Twilight Realm

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The Twilight Realm is a parallel dimension to Hyrule stuck in perpetual Twilight. It is composed of darkness, but does have light, this light comes from the two light orbs, called Sols. The only appearance in the series is in Twilight Princess, where Zant has taken control of the Twilight Realm and turned its citizens into monsters. Midna is also from the Twilight Realm, and is the realm's rightful leader. The Realm itself is quite small insize compared to Hyrule and it features many scattered rock islands, suspended in the horizon. The most notable locations are the three islands that house the Palace of Twilight. There is only one notable connection or entrance to this realm and that is via the Mirror of Twilight.

Origins

In the tale told by the Light Spirit, Lanayru, he tells of a group of sorcerers named the Dark Interlopers. This tribe excelled in shadow magic and intended to use the power of the Fused Shadow to seek domain over the Sacred Realm. However the Light Spirits intervened and took the Fused Shadows and broke them into four separate pieces. With the power of the Fused Shadows gone from their grasp, they were banished to the realm of twilight. Over time due to the appearance of the light source being Sols, the Dark Interlopers eventually evolved of what become to be known as the Twili.

This realm became to be very peaceful and a monarchy was established in order to lead the Twili. Zant had been a loyal servant to the monarchy of the Twilight Realm and he was supposed to be next in line for the throne would. However it was Midna who was chosen as the true leader, she was known as the Twilight Princess. Zant, distraught by this news, looked to the heavens for an answer. He was gifted a mysterious foreign power by his supposed god.

This power was gifted to Zant by Ganondorf. Ganondorf was sent to Arbiter's Grounds to be executed but the execution failed and Ganondorf was able to break free. Because he killed one of the sages, the remaining sages decided the only option now was to seal Ganondorf into the banished Twilight Relam. Ganondorf housed his power into Zant at one request, that he merge light with shadow, therefore creating complete darkness. Zant took this power and falsely ruled the Twilight Realm, turning its habitants into Shadow Beasts and Midna into an imp. He also merged the twilight realm with the light world as was Ganondorf's request.

Story

In the game Link first encounters the Twilight Realm after he is attacked by King Bulblin. He wakes up after being unconscious to find a Wall of Twilight, he will be dragged through into the Twilight Realm by a Shadow Beast. Due to Link being the chosen hero, he will be transformed into a divine beast, Wolf Link. He will then be imprisoned in Hyrule Castle. Once waking up inside the jail, Link will be chained to the wall, this is when we first encounter Midna. She will help Link escape his imprisonment and team up with Link to reach the princess. When reaching the room of Princess Zelda, she will then tell Link and Midna about Zant and she was forced to surrender, thus how the world has been transformed into a world of shadows.

Once returned to Ordon Village, Ordona will tell Link about the three provinces across Hyrule, that are suspended in Twilight. He will mention that the light has been stolen from the other three Light Spirits, Faron, Eldin and Lanayru. Link is tasked with restoring the light to these provinces. For Link to achieve this, in each province he will be gifted with the Vessel of Light, which he must fill with sixteen Tears of Light. After doing this the Light will be restored to the provinces and Link will be transformed back into his Hylian form.

Main article: Palace of Twilight

Later on in the game, Link will restore the Mirror of Twilight. This will allow him access to the Twilight Realm, where he will be tasked with taking down the ruler of Twilight, Zant. Upon entering the realm Link will have to restore the two Sols to the plaza. Each Sol will be on the opposing ends of the Palace. Once the Sols have returned to their original position it will power up Link's Master Sword. This will gift Link the ability to transform the harmless Twili from Shadow Beasts to their natural form. It will also allow Link to clear up the shadows that block the entrance to Zant's Palace. Link will now be able to confront Zant and thus the boss battle will take place. Once defeated, Midna will use the powers of the now complete Fused Shadows to ultimately kill Zant.

During the final events of the game, Ganondorf will be defeated by Link and Princess Zelda will be saved. The curse that was set on Midna by Zant will now fade and the four Light Spirits will return Midna into her true form. Upon saying her goodbyes to Link and Zelda she will shatter the Mirror just as she departs. Thus breaking the only connection between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm.

Trivia

Early screenshots and trailers of Twilight Princess show that the Twilight Realm was originally meant to have a monochrome theme.
The Twilight Realm bears much significance to concept arts of the Sacred Realm and of The Sky from Skyward Sword.
The only notable location in the Twilight Realm is the Palace of Twilight, however there appears to be other structures off into the horizon.