Daily Debate: Who is the “Cursed Swordsman” in Twilight Princess’ Hyrule Castle Graveyard?

Twilight Princess is filled with so many hidden gems that add so much lore to the Zelda universe. From the Interlopers to the Twilight Realm, to the connections to Ocarina of Time, this game is a must play for Zelda fans. One of the things that has always intrigued me about this specific iteration of Hyrule is its vast eerie mysteries! Who were the prisoners of Arbiter’s Grounds? What was the original purpose of Snowpeak Ruins? Why is Agitha so freaking creepy? The world may never know.

However, one area that always intrigues me for hours upon end is the Hyrule Castle Graveyard. This is an optional area that doesn’t need to be explored or completed to move forward in the final dungeon, but it’s there all the same with so many mysteries encompassed within its walls. For one, the graveyard is constantly engulfed in a perpetual downpour that only stops if Link lights a specific torch. But there is more! If you read a plaque in the area, it will say, “The cursed swordsman… sleeps before… the sacred tree,” and you can find said tree by using Wolf Link’s senses, which reveals what looks to be a swarm of ghostly Hylian soldiers surrounding an ancient grave. If you blow up the grave, it will simply reveal a switch that allows you to solve the puzzle in the area, and Link can simply move on with unanswered questions.

The mystery of this “cursed swordsman” and his grave has stayed with me since I first played through this game in 2007. The ghostly Hylian soldiers always baffled me as well. However, as the years have gone by, as well as many playthroughs, I can’t help but wonder if that grave in Hyrule Castle is where the Hero of Time or Hero’s Shade has been laid to rest after his adventures. That’s the only cursed swordsman I can think of that would be important enough to be buried in the depths of Hyrule Castle. The Hero of Time’s tale is a sad one of unfulfilled dreams, loss, and grief, and his spirit traverses Hyrule, looking for his descendent to pass on his skills. With so many implications of his importance in Twilight Princess (and the game serving as a spiritual successor to Ocarina of Time), it wouldn’t surprise me if this well-hidden area of Hyrule Castle is simply there to pay tribute to a hero from the past that we all know and love. Maybe the switch is all that’s in the grave because the Hero’s Shade can’t rest until his mission is fulfilled?

Who knows? The Zelda universe is all about ambiguity and mysteries, so that cursed swordsman could literally be anyone! But what do you think? Do you think it could be the Hero’s Shade who rests under the Sacred Tree? Let me know in the comments!

Chakell Herbert

Chakell (pronounced shuh-kell) is an associate editor for Zelda Dungeon! She has loved The Legend of Zelda series since she was a little girl because of its equal mix of princesses, besting bad guys, and heartfelt stories. Chakell lives in the overall tame state of Utah, but holds onto her childhood hopes to find an adventure in her backyard one day. She has a degree in English and is a full-time editor for a magazine. You can usually find her gaming (obviously), laughing with her husband, taking a long time to tell stories because she keeps getting distracted; getting sucked into books and podcasts; or snuggling her cute Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.