Take a Deep-Dive with this Theory on Why the Master Sword is so Strong
Posted on March 31 2019 by Alexis S. Anderson
The Master Sword is ordinarily the strongest piece of weaponry at Link’s disposal, no doubt about it. But that doesn’t mean its status as the blade of evil’s bane should be taken at face value. So, what gives the Master Sword its unrivaled strength and assorted magical abilities? Gaming theorist SwankyBox has a few ideas, informed by real-world metallurgy and fictional minerals alike. Check out his video and decide for yourself if there’s any validity to this theory!
I’d really never questioned why the Master Sword was so extraordinary before, but I’m essentially sold on SwankyBox’s conclusions. To me they’re tight enough as to almost seem deliberate on the part of the developers (well, the sword’s hilt being made of timeshift stones, anyway). If gold is historically associated with spirituality, then I love the idea that it’s one of the elements in the blade and the added detail of bathing the sword in sacred flames drives that concept home for me.
For those unfamiliar, SwankyBox produces theory and analysis videos on games from Zelda to Doki Doki Literature Club and everything in between. You can find the rest of his Zelda related videos here.
Thanks to this theory, I have a new appreciation for the Master Sword. If it isn’t just powerful because the developers say so, then it’s an incredible feat of divine craftsmanship.
What do you think, are you sold on this theory? Do you have any alternate explanations for the sword’s unique abilities? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Alexis S. Anderson is a Senior Editor at Zelda Dungeon who joined the writing team in November, 2014. She has a JD from the UCLA School of Law and is pursuing a career in Entertainment and Intellectual Property Law. She grew up in the New Jersey suburbs with her parents, twin brother, and family shih-tzu.
