orko was a powerful wizard, but his magic did not work as well on Eternia, frequently resulting in disastrous consequences. He possessed a number of magical items which he kept in his hat, including several wands, a spinning cabinet which he used to entertain the royal court, and a medallion that allowed its holder to perform virtually any kind of magic. Orko lost the medallion shortly after his arrival on Eternia, though he was briefly reunited with it, but gave it up again in order to save the kingdom.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (Mike Young Productions)[]
In the 2002 animated series, Orko's history largely remained consistent with his Filmation incarnation. He was a powerful wizard who arrived on Eternia from his home dimension of Trolla. Shortly after his arrival, he rescued an 11-year old Prince Adam from sinking into the Tar Swamps. During this event, Orko lost his magic wand, thus his magic became weaker and frequently backfired.
When Skeletor and his Evil Warriors had returned from the Dark Hemisphere, Orko followed Prince Adam and Man-at-Arms to Castle Grayskull where he witnessed Adam's first transformation into He-Man. Man-at-Arms warned Orko never to speak about what he had seen at the castle, though the Trollan almost let slip He-Man's identity during the Heroic Warriors' victory celebration.
Powers and Abilities[]
- Flight and Levitation - As a Trollan, Orko naturally defies gravity and levitates everywhere. He has never been shown walking.
- Teleportation - Orko is capable of instantaneous transport across short distances.
- Magic - Orko possesses a wide variety of magical spells, but many of them do not work properly without his wand. His magical abilities include conjuring items from thin air, casting illusions and levitating objects.