Eye Symbol: Difference between revisions

From Zelda Wiki, the Zelda encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Undid revision 1138373 by Link (cat) (Talk))
 
(42 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{sources}}
{{Lacking Sources}}
{{Split|Sheikah Eye}}
{{Split|Sheikah Eye}}
{{Object
{{Infobox Object
|name = Eye Symbol
|image= File:BotW Crest of the Sheikah Symbol.png
|image = [[File:BotW Blue Sheikah Eye Symbol.png|x300px]]
|caption= The Eye Symbol in {{BotW|-}}
|caption = The Eye Symbol in {{BotW|-}}
|game= ALttP, OoT, MM, OoA, FS, TWW, FSA, TMC, TP, PH, SS, TFH, BotW
|game = {{ALttP}}<br>{{OoT}}<br>{{MM}}<br>{{OoA}}<br>{{FS}}<br>{{TWW}}<br>{{FSA}}<br>{{TMC}}<br>{{TP}}<br>{{PH}}<br>{{SS}}<br>{{TFH}}<br>{{BotW}}
|other= SSBM, SSBB, HW, SSB4
|other = {{SSBM}}<br>{{SSBB}}<br>{{HW}}<br>{{SSB4}}
|uses=  
|uses =  
|comp=  
|comp =  
|theme=  
|theme music =  
}}
}}
The '''Eye Symbol''' is found in throughout {{TLoZ|Series}}, and is often associated with the [[Sheikah]] tribe.
The '''Eye Symbol''' is found in throughout {{TLoZ|Series}}, and is often associated with the [[Sheikah]] tribe. According to the {{E}}, the teardrop on the symbol comes from the willingness of the tribe to go to any lengths.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= The Sheikah live as shadows to the royal family and go to any lengths to achieve a goal. Knowing this, the eye on the crest sheds a single tear.|book= E |page= 44}}</ref>


==Sheikah Eye==
==Sheikah Eye==
==={{OoT|-}}===
{{main|Crest of the Sheikah}}
This is where the tear-drop eye symbol first appeared. From the beginning it had its basic form, an eye in the middle with three triangular lashes on top and a tear drop coming down from the pupil. It was the proud symbol of the mysterious [[Sheikah]], the shadow race of Hyrule. The symbol seems to have been a very important part of Sheikah culture. They placed it all throughout the sacred [[Shadow Temple]], and on their artifacts, including the [[Lens of Truth]], the [[Gossip Stone]]s, and the [[Mask of Truth]]. They also seem to have commonly placed it on their attire, as both [[Impa]], the Sheikah sage of Shadows, and [[Sheik]] ([[Princess Zelda]] disguised as a Sheikah) placed it on their clothing.
 
==={{TWW|-}}===
[[File:ImpaTWW.png|left|130px]]
[[File:Sheikah Eye TWW.png|right|50px]]
In {{TWW}}, a version of the eye symbol can be seen on the Shields hanging at the door of the grounded ship atop [[Forsaken Fortress]], where [[Ganondorf]] dwells. Although the tear is bigger and the eye smaller, it is still very close in appearance to the Sheikah eye symbol. Why such a symbol would appear there is a mystery, although it may indicate that the pirate ship where it is found was once crewed by Sheikah-descended pirates or that the shields came into the possession of the pirates without being associated with them. Forsaken Fortress is known to have once been a pirate hideout, though not much is known of them.<ref>{{Cite|There are all sorts of strange rumors about this place. What I do know is that long ago, it used to be a hideout of a no-good group of pirates we used to compete with... |Tetra|TWW}}</ref> The eye symbol also appeared in the room containing the [[Master Sword]], where it is displayed with only one triangular eyelash instead of the usual three in the stained glass window of [[Impa]] above her head.
 
==={{TP|-}}===
The Symbol is displayed on the back of Princess Zelda's black cloak, showing the continued link of the Royal family of Hyrule and the Sheikah tribe. Also, the eye symbol features prominently on the [[Howling Stone]]s, in the same way as the [[Gossip Stone]]s from {{OoT|-}}. It is also seen on the forehead of [[Madame Fanadi]].
 
==={{SS|-}}===
The Eye Symbol also appears in {{SS}}. The symbol can be seen all over [[Impa]], on her clothing, tattoos and face paint. The symbol also appears on [[Gossip Stone]]s and [[Sheikah Stone]]s.
{{ImageCaption
|image = File:BotW Link Shooting Artwork.png
|size = 120px
|align = right
|caption = Artwork of Link with the Sheikah Slate
|captionalign = center
}}
 
==={{BotW|-}}===
In {{BotW}}, a newer design of the Sheikah's Eye Symbol is introduced, featuring an iris with pupil, and a circular motif surrounding the symbol. The symbol can be seen on the [[Sheikah Slate]], and on the terminals found within [[Ancient Shrine]]s and [[Sheikah Tower]]s. When Link activates a terminal with the Sheikah Slate, data is transferred from the terminal to the slate in the form of a falling tear. The faces of all of the [[Monk|Sheikah Monks]] have a tattoo bearing the old pupil-less Eye Symbol, which is also depicted on towels covering the faces of Kalm Yu'ogh and Kam Yatakh. Payah also bears the symbol on her forehead, as facial markings. The [[Yiga|Yiga Clan]], being a splinter group of the Sheikah, uses an inverted Eye Symbol as their emblem.


==Other Appearances of the Eye Symbol==
==Other Appearances of the Eye Symbol==
==={{ALttP|-}}===
==={{ALttP|-}}===
{{Image
{{Image
|image=Agahnim.png
|image=ALttP Agahnim Artwork.png
|size=130px
|size=130px
|align=left
|align=left
|caption=Agahnim wearing the Eye Symbol
|caption=Agahnim wearing the Eye Symbol
}}
}}
Eye symbols have been seen throughout {{TLoZ|Series}} ever since the release of {{ALttP}}. In the game, the evil wizard [[Agahnim]] has the eye symbol on his robe and throughout his lair. The symbol has lashes on the top and bottom. The inside circle is so thin that it almost appears feline.
In the opening of {{ALttP}}, the [[Master Sword]] is depicted with a similar eye symbol on the hilt.
 
In the opening of the game, it is seen that the [[Master Sword]] has a similar eye symbol on the hilt.


In {{ALttP|-}}, Agahnim appears as though from nowhere to quell the misfortunes that are plaguing Hyrule using his powerful magic. Agahnim's origins are not entirely known, though he becomes close to the Royal Family of Hyrule following his curing of Hyrule's ailments before revealing his true colors. What is so curious about him is that the symbol that represents him, which is a modified version of the Eye Symbol that bears an uncanny resemblance to the Sheikah insignia. The emblem appears in front of the doors to Hyrule Castle Tower, Agahnim's lair in [[Hyrule Castle]], and again in front of the topmost chamber of [[Ganon's Tower (A Link to the Past)|Ganon's Tower]], where Link faces the dark wizard for a second time before discovering that he was Ganon's alter ego. This symbol, combined with Agahnim's relationship with the Royal Family and his knowledge of magic, has given rise to speculation that Agahnim may have had some connection to the Sheikah tribe, though this also is unconfirmed. Ganon refers to Agahnim as his alter ego,<ref>{{Cite|It's unbelievable that you defeated my alter ego, Agahnim the Dark Wizard, twice!|Ganon|ALttP}}</ref> casting doubt on this possibility, because Agahnim may have simply been a disguise Ganon used to fool the Royal Family and not a genuine Sheikah or member of any other race, though the true aspects of Ganon's relationship with Agahnim remain partially unclear.
Elsewhere, Agahnim is frequently associated with an eyeball symbol quite reminiscent of the Sheikah insignia, albeit with the traditional eyelashes both above and below the eyeball, no teardrop, and with a thinner pupil. Like the Shiekah, Agahnim was an eerie figure who had posed as an advisor to the Royal Family and used arcane magics to protect them. While Ganon identifies Agahnim as his alter ego,<ref>{{Cite|It's unbelievable that you defeated my alter ego, Agahnim the Dark Wizard, twice!|Ganon|ALttP}}</ref> it seems likely that Agahnim was either posing as a Sheikah or more simply exploiting their aesthetic in order to get close to the Royal Family.


==={{OoA|-}}===
==={{OoA|-}}===
{{Image
{{Image
|image=Veran.png
|image=OoA Veran Artwork.png
|size=150px
|size=150px
|align=right
|align=right
|caption=Veran bearing an Eye Symbol on her gown
|caption=Veran bearing an Eye Symbol on her gown
}}
}}
In {{OoA}}, it is noted that the villain of the game, the Sorceress of Shadows known as [[Veran]], also bears a symbol resembling an eye that is slightly similar to the Eye Symbol of the Sheikah; along with [[Gerudo Symbol]]s on her shoulder-pads. Her self-proclaimed title, "Sorceress of Shadows", also correlates with the fact that the Sheikah also had magic based upon the element of shadows. Veran's red eyes also match the color of the Sheikah, and these facts have caused some to speculate that she may have some connection to either the Sheikah, the Twili, or both. In addition, when Veran is fought in the Turret of the [[Black Tower]], an eye-like symbol that bears a much closer resemblence to the normal Sheikah symbol can be seen on the pillars in the room, reaffirming this potential connection. But as with Agahnim, apart from this symbol on her gown and her ability to use "shadow magic", Veran's relation to either or both of these groups has been left up to debate since no mention is made by her regarding either race. As such, Veran's true race remains unknown to date, leaving much of her backstory shrouded in mystery and leaving her origins open to speculation.
In {{OoA}}, the sorceress [[Veran]] bears a similar eye emblem oriented vertically, with no eyelashes and with the teardrop, extended, extending upward from one corner of the eye, and has red eyes common to the Sheikah. Her lair in the highest part of the [[Black Tower]] also includes pillars bearing the standard Sheikah emblem. Like Agahnim, her role as a treacherous advisor to royalty and her use of elemental shadow magic imply that she has either a genuine link to the Sheikah or is drawing upon their mystique as part of her scheme.


==={{FS|-}}, {{FSA|-}}, and {{TMC|-}}===
==={{FS|-}}, {{FSA|-}}, and {{TMC|-}}===
[[File:TMC Link Fighting Dark Nut Artwork 2.png|thumb|left|180px|The Eye Symbol of Vaati in Dark Hyrule Castle]]
[[File:TMC Dark Hyrule Castle Artwork.png|thumb|left|180px|The Eye Symbol of Vaati in Dark Hyrule Castle]]
During {{FS}}, the evil wind demon [[Vaati]] is seen as personifying the symbol with his one giant stylized eye. It was seen again during {{FSA}} and {{TMC}}. Vaati's origins are revealed to be rooted with an entirely different race from the Sheikah, that of the tiny thumb-sized [[Minish]] race. The villain first gained power through the magic of the [[Mage's Cap]], a creation of his master [[Ezlo]], in {{TMC|-}}. He then took on the form of a [[Hylian]]-like sorcerer and chose a single eye as his symbol of power.
[[File:TMC Vaati Transfigured Sprite.png|right|90px]]
 
In {{TMC}}, the [[Minish]] [[Vaati]] used the magic of the [[Mage's Cap]] to take the shape of a humanoid sorcerer, and later conquered Hyrule Castle, covering it with symbols of a baleful red eye. Vaati's new humanoid form had pointed ears, red eyes, and white hair, much unlike the Minish, and he eventually further transformed into an inhuman demonic form whose most prominent feature was a giant eye with stylized eyelashes, strongly reminiscent of the Sheikah emblem. This, along with his frequent use of occult magic, implies he may have been inspired by the Sheikah. The eye symbolism follows him to his chronologically later {{FS}} appearance, and in {{FSA}} he is even followed by a [[Mage|group of female mages]] somewhat reminiscent of the implied matriarchal bent of Sheikah culture.
[[File:VaatiTransfigured.gif|right|90px]]
What is so interesting about the form Vaati took after his transformation from a Minish however is that not only did he now have pointed ears, but he also retained red eyes (unlike other Minish featured in the game) as well as white hairs (like the [[Impa|only confirmed Sheikah]] in the series). These traits have caused some to believe that Vaati's new appearance and symbol were perhaps based upon the Sheikah, though this remains unconfirmed by any official source. The Sheikah do not make any official appearance in this game, and no evidence exists to suggest Vaati even knew about the Sheikah. This is further complicated by the fact that Vaati is revealed to be of Minish descent. Still, due to the similar appearance he took on after seizing the Mage's Cap and his choice of an eye as his symbol, his knowledge of the Sheikah or any connection he may have to them is also left up to debate.
 
However, since the Sheikah are known for their skill in magic and as the only real Sheikah known is a female, it is interesting to note that Vaati is supported by a [[Mage|group of female mages]] in {{FSA|-}}. One of them, in [[Kakariko Village]], is a [[Fortune Teller]] like Madame Fanadi, a suspected Sheikah from {{TP|-}}.


==={{TWW|-}}===
==={{TWW|-}}===
{{Image
{{Image
|image=Baito Figurine Back.png
|image=TWW Baito Figurine Back Model.png
|size=80px
|size=80px
|align=right
|align=right
|caption=Baito's tattoo
|caption=Baito's tattoo
}}
}}
In {{TWW}}, [[Baito]], the [[Island Postal Service]] employee found on [[Dragon Roost Island]], has a tattoo on his back that resembles the Sheikah Eye Symbol.
In {{TWW}}, [[Baito]] has a tattoo on his back that resembles the Sheikah Eye Symbol.


==={{TP|-}}===
==={{TP|-}}===
Line 88: Line 59:
In {{SS}}, symbols resembling the Sheikah Eye can be seen on the [[Timeshift Stones]] found in the [[Lanayru Desert]] region.
In {{SS}}, symbols resembling the Sheikah Eye can be seen on the [[Timeshift Stones]] found in the [[Lanayru Desert]] region.


===''Majora's Mask 3D''===
==={{MM3D|-}}===
In {{MM3D}}, the eye symbol appears on [[Captain Keeta]]'s grave.
In {{MM3D}}, the eye symbol appears on [[Captain Keeta]]'s grave.


Line 97: Line 68:
[[File:Eye of Horus.png|right|Ancient Egyptian Eye Symbol|100px]]
[[File:Eye of Horus.png|right|Ancient Egyptian Eye Symbol|100px]]
*The Sheikah eye symbol was likely inspired by the Ancient Egyptian {{wp|Eye of Horus}} or Wedjet symbol. This eye was sometimes used to represent the falcon god {{wp|Horus}}, the serpent goddess {{wp|Wadjet}}, or the mother goddess {{wp|Hathor}}. It was used as a symbol of protection for the Pharaoh and was worn as a medallion to ward off black magic and curses.
*The Sheikah eye symbol was likely inspired by the Ancient Egyptian {{wp|Eye of Horus}} or Wedjet symbol. This eye was sometimes used to represent the falcon god {{wp|Horus}}, the serpent goddess {{wp|Wadjet}}, or the mother goddess {{wp|Hathor}}. It was used as a symbol of protection for the Pharaoh and was worn as a medallion to ward off black magic and curses.
*According to the {{E}}, the teardrop on the symbol comes from the willingness of the tribe to go to any lengths.<ref>{{Cite book|quote= The Sheikah live as shadows to the royal family and go to any lengths to achieve a goal. Knowing this, the eye on the crest sheds a single tear.|book= E|page= 44}}</ref>
*The Sheikah eye symbol (The [[Crest of the Sheikah]] version)  is used as Breath Of The Wild Link’s emblem in the game [[Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]].


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Eye Symbol.gif|Agahnim's Eye Symbol from {{ALttP|-}}
File:Eye Symbol.gif|Agahnim's Eye Symbol from {{ALttP|-}}
File:Sheikah.png|The Eye Symbol from {{OoT|-}}
File:BotW White Sheikah Eye Symbol.png|The Eye Symbol from {{BotW|-}}
File:BotW White Sheikah Eye Symbol.png|The Eye Symbol from {{BotW|-}}
File:Lens of truth.png|The Lens of Truth resembling the Eye Symbol in {{OoT|-}} and {{MM|-}}
File:OoT Lens of Truth Render.png|The Lens of Truth resembling the Eye Symbol from {{OoT|-}} and {{MM|-}}
File:Mask of Truth.png|The Mask of Truth featuring the Eye Symbol in {{OoT|-}} and {{MM|-}}
File:OoT Mask of Truth Render 2.png|The Mask of Truth featuring the Eye Symbol from {{OoT|-}} and {{MM|-}}
File:GossipStone.png|Gossip Stone featuring the Eye Symbol in {{OoT|-}} and {{MM|-}}
File:Shadow Temple Artwork.png|[[Shadow Temple]] from {{OoT|-}}
File:Zelda TP Cloak.jpg|Zelda's cloak bearing the Eye Symbol in {{TP|-}}
File:OoT3D Gossip Stone Model.png|Gossip Stone featuring the Eye Symbol from {{OoT3D|-}} and {{MM3D|-}}
File:Howling Stone.png|Howling Stone featuring the Eye Symbol in {{TP|-}}
File:Zelda TP Cloak.jpg|Zelda's cloak bearing the Eye Symbol from {{TP|-}}
File:Fortuneteller.png|Madame Fanadi's Eye Symbol in {{TP|-}}
File:Howling Stone.png|Howling Stone featuring the Eye Symbol from {{TP|-}}
File:Guard Notebook.png|Guard Notebook resembling the Eye Symbol in {{PH|-}}
File:Fortuneteller.png|Madame Fanadi's Eye Symbol from {{TP|-}}
File:TimeShiftStoneInactiveSS.png|Timeshift Stone featuring the Eye Symbol in {{SS|-}}
File:MidnaHelmEyes.jpg|The Eye Symbol featured on the Fused Shadow from {{TP|-}}
File:HW Impa Eye Symbol.png|Impa's attack featuring the Eye Symbol in ''Hyrule Warriors''
File:PH Guard Notebook Model.png|Guard Notebook resembling the Eye Symbol from {{PH|-}}
File:MM3D Captain Keeta Grave.png|The Eye Symbol on Captain Keeta's grave in ''Majora's Mask 3D''
File:SS Timeshift Stone Inactive Model.png|Timeshift Stone featuring the Eye Symbol from {{SS|-}}
File:TFH Wallmaster Model.png|The Eye Symbol featured on a Wallmaster
File:HW Impa Eye Symbol.png|Impa's attack featuring the Eye Symbol from {{HW|-}}
File:TFH Totem Armos.png|The Eye Symbol fetured on an inactive Totem Armos
File:MM3D Captain Keeta Grave.png|The Eye Symbol on Captain Keeta's grave from {{MM3D|-}}
File:TFH Desert Zone Triforce Gate.png|The Eye Symbol on the Desert Zone Triforce Gateway
File:TFH Wallmaster Model.png|The Eye Symbol featured on a Wallmaster from {{TFH|-}}
File:BotW Sheikah Slate Icon.png|The Eye Symbol on the Sheikah Slate of {{BotW|-}}
File:TFH Totem Armos Model 2.png|The Eye Symbol featured on an inactive Totem Armos from {{TFH|-}}
File:BotW Kalm Yu'ogh Model.png|The Monk, Kalm Yu'ogh, bearing the Eye Symbol on his facial cloth covering
File:TFH Desert Zone Triforce Gate.png|The Eye Symbol on the Desert Zone Triforce Gateway from {{TFH|-}}
File:BotW Keh Namut Model.png|The Monk, Keh Namut, bearing the Eye Symbol as a tattoo on his forehead
File:BotW Akh Va'quot Model.png|The Monk, Akh Va'quot, bearing the Eye Symbol on his facial cloth covering from {{BotW|-}}
</gallery>
</gallery>


{{Ref}}
{{Ref}}


[[Category:Symbols]]
{{Categories
|symbols= ALttP, OoT, OoT3D, MM, MM3D, OoA, FS, TWW, TWWHD, FSA, TMC, TP, TPHD, PH, SS, SSHD, TFH, BotW, TotK
}}

Latest revision as of 03:06, 20 April 2024

ZW Lacking Sources Asset.png
This article or section does not sufficiently cite its sources.
Please help improve this article by introducing appropriate citations.
ZW Split Asset.png
It has been suggested that the portion of this page concerning Sheikah Eye should be made into its own page.
Should the target page already exist, this content should be merged into it where appropriate. Discuss this on article's talk page.

The Eye Symbol is found in throughout The Legend of Zelda series, and is often associated with the Sheikah tribe. According to the Encyclopedia, the teardrop on the symbol comes from the willingness of the tribe to go to any lengths.[1]

Sheikah Eye

Main article: Crest of the Sheikah

Other Appearances of the Eye Symbol

A Link to the Past

File:ALttP Agahnim Artwork.png
Agahnim wearing the Eye Symbol

In the opening of A Link to the Past, the Master Sword is depicted with a similar eye symbol on the hilt.

Elsewhere, Agahnim is frequently associated with an eyeball symbol quite reminiscent of the Sheikah insignia, albeit with the traditional eyelashes both above and below the eyeball, no teardrop, and with a thinner pupil. Like the Shiekah, Agahnim was an eerie figure who had posed as an advisor to the Royal Family and used arcane magics to protect them. While Ganon identifies Agahnim as his alter ego,[2] it seems likely that Agahnim was either posing as a Sheikah or more simply exploiting their aesthetic in order to get close to the Royal Family.

Oracle of Ages

File:OoA Veran Artwork.png
Veran bearing an Eye Symbol on her gown

In Oracle of Ages, the sorceress Veran bears a similar eye emblem oriented vertically, with no eyelashes and with the teardrop, extended, extending upward from one corner of the eye, and has red eyes common to the Sheikah. Her lair in the highest part of the Black Tower also includes pillars bearing the standard Sheikah emblem. Like Agahnim, her role as a treacherous advisor to royalty and her use of elemental shadow magic imply that she has either a genuine link to the Sheikah or is drawing upon their mystique as part of her scheme.

Four Swords, Four Swords Adventures, and The Minish Cap

The Eye Symbol of Vaati in Dark Hyrule Castle
TMC Vaati Transfigured Sprite.png

In The Minish Cap, the Minish Vaati used the magic of the Mage's Cap to take the shape of a humanoid sorcerer, and later conquered Hyrule Castle, covering it with symbols of a baleful red eye. Vaati's new humanoid form had pointed ears, red eyes, and white hair, much unlike the Minish, and he eventually further transformed into an inhuman demonic form whose most prominent feature was a giant eye with stylized eyelashes, strongly reminiscent of the Sheikah emblem. This, along with his frequent use of occult magic, implies he may have been inspired by the Sheikah. The eye symbolism follows him to his chronologically later Four Swords appearance, and in Four Swords Adventures he is even followed by a group of female mages somewhat reminiscent of the implied matriarchal bent of Sheikah culture.

The Wind Waker

File:TWW Baito Figurine Back Model.png
Baito's tattoo

In The Wind Waker, Baito has a tattoo on his back that resembles the Sheikah Eye Symbol.

Twilight Princess

Another appearance of the symbol would be with the Twili in Twilight Princess. It can be found on their artifacts, such as Midna's helmet and the Fused Shadow. It is also seen on their buildings and in places such as above Zant's throne.

Phantom Hourglass

In Phantom Hourglass, the symbol on the front of the Guard Notebook resembles the Eye Symbol.

Skyward Sword

In Skyward Sword, symbols resembling the Sheikah Eye can be seen on the Timeshift Stones found in the Lanayru Desert region.

Majora's Mask 3D

In Majora's Mask 3D, the eye symbol appears on Captain Keeta's grave.

Tri Force Heroes

In Tri Force Heroes the eye symbol is present on the back of Wallmasters and on the face of Totem Armos. There are also symbols that greatly resemble it on the Desert Zone's Triforce Gateway in the Den of Trials.

Trivia

Ancient Egyptian Eye Symbol
Ancient Egyptian Eye Symbol
  • The Sheikah eye symbol was likely inspired by the Ancient Egyptian Eye of Horus or Wedjet symbol. This eye was sometimes used to represent the falcon god Horus, the serpent goddess Wadjet, or the mother goddess Hathor. It was used as a symbol of protection for the Pharaoh and was worn as a medallion to ward off black magic and curses.
  • The Sheikah eye symbol (The Crest of the Sheikah version) is used as Breath Of The Wild Link’s emblem in the game Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

Gallery

References

  1. "The Sheikah live as shadows to the royal family and go to any lengths to achieve a goal. Knowing this, the eye on the crest sheds a single tear." (Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 44)
  2. "It's unbelievable that you defeated my alter ego, Agahnim the Dark Wizard, twice!" — Ganon (A Link to the Past)