Sheikah
The Sheikah (Pronounced /ˈʃi kɑː/, SHEE-kah), or Shadow Folk, are a secretive, magical race devoted to the great Golden Goddesses and the Royal Family of Hyrule.[1][2][3] They are a warrior race known for their skill in magic and their stealth combat skills, earning the epithet "Shadows of the Hylians".[4] Much mystery surrounds this race, as only three of its known members are depicted in the games, leaving room for speculation regarding their race's history. It is known, however, that they were the founders of Kakariko Village[1] and are implied to have constructed the Shadow Temple.[5] In ancient times, the Sheikah tribe maintained contact with the race of Sky Beings known as the Oocca.[6] Zelda's nursemaid Impa is a Sheikah and the Sage of Shadow.[7] Their race's Eye Symbol has constantly reappeared throughout the series, even in games which do not feature the Sheikah themselves, only adding to the mystery surrounding their race. The Sheikah are recognized by their distinctive red eyes, their pointed ears, and the Sheikah emblem they usually wear. Their tribe's memory has lived on in the generations following their disappearance by means of several magical inventions they created as well as a number of legends passed down by their tribe that would have powerful ramifications for Hyrule and its people for many ages to come.
Appearances
Ocarina of Time
Ocarina of Time chronicles a time when very few members of the Sheikah tribe remained, though it is implied that they were nearly wiped out defending the Royal Family of Hyrule during the Hyrulean Civil War.[8] The primary member of the tribe featured in the game is Impa, the tall, athletic female attendant and guardian of Princess Zelda. Likewise, a Sheikah named Sheik[9] is also featured, and assists the Hero of Time in locating each of the five temples located throughout Hyrule to awaken each of the Seven Sages.
Kakariko Village was once a Sheikah settlement before Impa, who was born and raised there, opened it to all tribes of the land.[10][11] The Graveyard behind the village is the resting place of the Sheikah[1] and the location of the Shadow Temple.
Link is also able to acquire from the Happy Mask Shop the Mask of Truth, a creation of the Sheikah tribe that allows communication with the Gossip Stones left around Hyrule by the tribe.[12] Each of these stones bears the Sheikah symbol and can whisper secrets to one possessing this mask. Another artifact, the Lens of Truth, is implied to be Sheikah in origin as well, as it is found deep in the Bottom of the Well that Impa sealed[13] and is shaped like the Sheikah eye.
Sheik later reveals to Link a previously unknown legend of the Triforce passed down by the Sheikah, which states that only one pure of heart may claim the Triforce in its entirety and transform the Sacred Realm into a paradise; Otherwise, if that one's heart is not in balance, he or she will inherit the Triforce only in part (transforming the Sacred Realm into a world of evil in the process), while the other parts will go to two special people chosen by destiny, who will bear the Triforce mark on the backs of their hands.[14] While on his quest to awaken the Seven Sages, Link goes in search of the Sage of Shadow after realizing that an evil shadow spirit named Bongo Bongo, who had previously been sealed at the bottom of the Kakariko Well by Impa, has escaped and taken over the Shadow Temple.[15]
After defeating Bongo Bongo, Link witnesses the awakening of Impa as the Sage of Shadow, who implores him to look after Princess Zelda in her stead thereafter.[16] After succeeding in rescuing all of the Seven Sages, Sheik is revealed to be Princess Zelda in disguise, having hidden behind the mask of Sheik to evade Ganondorf for seven years.[17] After the King of Evil is defeated, Impa uses her power as the Sage of Shadow to help the other Sages seal Ganondorf in the void of the Evil Realm that was formerly the Sacred Realm.[18] She is last seen overlooking a jubilant Hyrule from atop Death Mountain alongside most of the other Sages.
Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages
The Oracle series seemingly depicts only one member of the Sheikah tribe, once again Princess Zelda's nursemaid, Impa, though she is depicted in a very different physical form and yet retains the classical red eyes and pointed ears in this incarnation.[19] She also exhibits superhuman strength in this game, a difference from her Ocarina of Time depiction. This is likely made possible from her very different physique, which depicts her as being very robust and large-framed, in contrast with her more slender, athletic body-type depicted in Ocarina of Time. Apart from Impa's presence, no other indicators of the Sheikah appear to be present in either of the games apart from a similar eye symbol that appears on the gown of Veran, the Sorceress of Shadows and primary villain of Oracle of Ages.
In both games, Impa has been sent by Princess Zelda to retrieve Din, the Oracle of Seasons, and Nayru, the Oracle of Ages, from the lands of Holodrum and Labrynna respectively due to nightmares Zelda has been having about darkness drawing around the two Oracles.[20][21]
Meanwhile, in Oracle of Ages, the lone Sheikah plays a slightly larger role in the opening events of the game, where she is possessed by Veran, the Sorceress of Shadows, and is used as a puppet to gain Link's trust and have him remove a barrier preventing her from reaching the Oracle of Ages.[22]
Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess once again depicts few candidate members of the Sheikah tribe: Impaz, who resides in the forgotten Hidden Village and professes to be named after the founder of the village (heavily implied to be Impa),[23] and Madame Fanadi, a fortune-teller who bears the Sheikah Eye Symbol on her forehead and also possesses the two classical features of the Sheikah, red eyes and pointed ears; She is skilled in magic as the tribe was said to have been. Though Impaz is heavily implied to be one of the few remaining Sheikah (even possessing Sheikah heirlooms), Madame Fanadi's status is only hinted at by her appearance and use of the Sheikah symbol, leaving her relation to the tribe shrouded in mystery.
Signs of Sheikah civilization appear in the game, such as the presence of a statue bearing the Eye of the Sheikah that was given by Impaz to Ilia when she was imprisoned in the Hidden Village by Bulblins as well as the Howling Stones, which bear a strong resemblance to the Gossip Stones shown in Ocarina of Time.[24] A sign over the entrance to the Hidden Village, when translated from Hylian, reads "Welcome to Old Kakariko",[25] implying that the Hidden Village may have been the Kakariko Village featured in Ocarina of Time. This is supported by a statement made by Impaz, saying that the village was once home to the proud tribe that protected the Hylian royalty.[26] The Sheikah are implied to have been well-known amongst the Gorons of Death Mountain, who state that the tribe dwindled in the prolonged wars,[27] as well as the Oocca of the City in the Sky, who left the Ancient Sky Book in the hands of the Sheikah some time before they lost touch with the surface-dwellers of Hyrule.[28]
Curiously, the Sheikah symbol makes an appearance on the back of the robes worn by the imprisoned Princess Zelda when Link meets her for the first time in the overthrown Hyrule Castle. In addition, when she is seen in her royal garb later in the game, her shoulder pads also bear the Sheikah symbol, with blue gems serving as the eyes. The symbol also appears on the back of the Fused Shadow as well as above the throne of the ruler of the Twilight Realm in the Palace of Twilight. It has also been noted that Luda, the daughter of Renado, bears a similar symbol on the back of her clothing.
Cameos
While no actual members of the Sheikah tribe make an appearance in these games, references to them and their symbolism remain.
Majora's Mask
The Sheikah tribe's name appears in the in-game description of certain artifacts, including the Mask of Truth.[29] In addition to its normal power to allow the wearer to communicate with Gossip Stones, the Mask of Truth is also said to possess the power to read the minds of animals in this game, a notable difference from the power it possessed in Ocarina of Time.[29] The appearance of these artifacts in the land of Termina has given rise to speculation that the tribe perhaps existed in Termina at one time as well, mirroring the appearances of most other tribes from Hyrule that are also found in Termina.
The Wind Waker
In The Wind Waker, a modified version of their symbol makes a small appearance near the top of the Forsaken Fortress, where it can be seen hanging next to the door leading to Ganondorf's chamber. In addition, the human mailman Baito possesses a tattoo on his back likely depicting the Sheikah symbol, implying he may have some connection to the tribe. The symbol also appears as a feature of the Hero's Charm, a golden mask whose eyes both resemble the Eye of the Sheikah. This mask gives the wearer the ability to look into the life forces of his or her enemies, thus providing a means to judge their strength. An advanced version of the Gossip Stone is also seen in the game, under the new name of the Pirate's Charm, which is said to have been made by King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, hinting at the Royal Family's connection to the tribe.[30]
In a direct reference to the Sheikah however, an image of Impa, the Sage of Shadow from Ocarina of Time, appears in one of the stained-glass windows of the chamber that is home to the Master Sword in the basement of Hyrule Castle, alongside the rest of the Seven Sages that sealed Ganondorf away. The orb above her image marks yet another appearance of the Eye of the Sheikah, serving as the representative symbol of the Sage of Shadow.
Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks
Gossip Stones return in Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks, where in these appearances Link can communicate with the stones without the benefit of the Mask of Truth. These Gossip Stones can unlock certain challenges or reveal the locations of certain treasures in various dungeons.[31] The design of the Gossip Stones in this game is slightly different from the design used in Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. For example, the eye appearing on the stones is more circular than other depictions of the symbol featured previously in the series, and they now have strange arm-like protrusions.
Characteristics and Abilities
The Sheikah are a humanoid race, bearing great resemblance to the Hylian race in both appearance and magical capacity. As far as physical features go, the two identifying features that distinguish a Sheikah from other humanoid races are their distinctive red eyes and their pointed ears, though they share the latter with the Hylian race. The distinctive red eyes are the sole physiological difference that sets the Sheikah apart from the Hylians.
The relationship of the Sheikah to the Hylian race is unknown. It is true that the Hylians do share certain characteristics with the Sheikah, primarily their pointed ears and their ability to make use of magic. For example, the alter ego of Princess Zelda is a Sheikah named Sheik, who possesses both the red eyes and pointed ears that are exclusive of the Sheikah race; It is unknown exactly how she achieved this however, whether by magic or by means of a simple disguise, thus throwing this instance of a Hylian-Sheikah crossover into question. On the other hand, Zelda does wear a robe displaying the Sheikah Eye Symbol in the later game of Twilight Princess and even possesses the mark on her regal gown's shoulder pads as well, though this could simply be a reference to the Royal Family's relationship with the Sheikah rather than the Hylian race at large.
As far as character goes, the Sheikah have always been portrayed as loyal and true to the Royal Family of Hyrule since the inception of the tribe into the series with Ocarina of Time.[32] A good example of this behavior was Impa's steadfast shielding and protection of Princess Zelda as the two made their getaway from Ganondorf when the latter invaded Hyrule Castle in that same game.[33] Despite their mysterious nature and their shadowy magic, they have always been portrayed as being rather selfless overall, evidenced once again with Impaz's assistance of both Ilia and Link in Twilight Princess.
The Sheikah seem to put their magic to even greater use both in technology as well as combat. For example, the Sheikah have been notable for their creation of such powerful magical artifacts as the Mask of Truth, the Lens of Truth and their race's Gossip Stones, as well as their ability to use magic to improve their stealth skills, such as their ability to vanish in a bright flash of light without a trace, giving them an edge in dangerous situations.
Artifacts
The Sheikah were noted to have been very capable craftsmen and magical inventors. Relics of their tribe that possess unique magical powers have survived the generations and still function as they were originally intended. They had an affinity for powers related to the element of shadows (hence their tribe's nickname) and thus showed an aptitude for developing tools that could help the wielder see through illusions or learn secrets that may not seem apparent to the user.
The Eye of the Sheikah
The Eye of the Sheikah, more commonly known as the Eye Symbol, is the insignia of the Sheikah tribe and has reappeared constantly throughout the series, even in games that do not feature the Sheikah themselves. Similar symbols have appeared at different instances throughout the series, with slight differences that distinguish them from the true Sheikah symbol that most have come to identify with the tribe. The official Sheikah Eye Symbol however made its first true appearance in Ocarina of Time, where it was prominently displayed as the representative symbol of the Sheikah and worn by Impa and Sheik. The symbol is also featured on the front door of the Shadow Temple, which in conjunction with Impa's status as the Sage of Shadow, hints at the Sheikah's connection to the House of the Dead.
The symbol appeared in several other places, such as on the aforementioned Sheikah relics, which made appearances in both Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask. The symbol makes its next appearance in The Wind Waker, first appearing near Ganondorf's chamber in the Forsaken Fortress and later in the basement chamber of Hyrule Castle where the Master Sword is kept, serving as the representative symbol of Impa in the stained-glass windows of the Seven Sages. It reappears in Twilight Princess in various places, such as on the Howling Stones, and the back of Zelda's robes. Finally, its latest appearance has been on a new version of the Gossip Stones featured in Phantom Hourglass. It has been noted that the Eye Symbol bears a resemblance to a similar symbol used to represent the villains Agahnim, Veran, and Vaati. As such, their connection to the Sheikah, or lack thereof, is heavily debated by the fan base of the series.
Sheikah Legends
In more than one instance throughout the series, there have been legends passed down by the Sheikah tribe that have been discussed in different games ranging from Ocarina of Time to Twilight Princess. Amongst the most well-known of these are three legends that have had a great deal to do with the plots of both stories. Two of these three legends are featured in Ocarina of Time, one featuring the prophecy of the Hero of Time and his quest to find the Sages that dwell in the five temples scattered across Hyrule, and the other being a previously unknown legend of the Triforce and the Sacred Realm that explained what became of both after Ganondorf penetrated the Sacred Realm's defenses. The third legend of the Sheikah tribe is featured in Twilight Princess, speaking of a race of Sky Beings known as the Oocca and telling of their civilization and the role they play in Hyrule's history.
Trivia
- In the non-canonical Ocarina of Time manga, it is revealed that the Eye Symbol was once represented as a single eye without a tear, similar to the symbol seen in A Link to the Past. This changed when, long ago, an act of betrayal on the part of the Royal Family of Hyrule occurred, resulting in the banishment of the Sheikah tribe from the kingdom of Hyrule for a time. To commemorate this event, the tear was added to symbolize the great sorrow felt by the tribe, which was sworn to protect the Royal Family; The manga also states that pierced ears were a traditional Sheikah rite of passage for young males.[34][35]
Theories
There are several theories surrounding the Sheikah and their clouded history ranging from such topics as their possible role in the early games, a possible connection to the Dark Interlopers or the Twili, their relationship to Bongo Bongo, their true purpose for the Shadow Temple, and a possible connection between a series of their relics.
External Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "R.I.P. Here lie the souls of those who swore fealty to the Royal Family of Hyrule: The Sheikah, guardians of the Royal Family and founders of Kakariko, watch over these spirits in their eternal slumber." — Grave (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Before that... I have things I want to tell only to you. Please listen. Another unknown legend of the Triforce passed down by the shadow folk, the Sheikahs...." — Sheik (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Meeting that girl must have been ordained by the gods, so that I could be here today to pass on this knowledge..." — Impaz (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Have you heard the legend of the "Shadow Folk"? They are the Sheikah...the shadows of the Hylians. They say they swore allegiance to the King of Hyrule and guarded the Royal Family..." — Old Man (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Shadow Temple...Here is gathered Hyrule's bloody history of greed and hatred..." — N/A (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Among the legends of my clan, there is a story from the time when the Oocca still maintained contact with the royal family." — Impaz (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "I am Impa, one of the Sheikah. I am Princess Zelda's caretaker, and I am also the Sage who guards the Shadow Temple." — Impa (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "They say that Princess Zelda's nanny is actually one of the Sheikah, who many thought had died out." — Gossip Stone (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "I am Sheik. Survivor of the Sheikahs..." — Sheik (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "At the foot of Death Mountain you will find my village, Kakariko. That is where I was born and raised." — Impa (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Hi, boy! Is this the first time you've visited this village? A great woman, Impa, opened up this village to us poor folk." — Man (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "This is the Mask of Truth. It is a mysterious mask passed down by the Sheikah." — Happy Mask Salesman (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Impa, the leader of Kakariko Village, had sealed the evil shadow spirit in the bottom of the well...." — Sheik (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "If you would seek the sacred triangle, listen well...The resting place of the sacred triangle, the Sacred Realm, is a mirror that reflects what is in the heart...the heart of one who enters it...If an evil heart, the Realm will become full of evil; if pure, the Realm will become a paradise. 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." — Sheik (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Link.... A terrible thing has happened! The evil shadow spirit has been released! Impa, the leader of Kakariko Village, had sealed the evil shadow spirit in the bottom of the well.... But the force of the evil spirit got so strong, the seal of the well broke, and it escaped into the world!!" — Sheik (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "I have to stay here... You go to Princess Zelda's side and protect her on my behalf. Now I put my power, which should be helpful to you, into this Medallion!" — Impa (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "I apologize for meeting you in disguise, but it was necessary to hide from the King of Evil. Please forgive me..." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Ancient Creators of Hyrule! Now, open the sealed door and send the Evil Incarnation of Darkness into the void of the Evil Realm!!" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "I am Impa, nurse to Hyrule's Princess Zelda." — Impa (Oracle of Ages)
- ↑ "When I returned to Hyrule, Zelda told me that in addition to Nayru, Din, the Oracle of Seasons, was also in danger. So, as she requested... We've posed as a traveling troupe so we can sneak Din into Hyrule." — Impa (Oracle of Seasons)
- ↑ "Zelda asked me to find a singer named Nayru. Will you help me look, Link?" — Impa (Oracle of Ages)
- ↑ "Thank you, Link! You allowed me to pass through the sacred barrier! I've been waiting for this moment! I am Veran, Sorceress of Shadows! Nayru! Oracle of Ages! I shall make your body my own!" — Veran (Oracle of Ages)
- ↑ "My name is Impaz. I'm the last resident of this poor village. My name comes from the great one who built this village so long ago..." — Impaz (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "What...is this?! I... I remember something... I was confined somewhere... Yes, and I was saved by whoever was confined with me... And when that person set me free, they gave me this statue... Yes, yes, I remember that much! But that means...that person is still in trouble!" — Ilia (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Welcome to Old Kakarico [sic]" — Sign written in Hylian (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "This village was once the secret home of a proud tribe who served the royal family...But it fell into decline, and became infested with dangerous beasts. It's become an awful place..." — Impaz (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "I REMEMBER! I thought I had seen that before somewhere...That belonged to the tribe that protected the Hylian royal family long ago. They worked in secret, so they lived in a lonely, forgotten place. But I heard that tribe dwindled in the prolonged wars..." — Gor Coron (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "From generation to generation, my ancestors have guarded the book that, by royal decree, was to be given to the messenger to the heavens." — Impaz (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 "You got the Mask of Truth! This is the same mask the Sheikah spoke of! This mask allows you to hear and understand the wisdom of Gossip Stones and the thoughts of animals..." — N/A (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "That stone is an enhanced version of the Gossip Stones long spoken of in the legends of the Hyrulian Royal Family. I am the one who made it." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
- ↑ "The number of treasure chests left here...is... [var]! It'll cost you 20 Rupees to see where treasure lies." — Gossip Stone (Phantom Hourglass)
- ↑ "We Sheikah have served the royalty of Hyrule from generation to generation as attendants." — Impa (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "My duty bound me to take Zelda out of Ganondorf's reach. When last I saw you, as we made our escape from the castle, you were just a lad..." — Impa (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ Template:Cite book
- ↑ Template:Cite book
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