Gorgam be Hava: the Iranian wolf chasing game
Also known as: گرگم به هوا, Wolf in the Air
Gorgam be hava is a traditional Iranian chasing game where the wolf hunts players who are only safe off the ground. Learn the rules and ways to play safely.
- Type
- Outdoor game
- Players
- 3
- Age
- Ages 4+
- Play time
- 10–30 min
- Origin
- Iran
Gorgam be hava is a traditional Iranian children's game of chasing. One player becomes the wolf, the "gorg", and the others run away. The special rule gives the game its name, which can be translated as "the wolf in the air": a player who is standing above the ground, for example on a step, a low wall or a stone, cannot be caught. Children call out a short rhyme as the wolf, and the game moves between running in the open and jumping onto safe places. It has been played for generations in Iranian alleys, courtyards and school playgrounds. It is close to the international game of tag, but the raised safe spots give it its own rhythm and plenty of clever tactics.
Our verdict
Gorgam be hava keeps children running, jumping and laughing, which is excellent for coordination and fitness. The safe-spot rule adds thinking to the chase, since players must decide when to run and when to climb. It needs no equipment at all, only an outdoor space and some friends. For families who grew up in Iran, it is an easy way to pass on a piece of their own childhood to the next generation.
What works
- No equipment needed
- Very active and energetic play
- Simple rules for young children
What does not
- Needs supervision around steps and walls
- Fast runners can dominate unless the rules are adjusted
How to play Gorgam be Hava
Choose one player as the wolf, often by a counting rhyme. The other players spread out in the play area. The wolf starts chasing and tries to touch any player who is standing on the ground. A player who is on a raised place, such as a step, a curb or a log, is safe while staying there. Players cannot stay on safe spots forever: groups usually agree that a player must leave a safe place after a short count, or that the wolf may not wait beside one safe spot. When the wolf touches a player who is on the ground, that player becomes the new wolf, and the game continues without stopping. Some groups play that caught players join the wolf as a team until only one free player is left. Before starting, players agree on the edges of the play area and which objects count as safe.
Tips for new players
- Choose low, stable safe spots only, such as steps or flat stones, never anything high.
- Agree on a short count for how long players may stay safe.
- As the wolf, change targets often instead of chasing one fast runner.
- Mark clear boundaries away from roads and parked cars.
Good for
Gorgam be Hava: common questions
What does gorgam be hava mean?
It roughly means "I am the wolf in the air", referring to the wolf chasing players and the rule that players off the ground are safe.
How is gorgam be hava different from tag?
It is a kind of tag, but players are safe while standing on a raised place, which adds tactics to the chase.
What age is gorgam be hava for?
Children from about four years old can play it, especially with low safe spots and adult supervision.
Gorgam be Hava belongs to its owners. Playdonya is not connected to them and does not sell this game; the cover is our own illustration.
