Shield

Welcome to Zelda Site! Below you will see the latest news and updates from across the Zelda Community. More often than not, you will come across news in duplicate, and that's simply because Zelda sites all seem to report on the same thing these days. However, you'll also come across some unique features from some of the biggest Zelda sites currently active, as well as seeing some individual site news as well.

Consider this site as a news source, like NewsNow - but for Zelda (so it's much more interesting).

Community-Wide Zelda Updates

Can you solve a Rubik's Cube?

Source: Hyrule.net News | 6 Oct 2008 | 3:31 am

Fierce Muffin asks, "Can you solve a Rubik's Cube?"

A Sony Blunder

Source: ZeldaInformer | 5 Oct 2008 | 6:04 pm

The PS3 was announced for Malaysia just a while ago, but what happened there is what makes this relevant to Zelda.


As Mr. Naoi Sudo took the stage during the presentation, the Zelda theme played. How or why this happened is unknown to us.

My guess is that somebody at Sony probably does not have a job anymore.

Source: Joystiq

PH Visual Walkthrough Page Up

Source: Zelda Universe | 5 Oct 2008 | 10:33 am

I’m happy to announce that I’ve gotten off my lazy butt and organized the Phantom Hourglass Visual Walkthrough page. You can now access the entire visual walkthrough from a single spot on ZU. I’ve added links to the visual walkthrough to the Phantom Hourglass page and the Videos page.

There won’t be any PH Visual Walkthrough progress this weekend as far as I know, as HylianHero has been working on another visual walkthrough - and finished it, I hear, so parts of it may be up today - the visual walkthrough for the original Legend of Zelda.

Zelda Cartridge turned into a NES

Source: ZeldaInformer | 4 Oct 2008 | 5:46 pm

In an epic mod, a French modder, Kotomi, turned an original The Legend of Zelda cartridge into a full fledged Nintendo Entertainment System.   In an epic mod, a French modder, Kotomi, turned an original The Legend of Zelda cartridge into a full fledged Nintendo Entertainment System.

zelcard01.jpg
zelcard02.jpg
This could be one of the most unique mods ever.

Source: The Hylia

Food for thought?!..?

Source: LegendOfZelda.com - The Definitive Zelda Site - News Feed | 3 Oct 2008 | 11:35 pm


I will be the first to say, as a loyal and long time serving one, that Nintendo fans are some of the most patient and slow to judge gaming "fanboys" on the face of this planet we call the gaming community.

I quote Shigeru Miyamoto in saying "A delayed game is eventually good, a bad game is bad forever". However... despite this very true fact I believe it has become clear in recent years that Nintendo has moved away from its "bread and butter" fan base to cater to the mass market which the Wii generation/causal gamer market has seemed to be the crux of.

Profit and general distribution of games is one thing, a lack of catering to its core userbase to the extent that they move to other gaming franchises and platforms is another? Who knows, call me a cynic? However given the rise of MMOs, the online generation (outside of Mario Kart for Ninty), do you not think it is time for Nintendo to get back to what made it great as a company... I.e. ground breaking platform/rpg games such as Mario 64 and Ocarina of Time. Or are they relics of a bygone era forever cursed to be left in the graveyard of gaming history, something of which Nintendo no longer has the means or capability to emulate in this fast moving and highly competetive gaming industry we now find ourselves the customers of?

Here is a little food for thought, as it where, << Click >>

Am I right? Am I wrong? Create an account at LoZ.com and discuss this at this thread.

Should ZU Give More Nintendo News?

Source: Zelda Universe | 3 Oct 2008 | 11:34 am

Yesterday was a bit of an experiment - I knew Nintendo’s announcements would probably have little to do with Zelda, but I reported on most of them anyway. Zelda news right now is slower than ever, and I’m wondering if you guys think general Nintendo news, stuff like I posted yesterday, is a good substitute in the meantime, and to what degree ZU should be reporting on general Nintendo news if so. I’ve set up a little fancy poll thing, so feel free to vote and let me and the news monkeys know what you’d like to see posted on the front page of ZU when there isn’t much Zelda news to go around.

Keep in mind that this poll is NOT related to the ZUCast, the PH Visual Guide, or any of ZU’s other article series or content. This is strictly about news, specifically Zelda News vs. Nintendo News. With that in mind, vote away!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Update: English Manga!

Source: Zelda Legends | 3 Oct 2008 | 8:03 am

Hey y'all. You know those scanlated manga pages Zelda Legends host for you? Well the first volume of the Ocarina of Time manga adaptation has been licensed, and will be released in North America on October 7th. For legal reasons, then, we shall remove our scanlated version, and try and do the same in accordance with all manga releases. I hope you enjoyed the scanlations while we had them, but thanks for buying the manga and supporting our favorite series. You ARE going to buy, right? :D

New DS Model Revealed

Source: Zelda Capital News | 2 Oct 2008 | 6:08 pm

Rumors have been circulating for quite some time now about the release of a new DS model, but no one could have prepared us for what Nintendo revealed today:

The DSi. The next generation DS model. Adapting new technology such as a SD card slot for MP3s and such, larger screens, and a .3 megapixel camera (complete with a Nintendo image editing program), the new DSi exceeded expectations.

With the new hardware enhancements, Nintendo took the best software of their latest hit, the Nintendo Wii, and applyed it to the DSi. Introducing DSWare. A store similar to the Wii Shop, it allows users to purchase what they're calling "Nintendo Points" and then use them to download various items. The new model with also come with a built-in browsing system, probably used to browse the DSWare.

Sadly, due to the SD card slot and the attempt to make it even more smaller (the DSi is about 12% thinner than the DSLite), the slot for the GameBoy Advance games has been abolished.

The Nintendo DSi is set for launch on November 1st, 2008 for what is approximately $180 USD. Release in other regions has not been announced yet, but stayed tuned to Zelda Capital, and we'll keep you posted.

GameCube titles, Wii Speak Channel, SD card support come to Wii

Source: Hyrule.net News | 2 Oct 2008 | 5:09 pm

Nintendo will be rereleasing select GameCube titles to Wii with special motion controls, as well as a Wii Speak Channel to complement the peripheral, and a final answer to criticisms over the console's lack of large storage space.
[More after the jump...]

Late Update

Source: The Desert Colossus Updates | 2 Oct 2008 | 4:15 pm

I'm really starting to reuse those titles...

Anyways, Caption Game has been updated for the week. Sorry it's late, school stuff got in the way yesterday.

Also, no Zelda news as far as today's Nintendo conference goes. Which makes me sad.

So sad.

Next week!

EDIT:: Also, new DS. Guess that's cool. Not Zelda, though.

Re-Releasing GCN Games, First-Releasing Wii Speak

Source: Zelda Universe | 2 Oct 2008 | 2:05 pm

In possibly the most unexpected move of the day, Nintendo announced that it will be refreshing some of its older GameCube titles, remarketing them as the “Play On Wii Selection.” These remarketed games will feature new control schemes, similar to Twilight Princess, though perhaps not as feature-filled. Known titles to be released so far are Donkey Kong Jungle Beat and Pikmin.

To give a short example of how this will work, Dokey Kong Jungle Beat will forgo the bongo peripheral and instead use the Wiimote + Nunchuk combo. Pikmin will have a cursor on the screen, a la Mario Galaxy, Twilight Princess, etc.

As for our old friend the Wii Speak, which debuted at E3 earlier this year, it has been given a November 20th release date in Japan, no word on a US release date. It will cost 7800 Yen, or about $74 USD, which is significantly higher than the US price of $29.99.

Along with the Wii Speak will come the Wii Speak Channel, which allows users to, you guessed it, talk through the internet with each other. The Wii Speak Channel, which debuts on November 16th in North America, will be free of charge to anyone with a Wii Speak, which will come with a code that allows you to download the channel. And yes, you heard right - the Wii Speak Channel is coming out in North America before we even know the American release date for the peripheral its meant to be used with. Ah, well - WiiSkype (Skiip?), anyone?

PC World Touches the DSi

Source: Zelda Universe | 2 Oct 2008 | 1:56 pm

The guys over at PC World have already gotten their mits on the new DSi, and have written a short review that gives a good impression of the device. If you’re curious about the DSi, it’s a good overview of the device’s capabilities.

PC World - Hands on With Nintendo’s DSi.

New DSi Appears With Camera, Wifi, Marshmallows

Source: Zelda Universe | 2 Oct 2008 | 10:32 am

While you’d never expect Nintendo to supply a device that most “casual gamer” people won’t bother to buy, I’m making my prediction right here: This thing isn’t going to take off, and you might see why when you read this announcement - or you might entirely disagree.

Nintendo has announced it’s new DS, the DSi, which looks fairly similar to the DS Lite. In fact, its design is almost exactly the same, save that the new DSi forgoes the GBA slot for a twin camera setup - one camera on the hinge (0.3MP), and one on the outside of the top clamshell (3MP). The device also has internal storage and an SD card slot, though no word on just how much storage there is. The DSi is also marginally thinner than the DS Lite, by a few millimeters, and the screens are marginally larger - 3.25in instead of the DS Lite’s 3in, but no increase in resolution.

UPDATE: Reggie Fils-Aime has recently announced that the DSi will not be hitting US shores until “well into 2009.” Start saving up, kiddos. If you’re even more curious, the Japanese DSi site is up.

Image Courtesy of Engadget

In addition to announcing the DSi, Nintendo also said that there will be Nintendo WiFi hotspots around the nation where you, the humble DSi user, will be able to access a DSi Shop and download “DSWare” software a la the Wii Shop Channel. Such software offerings will even include a free internet browser. No DSWare titles will exceed 800 “Nintendo Points,” which is the new name for Wii Points.

Nintendo has announced the DSi as a “third platform” - meaning it won’t be replacing your DS Lite, and probably won’t be replacing it in your local game store. Since the DS Lite and DSi will probably be sold side-by-side, it looks like Nintendo has created a niche market for the DSi - with little software may end up becoming available that takes advantage of the twin cameras as everybody else already owns a DS Lite, and with the device being marketed as a “complement” to the current DS Lite, its offerings might not be enough to make people switch systems.

The DSi launches on November 1st in Japan for 18,900 Yen (or about $180 USD). Reggie Fils-Aime said for Nintendo that the DSi may not see US shores until “well into 2009,” due to the current popularity of the DS Lite hardware.

Wii to (Finally) Support True SD Card Storage

Source: Zelda Universe | 2 Oct 2008 | 10:20 am

We’ve been clamoring for it for a while now (since the Wii’s release two years ago), and Nintendo’s finally given in - come Spring 2009 we’ll all be able to use our gratuitously sized SD cards that have been sitting in our Wiis to their full potential. You’ll be able to move your channels to the SD card and use them - including games purchased over the Shop Channel. I expect Nintendo will be taking measures to prevent you from simply giving your games to other people, or else there’ll be some mass game transferring between friendlies.

Supposedly there’s a 2GB limit to the storage you can use, and I’m currently not sure whether or not you need to buy a Wii-branded SD card (which would make sense given a limit). If so, expect this solution to take off more slowly than you’d have hoped - about as slowly as it takes for your wallet to fill up $80 in surplus cash.

UPDATE: As commenters are poiting out, the chances of Nintendo requiring a Wii-branded SD card are highly unlikely, as the Wii has supported all SD cards from the beginning, and there is no special format specifically for Wii (the only difference between SanDisk’s Wii SD cards is that they are white).

Nintendo adds several games to their 2009 Line-up

Source: Hyrule.net News | 2 Oct 2008 | 3:48 am

Keen to show what they've still got to offer, Nintendo has announced and shown small teasers for several new games, including a revival of one of their old franchises (You may know Little Mac as an assist trophy in SSBB).

Other games that have been announced are Another Code, Dynasty Warriors and Sin and Punishment 2, as well as showing new teasers for Wii music, Animal Crossing, Sonic Unleashed, dead rising wii and wii sports 2 among others

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/conference20...ov/wii.html?n10

http://www.nintendo.co.jp/n10/conference20...mov/ds.html?n10

http://gamevideos.1up.com/video/id/21792

New Nintendo DS unveiled

Source: Hyrule.net News | 2 Oct 2008 | 3:29 am

At Nintendo's press conference today, the latest version of the Nintendo DS has been unveiled, the DSi.

The DSi will have two 3.25-inch screens (17% bigger than the DS/DS lite). It also features a camera and an SD card slot.
[More after the jump...]

Iwata’s Announcement May Bring New DS, Black Holes in Our Wallets

Source: Zelda Universe | 1 Oct 2008 | 5:51 pm

Tomorrow’s the day, folks. Rumors have been flying around for quite a while about a new fangled DS that should hit shelves, well, sometime soon, and the purported new features span everything from bigger screens to a built-in camera - and at this point, we’re content to just sit back and let the magic unfold. Speculation like this hasn’t been seen since the last Apple keynote.

And, speaking of Apple, this new DS updated is supposedly targeting the iPhone, which has become the ubiquitous convergence device. The DS currently lags behind the iPhone in extendability, ease of software acquisition, and touch screen size, accuracy and capability. If Nintendo is truly going after the iPhone’s remarkable touch screen, they’ll have to pull something big out of their expensive top hats.

Nintendo has already issued a statement neither confirming or denying the existence of this new DS, leaving many fans to assume that the DS will be announced tomorrow. Of course, even if a new DS is announced, there’s no guarantee it will ship immediately, or even before the holiday season, but as Engadget writer Darren Murph pints out, it would be a huge blunder not to release this before Christmas.

I’ll be back tomorrow with some sort of update about Iwata’s announcement - be it a new DS or nothing spectacular at all.

Ocarina of Time Manga Review

Source: The Hylia Newswire | 1 Oct 2008 | 2:25 am

We have our first review of the English Ocarina of Time manga.

I Asked For This…

Source: Zelda Universe | 30 Sep 2008 | 11:00 pm

So, I guess that I should never ask for question ideas, but it did give me something to answer.

You sent enough questions to finally post a new mailbag. So enjoy it.

About four of you sent me question relating to suggestion I made about 2D Zelda being made.  But there were some other ones like the random one about the presidential election.

You can send me more mail to answer, and it would be appreciated!

That is all.

Phantom Hourglass 1 Year Anniversary

Source: The Hylia Newswire | 30 Sep 2008 | 11:00 pm

It's been one year since the sequel to Wind Waker came out for the DS. So, how has it done?

Nintendo News: New NDS to be released! Update: Fake.

Source: Zelda Legends | 30 Sep 2008 | 10:23 pm

Finally, good news for NDS fans! Nintendo is releasing a new version of the DS with new features and improvements of old ones! Update: All that cool description of the new DS is fake, and actually belongs to a new PSP which is going to be released...

This Sunday a report appeared in The Nikkei Business Daily telling all loyal Nintendo fans some good news. Nintendo plans to release a new version of its' latest portable gaming system, the NDS.

The new version has a camera and a music player built in, to start with. It will also have better wireless for connecting to the internet.

According to the report, it will cost about 189 USD, and will be offered first in Japan.

Follow this link to see full story:
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2008/0928...launch-new.html

Update:
Bad news peoples, the new NDS story is fake. Either Nikkei are liars, or do not know the difference between the NDS and PSP, either way no new NDS is coming soon.
Shame. But there are good news for Sony lovers, because a new PSP is going to be released, now slimmer and more functional.

Link, for people interested:

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/new-...84%7D&dist=hppr

http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/09/28/rumor...ayback-sd-slot/

http://gizmodo.com/5056168/nintendo-neithe...r-denies-new-ds

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9817944-1.html

so what i learned is that its not true, but NOT fake. whats REALLY going on is nintendo IS making a new ds. its just not going to be what nikkei said about. its not going to have music or camera. sure its going to have pretty larger screens, no GBA case so its smaller, and more memory, but the 'new' news is lying. nintendo is saying 'we are making a ds, but we are not going to tell you about it more.'

Nintendo to revive past franchise on Wii

Source: Hyrule.net News | 30 Sep 2008 | 6:56 pm

Nintendo announced that they will be unveiling this Thursday a game "everybody is waiting for".
[More after the jump...]

Oracle of the Seasons Manga + Media Update

Source: The Hylia Newswire | 30 Sep 2008 | 6:48 pm

Oracle of the Seasons manga has been revealed and a few minor updates to the media page.

Oracle of Seasons Manga Unveiled

Source: Zelda Universe | 30 Sep 2008 | 2:24 pm

Viz has finally revealed the cover artwork for the forthcoming Oracle of Seasons manga, due out April 7th of next year.  The manga for the first part of Ocarina of Time releases next week (though Amazon is already shipping copies), with the second part due out in early December.  The manga for Majora’s Mask releases in February of next year as well.

The Legend of Zelda Mints and Poll

Source: The Temple of Light - News | 30 Sep 2008 | 10:34 am

The Legend of Zelda is one of those games that can bring the attention of the world onto it with just a minor announcement, it's that legendary. However, for something that's so legendary there's an extraordinarily lack of merchandise and licensing of the game.

Yet, it would appear that someone's managed to license our favourite franchise into the world of confectionery.


Yep, that's the Hylian Shield from Ocarina of Time, and yep, that's mints. Apparently they've been spotted around a few stores in America, but for those of us who live outside of that country, ZeStuff is able to ship them to you. You can buy their stuff at ZeStuff.com.

I've also added the Poll back to the main site, so please vote and let me know what you think! :)

Hyrule Online Blog and Image Gallery

Source: Hyrule.net News | 30 Sep 2008 | 9:18 am

Hyrule Online has its own Zelda Fan! Which means sneak peak images and blogs for everyone! Although looking slim on both sides you can expect to see more!

http://hyruleonline.zeldafan.net/

The Gallery is Returning

Source: ZeldaInformer | 29 Sep 2008 | 5:52 pm

You heard right, the long lost coppermine gallery is making a come back... only not in it's coppermine form. Part of the merger between Absolute Zelda and ZeldaInformer included combining our never ending resources to produce a better quality site. You heard right, the long lost coppermine gallery is making a come back... only not in it's coppermine form. Part of the merger between Absolute Zelda and ZeldaInformer included combining our never ending resources to produce a better quality site.

Instead of coppermine, we have swiched over to the much more flexable, but expensive, Invision Pro Gallery. It is a product produced by the same people who brought us our lovely IPB forums. It's a very rich feature, and was part of the package Absolute Zelda purchased over a year ago. It is now going to be put into full use.

All of the images that were in the old gallery wont be returning, because  new image quality standard is being set in place. However over the comming days, you should begin to see more and more images plugged back into the gallery. So, be sure to check the link at the top of the site and to watch us progress to total gallery restoration.

On a side note, EA has brought over his convenient login box for the chat room. It's not a big change, but it should be noted the "official chat room" for here is now #absolutezelda, and will be listed conveniently in the login box.

Phantom Hourglass Visual Guide Part 6

Source: Zelda Universe | 28 Sep 2008 | 11:28 pm

Zelda hits the iPhone!

Source: The Desert Colossus Updates | 28 Sep 2008 | 4:42 pm

Well, that and the iPod Touch...

Did your family immigrate from another country?

Source: Hyrule.net News | 28 Sep 2008 | 3:14 am

Did your family move to where you live now from another country, be it before or after you were born?

Rumor: New DS to have MP3 and photo capabilities?

Source: Zelda Universe | 28 Sep 2008 | 12:52 am

I have been directed towards this page by a friend. Now it is in all Japanese, and sure you can use Google translator, but my same friend translated it for me, and Nintendo fans may be in for a treat. Hit the jump to find out more.

This comes from a Japanese economics magazine called Nikkei, and they have speculated on a new DS, with the ability to play music, and take digital photos. The main reason? To compete with the Apple iPhone.

They even named a price, which is somewhere around 190 USD. I know most of you have heard about the Press conference that Nintendo is going to have in this upcoming week. Do you think it could be announced?

Thank you to forum member Jizzy for directing me to this. His translation can be found on this link to hyrule.net (http://hyrule.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=8541).

Nintendo releases special edition Pink Ribbon DS lite

Source: Hyrule.net News | 28 Sep 2008 | 12:50 am

In honor of National Breast Cancer Month, Nintendo is releasing through Amazon a special edition Pink Ribbon Nintendo DS.
[More after the jump...]

DS + camera + iPod = ?

Source: Hyrule.net News | 28 Sep 2008 | 12:28 am

Japanese economics company Nikkei is once again speculating a possible DS remodel--this time, with the capabilities of a digital camera and an iPod.
[More after the jump...]

Phantom Hourglass Visual Guide Part 5

Source: Zelda Universe | 27 Sep 2008 | 7:24 pm

Zelda Comics

Source: Zelda Capital News | 27 Sep 2008 | 7:13 pm

Yes I know we already have Zelda Comics, but today I took the time to go through and reformat our comics page. It is much more cleaner and easy to read, seperated with new pictures and better table layouts. I have also added one new item: the children's book The Legend of Zelda: Moblin's Magic Spear. It's 23 new pages available for your viewing pleasure, and you can download the entire book in one shot. Be sure to check it out.

Be on the lookout for a new article from myself and the installment of our new staff member(s). Coming soon.

Related Links:
Zelda Comics

POLL: How much do you want?

Source: The Hylia Newswire | 27 Sep 2008 | 1:49 pm

We want your opinion! How much news do you want?

Needed: Mailbag questions!

Source: Zelda Universe | 27 Sep 2008 | 1:47 pm

I didn’t post a mailbag this week, because of one main reason: I didn’t questions to answer.

Well, that’s not a total lie. I got two emails in my mailbag inbox and I believe that’s not a very decent sized mailbag. So, I extend this post to all to send me some more emails! I want to answer your questions about anything Zelda, Nintendo, gaming in general. I want SOMEONE to ask me if creating another 2d Zelda would be a good idea (like the recent Mega Man 9). I am waiting for it!

This is where you can send me some emails. I would like to hear from you.

And, I guess I will plug the donation for the server, since you know it would be huge to get another one.

That is all. SEND ME MAIL!

Downloads Section Complete and Manga!

Source: The Temple of Light - News | 27 Sep 2008 | 1:06 pm

It's been a very, very long time coming but the Downloads section is finally complete. You are now able to download the following:

Avatars
Books
Comics
Fonts
Magazine Scans
Manga
Manuals
Music
Wallpapers


We have one of the most complete collection of actual Zelda Books on the internet to date, and I'm currently in the long and depressing process of scanning another one. We also have one of the most complete Wallpaper archives online, and we have almost all Zelda Music to download as well.

I can't say we have the most complete Manga collection, but we do have all manga that's been translated by Goddess Rinoa! If you want your translated works added to the manga archive, please let me know in the usual way.

Speaking of Manga, BerriBlue, the lovely lady who's translating a Zelda Doujini has translated a lot more pages since I last updated! She's been a very busy woman indeed, pages 1 through 53 are now available to download! Our affiliate, Zelda Infinite has an exhaustive list available of the links here.

As always we're looking for staff members, so if you want to be a news poster of a content writer, please contact me through the forums with a copy of your previous work and why you should be a writer and I'll get back in contact with you shortly!

ZU’s Looking for a Shiny Second Server

Source: Zelda Universe | 27 Sep 2008 | 9:35 am

It hasn’t been long since the revamp, and in these few short months ZU has come out of its rebirth as two entities - the highest quality Zelda fan site out there, and, unfortunately, the slowest. The result? A lot of you guys would rather load some other page on the internet much faster than slow ol’ ZU.

ZU, for the last few years, has sat nicely on a rickety little server that did “good enough” for the size of the site, but never really catered to the demands of high traffic. Well, now we’ve got that kind of traffic, coupled with a layout MUCH more server intensive than the last one we had, coupled further with all of our new, hi-res image and video content!

The result? Our poor old loyal server is panting and wheezing; it just can’t keep up.
Luckily, servers work well in pairs - even if the second one is much less powerful than the first. So, I’m trying to hook ZU’s server up with a date, so to speak. ZU’s server is getting pretty lonely - he’d like to share his SQL database information with another server. Unfortunately, that costs money (but in a good way). Actually, it costs quite a bit of money. I called up ZU’s hosting company the other day to get a price, and it comes out to about $240/mo for an extra server.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Gee, Jason, you’re so smart and nerdy, I didn’t understand a word you said! Could Your Glory describe to me exactly what this big computer in the sky is supposed to do?”

Of course I could! You underestimate my power, lowly ones.

Imagine letting five hundred people access your computer at once. Well, first imagine that they could. So, if five hundred people could all use your little computer at once, it’d run pretty slow, right? That’s why servers are built to handle a lot of people - currently several hundred thousand for ZU - but even for servers it gets to be a bit much. When you’re overworked, you ask a friend for help and split the work. ZU’s server is currently running BOTH parts of the work that happen on the server: The file sending part, and the database information storing part.

The second server would split up this work. ZU’s original server would handle all the files, and the new server would handle all the databases and information storing. Databases are where information like your forum posts, login accounts, and even all of ZU’s newsposts and content are stored. Everything that’s in text on ZU is stored in a database, not in a file.

So when you split up the work, ZU suddenly runs incredibly fast. This is not a marginal speed gain - these are speeds ZU hasn’t seen in years I’m talking about.

Multiply $240 by twelve, and you come out to $2880 as a yearly server bill. I don’t make that kind of surplus money; the ads pay per page load, and since ZU is so slow people aren’t loading the page. So I’m not making enough money to get this server.

This is a giant call for donations - again! - but for a totally different cause that will support ZU as it grows bigger and bigger. The goal is higher than the $2000 revamp because I’d love to see the community chip in and support ZU’s server bill for a year, giving me plenty of time to work out a plan to make more money with either ads, t-shirts, any way possible.

There’s an image at the top of every page. I highly suggest clicking it and donating a dollar or two! Remember that everybody who donates to ZU is eligible for a patron banner on the forums. Patrons now have double-size PM boxes as well!

If every active visitor of ZU donated five bucks, we’d be set for over six years. That’s a nice thought, ain’t it?

Phantom Hourglass Visual Guide Part 4

Source: Zelda Universe | 26 Sep 2008 | 10:34 pm

'Nother Update

Source: The Desert Colossus Updates | 24 Sep 2008 | 6:04 pm

Just a quick one today: Caption Game has been updated with this week's submissions. Go check!

Also, read Saber's HA2 interview below. And join HA2 while you're at it.

Zelda Cartidge Transformed into Famicom

Source: The Hylia Newswire | 23 Sep 2008 | 7:09 pm

A French modder manages to turn a Zelda game into a console!

Update: PH Quote FAQ

Source: Zelda Legends | 22 Sep 2008 | 8:21 pm

I've added a Phantom Hourglass Quote FAQ, created by Evan T. Delaney and originally hosted on GameFAQs.com.

LoZ Manga Update

Source: ZeldaInformer | 22 Sep 2008 | 12:17 pm

This week brings us eight new pages of the Legend of Zelda Manga, thanks to everyone's favorite translating fruit, GlitterBerri.

This week brings us eight new pages of the Legend of Zelda Manga, thanks to everyone's favorite translating fruit, GlitterBerri.

In our last update, things finally started to warm up, with the introduction of Ganon. To continue reading, click over here.

The latest updates start at page 49. Enjoy!

Majora's Mask English Manga Cover Revealed.

Source: ZeldaInformer | 22 Sep 2008 | 5:42 am

Hi I'm Matthew, otherwise known as Lefty, or lftenjamin. I'm the newest addition to the ZI staff. I am very happy to be working for a such an amazing site as this, and I hope I can serve you viewers well. Now onto some news!

With the second chapter of the Ocarina of Time manga already announced, it was only a matter of time before Majora's Mask would follow, and the cover has been revealed! Hi I'm Matthew, otherwise known as Lefty, or lftenjamin. I'm the newest addition to the ZI staff. I am very happy to be working for a such an amazing site as this, and I hope I can serve you viewers well.

Now onto some news! With the second chapter of the Ocarina of Time manga already announced, it was only a matter of time before Majora's Mask would follow, and the cover has been revealed!

Thumbnail image for Thumbnail image for majoras-mask-small.jpg

Seeing as how Majora's Mask is my favorite Zelda game. I am really excited about this, and am definitely looking forward to this!

Source: Amazon

Wii Music, City Folk release dates announced

Source: Hyrule.net News | 22 Sep 2008 | 12:53 am

Nintendo officially announced regional release dates for Wii Music in October, and Animal Crossing: City Folk in November.
[More after the jump...]

Another interview from HA2

Source: The Desert Colossus Updates | 21 Sep 2008 | 10:15 pm

Okay, yeah, second one. It's Orpheous this time.

...

Click Read More to...well, read more. Should be...should be pretty obvious.

Miyamoto to recieve ESA's Nite To Unite Award

Source: The Hylia Newswire | 21 Sep 2008 | 4:49 pm

Shigeru Miyamoto will be the recipient of the 2009 ESA Champion Award!

Majora's Mask Manga Also Coming to N. America

Source: The Hylia Newswire | 21 Sep 2008 | 4:27 pm

In addition to Ocarina of Time mange, we will also be graced with Majora's Mask

Update: New Staff Members

Source: Zelda Legends | 21 Sep 2008 | 4:25 pm

My call for new staff members was met with a very enthusiastic response! We have no less than 16 new staff members to welcome aboard!

  • Amy122 - Interview Poster
  • Arcaynum - Web Designer
  • bdpotter - Fan Fiction Moderator
  • Crownflame - Staff, helping with Fan Fiction, Ongoing Stories, Lexicon, Bestiary
  • Cyrus - Interview Poster
  • Darkra - Gallery Moderator
  • Duke Serkol - Staff
  • Exoduso - Staff, helping with Mailbag, news, graphic design
  • js06 - Translator
  • kudjiboy - Fan Fiction Moderator
  • Lexxi Aileron - Staff, helping with Visual Guides
  • MikePetersSucks - Staff
  • Nearia - Programmer
  • Reoko - News Poster
  • Showsni - Staff, helping with forum moderation
  • Wesley - Gallery moderator

We still need more help with the Lexicon, Bestiary, and the Zelda Wiki.org collaboration. Please email me if you're interested in helping!

Oops! Zelda Theme Played at PS3 Event

Source: The Hylia Newswire | 21 Sep 2008 | 4:13 pm

Wow. This is pretty funny.

Update: Zelda Wiki.org Partnership

Source: Zelda Legends | 20 Sep 2008 | 1:47 pm

I am proud to announce that Zelda Legends has officially joined forces with Zelda Wiki.org.

Zelda Wiki.org is the largest collaborative Zelda wiki around. I have always been impressed by the amount of community involvement in the project, the collaboration between different Zelda web sites, and the enthusiasm and dedication displayed by everyone involved.

As you all know, Zelda Legends is as an exhaustive resource for hard-core Zelda timeline theorists. However, my most ambitious project, the Zelda Legends Wiki (originally the Encyclopedia) has kind of fallen by the wayside. By partnering with Zelda Wiki.org, our dream of a complete, exhaustive resource for all Zelda terms can be better realized, especially since the efforts of the entire Zelda community would be behind it. That is why I have decided to retire the Zelda Legends Wiki and join Zelda Wiki.org.

I plan on bring Zelda Legends' timeline resources, Lexicon, and Bestiary up-to-date, and in so doing improve the timeline resources, completeness, and organization of Zelda Wiki.org. If anyone is interested in getting involved in this collaboration, please contact me.

Staff Needed

Source: Zelda Capital News | 20 Sep 2008 | 11:23 am

As is clearly evident, the whole Zelda community is at a stand still. With no new news to post, it has been hard to keep up activity on Zelda Capital. Therefore I have wanted to write some content to post on the site. However, with school started, I can only write so much.

I am looking for one person to become a new DEDICATED content writer for Zelda Capital. I have had way too many staff members come and go and am looking for one I can count on. I don't have a set number of pieces of content I require, but I would like a few submissions, lets say, per month. (Tentative.)

If you think you can handle it, please shoot me an email at webmaster@zeldacapital.com. (Label the subject "Staff Application.") I have to request that all applicants be at least 15, with a 10th grade level of writing.

Please include:

  • Your real name (first name is okay)
  • Your age
  • School year (9th, 10th, 11th...)
  • A screenname (AIM, MSN, ICQ, etc. [I have them all])
  • One piece of content as an example of your writing (won't be posted unless you are accepted).
  • Explain to me why you think you are fit for a content writer position at Zelda Capital.

That's about it for now. I may think of more later. Send me an email if your interested. Thanks guys.

The Nature of the Triforce

Source: ZeldaInformer | 19 Sep 2008 | 2:14 pm

The sacred Triforce has long been the focal point of the Legend of Zelda series. With each game, it seems something new is revealed about these mysterious golden triangles. Does all this information harmonize, and can one truly grasp the full nature of the Triforce? This article explores those very questions.

Table of Contents
- The Legend of Zelda
- The Adventure of Link
- A Link to the Past
     - Origins of the Triforce
     - The Purpose of the Triforce
     - The Effects of the Triforce
- Ocarina of Time
     - The Origin Story Retold
     - The Prophecy of the Triforce
     - Protective and Transforming Qualities
- The Oracle of Seasons and The Oracle of Ages
- The Wind Waker
     - Separation from a Triforce Piece
     - The Duty of the Triforce Holders
     - Fulfillment of the Triforce Prophecy
     - Granting the Wish
- Twilight Princess
     - Divine Intervention
     - Protective and Transforming Qualities Re-emphasized
- Summary of the Nature of the Triforce
- Unsolved Mysteries
- Conclusion


When discussing the Legend of Zelda series, the Triforce is a common topic. It's one of the main focal points of the series, but how much do fans really know about it? Many people find it hard to understand exactly what it is and does, because information about it is spread out over multiple games. By piecing together all the Triforce information given in the games, we can get a better grasp of the true nature of the Triforce.


twotriforces.gif


The Legend of Zelda

 

In the midst of this chaos, in a little kingdom in the land of Hyrule, a legend was being banded down from generation to generation, the legend of the "Triforce"; golden triangles possessing mystical powers. One day, an evil army attacked this peaceful little kingdom and stole the Triforce of Power. This army was led by Ganon, the powerful Prince of Darkness who sought to plunge the World into fear and darkness under his rule. Fearing his wicked rule, Zelda, the princess of this kingdom, split up the Triforce of Wisdom into eight fragments and hid them throughout the realm to save the last remaining Triforce from the cluthes of the evil Ganon.

~Legend of Zelda Manual


Due to space limitations, the original Legend of Zelda has little to offer in terms of information, but a few things can be determined from the manual:

  • There are two Triforce pieces: The Triforce of Power and the Triforce of Wisdom.
  • They possess "mystical powers", but exactly what the powers are is not known.
  • The Triforce pieces exist in a physical form. The Triforce of Wisdom is broken into eight pieces, and then re-assembled.
  • When Ganon is defeated, his Triforce of Power appears in his ashes, showing that you lose your Triforce piece upon death.

 

DeadGanon.jpg


The Adventure of Link


As with the original Legend of Zelda, Adventure of Link has little to offer us in-game, but the manual gives us some new insights.


Then, the prince of the kingdom should have become king and inherited everything, but he could inherit the Triforce only in part.

~Adventure of Link Manual

There are three kinds of Triforce - Power, Wisdom, and Courage. When these three are brought together, the Triforce will share its maximum power.
Of the three, I have left Power and Wisdom in the kingdom. But the Triforce of Courage I have hidden for a reason.
Not everybody can use the Triforce. It requires a strong character with no evil thoughts. But an inborn special quality is also necessary.
Unfortunately, I have not found such a person during my lifetime. Therefore, I have decided to cast a spell on all of Hyrule. A crest will appear on a young man with that character who has been brought up correctly, has gained many kinds of experiences and reached a certain age. But, what will happen if someone else uses the Triforce before then?

~Adventure of Link Manual

There is actually a third piece, the Triforce of Courage, which forms the complete Triforce, and only when all three Triforce pieces are together will it be at its maximum power. At the end of the game, Link unites all three pieces together, and the complete Triforce is able to awaken Zelda, who is in an eternal sleep. This is the first example in the series of the complete Triforce exerting powers that the individual pieces could not.


AoLending.jpg


Not everyone can inherit the entire Triforce though. Whether the prince was physically incapable of controlling all three Triforce pieces, or just deemed unworthy by the king is not specified. However, it takes a special inborn quality for someone to use the entire Triforce, and few have it.

And though it's possible for someone to control the entire Triforce and use it for good, the Triforce can be used for evil as well. The Triforce appears impartial to whether its holder is good or evil.

A Link to the Past


Origins of the Triforce

A Link to the Past is the first game to explain how the Triforce came into existence. After telling the story of Hyrule's creation by the gods of Power, Wisdom, and Courage, the manual and the game intro give us the origins of the Triforce.

After the gods had finished their work, they left the world, but not before creating a symbol of their strength, a golden triangle known as the Triforce. A small but powerful portion of the essence of the gods was held in this mighty artifact, which was to guide the intelligent life on the world of Hyrule.
~A Link to the Past Manual


artsyalttp.jpg

The Triforce would continue to shine in a sacred place that exists somewhere in the world, until persons would appear who had the three crests of, respectively, "one who rules power", "one who administers wisdom", and "one who trains/tempers courage", and who were suitable of inherting this power.*
~A Link to the Past Manual Direct Translation


 

Legends told of an omnipotent
and omniscient Golden Power
that resided in a hidden land.
~A Link to the Past Intro
 

Finally we know where the the Triforce came from. After creating Hyrule, the gods of Power, Wisdom, and Courage left behind the Triforce. Containing the essence of the gods, it is both omnipotent and omniscient.

The resting place of the Triforce was a sacred, hidden land. It would remain there until a worthy holder, or holders, would appear bearing a crest, or Triforce mark.


The Purpose of the Triforce


A Link to the Past explains what the "mystical powers" spoken about in Legend of Zelda are. This is the first look we get at the true purpose and nature of the Triforce.

The leader stood triumphant over the Triforce and grasped it with his blood- stained hands. He heard a whispered voice:
"If thou has a strong desire or dream, wish for it..."
~A Link to the Past Manual



Here we see that the Triforce is capable of speech, and encourages its holder to make a wish. The Triforce appears eager to fulfill its duty.

The Triforce itself cannot judge between good and evil. That is because only the gods can do that.*
~A Link to the Past Manual Direct Translation



The Triforce grants the wishes of its holder, whether good or evil. It does not, and can not, judge between good and evil when granting wishes, because only the gods can do that.

A Link to the Past then gives us a possible example of the gods judging between good and evil.

If a person who has an evil
heart gets the Triforce, a Hero
is destined to appear...
~A Link to the Past

If the Triforce falls into the wrong hands, a Hero will appear. Since we know that the Triforce itself does not judge good and evil, it's likely that the emergence of a Hero is a work of the gods.


alttpending.jpg



The Effects of the Triforce


The Adventure of Link manual asks what should happen if the Triforce would fall into the hands of someone who would not use it for good, and A Link to the Past answers that question. We are also shown what happens when it is used for good.

I do not know what Ganon wished for from the Triforce.
However, in time evil power began to flow from the Golden Land.

~A Link to the Past Manual

 

This world is like the real
world, but evil has twisted it.
The Golden Power is what
changed your shape to reflect
what is in your heart and mind.
~A Link to the Past


Welcome, Link...
I am the Essence Of The
Triforce.
... ... ...

The Triforce will grant the
wishes in the heart and mind of
the person who touches it.

If a person with a good heart
touches it, it will make his good
wishes come true... If an evil-
hearted person touches it, it
grants his evil wishes.

The stronger the wish, the
more powerful the Triforce's
expression of that wish.

Ganon's wish was to conquer
the world. That wish changed
the Golden Land to the Dark
World.

Ganon was building up his
power here so he could conquer
the Light World and make his
wish come completely true.

But now, you have totally
destroyed Ganon. His Dark
World will vanish.

The Triforce is waiting for a
new owner. Its Golden Power is
in your hands...

~Essence of the Triforce in A Link to the Past


If someone with an evil heart touches the Triforce, it will reflect his heart, and transform the land where the Triforce rests into a Dark World flowing with evil. When someone enters this land, they too will become mirrored by the Triforce. Their outward appearance becomes a reflection of their heart. It will only cease to flow with evil if a master with a pure heart touches the Triforce.

Once the Triforce is touched, it will only serve and grant wishes to one master as long as he lives. Upon the death of its owner, the Triforce will await a new owner. Further evidence that the Triforce is aware of its purpose, and desires to be owned.

Ocarina of Time



The Origin Story Retold


Ocarina of Time also tells the origin story of the Triforce, but goes into greater detail.

Three golden goddesses descended
upon the chaos that was Hyrule...
Din, the goddess of power...
Nayru, the goddess of wisdom...
Farore, the goddess of courage...
~Ocarina of Time

 

And golden sacred triangles
remained at the point where the
goddesses left the world.
Since then, the sacred triangles
have become the basis of our
world's providence.
And, the resting place of the
triangles has become the
Sacred Realm.
~Ocarina of Time



Here the gods spoken about in A Link to the Past are given gender and names: Din, the goddess of power, Nayru, the goddess of wisdom, and Farore, the goddess of courage. It's also specified that they are golden, thus explaining the Triforce's golden appearance.

When the goddesses left the world, the Triforce was left at their exit point. This resting place of the Triforce became the Sacred Realm. The term "Sacred Realm" is the actual name for the place where the Triforce rests. This name is not in contrast with A Link to the Past, as "Golden Land" was the term Nintendo of America chose to use in A Link to the Past, but it doesn't actually appear in the Japanese text for the game.


The Prophecy of the Triforce


A Link to the Past shows us what power the Triforce yields when touched by someone capable of controlling it, but what happens when the person who touches it cannot control all three pieces?

The Triforce...the sacred triangle...
it is a balance that weighs the
three forces:
Power, Wisdom and Courage.
If the heart of the one who holds
the sacred triangle has all three
forces in balance, that one will
gain the True Force to govern all.
But, if that one's heart is not in
balance, the Triforce will separate
into three parts:
Power, Wisdom and Courage.
Only one part will remain for the
one who touched the Triforce...the
part representing the force that
one most believes in.
If that one seeks the True Force,
that one must acquire the two
lost parts.
Those two parts will be held
within others chosen by destiny,
who will bear the Triforce mark
on the backs of their hands.
~Zelda in Ocarina of Time



While we know from A Link to the Past that the Triforce cannot judge between good and evil, it can weigh the forces of Power, Wisdom, and Courage. Only a person with all three forces in balance can govern all three pieces with the True Force, the full extent of the Triforce's power.

If the person who touches the Triforce does not have all three forces in balance, then the prophecy of the Triforce will come true. The results of that are:

  • They will only receive the piece reperesenting the force they most believe in. This is a possible reference Adventure of Link's statement that the prince could only inherit the Triforce in part.
  • The other two pieces will dwell inside two people chosen by destiny to hold them. This shows that the Triforces can exist in either a physical form, (as seen in the first three games) or a non-physical form.
  • Triforce marks will appear on the backs of the hands of two people chosen by destiny. This references A Link to the Past's concept of people "suitable of inheriting the power" and having crests.



If the unbalanced person wishes to obtain the True Force, he must find the two chosen ones, and take their Triforce pieces from them.

Near the end of Ocarina of Time, Ganon manages to find out that Link and Zelda hold the other two pieces. Bringing them together, he attempts to fulfill the prophecy.

The Triforce parts are resonating...
They are combining into one again...
~Ganondorf in Ocarina of Time



Ganondorf's words here hint that the Triforce itself desires to be united again.


Protective and Transforming Qualities


I passed myself off as a Sheikah
and hoped that you would return.
~Zelda in Ocarina of Time

sheik.jpg
Using her Triforce of Wisdom, Zelda was able to perfectly disguise herself as a Sheikah. This shows that similar to the complete Triforce, the individual Triforce pieces have transformation powers. However, the effects of the individual pieces can occur outside of the Sacred Realm, and appear to be controllable by the piece's holder.

ganonToP.jpgAfter defeating Ganondorf and escaping his collapsing tower, Link and Zelda have little time to celebrate. Ganondorf ascends out of the rubble, and his Triforce of Power begins glowing on his hand. Appearing to harness its strength, he is revived. Ganondorf's sudden surge of life and energy shows that an individual Triforce piece is capable of protecting, or reviving its holder.

Along with his revival, Ganondorf's Triforce of Power transforms into the pig-monster Ganon. As with Zelda, this transformation is outside of the Sacred Realm, and is controllable by Ganon.

The Oracle of Seasons and The Oracle of Ages

Accept our quest, hero!
~The Triforce in Oracle of Seasons, Oracle of Ages

The Oracle games both take place outside of Hyrule, and as a result of that, have little to do with the Triforce. A couple of facts from previous games are reinforced though, and one new power of the Triforce is displayed.


oracles.png
The games each begin with Link walking into a room where the three Triforce pieces are resting on pedestals. The Triforce pieces float into the air, and after urging Link to accept their quest, transport him to the foreign lands of Holodrum and Labrynna to stop a plot to revive Ganon. From this we can learn two things.

  • The Triforce has teleportation powers.
  • As stated in A Link to the Past, the Triforce is omniscient. Even the events of distant lands are known by the Triforce


Another important note is that in both games, several characters take note that Link has a Triforce mark on his hand. This is a likely reference to the King's spell in the manual of Adventure of Link.

The Wind Waker


Separation from a Triforce Piece

When the Hero of Time was called to embark on another journey and left the land of Hyrule, he was separated from the elements that made him a hero. It is said that at that time, the Triforce of Courage was split into eight shards and hidden throughout the land.
~King Daphnes in Wind Waker


The Hero of Time refers to the Link of Ocarina of Time. After defeating Ganon and sealing him away with the help of Zelda and the other six sages, Link is sent back through time to regain his childhood. Wind Waker tells us he then lost his Triforce of Courage piece, and it split into eight shards and was hidden throughout the land.

There is some debate as to exactly when he lost his Triforce of Courage, and thus, as to exactly why. The most logical conclusions are:
  • He lost his Triforce of Courage when he was sent back to his childhood to prevent it from going with him. If the Triforce piece had gone with him, there would be an extra Triforce piece in Link's childhood, and a missing piece on the timeline of his adulthood.
  • He lost his Triforce of Courage when he left for the land of Termina. The Triforce piece left him because it could not go to Termina, as it is a parallel world.


Either way, it appears there are limitations on where the Triforce can be taken. Whether this is a work of the Triforce itself, or the gods, is unknown.


The Duty of the Triforce Holders

This necklace you wear is part of a sacred treasure called the Triforce of Wisdom, which has been passed down for many ages within the royal family of Hyrule. Your mother passed this down to you and instructed you to treasure it...and to guard it with your life. Am I not correct? The Triforce of Wisdom is none other than the sacred power of the gods that we have kept from Ganon's clutches for so many long years. The gods placed upon your ancestors the task of protecting it from evil's grasp.
~King Daphnes in Wind Waker


A piece of the Triforce was given to the Hero of Time and he kept it safe, much as Zelda kept hers. That sacred piece is known as the Triforce of Courage.
~King Daphnes in Wind Waker


Here Daphnes reveals an interesting fact regarding the individual Triforce pieces. Zelda's anscestors were instructed by the gods to keep the Triforce of Wisdom safe from evil, and the Hero of Time, Link, performed a similar duty. The Triforce itself does not care if its holder is evil, but the gods are well aware, and take precautions to keep the Triforce from being owned by an evil one.

Fulfillment of the Triforce Prophecy

It can only be called fate.
...That here, I would again gather the three with the crests.
...That I should lay my hand on that which grants the wishes of the beholder...
~Ganondorf in Wind Waker


Having gathered the two other Triforce holders again, Ganondorf fulfills the prophecy of the Triforce, and unites the three pieces into one again.

windwakertriforce.jpg
Interestingly, Ganondorf doesn't have to kill Link or Zelda in order to obtain their Triforce pieces. By merely weakening them, he is able to summon the pieces out of their bodies. It appears that just as he implied in Ocarina of Time, the Triforce pieces want to be united. This fits well with A Link to the Past where we are told the Triforce awaits its new Master. The Triforce wants to be united and owned so that it can fulfill its purpose: The granting of wishes.


Granting the Wish

...That I should lay my hand on that which grants the wishes of the beholder...
That when power, wisdom, and courage come together , the gods would have no choice but to come down...
The power of the gods...The Triforce!
He who touches it will have whatever desires granted.
~Ganondorf in Wind Waker


Gods of the Triforce! Hear that which I desire!
~Daphnes in Wind Waker


In an interesting twist of events, it appears that it's not the Triforce itself granting the wishes of the holder, but the gods! Perhaps because their essence is contained in the Triforce, they have no choice but to grant the wish of the one who touches it.

This explains why so many precautions have been set in place. The Triforce only desires to be used, and is impartial to good and evil, but the gods do not want to grant wishes to an evil one. Since they have no choice but to grant the wishes of the Triforce's master, the Triforce was designed to only be controllable by someone with all three forces in balance, and a hero is destined to appear if an evil one manages to control the Triforce.


Twilight Princess

Oddly enough, Twilight Princess never calls the Triforce by name. However, Ganondorf, Zelda, and Link all possess Triforce crests, and the term "power of the gods" is used on occasion.


Divine Intervention

The Japanese text for the game paints a much clearer picture as to how a person is "destined" to receive a Triforce piece and bear a crest.

You who are guided by fate, chosen by the gods, and possess the crest...*
~Sages in Twilight Princess


Probably by a prank of the gods, the fellow, too, was somebody chosen by the gods to have power.*

~Sages in Twilight Princess


While "destiny" is a vague term, and could imply the Triforce pieces themselves are choosing their new holders, "chosen by the gods" is a much more clear description. If the Triforce is split, the gods, or goddesses, choose two people to bear Triforce pieces and possess a crest. More proof that divine precautions were made to prevent the gods from having to grant wishes to an evil one.

This fits very well with Daphnes' speech in Wind Waker about the task placed on Zelda and Link by the gods. When Ganondorf got the Triforce, the goddesses themselves chose Link and Zelda to hold the other two Triforce pieces to keep them out of the reach of Ganondorf.

A sort of divine conflict appears to be taking place. The Triforce desires to be complete and in the hands of one master, whether good or evil. The goddesses, on the other hand, took measures to keep the Triforce separated so as to keep it out of the reach of evil.


Protective and Transforming Qualities Re-emphasized

In a cutscene in which six sages attempt to execute Ganondorf, the protective qualities of an individual Triforce piece are again seen. Chained and unable to move, Ganondorf is stabbed through the chest with a magical sword,and appears to die. In a similar fashion to Ocarina of Time, his Triforce of Power symbol begins to glow, and he finds new strength. The Triforce piece empowers him to break his chains, murder a sage, and remove the sword from his chest before he is banished to the Twilight Realm.

divineprank.jpg

The transforming qualities of the Triforce are displayed when Link enters the Twilight for the first time. In an apparent reaction to the effects of the Twilight, Link's Triforce of Courage begins to glow, and he is transformed into a wolf. It's possible that the pig-like beast form Ganon takes in this game is also a result of a Triforce piece reacting to the Twilight.


Summary of the Nature of the Triforce

Long ago, the three golden goddesses descended, upon the chaos that was Hyrule. Din, the goddess of power, Nayru, the goddess of wisdom, and Farore, the goddess of courage gave the world form, law, and life, and then departed for the heavens. At the point at which they left the world, three golden triangles remained. Containing the essence of the goddeses, these sacred triangles became known as the Triforce. Possessing mystical powers, the Triforce is omnipotent, omniscient, and capable of teleportation.

The resting place of the Triforce became known as the Sacred Realm. The Triforce would remain hidden in the Sacred Realm, awaiting the arrival of someone who would touch it and claim its power.

The Sacred Realm is like a mirror, reflecting the heart of the one who enters it to touch the Triforce. If the heart of the one who touches the Triforce is evil, then the Sacred Realm will become a Dark World flowing with evil. If a person with a pure heart touches the Triforce, the Sacred Realm will be purified again.

Likewise, the people who enter the Sacred Realm or Dark World, become transformed. Their outward appearance becomes a manifestation of their hearts and their minds.

In order to control the entire Triforce, and use it for good, a strong character is required. A person with evil thoughts in his mind will not be able to use the Triforce for good. A special inborn quality is needed for this, but few have it,

The Triforce itself cannot judge between good and evil, because only the goddesses who created it are able to do that. However, it is a balance that can weigh the three forces of Power, Wisdom, and Courage. If the one who touches the Triforce has all three of these forces in balance, he will obtain the True Force to govern all the pieces, and the goddesses will have no choice but to grant the wishes of the one who touched the Triforce.

If the person who touches the Triforce does not have these three forces in balance, they will only receive the piece of the Triforce that represents the force he most believes in. The other two pieces will be granted to two new holders, chosen by the goddeses, and marked with a Triforce crest on the back of their hand. The Triforce pieces will reside inside of the holders, and they are charged by the goddesses with the task of protecting them.

If the unbalanced person wishes to obtain the True Force, the two chosen ones must be sought out, and the lost pieces must be recovered from them. If two or more Triforce pieces are near each other, they begin to resonate, for the Triforce wishes to become complete again, so that it can be owned by one master and fulfill its purpose of granting wishes. The Triforce will only grant the wishes of one master, as long as the master lives, and awaits a new master upon his death. Since the goddesses wish to keep the Triforce out of the reach of evil, if an evil one is able to control the Triforce and wish upon it, the goddesses will raise up a hero to counter the evil.

The individual Triforce pieces do not possess the wish-granting power of the complete Triforce, but they have powers of their own. Similar to the complete Triforce, the individual pieces are capable of transforming their holders. Unlike with the completed Triforce, this transformation takes place outside of the Sacred Realm, and is controllable by the holder.

The individual pieces also have protective qualities, even to the point of reviving someone from what appears to be mortal wounds. The individual pieces do not grant unlimited protection or immortality though. It is possible to die while possessing a Triforce piece, and if this happens, the piece will leave the holder's body in a physical form. A Triforce piece will also leave the body of its holder if he or she attempts to cross certain boundaries. A Triforce piece will not allow itself to be taken across certain dimensional boundaries.

The holders of the individual pieces can also bring forth their piece in a physical form at will. The Triforce piece can then be broken down into multiple, smaller pieces for protective purposes, and re-assembled.


Unsolved Mysteries

Putting all the information from the various games together, we can paint a much clearer picture of what the Triforce is and does. However, there are still several cases where the Triforce appears to act irregularly. Plausible explanations can be made, but no one can say for sure why the Triforce acts in such a way. These cases are:


Wind Waker's Ending

Ganondorf assembles the Triforce and prepares to make a wish, but he is too late. While he's talking to Link and Zelda, King Daphnes touches the Triforce, and wishes for hope and a future for the children.

Upon making this wish, the Triforce flies up into the air and disappears. So where exactly did it go? Since the game does not give us a definite answer, we can't really say, but two plausible explanations are:

  • As part of the fulfillment of Daphnes' wish, the Triforce flew off to a new location for Link and Zelda to find it.
  • Since Daphnes appears to be a spirit, he's not "living". Therefore, after granting his wish, the Triforce returned to the Sacred Realm to await a new master.

Twilight Princess' Ending

Twilight Princess also leaves us with an ambiguous ending regarding the Triforce.

After a long, drawn-out battle between Link and Ganondorf, Link defeats Ganondorf, and stabs him with the Master Sword. The Triforce crest on Ganondorf's hand fades away, and he appears to die, but remains standing. From the first Legend of Zelda game, we know that a Triforce piece physically leaves its holder upon death, but we don't see that in Twilight Princess.

Some hold that Ganondorf is not actually dead, while others believe he is, and that the Triforce of Power somehow left him. Neither theory accounts for the location of the Triforce piece though, and it remains a mystery.


The "Divine Prank"

The other time we see seemingly irregular Triforce behavior is also in Twilight Princess.

When describing how Ganondorf managed to survive the attempted execution, the sages say he was granted the power of the gods by "some divine prank", or "a prank of the gods". What exactly that means is hotly debated.

As with the quote from Wind Waker about being separated from the elements that made Link a hero, the interpretation of "divine prank" is largely dependent on the ending of Ocarina of Time, after Zelda sends Link back in time to regain his childhood.

If Link returned to a time before he pulled the Master Sword, then Ganondorf never succeeded at entering the Sacred Realm and touching the Triforce. Thus, the "divine prank" is that Ganondorf (and consequently Link and Zelda as well) have Triforce pieces despite the fact that the Triforce was not touched. Many believe this is because the goddesses, being outside of the influence of time and timelines, know that Ganondorf, Zelda, and Link are the rightfull owners of the Triforce pieces. It's theorized that despite the fact that the Triforce was not touched and split during Link's childhood, the pieces were granted anyway, because Ganondorf, Zelda, and Link are its rightfull owners.

Others believe that Link returned to a time after when he had originally pulled the Master Sword, and so Ganondorf succeeded in touching the Triforce during Link's childhood. The "divine prank" is then just the fact that Ganondorf holds a Triforce piece. The sages believe it to be a prank of the gods that an evil one would be blessed with a godly power.


Conclusion

In conclusion, the various different accounts and stories of the Triforce harmonize very well overall, but we still do not know everything about the Triforce. Perhaps future games will confirm theories that have been made about the remaining mysteries, or perhaps the theories will be disproven. Maybe we'll even see more mysteries surface in the future. For now, we can only do our best to understand the Triforce with the knowledge we possess.

artsyalttptwo.jpg
*All quotes with an asterisk (*) next to them are not official Nintendo of America quotes, but direct translations from the original Japanese text. Direct translations are used in places where the Nintendo of America's edits, mistranslations, or censorship alters the plot.
 
Useful links
 

Delayed Update

Source: The Desert Colossus Updates | 18 Sep 2008 | 1:14 pm

Sorry for the delay, folks! School and such things.

Anyways, this week there isn't much to write home about. The new Caption Game is up, so go check that out. Will try to close it on time AND get the new one up on time, next time.

OH! And new Ezlo! Check before the divider on the Ezlo page to see the new responses. Enjoy!

Uh... that's it. Until next week!

God Forbid I Actually Post an Update...

Source: Zelda Capital News | 15 Sep 2008 | 10:28 pm

New content!?!?! *gasp*

Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've heard it all. Many people think I died. Well I have some new content for you. Twenty new MIDIs have joined our collection. And these are not just any MIDIs. These are fan-made MIDIs from CRAZEDMANIAC, a dedicated, and very talented fan. His entire collection of MIDIs can now be viewed in a special fan section of our MIDI Library. Are you interested in adding your custom MIDIs to our library? Feel free to send them my way in an email and they will be posted and credited.

Second on the list is one of our affiliates, The Temple Ruins, is no longer. No, they have not gone offline. They have simply changed their name to Zelda Relic, and can be found at a new domain name. Just a heads up.

So that's it for now. Hopefully news will pick up soon. Hopefully we'll get some news on a new Zelda game. *crosses fingers*

Related Links:
Fan-Made MIDIs
Zelda Relic

More Zelda Manga Unofficially Confirmed!

Source: Zelda Elements | 15 Sep 2008 | 6:43 am

While browsing Amazon UK today, I came across something very interesting: volumes 3 and 4 of the upcoming Zelda manga! Yes, it looks like Viz Media are planning on releasing Volume 3, which covers the events of Majora’s Mask, set directly after Ocarina of Time, and Volume 4, which will jump through time and introduce us to a completely different Link as it covers Oracle of Seasons. This seems like pretty good confirmation to me - unless someone at Amazon HQ was bor