Fan Writes a Beautiful Introspection Article Inspired by Majora’s Mask

There is little argument that Majora’s Mask is among the most dark and emotionally compelling entries in the Zelda series. Many aspects of the game’s story and design are responsible for this fact, but not many people have taken the time to explore exactly how the game works to affect a player’s emotions and sense of self. BuzzFeed editor Alanna Okun recently shared a moving analysis of the emotions evoked by Majora’s Mask, reflecting on themes of depression, anxiety, and hopelessness in both the game and in life.

From just the opening line, Okun’s article, titled “Lost And Found In ‘Majora’s Mask’,” establishes Majora’s Mask as a central presence in her life:

I have beaten The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask more times in my life than I’ve been in love.

She continues to share in what ways the game reflects her own characteristics and flaws, explaining how Link‘s journey is just as much an internal struggle as it is an external one:

Because Majora’s Mask is the perfect fever dream for anyone who wrestles with anxiety and obsession, with a secret harsh longing for control. What if you could return, again and again, to the time just before it all went wrong?

Okun shares that, as a child, she never let Majora’s Mask‘s Moon fall, always restarting the game’s three-day cycle before it crashed into Termina. She admits that it was her resistance to failure and uncertainty — her reliance on control — that stopped her from watching the moon fall:

Because I’m not used to letting myself fail, to letting myself wait, to letting myself not do. Because it turns out that it takes a hefty dose of downtime to bring about the destruction of the known universe!

The article ends with Okun sharing her experiences in Majora’s Mask 3D, and how she reconciled the worries within the game and within herself. Reading the final paragraphs with the Song of Healing really has an amazing effect. I recommend everyone read this article; it not only identifies themes within the game but it questions the inherent flaws in all of us.

If you are a fan of Majora’s Mask already, take the time to examine how the game has impacted you on a deep, emotional level. I even recommend you share the article with those who are unfamiliar with the game, as it has things to say to them too. Who knows, maybe this article will inspire them to play through the game themselves.

What did you think of Okun’s article? Do you relate with her experiences in Majora’s Mask? Do you have an interesting story of how the game impacted or inspired you? Share your thoughts with us.

Source: BuzzFeed