Daily Debate: Which Version of Phantom Ganon is the Most Iconic?
Posted on January 21 2019 by Sean Gadus
Since his appearance in Ocarina of Time, Phantom Ganon has developed a reputation as one of the most iconic recurring bosses in The Legend of Zelda franchise. First introducing the player to the concept of “tennis” in 3D, the original fights with Phantom Ganon are fast, frenetic, and exhilarating. As a fan of Ocarina of Time, I thought the character could get any better. Little did I know he would return for several more iconic appearances.
Reviewing the Zelda series, a “Phantom Ganon” has appeared in three of the 3D Zelda titles. The malicious ghost first appeared as the imposing boss of the Forest Temple. The character rode a midnight black horse and wielded a trident/staff which could control powerful sorcery. In terms of visual design, the boss is a twisted doppleganger of Ganondorf. Except for his skeletal face of course, which is crowned with two enormous horns.
In The Wind Waker, Phantom Ganon appeared as enormous apparition, clothed in a midnight black aura that radiates power. With a tattered cape and massive sword, the boss has very little in common with his predecessor, aesthetically speaking, but they are both ruthless foes. Phantom Ganon is encountered twice during the game. First at the Forsaken Fortress during the midpoint of the game and for a second time in Ganon’s Tower.
The last appearance of Phantom Ganon(s) is a brief but memorable role in Twilight Princess. As Link and Princess Zelda battle Ganondorf on horseback, the Great King of Evil can summon shadow apparitions to assault our heroes. These wispy white horsemen hurtled towards at Link, aiming to knock him off Epona. After their roles are complete, these phantoms disappear from existence.
Which version of Phantom Ganon left the biggest impression on you? Let us know in the comments below!
Sean Gadus is a Senior Editor at Zelda Dungeon. His first Zelda game was Ocarina of Time, and he loves all of the 3D Zelda games from 1998-2011. The final battle of Tears of the Kingdom is one of his favorite final battles in the entire series. He wants to help build a kinder, more compassionate world. You can check out his other written work at The-Artifice.com.
