Daily Debate: Where Does Tears of the Kingdom Rank Regarding Greatest Master Sword Moments?
Posted on September 03 2023 by Josh Wittmershaus
Of all the themes that are pervasive in Zelda games, is there truly one more renowned than The Blade of Evil’s Bane? In over a dozen of the franchise’s titles, a crucial and epic moment in our adventure is retrieving the Master Sword, often — but not always — pulling it from a stone pedestal. And so, with a new game comes a new moment, and Tears of the Kingdom delivered on that moment. So, with a new entry into our catalog, it’s always good to revisit and discuss what we think are the best Master Sword moments.
1. Tears of the Kingdom: I don’t think this is just recency bias; everything about the Master Sword in this game — from losing it, to finding it, to pulling it — stands out as special compared to the rest of the Master Sword moments. The beauty of this particular rendition is that there are so many ways to find yourself standing above it, and the path towards retrieving it is unique to each player’s experience. While there are many fair criticisms of the open-world Zelda model, producer Eiji Aonuma and company got this right in a big, big way.
2. Ocarina of Time: Providing a paramount peak in the game, this may be the moment that solidified this game in history, and, like the sword, a game that would stand the test of time itself. What I enjoy about this one is that, by pulling the sword, Link inadvertently allows Ganondorf access to the Sacred Realm on his warpath to power. Walking slowly to the pedestal with Navi while the “Song of Time” echoes through the temple is truly a scene of somber amazement.
3. Breath of the Wild: Under the supervision of the Great Deku Tree, here the Master Sword conjures a memory with Zelda from the past, where a discussion on the power of the weapon was held. What stands out to me about this particular Master Sword moment is during the present-day discussion with the elder, it cuts to two adorable Koroks re-enacting what would happen should Link try to pull the sword in too weak a state.
4. A Link to the Past: What list would be complete without the first of its kind? What makes this moment so special is not how it’s experienced — although it holds its weight in that regard — but when looking back on it, realizing the impact it had on the franchise as a whole. In the first two Zelda games, it felt like we were simply on a noble quest. But now, it feels like destiny.
5. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity: Consider this my black sheep surprise to my list. While this cutscene may be overlooked in favor of more “canonical” games like Skyward Sword, The Wind Waker, and Twilight Princess, the moment captures my previously stated concept of the Master Sword and Link together as destiny unimpeded. When things look bleak, the sword intervenes, its own deus ex machina, and instead of Link retrieving her, she retrieves him.
In the end, it’s truly hard to choose a top five, as so many Master Sword moments stand out as epic, emotional, and empowering. It was honestly hard leaving the following three games out of my list, as they each provide their own unique experience: Link approaching the sword as a wolf in Twilight Princess, the story-rich scene in The Wind Waker, and the hero’s first canonical encounter with Fi in Sky Keep during Skyword Sword.
What’s your thoughts on our most recent pulling of the Master Sword? Where does it land on your list, among the other franchise blades you’ve brandished so far? I’m excited to read your lists and reactions in the comments below!
Josh Wittmershaus is a writer at Zelda Dungeon. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, he now resides in Northern California. Aside from Zelda, Josh enjoys playing music, seeing live music, music history, and all other things music. He also enjoys skating, hockey, and the occasional political or philosophical thought exercise.
