Ancient Hero
Race | Unknown (possibly Zonai-related) | |
Gender | Male | |
Occupation | Knight | |
Games | ||
Related | Princess Zelda (ally) | |
The Ancient Hero is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series.
Characteristics
The Ancient Hero is described as a fearless knight and a warrior who possessed the soul of the hero of legend. A wielder of the Master Sword, the Ancient Hero was aptly skilled swordsman who fought Calamity Ganon alongside allies.[1] Bearing both a Zonaite Waistguard and Zonaite Shin Guards, the Ancient Hero likely also used Zonite devices to some extent.[2]
History
The Ancient Hero was a knight present during the first Calamity. Inheriting the soul of the hero and one of the two destined warriors to oppose Ganon, the Ancient Hero eventually worked alongside the princess of his time, Sheikah Monks and the Ancient Champions piloting Divine Beasts to suppress and defeat Calamity Ganon. The Ancient Hero would deliver the final blow with the Master Sword and the princess would seal him away. His actions were made a legend within the Royal Family of Hyrule and Sheikah alike, preserved for over 10,000 years afterwards.[3]
Breath of the Wild
The story of the Ancient Hero is depicted on the Calamity Ganon Tapestry, where he, with the aid of Sheikah technology and the magic of the Princess, smote the Calamity, leaving it sealed for 10,000 years. As with the four original Champions and the historic Princess, this screen was the only visual representation of his existence, leaving his identity largely unknown. Within the tapestry, he bears clothing resembling the Champion's Tunic worn later by Link, his distant future successor.
The Ancient Hero is also mentioned by Kass in a series of ancient songs written by his mentor, whom was a Sheikah court poet secretly in love with Princess Zelda and jealous of Link. Kass's mentor later came to respect Link and created a song regarding the Ancient Hero, Champions, and Princess of 10,000 years ago in hope his efforts will help Link when he must save Zelda himself in the present time. The ancient song recounts the same history described in the tapestry, describing the Ancient Hero as a fearless knight and detailing the same plan eventually used by Link and the Champions (sans the assistance of the Guardians).[4]
Age of Calamity
The Ancient Hero is seen again, as Impa's Tapestry is used in a cinematic that describes the unfurling events. In this instance, his visual seems to stand in as a representative of the modern day Link, as the other figures on the Tapestry are used to convey the Champions of the second Calamity.
Tears of the Kingdom
- See also: Ancient Hero's Aspect
The Screen appears again, with him on, but this is not the primary appearance of the Ancient Hero. Upon completing all of the Shrines of Light, Link will be gifted the Ancient Hero's Aspect, said to contain the spirit of the Ancient Hero himself. When worn, it causes Link to take on the look of the Ancient Hero. He is shown to be a bipedal canine creature, with green skin, red hair and blue eyes. His ears are pointed, and he wears a Zonaite Waistguard and Zonaite Shin Guards, showing that he had some connection to the dying Zonai civilization.
Several characters like Impa, Purah, Symin, and the Hylians Tauro and Cece will recognize and acknowledge his outfit for what it is.[5][6][7][8][9]
Trivia
- The Ancient Hero's tattoos are reminiscent of both ancient Hyrulean royal guards during the reign of Sonia and Rauru as well as possessing the same tattoos of Sonia. This may hint towards the hero's high-ranking status as a knight and possessing royal connections.
- The Ancient Hero is the first example of the spirit of a hero manifesting in a non-Hyrulean being.
References
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Creating a Champion
- ↑ "Tears of the Kingdom",
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Creating a Champion
- ↑ "The kingdom of Hyrule is a vast and storied land, Oft grasped in the palm of a villainous hand. A dark force of destruction, many times undone, Rises once again–Ganon, the calamitous one. But hope survives in Hyrule, for all is not lost, Two brave souls protect it, no matter the cost. A goddess-blood princess and a fearless knight, They appear in each age to fight the good fight. Their battle with Ganon I've committed to song, To keep it through time, no matter how long. Now begins the second verse, listen and you'll know, Of their battle with Ganon 10,000 years ago.The kingdom of Hyrule was once a land of lasting peace, A culture of such strength and wit, that suffering did cease., But Ganon lurked beneath the surface, strengthening its jaws So the ancient people of Hyrule set out to help the cause. Their efforts bore fruit in an automated force,To help avert Calamity by sealing it at its source Four giant behemoths for which power never ceased, Each of these titans was called a "Divine Beast." And free-willed machines that hunted down their prey, These Guardians were built to last so they could join the fray. To guide the beasts in battle, warriors were needed, So four Champions were pledged to see Ganon defeated. Divine Beasts, Champions, princess, and knight, Their plan to rout Ganon was looking airtight. And when Calamity Ganon reared its head, Hyrule rose against it The optimism of Hyrule all the more incensed it. Ganon raged in its assault, boiling with hate, It gnashed its teeth and thrashed about, but it was all too late.The Guardians kept the heroes safe through every hour...The Divine Beasts unleashed attacks that weakened Ganon's power. The hero with the sealing sword struck the final blow, And the holy power of the princess sealed Ganon so. And that is the story of the brazen attack, On Calamity Ganon 10,000 years back." — Kass, Breath of the Wild
- ↑ "Ah. I see that you are wearing the attire of the ancient hero. How amusing. You almost look like that figure depicted on the screen..." — Impa, Tears of the Kingdom.
- ↑ "By the way... That outfit looks awfully familiar. You look good dressed like the ancient hero. But you know, I almost didn't recognize you for a minute there!" — Purah, Tears of the Kingdom.
- ↑ "That's the guise of the ancient hero! Where did you find such clothing? Professor Link, you always surprise me! The element of surprise is fundamental to learning as well. I must devote myself to becoming a teacher who can surprise and delight the children. Anyhow, I must say that your appearance was delightfully astonishing." — Symin, Tears of the Kingdom.
- ↑ "The hero? The ANCIENT hero?! ... Oh, wait. You're Link. For a moment, I thought the ancient hero had been resurrected! That is quite the getup. I'd love to try it on, myself." — Tauro, Tears of the Kingdom.
- ↑ "What an outfit! It's as though you've been possessed by an ancient hero's aspect. And you've put together a complete set! I'm struck by its balance of eeriness and dignity. Surely, its resolute presence in the face of evil is worth... a full 100 points!" — Cece, Tears of the Kingdom.