Death Sword

Death Sword

Games	Twilight Princess
Dungeons	Arbiter's Grounds
Rewards	Spinner
Threat
Attacks	Contact Sword
Effective Weapons	Wolf attacks Hero's Bow Clawshot Gale Boomerang

Death Sword is the mini-boss found in Arbiter's Grounds within Twilight Princess.

Overview

Death Sword is an undead spirit, wielding a heavy, dark sword for a weapon. As Link first enters Death Sword's lair, he will come across the large, black sword embedding in the ground. Only when Link breaks the seal on the sword by slashing at the ropes with his own sword does the battle commence.

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  Death Sword's sword when entering

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  Ropes burning away to start the battle

Battle

In the beginning, all Link will see is a giant sword flailing across the room. By turning into Wolf Link and applying his beast senses, the true form of Death Sword will be revealed. At this time Link, remaining in wolf form, will need to attack the spirit after it strikes with its sword. After a number of successful hits by Wolf Link, Death Sword will become fully visible.

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  Link cannot see Death Sword initially

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  Attacking Death Sword with Wolf Link

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  Shooting Death Sword with an arrow

During this part of the battle, Link will have to nail Death Sword with an arrow, the Clawshot, or the Gale Boomerang. A hit by any of these will cause Death Sword to start flying around the room rapidly. A secondary hit will cause Death Sword to attempt to attack with the sword again. After a successful dodge Death Sword will be vulnerable, at which point Link can attack it with his sword. This process will repeat a few more times, after which Death Sword will be defeated, and a chest containing the Spinner will appear.

Trivia

• Before the battle with Death Sword, its sword is found embedded in the floor in a multitude of ropes covered with Ofuda. Ofuda is a type of household amulet or talisman, which is issued by a Shinto shrine and hung in the house for protection from general harm like disease, accidental fire or other things.

Gallery

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  Death Sword concept art from Hyrule Historia

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  Death Sword before the mini-boss battle

References

1. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia, pg. 174