The Legend of Zelda series is celebrated for its deep lore, memorable characters, and immersive world. But what many fans may not realize is that much of the magic in Hyrule is inspired by real-world myths and legends. From the Triforce to the iconic characters like Link, Zelda, and Ganon, the franchise draws from various mythological traditions, blending them into a unique narrative that captivates players. In this article, we’ll explore how mythology influences the world of Zelda, highlighting connections to real-world legends and the profound impact these elements have on the series.
1. The Triforce: A Symbol of Power, Wisdom, and Courage
One of the most iconic symbols in The Legend of Zelda is the Triforce, a mystical relic composed of three golden triangles that represent power, wisdom, and courage. The Triforce plays a central role in the lore of the series, often acting as the ultimate prize that both heroes and villains seek. Its design and significance have roots in various mythological traditions.
Real-World Inspiration:
The Triforce’s triangular design bears a striking resemblance to the Hojo clan crest from feudal Japan. The Hojo clan, a powerful samurai family, used a symbol composed of three triangles called the “Mitsudomoe,” which represented unity and the harmony between different elements. In Zelda, this concept is reflected in the balance between the Triforce’s three components: Power (represented by Ganon), Wisdom (represented by Zelda), and Courage (represented by Link).
Moreover, the idea of a powerful, divine relic that grants immense power to its holder can be seen in many mythologies, such as the Holy Grail in Arthurian legend or the Norse mythology’s Yggdrasil, the World Tree that connects the heavens, earth, and underworld. The Triforce, much like these ancient symbols, serves as a source of balance and destiny in the world of Zelda.
2. Link: The Eternal Hero Archetype
Link, the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda series, is often portrayed as the “Chosen Hero” destined to protect Hyrule and its people from evil. His character embodies the archetypal hero found in many mythological traditions, particularly the “Hero’s Journey,” a narrative structure identified by mythologist Joseph Campbell.
Real-World Inspiration:
The Hero’s Journey is a common theme in mythology, where the hero embarks on an adventure, faces trials, and ultimately returns victorious. Link’s adventures mirror this cycle, as he often starts as a humble character before growing into a legendary hero who wields powerful weapons like the Master Sword and defeats malevolent forces.
This archetype can be traced back to figures such as King Arthur, who pulls the sword Excalibur from the stone, or Perseus, the Greek hero who slays Medusa with the help of divine gifts. Like these legendary figures, Link is often aided by mystical forces (such as the Master Sword or the light spirits) and must overcome tremendous challenges to fulfill his destiny.
Link’s name itself is symbolic—he serves as a “link” between the player and the game world, as well as a connection to the various incarnations of the hero throughout the series’ timelines. This cyclical nature of his character also mirrors the idea of reincarnation, a concept prevalent in many belief systems, particularly in Eastern religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism.
3. Zelda: The Wise Princess and the Goddess Connection
Princess Zelda, one of the key figures in the series, is more than just a damsel in distress. She is often portrayed as wise and powerful, embodying the Triforce of Wisdom. Her character has deep mythological connections, particularly to goddesses and queens in ancient lore.
Real-World Inspiration:
Zelda shares traits with goddesses from various mythologies. For example, in Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of wisdom, war, and strategy, often depicted as a protector of cities. Similarly, Zelda serves as the guardian of Hyrule, guiding Link on his quest and wielding considerable power in her own right. Like Athena, Zelda is both a leader and a warrior, as seen in games such as Twilight Princess and The Wind Waker, where she takes on the form of Sheik or wields a bow to help defeat Ganon.
Additionally, Zelda is connected to the three goddesses of Hyrule: Din, Nayru, and Farore. These goddesses created the world of Hyrule, each imbuing the land with their powers. Zelda, as the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom, is closely aligned with Nayru, the goddess of wisdom. This connection reflects mythological traditions in which royal or divine figures are associated with higher powers, such as the Egyptian goddess Isis, who was seen as a protector of the throne and an embodiment of wisdom and magic.
Zelda’s reincarnations throughout the series also draw from the concept of the eternal queen or goddess, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life, power, and destiny. This archetype can be found in various mythologies, such as the Norse goddess Frigg or the Celtic queen goddess Morrigan.
4. Ganon: The Embodiment of Power and Evil
Ganon, or Ganondorf in his human form, is the primary antagonist of The Legend of Zelda series and the bearer of the Triforce of Power. As the embodiment of evil and darkness, Ganon represents the classic mythological figure of the tyrant king or dark lord who seeks to dominate the world.
Real-World Inspiration:
Ganon’s character draws from several mythological villains, such as Hades from Greek mythology, who rules the underworld, or Ravana from Hindu mythology, a demon king with immense power. Ganon’s desire to conquer Hyrule and control the Triforce mirrors these mythological figures’ ambitions to dominate and control both the mortal and divine realms.
Ganon’s transformation into a monstrous boar-like creature also has mythological roots. In many cultures, wild boars or pigs are associated with brute strength, danger, and untamed nature. In Norse mythology, for example, the boar was sacred to the god Freyr, symbolizing fertility and strength. Ganon’s beastly form, often called “Ganon” in contrast to his human form, Ganondorf, emphasizes his descent into pure, unbridled power, disconnected from wisdom or courage.
5. The Creation Myth of Hyrule: A Parallel to Real-World Myths
The Legend of Zelda series features its own creation myth, introduced in Ocarina of Time, where the goddesses Din, Nayru, and Farore create the world of Hyrule. Din created the land, Nayru brought law and order, and Farore gave life to the inhabitants of the world. This creation myth serves as the foundation of Hyrule’s lore and parallels many real-world mythologies.
Real-World Inspiration:
The tripartite nature of Hyrule’s creation myth mirrors the structure of many ancient cosmologies. For instance, in Hindu mythology, the Trimurti consists of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer), each responsible for different aspects of the universe’s existence. Similarly, Hyrule’s goddesses represent the foundational elements of creation: physical form, wisdom, and life.
The mythology of Hyrule’s creation also resembles elements of the Christian Trinity, where Father, Son, and Holy Spirit represent three different aspects of the divine. In Zelda, the goddesses serve as the foundation of the world, with the Triforce representing their divine influence over the universe.
6. The Lost Woods: A Journey into the Underworld
The Lost Woods, a recurring location in the Zelda series, is a mysterious forest where travelers who get lost may never return. It’s a place where players must navigate carefully, as choosing the wrong path can lead them back to the start. The Lost Woods can be seen as a symbolic representation of the journey into the underworld, a theme common in many mythologies.
Real-World Inspiration:
In Greek mythology, forests and groves were often associated with the entrance to the underworld. In particular, the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice involves a journey through a dense forest that serves as a gateway to the underworld. Similarly, in Celtic mythology, forests were seen as liminal spaces, places where the boundary between the human world and the spirit world was thin.
In the Zelda series, the Lost Woods functions as both a place of danger and transformation. For example, in Ocarina of Time, Link encounters the Kokiri children and learns important truths about his past. In Twilight Princess, the forest is home to the Master Sword, emphasizing its connection to ancient power and wisdom.
7. The Master Sword: A Modern Excalibur
The Master Sword, often referred to as the “Blade of Evil’s Bane,” is another key element in The Legend of Zelda series. It’s the weapon Link uses to defeat Ganon and protect Hyrule. Its symbolism draws heavily from legendary swords found in myth, most notably King Arthur’s Excalibur.
Real-World Inspiration:
In Arthurian legend, Excalibur is a magical sword given to King Arthur by the Lady of the Lake. Like the Master Sword, Excalibur is a symbol of the hero’s right to rule and protect the kingdom. Both swords are tied to divine power and can only be wielded by those who are deemed worthy. The act of pulling the Master Sword from its pedestal in Ocarina of Time is a direct reference to Arthur pulling Excalibur from the stone, marking the moment when Link truly becomes the hero of Hyrule.
Additionally, many mythological swords, such as the Norse sword Gram (used by Sigurd to slay Fafnir) and the Irish sword Fragarach, are imbued with magical properties that make them the key to defeating powerful enemies, much like the Master Sword’s role in the Zelda series.
8. Dragons in Zelda: Guardians of Wisdom and Power
Dragons are a recurring motif in The Legend of Zelda, often appearing as powerful creatures that either serve as protectors or enemies. These dragons are inspired by mythological depictions of dragons, which vary across cultures.
Real-World Inspiration:
In Chinese mythology, dragons are benevolent creatures associated with wisdom, power, and control over natural elements, particularly water. This influence can be seen in Zelda’s depiction of dragons like Valoo in The Wind Waker, who protects the Rito tribe and bestows blessings upon them.
In contrast, Western dragons are typically depicted as malevolent, fire-breathing beasts that hoard treasure, much like Volvagia, the dragon boss in Ocarina of Time. The duality of dragons as both protectors and destroyers is a common theme in mythology, and Zelda reflects this by presenting dragons in both benevolent and antagonistic roles.
9. The Sheikah: A Ninja Clan with Mythological Roots
The Sheikah are a secretive tribe of warriors in The Legend of Zelda series, known for their stealth, loyalty to the royal family, and their mysterious powers. Their design and role in the series are heavily influenced by real-world ninja and samurai traditions.
Real-World Inspiration:
The Sheikah bear similarities to Japanese ninja clans, who were known for their secrecy, espionage, and loyalty to their masters. The Sheikah symbol, an eye with a tear, also hints at their mystical abilities and their role as watchers and protectors of Hyrule’s secrets. This aligns with the role of the ninja in Japanese history, who often served as covert protectors of powerful feudal lords.
Additionally, the Sheikah’s relationship with the royal family and their dedication to preserving the balance of power in Hyrule mirrors the role of samurai in Japan, who were sworn to serve and protect their lords. The Sheikah’s wisdom, secrecy, and martial prowess connect them to these historical warrior classes.
10. The Sacred Realm: A Heaven-Inspired Parallel World
In many Zelda games, the Sacred Realm is described as a parallel world that holds the Triforce. Its significance as a divine realm is a recurring theme in the series, echoing mythological depictions of heavenly or otherworldly planes.
Real-World Inspiration:
The Sacred Realm is reminiscent of mythological places like Mount Olympus in Greek mythology, where the gods reside, or Valhalla in Norse mythology, where warriors go after death. These realms are often depicted as places of immense power and divine presence, much like the Sacred Realm in Zelda, where the Triforce is housed and where the fate of Hyrule is often decided.
In Ocarina of Time, the Sacred Realm is a place where time and space operate differently, further drawing parallels to mythological worlds that exist beyond the normal rules of the physical world. The concept of divine realms in mythology, where heroes are tested and the balance of power is maintained, is deeply embedded in the lore of Zelda.
Conclusion: Mythology’s Enduring Influence on Zelda
The Legend of Zelda series draws inspiration from a vast array of mythological traditions, weaving together elements from different cultures into a rich, unique tapestry of storytelling. Whether through symbols like the Triforce, characters like Link and Zelda, or mythic locations like the Sacred Realm, the series taps into universal themes that have fascinated humanity for millennia.
The role of mythology in Zelda deepens the player’s experience, connecting the modern-day adventures of Link to ancient stories of heroism, gods, and mystical forces. By exploring these mythological connections, fans can gain a greater appreciation for the rich world of Hyrule and the timeless nature of the stories that unfold within it.