Franchise: The Legend of Zelda
Genre: Action-adventure
Release Date: 2000-04-27
Nintendo Systems: Nintendo 64
Copies Sold: 3.36 million
Publisher: Nintendo
Game Length: 20 hours
ESRB Rating: E
Art Style: 3D
MetaCritic Score: 95
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 64. Released in 2000, it is the direct sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Majora's Mask is renowned for its darker tone, intricate storyline, and unique gameplay mechanics centered around time manipulation. Below is a detailed exploration of the lore underpinning this beloved game.
Majora's Mask takes place in the mystical land of Termina, a parallel world to Hyrule, where Link, the protagonist, finds himself after pursuing a mischievous Skull Kid who has stolen a powerful artifact known as Majora's Mask. Termina is a land on the brink of disaster, with its moon poised to crash into the world in just three days, threatening to obliterate everything.
Termina is notably distinct from Hyrule, populated by familiar faces from Ocarina of Time, albeit in different roles. The land is divided into several regions, each with its own culture, challenges, and inhabitants:
The game's central conflict revolves around the malevolent influence of Majora's Mask. The Skull Kid, under the mask's control, brings chaos to Termina, setting the moon on a collision course with the world. The mask itself is an ancient and malevolent artifact with a mysterious past, imbued with dark magic and the power to manipulate reality.
Link's quest in Majora's Mask is to prevent the impending apocalypse by confronting the Skull Kid and freeing him from the mask's control. To do so, Link must:
Majora's Mask is rich with themes of time, loss, and personal growth. The three-day cycle symbolizes the inevitability of time passing and the urgency of action. Characters throughout Termina grapple with personal dilemmas and regrets, mirroring Link's own journey of self-discovery and redemption.
Masks play a crucial role in the game, symbolizing identity, transformation, and the masks people wear in society. Each mask Link acquires allows him to explore different facets of his personality and abilities, reflecting the game's exploration of identity and the impact of choices.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask is a masterful blend of intricate storytelling, atmospheric world-building, and innovative gameplay. Its lore delves into profound themes of time, identity, and redemption, creating a haunting yet compelling narrative that has resonated with players for decades. As Link navigates the challenges of Termina, he not only seeks to save the world but also uncovers deeper truths about himself and the nature of heroism.
The Legend of Zelda series, developed by Nintendo, is renowned for its intricate timeline and complex lore. Among its titles, "The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask" holds a unique position within the timeline. This game, a direct sequel to "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," introduces players to a new world and a darker narrative. Below, we delve into the timeline theory surrounding Majora’s Mask and its place in the grand Zelda chronology.
In 2011, Nintendo released "Hyrule Historia," a comprehensive guide that, for the first time, officially outlined the series' timeline. The timeline is divided into three branches, stemming from the events of Ocarina of Time:
Majora’s Mask is situated within the Child Timeline, following directly after the events of Ocarina of Time.
At the conclusion of Ocarina of Time, Link is sent back in time by Princess Zelda to relive his childhood, now equipped with the knowledge of his adventures. This action prevents the rise of Ganon in the Child Timeline, as Link warns Zelda, and they take measures to thwart Ganon's future plans. It is from this point that Majora’s Mask begins.
Majora’s Mask picks up with Link, still a child, setting off on a personal quest. He leaves the land of Hyrule in search of his friend Navi, the fairy who accompanied him during Ocarina of Time. His journey leads him to the mysterious world of Termina, a parallel universe to Hyrule, where he encounters the Skull Kid, who has stolen the powerful Majora’s Mask.
Termina is a land on the brink of apocalypse, with a menacing moon set to crash into it in just three days. Link finds himself in a race against time, using the magical Song of Time to reset the three-day cycle, gather powerful masks, and ultimately stop the impending disaster.
Majora’s Mask is rich with themes of loss, acceptance, and the passage of time, which are mirrored in its gameplay mechanics and story. The game’s darker tone and focus on character-driven side quests set it apart from other entries in the series.
Parallel Worlds: Termina's existence as a parallel world to Hyrule has led to theories about its nature. Some suggest it could be a dream or a manifestation of Link's subconscious, reflecting his inner turmoil and quest for identity after the events of Ocarina of Time.
The Hero's Journey: Link's journey in Majora’s Mask is often seen as a continuation of the Hero's Journey, focusing on the hero's return and reintegration into the world after his initial adventure. This aligns with the monomyth structure, where Link must confront and reconcile with his past experiences.
Majora’s Mask remains a standout entry in the Zelda series, not only for its innovative gameplay and storytelling but also for its pivotal role in the Zelda timeline. By following the Child Timeline, it explores themes of identity, time, and heroism in a unique setting. The game’s placement and narrative complexities continue to inspire discussions and theories within the Zelda community, solidifying its legacy as a beloved and enigmatic chapter in the franchise.