Daily Debate: What Attribute Would a Fourth Piece of the Triforce Represent?

Wisdom. Power. Courage. These are the attributes manifested in Hyrule’s Triforce. They are the principles upon which the very world was created. They bring balance and prosperity to the world and its inhabitants, evidenced by the sad state of a land who gave up its Triforce. Princess Zelda bears the Triforce of Wisdom; Link wields the Triforce of Courage; and Ganon controls the Triforce of Power. These three are continually reincarnated throughout the generations, locked in an eternal struggle between good and evil, light and dark.

If, however, there was a fourth piece of the Triforce (a quad-force?), what attribute would it represent?

I think there are two good ways to look at this. First, you could consider a quality that is exploitable by evil, as Ganon does with power. The argument for this line of thinking would be bringing balance to the Triforce. The Triforce is wielded by two forces for good, and one force for evil. If someone with evil intent gained access to another piece of the Triforce, that would balance the scales at two and two.

The second line of thinking is an overarching quality that is already present in each piece of the Triforce; an unspoken attribute that is manifested in those who wield it (represented, perhaps, by the empty triangle in the Triforce’s center). It’s been there all along, it just hasn’t been laid out for us yet.

Going with the latter reasoning, I think a fourth attribute could be love. Sure, it’s cliché, but tropes exist for a reason.

Love permeates every piece of the Triforce and how its bearers use it. Zelda uses her wisdom for the love of her country and for the benefit of her people.

Link uses his courage in the selfless service of others, a pure demonstration of love for others. He defeats a Dodongo for the Gorons. He sets sail to save his kidnapped sister. He awakens from a century-long sleep with a singular devotion to restoring peace, and more.

Ganon serves only a love for himself. He selfishly covets power to his own benefit. In some incarnations he is jealous Hyrule’s prosperity, which is born from selfish pride, an unrighteous love of oneself.

While this wouldn’t add anything new to the series, it is an underlying theme already that motivates most characters. But maybe it’s best left unspoken, left up to the players’ interpretations instead of being explained at length.

Now tell us what you think. What attribute would a fourth piece of the Triforce represent? How would this attribute shakeup the dynamic between the heroes and Ganon? Who would wield this piece of the Triforce? Could a fourth piece be added without wreaking havoc on existing lore? Join the discussion in the comments below.

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