#it's not even that difficult to write the gerudos well! even ganon! even while keeping him evil!

[rawliverandgoronspice]

Okay but. Posts that go:

"hmmmmmm Is Ganondorf Messy in terms of racial representation??? Would it be a *little* difficult to think about how to integrate central characteristics of his backstory, physical form and personality to the conflict without doubling down on the prejudices that started it all? Would it make the heroes like 5% more uncomfortable than usual?

Then maybe, fucking, erase him. Erase the things that are icky to think about or that divide people in any way --or better yet, erase the Whole Guy and start over."

...are kind of.... spectacularly missing the point, in my opinion.

Like, since when!!! do we fix racism by erasing racialized features, and therefore representation that matters to people and that people grew up with (yes even when it doesn't come from a perfect place), instead of, I don't know, the actual racism!!!

This is. Yeah. I know people don't mean it like that, and probably don't realize the dynamics at play here, but.

[moirastuff]

So, speaking of links sister reader hcs, what do you think links relationship would be like with her and her in return with him? I’d imagine he’s probably like any other brother, being protective, but also having a good friendship with her. I think they’d both care for each other deeply and have a sibling bond similar to that of Sidon and Mipha. You think she might be less reckless than link? Or about the same? I also can’t help but picture that they’re just two goofy little Hylians that will probably challenge each other, (From sword fights, bow and arrow, or who can reach the cliff the fastest, etc etc) but the moment Link does something really reckless and stupid, (like wanting to ride a lynal) (Y/N) is either really worried or sarcastic like “No...don’t.,,stop...come back” It depends on the situation (also, this detail doesn’t matter, but I keep picturing the sister with a rapier sword like the one Zelda had in the first hyrule Warriors). I also imagine Link was definitely wary about his sister and Revali at first, but hey whatever makes her happy. (It would just take him some getting used to especially whenever Revali try’s flirting w/ her he just glares and leaves the room cause he’s not allowed to actually hurt the giant bird

(Also, Link is a sneaky little shit. I had a quest in AoC where it was girls only and they just wanted a friendly completion in gerudo town. I get all who I thought I’d get, then In comes Link with his gerudo outfit. Little butthead. I could just imagine he’s with the guys and they’re all talking, but wait where’s link? And you just see him full on sprinting to the competition In a gerudo outfit cause he wanted to participate. As Daruk and Revali just deadpan like “well, there he goes” as link thinks he’s gonna win, but lost.)

Okay, that's just way too funny.

This is the first time I write something not to do with romance, more like family.

I can't put it as a Link x reader because there's no way for me to write incest, but it isn't an Revali x reader tho

So I have to think how tf am I going to name this one, I already have a hard time with the last ones.

Also, I'm so sorry for taking a long time for doing these headcanons. I don't like procrastinating but I can't help it, even if I really wanted to write it.

I hope you like it ✨

Btw, it took me some time to choose a GIF for the hcs, they we're too silly or too badass or just straight up sad.

Link and (Y/N) being a pair of dumb but dangerous siblings

Link might be quiet but he do is a dumb ass, and I stan him for it.

You two are really quiet but you can read each other's mind.

Like, you can make plans with Link but there's no words shared, just stare.

You two challenge each other daily.

It goes from a session of sparring to f*cking fight a horde of monsters with a soup ladle.

When you fight each other in a session of sparring, it's like watching two gods fight.

Nobody knows who's gonna win.

The Champion make bets about who is gonna win.

Mipha, Zelda and Daruk normally go for Link.

While Revali, once again, Mipha and Urbosa go for you.

I thought of putting Impa on you but I don't know if she counts as a Champion.

Most of the times nobody wins.

But no one knows that because sometimes you seem you're gonna win, but then Link seems he's going to win.

It's so difficult to know it and you two seem like your taking ages of their life's for the stress you make them go into.

You two have at least one fan on the Champions.

Mipha and Revali, you know who simps for who.

Those two negate it like if that depends on their lives.

Also, the idea of the sword of (Y/N) being like the swords of Zelda is *cheff kiss* perfect.

You two normally practice together, but also separated.

Sometimes Link wants privacy and so do you, the two of you have no problem practicing for your own.

When one of you, do something reckless is mostly Link, the other one will just grab the other and never let go.

Link is always ready to protect you from any kind of danger.

But he already knows you can protect yourself.

Link doesn't need help when it comes to protect himself, but sometimes it's necessary.

You don't mind either to save your brother.

I'll say you're twins. The older one is up to you.

When you fight together against anyone, that person is in fear.

There is no enemy that can defeat you both.

Except, you know... Calamity Ganon in BotW timeline....

You two always take care of each other, even in battle.

Link has your back and so do you.

Not even a insect can harm you two.

Both of you have good reflexes.

When Revali started trying flirt with you, Link was always the third wheel.

It was always uncomfortable and weird, Link just stared at Revali all the time, that just make him even more nervous.

Your quiet nature make it SO DIFFICULT for the three of you.

Just imagine...

Revali trying to get a date with you, Link giving him a DEATHLY STARE and then there's you, just wondering what's happening.

Link didn't dislike Revali not a lot, but he didn't like that the short birb was flirting with his dear sister.

But he can't hurt Revali because you will get angry and they need him for defeating Ganon.

So, destroying his feather ass is not possible.

For now...

Link asked you if you liked Revali, you were surprised by that question.

“I'm not sure Link... I like when we spend time together but they're some parts of him that I don't like, I can't answer your question, just the future knows”

Link respects your opinion and doesn't insist on getting another answer.

When you start dating Revali, Link give him the most deadly stare in his whole life, if he dares to hurt you even a little...

He is making chicken roast that night....

Even if Link is kinda jealous that you're starting to spend more time with Revali.

He can't be more happy for you and how lucky Revali is for getting someone like you.

I feel like Mipha wants to use this opportunity to spend more time with him.

But his job as personal knight doesn't let him a lot of time for him.

I don't know about Zelda, she already passes a lot of time with Link.

I suppose this is a free pass to Zelda, since you go with them sometimes but in other things like visiting Gerudo Town or a really dangerous place.

But not even two princesses and a short birb, can break your relationship with Link.

[blukrown]

Not Meant To Be - Chapter 3

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2

Also available on AO3 

Unpleasant Emotions

After a refreshing bath and more than appetizing lunch, Faris and Tebanam found themselves in the castle's library.

Thanks to the large investment from Tebanam's mother and father, the room - or better to call a hall - was filled from roof to floor by cases of books. Leaving not much space for the wooden tables inserted between many of the aisles to allow people to sit and study. One side of the library was covered in large glass windows, allowing the warm afternoon sunlight in. Which coloured the library in cozy shades of soft yellows and oranges. The view was also quite impressive, as it overlooked the Hyrulian flatlands all the way to an ocean in the distance. This view must have inspired someone to layout lounging couches along the length of the library, so at nearly every row there was a go-to spot to lay and enjoy the sight.

The library was used by the royal family mainly, as well as nobleman, scholars and the occasional foreign diplomat. But Faris did not see any such people, it was only him, Tebanam and a very old librarian who shuffled among the shelves returning books where they belong. Tebanam had said that the library was so well known in fact that many legends and rumours had come from what hid in the very bookshelves. From ancient stolen scripts Ganon's armies had stolen or pillaged to the diaries of Zelda and her past reincarnations. It was surely a sight to behold. If only Faris knew how to read.

Faris had, once arriving at Hyrule castle, put it upon himself to start learning how to read and write in Hylian. As even while on his many adventures with Tebanam he had found he was not much help when it came to reading books or maps.

Ralnor had been more than happy to provide old books that the princes and princesses had used when they were young. He had warned Faris it may be difficult as he was a grown man but he assured him with enough hard work he should find himself at a reasonable level.

As an ex-slave, he was never given the option of education. And surely, before his subjugation, he was too young to have had a chance to try. However, it was not like Faris had much use of it in his old life. What with his days being full of cuts, blood, bruises and the cheers of a crowd and his nights occupied with something very similar. But feeling particularly motivated by the arrival of one particular individual, although he would never tell anyone such, Faris felt inspired enough to spend the final hours of daylight in the library. With Tebanam by his side and advising him as he studied. But there was only one problem.

Tebanam, although being very much helpful when he asked it, was distractingly apparent in his very feeble attempts to keep his hands to himself. As a respectful man, the prince understood his partner's wishes, nevertheless, alone time together was thin and few between and he clearly wanted to make use of it. Fingers lingering when they held his hand to direct him on how to write, his lips close to his ears as he quietly whispered advice.

Faris was half tempted to kick him out of the library entirely. After all, one could not focus if they were too busy trying to restrain a blush.

"The 'k' is silent," Tebanam pointed out, taking the pencil and crossing out the first letter in the word 'knife'.

"Then why is it there then?" Faris muttered, frowning in confusion.

Tebanam shrugged, "The language used to not have a true way of spelling words, so when they went about finalising it, some look so unfamiliar to how they're read."

Faris let out a hum, "And it's silent in this one as well?" Pointing at the next word, 'know'.

"Yeah, it's the same for 'knowledge' as well." Tebanam furthered, smiling at him. "You're getting better."

Faris was not quite sure if he likes being complimented like this, as if Tebanam was a teacher rather than a lover. He'd much prefer when the prince had commended him on his fighting or even on his looks.

The prince returned the pencil to his lover's hand. His long tanned fingers lingering. Absentmindedly tracing the lines of the strong tendons in Faris' hand.

The bodyguard knew very well what Tebanam was up to and he had half a mind to tug his hand away and get back to his work. But, and he cursed himself for it, Tebanam's fingers were tender and warm, easily swaying him to halt his objection.

"Why are you doing this?" Tebanam asked, his skin warm as he let his fingers trail over the multiple scars that dotted Faris' hand and wrist.

"Because I want to," Faris said simply. It was the honest truth after all.

Tebanam let out a small huff of a laugh, his lip quirking into a smile. His fingers pausing its activity to drape over the back of his hand.

Faris shamed himself for how his heart quickened. After so long one would expect he was used to it and for the most part he was. But then the suave prince would do something so playful and intimate that it had Faris feeling as if he had never been touched before.

Faris did not move away when Tebanam leaned closer until their noses almost touched. The proximity was so minimal the Faris could easily see the flecks of gold in his orange eyes.

Faris knew if he pulled away now, Tebanam may be wounded but would not take it to heart. And in his mind, he really should do that. He was here to study, after all, not play around with his lover. But his heart kept him there, an ache of love and joy had him almost breathless.

As the sound of shuffling footsteps belonging to the ancient librarian was only a whisper in the distance. Faris found himself being the one to close the distance into a kiss.

For surely the millionth time, the pleasure for such a touch was just as raw. The prince's slightly chapped lips were very much used to the way Faris kissed them. The two easily making a dance of it as hands came to balance each other. Tebanam's fingers holding to his forearms as Faris did most of the leaning. While Faris' calloused and roughed fingers held the Gerudo man's face steady.

It was not a heated kiss, as the two men were not much intending for it to be. But it could have effortlessly gone that route given time. That time was not given to them, as a voice called in the near distance.

"Tebanam?"

Faris' lips paused, pulling away as he recognised the voice. It was Jazoh.

It took a moment to clear from a rather fervent faze before he could understand why the nobleman was here. It was because, to Faris' deep regret, they had invited him.

Faris looked to Tebanam to see an expression very similar to what he was thinking. Disappointment calming his flushed cheeks as he grimaced at his lover. Very clearly regretting they had encouraged the man to join them.

Tebanam got up from his chair but not calling to the newcomer until after he ducked down to kiss Faris' cheek. Who took a second to remember to stand up as well. "Over here."

It only took a moment before the Hylian man was joining them. Dressed in fine nobleman clothing, he very much suited the expensive and regal library as he stood across the table from the two men.

Jazoh's eyes looked between them, clearly seeing some sort of evidence that something had occurred just as he had arrived, "Sorry, was . . . I imposing on something?"

Yes, Faris thought bitterly. But his mouth was smart enough not to voice that reply.

Tebanam let out an awkward laugh, "Uh, sort of, I suppose. Faris is studying Hylian so I was helping him." His hand waving to the pile of books where they had just sat.

"Oh," Jazoh said, looking to Faris and giving a smile. "How noble of you, it must be difficult."

Faris' jaw clenched, he could have been imagining it, but he could sense a snideness to the nobleman's tone. Faris did not show any signs of taking the hit, however. Merely saying, "I only wish to be of help to Tebanam."

Jazoh nodded, almost knowingly. "I see, well, I was hoping to talk to Tebanam. Maybe we could leave you to your work then?"

Faris looked to Tebanam to see an undecided look, clearly, he was split between the two of them. Seeing himself enjoying his lover's company, although under watchful eye or sitting with his old friend, not distracting Faris yet separated from him.

"Not a problem," Faris said, acting unbothered.

Tebanam gave a soft smile to him. He gave Faris’ hand a soft squeeze before he followed the nobleman to the end of the aisle towards one of the lounges near the large windows. At first, the two men were whispering, clearly conscious of being distracting to the bodyguard. But soon enough they were too engrossed in exciting conversations to realise that their voices rose loud enough for Faris to hear quite clearly. Rupturing through any focus Faris may have had.

Sure, the Garai tried to study at first. Tried to put his nose to the grindstone and at least have something to prove that he was not just eavesdropping. But after the affectionate moment he had shared with the prince, Faris could confidently say his mind was not in the right space for books.

The bodyguard could hear the laughter and captivated talk of the two men as they lounged not too far away. Discussing their pasts, current Hylian affairs and just nobleman talk that Faris was fairly sure he would never quite comprehend.

Faris felt disheartened by how little he understood about their conversation. Inside jokes, knowledge and a clear difference in education had him feeling somehow inferior to them.

Even though he had let Tebanam sit away from him, he felt bitterly alone, even if his lover was a meagre few paces away. The only slight bit of reassurance Faris got was the periodic glances that Tebanam gave towards him. The occasional soft smile or playful wink sending a warm signal to Faris from where he sat.

Talk eventually came to the topic of the shared time they had had together in the castle, before Faris had met him, before Tebanam had even ran away from his home.

"Soon after you started training with me, do you remember how you spared Ralnor?" Tebanam inquired, fiddling with a loose hem in his shirt.

"Ah yes," Jazoh said with a smile. "If I remember right, you convinced him to."

"Well," Tebanam shrugged, "I was losing so much I couldn't help but at least show him it was only because you were that good at the sword."

Jazoh chuckled, "Well, I did defeat him. But he was very good. It was a close fight, I think your brother was a bit bothered by it as he promised me to swear to never tell." He then gave Tebanam a rather annoyed look. "Yet someone had to tell his eldest brother as well. Which had him asking for his turn."

Tebanam almost giggled like a child with how bemused he was with the memory that clearly came to mind. With a clear feeling of relish in his voice, Tebanam said, "Covarog wiped the floor with you. I don't think I had ever seen you lose until then."

Jazoh sighed, laying back in his chair and letting his head hang over his shoulders. "Ah, yes. That was very much a wake-up call. I had only been sparring men my age up until then."

"Orana wanted to join in too," Tebanam recalled, smirking. "You instantly refused her." Jazoh let out a huff, "There was no way I would."

"Why? She can keep her own in a fight." Tebanam rebutted.

"Tebanam, it's one thing to spar a prince but one of the princesses? I think your father would have my head." Giving a fake shiver as if the idea itself was very much a realistic prediction. Tebanam was clearly not convinced, snorting at the excuse.

Their conversation naturally flowed from one subject to the next, clearly, they knew how to speak to one another, even after so long apart. Now that Faris thought about it, he and Tebanam did not really 'talk' like that. With one conversation moving to the other, flowing easily as if they could go on forever if they wanted. Of course, they talked but not like that. Maybe it was because they were just so different, an ex-slave and a prince were surely an unlikely coupling. It may also be that Faris was not much of a talker, he spoke his mind but he did not see much use in small talk or long-winded conversation. Faris had to remind himself that that was what Tebanam liked about him. He praised him for his short cut honesty.

Faris tried to ignore the soreness in his chest, how could he be jealous of Tebanam just talking to another man? How unbelievably possessive of him.

Feeling nearly completely sick of it all, Faris found himself wanting to leave. At least then he would stop glaring at them. Although he wanted to be around Tebanam, he was not going to get any work done, nor find any relief from his own anger if he stayed around.

When he took to stand, Tebanam immediately called, "Where are you going?"

"Back to the bedroom," Faris said, picking up his books.

"Why?" Tebanam questioned, getting up from where he lounged with Jazoh.

"Tired," Faris said simply, thinking of an understandable reason off the top of his head.

"Really?" Tebanam was at his side, hand on his shoulder, a look of concern scrunching his brow. "I'll come with you."

Faris frowned slightly, looking from Tebanam to where Jazoh still sat watching. “I’m fine, Tebanam.” The ex-gladiator said, his hand resting on his partner’s shoulder. “Don’t you want to talk to Jazoh?”

Tebanam looked to the nobleman, “Is it a problem if I leave you, old friend?”

Jazoh got to his feet, “Not at all.” Walking to the couple, he gave a smile. “There’s always next time.” He then reached out his hand for a shake.

Tebanam, one hand still on Faris’ shoulder, shook Jazoh’s in a firm gesture of farewell. “Alright, I’ll see you tomorrow at the next meeting then.”

“Very well,” Jazoh said with a curt nod.

Walking back to their bedroom, the two men travelled side by side. Shoulders brushing as they went, fingers caressing but not taking hold. Cautious of the eyes of staff and guests who may lay eyes on them.

Their room was in the more heavily guarded areas of the castle, two doors down from Kanisa’s unoccupied room and the door after that being Orana’s. The floor below, housed the rooms of the to-be king, Covarog and Ralnor, with their respective other halves.

“What’s wrong?” Tebanam asked, just a few paces from the door. His orange eyes looking over the shorter man with concern. Clearly, he could sense Faris’ bothering thoughts.

“Nothing,” Faris replied, knowing he would only cause unneeded worry on Tebanam’s part if he spoke his mind.

“If it was nothing,” The prince took a hand to hold at his face. The touch was warm and filled with care. “You wouldn’t be making that face, Faris.” His thumb lifting to rub at the space between the man’s two eyebrows, which he had not noticed was creased as he frowned.

Faris rued the fact his lover knew him so well. A disgruntled look washing over his features as he tried to find the right words, without giving away the more visceral feelings that clouded his mind. “You . . . You two, are really close for ex-lovers . . . Even with how it all ended.” Even with his hardly pondered words, he still could read between the lines, his jealousy was showing.

Tebanam gave a small smile, “Well, we were close friends. Even before we were together.”

Faris could understand that. But he felt he needed to explain why he was bothered, even if that meant exposing his feelings.

Before Faris could find that right words, however, Tebanam hit the nail right on the head as he surmised, “Could it be, you’re jealous?” Even though the bodyguard could see the restraint, something of a flattered smile curled the prince's lips.

Faris opened his mouth to object, an unconscious first response to defend his pride. But he knew that Tebanam would read through any try at deception. It was fair, however, to be jealous. For one, he did not know about this man until yesterday. For another, he had a sinister impression that the man was very much not who he seemed.

“Listen, Faris.” Tebanam’s voice was warm as he caught the man’s attention. “He’s a dear friend and ex-lover but he’s not you.” Although those dirty thoughts still lingered at the back of his mind, Faris could not help but feel reassured, his skin warming as the prince ducked down to give him a quick kiss on the lips. "I know this is all I can say to you. But you're my partner, Faris. Not Jazoh." Tebanam furthered, both hands drawing down Faris' sides to hold his hands.

Even with the man's words warming his cold thoughts, Faris now just felt guilty. How could he doubt him? It's not like he had done anything before now to cause it. Well, early on the prince had been a large flirt with any good looking man but when all their feelings had been said, Tebanam had tamed himself to only make advances at him. "I'm sorry . . ." Faris muttered. "For being this way."

Tebanam shook his head, "You have nothing to be sorry about, Faris." The bodyguard must've not been convinced, as Tebanam then lifted the man's hands and kissed the harshly marked knuckles.

Faris hated how weak he felt to his own feelings, letting his emotions twist and churn all his thoughts was something that was truly unlike him. It just showed how much Tebanam meant to him. "I've . . . Never experienced anything like this before . . . So I don't know what to do."

Tebanam's smile grew into a sorrowed one, as he clearly caught onto the meaning behind his words. Faris had never had a true lover, and the life he was forced into wouldn't have allowed it either. For all the experience of being a sex worker or gladiator, he had none when it came to handling a meaningful relationship.

"My dear Faris," Tebanam's soft hands squeezed his fingers, "That is fine."

Faris clenched his bottom lip between his teeth, the numb ache in his chest waning to his lover's encouraging words.

"After all, you're lucky enough to have me," Tebanam said with a cheeky tone, trying, in his own way, to lift the mood.

Faris let out a huff, why was he not surprised the prince would say something so self-aggrandizing. But Faris preferred it when Tebanam was cheery. Sadness and worry did not much suit him.

With a quick glance to either side of the hallway, to ensure that no one was in view of them, Faris pulled Tebanam into a kiss. Feeling to at least show on some level, just how much his kind words meant. He had only intended to leave it at a single kiss in spite of that when he pulled away to see the displeasure of its end reflected in his other's eyes. The bodyguard could not help but leave the next one to linger just that little bit longer.

But, before tongues started to move and breaths became huffs, Tebanam pulled his lips away. His face still very close, lips only a fairy's wing away, he whispered. "Best to go inside, didn't you say you needed to sleep?"

Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6

This fic is based on the Zelgan au by @figmentforms

The Zelgan babies, as well as Faris and Jozah, are created by @s-kinnaly

And special thanks to @ridersoftheapocalypse  for writing the main fanfic about Tebanam and Faris, which inspired this fic

I highly recommend you look at their content on this to have a better understanding of the story

[wildlingknight]

So like I wrote this stuff down around September 2017 with the intention to write a fic about it (I might still do that when I have more time) but it’s just sitting and festering in my drive so I’ll put it here for now and build on it when uni is done. It’s a super long post but I did put a cut in.

There’s a whole bunch of mind vomit stuff here:

 I was talking to my discord group about things that could have been added to Botw because I’d gotten to a point in the game when I’d done mostly everything and was just putting off facing Ganon because I didn’t want it to end. So I came up with gods and spirits that you might meet in random places and sometimes they have quests for you or something. Taken directly from the server:

“This isn't really a hc more a random idea but what if there were time specific places on the map in botw? Like I just found  place on the side of death mountain called shadow hamlet ruins, what if you go there and it's just some ruined houses with a meteor wizzrobe in any other time but on the night of a new moon there's like creepy shadows that kinda come out of the wood work and shadows of the ruins and they don't exactly attack you but make you super uneasy and circle you a bit and it's like the people who lived and died there as a result of the calamity, like we know it corrupts the living but what if it doesn't let the dead rest either?

Like there are places all over hyrule that are just places until you visit them on a specific night or day or when certain parameters are met and you have a unique little event happen like a person you wouldn't meet any other time with items you can only get from them or maybe the dragons rest somewhere and you can just stumble across them, or more spirits and godlike beings who you wouldn't come across any other time apart from this one random spit of woodland halfway up the dueling peaks on a night where it's raining you come across an ethereal glowing woman or something who watches over the plants and mushrooms like glow like her, and you can't really interact with them because we are insignificant to them, they are so indifferent to us with our mortal comings and goings that the most we can hope for is a glimpse of them, just to make the world feel even more alive than it already does

I think Link is more aware of them because he is goddess chosen, goddess touched, and he's a gentle and pure soul who they in turn are drawn to, I like that he has a connection to them through having being dead but I personally like to think they're a bit afraid of him, he was brought back through science like magic without the godesses interference or hands, that shouldn't happen he died and by all means should have stayed dead but here he is, wandering hyrule saving people and dragons and riding gods across plains and placating giant mechanical creatures that will only listen to him, in their eyes he's a fucking monster or demon

And they know you don't piss off a demon who denied death so they're cautious but curious in equal measure”

And then neatened up and made less mind vomity:

Ruins

On specific nights- different for each ruin- the ghosts of the people who lived and died there during the calamity come out on the night they were wiped out. Different for each place depending on how close they were to castle and what the actual cause was, e.g. castle town would have been hit first and hardest by the Calamity itself so that would get spooky on the night of Zelda’s birthday every year. If they are fairly far away from the castle e.g. Shadow Hamlet ruins on the far side of Death Mountain, it would be a different night and they would feel different due to the nature of their deaths, such as being wiped out by monsters fuelled and powered by the Calamity. They don’t attack but most travellers accidentally come across them and fear for their lives saying ruins are haunted at night so they try to avoid them, preferring to go to living villages or taking their chances with monsters out on the roads or in the woods. When Link (and later Zelda) enter the ruins on the specific night they act up the spirits hiss and circle him and lament their passing in groans and wails but they do not come close because he is light and they cannot touch him. He died for them and Zelda cried for them, they are Goddess chosen and Goddess touched.

Lesser Gods and Spirits

Found all over Hyrule, again during different specific times when certain parameters are met.

A lesser Goddess who watches over plants and mushrooms that glow with the same ethereal light as her- can only be found where they grow in abundance, like the pillar in Kakariko on a rainy night during a new moon, and also conversing with Cotera the great fairy there.

A giant stag with two faces who watches over the life and death of animals, seen all over Hyrule as long as there’s a moon showing, so not on cloudy nights. Eyes like miniature galaxies and coat the colour of moss, fur appears to be made of grass and hooves of wood and several times the amount of antlers normal deer have that are white like bleached bone and strung with what looks to be pearls.

A woman with long black hair, horns like a Lynels and the face of a wolf who’s snout ends turned up like a Moblin’s, with three eyes that constantly glow like the reflection of a cats at night and who’s mouth doesn’t move when she speaks in a growl and smoke and sparks emits from her open mouth over her lolling black tongue- the Mother of Monsters and she hates Link.She doesn’t attack him when he meets her but she is unkind to him and she growls and snarls at him, threatening to curse him and his children’s children for as many of hers he has killed. Found in Akkala in Rok woods and Tempest Gulch most commonly but also occasionally other places, can take the form of a monstrous wolf when the need to escape arises.

A child made of water that swims with the fish, watches over everything that lives and breathes in water. The Zora refer to them as ‘The Child of Nayru’, and offer to them to keep the fish they eat good and plentiful. Seen by Link on the banks of the Rutala river when he stops for a drink after tackling the Rucco Maag shrine. Ripples like water constantly so it’s difficult to pin down specific features or gender, and voice is almost gurgling sounding

A giant scarab beetle, white and iridescent, often seen in the desert around Dragon’s exile and known to Tera, the great fairy at the Gerudo Great Skeleton, the god of all insects. (There’s a joke going round Hyrule that Beedle is the god of all insects.)

The spirits that are just going about their work are cautious but curious about Link. Usually they are indifferent to mortals, their everyday motions and wants insignificant in the grand scheme of things. The Calamity was a tragedy, but nature still goes on so they can’t afford to abandon their work.

Link and Zelda

The Gods are frightened of them. Link died and should be subject to the laws of all living things but here he stands, blemished but alive, and yet it was not the Goddesses who chose this, it was without their aid, a magic forged by man. Instead he wanders, alive and well, helping who he can, man and spirit alike, Dragons take notice of him, Gods allow his burden upon their backs, abominable machines who listen to only him, at his command. And Zelda isn’t dead either, they should be dead, they had their time, had their chance. They carry too much light within them it hurts the spirit’s and god’s eyes to look upon them.

Once while I was playing with my friend we were talking about the koroks and I came up with a hc on how they’re born I guess:

“Maybe they're branches that fall off the deku tree when they start to rot because hes old as balls so I bet he loses branches like old men lose hair and then because of like forest magical bullshit they become the new children of the forest and they grow up to be like Hestu and it takes thousands of years for them to reach like 'maturity' but when it's time for the deku tree to die one of the korok will take his place but all those who grow to maturity before he dies go out into the lost woods and set up root and become the ogre trees”

And then because I like to hurt them while they’re all sleeping:

“I'll just leave this here for when y'all wake up, what if the reason Wild likes to eat so much is because he is trying to fill the void of loneliness left behind after his friends in the army start treating him differently after he becomes the chosen one and because of Zelda's initial dislike of him then after he wakes up from the shrine of resurrection he doesn't know why he's so hungry all the time until after he starts remembering zelda and then realises he's doing the same thing, trying to fill the void left in him after losing everyone he loved and half his memories and having to wait until he's strong enough to see Zelda again”

Enjoy!

[minsyal]

[Revali x Reader, Mutual Feelings]

 Summary: I don’t like you and you don’t like me... right?

Pt. 2 Pt. 3

           The road ahead would be a treacherous one, its winding and twirling pathways have long been tangled and torn. It was not a difficult concept in writing, “destroy the evil,” but physically and mentally it was nearly impossible to wrap your head around. How were a rock, a giant, three Hylians, a fish and a bird supposed to lock this evil away for good? Even with the help of these supposed “guardians and Divine Beasts,” it seemed unfathomable that the fate of Hyrule was put into the hands of a few warriors. Maybe you were thinking too logically – maybe that was something everyone else needed to do as well. Who knows? What you do know now is that you’ve got to try, at least.

           “Hmm?” You hummed, trying to ease the constant screeching in your ear resonating from the bird. It vaguely reminded you of the incessant troublesome caw of the bird’s nest that is perched outside your window at the castle. Morning, noon, and night it would clamor around causing as much disturbance to you as it could. As for Revali, he had been following you the entire trip, looking on as a bystander, you’d think that he had a crush on you. He wouldn’t leave you alone, not for a single second. You supposed it gave him some sort of demented satisfaction to know he was completely ruining your day by preventing you from getting any research done.

           Currently, you were traveling with the Champions representing the royal scientists. Despite not being credited for helping with the Sheikah technology, you played an important role in piecing it together and figuring out how it worked. Though, everyone praised Purah and Robbie for it. The Princess, Zelda, was reluctant to your attendance in the trip as she would have much rather preferred another. At times, she did seem to enjoy talking to you about the tech and how it all worked, seeing as you knew more than anyone else in Hyrule. Most of the time you attempted to stay by yourself at the back of the group. Well, unless a certain feathered “friend” was near.

           “I said,” he cleared his throat, fisting his hand over his chest and giving it a good thump causing his chest piece to echo, “isn’t the view lovely?”

           Taking a moment to look up from your notes you were greeted with a view like any other. It was nothing special, in your opinion. The trees were the same brown they had always been, their leaves the same emerald green. Small bugs spotted the branches, creeping and crawling up to their nests and into holes. The grass beneath you was tiring, it was an olive shade and almost looked as if it were dying. Out in the distance was the Rito Village, constructed in the most unreasonable fashion up the side of a large stone fixture. You dreaded showing up, not because you disliked the Rito. Quite the opposite, you found them to be some of the more personable of the different races, but their children could become clingy. The heights and temperature of the place was another aspect you weren’t fond of. Unlike the Rito, you were not gifted with a natural protection from the harsh breeze and had to rely on layers of blankets that would fly off your body at night.

           “It’s alright.” You responded as your eyes focused back down onto the scribbles that covered the worn parchment of your notebook. “Nothing special.” You muttered, knowing this comment would not settle well with him.

           “Oh ho, for your information it is something quite special. If you haven’t noticed,” he reached down and pushed your chin up, “that is Rito Village, where I’m from. Though there is something rather negative about my view.”

           “-and that would be?” Sighing, you folded the book in half, its leather binding creaking as you did so. A puff of dust formed in the air, suggesting how old the book was.

           “You. I absolutely refuse to have this,” he motioned to your body, “ruining my hometown. Remove yourself at once.”

           “How about you just walk in front of me and leave me alone for once?”

           “So you can attack me from behind? I think not.”

           “You seriously-“you shook your head and pinched the bridge of your nose, “Revali, just fly home if you hold it so dear to your heart. The other Champions and I will be there eventually.”

           “Hmph.” He rolled his eyes. “I suppose I will. Try not to die while you’re away from me, knowing your lack of fighting skills I don’t think you’d stand a chance if an attack were to come.” He began to run forward before taking off into the sky. You watched as he swiftly maneuvered through the air before landing softly on one of the many landings.

           “I don’t suppose the two of you were flirting.” Urbosa’s voice came from beside you, snapping you out of your trance. “After all, you were trained on him for a moment too long.” She laughed softly and slowed her pace to walk next to you.

           “Of course not. He wishes.” You scoffed, slightly flustered. You ran a hand down the side of your face, brushing some of the stray hairs back behind your ear.

           “He wishes? It would be safe to say you do too.” Her hips swayed when she walked, causing her skirt to brush against your leg every so often. You looked up at her, eyes meeting. She only let out another chuckle, “It’s written all over your face, sweetheart.”

           The Gerudo were stunning beings. Their height matched that of the tallest Rito and Gorons. Surely they could match the Zora’s as well. It amazed you how toned and sculpted their bodies were and how this was just a natural gene in their DNA. You had spent a great deal of time studying the different races around Hyrule before you were called to contribute to the war against Calamity Ganon. You had to admit, the Gerudo were your favorite. Gerudo Town was a lively place where you never ceased to find hidden nooks and places to visit. The women were all very kind and many were eager to assist you in your studies. The best part was when you visited Gerudo, Revali could not follow you in. No voe allowed.

           “I don’t like him.” You huffed.

           “Keep telling yourself that, but you should take advantage of the time we have left.” She placed a gentle hand on your shoulder, “Life is short.” With that, she sped up and easily covered the distance between you and the rest of the group. Rejoining them, she immediately found her place in the conversation and carried on as if she hadn’t just been talking to you.

           “Life is short.” You mumbled, “Too short to waste my time on the likes of him.” In defiance of your words, you peered up to the landing once more. He stood there with his hand pressed to his chest as he spoke boastfully to another Rito. You sighed, even if you did find yourself drawn to him, you would never intrigue him the same way.

           Your eyes shifted downward to the ground to watch your feet move one at a time propelling you forward toward the village. You didn’t notice his gaze locked on you, nor the many times he turned to check if you were still safe and with the group.

Part 2? or nah?

[maldreathezora]

I updated the Characters page of A New Calamity. As the characters have evolved, I think these profiles are more accurate, though now I’m having a harder time justifying why Linke decided joining the Yiga clan was a good idea. :| The fraud police are going to arrest me for Writing Without a License. I may have to chalk her decision up to being mentally tortured for a century (so, brain damage logic) or needing to belong to something bigger than herself. Maybe after being with Ganondorf for so long, she developed a need to rebel against her Hylian origins. Maybe she’s so desperate to get Ganondorf back that she’ll grasp at any straw she finds. Maybe she thinks she can take over the Yiga Clan herself and use them to resurrect him. Maybe she just needs an excuse to fight. Or maybe it’s a mix of all of these. Whatever. It doesn’t matter now. I’ve gotten her into the Yiga Clan. She’s Kohga’s problem now.

Read on, if you like. If you don’t, you can always just read the comic. You can enjoy it for the art, I guess? :P

Linke

When rumors of Calamity Ganon began to arise, the princess of Hyrule, Zelda, took it upon herself to study the ancient Sheikah technology for a solution. King Rhoam reluctantly allowed her to travel abroad, but for fear of her safety, he gathered the knights of the royal guard and asked her to choose a companion. Astounding everyone, Zelda chose Linke, a promising knight in training. The King disliked the girl, whom he considered too stubborn and outspoken, but on the insistence of his daughter, he made Linke a knight and had her swear an oath to protect his daughter over her own life.

Zelda also chose other champions, the best Hyrule had to offer. All underwent strict training and their health was monitored closely as the day of the Calamity's awakening neared, so when Linke revealed she was harboring a tumor in her breast, the Sheikah doctors put her under the knife almost immediately-- there was no room for hesitation when it came to prolonging the lifespan of a champion. Though hurried, Linke had no qualms about the surgery and made no attempts to conceal the transformation of her body; healing quickly, as heroes manage to do, she resumed her duties as soon as possible.

Since Linke made no attempts to disguise her illness, malicious rumors began to spread through the kingdom about the Knight Champion-- that she was cursed by Hylia, and would bring ruin to the kingdom. King Rhoam, wishing to distance his daughter from her chosen knight, ordered Linke no longer to speak to his daughter directly (she was allowed no more than a "Yes, highness," or "Yes, ma'am"). Linke obeyed this order until her demise at Fort Hateno.

Ganondorf

Ganondorf was a Gerudo King who appeared many times in the history books of Hyrule. The Hylian Cycle depicts a common theme: Ganondorf is resurrected, and a princess raises up a Hero to strike him down, or seal him away.

His story was nearly forgotten in Linke's time.

Ganondorf was slain so many times by Linke's spiritual ancestors that his hate began to manifest as a demon. In another realm, it grew to an enormous size and gained sentience, fueled by centuries of hate. Influencing weak minds, it sparked wars to keep its fire lit. Ganondorf's hate for Hyrule was a good resource of dark energy, but as it demon grew, it realized it needed more. Then it discovered an even better source of power-- the Triforce of Power, which manifests whenever Ganondorf is close to death. A master of efficiency, the Calamity dragged Ganondorf's soul down into the other realm, where it now holds him hostage, preventing him from reincarnating. Since Ganondorf's powers only manifest when he is in danger, the Calamity simply "kills" him over and over.

The demon delights in torturing Ganondorf, so when its reaching grasp on Hyrule found Linke's mind asleep in cryosis, it jumped at the chance to torture Ganondorf further by trapping his murderer with him.

Ganondorf and Linke spent a long time learning to communicate. He stubbornly refused to learn modern Hylian, so Linke set herself to the difficult task of learning the ancient Gerudo language, Va Eheniv*. The lifelong warriors spent the majority of their time together honing their fighting tactics until they knew each other so well that one could not think of their next move without the other immediately knowing it. Eventually, fighting became pointless.

The souls of Ganondorf's slain monsters followed him into what Ganondorf calls the Underworld. He often takes the form of a monster himself, in order to retreat into a quieter mind for a while.

*Va Eheniv was constructed in 2004 by Nina-Kristine Johnson and is used with permission.

Master Kohga

At the end of Linke's hundred years' sleep, Ganondorf instructed Linke to seek out his most loyal followers and join their ranks in an effort to rescue him from the underworld. Linke eagerly set out to join the Yiga Clan, whom she had often heard boast about their loyalty to "Calamity Ganon." Assuming they would only be too happy to accept her help in resurrecting at least one half of the pair, she submitted herself to humiliation at the hands of the Yiga, and was brought before their leader, Master Kohga.

Kohga was at first skeptical about Linke's professed loyalty to Ganon-- and her insistence that what Kohga considered to be a god was actually a long-lived Gerudo-- but her deranged story somehow won him over. He decided to keep her alive as a sort of pet project in his personal quest against the Sheikah. (Secretly, he wasn't truly convinced that this Ganondorf existed, but, just in case, he didn't want to anger a man of near-godlike status by killing his chosen one.)

Kohga has several hidden talents. He enjoys circuit bending Sheikah technology. He can also play the shamisen and even sings a line or two.

Unlike many of his followers, Kohga never removes his mask. Some say he's concealing a horrible burn. Some say he, like the mask he wears, has only one eye. Personally, I think he's building up a sort of Dread Pirate Roberts persona.

Nain

If in your travels across Hyrule you come across a Yiga woman with a cunning smile, an upturned nose and a murderous look in her eyes, you've found Nain.

Nain gravitated toward the Yiga after she was fired from the games table at a tavern for making a man swallow his dice. (He implied that she counted dice because she was too ugly to sell drinks.)

She was attracted to the money, the masks, the physicality of the job, and the equal opportunity employment.

The Calamity

An ancient demon with three forms; one a realm of horror, one a nebulous storm, and one a skeleton scrapped together from whatever it can glean from the occasional nightmare here and there. It has very few followers, so it leeches its power from Ganondorf. When there's no one around willing to make sacrifices to you, sometimes you just have to take matters into your own hands...

Whenever it gains a bit of power, it attempts to leave the Underworld, testing its might against Zelda's sealing spell.

Zelda

Raised as the spiritual funnel for the Kingdom of Hyrule, Zelda spent the first part of her life in prayer and meditation, under orders from her father, King Rhoam. This was to awaken her sealing magic. When, after a long period of fasting which left her physically diminished, no power was bestowed upon her, so she began her self-education exploring the land of Hyrule. She was accompanied by her chosen bodyguard, Linke, who was charged with protecting the princess to the death.

Linke fell at Fort Hateno after taking the brunt of an attack from a Guardian with its sights on the princess. Zelda put her champion to sleep in a shrine of resurrection...

Linke assumes Zelda is deceased, her spirit holding back the Calamity even in death.

[thomcoldman-blog]

A Wild Rebellion: Breath of the Wild, Majora’s Mask and the Value of a Sad, Mad World

The Legend of Zelda has a knack for memorable beginnings. Be it a old man in a cave passing you a much-needed sword, or the patter of rain on your window as a princess' desperate plea for help pulls you from your dreaming, the series has often excelled at setting the stage for the scale and urgency of the quest to come. Despite this, the 2000 Nintendo 64 title The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask has a sharp opening salvo that sticks out amongst its series fellows, even 17 years and 12 games later. Far from the call to adventure and heroism most Zelda games open with, it features a Link on the brink of puberty robbed of his horse, his magical ocarina and - as punishment for pursuing his attacker - his human form. The game later reveals that the moon is falling, and Link must relive the same 3 days until he is prepared to stop an otherwise certain apocalypse, but even this level of dire circumstance feels natural following such an abruptly violent start. At the time, and even to this day, Majora's Mask's opening moments are Zelda's rude awakening.

Fast-forward to 2017, and the release of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Every Zelda title in the space between Majora and BotW more or less begins the same way. Link wakes up in his home, usually living in relative harmony in Hyrule or some other idyllic retreat, and finds his peace eventually disturbed by an invasive danger – emphasis on “eventually”. Even in the self-proclaimed “darker” entry Twilight Princess, the notion of terror and death is not the norm, with the encroaching Twilight Realm presenting a vicious challenge rather than a certain fate. Breath of the Wild breaks from this de-facto tradition in its own way, with Link waking up yet again – but this time, in a watery grave, in an alien room with pulsing neon lights and no friendly faces to greet or berate him. He has no memories to his name, almost as many clothes on his body. It's not just a clean break from recent tradition, but an aggressively stark subversion of the same. (Even series producer Eiji Aonuma noted how the game still began with a waking Link.)

The opening moments of “Majora's Mask” and “Breath of the Wild” have little in common in literal terms, but they share a rebellious heart in throwing off the shackles of Zelda's norms. What makes these openings important is how their respective tones of violent tragedy and hazy mystery seep through the rest of the game – and how they keep upsetting the usual Zelda order at every turn. It is this attitude to Zelda's norms that makes these games so special – and it is through rebellion, not adherence, that they fulfil the true promise of Zelda more thoroughly than any other so far.

The biggest decision Nintendo made with both of these games that sets them apart from the rest is their tone. Zelda games are traditionally steeped in valiant heroism, which sees Link making his way over Hyrule, thwarting evil and solving problems everywhere he goes. Peace is the norm, and the people of Hyrule live idyllic lives, albeit usually disturbed by whatever that adventure's antagonist may be. As established by their openings, and quickly expanded upon once Link encounters true allies to explain just what kind of hell he's in, “Majora” and “Breath” share ambitions of a much greyer tone. 

Both are a far cry from Zelda's usual black-and-white Good Vs Evil fare; Evil's devastation is a looming certainity up until the very last impossible minute in the former, whilst Good's defeat is a centennial truth in the latter. These contexts linger throughout what feels like every moment of the game, with Majora's Termina feeling like an eternal tumble through the five stages of grief, while Hyrule in Breath has a sombre air, a world violated putting on a brave face.

What these grimmer backdrops afford Nintendo's designer is significant. Characters burst with purpose – previously, all an NPC needed to do was stand around, offer idle chit-chat and functional advice, possibly hint at the location of a secret Heart Piece. Now, they need to react to the malformed world they've been placed into, and in a variety of ways to boot. Characters in “Majora” look up at the moon some in fear, some in bemusement. The ones that have cottoned on to their impending doom squabble on what to do; on what can they do. The spectre of apocalypse inspires a different mix of emotion and reaction in each person and creature in Termina; to make this all the more believable, almost every character – certainly every human character - has a well-drawn backstory, a purpose in the world.

The carpenter refuses to leave Clock Town, his dyed-in-the-wool masculinity hardened through years of manual labour making him unable to even give the apocalypse quarter. The guards of Clock Town act as an artificial barrier to keep the shrunken floral Link confined within the game's prologue chapter, yet they too eventually stare at the moon in acknowledgement of their damned role in this town. Even the shopkeepers eventually shut up shop, fleeing Termina likely all too late to save themselves. These characters aren't just multi-faceted and sympathetic – they're relatable, as you too must contend with the impending apocalypse, more than anyone else in Termina will ever have to.

Breath of the Wild takes the idea of Hyrule's people as, well, people, and runs with it. Stripped of Majora's repeating three-day countdown to calamity, it's understandable that NPCs in BotW can't run around with unique routines and schedules, but nonetheless their more rigid nature is balanced out by leaning in hard to their purpose and personality. Stables dotted across Hyrule are the most common place to run into other people, where a warm bed, a place to cook and a friendly chat are always available. Breath's quietest subversion of what it means to run into an NPC in Zelda is the levelling of the playing field; the people you run into at these stables, and occasionally on Hyrule's well-trodden trails are explorers much like Link. They may lack his heroic purpose, instead adventuring in search of treasure, food or commerce, but when you see someone running from monsters or talking about a particular ingredient or meal they love, it's hard not to relate. You'll see travellers gathered around the cooking pot and know they're here for the same reasons you are: it's rough out there, man.

Whilst Breath doesn't give every single character a personal tragedy to overcome, their simpler lives still have the unmistakable mark of the post-apocalyptic Hyrule on them. The vibe of loss, detailed in intimate dread on an individual level in Majora, is extrapolated here to a blanket grief covering the world. It lets there exist areas of ruined buildings with no greater use than a tucked-away treasure chest or Korok seed puzzle, yet a powerful echo of the Great Calamity nonetheless. It lets the amphibious Zora treat Link's return with anxiety, his survival while their beloved princess remains murdered adding insult to their injury – a call to prove oneself that feels natural where it would normally feel arbitrary. It even feeds back into the gameplay; Link's weapons smashing to pieces, the abolition of health pickups in long grass or the extremely minimal waypointing would feel perhaps harsh against the heroic backdrop of Ocarina of Time, but this is the game where Link went toe-to-toe with Ganon once already... and he blew it.

Majora's Mask tries the same trick 17 years earlier, but it's not as solid. The apocalyptic tone of Majora feeds into all the writing, and even beyond the fear of the moon characters are dealing with a host of personal tragedies. Rescuing the Zora eggs in Great Bay from the Gerudo Pirates is necessary to access the temple, but the game doesn't even need to explicitly tell you that – instead it uses their mother's reclusive behaviour to paint it as the region's utmost concern, egging you on to track them down (sorry). This is one example within the main quest; meanwhile, you'll investigate characters such as the jilted bride, the bad-tempered circus leader or the mugged bomb shop owner out of a sense of curiosity for their troubles. These quests reward you with either a Piece of Heart or one of the many masks Link acquires, and they can include some of the most touching scenes in the game. 

Well-written and cohesive as they are, outside of these stories is just typical Zelda fare. The world is navigated in similar fashion to Ocarina of Time, and Link acquires new weapons and health upgrades from progressing through the story. The dungeons can be difficult, and the time pressure does create a different sensation from usual when getting stuck, but ultimately Majora's Mask does little to stray from the Zelda model of continously empowering and rewarding Link. The game is rich in atmosphere, with the audio design putting in a lot of work setting the mood of each environment, but Link is in full hero mode here. The last quarter focuses on a canyon area home to a ruined kingdom and its undead inhabitants that refuse to move on. It's a fantastically eerie, vicious setting, reeking of regret and woe, but it's telling that the game shifts towards those Link is far too late to help; at this point, there isn't many in Termina that Link can't get back on their feet.

Breath avoids the issue of diminishing returns on its tone by further embracing the spirit of rebellion against Zelda's norms. On the surface, to compare the two you would consider “Breath” the less rebellious title, as it keeps to a “beat Ganon” plot and features many returning locations, but this is just a smart way of occasionally prodding the player and reminding them that, yes, this is Zelda. The core of Zelda is empowerment, and putting keys into locks to achieve this empowerment – in Ocarina this is overcoming dungeons and gaining new items within, in Majora this is helping people for masks with new powers (and also overcoming dungeons).

BotW handles empowerment, and the notion of “locks” and “keys” differently. Firstly it gives the player four unique skills up front to use both in the overworld and in the underground puzzle shrines. Even at the end of the game, these skills function identically to how they did at the beginning – empowerment comes from the player getting used to how they might best be used to overcome problems. The skills are keys, but even if it's clear which one the lock needs, there's still the matter of execution. Then there's the matter of weapons – they degrade, so you can't keep hold of them for long, even if they're carving through most enemies in your path. Exploring for the game's only permanent forms of empowerment, such as new clothing gear, or Korok seeds to expand your inventory, or shrines to improve your health and stamina – this choice comes with the caveat that you may lose your favourite bow or sword in the process.

The shelf date on every combat tool Link has keeps “empowerment” feeling relegated to the player's own self-confidence and knowledge of the world – even health becomes less of a safety net when stronger enemies appear more frequently the sturdier Link gets. Even the Master Sword will disintegrate for a while should you rely on it too much. Each part of Breath of the Wild is 100% invested in the notion that this is a “do it yourself” adventure, where Link has to truly prove himself through actions rather than handouts. The scenario, writing and mechanics all draw from the tone of defeat, and it reinforces their effectiveness, creating an incredibly cohesive experience – and a highly believable, intimidating world.

Breath of the Wild inherits Majora's Mask’s rebellious spirit and rejects even more of Zelda's norms, using a tonal break to introduce and contextualise deeper change than redefines what it can mean to be a Zelda game. What this means for the series going forward is hard to tell. It could be argued BotW’s tone is a result from intentionally exploring open-ended gameplay, and then finding an atmosphere for the world that felt right for the systems Nintendo wanted to introduce, but the end result is the same. If Nintendo treats BotW as a template going forward, it could run into the same problems Wind Waker and Twilight Princess had: there, tonal shifts existed in and of themselves, with the tried-and-true gameplay of previous successful Zeldas being retained and the games feeling somewhat lacking in comparison.

Consider a new emotion for Zelda. If most Zelda games are “heroic”, then Majora is tragic and Breath is melancholic – or perhaps simply wild. What would Zelda look like if the feeling they struck was fear? How about rage, or passion, or nostalgia? Take that feeling and bleed it into every element of the game design, and only then could it feel as distinct as Breath. The spirit of Zelda cannot be forgotten, but overcoming challenges and empowering the player will naturally shift dramatically under new lights. If Zelda is to keep growing, it needs to remember the lessons of Majora's Mask - ultimately, nothing can last forever.