I agree that Ghirahim is extremely intimidating. Characters like Ganondorf are portrayed as large, powerful but classy villains. Ganondorf has honor and class, like a high society ***hole knight or king. Ghirahim has been portrayed a bit more like a prince. His ego is inflated, and because of that he dresses in the most valuable jewels and clothes that he can. He struck me as a narcissist; he's in love with himself.
The unfortunate thing about his character is he clearly has power to back up his arrogance. He was incredibly powerful and was only playing around with Link. He's been confirmed now to be only one villain in the game; he has peers. If that's the case, he may only be our first glimpse at the power of he foes Link will face in the game.
I like Ghirahim a lot already. He's powerful, scary, twisted, and violent. He's a bloodthirsty monster with a psychotic personality. I love it!
I won't say he's my favorite villain yet, or that he's
more intimidating than other villains, but he's awesome.
Also, he is a little intimidating, despite being so FABULOUS~!
I had a conversation about this with Hanyou on Skype a couple of days ago. Ghirahim wears fancy clothing and clearly moves with grace, so that makes him somewhat effeminate, but as I see it that's only in his appearance. He does not have a feminine personality nor presence. He is a powerful, violent and evil guy. His fancy-pants appearance is a product of his arrogance, but ultimately I see him as a masculine character.
I think I would have to say no. He is more of an overly cocky, sure of himself, arrogant prick than a real intimidating villain. At least from what I have seen so far. He is certain he can defeat the hero easily enough, very similar to most fairly powerful people who cannot conceive if themselves being defeated. But when he is defeated he still thinks a little highly of himself with little to show for it. Visually I don't think he is as intimidating as Ganondorf or many of the other villains that have appeared in the past. He does not come off as physically powerful, and I have not seen much of his magic other then teleporting. Although he seems to not be too hurt from a sword swing into his chest.
He
wasn't defeated though. He pulled back because Zelda was gone. Obviously the player won the boss battle, but for all intents and purposes, as far as the story is concerned, he was just done with you. He basically had no issue fighting Link. As you said, he wasn't hurt by sword swings, he showed himself to be easily capable of blocking attacks when he actually tried, and his presence itself was generally dangerous.
Ganondorf came off as more of a force of nature, anything that was in his path was easily swept aside or overcome. He threatened other deities and required divine intervention to stop on most occasions. Zant had already defeated Hyrule and easily marched into Hyrule castle cursing the entire countryside when Link first leaves the forest. Any time someone or something attempted to stop him he easily defeated them and teleported off. Also you never saw his face until late in the game, he always wore a strange mask hiding all his features adding to the unknown. Vaati was similar in that he could not be defeated by anyone that attempted to stop him. All enemies were brushed aside and turned to stone, he effortlessly breaks the Picori Blade and does generally whatever he wants.
The way I see it Ghirahim is probably worse, though. Ghirahim already rules the surface world (or at least a region of it). They've also confirmed that he has a group with him, which strongly supports my theory that they are the Dark Interlopers/Dark Tribe. If that is the case then they are currently seeking the Triforce and are using magic power to achieve their means. The way I see it, this actually makes them slightly more disturbing. Ganondorf is a force of nature, but this group is trying to circumvent nature. They're messing with the natural order. Each individual character may not be quite as tough as Ganondorf, but I think the villains of this game are going to be pretty intimidating.
As for Ghirahim himself, as I've said, he's bloodthirsty and violent. Ganondorf is powerful, yes, but he always had class. In games like Ocarina of Time and The Wind Waker he openly showed Link and Zelda respect and mercy. Ghirahim does neither. He's looking down on you the entire time, he's brutal and violent, and it seems like his arrogance is at least partially justified by his actual status and power.
