The Shocking Truth About Wind Waker That Changed Zelda Forever

by

Summary

  • The Wind Waker introduced new mythology to Zelda, shaping the franchise for 20+ years.
  • The game’s unique art style challenged the series’ traditional visuals.
  • Hyrule’s fall and Ganondorf’s complex evolution were significant story elements.

Following the groundbreaking 3D transformation of the “Zelda” series with the launch of “Ocarina of Time” in 1998, Nintendo pondered over the next significant installment for a while. At the Nintendo Space World 2000 event, a realistic CG short depicted Link and Ganon clashing, but the subsequent “Zelda” game veered away from that concept entirely. Instead, it opted for a cel-shaded, stylish universe, as seen in “The Wind Waker” in 2003. This was a striking departure from past games’ aesthetics, yet it wasn’t merely about visuals. “The Wind Waker” aimed to introduce significant advancements to the ever-changing mythology within the “Zelda” franchise.

In its distinct setting and extensive narrative spanning centuries of fictional Hyrule lore, The Wind Waker delved into an intriguing aspect of the Zelda universe and laid the groundwork for significant elements of mythology that have influenced the series significantly since then. Capitalizing on a mythology that made substantial strides in Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past, while also establishing its own foundational principles, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker has left an indelible mark on the franchise for the past two decades. Scheduled for a re-release on Nintendo Switch Online alongside the launch of Switch 2 in June 2025, this classic game will undoubtedly continue to shape the series in the years to come.

4. Establishing The Hero Of Time As A Myth With An Open-Ended Destiny

One Of The Many Legends Of Zelda

Earlier installments in the Zelda series effectively built up the genuine legend surrounding Zelda by portraying its two main characters as recurring reincarnations of mythical figures fated to combat evil and protect Hyrule from annihilation. In particular, “Ocarina of Time” solidified Link’s role as the legendary “Hero of Time,” while “The Wind Waker” hinted at the chaos that was soon to unfold in the official Zelda timeline. Remarkably, Nintendo revealed the official Zelda timeline to the public for the first time in “Hyrule Historia,” a comprehensive companion book published alongside “Skyward Sword.

Following the events of “The Ocarina of Time”, there were three potential outcomes: one where Link overcame Ganon, another where he prevented the Dark Lord from obtaining the Triforce and returned to his childhood, and surprisingly, one where the Hero of Time was defeated. This discovery changed our perspective on older games, but it had a particularly significant impact on “The Wind Waker”. This is because “The Wind Waker” was the first game to fully apply Nintendo’s split timeline concept, with the opening scene making clear that the Hero of Time was no longer present and couldn’t prevent Hyrule’s destruction in the hundred years after “The Ocarina of Time”.

3. New Worlds Can Have Unique Looks

Not All Zelda Worlds Are The Same

Prior to The Wind Waker, most Zelda games maintained a distinct visual style, featuring a traditional fantasy realm with either 2D or 3D environments. However, Nintendo’s CG demonstration at Space World 2000 suggested that the sequel to Ocarina of Time might continue this realistic approach. Yet, The Wind Waker demonstrated that the Zelda series was not content with relying on past successes.

The Wind Waker made a sharp departure from traditional fantasy settings, adopting a vibrant cel-shaded style influenced more by Disney and Pixar than previous games in the series. This shift demonstrated that the Zelda franchise wasn’t solely defined by its setting, but rather by its knack for innovation and reinvention every few years. The Wind Waker showcased one of the series’ key strengths – its ability to push boundaries. Subsequent Zelda games continued this trend, becoming increasingly experimental in their visuals and storytelling, a risk that The Wind Waker took with its unique art direction.

2. The Fall Of Hyrule

The Forgotten Land Under The Great Sea

In the storyline of The Wind Waker, which unfolds about a century after the events of Ocarina of Time in the Adult Timeline, we find Hyrule in dire straits. Without a guardian or hero to protect it, the land lay vulnerable and on the brink of destruction at the hands of Ganondorf. In an attempt to save themselves, the people of Hyrule faced a drastic change as the Goddesses flooded the land, causing it to sink beneath the vast expanse of the Great Sea. This dramatic event served as a chilling foreshadowing for the series, demonstrating the bleak possibilities that the heroes might encounter. The submergence of Hyrule into the ocean’s depths also paved the way for innovative storytelling within the game’s universe.

In The Wind Waker, it was demonstrated that the franchise’s tales of adventure could be uniquely challenging, as Link wasn’t guaranteed an effortless journey to shape his destiny. The Great Flood, a significant event in the Adult Timeline, played a role in shaping key events in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, demonstrating that this beloved GameCube release continues to offer new insights even today.

1. The True Nature Of Ganondorf

The Wind Waker Details Ganondorf’s Evolution Into A More Complex Villain

Ganondorf, a notorious video game antagonist, has etched his name into the annals of gaming history. This tyrant has consistently attempted to vanquish Link and seize control of Hyrule forever. In contrast to his portrayal as a standard power-crazed madman in pursuit of the Triforce in previous Zelda games, The Wind Waker revealed an intricate and multilayered backstory for the Prince of Darkness. This narrative resonates more closely with events from A Link to the Past and the Imprisoning War, a pivotal moment in the Zelda timeline that forms the foundation for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, slated for release on Nintendo Switch 2 in late 2025. The Wind Waker reimagines Ganon’s journey to villainy in an extraordinary manner.

In the prosperous realm of Hyrule, where Hylians enjoyed luxury and affluence, the Gerudo tribes were pushed to the margins. Driven by despair and a desire for improvement in his people’s lives, Ganon’s pure, raw fury took on new significance as he transformed from a one-dimensional villain seeking power into a more intricate, multi-faceted antagonist with motives that resonated as honest and relatable. The game The Wind Waker facilitated this evolution in Ganon’s character, shifting him from an adversary with limited objectives to a more nuanced, complex portrayal of how desperation and corruption can transform anyone into a villain.

Read More

2025-04-08 12:36