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[[Image:Din_statue2.jpg|thumb|frame|right|300px|Is the Goddess of Time one of the Golden Goddesses?]]
[[Image:Din_statue2.jpg|thumb|frame|right|300px|Is the Goddess of Time one of the Golden Goddesses?]]
The Goddess of Time was first mentioned in the flashback of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'', when [[Link]] first meets the [[Skull Kid]] atop the [[Clock Tower]]. In the flashback Zelda shows Link how to play the [[Song of Time]]. She says "The Goddess of Time is protecting you. When you play the Song of Time, she will aid you...".  
The Goddess of Time was first mentioned in the flashback of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'', when [[Link]] first meets the [[Skull Kid]] atop the [[Clock Tower]]. In the flashback [[Princess Zelda|Zelda]] shows Link how to play the [[Song of Time]]. She says "The Goddess of Time is protecting you. When you play the Song of Time, she will aid you...".  


As one of the more mysterious of theories in the Zelda Universe, the identity of the Goddess of Time is difficult to pin down to one explanation. Many have theorized that it is none other than Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom, while some contend that is could not possibly be one of the Golden Goddesses, as each of them already have a defining characteristic. While it is not unusual for a character to represent themes of two goddesses (such as Laruto, the Zora Earth Sage of ''Wind Waker''), it is also possible that "Goddess of Time" is nothing more than a personified name given to time, as "Mother Nature" is often the name used for the forces of growth and vitality. Here we consider the evidences for the most likely candidates of the title "Goddess of Time."
It is clear from the above that the Goddess’ favor is directly connected to the Song of Time and, by inference, the Ocarina of Time. She is also called upon by [[Tatl]], Link's fairy companion, to give them more time while she and Link face the Skull Kid.<ref>{{cite|Somebody! Anybody!!! Goddess of Time, help us please! We need more time!|Tatl|Majora's Mask}}</ref> While it is obvious that Princess Zelda and Tatl the fairy are aware of the Goddess, there is no other evidence to suggest that Link was aware of her prior to his adventure in Termina. As Link is known as the [[Hero of Time]]<ref>{{cite|Link...your power to fight together with the Sages makes you the Hero of Time!|Rauru|Ocarina of Time}}</ref>, this might also be a reason for the Goddess to aid him in his quest.
{{theory}}
==Evidence for Nayru==
[[Image:TempleOfTime_TP.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The Temple of Time]]
''[[Temple of Time]]'', ''[[Farore (Oracle)|Oracle of Ages]]'', ''[[Goddess of the Sand]]'' (''[[Desert Colossus]]'' and ''[[Arbiter's Grounds]]'')


Perhaps the strongest evidence for Nayru as the Goddess of Time is her connection to the Hylian race. The Temple of Time, a Hylian edifice, is almost certainly dedicated to the Goddess of Time and if any of the Golden Goddesses could be given the title for this reason it is Nayru. This evidence may not be sufficient, however, as the Temple of Time may be named not for the Goddess of Time, but the Hero of Time, who would one day draw the Master Sword from its pedestal and travel through time to save Hyrule.
Only those items and places that include the word “time” in their names can be safely associated with the Goddess of Time, such as the [[Song of Time]], the [[Door of Time]], the [[Pedestal of Time]], and the [[Temple of Time]] as well as the ubiquitous [[Ocarina of Time]]. All other connections, however well-founded, can only be fan speculation. Nevertheless, some of these less direct connections can lend insight into the true identity of the Goddess of Time.
[[Image:Nayru Oracle.png|left|80px]][[File:ArbitersGroundsStatue.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Goddess of the Sand]]
{{Theory}}
The next most obvious connection is that Nayru is the namesake of the Oracle of Ages, whose ''[[Harp of Ages]]'' permits Link to travel through time. The oracle Nayru may also travel through time freely herself, thus reinforcing her association with this attribute. This argument is problematic, however, as the other two goddesses ought to bear the attributes of the oracles who bear their names. While Farore may be associated with secrets (like the ''[[Farore (Oracle)|Oracle of Secrets]]'' by the same name), in no other instances than this one has Din been attributed with the passing of the seasons (as is the power of the Rod of Seasons, an item associated with the oracle Din). The latter becomes even more troublesome when one considers that the passing of the seasons is also a passing of time, in fact showing that either Din or Nayru could be the Goddess of Time based on the Oracle/Goddess theory.  
One such less direct connection is [[Nayru (Oracle)|Nayru]], the Oracle of Ages, from the [[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|game of the same name]]. Nayru herself is named after the [[Nayru (Goddess)|Goddess of Wisdom]], and has the power to travel through time at will. Nayru’s instrument, the [[Harp of Ages]], enables Link to travel through time as well. By virtue of her time-travelling abilities, it has been speculated that the oracle Nayru may represent the link between the Goddess of Time and the Goddess of Wisdom as the same deity. As the Goddess of Wisdom created science and gave order to nature<ref>{{cite|The God of Wisdom created science and wizardry and brought order to nature.|n/a|A Link to the Past Game Manual}}</ref>, it is conjectured that time is a part of science and the natural order, thereby supporting this theory.
{{Spoiler}}
Other fans will contend that the above is not conclusive, and that Farore, not Nayru, is the Goddess of Time. Adherents of this theory cite that Ciela, a fairy in Phantom Hourglass, is revealed to be the Spirit of Courage and Time<ref>{{cite|Link, I remember it all now... Link, I'm Ciela the Spirit of Time and Courage...|Ciela|Phantom Hourglass}}</ref> This pairing of attributes does not stop with Ciela; Link himself is not only the aforementioned Hero of Time, but also the bearer of the [[Triforce of Courage]]<ref>{{cite|The one who holds the Triforce of Courage is...You, Link!|Sheik|Ocarina of TIme}}</ref>. Because these attributes are paired in these instances, Farore could be considered another candidate for the title Goddess of Time.


A third piece of evidence that is as helpful as it is cumbersome is the statue of the mysterious Goddess of the Sand in both the Desert Colossus and the Arbiter’s Grounds. This statue of an unnamed goddess is often depicted entwined with a huge serpent. This detail resembles ''[[Lanayru]]'', the ''[[Light Spirits|Light Spirit]]'' in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'', whose form is that of a giant crocodile-headed snake. As Lanayru is the representative Light Spirit of Nayru, these connections may associate the buildings with the Goddess of Wisdom. Further, if one views sand as a metaphor for time (as in an hourglass) then the statue of this sand-goddess may represent the elusive Goddess of Time, and therefore Nayru.
While many fans subscribe to one of these two possible explanations for the true identity of the Goddess of Time, there is an unspoken, if unsupported possibility; the Goddess of Time is an undisclosed entity to herself, and is none of the Golden Goddesses. As there are more deities than three in Hyrule (see [[Category:Deities|Deities Category]]), it stands to reason that the Goddess of Time would not necessarily have to be one of its creators. Adherents of this belief have well observed smaller details of the games to show how another goddess could exist.


==Evidence for Farore==
One such detail is the presence of four [[Light Spirits]] in [[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]. While three of the Light Spirits bear a moniker that directly relates to the name of a creator goddess — Eldin for Din, Lanayru for Nayru, and Faron for Farore — the fourth Light Spirit, Ordona, bears no conclusive resemblance to any of the goddesses. Some contest that Ordona accounts for the latter half of Farore’s name, but what is equally possible is that Ordona corresponds to a separate, undisclosed deity — possibly the as yet undisclosed Goddess of Time.
[[File:Sierra.JPG|left|thumb|80px|Ciela]]
[[Image:Adult_Link.gif‎|thumb|right|80px|Link, Hero of Time and Chosen of Courage]]
''[[Ciela]]'', Link as ''[[Hero of Time]]''
 
In Phantom hourglass, the fairy Ciela is revealed as the Spirit of Courage and Time. Further, in Ocarina of Time, Link becomes the Chosen of Courage and the Hero of Time. It may be that these two attributes are connected and, by extension, their source is the same. While not conclusive, this is enough evidence to suggest that Farore may be the Goddess of Time.
 
==Evidence for Din==
[[Image:Din Oracle.png|left|80px]]
''[[Din (Oracle)|Oracle of Seasons]]'', Goddess of the Sand (Desert Colossus and Arbiter’s Grounds)
 
Depending on how they are viewed, two of Nayru’s evidences could be used to show that Din, and not Nayru, is the Goddess of Time.
 
As stated above, the Oracles of Seasons and Ages share attributes that suggest power over time; the ability to change the seasons and travel through time, respectively. Because of this, either Din or Nayru could be attributed with the Goddess of Time by virtue of the Oracle/Goddess theory.
[[File:DesertColossus.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Desert Colossus]]
Likewise, if one considers Din’s connection with the Gerudo people as similar to Nayru’s connection to the Hylia, then one could draw a parallel between Nayru’s connection to the Temple of Time and Din’s connection to the Desert Colossus and the Arbiter’s Grounds. While not having any direct connection with snakes, Din is strongly associated with fire (as the spell ''[[Spells of Ocarina of Time|Din’s Fire]]''). In the Arbiter’s Grounds, the Goddess of the Sand is depicted holding fire in each hand, and in the Desert Colossus the goddess’ statue holds a chest in one hand surrounded by a circle of fire (until Link activates a switch in the other hand). All of these evidences point toward Din’s association with the Goddess of the Sand, and therefore any further connection with the Goddess of Time.
 
==Evidence for a fourth goddess==
''[[Ordona (Spirit)|Ordona]]'', Temple of Time, missing ''[[Triforce]]''?
 
Despite evidences to the contrary, the true identity of the Goddess of Time may in fact be another goddess not mentioned in the creation myth of Hyrule. It is clear from the statements of ''[[Princess Zelda]]'' and the fairy ''[[Tatl]]'' in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora’s Mask]]'' that the Goddess of Time was known at least to these two characters, but no other characters mention the goddess by this title, and no connection with the three Golden Goddesses is explicit. For these reasons it is not unreasonable to investigate the possibility of a fourth, less-well-known goddess whose sole theme is time.
[[File:Ordana.png|right|thumb|200px|Ordona, the Fourth Light Spirit]]
The foremost evidence for a fourth goddess is the presence of four Light Spirits in Twilight Princess. Three of these Light Spirits were instrumental in the sealing away of the Fused Shadow’s powers when three “Dark Interlopers” tried to steal the Triforce. Each of the three Golden Goddesses has a representative Spirit with a corresponding name; ''[[Lanayru]]'' for Nayru, ''[[Eldin]]'' for Din, and ''[[Faron]]'' for Farore. While some theorize that ''[[Ordona]]''’s name represents the latter portion of “Farore”, this is not conclusive, and at any rate would create an imbalance in representation, giving the Goddess of Courage two Light Spirits instead of one. What is perhaps more likely is that there is a fourth goddess, with a name resembling Ordona’s in part, who was not involved with the sealing of the Fused Shadow’s power. It could be that this anomalous Light Spirit represents the Goddess of Time.
[[File:Triforce01.jpg|left|125px]]
[[File:Ocarina of Time.png|right|80px]]
Following this train of logic, one might consider the form of the Triforce itself to add insight to the Ordona/Goddess theory. The Triforce is made of three triangles which form a larger triangle. However, upon closer inspection this symbol reveals a fourth, inverted triangle; the negative space in the center of these three. Like the Light Spirits, where four exist but one is not always present, so the Triforce may have been originally composed of four pieces and this fourth triangle is like a missing piece. As each piece of the Triforce is aligned to one of the Golden Goddesses, then the existence of a fourth, missing piece could mean that the goddess whose piece was missing might not be known by the denizens of Hyrule at large. This angle on the theory would explain why few are privy to the Goddess of Time’s existence, and yet the artifacts and sacred places aligned with her (like the Ocarina of Time and Temple of Time) are still around to prove that she once had a place in Hyrule.
[[Image:ootmastersword.jpeg|right|thumb|200px|The Pedestal of Time]]
If we permit the idea of a fourth goddess, it may be assumed that any and all of the appropriately named collateral were inspired by her or created by her followers. The Temple of Time would have been where her adherents went to worship her. The Ocarina of Time would have been blessed by her. The Song of Time would have been sung in her honor. Even the Pedestal of Time, so called, would have been prepared to bear the Master Sword with the Goddess’ champion, the Hero of Time, in mind.
 
==Conclusion==
Along with the nature of the elusive ''[[Dark Tribe]]'', the true identity of the Goddess of Time may very well be one of the more complex and baffling mysteries of the Zelda series. What is certain is that Zelda fans will continue to theorize until Nintendo reveals their well-kept secrets. Until then, it can be said that Nayru is the safest (if not most probable) candidate for the title "Goddess of Time."


[[Category:Deities]]
[[Category:Deities]]

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Is the Goddess of Time one of the Golden Goddesses?

The Goddess of Time was first mentioned in the flashback of Majora's Mask, when Link first meets the Skull Kid atop the Clock Tower. In the flashback Zelda shows Link how to play the Song of Time. She says "The Goddess of Time is protecting you. When you play the Song of Time, she will aid you...".

It is clear from the above that the Goddess’ favor is directly connected to the Song of Time and, by inference, the Ocarina of Time. She is also called upon by Tatl, Link's fairy companion, to give them more time while she and Link face the Skull Kid.[1] While it is obvious that Princess Zelda and Tatl the fairy are aware of the Goddess, there is no other evidence to suggest that Link was aware of her prior to his adventure in Termina. As Link is known as the Hero of Time[2], this might also be a reason for the Goddess to aid him in his quest.

Only those items and places that include the word “time” in their names can be safely associated with the Goddess of Time, such as the Song of Time, the Door of Time, the Pedestal of Time, and the Temple of Time as well as the ubiquitous Ocarina of Time. All other connections, however well-founded, can only be fan speculation. Nevertheless, some of these less direct connections can lend insight into the true identity of the Goddess of Time.

Theory Warning

One such less direct connection is Nayru, the Oracle of Ages, from the game of the same name. Nayru herself is named after the Goddess of Wisdom, and has the power to travel through time at will. Nayru’s instrument, the Harp of Ages, enables Link to travel through time as well. By virtue of her time-travelling abilities, it has been speculated that the oracle Nayru may represent the link between the Goddess of Time and the Goddess of Wisdom as the same deity. As the Goddess of Wisdom created science and gave order to nature[3], it is conjectured that time is a part of science and the natural order, thereby supporting this theory. Template:Spoiler Other fans will contend that the above is not conclusive, and that Farore, not Nayru, is the Goddess of Time. Adherents of this theory cite that Ciela, a fairy in Phantom Hourglass, is revealed to be the Spirit of Courage and Time[4] This pairing of attributes does not stop with Ciela; Link himself is not only the aforementioned Hero of Time, but also the bearer of the Triforce of Courage[5]. Because these attributes are paired in these instances, Farore could be considered another candidate for the title Goddess of Time.

While many fans subscribe to one of these two possible explanations for the true identity of the Goddess of Time, there is an unspoken, if unsupported possibility; the Goddess of Time is an undisclosed entity to herself, and is none of the Golden Goddesses. As there are more deities than three in Hyrule (see), it stands to reason that the Goddess of Time would not necessarily have to be one of its creators. Adherents of this belief have well observed smaller details of the games to show how another goddess could exist.

One such detail is the presence of four Light Spirits in Twilight Princess. While three of the Light Spirits bear a moniker that directly relates to the name of a creator goddess — Eldin for Din, Lanayru for Nayru, and Faron for Farore — the fourth Light Spirit, Ordona, bears no conclusive resemblance to any of the goddesses. Some contest that Ordona accounts for the latter half of Farore’s name, but what is equally possible is that Ordona corresponds to a separate, undisclosed deity — possibly the as yet undisclosed Goddess of Time.

  1. ↑ "Somebody! Anybody!!! Goddess of Time, help us please! We need more time!" — Tatl (Majora's Mask)
  2. ↑ "Link...your power to fight together with the Sages makes you the Hero of Time!" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
  3. ↑ "The God of Wisdom created science and wizardry and brought order to nature." — n/a (A Link to the Past Game Manual)
  4. ↑ "Link, I remember it all now... Link, I'm Ciela the Spirit of Time and Courage..." — Ciela (Phantom Hourglass)
  5. ↑ "The one who holds the Triforce of Courage is...You, Link!" — Sheik (Ocarina of TIme)
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