Ghirahim

Skyward Sword

One of the game's antagonists, Demon Lord Ghirahim is a tall and slender fellow with pale gray skin and pink-ish hair. His bodysuit and mantle are decorated with diamond patterns and jewels. He is skilled in the ways of magic, with sorcerous powers allowing him to teleport, conjure knives, and summon a distinct black saber with which he is incredibly skilled.

He is one of several members of a tribe that rules over the surface world. His standing in this tribe, whether it be leader or merely a member, is uncertain. They seek Zelda's holy power and in an attempt to capture her, Ghirahim uses his considerable magical powers to form the massive tornado which was intended to kidnap Zelda. Before she could fall into their hands however, a supposed servant of the Goddess saved Zelda, which greatly enraged Ghirahim.

Ghirahim's regard for himself is incredibly high. He prefers to be referred to by his full title, Lord Ghirahim and he constantly mocks Link's ability in combat. His arrogance is second only to his depravity. Ghirahim enjoys bloodshed, and in his anger at the Goddess's servant's interference, he attacks Link and toys with him. He enjoys appearing out of nowhere and taunting his victims from close behind, and constantly licks his lips and at the air when he is excited about violence.

Unfortunately for Link, Ghirahim's arrogance seems justified. Link barely survives his tornado and the battle with Ghirahim himself, only surviving because of the Goddess Sword. Link's life doesn't matter to Ghirahim but he offers Link mercy after their battle, threatening to kill him if he ever interferes again.

Ghirahim also appears in a cutscene involving himself, link, zelda, and the shiekah woman, where he demonstrates the ability to conjure flames.

Sky Temple Boss Strategy

Demon Lord Ghirahim is the first boss of Skyward Sword, fought in Sky Temple as both he and Link search for Zelda. He is a frightening foe and a major enemy in the game.

Phase 1

Ghirahim will slowly advance towards Link as the fight begins. As Link attempts to attack him, he will catch Link's sword between his fingers. If Link doesn't quickly shake his sword free, Ghirahim will take it away and use it against him. To get the sword back, Link must block one of his strikes with his shield and it will fly out of Ghirahim's hands so Link can retrieve it. Ghirahim will dodge or teleport away from Link frequently as Link attempts to hit him with his sword. Link can fake him out by placing his sword in one position, then attacking from another. Once Link lands one hit, Ghirahim is vulnerable for a few seconds, time for several more slashes, before he teleports away.

Phase 2

If Ghirahim sustains enough damage, he will lick his lips, enjoying the battle, and his sword will materialize. From this point on Ghirahim will fight seriously.

As Link sword fights with Ghirahim, his foe will begin to teleport far more frequently and even swipe at Link from behind after doing so. He will also attack by dashing at Link and sweeping with his sword, kicking him to knock him over, and conjuring projectiles that fly at you in a row and must be slashed in the right arc to avoid damage, though Link can also dodge or block them with his shield.

When Ghirahim prepares for a charging attack, Link can rush up and strike first to throw him off guard. Alternatively, he can dodge the attack and strike back immediately afterward or block the attack with his shield to deflect the blow and create an opening. A well-timed spin attack can also be effective.

Ghirahim will periodically teleport behind Link, ready to match a hasty reflexive move with a counterattack. Link must quickly turn around and note what position Ghirahim's sword is in so that he can select a safe direction for his attack.