Sage: Difference between revisions
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Oftentimes, before the Sages can help him, Link is required to save them or awaken them as the new Sage. This is because often the villain attacking Hyrule is aware of their powers, and as such, they tend to find taking care of the Sages a priority. | Oftentimes, before the Sages can help him, Link is required to save them or awaken them as the new Sage. This is because often the villain attacking Hyrule is aware of their powers, and as such, they tend to find taking care of the Sages a priority. | ||
Many things about the Sages still are a mystery, and instead of answering questions, the younger games have made things even more complex. ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'' introduced the Sages, back then a group of seven known as the '''Wise Men''' and their equally numbered descendants, the '''Maidens'''. This composition of seven Sages was carried on in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'', which associated them with various elements, and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]''. ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'' deviated from this by introducing a second | Many things about the Sages still are a mystery, and instead of answering questions, the younger games have made things even more complex. ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'' introduced the Sages, back then a group of seven known as the '''Wise Men''' and their equally numbered descendants, the '''Maidens'''. This composition of seven Sages was carried on in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'', which associated them with various elements, and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]''. ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'' deviated from this by introducing a second set, this one responsible for keeping the [[Master Sword]] capable of defeating evil. How this "Master Sword"-group relates to the "Sacred Realm"-group is unclear. Also, unlike in the "Sacred Realm"-group's case, the "Master Sword"-group's [[#Beta Ocarina of Time/The Wind Waker|total number]] was never specified. ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'' complicated things further by seemingly featuring the "Sacred Realm"-set of Sages. However, their nature was very different from that of the other incarnations. For one, they were ghost-like creatures, all looking the same, while all other Sages have been shown to be random people, who in the course of destiny happened to be chosen as the next "Sage of (...)". Secondly, they seemed to consist of only six, "[[Princess Zelda]]" not being part of their group. | ||
==Appearances== | ==Appearances== | ||
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Saria is a [[Kokiri]] and the '''Sage of Forest'''. She's the second Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time. | Saria is a [[Kokiri]] and the '''Sage of Forest'''. She's the second Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time. | ||
Deciding that something had to be done about the evil emanating from the Forest Temple that brought danger to Kokiri Village, she left to give it her best. When Link arrived in the Forest Temple some time later, he defeated the monsters infesting it and thereby awakened Saria as Sage. She and Link had a conversation thereafter on their childhood friendship, after which Saria bestowed her powers on Link in the form of the Forest Medallion. When the time to face Ganondorf came, she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages. | Deciding that something had to be done about the evil emanating from the Forest Temple that brought danger to Kokiri Village, she left to give it her best. When Link arrived in the [[Forest Temple]] some time later, he defeated the monsters infesting it and thereby awakened Saria as Sage. She and Link had a conversation thereafter on their childhood friendship, after which Saria bestowed her powers on Link in the form of the Forest Medallion. When the time to face Ganondorf came, she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages. | ||
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Darunia is a [[Goron]] and the '''Sage of Fire'''. He's the third Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time. | Darunia is a [[Goron]] and the '''Sage of Fire'''. He's the third Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time. | ||
In the future years, Ganondorf wanted to make an example out of the Goron race by feeding them all to a dragon. Darunia was one of the few to escape this fate, but as leader felt the obligation to go free his people who were locked up in the Fire Temple. There, he met his Sworn Brother Link again after seven years, though he knew this wasn't the time for reunion. As such, he gave Link instructions to free the Gorons, while he would take on the dragon. Link followed into the dragon's lair later and killed the beast, thereby awakening Darunia as Sage. The two had a talk about their old brotherhood, followed by Darunia giving him the Fire Medallion. During the final stages of the Hero of Time's quest, he fullfilled his role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages. | In the future years, Ganondorf wanted to make an example out of the Goron race by feeding them all to a dragon. Darunia was one of the few to escape this fate, but as leader felt the obligation to go free his people who were locked up in the [[Fire Temple]]. There, he met his Sworn Brother Link again after seven years, though he knew this wasn't the time for reunion. As such, he gave Link instructions to free the Gorons, while he would take on the dragon. Link followed into the dragon's lair later and killed the beast, thereby awakening Darunia as Sage. The two had a talk about their old brotherhood, followed by Darunia giving him the Fire Medallion. During the final stages of the Hero of Time's quest, he fullfilled his role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages. | ||
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Ruto is a [[Zora]] and the '''Sage of Water'''. She's the fourth Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time. | Ruto is a [[Zora]] and the '''Sage of Water'''. She's the fourth Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time. | ||
Like many races, the Zoras didn't want Ganondorf as their king, and as revenge they and their domain were locked away under ice. As one of the few to dodge the curse, Ruto obeyed her obligations as princess and went to the Water Temple to save her people. There she met her fiancé Link again after seven years, whom she requested to help her save Zora's Domain. Link lost track of her in the temple, but managed to find his own way to the monster that kept the curse intact and defeat it. Ruto awakened as a Sage because of that and told Link their childhood vows could not be kept now. Instead, she gave him the Water Medallion as symbol of her support. When Link went to defeat Ganondorf, she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages. | Like many races, the Zoras didn't want Ganondorf as their king, and as revenge they and their domain were locked away under ice. As one of the few to dodge the curse, Ruto obeyed her obligations as princess and went to the [[Water Temple]] to save her people. There she met her fiancé Link again after seven years, whom she requested to help her save Zora's Domain. Link lost track of her in the temple, but managed to find his own way to the monster that kept the curse intact and defeat it. Ruto awakened as a Sage because of that and told Link their childhood vows could not be kept now. Instead, she gave him the Water Medallion as symbol of her support. When Link went to defeat Ganondorf, she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages. | ||
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Impa is [[Sheikah]] and the '''Sage of Shadow'''. She's the fifth Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time. It is hinted that she, like Zelda, was aware of her status as Sage before becoming one. | Impa is [[Sheikah]] and the '''Sage of Shadow'''. She's the fifth Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time. It is hinted that she, like Zelda, was aware of her status as Sage before becoming one. | ||
When the evil spirit she had locked away in the well of Kakariko Village years ago broke free, Impa immediately headed for the Shadow Temple to seal it away again. When Link followed after her and defeated the spirit, she awoke as Sage. She told Link her point of view on the day she and Princess Zelda fleed Hyrule Castle and ensured him he'd do fine as hero. Then she gave him the Shadow Medallion, staying quiet until Link took up arms against Ganondorf himself; then she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages. | When the evil spirit she had locked away in the well of Kakariko Village years ago broke free, Impa immediately headed for the [[Shadow Temple]] to seal it away again. When Link followed after her and defeated the spirit, she awoke as Sage. She told Link her point of view on the day she and Princess Zelda fleed Hyrule Castle and ensured him he'd do fine as hero. Then she gave him the Shadow Medallion, staying quiet until Link took up arms against Ganondorf himself; then she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages. | ||
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Nabooru is a [[Gerudo]] and the '''Sage of Spirit'''. She's the sixth Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time. | Nabooru is a [[Gerudo]] and the '''Sage of Spirit'''. She's the sixth Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time. | ||
Nabooru tried to infiltrate the Spirit Temple in the past years to thwart Ganondorf's plans, but got captured and brainwashed into a servant of Ganondorf for seven years. Her mental imprisonment ended when Link defeated her Iron Knuckle form, but she was recaptured shortly thereafter. Link permanently freed her and awakened her as a Sage when he defeated Twinrova. For that, she gave him the Spirit Medallion, but not before she complimented him on the results of seven years aging. At the battle with Ganondorf, she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages. | Nabooru tried to infiltrate the [[Spirit Temple]] in the past years to thwart Ganondorf's plans, but got captured and brainwashed into a servant of Ganondorf for seven years. Her mental imprisonment ended when Link defeated her Iron Knuckle form, but she was recaptured shortly thereafter. Link permanently freed her and awakened her as a Sage when he defeated Twinrova. For that, she gave him the Spirit Medallion, but not before she complimented him on the results of seven years aging. At the battle with Ganondorf, she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages. | ||
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Zelda is a [[Hylian]] and the leader of the Sages. Her element, provided she has one, is unknown, though it is often [[#Theories|assumed to be Time]]. | Zelda is a [[Hylian]] and the leader of the Sages. Her element, provided she has one, is unknown, though it is often [[#Theories|assumed to be Time]]. | ||
Zelda waited for Link at the Temple of Time to reveal herself as the seventh Sage, leader of them all, and speak with Link about the battle ahead. However, Ganondorf found her as well and abducted her to his tower. Link went after them and freed her, causing Ganondorf to change into Ganon. While Link took him on again, Zelda prepared for her role as Sage from the sideline and when Ganon fell, she united her powers with the other Sages to lock him away. After that, she and Link had a private conversation about all that had happened since they met, and Zelda revealed that she wished to use her powers as a Sage to return Link to the past, so time could flow as it should've done.<ref name="TimeSage">{{Cite|Link, give the [[Ocarina of Time (Item)|Ocarina]] to me... As a Sage, I can return you to your original time with it.|[[Princess Zelda]]|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> Goodbyes were made shortly thereafter. | Zelda waited for Link at the [[Temple of Time]] to reveal herself as the seventh Sage, leader of them all, and speak with Link about the battle ahead. However, Ganondorf found her as well and abducted her to his tower. Link went after them and freed her, causing Ganondorf to change into Ganon. While Link took him on again, Zelda prepared for her role as Sage from the sideline and when Ganon fell, she united her powers with the other Sages to lock him away. After that, she and Link had a private conversation about all that had happened since they met, and Zelda revealed that she wished to use her powers as a Sage to return Link to the past, so time could flow as it should've done.<ref name="TimeSage">{{Cite|Link, give the [[Ocarina of Time (Item)|Ocarina]] to me... As a Sage, I can return you to your original time with it.|[[Princess Zelda]]|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> Goodbyes were made shortly thereafter. | ||
===''The Wind Waker''=== | ===''The Wind Waker''=== | ||
The number of Sages is expanded in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]''. Next to the seven Sages already known, | The number of Sages is expanded in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]''. Next to the seven Sages already known, another set's existence is established. These Sages are responsible for keeping the [[Master Sword]] capable of defeating evil. It is not stated [[#Beta Ocarina of Time/The Wind Waker|how big]] this "Master Sword"-group is, but just as with the seven Sages, the absence of only one is enough to break their power. Carrying on on ''Ocarina of Time'''s revelations, the newly introduced Sages also have an element and such themed temple assigned, but they lack an identifying symbol. Instead, they have musical instruments and songs, which they use to pray to the gods. In the pre-[[Great Flood|flood]] days, their music was conducted by the head of the [[Royal Family of Hyrule]], who wielded the [[Wind Waker (Item)|Wind Waker]].<ref>{{Cite|That [[Wind Waker (Item)|Wind Waker]] you hold was used long ago to conduct us sages when we played our song to call upon the gods. In those days, it was always the [[Royal Family of Hyrule|king]] who conducted for us... Please... Tell the king that I will still play...even in the next world!|[[Fado (The Wind Waker)|Fado]]|The Wind Waker}}</ref> The songs additionally can be used to awaken the next Sages.<ref>{{Cite|You must find [[Medli|the one who carries on my bloodline]]... The one who holds this sacred instrument... Nothing can stop the flow of time or the passing of generations...but the fate carried within my bloodline endures the ravages of all the years. It survives. The [[Earth God's Lyric|song]] you just conducted is one which will open the eyes of the new sage and awaken within that sage the melody that will carry our prayers to the gods. The door that blocks your way will only open when the sage plays that song. May the winds of fortune blow with you.|[[Laruto]]|The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|You wish to return the power to [[Master Sword|your blade]], don't you? In that case, look for the [[Makar|one who has the same instrument that I hold]], and teach him the [[Wind God's Aria|song]] you just played. Once you do, I'm certain the holder of the instrument will feel the blood of the sages awaken within his veins.|[[Fado (The Wind Waker)|Fado]]|The Wind Waker}}</ref> | ||
Before he was sealed away by the | Before he was sealed away by the Great Flood, [[Ganon]] had ensured his victory by killing off the Sages [[Fado (The Wind Waker)|Fado]]<ref>{{Cite|I am Fado of the [[Kokiri]] tribe. I know I appear to you as a child, but the eyes can oft deceive. I am a most esteemed sage. I had been praying [[Wind Temple|here]] so that the power to repel evil would continue to be contained within the blade of the [[Master Sword]]... But I was attacked by the evil [[Ganon|Ganondorf]]... and this is what happened to me.|[[Fado (The Wind Waker)|Fado]]|The Wind Waker}}</ref> and [[Laruto]].<ref>{{Cite|After his defeat at the hands of the Hero of Time, [[Ganon|Ganondorf]] was sealed away...but not for all time. He was revived, and he returned to [[Hyrule]] in a red wrath. He attacked [[Earth Temple|this temple]] and stole my soul, knowing that he had to remove the power contained in [[Master Sword|that enchanted blade]]. In order to return the power to repel evil to your sword, you must find [[Medli|another]] to take my stead in this temple and ask the gods for their assistance.|[[Laruto]]|The Wind Waker}}</ref> Upon his travel to their temples, Link met their still-lingering spirits, who were either unable of unwilling to move on until they were succeeded. They instructed Link to find the new Sages if he wanted to have the Master Sword's power restored and stand a chance against Ganondorf. Thus, the Hero of Winds travelled the [[Great Sea|sea]] to find them in the identities of [[Makar]] and [[Medli]]. After awakening them, he helped them reach the sanctuary of their respective temples. There they performed the ceremony to restore power to the Master Sword, granting the former Sages peace at last. | ||
The Master Sword fueled once more with the Sages' powers, Link went on and defeated Ganon. He and [[Tetra]] were then brought to safety by [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule]], and later picked up by Tetra's crew, who had also already picked up Makar and Medli. | |||
===='''Laruto'''==== | ===='''Laruto'''==== | ||
[[File:TWW-EarthSageAwakening.JPG|thumb|left|Laruto appearing to awaken Medli.]] | |||
{{main|Laruto}} | {{main|Laruto}} | ||
Laruto is a [[Zora]] and the '''Sage of Earth'''. She is the first Sage Link meets on his journey. | |||
Prior to the Great Flood, Laruto had been awakened as Sage to pray for the Master Sword's power. She was murdered by Ganondorf to remove the threat the Master Sword posed to him. As a ghost, Laruto remained in the Earth Temple until Link travelled to [[Headstone Island]] to visit the [[Earth Temple]]. She told him about the events of her death, and that if Link hoped to defeat Ganondorf, he'd have to find the new Sage and play them the [[Earth God's Lyic]]. When Link played for Medli, she went into a trance in which Laruto appeared to the new Sage, motivating her to play as well. Not long thereafter, Medli and Link came to the Earth Temple to perform the ceremony to restore power to the Master Sword. Laruto made her final appearance then to perform with them, passing on finally. | |||
===='''Medli'''==== | ===='''Medli'''==== | ||
{{main|Medli}} | {{main|Medli}} | ||
Medli is a [[Rito]] and the '''Sage of Earth'''. She is the second Sage Link meets on his journey and the first to help restore power to the Master Sword. | |||
===='''Fado'''==== | ===='''Fado'''==== | ||
[[File:TWW-WindSageSuccession.JPG|thumb|left|Fado performing for the last time alongside Makar.]] | |||
{{main|Fado (The Wind Waker)}} | {{main|Fado (The Wind Waker)}} | ||
Fado is a [[Kokiri]] and the '''Sage of Wind'''. He is the third Sage Link meets on his journey. | |||
Prior to the Great Flood, Fado had been awakened as Sage to pray for the Master Sword's power. He was murdered by Ganondorf to remove the threat the Master Sword posed to him. As a ghost, Fado remained in the Earth Temple until Link travelled to [[Gale Island]] to visit the [[Wind Temple]]. He told him about the events of his death, and that if Link hoped to defeat Ganondorf, he'd have to find the new Sage and play them the [[Wind God's Aria]]. When Link played for Makar, Fado's spirit appeared out of the new Sage and played in his stead. Not long thereafter, Makar and Link came to the Wind Temple to perform the ceremony to restore power to the Master Sword. Fado made his final appearance then to perform with them, passing on finally. | |||
===='''Makar'''==== | ===='''Makar'''==== | ||
{{main|Makar}} | {{main|Makar}} | ||
Makar is a [[Korok]] and the '''Sage of Wind'''. He is the fourth Sage Link meets on his journey and the second to help restore power to the Master Sword. | |||
Revision as of 14:57, 26 July 2009
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Since their introduction in A Link to the Past, the Sages have become one of the prime elements of the The Legend of Zelda mythos. Serving as a bridge between the Sacred Realm and Hyrule, guarding the Master Sword's power and overall protecting Hyrule are included with their duties, which puts them among the most important of the Hero's allies.
Oftentimes, before the Sages can help him, Link is required to save them or awaken them as the new Sage. This is because often the villain attacking Hyrule is aware of their powers, and as such, they tend to find taking care of the Sages a priority.
Many things about the Sages still are a mystery, and instead of answering questions, the younger games have made things even more complex. A Link to the Past introduced the Sages, back then a group of seven known as the Wise Men and their equally numbered descendants, the Maidens. This composition of seven Sages was carried on in Ocarina of Time, which associated them with various elements, and Four Swords Adventures. The Wind Waker deviated from this by introducing a second set, this one responsible for keeping the Master Sword capable of defeating evil. How this "Master Sword"-group relates to the "Sacred Realm"-group is unclear. Also, unlike in the "Sacred Realm"-group's case, the "Master Sword"-group's total number was never specified. Twilight Princess complicated things further by seemingly featuring the "Sacred Realm"-set of Sages. However, their nature was very different from that of the other incarnations. For one, they were ghost-like creatures, all looking the same, while all other Sages have been shown to be random people, who in the course of destiny happened to be chosen as the next "Sage of (...)". Secondly, they seemed to consist of only six, "Princess Zelda" not being part of their group.
Appearances
A Link to the Past
In A Link to the Past, the prologue mentions the seven Wise Men (renamed "Sages" in the GBA re-release[1]) as the ones who, with the aid of the Knights of Hyrule, sealed Ganon away in the Sacred Realm long ago.[2] During the beginning of the game, it is made clear that Agahnim, the King's right-hand man, is using his power to find and capture the seven Maidens, who are the descendants of the seven Wise Men and have inherited their status of Sage. Agahnim planned to send them to the Dark World one by one in order to destroy the seal that kept Ganon locked up.[3]
Princess Zelda was going to be the seventh sacrifice, but she managed to telepathically send a message to Link, requesting him to rescue her. Link did succeed, but Princess Zelda was recaptured later while Link was gone in order to obtain the Master Sword. Link then traveled to the Dark World to save each of the Maidens, therein meeting and receiving help from three other descendants of the Sages: Aginah, Sahasrahla and the Old Man. When after the long quest all of the Maidens were freed, they destroyed the barrier around Ganon's Tower, allowing Link to defeat Agahnim and later Ganon.
Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, the nature of the Sages is further elaborated on. Each Sage (bar the seventh) is established to have their own associated element, an accompanying symbol and appropriately themed temple. At times of peace, there are no Sages, only those who could become them if evil takes control over Hyrule. If that happens, the Sacred Realm sends out a call to them, awakening the destined ones as Sages.[4] Usually, the Sages-to-be have no knowledge about their status until they are awakened. An exception to this is the seventh Sage, who is always a member of the Royal Family of Hyrule, keepers of much of Hyrule's history.
As revealed by Rauru, the original Sages were the ones who built the Temple of Time to protect the Triforce against those who would use it for evil.[5] The Triforce was hidden in the Temple of Light, the only of the Sage-temples to be built in the Sacred Realm. While each of the Sage-temples seems to grant access to it, only the Temple of Time is meant to do so for not-Sages. Therefore, it was protected with a seal controlled by the Master Sword, which evil cannot touch, and the Door of Time, which could not be opened unless one possessed the three Spiritual Stones, the Ocarina of Time and knowledge on the Song of Time.[6]
Ganondorf managed to bypass all this by manipulating Link into doing the work for him. After seizing the Triforce and corrupting the Sacred Realm, he caused that corruption to seep into the temples of the Sages, which became infested with all kinds of monsters,[7] so that the Sages-to-be would not be able to fullfill their duty and aid Link.[8] Led by Rauru's and Sheik's instructions, Link managed to cleanse the temples and help each Sage to gain their power. Upon Rauru's advice, he then returned to the Temple of Time, where he found Sheik waiting. His mysterious ally revealed himself to be none other than Princess Zelda, keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom and the seventh Sage, leader of them all. The reunion was cut short when Ganondorf came and abducted Zelda, leaving Link with one more reason to take him on.
The Sages helped Link first by creating a bridge to get to Ganon's Tower with. Rauru used the moment to inform Link of the barriers Ganondorf had put up to protect himself against the Sages.[9] Link destroyed them, clearing the path to Ganondorf.
When Link defeated him in the form of Ganon, the Sages joined their powers and sealed the King of Evil into the Sacred Realm. As such, it is suggested that these are the Sages referred to in A Link to the Past.
The owl Kaepora Gaebora, who kept track of Link since the start of his quest, is said to be the reincarnation of an ancient Sage.[10]
The seven Sages include:
Rauru
Rauru is an ancient Hylian and the Sage of Light. Unlike the others, he is not a new Sage. Rather, he is one of the ancient Sages, and possibly the only remaining one. He seems to act as the leader in absence of the seventh Sage.
Rauru made his appearance after Link opened the Door of Time and drew the Master Sword from the Pedestal of Time. Recognizing the destined hero, he took his chance and kept Link sealed within the safety of the Sacred Realm for the seven years he needed to mature. Upon Link's awakening, he summarized the events that had taken place during his slumber and informed him of his role as the Hero of Time. Then he instructed him to find and help the other Sages so that they could assist him in taking on Ganondorf, handing Link the Light Medallion to start off his quest. After that, it wasn't until all Sages had been awakened that Rauru contacted Link again, telling him that the time of the final confrontation had come. He fullfilled his role as Sage during that final fight and was the only one of the group not to return to Hyrule once Ganon had been defeated, presumably opting to stay in the Sacred Realm.
Saria
Saria is a Kokiri and the Sage of Forest. She's the second Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time.
Deciding that something had to be done about the evil emanating from the Forest Temple that brought danger to Kokiri Village, she left to give it her best. When Link arrived in the Forest Temple some time later, he defeated the monsters infesting it and thereby awakened Saria as Sage. She and Link had a conversation thereafter on their childhood friendship, after which Saria bestowed her powers on Link in the form of the Forest Medallion. When the time to face Ganondorf came, she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages.
Darunia
Darunia is a Goron and the Sage of Fire. He's the third Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time.
In the future years, Ganondorf wanted to make an example out of the Goron race by feeding them all to a dragon. Darunia was one of the few to escape this fate, but as leader felt the obligation to go free his people who were locked up in the Fire Temple. There, he met his Sworn Brother Link again after seven years, though he knew this wasn't the time for reunion. As such, he gave Link instructions to free the Gorons, while he would take on the dragon. Link followed into the dragon's lair later and killed the beast, thereby awakening Darunia as Sage. The two had a talk about their old brotherhood, followed by Darunia giving him the Fire Medallion. During the final stages of the Hero of Time's quest, he fullfilled his role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages.
Ruto
Ruto is a Zora and the Sage of Water. She's the fourth Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time.
Like many races, the Zoras didn't want Ganondorf as their king, and as revenge they and their domain were locked away under ice. As one of the few to dodge the curse, Ruto obeyed her obligations as princess and went to the Water Temple to save her people. There she met her fiancé Link again after seven years, whom she requested to help her save Zora's Domain. Link lost track of her in the temple, but managed to find his own way to the monster that kept the curse intact and defeat it. Ruto awakened as a Sage because of that and told Link their childhood vows could not be kept now. Instead, she gave him the Water Medallion as symbol of her support. When Link went to defeat Ganondorf, she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages.
Impa
Impa is Sheikah and the Sage of Shadow. She's the fifth Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time. It is hinted that she, like Zelda, was aware of her status as Sage before becoming one.
When the evil spirit she had locked away in the well of Kakariko Village years ago broke free, Impa immediately headed for the Shadow Temple to seal it away again. When Link followed after her and defeated the spirit, she awoke as Sage. She told Link her point of view on the day she and Princess Zelda fleed Hyrule Castle and ensured him he'd do fine as hero. Then she gave him the Shadow Medallion, staying quiet until Link took up arms against Ganondorf himself; then she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages.
Nabooru
Nabooru is a Gerudo and the Sage of Spirit. She's the sixth Sage that lends their power to the Hero of Time.
Nabooru tried to infiltrate the Spirit Temple in the past years to thwart Ganondorf's plans, but got captured and brainwashed into a servant of Ganondorf for seven years. Her mental imprisonment ended when Link defeated her Iron Knuckle form, but she was recaptured shortly thereafter. Link permanently freed her and awakened her as a Sage when he defeated Twinrova. For that, she gave him the Spirit Medallion, but not before she complimented him on the results of seven years aging. At the battle with Ganondorf, she fullfilled her role as Sage and could later be seen travelling to Death Mountain with the other Sages.
Zelda
Zelda is a Hylian and the leader of the Sages. Her element, provided she has one, is unknown, though it is often assumed to be Time.
Zelda waited for Link at the Temple of Time to reveal herself as the seventh Sage, leader of them all, and speak with Link about the battle ahead. However, Ganondorf found her as well and abducted her to his tower. Link went after them and freed her, causing Ganondorf to change into Ganon. While Link took him on again, Zelda prepared for her role as Sage from the sideline and when Ganon fell, she united her powers with the other Sages to lock him away. After that, she and Link had a private conversation about all that had happened since they met, and Zelda revealed that she wished to use her powers as a Sage to return Link to the past, so time could flow as it should've done.[11] Goodbyes were made shortly thereafter.
The Wind Waker
The number of Sages is expanded in The Wind Waker. Next to the seven Sages already known, another set's existence is established. These Sages are responsible for keeping the Master Sword capable of defeating evil. It is not stated how big this "Master Sword"-group is, but just as with the seven Sages, the absence of only one is enough to break their power. Carrying on on Ocarina of Time's revelations, the newly introduced Sages also have an element and such themed temple assigned, but they lack an identifying symbol. Instead, they have musical instruments and songs, which they use to pray to the gods. In the pre-flood days, their music was conducted by the head of the Royal Family of Hyrule, who wielded the Wind Waker.[12] The songs additionally can be used to awaken the next Sages.[13][14]
Before he was sealed away by the Great Flood, Ganon had ensured his victory by killing off the Sages Fado[15] and Laruto.[16] Upon his travel to their temples, Link met their still-lingering spirits, who were either unable of unwilling to move on until they were succeeded. They instructed Link to find the new Sages if he wanted to have the Master Sword's power restored and stand a chance against Ganondorf. Thus, the Hero of Winds travelled the sea to find them in the identities of Makar and Medli. After awakening them, he helped them reach the sanctuary of their respective temples. There they performed the ceremony to restore power to the Master Sword, granting the former Sages peace at last.
The Master Sword fueled once more with the Sages' powers, Link went on and defeated Ganon. He and Tetra were then brought to safety by Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, and later picked up by Tetra's crew, who had also already picked up Makar and Medli.
Laruto
Laruto is a Zora and the Sage of Earth. She is the first Sage Link meets on his journey.
Prior to the Great Flood, Laruto had been awakened as Sage to pray for the Master Sword's power. She was murdered by Ganondorf to remove the threat the Master Sword posed to him. As a ghost, Laruto remained in the Earth Temple until Link travelled to Headstone Island to visit the Earth Temple. She told him about the events of her death, and that if Link hoped to defeat Ganondorf, he'd have to find the new Sage and play them the Earth God's Lyic. When Link played for Medli, she went into a trance in which Laruto appeared to the new Sage, motivating her to play as well. Not long thereafter, Medli and Link came to the Earth Temple to perform the ceremony to restore power to the Master Sword. Laruto made her final appearance then to perform with them, passing on finally.
Medli
Medli is a Rito and the Sage of Earth. She is the second Sage Link meets on his journey and the first to help restore power to the Master Sword.
Fado
Fado is a Kokiri and the Sage of Wind. He is the third Sage Link meets on his journey.
Prior to the Great Flood, Fado had been awakened as Sage to pray for the Master Sword's power. He was murdered by Ganondorf to remove the threat the Master Sword posed to him. As a ghost, Fado remained in the Earth Temple until Link travelled to Gale Island to visit the Wind Temple. He told him about the events of his death, and that if Link hoped to defeat Ganondorf, he'd have to find the new Sage and play them the Wind God's Aria. When Link played for Makar, Fado's spirit appeared out of the new Sage and played in his stead. Not long thereafter, Makar and Link came to the Wind Temple to perform the ceremony to restore power to the Master Sword. Fado made his final appearance then to perform with them, passing on finally.
Makar
Makar is a Korok and the Sage of Wind. He is the fourth Sage Link meets on his journey and the second to help restore power to the Master Sword.
The Wind Waker also referenced the six Sages from Ocarina of Time, displaying their likenesses in stained-glass windows in the submerged Hyrule Castle basement where the Master Sword was kept.
Four Swords Adventures
On a stormy night, Princess Zelda and the shrine maidens fear that the reason for these events is that Vaati's seal is weakening.[17] They summon Link and bring him to the castle so he can protect them while they open the portal to the Four Sword Sanctuary.[18] When they do however, a shadowy figure appears from the portal. This figure was Dark Link, who then kidnapped the shrine maidens and sealed them in crystals. Link must then go around Hyrule and free the maidens from Vaati's wrath.
Blue Maiden
The Blue Maiden the first of the Six Shrine Maidens from Four Swords Adventures. In the game the Links' objective is to rescue her, along with the other five Maidens, and Zelda, from Vaati's Dark Shield. The Blue Maiden is found in the Whereabouts of the Wind, specifically in Hyrule Castle after the Links rescue her from the clutches of Phantom Ganon. What makes this Maiden unique from the rest of the other Maidens, is that she has a small village named after her.
Yellow Maiden
The Yellow Maiden is the second of the Six Shrine Maidens from Four Swords Adventures. In the game the Links' objective is to rescue her, along with the other five Maidens, and Zelda, from Vaati's Dark Shield. The Yellow Maiden is found in Eastern Hyrule, specifically in the Eastern Temple after the Links rescue her from the clutches of Stone Arrghus.
Green Maiden
The Green Maiden is the third of the Six Shrine Maidens from Four Swords Adventures. In the game the Links' objective is to rescue her, along with the other five Maidens, and Zelda, from Vaati's Dark Shield. The Green Maiden is found in Death Mountain, specifically in the Tower of Flames after the Links rescue her from the clutches of several Dodongos.
White Maiden
The White Maiden is the fourth of the Six Shrine Maidens from Four Swords Adventures. In the game the Links' objective is to rescue her, along with the other five Maidens, and Zelda, from Vaati's Dark Shield. The White Maiden is found Near the Fields, specifically during Infiltration of Hyrule Castle after the Links rescue her from the clutches of Jalhalla.
Red Maiden
The Red Maiden is the fifth of the Six Shrine Maidens from Four Swords Adventures. In the game the Links' objective is to rescue her, along with the other five Maidens, and Zelda, from Vaati's Dark Shield. The Red Maiden is found in The Dark World, specifically in the Temple of Darkness after the Links rescue her from the revenge of Phantom Ganon.
Purple Maiden
The Purple Maiden is the last of the Six Shrine Maidens from Four Swords Adventures. In the game the Links' objective is to rescue her, along with the other five Maidens, and Zelda, from Vaati's Dark Shield. The Purple Maiden is found Desert of Doubt, specifically in The Pyramid after the Links rescue her from the clutches of a Big Moldorm.
Zelda
As per tradition, Zelda is the seventh Sage and the final one Link has to rescue.
Twilight Princess
In Twilight Princess, the Sages (excluding Princess Zelda this time) appear as ethereal forms of old men. However when one of the Sages turns his head, you can clearly see that they are wearing masks and that they do not have faces underneath, indicating that they are unable to be seen without their robes. They are shown using the Sword of the Sages in a failed attempt to execute Ganondorf, which resulted in the death of the Sage of Water and the banishment of Ganon to the Twilight Realm.
Although the American version of the game states that the Sages were Zelda's tutors,[19] the Japanese version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess says that Auru tutored her instead.[20]
Phantom Hourglass
In Phantom Hourglass, there is a graveyard on the Isle of Ruins where nine sages were laid to rest. In order to traverse Brant's Tomb, Link would first need to find a way into the graveyard. The graveyard contains a set of directions on six of the sages' gravestones. The other three Sages' tombstones are unreadable.
If these directions are not followed, Link will wander helplessly through Brant's Tomb, much like in the Wind Fish's Egg or the Lost Woods.
Beta Ocarina of Time/The Wind Waker
Ocarina of Time went through a lot of changes before it became what it is known as. Due to the effort of various The Legend of Zelda enthusiasts, details of the beta stages are becoming revealed to the public. One set of such details relates to the development of the Sages, who at one point were to be quite different from the eventual group.
It is currently concluded that a group of three Sages were to power up the Master Sword during Link's quest, namely the Sage found at Turtle Rock (presumably the Sage of Fire)[21], the Sage found at the Ice Temple[22] and the Sage found at the Wind Temple.[23] Whether these three were part of the group of six or a different group is unknown. Each of these three Sages' functions and context have been altered for the released game, though hints of their development history remain. Turtle Rock is the development predecessor of the Fire Temple, which was altered quite little compared to the other two. The Ice Temple is what the Ice Cavern once had to become, but those plans were tossed out in favour of the Water Temple. Along with it, the Ice Medallion became the Water Medallion.[24] Small hints of this are left in-game in the form of the ice-themed challenge in Ganon's Tower for the water barrier and Zora's Domain perpetual frozen state. The Wind Temple in turn was even further removed from the game by being completely scrapped to make room for the Forest Temple, the only remaining in-game hint at this development being the wind-themed challenge for the forest barrier in Ganon's Tower. Like the Ice Medallion became the Water Medallion, the Wind Medallion became the Forest Medallion. Furthermore, it is currently believed that instead of Saria, the Kokiri girl Fado was to be the Sage of Wind.[25]
Since Ocarina of Time, Nintendo seems to have been trying to bring over unused ideas of one game into later games. In context of the Sages, this sheds an interesting light on the "The Wind Waker" Sages, because they are noticeably similar to the presumed original idea for the "Ocarina of Time" Sages.
The most obvious connection would be the Master Sword-supporting function of both groups. In The Wind Waker, Link has to awaken the new Sages Makar and Medli to return power to the Master Sword, alike to the Sages described two paragraphs above. Additionally, it is known that two dungeons have been cut from The Wind Waker,[26][27] which together with the unusual trial-free way Nayru's Pearl is obtained hints that a Sage was removed from the final game, bringing the number of Sages needed to power up the Master Sword to three. The third link between the groups would be the identity of the Sage of Wind, in both cases a Kokiri named Fado.
Differences are to be found as well. While the development-Ocarina of Time Sages represented the elements of Fire, Ice and Wind, the The Wind Waker Sages represent Earth, Wind and a possible, unknown third element. These differences might be explained by Fire already being taken by a Sage of the group the "Master Sword"-Sages were opted not to belong to, thus meaning Nintendo had to find a new element to assign. If the possible third Sage was to be the Sage of Ice is unknown, as is whether or not that Sage exists in current canon or not.
Theories
Zelda is the Sage of Time - Since every other Sage in Ocarina of Time was associated with an element, it is often assumed the seventh Sage, Princess Zelda, has one too, despite no mention being made of it. Time is the most heard suggestion, due to that Link met Sage Zelda at the Temple of Time, comparable to how he met the others at their respective temples.[28] Zelda also states she can send Link back to his youth because she is a Sage, linking her, time, and Sageship together.[11] It's nothing conclusive though, as time travel happens through the Sacred Realm, which all Sages hold influence over.
Ocarina of Time Fado is her era's Sage of Wind - While not mentioned until The Wind Waker, the "Master Sword"-Sages should logically have been around long before then, leaving a minimum of two Sages unidentified in Ocarina of Time. As apparently Fado was to be the Sage of Wind prior to the story's finalization, it is possible she still is. She is, after all, nearly completely absent during the future years, when the sword needs the Sages' prayers.
Sage Kasuto - The names of the towns from The Adventure of Link all were reused for the Ocarina of Time Sages, with two exceptions. The name Mido was given to the leader of the Kokiri, who wasn't a Sage, while the name Kasuto wasn't featured in Ocarina of Time at all. With certain ignorance of Mido's case, this has led to speculation of a missing Sage named Kasuto. Some suggest they may be the former identity of Kaepora Gaebora, whereas The Wind Waker made it possible that Kasuto might be one of the "Master Sword"-Sages at that time.
The Twilight Princess Sages are the spiritual incarnations of the Sages' power - Due to the appearance of the Sages' insignias on their robes, it is possible these ethereal Sages are the spiritual incarnations of the powers of the six Sages awakened in Ocarina of Time, or in other words, the unawakened forms of the six Sages that were awakened in the future era. This would mean that while Saria, Darunia, Ruto, Impa, Nabooru and Rauru were the pre-destined physical counterparts, the source of their powers came from these spirit Sages. This would explain why the six Sages appeared as normal beings in the past era of Ocarina of Time but gained great power later in the future era after the Hero of Time helped each of them to fuse with his or her own respective ethereal Sage (the ones shown in Twilight Princess). This would mean that these ethereal Sages, alongside the Oocca, were the original builders of the Temple of Time, as Rauru stated in Ocarina of Time, and, by extension, the creators of the Master Sword itself.
Trivia
- With the exception of Zelda and Impa, each of the Ocarina of Time Sages was named after a town from The Adventure of Link. Zelda and Impa got their names from the characters from the original game, who reappeared in The Adventure of Link.
- In the original Japanese text of the Oracle games, the Oracles are referred to as "Shrine Maidens", the same title as the Maidens of Four Swords Adventures. It is not known if there is a connection between the two.
References
- ↑ A Link to the Past (GBA) manual; Page 14-15.
- ↑ A Link to the Past manual; Page 5-6.
- ↑ "Ganon captured us because he couldn't break the seal of the wise men with his power alone. And then, using the wizard Agahnim as his pawn, he drew us to the Dark World. After cracking the seal with our powers, he sealed us inside of these crystals." — Sixth Maiden (A Link to the Past)
- ↑ "When evil rules all, an awakening voice from the Sacred Realm will call those destined to be Sages, who dwell in the five temples. One in a deep forest... One on a high mountain... One under a vast lake... One within the house of the dead... One inside a goddess of the sand... Together with the Hero of Time, the awakened ones will bind the evil and return the light of peace to the world... This is the legend of the temples passed down by my people, the Sheikah." — Sheik (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "The three goddesses hid the Triforce containing the power of the gods somewhere in Hyrule. The power to grant the wish of the one who holds the Triforce in his hands. If someone with a righteous heart makes a wish, it will lead Hyrule to a golden age of prosperity.... If someone with an evil mind has his wish granted, the world will be consumed by evil...That is what has been told.... So, the ancient Sages built the Temple of Time to protect the Triforce from evil ones." — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "I am Rauru, one of the ancient Sages... Ages ago, we ancient Sages built the Temple of Time to protect the entrance to the Sacred Realm... This is the Chamber of Sages, inside the Temple of Light... The Temple of Light, situated in the very center of the Sacred Realm, is the last stronghold against Ganondorf's evil forces. The Master Sword--the evil-destroying sword that you pulled out of the Pedestal of Time--was the final key to the Sacred Realm." — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "But, remember... Though you opened the Door of Time in the name of peace... Ganondorf, the Gerudo King of Thieves, used it to enter this forbidden Sacred Realm! He obtained the Triforce from the Temple of Light, and with its power, he became the King of Evil... His evil power radiated from the temples of Hyrule, and in seven short years, it transformed Hyrule into a world of monsters. My power now has only little influence, even in this Sacred Realm... Namely, this Chamber of Sages. But there is still hope... The power of the Sages remains. When the power of all the Sages is awakened... The Sages' Seals will contain all the evil power in the void of the Realm... I, Rauru, am one of the Sages... And... Your power to fight together with the Sages makes you the Hero of Time! The Hero of Time, chosen by the Master Sword! Keep my spirit with you... And, find the power of the other Sages and add their might to your own!" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "One Sage is waiting for the time of awakening in the Forest Temple. The Sage is a girl I am sure you know...Because of the evil power in the temple, she cannot hear the awakening call from the Sacred Realm... Unfortunately, equipped as you currently are, you cannot even enter the temple... But, if you believe what I'm saying, you should head to Kakariko Village... Do you understand, Link?" — Sheik (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Link...can you hear me? It's Rauru, the Sage. We six will gather our power to create a bridge to the castle where Ganondorf dwells... The castle's keep, which is known as Ganon's Tower, is protected by six evil barriers. Bring down the six barriers and save Princess Zelda!!" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)>
- ↑ "They say that the owl named Kaepora Gaebora is the reincarnation of an ancient Sage." — Gossip Stone (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Link, give the Ocarina to me... As a Sage, I can return you to your original time with it." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "That Wind Waker you hold was used long ago to conduct us sages when we played our song to call upon the gods. In those days, it was always the king who conducted for us... Please... Tell the king that I will still play...even in the next world!" — Fado (The Wind Waker)
- ↑ "You must find the one who carries on my bloodline... The one who holds this sacred instrument... Nothing can stop the flow of time or the passing of generations...but the fate carried within my bloodline endures the ravages of all the years. It survives. The song you just conducted is one which will open the eyes of the new sage and awaken within that sage the melody that will carry our prayers to the gods. The door that blocks your way will only open when the sage plays that song. May the winds of fortune blow with you." — Laruto (The Wind Waker)
- ↑ "You wish to return the power to your blade, don't you? In that case, look for the one who has the same instrument that I hold, and teach him the song you just played. Once you do, I'm certain the holder of the instrument will feel the blood of the sages awaken within his veins." — Fado (The Wind Waker)
- ↑ "I am Fado of the Kokiri tribe. I know I appear to you as a child, but the eyes can oft deceive. I am a most esteemed sage. I had been praying here so that the power to repel evil would continue to be contained within the blade of the Master Sword... But I was attacked by the evil Ganondorf... and this is what happened to me." — Fado (The Wind Waker)
- ↑ "After his defeat at the hands of the Hero of Time, Ganondorf was sealed away...but not for all time. He was revived, and he returned to Hyrule in a red wrath. He attacked this temple and stole my soul, knowing that he had to remove the power contained in that enchanted blade. In order to return the power to repel evil to your sword, you must find another to take my stead in this temple and ask the gods for their assistance." — Laruto (The Wind Waker)
- ↑ "Oh, Link... It's you! Thank goodness you came! The six maidens who guard Hyrule are gathered here in the castle. The sky has become so dark and foreboding... I'm worried about the seal that binds the wind sorcerer Vaati." — Princess Zelda (Four Swords Adventures)
- ↑ "These six maidens guard the portal to the Four Sword Sanctuary to keep it safe. I'm going now to make sure Vaati's seal remains strong. Now, the shrine maidens and I must open the portal to the Four Sword's resting place. Step back, Link..." — Princess Zelda (Four Swords Adventures)
- ↑ "The sages... Those sages once served the royal family, actually. They were appointed as tutors to the young Princess Zelda." — Auru (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "The truth is, I used to serve the Hyrule Royal Family by being the one appointed to educate Princess Zelda when she was young." — Auru (Japanese Twilight Princess)
- ↑ Turtle Rock at TBTwiki
- ↑ Ice Temple at TBTwiki
- ↑ Wind Temple at TBTwiki
- ↑ Project Zelda 3D: The Development of Zelda 64 at Unseen64.net
- ↑ Fado at TBTwiki
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker review at Nintendo World Report
- ↑ Afterthoughts: Zelda: the Wind Waker at 1up.com
- ↑ "Link, the hero! Finally, all of us, the six Sages, have been awakened! The time for the final showdown with the King of Evil has come! Before that, though, you should meet the one who is waiting for you... The one who is waiting for you at the Temple of Time...." — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)