Legend of Zelda Creating a Champion

~ PRINCESS ZELDA(DLCPACK2) fJAlK S/Dc OF POtllH.

This is the outfit Princess Zelda wears when she visits cold regions. The design
uses white predominantly for the base, but the royal blue used for the ribbon on
her chest and the lining of her coat indicates her royal lineage.

A lAPc WITH A loN<,

Ftl/l. eous« OVc/l. THc

lOllA/l.lcSS lOAT.

~ toas urr AND

~<,HT WfTH fJEl.T.

THc Ycllotv'

PO/l.TION IS
c"1fJ/l.OIDc/l.'I.

347

~ MIPHA (DLC PACK 2)

This is how Mipha appeared before donning a
Champion's blue sash. In addition to her tiara, fitting for
a Zora princess, she wears an ultramarine blue sash-
a different color than King Dorephans or Sidons,

'

348 The Champions' Ballad

~ DARUK(DLCPACK2)

Here is Daruk as he appeared before becoming a
Champion, with his beloved Boulder Breaker strapped
to his back. He swapped out one of the chains that
crossed his barrel chest for the blue sash.

349

~ REVALI (DLCPACK2)

This was Revalis look before becoming a Champion. He wore
a scarf with the Rito crest instead of the blue cloth.

350 The Champions' Ballad

~ URBOSA (DLCPACK2)

This is how Urbosa looked when she was chiefof the Gerudo.
As with the current chief, Riju, Urbosa wore a black skirt which
was embroidered with the crest of the Gerudo and a crown
demonstrating her status as chief.

lE"NTc~OF THE" l~WN.

351

~ MASTER CYCLE ZERO (DLCPACK2)

This two-wheeled vehicle is made
of ancient ,naterials. Similar to a
horse, it can carry a rider quickly
across the land.

<iJ FOLD!. VP

352 The Champions' Ballad

FROM Lf:FT FROM ~4HT F~NT

HANDLcBA~S

A

~ Rough Designs j FROM ABOVE
Three legs fold up when running. l
WHEN rt: STOPS fl()LU/Jt, ..•
•I

l Supply hatch opens and a plate of light appears.

353

~ SIDON (DLC PACK 2) S"11LE'

This is Sidon as he appeared just over one hundred FOR flflPHA'S "NOW,
years ago when he was still a child. Compared to the SHALL WE TRY ONE
Zora children in the present (page 112), he bas a ft10RE Tlft1E?"BIT.
uniquely long head fin. His body is small, so he wears
few accessories, but he was already wearing a whistle
on his chest at this point.

(LOTH IS THcWHISTLc WATc~ALL
4ATHc~D SfTS ON TOP. lLl"1BINC,
lONlE'PT
WITH A "1ETAL -- 8
FA~Nclt

I

/-~·--

~ ~ THc StA" AND
WHISTt.c Aft.c BOTH

(ONNctTcD TO TH!

"1ITAL FA~Nclt

DEVEL0PER's NeTE the Great Calamity. We were able to expand the world of this game through
these new stories, showing Princess Zelda's cold-weather outfit for the first time,
There were many stories that we wanted to tell but were unable to implement in the four Champions before they donned their blue sashes, and even the Zora
the main game, and these were especially charming. DLC Pack l was focused prince Sidon when he was a cute little kid, long before he bad the impressive
heavily on action game play, so with DLC Pack 2, I thought that players might physique he has now,
enjoy the world of this game more if we included, of all the unspoken and
untold tales, the stories of the Champions. Most of the cutscenes take place in DIRllCTOR: HmEMARO FOJIBAYASfil
the Hyrule of one hundred years ago and cover the events that took place before

354 The Champions' Ballad

~ ATTENDANT (DLCPACK2) ~ONE-HIT

This woman was in service to Princess Zelda and the royal family a century ago. She would 0BLITERATOR (DLCPACK2)
accompany Zelda when she sought an audience with the leaders of other nations.
This one-handed weapon is part ofa new trial exclusive to "The Champions'
Ballad:' Its prongs are shaped to resemble the four Divine Beasts.

~ RoughDesigns

tOIJTINVOVS
DIA"10ND-SHJXD

PJXI< TJX. -..._

355





. .,, ...,.... ••
'
I <r •',

...
•
..J• •• ,·
""'

. . .... ··".:'':.,'...........•.~. TUNDRA

. .•.,.. ........., ..f;.

.....,; ~· ;-,(.:

,' ,,1.

The wingedRito live in this village.
Their ability to ffy allows them easy
access to the rest of Hyrule.

This group of brutal assassins uses
these Gerudo ruins as a hideout.

The site of the Divine Beast
Vah Naboris's excavation.

• r '

•-,, • . ~

' ~-.;.! '"' a.

-- ' .;

• ~

' 1 "">1 -•••
~ ~ )~
A facility run by a Sheikah
l'<J. ,., researchernamedRobbie.

,,;;,, .....,,... !..'I' b~1 ,..

• ~' ~ ' J .ti:
'
~~

::[j 'l ~
u
:.I

... ..• • •

.)· '
... "·"' •
. .'......
,'.!· ••

• tbe locationof the kingdomof Hyrule~ last
standagainstthe rampaging Guardians.
•

.,. ._ ...,.t •...'.,•.

. .. ·,.,. . • 1',. ~•··T

'·\..: '

The homeof the water4wellingZora andsource

i,aier.of Hyrule's TheymanageHyrule'swater

resourcesandmonitor the reservoirlevel.

- .' '

"",":'...,. ,.......
··~

. 0:,. ~r

..
MountLanayru,whichholds the Springof Wisdom,
isoff limits to those underseventeenyears of age.

. ..'..'

\

IST0RY 0F YRULE

~ CHR0N0L0GY & EVENTS ~

THE ERA OF The kingdom ofHyrule flourishes under the Hyrulean royal family.
DISTANT
MYTH Ganondorf, king of the Gerudo, transforms into Dark Beast Garron and threatens Hyrule. The princess of
PAST Hyrule and the chosen hero combine their power to seal Ganon.

In a seemingly endless cycle of darkness and light, Ganon continues to be revived and then sealed away.

MORE ERA OF Civilization is highly advanced thanks to the technology of the Sheikah.
THAN 10,000
PROSPERITY
YEARS AGO

10,000 The revived Ganon is sealed away by the princess of the royal family and the hero chosen by the Master
YEARS AGO Sword, with the help of the Guardians and Divine Beasts built by the Sheikah.

The king ofHyrule orders the abolishment of technology and begins to subdue the Sheikah. Under his orders,
the Divine Beasts are buried deep within the ground in different spots throughout Hyrule.

The Sheikah divide into peaceful and militant factions. The militant faction eventually forms the Yiga Clan.

A long era ofpeace ensues.

JUST BEFORE SIGNS OF A princess is born, and she is named Zelda. This is in line with the tradition that each princess born to the
THE EVENTS THE CALAMITY royal family shall be so named.

OFlOO REvIVING A fortune teller predicts the revival of Calamity Ganon.

YEARS AGO King Rhoam begins searching for ancient relics in response to the prophecy. The Divine Beastsare discovered.

When Princess Zelda is six, the queen ofHyrule passes away suddenly.

When Princess Zelda is seven, the king commands that she begin training to awaken her sealing po\ver.

Link, a child of a line of knights, extracts the Master Sword.

Princess Zelda speaks with the royal adviser Impa, who is responsible for relic research. Impa introduces
Zelda to Purah and Robbie, and she joins them in their research.

The Sheikah Slate is discovered. Its functionality is partially restored. They succeed in activating the Divine
Beasts.

Princess Zelda selects four highly skilled individuals from across Hyrule and entrusts them with operating
the Divine Beasts.

She summons the four and Link to Hyrule Castle, where King Rhoam appoints them Champions in an
official ceremony.

The four Champions overcome trials to prove themselves worthy ofpiloting the Divine Beasts.

360 The History of Hyrule: Chronology & Events

The kingdom of Hyrule has a long, long history. So long, in fact, that the events Still, ten thousand years is an extraordinarily long time, and all that remains
that occurred leading up to its founding and in its early years have faded into myth. of that event is the legend itself. Any official documents regarding Calamity
Hyrules recurring periods of prosperity and decline have made it impossible to Canon's latest revival and the periods surrounding it were burned away in the
tell which legends are historical fact and which are mere fairy tale. However, it is Great Calamity, so no detailed accounts remain. As such, what is listed here is a
an indisputable truth that Calamity Ganon attacked Hyrule and was sealed ten sketch ofHyrule's history, limited to what little information can be found today.
thousand years ago, and that it revived one hundred years ago in an event called
the Great Calamity.

JUST BEFORE Link, under the royal command ofKing Rhoam, becomes knight attendant to Princess Zelda.
THE EVENTS
The four Champions begin operational training to pilot the Divine Beasts.
OFlOO
YEARS AGO The Yiga Clan, moving in the shadows, attempt to assassinate Princess Zelda. She is attacked but escapes
unharmed.

The number of monsters increases, and they become more active. Powerful species begin to appear. Attacks
against citizens of Hyrule are on the rise.

100 THE DAY OF Princess Zelda turns seventeen years old. She ventures to the Spring ofWisdom on Mount Lanayru for a
YEARS AGO THE GREAT purification ceremony, attempting to awaken her sealing power.
CALAMITY
Calamity Ganon revives. The Guardians and the four Divine Beasts are taken over, and Hyrule Castle Town
is destroyed.

King Rhoarn commands the knights. He perishes fighting the Guardians and monsters while helping the
people to safety.

The Champions rush to the Divine Beasts and are slain by the manifestations of Ganon that appear inside
them. Their souls are imprisoned in the Divine Beasts.

The Hyrulean soldiers make their last stand against the Guardians at Akkala Citadel, but ultimately fall. The

kingdom ofHyrule is no more.

Link is defeated at Blatchery Plain. Princess Zelda's sealing power awakens.

Civilians mount a successful defense at Fort Hateno.

Link is placed in the Shrine of Resurrection, where he will sleep for one hundred years. The Master Sword
is put to rest under the Great Deku Tree to await the day the hero returns.

Princess Zelda confronts Calamity Ganon within Hyrule Castle.

Princess Zelda is able to seal Ganons power, causing the Divine Beasts to withdraw and the Guardians to
cease their assault.

AFTER The regions' stable owners form a network of stables that double as inns. Hate no Village begins a self.
THE GREAT sufficient lifestyle.
CALAMITY

THE PRESENT THE HERO Princess Zelda'ssealing po,verweakens,and the once-quiet Calamity Ganon becomes more active, responding
AWA.KENS to signs that Link will soon return.

The Divine Beasts renew their ra1npagein response to Canons increased activity and Link's imminent return.

Link awakens within the Shrine ofResurrection.

361

THE HIST0RY 0F HYRULE &

THE HIST0RICAL CHR0N0L0GY 0F EACH RACE

THE HISTORY THE HISTORY THE HISTORY
OFHYRULE OF THE SHEIKAH OF THE ZORA

THE Ganondorfbecomes Ganon and invades Shadows acting on behalf of the Hyrule Princess Ruto is born into the Zora royal
DISTANT Hyrule. royal family, the Sheikah operate in the family. She awakens as a Sage and fights
dark corners of history. alongside the princess ofHyrule and the
PAST Ganon is sealed. hero oflegend.

In a seemingly endless cycle of darkness The legends of Ganon and the Hyrulean The king, unskilled at the art ofwar, dons
and light, Ganon continues to be revived royal family are passed down orally. armor handmade by the queen with one
and then sealed away. of her own scales woven into it and repels
a Lizalfosassault,starting a Zora tradition.

MORE Civilization is highly advanced thanks to Using their advanced technology, they The Zora settle in Lanayru.
THAN 10,000 the technology of the Sheikah. develop the four Divine Beasts and the
YEARS AGO Guardians. They overwhelm Calamity TI1e Zora and the people ofHyrule join
Calamity Ganon attacks the kingdom of Gan on. together to construct the East Reservoir
10,000 Hyrule. The combined might of the four Lake. They complete the project in one
YEARS AGO Divine Beasts, the chosen hero, and the The Sheikah divide into peaceful and year. TI1e Zora have managed its water
princess who possesses the sealing po,ver militant factions. The peaceful Sheikah levels ever since.
allows for the sealing of Calamity Ganon. found and settle in the hidden Kakariko
The royal family of Hyrule feels Village. The militant faction flee to the
threatened by the Sheikah's advanced Gerudo Province and later become the
technology and drives them away. Yiga Clan.

JUST BEFORE King Dorephan assumes the throne. I
THE EVENTS Princess Mipha is born.
Princess Zelda is born.
OFlOO Purah and Robbie, young but talented, King Rhoams court visits Zora's Domain
A fortune teller predicts the revival of join the excavation and research effort. to show respect. Mipha meets Link, who
YEARS AGO Calamity Ganon. King Rhoam begins is about four years old.
searching for ancient relics. The four
Divine Beasts are uncovered. One of the Sheikah becomes the court The Divine Beast Vah Ruta is excavated
poet. He leavesbehind songs for the hero. in Zora's Domain.
When Princess Zelda is six, the queen of
Hyrule passes away suddenly. Impa takes charge of relic research. She Mipha is reunited with Link after a long
worksin Hyrule Castleas an official adviser. time apart.
Princess Zelda begins her training.
Princess Zelda joins Purah and Robbie's Princess Zelda requests that Mipha serve
Link extracts the Master Sword. relic survey. The Sheikah Slate is as a Divine Beast pilot. Dorephan and
discovered. the other elders oppose this plan.
Four highly skilled individuals from
across Hyrule are selected and entrusted
with operating the Divine Beasts.

Mipha and Link defeat the Lyne! on
Ploymus Mountain.

362 The History of Hyrule: Chronology & Events

The following pages contain the history of each Hyrulean race living in present- there are practically no records regarding the Gorons or ruto that predate the
day Hyrule. Unfortunately, the specific time many of these events took place Great Calamity.
is often unclear, and knowledge of the periods of time separating these events
has been lost. Though they don't have a column of their own, you will find a sidebar about
the Koroks, the rarely seen forest spirits, on page 365.
Moreover, the amount of documentation that has survived throughout the ages
varies by race. While records pertaining to the Sheikah and Zora are plentiful,

THE HISTORY THE HISTORY THE HISTORY
OF THE GORONS OFTHERlTO OF THE GERUDO

IThey Gorons live separately from other A boy is born to the all-female Gerudo THE
tribe, as happens every one hundred years. DISTANT
Hyruleans and are ruled by a chief He is named Ganondorf. PAST

Ganondorf plans to take control of
Hyrule. He transforms into Dark Beast
Ganon and is sealed.

Ganon, having long lost his reason,
becomes Calamity Ganon, a pure incar-
nation of hatred and malice for the royal
family ofHyrule and die chosen hero.

MORE
THAN 10,000
YEARS AGO

10,000
YEARS AGO

The queen of Hyrule, an old friend JUST BEFORE
of Urbosas, visits Gerudo Town. She THE EVENTS
introduces Urbosa to the newborn OFlOO
Princess Zelda. YEARS AGO

A Divine Beast is excavated at Death As a prize for winning countless archery Urbosa attends the queen of Hyrule's
Mountain. It is later determined to be competitions and breaking all previous funeral.
Vah Rudania. Rito archery records, Revali requests the
construction of the Flight Range. Urbosa accompanies Princess Zelda on
Daruk and Link meet on Death Mountain. her visits to the sacred springs.
Princess Zelda requests that Revali serve
Princess Zelda requests that Daruk serve as a Divine Beast pilot. Revali delays in Princess Zelda requests that Urbosa serve
as a Divine Beast pilot. Daruk accepts responding. as a Divine Beast pilot. Although she is
immediately. chief of the Gerudo and the prospect
concerns her people, Urbosa accepts.

I

363

f~rjll,;:"-J}j THE HISTORY [HE HISTORY THE HISTORY
OF THE SHElKAH 01'1 THE ZORA
" OPHYRULE

=

JUST BEFORE A ceremony is held at Hyrule Castle. The King Dorephan consents to Mipha
chosen hero and the Divine Beast pilots becoming a Divine Beast pilot.
THE EVENTS are appointed Champions.
After completing the necessary trials,
OFlOO Link, under the imperial command of Mipha is deemed worthy to pilot the
King Rhoam, becomes knight attendant Divine Beast Vah Ruta.
YEARS AGO to Princess Zelda.
Mipha practices operating the Divine
The Yiga Clan, moving in the shadows, Beast Vah Ruta in the area around Zora's
attempt to assassinate Princess Zelda. She Domain,
is attacked but escapes unharmed.

100 Calamity Ganon revives. The Guardians Impa, Purah, and Robbie take the Guid- Waterblight Ganon takes over the Divine
and the four Divine Beastsare taken over, ance Stone and various ancient parts Beast Vah Ruta and slays Mipha.
YEARS AGO: and Hyrule Castle Town is destroyed. and escape to Kakariko Village. Sheikah
THE DAY OF King Rhoam is killed. soldiers are dispatched to search for the The Guardians' assault stops, and disaster
THE GREAT A battle takes place on Blatchery Plain. missing Princess Zelda. is averted.
CALAMITY Link collapses, and Princess Zelda's
sealing power awakens. Princess Zelda is reunited with lmpa in
Kakariko Village.
Princess Zelda suppresses Ganon'spo,ver,
attempting to hold him off until the hero Purah and Robbie head for the Shrine of
awakens, Resurrection and place Link within it for
treatment.

Many of the Sheikah flee to Kakariko
Villageand become caught up in the crisis
that is the Great Calamity.

AFTER lmpa and the rest of Kakariko Village The Champion Festival is established.
THE GREAT await the awakening of the hero.
CALAMITY Astray Guardian invades Zora'sDomain.
Purah and Robbie separate, heading for King Dorephan lifts the Guardian and
Neduda andAkkala, respectivelyT. heycon- throws it into a ravine, smashing it.
tinue their research en the ancient relics. Prince Sidon defeats the giant Octorok in
the Necluda Sea.
Robbie succeeds in developing the
Ancient Oven.

THE PRESENT The Divine Beast Vah Ruta ratnpages,
discharging water into the East Reservoir
Link awakens within the Shrine of A Sheikah tower is activated. Lake, which threatens the dam there.
Resurrection.

Link defeats Calamity Ganon.

THE BOND BETWEEN A Mo11unie11t
THE ZORA & HYRULE

Lanayru Great Spring, located near Zora's Domain, is a critical source ofwater for -
Hyrule. The Zora manage the water levels of the Great Spring with a giant reservoir
and dam. King Dorephan describes the building of the dam as a key moment in R11lale1 1>11111
history for the Zora, and the dam gives context to the more than ten-thousand-year A giant dam constructed to create
relationship between Hyrule and the Zora. The text carved into the stone monument the East Reservoir Lake. Its beautiful
labeled "'A Reservoir of Hope" reads as follows:
stonework design is a specialty of
Ouce eve,y ten years, tlie La11ayr11 region e.<perieuces 111111.Sually heavy raiufa/1. 11,e the Zora.
Zora River flooded cvary time. 11,c tides damaged not 011/y 011r domaiu but 011rpeople,
waslii11g mvay poor souls and causing great s11.fferi11g and disarray. 11,e Zora ki11g of
that time, after setki11g aid from tire king of Hyn1/e, rode 0111 to see what could be do11e.
Byjoi11i11g tlte ard1itect11ral ge11i11s of tire Zora mid Hyn1/e'.~ teclmological prowess, East
Reseriroir Lake was swiftly built. Thanks to tl1isfr11itfi1/ partuerslrip, Hyrule was 110 louger
plagued by these devastating jloods. Ill gratitude, tire Zora ki11g promised tire ki11g of
Hyr11/e to mauage the reservoir level to profectall of Hyn,le from floods. Ead, Zora ki11g
since lras kept tlrat oatlr, spa1111i11g ten tlrousaud 1ears. 'Ihat is wiry tire reservoir sig11ifics
our bond ivit!1 Hyrule.

____

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~==Q~

364 The History ofHyrule: Chro11ology & Events

THE HISTORY THE HISTORY Q THE H1STOR1·
OF THE GORONS OFTHBRITO OF THE GERUDO

I Revali acceptsPrincessZelda's request to be After completing the necessary trials, JUST BEFORE
a Divine Beast pilot after she goes to Rito Urbosa is deemed worthy to pilot the THE EVENTS
After completing the necessary trials, Village a second time to meet with him. Divine Beast Vab Naboris. OFlOO
Daruk is deemed worthy to pilot the YEARSAGO
Divine Beast Vah Rudania. After completing the necessary trials, Urbosa practices operating the Divine
Revali is deemed worthy to pilot the Beast Vah Naboris in the area around
Daruk practices operating the Divine Divine Beast Vah Medoh. Gerudo Town.
Beast Vah Rudania in the area around
Goron City. Revali practices operating the Divine
Beast Vah Medoh in the area around
Rito Village.

' Fireblight Ganon takes over the Divine Windblight Ganon takes over the Divine Thunderblight Ganon takesover the Divine 100
Beast Vah Rudania and slays Daruk. Beast Vah Medoh and slays Revali. Beast VabNaboris and slays Urbosa. YEARS AGO:
THE DAY OF
THEGRE,AT
CALAMITY

The Guardians' assault stops, and disaster The Guardians' assault stops, and disaster The Guardians' assault stops, and disaster

is averted. is averted. is averted.

The Goron leader Bludo establishes the Kass inherits the songs left for the hero by AFTER
THEGRE,AT
Goron Group Mining Company. his teacher, the court poet. CALAMITY

Yunobo is born. Teba is born. The chief's daughter, Riju, is born.

Riju's mother dies. Riju is appointed chief
at a young age.

I 111e Divine Beast Vah Rudania rampages, 111e Divine Beast Vah Medoh ran1pages, The Divine Beast Vah Naboris ran1pages, THE PRE,SENT
flying low over Rito Village and firing on wandering across the Gerudo Desert,
keeping the Gorons from mining Death any Rito flying near it. disrupting travel and threatening the
Mountain Summit. residents there. Anyone who gets too close
runs the risk of being struck by lightning.
Death Mountain's volcanic activity
increases.Tourism to Goron City declines
due to the deadly magma bombs spewing
from the volcano's caldera.

THE HISTORY Lost lV'oods

OF '!'HEKOROKS Rumors of the legendary Master
Sword swirl among certain treasure
While many different races reside in Hyrule, there's some· hunters and at least one traveling
thing undeniably special about the forest spirits known as gossip, but the Lost Woods prevent
Koroks. They reside in the Korok Forest in the center of the any intrusion by outsiders, so the
Great Hyrule Forest, which grows around its protector, the existence of the sword's resting
Great Deku Tree. Tuey are invisible to ordinary folk, which place remains a mystery.
is why they don't appear in the annals of history.
Pedestal of tile ,W<1ster Swor,I
Tue Master Sword rests in its pedestal in Korok Forest,
and the Great Deku Tree has watched over it for the one The Great Deku Tree is one of the
hundred years since Princess Zelda placed it there. spirits that watch over Hyrule.
He keeps a watchful eye over the
The Koroks live in harmony with the Great Deku Tree Master Sword until it is needed
and aid in protecting the Master Sword.They transformed the
entrance to the Great Hyrule Forest into the Lost Woods to
drive awayintruders. They're a brave race who give everything
they have to aid the hero in their own way.

365

111e ki11gdo111 ofHyrule was once a land of lasti11g peace ......- Life in Hyrule
A culture ofsuch strength' a11d wit, that suffering did cease.
But Ga11011 lurked beneath the surface, strengthening' its jaws Woodcutters, farmers, horses carrying goods,
So tl,e a11cie11t people of Hyruleset out to ltelp the cause. and a lively town are illustrated here.

'Iheir efforts borefruit in arr auto111atedforce, THE KEYS TO THE SEAL
To lrelp avert Calamity by sealing' it at its source.
Pour gia11t behemoths for 111/ric/1 power 111wer ceased, • • •• ••• • ••• ••• • ••• •• • • • • • •• •• •• •••• ••• • ••
Bach of these titans was called a "Divine Beast. n Even with the po,ver of the Sheikah's advanced
Jl.11dfree-willed 111ac/1i11es that l1u11ted down tltdr prey technology,the sacred princessand the hero chosen by
'Ihese Guardians were built to last so tlrey could join the fray. the Master Sword are key to sealing Calamity Ganon
To guide Ille beasts i11 battle, warriors were 11eeded, away. This has been the fated cycle ofHyrule since the
So four Cl1a111pio11s were pledged to see Ga11011 defeated. era of myth.
Divine Beasts, Cltampio11s, princess, and knigltt,
'Iheir plan to rout Ga11011 was looking airtigl1t.
A11d w/1e11 Calamity Ga11011 reared its /,ea,/, Hyrulc rose against it
'Die optimism ofHyrulcall the more incensed it.

Ga11011 raged i11 its assault, boiling wit/1 Irate,
lt guns/red its teetlt a11d t/1ras/1ed about, but ii was all too late.

'11,c Guardians kept tl,e heroes safe tlirougl, every hour ...
'I11eDi11i11e Beasts unleashed attacks that weakeneti Ga11011's power.

1J1e /aero with lite sealing sword struck tltefiual blow,
Jl.11d th« Italypower of the princess sealed Ga11011 so.

-A11cie11t So11g, Second Verse

Tue kingdom of Hyrule has flourished since ancient times, but its history is
inextricably intertwined with a being who brings ruination and is sealed away,
only to revive and bring calamity again and again-a being known as Ganon.

But Ganon is not the only constant in the cyclicalhistory ofHyrule. lo every
age where Ganon rises up to cause chaos, there are born two defenders fated to
protect the kingdom: a warrior with the soul of the hero and a sacred princess
who is the goddess reborn. Together, the two are able to repel Ganon, allowing
the kingdom ofHyrule to flourish.

Eventually,the kingdom became so culturally and technologically advanced
that even the monsters that roamed Hyrule no longer posed a threat to its people,
but Ganon inevitably revived and threatened to destroy everything they had
built. No matter how advanced the kingdom had become, Ganon could only
be sealed a,vayby the hero and the sacred princess.

Tue Sheikah, in service to Hyrule'sroyal family,sought to aid the chosen hero
and the princess in their fated task by developing mechanical soldiers known
as Guardians and four gigantic weapons called Divine Beasts that were piloted
by Champions. The Guardians protected the hero and the princess, while the
Divine Beasts' attacks suppressed Ganon's power. TI1e hero then struck the final
blow with the Master Sword, and the princess, inheritor ofa sacred power,sealed
Ganon away;thus ushering in a new age of peace.

Their battle against Ganon has been passed down through the generations
in the form of a legend. The song above and the tapestry to the right are
surviving versions of the story of the battle against Calamity Ganon from ten
thousand years ago.

366

.....-----. The Sheikah and the Sheikah Slate

The Sheikah possessed advanced technology, some of which has survived through the
ages. 11,e Sheikah Slate, which would be recovered as a relic ten thousand years later,
can be seen in this illustration, along with a stone that seems to be a power source. To
the right of them is a figure who appears to be the king of Hyrule flanked by soldiers,
and behind them, astonished figures.

-!-t;:IC•t:J'I•<U::•,":r'I.;f," r1 1<1:. I•"tto=r..t,

1v1

L. f.;i·~ ri~~~
i~uir·11 1e1:ii\, 1I1I - -
:M"'r.!~l\~~i;;J-l\t::l1

SEALING SUPPORT L The Driving Out and Division of the Sheikah
The lower portion of the tapestry illustrates what happened following the sealingofGanon ten thousand years
•• •••• •• • •••• •• •••• ••• • ••• •• •••• ••• •• •• •• ago. On the far left are citizens ofHyrule behind the king ofHyrule, who is ordering his soldiers to pursue the
Calamity Ganon is visible in the center of the tapestry fleeing Sheikah. To the right, the Sheikah divide into those who retreated into their devotion to the goddess
surrounded by many Guardians aud Sheikah monks. Hylia and those who became militant. Since the Sheikah symbol is visible in the center of the border design, it
The fourDivine Beasts-Vah Ruta, Vah Rudania, Vah is likely that the story is told from their perspective.
Medoh, and Vah Naboris-can be seen in the corners,
as can the four skilled Champions THE DIVINE BEASTS NAMED FROM LEGEND

I 11,e origins of only two of the names of the Divine Beasts
are certain. The Divine Beast Vah Ruta was named for
chosen to operate them. It is said that the Princess Il,uto, born into the royal family of the Zora long
fifteen Sheikah Towers were to act like ago, and the name Vah Naboris is said to derive from the
radar to detect signs ofCalamity Ganon's Gcrudo Nabooru, Legend has it that both awakened as
reappearance as quickly as possible. Slwikalt Towers Sages and fought alongside the princess ofHyrulc and the
chosen hero against a wicked being.
Tirefour Champio11s of tire Divi11eBeasts. Their names and
races are u11kt1ow11. Divi11e Beast
VallRuta

367

THE SHEIKAH DIVIDED

Ten thousand years ago, the kingdom of Hyrule reached an advanced level of accepting the restrictions placed on them out of respect for their long-standing
civilization thanks in no small part to the technological prowess of the Sheikah,
The Sheikah have worked from the shadows to support Hyrule's royal family since ties to the royal family, They built a hidden village, now known as Kakariko Village,
the era of myth, and their contributions have been significant. Their technology
was key in helping the chosen hero and the princess seal Ganon away ten thousand and lived there in secret.
years in the past and usher in an age of peace, but the king ofHyrule at the time Those who violently rejected the king's decree formed a militant group that
began to fear and doubt the Sheikah. He became possessed by thoughts of
imagined Sheikah betrayal. He issued an order to abolish technology and began specialized in assassination, the Sheikah's original dark purpose. In time, they came
to oppress the Sheikah. The Sheikah's laboratories were closed, research was to follow Calamity Ganon. TI1eyretreated to the remote Gerudo Province, outside
prohibited, and data was destroyed. Their best researchers were expelled from of the kingdom of Hyrule's reach, and later formed the Yiga Clan. Their goal
the kingdom and monitored. Any Sheikah who dared oppose this order was met became eliminating Calamity Ganon's enemies, specifically the princess and the
with severe punishment, including Imprisonment. chosen hero.

This oppression led to dramatic changes within the Sheikah tribe and ultimately Within that first group, there were also those who chose to remain peaceful
to a division into two main factions. The moderate group chose to live peacefully, and loyal to the royal family while laboring in secret to keep the flames of
research burning.

As tl1e Sheikahs paths went separate ways, so did their homes. The Sheikah
drifted apart, scattering to all corners of Hyrule.

Kakariko Village Yiga Clau
Surrounded by tall mountains, this hidden villnge was built to avoid attention. A road that leads These agile assassins have the ability to appear and disappear at will. Their weapons are designed
to the Great Plateau, formerly the place ofsacred ceremonies, runs through the village to a Great specifically for quick and silent kills.
Fairy fountain located to the north.

NeTES

SHEIKAHTECHNOLOGY THE GODDESSHYLIA purpose was so deeply ingrained that the Sheikah
& THE SHEIKAH continued the mission entrusted to them so long ago
At the time that the Sheikah helped the hero and even alter their expulsion from the capital, with some
the princess seal away Calamity Ganon, their In the age of myth, the Sheikah were sent by the becoming monks.
technological capabilities outstripped those of goddess Hylia to protect her reincarnated mortal
their Hylian counterparts by a significant amount. form. The reincarnated goddess was said to have Both the Hylians and the Sheikah worship the
Up until that point the royal family's sacred power goddess Hylia. Carved statues of her both large and
made them the authority in Hyrule, but because of been an ancestor of the royal family ofHyrule, which small can be found across the land and are loved
the cycle of prosperity and decline of the kingdom by n1any.
of Hyrule, their technology was not able to keep up is why the Sheikah have guarded the royal family
with the Sheikahs, creating a massive technological from danger through the ages and been tasked with Goddess Statue [Kakariko Village)
imbalance, In particular, the ability to create and passing down legends and knowledge. Their original Goddess Statues have been touched by the faithful so much over
control gigantic mechanical structures and wield the years that they have taken on a rounded shape. The apron
an amount of power massive enough to subdue -~---------"' seen here is an expression ofthe Sheikahs unique culture.
Calamity Ganon was said to be on par with the
po,vers of the goddesses, and because of that, the
people ofHyrule began to fear the Sheikah.

The Sheikah clan have served the royal family
from the shadows and helped them maintain a pros-
perous Hyrule. Over their long history, they have

occasionally stained their hands with dark activities

like assassinations and executions. It is possible that
their history is a cycle of bloodshed.

368 10,000 YearsAgo: Lore

THEYIGA CLAN HIDEOUT & CURRENT ACTIVITIES

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It has been said that the militant branch of the Sheikah that fled to the Gerudo
Province are followers of Calamity Gan on, but there are no outward signs of
their allegiance in their present hideout, and without records from the last ten
thousand years, the details about this clan are unclear. It appears that they began
calling themselves the Yiga Clan just over a hundred years ago, when the first signs
of Calamity Ganon's revival began to appear. Their crest is an inverted Sheikah
symbol, and they take their orders from their master, Kohga.

The members of the Yiga Clan seem to hold more allegiance to their master
than to Gan on himself but share the common goal of eliminating the chosen
hero and the inheritor of the blood of the goddess. To maximize their chances
of finding the hero and the princess, they have spread themselves throughout
Hyrule. Disguised as travelers and moving in the shadows they will use specialized
techniques on the hero should they ever happen upon him. Not content in this
goal alone, they are also rumored to have snuck into Gerudo Town and stolen an
heirloom important to the Gerudo.

11,e Vig,, Clan use Gerudo ruins l11e Gerudo Desert lies in tl,e far southwest of Hy rule,
as a hideout and have placed where the royal family's power does not reach, The
noisemakers around the valley Yiga Clan's hideout is nestled deep witl1in the plateaus
to alert them to intruders. Past of Karusa Valley in tl,e 11ort/1er11 part of the Ger11do
the canyon and through the Desert that ever, the Gerudo, wl,o are accustomed to
entrance to the ruins is a grand desert living, cannot easily access. However, the nimble
hall covered in decorative scrolls Yiga Clar,seem to have no trouble r1avigating th« difficult
that conceal the hidden passage canyon terrain, comitig and going wit",I case.
to the hideout.

•.,,- ---•- - ·~., ' - Hideout Interior
Since the hideout is carved into the
., i ..J, cliff of the canyon and no sunlight
can get in, the inside is dim, lit only
J\ - by the red lanterns hung throughout.
Patterns like those found on the walls
·~ of ancient shrines can be seen within,
and the layout is similar to Kakariko
~. Village, showing their shared heritage
with the Shcikah.
'" •- . ~

YIGA CLAN SPIES Mighty Bananas
There is a large quantity of Mighty
11,e Vig,, Clan installed spies in Kakariko Village in order to try to learn the whereabouts of Bananas, the Viga's favorite food, stored
the hero. One of the spies fell in love and started a fumily with a woman there. The Yiga Clan in the hideout. 11,e Yiga Clan members
does not tolerate defection and assassinated his wife. He is forced to continue spying for the stationed in the hideout spend their
Vig,, Clan under the threat that they may harm his children. time either on guard or eating bananas.

J:l,,, Master Kohga

The current master ofthe Yiga Clan has inherited the name Kohga. It is said
that only the leader ofthe Viga Clan can master a secret technique that gives
him the same power possessed by ancient energy sources, and we can infer
that it comes from ancient technology passed down in secret.

369

ANCIENT
SHEi M0NKS

Within the Sheikah tribe of the ancient past, there were over one hundred monks in service
to the goddess Hylia. After doing their part to seal away Calamity Ganon, they offered
themselves to ensure the well-being of Hyrule in the future. 'They built shrines throughout
Hyrule containing trials that would become training grounds for the chosen hero as he
prepared for the inevitable revival of Calamity Ganon. 'They continue to wait for the hero,
practicing austerity to the point of death and mummification. Once their duty is fulfilled, they
award the hero their Spirit Orb, turn to dust, and quietly fade away.

370 10,000 YearsAgo: Lore

THE HIDDEN MEANING Sl,ee Va11eer a11d Shee Ve11atl1
occupy tl,e shrines on the
OF THEMONKS' POSES Dueling Peaks and impose
t-lu:paired trials ''Twin Me.m·
Ancient shrines appear all across Hyrule and don't
seem to folJow any particular pattern. However, ories." Their body positions
the four monks in the shrines of the Great Plateau,
Oman Au, Keh Namut, Owa Daim, and JaBaij, each are also paired.
make equilateral triangles with their hands, with
three pointing up and one pointing down, fonning 371
the shape of the Triforce.

Additionally, monks who issue tests of strength
have fists positioned like those of martial artists.
Ta'loh Naeg, whose shrine is just outside Kakariko
Village, is the highest ranking of the martial monks,
"Ta'loh Naeg's Teaching" provides the hero with
instruction for foundational combat techniques.

Here are examples of monks
wit/, the martial arts pose.
Sol, Kofi provides ''.A Minor
Test of Strength," Ta'loh
Naeg, being the highest ra11k·
ing martial 11,onk, emanates
autl,ority and wears clothing
of distinction.

After the sealing away of Calamity Ganon and the subsequent turmoil, the
kingdom of Hyrule enjoyed many years of peace.

Ten thousand years passed. Memory of the battle faded into legend, and
Calamity Ganon became a boogeyman of fairy tales. Only a few records and

songs passed down by court poets remained to recount the tale.
Although the kingdom of Hy rule no longer possessed the technology of the

past and could no longer be considered an advanced civilization, it flourished as

the central hub that bound together all the lands of Hyrule, Young people from

villages all over Hyrule aspired to one day come to Hyrule Castle, accomplish
great deeds, and go home heroes.

One day, a beautiful princess was born to the king of Hyrule, Rhoam
Bosphoramus Hyrule, and his queen. Tuey named her Zelda, as was the
tradition for the royal family ofHyrule.

The people of Hyrule celebrated her birth and hoped for even greater
prosperity, though that hope proved fleeting. Soon after Princess Zelda was
born, a fortune teller predicted that disaster would befall Hyrule, saying, "Ihe
signs of a resurrection of Calamity Ganon are clear:' After all these years, it
seemed Calamity Ganon would return.

However, there was hope in the fortune teller's prophecy. "The power to
oppose it lies dormant beneath the ground:' The king heeded the prophecy
and began excavating large areas of land. Soon after, the Guardians and the
legendary four Divine Beasts were discovered.

The prophecy put a great deal of pressure on Princess Zelda. The princesses
of the royal family each possessed a sacred sealing po1ver, and hers would be
needed in the battle to come. The queen herself possessed those sacred po,ver.s
and was to tutor Zelda in its awakening and use, but when Princess Zelda was six,
the queen died suddenly before she was able to pass on her knowledge. It was up
to Zelda alone to awaken her powers and seal the Calamity when the day came.

The ancient Sheikah relics, Princess Zelda's sealing power, the Divine Beasts
piloted by Champions, and the hero wielding the Master Sword were all that
would stand between Hyrule and Calamity, Seeking these, Hyrule entered a
period of deep unease, waiting for the prophesied return of Calamity Ganon.

Hyrule Castle Tow11 a Ce11t11ryAgo

Hyrule Castle and the thriving town connected to it were the center of Hyrule and the peak
of commerce and scholarship. With the fountain in Central Plaza at its heart, the town rippled
outward, its blue-roofed buildings forming neat rows.

Now, the grandeur of Hyrulc Castle Town can onl,y be conjured in one's imagination or the
memories of the few folks who still remember that time. The texts prior to one hundred years
ago were largely destroyed during the Great Calamity, and only a few notes, oral'traditions, and
songs remain.

NG FfJR CAL ITY

372

,., .)..

1:1DThe king ofHyrule, Rhoam Bosphoramus

Hyrule. 0 Princess Zelda assesses the results

of the experiments with the Guardians at
Hyrule Castle. ID Princess Zelda cleanses
herself in the waters of asacred spring as part
of her training to unlock her sealing power,
but to no avail.19 Link, the hero chosen by the
Master Sword. The future of Hyrule rests, in
large part, on his shoulders.~ Princess Zelda
reunites with the Champions, who are from
all parts ofHyrule.

373

EXCAVATI0NS & SURVEYS

0F ANCIENT RELICS

After the events of ten thousand years ago and up until one hundred years ago, excavated, one after another. These findings proved that the seal on Calamity
Ganon was not a legend or a fairy tale but a terrifying truth, and the dire nature of
Calamity Ga non was spoken of only in legends and fairy tales. That changed when the situation began to sink in.

a Hylian fortune teller foretold its revival. King Rhoam took the prophecy seriously Not one to sit back idly, Princess Zelda would end up taking great interest in the
and began preparing defenses against Ganon's return. research of ancient technology and found that she had an aptitude for it. She was
part of a significant breakthrough in tile study of these ancient relics when she and
The fortune teller predicted that finding ancient relics that had been crucial Purah discovered the object known as the Sheikah Slate. With it, they were able
in the battle to seal Calamity Ganon ten thousand years ago would be a critical to activate the Divine Beasts. In line with the ten-thousand-year-old legend, the
countermeasure in the fight to come, King Rhoam entreated the aid of the group royal family ofHyrule appointed four warriors to pilot the Divine Beasts against
that created these mechanisms, the Sheikah, who established a research institute Calamity Ganon and dubbed them Champions. Though their understanding of
under direct control ofHyrule Castle and began the excavation and surveying of the relics was accelerating, there was still much they did not know about them.
ancient relics. As a result of those efforts, four enormous relics were discovered:
the Divine Beasts. Their names were inscribed within them and matched the names
oflegend. Simultaneously, autonomous weapons known as Guardians were being

Remnants of Relic Excavation Guardian Testing

The royal adviser lmpa and Princess Zelda often visited excavation sites. The platforms in Gerudo Canyon An image of an experiment done by Sheikah researchers for activating and controlling
seen in the photo above still remain. an excavated Guardian, conducted in the courtyard on the western side of Hyrule Castle.

NerEs

THE FORTUNE TELLER RECONCILIATION ANCIENT RESEARCH INSTITUTE

The fortune teller was a trusted adviser of King In the face of this unorthodox crisis, King Rhoam In order to create effective measures against
Rho am and predicted the revival of Calamity Gan on made the decision to ally and work with tile Sheikah Calamity Ganon, a research center was established
and the existence of the ancient relics. once again. The battles between their people had under the direct control of the king. It was a given
faded into legend, and there were no longer those that the royal family would cover the costs of all
The reason we know that the fortune teller must who felt that the Sheikah posed a threat. Even then, research, but Hyrule Castle itself had a wealth of
have been a trusted aid or a high-ranking official is peace between them was a significant event and was ancient energy that was more valuable than money
because the king believed the prophecy and acted on only possible due to the peaceful group of Sheikah and critical for activating the relics. That energy and
it. Alternatively, it's possible that the fortune teller whose descendants remained in Kakariko Village the discovery of tile Sheikah Slate proved to be keys
n1ay have been the queen of Hyrule. Won1en of the and to King Rhoam's political prowess. for researching the Guidance Stones. Purah and
royal family have the sacred po,ver to seal but have Robbie were the brilliant young Sheikah that led
also been known to have premonitions, Though these ENORMOUS RELICS the research, and Princess Zelda joined them in rime.
theories are speculation, it is difficult to imagine
the king believing the words of a common prophet Four giant ,veapons in the form of beasts were The study of the relics was critical to Hyrule's
and bringing all of the resources of the nation to act excavated: the Divine Beast of water, Vah Ruta (an survival, but it also utilized an unknown energy
upon those words. elephant), the Divine Beast of fire, Vah Rudania that was potentially dangerous. There was concern
(a lizard), the Divine Beast of wind, Vah Medoh that Purah was being reckless in her aggressive
It is impossible to know the fortune teller's iden- (a bird), and the Divine Beast of lightning, Vall
tity, since no documentation remains that reveals Naboris (a camel). research methods so her sister, Impa, became the
that information. He or she either perished with the
kingdom, was ousted because his or her po,vers were overseer for ancient research as a royal adviser and
feared, or went into hiding. However, it is because was responsible for keeping Pu rah in check.
of this fortune teller's prediction that it was possible
to prepare for Calamity Canon's revival at all. The
fortune teller is a person of great importance in the
history ofHyrule, even if his or her name remains
unknown. He or she is a savior from the shadows.

'Ihe symbol of tl1e Sheikah and ancient text inside one of the
Divine Beasts.

374 About 100 YearsAgo: Preparing/or Calamity

EXCAVATION OF THE FOUR DIVINE BEASTS & THE GUARDIANS

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Under the orders of the king at the time, the banned Sheikah technology was
buried, starting with the Divine Beasts. Thankfully, the Sheikah kept secret records
of where the Divine Beasts were buried, two of which survived the ages. The
Divine Beast Vah Ruta could be found in Zora's Domain, and the Divine Beast
Vah Naboris was located in Gerudo Canyon.

Relic surveys of those areas Jed to the discovery of the Guardians, which were
brought back to the research center. Robbie, who was heading up the research of
the Guardians, began conducting trial runs on the relics. After much effort, they
were able to get them operational. That provided a measure of hope that they could
be used to defend against Calamity Ganon.

A surviving record stated that in ancient times the Guardians were stored in
five columns beneath Hyrule Castle. However, an exhaustive search of the castle
yielded no trace of the columns.

The locations of two of the Divine
Beasts were known, but the other two
were found for from Hyrule Castle.
Stories say that one was found on
Death Mountain and the other near
Rito Village. That means it is likely that
the king's expedition surveys covered
the entire expanse of Hyrulc.

RESEARCHINGTHE GUIDANCE STONES & THE SHEIKAH SLATE

Inside the four Divine Beasts are terminals known as Guidance Stones. At the to operating them, but they could not figure out how to activate them them-
time they were rediscovered, nothing could be done with the terminals, and selves. They did not fully understand the fundamental structure of the relics,
the Divine Beasts remained dormant. Priority was given to finding the device and it would be another hundred years before the method for accessing the
needed to activate them. Princess Zelda and the Sheikah Pu rah discovered a small shrines would become clear.
rectangular object called the Sheikah Slate. Pressing it against the Guidance Stones
in the Divine Beasts activated them. Once the Divine Beasts were active, each was G11ida11ce Stone A11cie11t Sl11"it1e
entrusted to one of four newly appointed Champions.

The Sheikah Slate not only was able to activate the Guidance Stones but had
the ability to take and store pictures as well, showcasing the impressive techno-
logical prowess of tile ancient Sheikah. Impa entrusted the study of the slate to
Princess Zelda.

The Sheikah Slate advanced their understanding of the mysterious ancient
shrines found throughout Hyrule. Legend said that the shrines were training
facilities for the hero, and it was apparent that the Sheikah Slate was the key

THE MYSTERY OF THE SHEIKAH SLATE Slieikal, Slate
This mysterious relic is a handheld device with
The Sheikah Slate is a one-of-a-kind relic that pushed research forward slgnlficantly, At the a screen that lights up and displays information.
time it was discovered, there were few mechanisms that accepted the Sheikah Slate and could It is made from an unknown material thought
be activated. In addition, such mechanisms were limited to the one used for research purposes to be the same as the material the shrines are
and the one in the Shrine ofResurrection, if we exclude those in the Divine Beasts. There made from.
are no records of where the Shcikah Slate was discovered, but since the mechanism accepting the
Shei kah Slate in the Shrine ofResurrection has only a pedestal, that presents a strong argument
that it was discovered there.

No record of the device's
actual name was found in any
of the excavated materials.
Since the relic was created by
the Sheikah, Purab suggested
the name Sbeikab Slate. Its
true name is unknown.

375

THE CHAMPI0NS

The research into ancient relics was
progressing as the revival of Calamity
Ganon began to feel imminent. Once
the Divine Beasts were activated, in
line with ancient tradition, four excep-
tional individuals were chosen from
across Hyrule to pilot them. Princess
Zelda herself traveled to their homes to
request their aid.

Together with the hero chosen by the
Master Sword, Link, they were dubbed
Champions by King Rhoam and led by
Princess Zelda. 1he team that would seal

Calamity Ganon was complete, Link,
with the sword that seals the darkness,
would be the linchpin, locking Ganon in
battle with the Champions piloting the
Divine Beasts supporting him. Then, it
would be up to Princess Zelda to seal
Calamity Ganon a,vay.

Princess Zelda ar,d the Champions

The five appointed Champions wore the same blue as Princess Zelda and gained a kind of celebrity among the people. Even though they were from
different Hyrulean races and came from vastly different walks of life, they forged a deep bond as they prepared to face that fated day.

THE HEROCHOSEN BY THEMASTER SWORD

Born into a line of knights, Link was skilled with a blade and bow and was also After the Champions for the Divine Beasts were chosen, there was an incident
an accomplished rider. Gripping the Master Sword this knight was to become at Hyrule Castle. A Guardian went berserk during a test run. Link deftly defeated
the key to sealing Calamity Ganon. it, earning himself a great deal of recognition. Impressed, King Rhoam made
him Princess Zelda's appointed knight. With no regard for his own personal safety,
It is said that the legendary Master Sword can only be wielded by a hero he loyally fulfiiled his duty to guard Princess Zelda with his life.
chosen by the sword itself, and its whereabouts had long been a mystery. The
details of how Link obtained the sword a hundred years ago have been lost to the Wearing/,is Cl,ampion's Tunic and riding a cliesbiut-,olored
mists of time, but since he was in possession of it for a number of years prior to horse, Linkfaithfully guarded Princess Zelda.
becoming a Champion, he was likely around twelve or thirteen years old when
it happened.

Extracting the Master Sword from the pedestal where it rests requires
unparalleled character and physical strength. The toll taken from the attempt will
kill anyone unworthy of wielding the blade. Because of this, it is clear that Link
always possessed extraordinary physicality and a strong heart worthy of a hero.
There are also stories ofLink besting all ofHyrule's seasoned knights when he was
only a child.

According to tales told by the long-lived Zora, Link visited Zora's Domain when
he was younger and formed a bond with them, defeating a Lynel and teaching
various skills to Zora children. This story sheds light on both his physical abilities
and his strength of character.

LINK'S FAMILY -..

There are no records of
Link's origin, but he is not
nobility. It is thought that
his hometown may have
been Hateno Village. Being
a country knight who rose
through the ranks to become
a Champion and Princess
Zelda's personal bodyguard

seems to have raised a few

eyebrows and caused a few
tongues to cluck.

376 About 100 YearsAgo: PreparingforCalamity

MIPHA, THE ZORA PRINCESS DARUK, THE STALWART GORON

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Mipha was the daughter ofDorephan, king ofZora's Domain. She was skilled with Daruk was the Goren Champion, chosen to pilot the Divine Beast of fire, Vah
a spear and possessed the power to heal. She piloted the Divine Beast of "rater, Rudania, He had a large, stout build, like a boulder, and the special power to create a
Vah Ruta, and even though she had a mild and quiet personality, she was the first defensivesphere around himself. A respected Goren elder,Daruks personality wasas
of the Champions to master the controls of her Divine Beast. largeas his stature, though he showed asofter,protective side around Princess Zelda.

Daruk a11d Li11k

Mipl,a and Link They were aquainted before Daruk

They had known each other since Link was chosen to be a Champion. Daruk
was a child. Hylians and Zora age very
differently, so the young Link seemed to was fond of Link because they had
become an adult very quickly to Mipha.
He held a special place in her heart _ _.-~,-; both strength and gluttony in common

--=;--·-""- and jovially gave him the nickname

"little guy."

Miplra a11d Val, Ruta Dttruk a11d Val, R11da11ia

'v\lhen the Divine Beast Vah Ruta was Vah Rudania is able to cling to the
discovered in Zora's Domain, those
present said that there was a sparkle outside of Death Mountain. Daruk
of excitement in Miphas usually calm
eyes. She was extremely proud ro be struggled to master the Divine Beast
chosen as a Champion and cared about
Vah Ruta, talking to the Divine Beast as but, with Link's support, became a
though they were partners.
proficient pilot. --".::.::lL::L....:.!....:...:._.::::t::!

REVALI, THE RITO WARRIOR URBOSA, THE CHIEFOF THEGERUDO

Even a1nong the skilled warriors of the Rito, RevaIi stood alone as the pride of ~>ll,."'K@)fdlK@)'~i{@l,"'&.<@)'~@lf'M<@)',.\,,"K@lf'd!K@)',.\,,"K@~K@Y"'\'1K@l,'1,',lK@Y~@l,"HlK@Y,.\,,"'K@WdlK@Ym
his people, racking up victory aftervictory in archery tournaments. While he was
never quite satisfied with operating a Divine Beast, he finally relented, agreeing Urbosa was the chief of the Gerudo and had the special power to control lightning.
to pilot the Divine Beast ofWind, Vah Medoh. It is appropriate that she was the pilot of the Divine Beast of lightning,VahNaboris.
Legend states that Calamity Ganon was once a Gerudo, which seemed to motivate
Urbosa in regard to this mission.

Revali at1d Link Urbosa and Zelda

Revali was so confident in his skills that Urbosa was close with Princess Zelda's
he was certain that he should be the key mother and had known the princess
to defeating Calamity Ganon. He was since she was a child. The Gerudo chief
dissatisfied with his role supporting Link was one of the few people that Princess
with the Divine Beast, and he was often Zelda, with all of her burdens, could
in poor spirits because ofit. open up to.

Revali and Val, Medoli Urbosa at1d Val, Naboris

Vah Medoh soars through the skies. Vah Naboris strides across the desert.
Greenery covers its back, and it re· The inner workings of its interior arc
sembles a flying garden with an elegant particularly complicated, and it is po-
shape. None but the flying Rito, such as tentially the most difficult ofthe Divine
the Champion Revali, can approach it. Beasts to operate. Even still, Urbosa
was able to manage.

~ Princess Zelda Visits Urbosa

THE CHAMPIONPILOTS Princess Zelda traveled all over Hyrule to request the aid of potential
pilots. Urbosa accepted her proposition without hesitation, but at least
The four chosen Divine Beast pilots were invited to the one of the Champions was less than enthusiastic and took convincing.
castle where they, along with Link, were appointed as Regardless, the four Champions all eventually agreed to aid the princess.
Champions, with Zelda as their leader. Afterward, the
four Champions of the Divine Beasts had to undergo TI,e I11a11gu1·atio11 Cere111011y
trials to measure their compatibility with the Divine
Beasts and were assigned one based on the results. The ceremony to inaugurate the Champions was held in Hyrule
They began to practice piloting their assigned beast, Castle's Sanctum. The five gathered warriors, with Princess Zelda
attempting to master its controls. Mipha trained with as their leader, were all appointed Champions.
Vah Ruta near Zora's Domain, Daruk trained with Vah
Rudania around Goron City, Revali piloted Vah Medoh
near Rito Village, and Urbosa operated Vah Naboris in
the desert near Gerudo Town.

377

With the reality of Calamity Ganon's imminent revival looming, Princess Zelda's Concurrently, Princess Zelda became a proper member of the relic research
responsibility weighed heavily on her. team. Along with Impa, tile bead ofrelic research, as well as the researchers Purah
and Robbie, she tirelessly worked to unlock the secrets of the ancient relics. She
Women born into Hyrules royal family were said to be sacred princesses, visited the lands where the Champions were practicing in their Divine Beasts in
inheritors of the blood of the goddess Hylia and the power that comes with it. person, both to train and to make adjustments to the beasts herself She worked
Many princesses were naturally adept at awakening and utilizing this po,ver. hard on a number of different projects to make sure that they would be prepared
Princess Zelda's mother was said to have felt the po,ver overflowing inside her. for Calamity Ganon with as many countermeasures as possible. She searched for
However,the queen passed awaysuddenly when Princess Zelda was six years old. every conceivable way to save Hyrule through understanding the ancient relics
The young Princess Zelda'ssealing power was expected to awaken, but her mother in addition to her strict training. King Rhoam, her father, did not see the value in
wasn't able to pass on any of her knowledge of that po,ver. her research and prohibited her involvement with the relics, ordering her instead
to increase her training.
The following year,at the age of seven, Princess Zelda was encouraged to begin
training to draw the dormant power out, but, try as she might, she was never able Ultimately, Calamity Ganon revived before Princess Zelda could awaken her
to awaken her latent ability. The Champions supported her as she made pilgrimage sealing power, but an event soon after drew out the full extent ofher po,ver.
after pilgrimage to the sacred springs to pray. She tried many different avenues,
but ten years passed without any results.

Trait1i11g at the Spri11gs Relic Research

Princess Zelda offered her prayers at the spring. She had to submerge herself in cold water, which Princess Zelda, who was put in charge of the Sheikah Slate by lmpa, redoubled her efforts, traveling
exhausted her strength and sometimes resulted in high fevers. the realm trying to understand the relics.

NeTES IMITATING ANCIENT CEREMONIES THE YIGA CLAN ATIACKS

l'enu~riNl'ffi Daruk, who could not bear to see Princess Zelda During one of Princess Zelda's many training and
unable to awaken her sealing power, proposed imi- research trips, the Yiga Clan sprang from the shadows,
THE SACRED PRINCESS tating an ancient ceremony in honor of Link being ,veapons drawn. In spite of Princess Zelda's resolve to
appointed Zelda's personal knight, thinking it might avoid him, Link was determined to fulfill his duty to
Legend has it that a young princess named Zelda help. The blessing contains many legends regarding guard her with his life. He leaped into action, deftly
fought alongside the chosen hero utilizing sacred the Master Sword. defeating the would-be assassinsand showing his true
power. Beyond her sealing po,ver, Princess Zelda fighting spirit. Rather than making Zelda fearful of
was said to have prophetic dreams from a young ANCIENT CEREMONIAL BLESSING pursuing training and research further, it became the
age, which led some to believe that she could hear pivotal moment that drew her closer to Link.
the voice of the goddess. Hero of Hyrule, chosen by the sword that seals the
darkness, you have shown unjlinching bravery and
DIARY & RESEARCH NOTES skill i11 theface of darkness and adversity, and have
proven yourself worthy ofthe blessingsofthe Goddess
Princess Zelda kept a diary in her room and Hylia, Whetl,er skyward bound, adrift in tin,e, or
research notes in a study dedicated to her research. steeped in the glowing en,bers of twiligl,t, the sacred
Additionally, a note next to a recipe in a cookbook blade isforever bound to the soul of the hero. Wepray
in Hyrule Castle's library stated that Princess Zelda for your protection and we hope that the two ofyou
loved fruitcake. will grow stronger together, as 011e.

Fruitcake Forged in the long-distant past, the sword that
seals the darkness, guardian ofHyrule, ancient steel,
Diary Research forever bou11d to the hero, i11 the na111e of Goddess
Hylia, I blessyou and your chosen hero. Over the seas
oftime and distance, when we need the golden power
of the goddess, our hope rests i11 you to beforever by
the hero's side. Again, we pray that the two ofyou will
grow stronger and be together as 011e.

378 About 100 Years Ago: Preparing/or Calamity

TRAINING TO UNLOCK THE SEALING POWER

Princess Zelda began training to unlock her sealing power at the
age ofseven-one year and three months after the unexpected
passing of her mother, the queen. Unfortunately, the technique
for unlocking the sealing po,ver is not written down in any
book; it is something that either comes naturally or develops
through mentorship with one who has already awakened their
power. With Princess Zelda's mother gone, she was responsible
for unlocking the sealing power herself, whether she possessed
the natural talent or not.

During her training pilgrimages Princess Zelda would wear
a white gown in honor of the goddess Hylia, purify herself
in the three springs tied to the three Golden Goddesses of
creation, and offer her prayers. The last of the springs that
Zelda visited was the Spring of Wisdom, located on Mount
Lanayru. Lanayru's decree is specific: "No one is allowed,
under the age of seventeen. For only the wise are permitted
a place upon the mountain," On her seventeenth birthday,
ten years after her training began, Princess Zelda ventured up
the mountain hoping that this final training journey would be
the key to unlocking her po,ver. To her dismay, it was not to be.

Spring of Power Spring of Wisdo111 Spring of Courage Locations of the Three Spri11gs
Of the three springs, this is the easiest Located at the freezing peak of Found in Farons dense tropical forest, All three springs can be found to the east of Central Hyrule and require journeying
to access. It's just off the beaten path. Mount Lanayru, this spring requires this spring is part of the mysterious on roads deep into nature.
a difficult journey through a treach- and ancient Zonai Ruins.
erous mountain pass to access.

RESEARCHRESULTS CONFLICTBETWEEN

Outwardly, it may have seemed that Princess Zelda plunged herself into relic research as FATHER & DAUGHTER
a means of escaping the dire reality ofCalamity Ganon's impending revival. However,she
was both logical and overflowingwith curiosity, which gave her a scholarly temperament, All ofthe self-doubt that Princess Zelda felt about being unable to unlock her power
Zelda had vast knowledge of the flora and fauna ofHyrule and conducted component was intensified by her proximity to Link, who seemed to be so naturally gifted. Link's
analysis tests on a number of things, including a study of the effects of ingesting a hot- silence also seemed to exacerbate Zelda's insecurities. However, once she saw Link
footed frog on soldiers and the artificial cultivation of the endangered flower known for who he truly was, her opinion changed. In a moment of personal growth, Zelda
as the silent princess. Princess Zelda had a great passion for research of all kinds. On realized that everyone, even Link, has struggles that go unseen by the world.
research surveys of relics, she was able to restore ancient technology to a working state,
putting her technological prowess on par with that of Sheikah researchers of the time. Ku1g Rhoam was also troubled by a deep personal conflict. Since his daughter was
unable to awaken her scaling power, he felt that it was his duty, as king, to be strict
toward her. The people were relying on her but were losing fuith, calling her the heir
to a throne of nothing but failure. However, if the Ganon prophecy were not looming
over their heads, he would have told her to take her time with her training. The king's
journal, found in Hyrule Castle, reveals a father who cares deeply for his daughter.

The last entry in the journal was made shortly after Zelda headed for the Spring
ofWisdom. King Rhoam knew that it was likely Zelda's final chance to unlock her
power before the prophecy was fulfilled, and resolved that, if this should fuil too, he
would speak kindly to her the next time they met and encourage her to research her
beloved relics. Unfortunately, the two would never see each other again.

-....- Hot-Footed Frog
The unique nutritional properties
of the hot-footed frog were found to
improve soldiers' physical abilities
for a short time. Princess Zelda was
determined to put this knowledge
to use in actual combat.

Sile11tPrincess
The endangered silent princess was
unable to thrive in captivity. Perhaps
it reminded Zelda ofherself ...

379

•



CALAMITY GAN0NtS REVIVAL

Tl1eMon1e11t of Revival Calamity Ganon appeared from deep under Hyrule Castle as though it would
On the way back from the Spring of Wisdom, the Champions were surprised when tbe ground began rend the sky asunder. Dark clouds gathered, and the area became a whirlpool
shaking. Rcvali flew nigh enough to sec Calamity Ganon's Malice spreading like a fog. of Malice.

Calamity Ganon's Malice spread like tendrils through the castle, permeating
the Guardians and turning them into pawns to attack Hyrule. The Divine Beasts,
key to subduing Calamity Canons great power long enough for Link and the
princess to seal it away, were possessed by phantom versions of Ganon. Though
the great Champions fought valiantly, none were able to stand against the dark
manifestations of Ganon, and the Divine Beasts were also turned against the people
they were meant to protect.

The Guardians flooded out ofHyrule Castle like locusts, turning Castle Town
into a sea of flames. Most people were killed in the initial onslaught, King Rhoam
a1nong them, and the wave of Guardians flowed out into greater Hyrule. The towns
of Central Hyrule bore the brunt of the assault and were annihilated. The proud
kingdom, which had withstood calamity big and small for millennia, was destroyed
by Calamity Ganon and its army of ancient automata.

Just when it looked as though nothing could stop Garton, Zelda's power
awakened, and she alone turned it back, sealing it within Hyrule Castle. The
Guardians' assault was stopped, and the survivors of the Great Calamity were left
to pick up the pieces.

THE GIANT COLUMNS CONTAINING THE GUARDIANS

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Calamity Canon's revival coincided with the appearance of the five giant colwnns of The Castle and Castle Tow11Destroyed
legend surrounding Hyrule Castle. These columns were built by the ancient Sheikah to Only the skeletal remains of the domiciles, walls, and roads of Castle Town remain.
house the Guardians in anticipation of Calamity Ganon's next revival, sensing the moment It is known that there were survivors, which seems to suggest that the town was not
it stirred, springing to life, and sending an army of Guardians to contain it. However, Ganon annihilated instantly. One of the known survivors was the court poet. 'TI1e quick-witted
was too cunning to be defeated the same way twice. lt took control of tile Guardians and member of the Sheikah tribe was able to escape to Kakariko Village.
made them its vanguard. Without their protectors, the castle, Castle Town, and the towns
and villages ofHyrule were powerless and fell one by one.

The brave soldiers ofHyrule were overwhelmed by the sheer number of Guardians
spewing forth from the columns, and by the time Link and Zelda made their way back from
Mount Lanayru to Hyrule Castle Town, it was already gone. The few remaining soldiers

fled to the Akkala region, and Link and the princess retreated toward Necluda
with Guardians pursuing them. The soldiers, Link, and the princess would be
forced into desperate battles.

Hyrule Castle Town, villages, ranches, garrisons, and other settlements
were mowed down by the merciless Guardians. The region shO\VS no sign
of recovery, and the ruins have become home to monsters over the last

one hundred years. Central Hyrule wears their remains as scars of the
Great Calamity.

The Giant Colr111111s
The columns were storage facilities for the Guardians and were buried
deep underground in key locations surrounding Hyrule Castle. When they

were functioning properly, they emitted the soft blue glow of ancient
energy, but those under the control of Calamity Ganon's Malice glowed

an ominous pink.

y •y

382 The Great Calamity: Downfall

THE CHAMPIONS'DOWNFALL

When Calamity Ganon revived, the Champions were accompanying Princess Zelda
from her final training pilgrimage at the Spring of Wisdom on Mount Lanayru.
Together, they felt the ground shake and saw Hyrule Castle engulfed in darkness.

With Princess Zelda's sealing po\verstill dormant, Daruk came up with a desperate
plan to stop Calamity Ganon. Link would confront Ganon head on while the four
Champions would lend their support. With that, Link headed to Hyrule Castle and
the other Champions to their Divine Beasts.

However, Malice had already assumed control of the beasts, and phantom versions
of Ganon awaited the Champions. Each one of them perished, and theirspirits were
trapped within the Divine Beasts for the next one hundred years.

Princess Zelda and the others see Calamity Ganonfrom the easterngate ofLanayru Road.

'Ihe Divine Beasts Corrupted

Four precisely aimed globs of concentrated
Malice were launched at the Divine Beasts,
corrupting them and turning into phantom
versions of Calamity Ganon. \.Vith the Divine
Beasts under their control, they attacked Hyrule.

'Ih« normally well-maintained paths thro11gl1 tire Divine Beasts, now clogged Due to the distance between the cast gate of Lanayru Road, Hyrule Castle, and the standby positions of the Divine
will, Malice. Beasts, it is impossible to know what state Hyrule was in when the Champions reached their designared positions.

THE SPIRITS OF THE FOUR CHAMPIONS Mipl,a, her spirit freed, looks
toward Zora's Domain wistfully
Once Calamity Gan on took control of the Divine Beasts, it created phantom versions of itself. and remembers lier people, her
The Phantom Ganons were a combination of Calamity Canons Malice and ancient weaponry [ather, and the lifeshe left bel,ind.
and wielded the elemental power of the Divine Beast that they'd taken over, whether that be
fire, wind, water, or lightning. 383

\.Vhen the Champions arrived at their respective Divine Beasts, they fought the Phantom
Ganons in an attempt to reclaim them and support Link. None survived. Not even the stout
Daruk was able to withstand the awesome might of Fireblight Canon, and Urbosa, though she
controlled lightning itself, fell to Thunderblight Ganon.

Not only did the Phantom Canons defeat the Champions; they imprisoned their spirits
within the Divine Beasts. Since no one but a Champion is able to enter a Divine Beast, and all
the Champions were presumed dead, the fate of the spirits of the Champions was grim. Mipha
spent each day in hopeless sorrow, and the other Champions could only hope that somehow, Link
would come to take back the Divine Beasts. It is said that strong-willed spirits are occasionally
able to lend their power to that of the chosen hero. If Link were alive, perhaps they would still
have a chance to assist him in taking down Calamity Ganon.

When Daruk's spirit isfreed,lie is
able to seel,is /1ometown oncemore
and is content knowing tlral tlie
Gorons arestill going strong.

THE Twe FeRTRESSES &

THE FINAL BATTLES

It is possible to infer what happened during the Great Calamity from the
path of destruction caused by the Guardians, the ruins, the wreckage of
destroyed Guardians, and the verbal history passed down by those who
survived the Calamity.

After the Guardians were corrupted, they flowed outward from Hyrule
Castle. First, they destroyed Castle Town and then spread out in all
directions, annihilating the towns, garrisons, and outposts ofHyrule Field.
From there, they pushed on into greater Hyrule. Most settlements were
destroyed, leaving only ruins behind, but two fortresses stood their ground
and mounted impassioned defenses: Akkala Citadel, the final battleground

of the kingdom of Hyrule, and Fort Hateno, the destination that the

desperate Link and Zelda were attempting to retreat to. The remains of these
two fortresses tell of fierce battles.

RETREATING TO THE FORTRESSES

Defensive force: With Hyrule Castle compromised, the soldiers of
Surviving Hytulean soldiers
Result: Defeat the kingdom ofHyrule fell back to Akkala Citadel, a
mighty fortress thought to be impregnable. Though
Defens,ve force: Hateno Village
inhabitants. surviving Hyrulean forces they fought valiantly, the soldiers were unable to
Result: Successful defense
withstand the Guardians' assault. Akkala Citadel was
Li11k, fuljilli11g his duty to pro- the last stand of the proud kingdom of Hyrule and the
tect Princess Zelda, leads lier location where it was extinguished.
througl, theforest.in a11 attempt
to get lier to Kakariko Village. While the soldiers fled to Akkala, Link and Zelda
The skilled k11ight defeats
many Guardians alo11g the made their way toward Necluda and Fort Hateno, from
way but, injured and fatig11ed, which they could head north and deliver Princess
finally succumbs and collapses Zelda to the safety of Kakariko Village. Using the
on Blatchery Plain, half a day
away from Kakariko Village. dense forests as cover, they escaped along the river,
guiding the remaining survivors as they went. Though

they were exhausted from the retreat and skirmishes

with the Guardians along the way, the survivors

and forces from nearby Hateno Village summoned

the strength to make one last stand at the frontier
stronghold, Fort Hateno, They successfully held off
the advance of the Guardians, sparingHateno Village
just beyond the fort from the devastation of the Great
Calamity. Fort Hateno continues to be spoken of with
reverence as the miraculous fortress that withstood
the unstoppable assault of the Guardians, protecting
Hateno Village and its people.

Though the role that the Champion Link played
was not known to many, the great number of
Guardians that Calamity Ganon sent in pursuit of the

chosen hero shows just how much ofa threat Calamity

Ganon felt him to be.

• Destroyed The Guardians' Advance

Unk and Zelda's EscapeRoute

The Survivina Soldiers' Escane Route

Here is Blatcl,ery Plain as seen
from Fort Hate110. T11e remai11s
of the Guardia11s litter the area,
reminders of the fierce battle.
Ma11y of tl,e decayi11g husks of
tl,e Guardians surrounding Asl,
Swamp were destroyed wl1en
Li11k collapsed and Princess
.._ __, Zelda~ power awakened.

384 The Great Calamity: Downfall

THE MIRACULOUS FORT HATENO

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According to local legend, Fort Hateno was defended by a makeshift militia 'f/,e Guardians assaulted Fort Hate110from Blatchery Plain, 'Ilic remains of Guardim1s climbing
from Hateno Village and the surrounding area, along with the Hyrulean soldiers thefortress walls can still be see11.
stationed nearby. Unlike the sturdily constructed Akkala Citadel, Fort Hateno
was a simple structure far from Central Hyrule, and it has been speculated that is
why it escaped significant damage.

Inreality, Link destroyed a significant number of Guardians en route, and with
Princess Zelda's po,ver awakening and disabling all of the Guardians around her,
the forces heading to Fort Hateno were greatlyweakened. That gave those at the
fort the edge they needed to avoid a protracted battle with the Guardians and set
the stage for the miracle of Fort Hateno.

The present-day Fort Hateno is a simple barricade reinforced by wood where
the original was destroyed by the Guardian attack. It hasn't been restored because
the people were forced to prioritize rebuilding their lives following the attack,
and, more practically,because those skilled in stonemasonry were wiped out, along
with the knowledge ofhow to repair stone buildings. Even ifthat weren't the case,
the people of this region lack the funds to make comprehensive repairs to the fort.

}),- Fort Hateno's Line of Defense r-~1~~~~~§;~~ Here are tl,e wooden platforms made
for soldiers 011 theside of tl,efort [acing
Fort Hateno sits at a chokepoint in a valley along the road from Central Hyrule to Hate110 Village. The portions of the
Necluda, and its appearance suggests it was more ofa checkpoint than a fortress. wall destroyed in the assault have been
There are no permanent living quarters for soldiers, so it's likely that they came reinforced witl1 simple wooden lattice
from elsewhere to work their shifts, and it can be inferred that Fort Hateno's barricades. It kas not been repaired
purpose was to observe the coming and going ofpeople between Central Hyrule since that. day, so it's still possible to
and Necluda. conjure 11p images of wl,at l1appened
duri11g the battle.
Since it was never intended to face a full-scale assault, it didn't have the space
to deploy soldiers like Akkala Citadel did. It's said that on the day of the Great ROBBIE'S ATONEMENT
Calamity, all they could do was shoot arrows from the wall in an attempt to slow
the approaching Guardians. Perhaps forty or fifty years after the day of the Great Calamity, Robbie, the lead Guardian
researcher, created the first weapon that was effective against the mechanical monsters:
The road from Central Hyrule passes between the Dueling Peaks, creating a the ancient arrow. It is said that while testing his new weapon, he annihilated a few str•)'
bottleneck that slowed the Guardians down, but Blatchery Plain, right in front of Guardians still patrolling near Fort Hateno. Some say that this was his way of atoning for
Fort Hateno, is a wide-open space that made defense difficult for the protectors his deepest regret: not providing Link with weapons effective against the Guardians on the
ofNecluda. There was also a limit to how many people could stand on the wall at day of the Great Calamity. He thought that ifthe hero had those weapons he might have
the same time, so their defensive capabilities were minimal. With Hateno Village stood a chance.
being so close, reinforcements were readily available, but because the fort was not
meant for a prolonged battle, there wasn't anyone there capable of coming up with If this story is true, then some oft he Guardians surrounding Fort Hateno were destroyed
a long-term strategy for extended warfare. by Robbie and not in the assault. That could mean that the people fought against slightly fewer
Guardians on the day ofthe massive defensive battle than is currently thought.
It is obvious from the remains of the Guardians that were in the process of
climbing the wall of Fort Hateno when they were destroyed that the fort was mere
moments from being overrun. It is reasonable to call the successful defense of this
frontier outpost a true miracle,

The defenders can only attack in one
direction, and their fitepower is limited.

The narrow road limits the number of Guardians 'Ih« l1eigl1tof the walls sl,ows that they were b11ilt to ward off otlier
that can enter the wide Blatchery Plain at one time. Hyruleans, not Guardians, The top levels were destroyed ir, the
figl,ting as the Guardians scaled the wall.

"' Guardians'Assault

Fort Hateno's Defensive Range
GuardiansHeld at Bay

385

AKKALA CITADEL: THE KINGDOM OF HYRULE'S LAST STAND

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Akkala Citadel, which watches over the Akkala region, was said to be an impenetrable
fortress. With the king gone, the kingdoms soldiers were in disarray and fell back to
this famed fortress in order to put up an effective resistance.

The soldiers were overrun, and, one hundred years later, few know about this
citadel. However, looking at the topography and the citadel's ruins, details of the battle
become clear.

~ Akkala Citadel's Tactical Functions Can11011s

Akkala Citadel sits in the middle of two roads that enter Akkala, one on each side, 11,e cannons were the last line of defense the soldiers of Hyrule had against the Guardians.
and is perched high atop a peak in between them. A sheer cliff face forms a natural They still stand where they were last used. Exposure to wind and rain has rusted them, and
border all the way from the northwest side to the northeast side. A stone staircase to spider webs now adorn the barrels. They wW not sec action again.
the citadel runs clockwise up the peak from the former Akkala Bridge in the southeast.
'TI1e south side of the citadel faces the main road into Akkala, so a high stone wall \YaS ~
constructed for defense.
THE DEFENSE OF AKI<ALAFORTRESS
It is unclear how many soldiers defended Akkala Citadel, but due to the scale of the
fortress, it's likely that many skilled soldiers were needed. The Akkala parade ground is
to the south of the citadel, and it is possible to see the living quarters at the top of the
citadel, so it's clear that there were soldiers present continuously, even in peacetime.

Reaching Akkala Citadel requires crossing the Akkala Span and Akkala Bridge.
Due to its elevation, transporting provisions to the citadel would have been extremely
difficult. In other words, during times of siege it was not possible to reinforce the
position. It would have had to be built to be self-sufficient and must have had enough
provisions to last several months or perhaps several years.

Akkala Citadel's primary function was to repel invaders from across the sea and
keep them from marching on Central Hyrule. The batteries were set up to annihilate an
enemy coming from the sea, with battery 3 being the first point of attack and batteries
l and 2 cleaning up the forces that made it through. However, the battle that ultimately
took place against the Guardians had Akkala facing an enerny assaulting them from
Central Hyrule.

There were two routes that led from Central Hyrule to Deep Akkala: the route that
crossed from west to east on the south side of Akkala Citadel and the western road
that descended a long road ill to the valley. The western road was directly exposed to an
attack from the fortress, which made it unsuitable for an invasion. Even if the invader
managed to make it through the barrage headed its ,vay from the citadel, from bell ind
it would have been exposed to counterattack from the fortress. TI1us, it would have
made more sense for an enemy to try to attack via the southern road, but they would
have had to face the three well-positioned batteries if they made the attempt. It was
thought that the powerful batteries would provide an onslaught that a foe could not
hope to survive. Batteries 1 and 2 had different fields of fire due to the difference in
their elevation, increasing their firepower and attack range. Battery 3's range covered
the east side of Akkala Citadel and eliminated the enemies that survived attacks from
batteries 1 and 2.

Due to these factors, Akkala Citadel could have defended itself from any traditional
foe attacking from either direction and was a more than sufficient defensive position
for the large tactical role it played in the defense ofHyruJe.

However, the Guardians' assault was outside the realm of what those that designed
Akkala Citadel could have imagined. Faced with an unanticipated amount of firepower
and numbers from an unanticipated route, the impenetrable fortress finally fell.

There are still traces of how people lived insid« the long-ut1disturbed citadel.

386 The Great Calamity: Downfall

The Citadel and the Tower
The Akkala Tower is presently visible emerging through the
center of the Akkala Citadel ruins. 11,e citadel boasted top-
tier construction, but the existence of the Sheikah Tower
was not discovered during its creation. 11,e tower was likely
buried deep within the ground. One can only speculate how
events would have changed had they discovered the tower
at that time.

There are no cannons in either Hyrule Castle or the military training can1p.
Aside from the Sheikah's technological terrors, the cannons were likely
the most powerful weapon in Hyrule.
The fact that Akkala Citadel possessed
them indicates that a significant level
of fighting was anticipated. While it
isn't known how powerful the cannons
were, it is obvious from Akkalas tactical
significance that they played a large role
in Hyrule's defense.

Battery 1

Located at the top of the citadel, battery I was likely the heart of Akkala Citadel's military
strength, Nothing stood a chance if targeted by an accurate shot from a battery that high up.

Battery 2

Battery 2 is below battery I and provided crossfire for it. It is closer to the ground and was
used to completely destroy the remnants of the enemy.

Battery 3

--.-- - --

This battery stands alone atop a llngulatc plateau and is capable of covering the road near
Sokkala Bridge.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

387

PRINCESS ZELDA'S AWAKENING

& LINK'S SLUMBER

With the Divine Beastscorrupted and the spirits of the Champions trapped inside, Trusting the voice, Princess Zelda had the Sheikah take Link to the Shrine of
Link grabbed Zelda'sband and retreated with her through the forests.Right outside Resurrection. In order to restore his battered body, the hero was placed into a long,
Fort Hateno, Link's legendary strength finallygave out and he collapsed. Princess deep slumber.

Zelda begged him to run and save himself, but be refused, rising to his feet to face Princess Zelda took the Master Sword, which Link had used to fend off many
Guardians, to its pedestal in the forest. The legendary blade had been damaged in
his destiny. Seeing his state, Princess Zelda placed herself between Link and the the fighting, and it too needed time to recover. Princess Zelda believed that Link
Guardians, protecting him with her body and sticking her hand out as though would return to reclaim it in the future and entrusted the sword to the protection
willing the Guardians to stop their advance. Just then, the mark of the Triforce of the spirit of the forest, the Great Deku Tree.
appeared on the back of her hand, and the princess was surrounded by a powerful
light. Princess Zelda's sealing po\ver had awakened. The light drove Calamity Then, alone, she headed to Hyrule Castle to confront Calamity Ganon. With
Ganon's Malice from the Guardians, and one by one, they ceased functioning. her sealing power awakened, she was able to suppress its power. The kingdom of
Hyrule had been destroyed, but Princess Zelda succeeded in stopping the invasion.
Although Zelda had taken care of the immediate threat, Link was near death.
It was then that Princess Zelda heard a voice from within the Master Sword: "He
can still be saved:'

,

..

NerEs

treAUlJ~SIS\llm6\!S\flt.!W.U~

THE TRIFORCE THE VOICEWITHIN SHRINEOF RESURRECTION
THEMASTER SWORD
The Triforce crest is made up of three equilateral Of the shrines found on the Great Plateau, the
triangles. Since the actual relic plays a large part in A voice from within the Master Sword called out Shrine of Resurrection is unique. It houses a
the creation myth ofHyrule, its symbol is often used to Princess Zelda after Link collapsed. Zelda was treatment facility rather than a trial. A massive
in heraldry and artisinal decorations. able to hear it because her po\ver had awoken. The device where a person can be placed lies within.
sword offered guidance and helped the princess save Once the patient is in position, the device fillswith
The Triforce itself is said to contain the power of Link from the brink of death. Though Zelda knew a mysterious healing liquid, starting the process of
the goddesses, but that cannot be confirmed since Link would likely lose his memories in the healing resurrection. The critically injured Link was carried
the only verifiable po,ver tied to the Triforce in this process, the sword persuaded her to send the hero to here by the Sheikah.
era was the light that appeared from Princess Zelda's the Shrine of Resurrection.
right hand. Unfortunately, nothing more is known
regarding the Triforce. It has been said that the voice in the sword sounds
like a woman, which echoes the myth passed on
through the ages of a sword spirit who once fought
alongside the hero.

A relief chiseled into the 'I11e Master Sword glows witl, an inner ligl,t and tells Princess
surface of tl,efloor of Hyrule
Castle Towns central square Zelda what.she must do next,
is pictured here. Symbols
similar to tl,e ones seen here 'I11e treatment table is sl,aped like a dish and filled with liquid.
are carved around the Spring The mark of the Sheikah can be seen o,i the headrest.
of Power, Spring of JVisdo1111
and Spring of Courage, due
to tl,eir connections to the
goddesses.

388 The Great Calamity: Downfall

PRINCESS ZELDA'S JOURNEY

j)>~@>,"'d\K@m."l<@>,"'d\K@Y~@l?&.<@YilllK@lf,i.1K@Y,.,"i1K@l?&.<@Yd."1K@>,1'J.<@Y,.,~@>,"'d\K@Y,.,~@>,"'d\K@)',.,~@l?J.IK@Y~@>,"'d\K@Yd."K@l?d!K@Yill1K@l?dlK@Y,.,"i1K@>,1'J.<@)',.,~@>,"'d\K@Y"~@>,'W.IK@Y~@>,'Y.IK@Y~@>,"'d\K@Y~~

Impa had ordered a large-scale search for Princess Zelda, and when Entrusts the Master Sword
her sealing power awakened on Blatchery Plain, there were several to the Great Oeku Tree.
Sheikah headed for her location. Princess Zelda entrusted the
critically injured Link to the Sheikah and gave them the Sheikah Slate
as well, to operate the Shrine of Resurrection. She then headed to
Kakariko Villageto pass on a message to lmpa. From there, she made
her ,vay to Korok Forest to place the Master Sword in its pedestal to
recover. Princess Zelda's decisive actions after her power awakened
gave Hyrule the best chance of surviving Calamity Ganon.

Princess Zelda leaves
a message wirh lmpa.

Link is sealed in the
Shrine of Resurrection.

The Sheikah Arrive on the Scene
The agile Shcikah arrived just moments after Link collapsed. After hearing
Princess Zelda's talc in Kakariko Village, Purah and Robbie hurried to the Shrine
of Resurrection to look after Link.

THE MASTERSWORD RESTS

The Great Deku Tree has watched over Hyrulefor a very long time. Princess
Zelda trusted that the Master Sword would recover while under his watchful
gaze.It is clear that Princess Zelda was prepared to sacrifice herself in order
to suppress Calamity Ganon, but a fewwell-chosen words by the wise Great
Deku Tree made her reconsider her options.

T11e Master Sword a11d the Pedestal
The voice inside the Master Sword provided invaluable advice following Zelda's awakening, but this is
where the two had to part. Zelda spoke to the sword, saying that although the Slumber of Restoration would
most certainly deprive Link of his memories, he would arrive before the legendary blade again one day.

389

jl

ir:

A11 a11cie11t /1ero, a Calamity appears,

j ••

·-\ I~\ .'• ...

-

HYLIAN SETTLEMENTSBEF0RE

& AFTER THE CALAMITY

Calamity Ganon's revival and the subsequent assault by the Guardians leveled Central Hyrule
all the Hylian settlements in their path. There are currently just a few Hylian Other than Hyrule Castle Town, there
settlements left, but looking at the ruins of villages and buildings from one were not many large, prosperous towns
hundred years ago indicates that Hylians used to be widely distributed throughout in Central 1-lyrule, but from the number
Hyrule. This section explores how the Great Calamity affected the lives of the
Hylian people. of ruins in the area, it is apparent that it
wasfar more populated than it is now.

}:,,,- Former Hylian Population

The Hylian population distribution seen in the map to the left is an
estimation based on present-day ruins.

Central Hyrule bustled with activity from Hyrule Castle II and Hyrule

Castle Town, and the population spread out southward into Hyrule Field
with garrisons, villages, and trading posts. The southern portion of Central

Hyrule boasted two outposts and Gatepost Town G)-G) and is thought to

havebeen used as awaypoint for those on pilgrimagesto the Great Plateau or

travelers headed for Lanayru or Gerudo Desert. Kakariko VillageIll, home

of the Sheikah, must have been full of people coming and going, since
many Sheikah were researching ancient relics in Central Hyrule.

Ruins of settlements like Shadow Hamlet O can be seen at the base

of Death Mountain. It can be speculated that many people traveled the

8roads leading from Akkala Citadel to the base of Death Mountain on

their ,vay to small villages or on pilgrimages to the Spring ofPower,

}:,,,- Current Hylian Population

All of the settlements in Central Hyrule, including Hyrule Castle II, were

destroyed by the Guardians. Very few Hylian population centers escaped

destruction, but those that did include Hateno Village Iii, due to the

miraculous defense of Fort Hateno, Lurelin Village II, and Kakariko

Village Ill, whose inhabitants were well versed in martial warfare and

whose terrain is inhospitable to Guardians. These villages see a few

travelers come and go, but by and large are unable to keep consistent

contact with the other surviving villages.

With the number of habitable villages greatly diminished and spread

out, a network of stables was established to support the travels of

merchants and treasure hunters. Additionally, the newly constructed

TarreyTown D in northeast Akkala is one of the few signs of recovery

found in Hyrule.

}:,,,- Location Names O Shadow Hamlet Ruins O Central Square 49 Exchange Ruins fl) Temple ofTime II Hyrule Castle
O Akkala Citadel Ruins IiiHateno Village
C!) WaterReservoir O Kolomo Garrison Ruins G) Eastern Abbey II Lurelin Village
E) Military Training Camp 4D Gatepost Town Ruins
G) Quarry Ruins fD Sage Temple Ruins Ill Kakariko Village
O Rauru Settlement Ruins G) Outpost Ruins
O Moor Garrison Ruins CD Castle Town Prison Ql Royal Ancient Lab Ruins D Tarrey Town
O Goponga Village Ruins G) East Post Ruins
O Hyrule Castle Town Ruins f) Mabe Village Ruins fl Marilla Exchange Ruins
~ Deya Village Ruins
$ Ranch Ruins f,D Tabantha Village Ruins
$ Hyrule Garrison Ruins G) Coliseum Ruins

392 The Present: Resurrection of the Hero

THE DESTROYED SETTLEMENTS

))>,.,I\N<:@l,"HlK@Y~@l,'1;lH{@)'~@l,"'&.{@>ll,."K@lf',!,!K@)',.,'\'1({@)l'l"G11(@)',.\,,".(@l,"'&.<@)bl\N<:@»,"JllK@)',.,I\N<:@l,"HlK@Yr.Wll-O

After the Great Calamity, Central Hyrule was left a charred plain. Texts and critical
documents stored in the settlements were lost in the blaze, and, since fewHylians
survived the Great Calamity, 1nany details ofHyrule from before a century ago are
a mystery. The devastation was widespread, and it is difficult to analyze the ruins
in a cornprehensive fashion due to their great number. This section attempts to
piece together the state ofHyrule as it existed one hundred years ago.

O Shadow Hamlet Ruins U11k11own Re11111a11ts 8 Military Training Camp

Many fragmentary ruins dot
Blatchery Plain and Tumlea
Heights, but the structures
were so thoroughly demo·
lished that it is unclear what
they wereoriginally.

f) Akkala Citadel Ruins

This small hamlet once existed at the eastern base of Death This citadel in Akkala was equipped with cannons and said to be Once the training ground of Hyrule's soldiers, the camp has
Mountain. Only a few charred remains of homes are left standing. impregnable. Its solid exterior is still in one piece, but the facility become a fortress for monsters. They have erected new scaffold-
It is likely that they had no means to resist the Guardians and locatedat the pinnacle of the building is a pile ofrubble infected ing around the remains of the facility, making it a stronghold for
were annihilated before they had a full understanding ofwhat by Calamity Canons Malice. the very things soldiers were meant to fight.
had happened in Central Hyrule,
8 Moor Garrison Ruins G Goponga VillageRuins
ORauru Settlement Ruins

Just to the south ofthe training camp are the remains ofRauru The Moor Garrison was located in the Lanayru v\lctlands and has This village was built on Goponga Island in the Lanayru
Settlement. Several buildings can be seen just off the road. It largely maintained its shape. Bokoblins have taken up residence Wetlands. Judging by the number of structures, this island was
was too close to Hyrule Castle to escape destruction. Some of in what was once a spacious one-story building and a sturdy two- likely heavily populated. A system ofbridges once connected
the buildings lean at an angle, indicating there may have been a story building, both surrounded by what looks like the remains the islands to the mainland. Now, the village is only inhabited
landslide. Restoring this settlement would be difficult. of an external wall. by the imp-like Wi1:,robes.

393

It's clear from looking at the ruins that Hyrule Castle and its accompanying town occupied a large amount
ofspace. The remains of a reservoir and a rock quarry that accommodated the people in the area are nearby.
Hyrule Field is now a wide-open plain but used to be dotted with settlements, including Mabe Village, the
ranch, garrisons, exchanges, and stables that tied the entire area together as one prosperous region. The
coliseum located in the southwest corner of Central Hyrule must have hosted massive events, and, based
on its size, entertained large crowds.TI1e stables helped connect Central Hyrule to the restof Hyrule and
would have made commerce and pilgrimages to places like the Great Plateau a straightforward endeavor.

O Hyrule Castle Town Ruins 8 Central Square f) Water Reservoir

Once a beautiful city, Hyrule Castle Town was at ground zero Central Square was the centerpiece ofHyrule Castle Town and The Water Reservoir is located just to the west of Hy rule Castle
ofthe Guardians' assault and reduced to Malice-infected rubble. suffered heavy damage. Once a place of rest, it'snow a reminder Town and is connected to it by a road. It was likely used for
The skeleton oft he town can still be seen and gives a good idea of the sufferingthat took place here. The Guardians that overran citizens' daily water needs. AJI that remains is a small, burned-out
as to the shape it once took. Many Guardians still patrol the area. the castle and Castle Town likely started their attack in Central shack sitting next to its still waters.
Square and spread out radially.
G) Quarry Ruins 4D Mabe Village Ruins
CD Castle Town Prison

The quarry west of Hyrule Castle Town provided all the stone There was a prison to the west of Hyrule Castle. TI1e stone This village was located on the Mabe Prairie in Central Hyrule.
used in the construction of the structures nearby. There are no structure of the building was damaged and the rest was burned Due to its proximity to Hy rule Castle Town,it was likelythe next
ruins, so the artisans must have lived in town. It seems as though away. Ir is likely that the prisoners within did not have time to population center to be attacked. Watchingthis town disappear
all the stoneworkers were lost in the Great Calamity, since that react to the impending attack. in a flash of light from across Hyrule Field must have made it
skill set appears not to have survived. seem like a fleeting dream.

394 The Present: Resurrection of the Hero

4D Hyrule Garrison Ruins G)Exchange Ruins

There arc the remains of a rand, next to Mabe Village. The This garrison was located in the middle of Central Hyrulc. It Just to the southwest of the garrison was an exchange tbat
entrance, silo, and racetrack can still be seen, and it's likely that appears the soldiers lived in its stone buildings, and the visible facilitated the trading of goods. This would have been the first
horses were trained here. Now, instead of horses, Guardians and traces of farm work indicate the garrison was self-sufficient. They settlement to be beset after Hyrulc Garrison fell. Now, only
Bokoblins move about the track. may have grown food for the horses there. lt also had a fountain. portions of the exchange remain.
Its likely this garrison was a permanent residence.
CC, Kolomo Garrison Ruins Q Outpost Ruins
CD Gatepost Town Ruins

The Kolorno Garrison ruins can be found on a rocky outcropping This outpost is located at the entrance to the Great Plateau. 'This seems to have been one of tbe most bustling outposts
jutting into Lake Kolomo. The structures arc smaller in scale Pilgrims headed to the Temple of Time likely spent the night across Hyrule Field. There arc enough structures left that it
than Hyrulc Garrison's.There is a remnant of an observation allows the viewer to imagine what it 1night have been at its
tower here that was perhaps once used to keep watch over here. The surviving structures have been worn down by the liveliest. Thehusks of many Guardians au, be found here, which
Hyrulc Field. seems to indicate that it was subjected to persistent attacks.
passage of time, but, due to its convenient proximity to the road,
G)East Post Ruins some travelers still use it to take brief rests. G Coliseum Ruins

fl!) Deya Village Ruins

The East Post ruins arc located in the southeast portion ofCentral This large village is located in the highlands, but, unfortunately, 1110 Coliseum was by far the largest entertainment facility in
Hy rule and currentlyoccupied by Moblins. The domiciles sitting that did not hinder the Guardians' assault. It has since been Central Hyrule. The once lively arena sustained significant
close to the road still resemble what they would have looked like swallowed up by Deya Lake and now resembles marshland. damage and is currently infested with Malice. It is no longer
a century ago, but the farther one gets from the road, the more Lizalfos have taken up residence and attack those who pass a welcoming place for people, unless you would like to fight a
reclaimed by nature the structures become. too close. Lynel for an audience of monsters!

395

The Great Plateau is the birthplace of the kingdom of Hyrule and home to the Temple of Time and
Eastern Abbey. Outposts built around the plateau developed into bustling hubs as the area became
a key stop for travelers. Tabantha Village was the only Hylian village in Hebra to the northwest of
Central Hyrule and was considered the frontier. There are not many visitors that now tread the Hebra
and Central Hyrule border. 11,eSage Temple ruins found there seem to have been entirely forgotten.

-

The Great Plateau was home to a number ofsites that would hold traditional ceremonies. It was considered
sacred, so a stout wall wasbuilt around it, as grand as the area's status. In its center is the Temple ofTime,
with a shrine dedicated to the Goddess Hylia within. There arc also remnants of other temples and an
abbey with lodgings for monks and pilgrims.

fl) Temple of Time fl)Eastern Abbey e Sage Temple Ruins

Not even the wallssurrounding the Great Plateau could keep the The remains ofan abbey sit on the eastern portion of the Great 11,e remnants of the Sage Temple can be found west of Hyrule
Guardians from invading Hyrulc'ssacred land.The roads leading Plateau. As with the Temple ofTime, the Guardians leveled the
to the Temple of Time have been demolished, but traces of the site. There are wrecked Guardians from a century ago, and some Field. Overrun by the Guardians one hundred years ago, it has
three buildings that formed the front of the temple can still be that are still active.
seen and give an idea of how immense it was. since been submerged by the Regencia River. It is now a favorite
~ Maritta Exchange Ruins territory ofsome water-loving Lizalfos,
G, Royal Ancient Lab Ruins
fi Tabantha Village Ruins

It is thought that these ruins represent the ancient relic research The Maritta Exchange was the locus of trade between Central Tabanrha Village was the lone Hylian settlement in the snowy
facility that was under the direct control ofHyrule Castle, but Hyrulc and the frontier area of Tabantha. Monsters have Tabantharegion. Since only a few hearty souls reside in the area,
only the outer walls remain. There is no trace of the building's constructed a tower out ofthe tree in the middle of the exchange it will not likely be rebuilt. Monsters now live in the wreckage
interior, let alone any research materials. The thoroughness of and infest the area. and make the area dangerous for travelers.
its destruction feels intentional.

396 The Present: Resurrection of the Hero