5 Myths That Will Change Your Understanding of Zelda Forever

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Summary

  • The Legend of Zelda lore is rich and intricate, adding depth to the franchise beyond cosplay and iconic tunes.
  • Significant myths like The Great Flood and The Zonai Civilization enhance the depths of the game worlds.
  • The Triforce & The Master Sword are iconic components driving the plot, while the Hero of Time myth explores Link’s legacy.

Hardly requiring a preface, The Legend of Zelda stands as a well-known entity. Originally launched to highlight the Famicom Disk System’s capabilities, it has evolved into a gaming hallmark – a beacon for seamless, gratifying gameplay and an exemplar in refining a series based on core principles. Beyond this, it is also a cultural juggernaut, boasting a soundtrack as catchy as top-tier Hollywood productions and characters that have carved their own niche in popularity, ruling over internet memes and cosplay scenes alike.

While the iconic themes of Zelda and its popular cosplay may grab more headlines, the series’ intricate lore often flies under the radar. Spanning numerous mainline games and spin-offs, each contribution has added depth to the Zelda universe. The mythology is vast, featuring countless legendary characters, timelines, and histories that contribute to one of the most elaborate gaming worlds. With such a wealth of lore and history, let’s explore the franchise’s most captivating myths and legends.

9. The Moon Of Termina

“You’ve Met With A Terrible Fate, Haven’t You?”

Among the Zelda series, Majora’s Mask stands out as one of the most distinctive and thought-provoking games due in part to its extraordinary setting. The realm of Termina serves as a distinct alternate universe within the franchise, distinct from Hyrule but eerily reminiscent – in bizarre and unsettling manners. One such oddity is the celestial object looming over its sky; a chilling, grinning Moon, which is foretold to crash into Termina’s surface within three days, annihilating all life on it.

Should the player opt not to prevent the Moon’s crash and thus save it from colliding, it results in a heartbreaking tale within the game’s lore, filled with some of the most evocative imagery. The melancholic theme that echoes as the Moon approaches its final moments is one of the most chilling and somber tunes in the entire franchise, while the scene of Link gazing at a silent, desolate landscape before his agonized cry and the world’s destruction unfolds is an incredibly haunting memory.

8. The Great Flood

“What Became Of That Kingdom? None Remain Who Know.”

The game titled The Wind Waker, initially received mixed reviews upon its release, but over time, it has been widely acclaimed as one of the finest games within the series. Its unique ocean setting generates some truly grand moments. In the storyline, at the conclusion of Ocarina Of Time, Ganondorf was mercilessly vanquished by the Hero of Time and imprisoned within the Sacred Realm. Following this, Hyrule enjoyed a prolonged period of tranquility; however, Princess Zelda sent Link back to his youthful days, leading to a timeline rift — and the Triforce of Courage splitting into eight fragments.

Eventually, Ganondorf broke free from his celestial restraints and returned to cause chaos in Hyrule, but since there was no Hero of Time at the moment, he faced little opposition. In their direst need, the citizens of Hyrule implored the Three Deities for aid, and in a dramatic response, they answered. A cataclysm swept across the kingdom, culminating in an immense flood that submerged the entire land, transforming its mountain peaks into islands. This transformed landscape became known as the Great Sea.

7. The Zonai Civilization

“It Was Said They Were The Descendants Of Gods…”

Following the awe-inspiring grandeur of Breath of the Wild, gamers might not have anticipated the series reaching even greater heights, but surprisingly, Tears of the Kingdom surpassed expectations by offering an even more enchanting gaming experience. It significantly expanded the lore, delving deep into Hyrule’s early history through the introduction of the Zonai, an ancient celestial tribe rumored to possess mystical powers inherited from their divine ancestry.

In this game’s narrative, both the Zonai and their advanced technology play a crucial role, with these technological artifacts being vital for advancing within the game world. While there’s still a lot about the Zonai that we don’t know, according to Hyrule legend, shortly after they arrived from above, they were bestowed with Secret Stones, which boosted an individual’s magical powers. The technology of the Zonai equips Link with his mechanical arm and its accompanying magical functions, while the numerous sky islands in the game mirror the Zonai’s celestial origins as dwellers among the clouds.

6. The Sheikah

“It Was The Power And Wisdom Of The Sheikah That Saved This Land Time And Time Again…”

From a devoted fan’s perspective, I find myself captivated by the enigmatic Sheikah in the lore of Hyrule. These elusive warriors are hidden within the shadows, tirelessly working to safeguard Princess Zelda and the royal line, even if it means great personal sacrifice. They stand as chosen guardians, devoted to the goddess Hylia, and though they exude warmth and hospitality, there’s a palpable air of mystery surrounding them. Their mastery in combat is unparalleled, making them an intriguing figure in the rich tapestry of Hyrule mythology.

In the storyline of “Ocarina of Time,” the Sheikah tribe significantly contributed to the Zelda legend, with an intriguing twist when it was revealed that the character Sheik was actually Princess Zelda in disguise. The Sheikah are also the creators of Kakariko Village, a vital location across multiple Zelda games. The history of this tribe deepens even more in “Breath of the Wild,” where players encounter the Yiga Clan, a secretive group of assassins worshiping Ganon who serve as the Sheikah’s arch-rivals.

5. The Imprisoning War

“Deep Beneath This Land, Our Mighty First Ruler Imprisoned The Demon King.”

The storyline of the Zelda series can be quite complex, featuring multiple timelines and varying events across various games. The Imprisoning War is initially mentioned in “A Link to the Past,” and later reappears in “Tears of the Kingdom.” Despite sharing similar core elements – Ganon being imprisoned by the Sages – the specifics may vary significantly between the two versions. The story’s intricacies are more thoroughly developed in the latter game.

In the game “Tears of The Kingdom,” Ganondorf, a powerful and ambitious Gerudo leader, pledged allegiance to Hyrule’s first rulers as a strategy to obtain The Sacred Stones. However, following his murder of the priestess Sonia during the Blood Moon, he acquired one stone and was transformed into the embodiment of evil, known as The Demon King. Rauru, the leader of the Zonai, rallied the diverse races of Hyrule, including the Rito, Gorons, and Gerudo, leading to a fierce battle. This conflict ended only when Rauru sacrificed himself, using his life force to seal Ganondorf away once more.

4. The Golden Goddesses

“Before Time Began, Before Spirits And Life Existed… Three Golden Goddesses Descended Upon The Chaos That Was Hyrule…”

At the start of the game Ocarina Of Time, the Great Deku Tree shares some background information that significantly altered how fans view the game’s world. According to Hylian mythology, prior to the beginning of recorded history, the world was barren and lifeless, resembling a sterile rock. However, from an unknown source, the Three Golden Goddesses descended upon the chaos and brought life to the land.

As a gamer, I find myself immersed in a world where I’m not just a player, but a witness to the divine workings of three extraordinary entities: Din, Farore, and Nayru. Din, the Goddess of Power, molded the landscape, crafting majestic mountains, sprawling valleys, and breathtaking landscapes. Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom, bestowed her knowledge upon our world, maintaining its stability and order through the intricate cycles of nature. Lastly, Farore, the Goddess of Courage, brought life to all creatures, even giving spirits the strength to uphold Nayru’s laws within this vibrant realm.

However swiftly they appeared, the Radiant Deities would subsequently vanish, bequeathing the Sacred Triforce and thus leaving Hyrule to chart its own course of destiny. They occupy a pivotal position in the franchise’s narrative, with hints about them sprinkled throughout the series.

3. The Hero Of Time

“This Boy, Who Traveled Through Time To Save The Land, Was Known As The Hero Of Time.”

The impact of “Ocarina Of Time” was profound, reshaping not only its protagonist but also the entire mythos of Hyrule and the Zelda series as a whole. The Tale of the Hero of Time stands as one of Hyrule’s most influential legends, carrying significant weight for the world’s mythology and future installments. This epic chronicles Link’s adventures in “Ocarina of Time” and its subsequent events, detailing how the Hero of Time battled against Ganondorf, rescued Hyrule, and ultimately set in motion the famous timeline schism within the Zelda universe.

Additionally, it holds a significant emotional punch. A young Link, raised in the Kokiri Forest, thought he was one of them, until he learned the shocking truth: he was an orphaned Hylian with a far greater purpose. After being sealed away for seven years following his removal of The Master Sword, he reemerged into a world laid waste by Ganondorf. His actions contributed to the crucial timeline split that would influence subsequent games in the series.

2. The Triforce

“The Sacred Triangle…It Is A Balance That Weighs The Three Forces: Power, Wisdom And Courage.”

In the Legend of Zelda series, The Triforce stands as the central symbol and most significant artifact. Essentially, it’s a divine, golden relic forged by the trio of goddesses, Din, Nayru, and Farore. It represents the ultimate power in the realm of Hyrule, with its tales and legends revolving around it. Notably, it links the primary characters – Zelda, Link, and Ganondorf – as they each possess one facet of The Triforce’s power.

In the mainline Zelda games, each component of the Triforce symbolizes one of the Goddesses, significantly influencing the narrative. The Triforce of Power, frequently linked to Ganondorf, imbues immense power and magical prowess. The Triforce of Wisdom, which has been in Princess Zelda’s possession, confers great intelligence, foresight, and divine knowledge. Link often utilizes the Triforce of Courage, granting bravery and tenacity.

1. The Master Sword

“The Legendary Sword That Seals The Darkness.”

In the realm of The Legend of Zelda series, the Master Sword, also referred to as the Blade of Evil’s Bane, stands out as the most renowned weapon. Few mainline games can be victoriously concluded without this legendary blade. It is a powerful sword infused with sacred energy, primarily employed by Link to vanquish Ganon/Ganondorf and other sinister entities plaguing Hyrule. However, much like other game elements, its backstory and in-game significance can sometimes be perplexing.

In the initial game of the Zelda series, known as “Skyward Sword,” it’s revealed that the Master Sword was initially crafted as the Goddess Sword by a powerful deity named Hylia. This divine sword played a crucial role in defending the land against the Demon King Demise. With the passage of time, the sword was altered into the Master Sword by a Sheikah monk called Sage, skilled Hylian blacksmiths, and Fi, the spirit residing within the sword. The sword underwent a purification process using three Sacred Flames, boosting its divine power. Typically, this mighty weapon is kept in the Pedestal of Time, and only those deemed worthy can wield it, with Link often being that chosen one.

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2025-03-20 18:38