Franchise: The Legend of Zelda
Genre: Action-adventure
Release Date: 2011-11-18
Nintendo Systems: Wii
Copies Sold: 3.67 million
Publisher: Nintendo
Game Length: 35 hours
ESRB Rating: E10+
Art Style: Stylized
MetaCritic Score: 93
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a pivotal installment in the iconic Zelda franchise, serving as the chronological starting point of the series' timeline. Released initially for the Nintendo Wii in 2011 and later remastered for the Nintendo Switch in 2021, this game delves into the foundational myths and legendary origins of the Zelda universe. Below is a detailed exploration of the lore that shapes the narrative of Skyward Sword.
The story of Skyward Sword begins with a grand myth of creation. The world was once a harmonious place where humans and gods coexisted. However, this peace was shattered by a malevolent entity known as Demise, who sought the ultimate power housed within the Triforce, a sacred relic created by the three Golden Goddesses: Din, Nayru, and Farore. To protect this powerful artifact, the Goddess Hylia intervened, leading to a cataclysmic battle against Demise and his demonic hordes.
In the aftermath of this great war, Hylia took drastic measures to safeguard her people and the Triforce. She raised a section of the earth into the sky, creating the floating island of Skyloft, where humans would live safe from Demise's reach. The surface world, ravaged by conflict, was left under a cloud of demonic influence and became known as the Surface. The people of Skyloft believed their island was the only remaining part of the world, living in blissful ignorance of the Surface below.
As time passed, the events of the war faded into legend. Yet, Hylia foresaw that Demise would one day return, and so she devised a plan to counter this threat. Hylia sacrificed her divine form to be reborn as a mortal, Zelda, ensuring that she could continue to safeguard the Triforce. Simultaneously, she prepared the spirit of the hero, who would rise to challenge Demise.
The protagonist of Skyward Sword is Link, a young knight-in-training from Skyloft. His journey begins during the annual Wing Ceremony, which tests the bond between Skyloftian youths and their Loftwings, giant birds that serve as their steeds. During this event, Zelda is mysteriously swept away to the Surface, prompting Link to embark on a daring rescue mission.
Link is guided by Fi, a sentient spirit residing within the Goddess Sword, which later becomes the Master Sword. Fi is a creation of Hylia, designed to assist the chosen hero in his quest. With her guidance, Link travels between the sky and the Surface, unraveling ancient mysteries and gathering the power needed to confront Demise.
The Surface is divided into several distinct regions, each housing its own challenges and secrets. Link visits Faron Woods, Eldin Volcano, and Lanayru Desert, each governed by a dragon spirit. These areas test Link's courage, wisdom, and power, echoing the virtues of the Triforce. Throughout his journey, he collects sacred flames to enhance the Goddess Sword, transforming it into the Master Sword.
Link's journey is continuously thwarted by Ghirahim, a flamboyant and sinister demon lord who seeks to resurrect his master, Demise. Ghirahim serves as the primary antagonist for much of the game, orchestrating schemes to capture Zelda and harvest her divine essence. His ultimate goal is to unseal Demise and plunge the world into chaos once more.
As Link progresses, he learns the truth about Zelda's identity as the mortal reincarnation of Hylia. Zelda's role is crucial, as she undergoes a ritual to awaken her divine powers and seal away Demise. Throughout the story, her bond with Link deepens, underscoring themes of friendship, destiny, and sacrifice.
The climax of Skyward Sword sees Link facing Demise in a final battle. Armed with the fully realized Master Sword and the accumulated wisdom and courage of his journey, Link defeats Demise. However, before his demise, Demise curses Link and Zelda's descendants, setting the stage for the eternal struggle between good and evil that persists throughout the Zelda series.
Skyward Sword lays the groundwork for the enduring legend of the Hero of Hyrule and the eternal recurrence of the battle against darkness. It explains the origins of key elements such as the Master Sword, the Triforce, and the cyclical nature of conflict between Link, Zelda, and their adversaries. This installment enriches the Zelda mythos, providing fans with a deeper understanding of the series' lore and its timeless themes of courage, wisdom, and power.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword is a pivotal entry in the Zelda series, particularly when examining the timeline of the games. Released for the Nintendo Wii in 2011, it serves as the chronological starting point of the entire series, setting the stage for the events and lore that unfold in subsequent games. This Markdown content delves into the timeline theory as it pertains to Skyward Sword and its significance within the Zelda universe.
The Legend of Zelda series is renowned for its complex timeline, which was officially detailed by Nintendo in the Hyrule Historia book. The timeline is divided into three main branches, but Skyward Sword is significant because it predates these divergences, providing the origin story for key elements found throughout the series.
Skyward Sword is set at the very beginning of the Zelda timeline. It tells the origin of the Master Sword, the iconic weapon wielded by the series' protagonist, Link. The game's story reveals how the land of Hyrule was created and introduces the eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil, embodied by the goddess Hylia and the demon king Demise.
The game’s narrative explains the creation of the Triforce, a mystical artifact representing power, wisdom, and courage. Skyward Sword details how the Triforce comes to be a central element in the power struggles that define the series. It also introduces the concept of the chosen hero, Link, and his recurring destiny to combat evil and protect the land.
Skyward Sword tells the story of how the Goddess Sword, wielded by the protagonist Link, is transformed into the Master Sword. This transformation is a crucial point in the timeline, establishing the Master Sword as a divine weapon used in the eternal struggle against evil.
The game introduces Demise, the primary antagonist, whose curse ensures that his hatred will be reborn in an endless cycle. This sets the stage for the recurring villain, Ganondorf, who plays a significant role in many of the series' games, including Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess.
Skyward Sword reveals that the goddess Hylia chose to live among humans, reincarnated as Zelda. This establishes a divine connection between Zelda and Hyrule’s royal family, explaining the series-long tradition of Zelda being a key figure in the protection of the realm.
Skyward Sword’s position at the start of the timeline provides a linear progression of events, setting the foundation for the lore and mythos of Hyrule. It establishes the themes and elements that recur throughout the series, including the cyclical nature of the battle between good and evil.
Though Skyward Sword is the starting point, the timeline eventually diverges into three distinct branches following the events of Ocarina of Time: the Decline Timeline, the Child Timeline, and the Adult Timeline. Skyward Sword's narrative and themes echo throughout these branches, influencing the stories of games like A Link to the Past, The Wind Waker, and Twilight Princess.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword plays a crucial role in the timeline theory of the series. By providing the origin story for the Master Sword, the Triforce, and the cyclical struggle between good and evil, it lays the groundwork for the entire Zelda mythos. Understanding its place in the timeline enhances the appreciation of the interconnected narratives and recurring themes that define The Legend of Zelda series.