From its very beginnings, The Legend of Zelda series has woven mythology into its fantasy fabric, developing this aspect significantly as the series evolved. The games often draw from legends of prophecies and goddesses, which have become indispensable elements of the narratives in The Legend of Zelda, offering various interpretations of a common lore foundation.
The franchise consistently reimagines divine archetypes, forming distinctive mini-pantheons that simultaneously echo and innovate upon past ones. While deviations from this mold exist, certain godly figures in The Legend of Zelda have garnered particular prominence among fans.
Let’s dive deeper into these divine entities with an exploration of their significance across various titles within The Legend of Zelda’s illustrious history.
S-Tier Deities
The concept of the three goddesses, Din, Nayru, and Farore, appeared early in the series as the world’s creators and custodians of the Triforce. Hylia also emerged significantly, giving up her immortality to reincarnate as Zelda in Skyward Sword. Alongside her stands Demise, an evil force reborn as Ganondorf, emphasizing the dualistic nature that runs through the series. Then there’s Majora, whose mystique and the infamous mask have embedded themselves firmly in the gaming community’s collective consciousness.
- The Golden Goddesses: Din, Nayru, Farore (A Link to the Past)
- Majora (Majora’s Mask)
- Hylia (Skyward Sword)
- Demise (Skyward Sword)
A-Tier Deities
Even if they didn’t bring all of creation into being, these deities wield considerable influence within their domains. The Wind Fish’s dream shapes all of Link’s Awakening’s world, while the Great Deku Tree and Jabu-Jabu serve as guardian figures for Kokiri and Zora, respectively. Zephos and Cyclos, gods of wind in Wind Waker, grant Link mastery over the winds, and the majestic dragons in Breath of the Wild bring another captivating chapter to the saga of goddesses. Meanwhile, the Fierce Deity, personified in a mask, intrigues with its elusive past and striking appearance.
- The Wind Fish (Link’s Awakening)
- The Great Deku Tree (Ocarina of Time)
- Lord Jabu-Jabu (Ocarina of Time)
- The Fierce Deity (Majora’s Mask)
- Zephos and Cyclos (The Wind Waker)
- Dragons: Naydra, Farosh, and Dinraal (Breath of the Wild)
B-Tier Deities
These deities, albeit not as universally remembered, still enrich the game’s worlds in meaningful ways. The Spirits of Light from Twilight Princess, for instance, pay homage to the goddesses while offering their twist. Jabun and Valoo in Wind Waker bring fresh spins on Volvagia and Jabu-Jabu. The gods of Phantom Hourglass, Malanya, and the enigmatic Horned God explore the narrative’s mysterious corners, while the Four Giants in Majora’s Mask leave a lasting impression despite their peculiar and scarce appearances.
- Valoo and Jabun (The Wind Waker)
- The Four Giants (Majora’s Mask)
- Spirits of Light (Twilight Princess)
- Ocean King (Phantom Hourglass)
- Golden Chief Cylos (Phantom Hourglass)
- Levias (Skyward Sword)
- Malanya, the Horse God (Breath of the Wild)
- The Horned God (Tears of the Kingdom)
C-Tier Deities
These entities often possess ambiguous divine status or limited direct influence in the game world, sometimes existing merely in legend. The Goddess of Time of Majora’s Mask might be Hylia herself, but it’s never confirmed. Skyward Sword’s Guardian Dragon trio are a gentler iteration on familiar themes, with the rest lacking tangible presence.
- Goddess of the Sands (Ocarina of Time)
- Goddess of Time (Majora’s Mask)
- Season Spirits (Oracle of Ages and Seasons)
- Fortune Goddess (The Wind Waker)
- Mountain Goddess (Spirit Tracks)
- Spirits of Good (Spirit Tracks)
- Dragons Faron, Eldin, and Lanayru (Skyward Sword)
- Lord of the Mountain (Breath of the Wild)
- The Seven Heroines (Breath of the Wild)
In the rich tapestry of The Legend of Zelda, these mythical figures add depth and wonder, offering gamers new adventures and puzzles in ever-evolving landscapes.
