Ganon: Difference between revisions

| image    = [[File:TotK-Ganondorf-Art.jpg|400px]]

| caption  = Ganondorf from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom|Tears of the Kingdom]]''

| game    = ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''<br/>''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]''<br/>''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]''<br/>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''<br/>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]''<br/>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]''<br/>''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]''<br/>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]''<br/>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''<br/>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''<br/>''[[Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity]]''<br/>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom|Tears of the Kingdom]]''

| related  = [[Twinrova]] (surrogate mothers)

'''Ganon''', also known as '''Dark Beast Ganon'''{{Ref|''[[The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia]]'', pg. 172}} or '''Ganondorf''', is the primary antagonist in [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]]. He has been present or at least referred to in each of the first five games in the series, and has subsequently been in three more after. Throughout the series, Ganon has had several deaths, both confirmed, like in ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', and unconfirmed, as in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''. Ganon possesses the [[Triforce of Power]], which contains the essence of the Goddess, [[Din]]. This divine power makes Ganon unimaginably strong and grants him boundless power, making him the largest threat to [[Hyrule]] in all its history. As stated in the prophecy of Hyrule, the only one capable of defeating Ganon is the Hero chosen by the [[Golden Goddesses|Goddesses]].

Throughout the games, Ganon's intentions have not changed. Taking the Triforce of Power or earning it and spreading darkness over Hyrule, and he often kidnaps [[Zelda]] in the process. Only his appearance has changed. He is a blue pig-monster in ''The Legend of Zelda'', while in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'', he is the King of the [[Gerudo]] and has the power to turn into a giant, green monster. From that point on, Ganondorf tends to refer to the villain's human or Gerudo persona, while Ganon is the abomination, beast or demon version of Ganondorf. In ''Ocarina of Time'', he is the only Gerudo male born in that current century, automatically making him their king.

Ganondorf has gone from a cold, heartless individual to a sad individual and back again. In older games, he seems to be bent only on controlling Hyrule, but in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', players see a different side of Ganondorf, where he also yearns for the return of Hyrule in its absence. Mostly, though, he seems only bent on evil things.

==''The Legend of Zelda''==

In ''The Legend of Zelda'', the character appears as a giant, humanoid pig-monster, Ganon. The intro of the game tells of how Ganon ''stole'' the Triforce of Power, and was rumored to be after the [[Triforce of Wisdom]] too. Before he could steal that one too, Zelda broke the Triforce of Wisdom into eight [[Triforce Shard|pieces]] and hide them inside underground labyrinths (dungeons). She then sent [[Impa]], her nursemaid, searching for a hero to collect all eight pieces and destroy Ganon. Impa comes across [[Link (The Legend of Zelda)|Link]], and asks him to take this quest. This begins the game.

==''The Adventure of Link''==

Ganon does not appear in ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'', still dead after his defeat at the hands of Link in ''The Legend of Zelda.'' Despite his physical absence, many of his minions remain and his corrupting influence over Hyrule is still very potent.{{Ref|pg. 3-4|The power that vile heart of Ganon had left behind was causing chaos and disorder in Hyrule. What's more, even after the fall of Ganon, some of his underlings remained, waiting for Ganon's return.|''[[The Adventure of Link Instruction Manual|The Adventure of Link Instruction Booklet]]''}} Should his followers succeed in defeating Link and sprinkle his blood over the ashes of their master, Ganon will be revived.{{Ref|pg. 4|The key to Ganon's return was the blood of Link - the valiant lad who overthrew the King of Evil. Ganon would be revived by sacrificing Link and sprinkling his blood on the ashes of Ganon.|''The Adventure of Link Instruction Booklet''}} Ganon's menacing silhouette only appears if Link perishes, and presumably completes his conquest and destruction of Hyrule.

==''A Link to the Past''==

==''Link's Awakening''==

==''Ocarina of Time''==

[[File:Ganondorf-Ocarina.png|200px|right]]As the single male Gerudo born to the Gerudo Tribe every hundred years, Ganondorf was born the king of his people. He is a power-hungry thief and sorcerer seeking to find the omnipotent Triforce and use its power to take over Hyrule. Ganondorf is willing to use any means to achieve his goals, including treachery towards the King of Hyrule and manipulation of his own people.

In order to open the [[Door of Time]] and obtain the Triforce, Ganondorf seeks to obtain the three Spiritual Stones, which act as keys to the Door of Time. In order to make the holders of the stones hand them over, Ganondorf curses the [[Great Deku Tree]], infests [[Dodongo's Cavern]] with monsters, and inflicts a parasite onto [[Lord Jabu-Jabu]].

Link manages to undo all the curses and defeat all the monsters to retrieve the stones himself, but when he returns to Hyrule Castle Town he finds that Ganondorf has already laid siege to the town and drove Princess Zelda out. He allows Link to open the Door of Time, stepping in once the Master Sword pulls Link into a seven-year slumber. With Link unable to stop him, Ganondorf enters the [[Sacred Realm]] and claims the Triforce for himself; however, his unbalanced heart causes the Triforce to split into three pieces, Ganondorf keeping only the Triforce of Power for himself because his heart desired power most of all. With his newly obtained powers, Ganondorf spends the seven years of Link's slumber ruling over Hyrule with an iron fist and seeking the other two holders of the Triforce.

==''Oracle of Seasons'' & ''Oracle of Ages''==

After completing his adventures in both [[Holodrum]] and [[Labrynna]], Link finds out that the cause of [[Onox]] and [[Veran]]'s mischief was the result of a bigger plan devised by the witches [[Twinrova|Koume and Kotake]]; a plan to resurrect the evil king Ganon. The actions of Onox and Veran caused the [[Flame of Sorrow]] and the [[Flame of Destruction]] to be lit. In an attempt to light the third and final flame for their ritual, Twinrova kidnaps Princess Zelda herself to be used as a sacrifice. Although Link is able to defeat Twinrova and save Zelda from the ritual, he cannot stop the resurrection of Ganon, as Twinrova ends up sacrificing their own body as a vessel for the evil king.

==''The Wind Waker''==

As mentioned in the “Characteristics” section above, Ganon has a slightly different personality in ''The Wind Waker'' compared to the previous game. He first appears near the beginning of the game, where he orders the [[Helmaroc King]] to throw Link into the [[Great Sea]]. He is not fully seen, as his face is not visible to the camera. However, the [[King of Red Lions]] reveals to Link very soon after that the man was Ganondorf. He then appears again near the middle of the game, where Link believes he can defeat Ganondorf with the Master Sword, only for Link to be nearly defeated and survive only by the intervention of [[Valoo]]. Ganondorf does not appear in person again until the end of the game, when Link and he have a sword duel in a now-drowning Hyrule at the bottom of the sea, ending with Ganondorf being turned to stone.

==''Four Swords Adventures''==

In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]'' Ganon is originally a desert nomad named Ganondorf. Prior to the events of the game, Ganon breaks the taboo of the [[Gerudo Tribe|Gerudo]] and explores the [[Desert Pyramid]], eventually stealing the [[Trident]] and the [[Dark Mirror]]. He uses the Trident's power to transform into Ganon, along with using the power of the Dark Mirror to create [[Shadow Link]]. Ganon uses [[Vaati]] to distract Link while he slowly gains power from the [[Shrine Maidens]] captured by Shadow Link. At the end of the game, Ganon appears as the final boss fought beneath the [[Tower of Winds (Four Swords Adventures)|Tower of Winds]]. He is defeated when shot with a ball of light and a [[Light Arrow]], allowing the Maidens to imprison him within the [[Four Sword]].

==''Twilight Princess''==

===Sages' Story===

Ganondorf is first spoken of about halfway through the game, once Link has completed the [[Arbiter's Grounds]] and entered the [[Mirror Chamber]]. After finding only a quarter of the [[Mirror of Twilight]], the [[Ancient Sages]] tell Link of how the mirror was broken, which was "a dark power that only ''he'' possesses".{{Ref|TP|1707|[[Ancient Sages]]}} They are of course referring to Ganondorf. They continue to tell Link Ganon's backstory, which includes Ganon being the leader of a band of thieves who tried to control the Sacred Realm, the location that the Goddesses left the world.{{Ref|TP|1710|[[Ancient Sages]]}} However, the Sages explain that he was blind of any danger, and thus he was brought to justice.{{Ref|TP|1713|[[Ancient Sages]]}} A cutscene is shown of the Sages executing Ganon with the [[Sword of the Six Sages]], right in the Mirror Chamber. However, Ganon survived because of the [[Triforce of Power]], which he possesses.{{Ref|TP|1715|[[Ancient Sages]]}} Fearing Ganon will leave the Mirror Chamber and repeat his previous offenses, the Sages use the Mirror of Twilight to banish Ganondorf to the [[Twilight Realm]]. The Ancient Sages continue by suggesting that his power has been passed on to [[Zant]],{{Ref|TP|1717|[[Ancient Sages]]}} which [[Midna]] responds to with a snide comment on how it is much too late to be figuring out where Zant got his powers.{{Ref|TP|1718|[[Ancient Sages]]}} The Sages conclude their speech by telling Link he should be able to collect the [[Mirror Shard|fragments of the Mirror of Twilight]].{{Ref|TP|1724|[[Ancient Sages]]}} Ganondorf is not spoken of again until much later.

===Zant's Story===

Once Link has gathered all the Mirror Shards, entered the [[Palace of Twilight]], and confronted Zant, he will again hear more of how Zant got his powers. Zant will start his explanation by telling Link and Midna about how he was tired of living in this world, where there was not the faintest bloom of desire.{{Ref|TP|1736-1738|[[Zant]]}} He continues by saying that he believed he would be the next to rule the [[Twili]] people, but was denied.{{Ref|TP|1739-1740|[[Zant]]}} Zant continues by telling them how he found Ganon, who he refers to as "god".{{Ref|TP|1741|[[Zant]]}} There is then a scene showing Zant on the outdoor area of the Palace of Twilight, smacking the ground in frustration. A large ball appears above Zant's head, and proceeds toward him. It encompasses Zant, and Ganon will be shown, telling Zant that he will store his power in Zant, making whatever Zant desires something Ganon desires too.{{Ref|TP|1742-1743|Ganon}} Zant ends his speech by saying that Ganon had only one wish,{{Ref|TP|1744|[[Zant]]}} to merge light and shadow, to make ''darkness''.{{Ref|TP|1745|[[Zant]]}}

===Confrontation===

Ganon is finally confronted by Link at the very end of ''Twilight Princess'', where he is physically seen for the first time. This confrontation happens at the highest tower of [[Hyrule Castle (Twilight Princess)|Hyrule Castle]], in the [[Throne Room]]. Ganon can be found sitting on the throne, with [[Zelda (Twilight Princess)|Princess Zelda]] levitating above him and the sword once used to execute him in his hands, in the middle of the Triforce statue. He arrogantly introduces himself by welcoming Link and Midna to ''his'' castle.{{Ref|TP|1767|Ganon}} After a dramatic scene of Ganon standing up, Ganon begins his speech by making fun of Midna's people, saying it was very pathetic that they defied the gods with ''petty'' magic only to be cast aside.{{Ref|TP|1770|Ganon}} He continues by saying the anguish felt by the Twili people acted as his nourishment, as their hatred ''bled across the void'' and awakened him.{{Ref|TP|1771-1772|Ganon}} He explains why, in his opinion, Midna's people did not succeed; it was because they lacked true power.{{Ref|TP|1773|Ganon}} The kind of power those chosen by the gods wield.{{Ref|TP|1774|Ganon}} He continues by saying that someone with the type of power would make a suitable king, while at the same time holding up his right hand, which has the marking of the Triforce of Power.{{Ref|TP|1775|Ganon}} After Midna vows to deny Ganon what he desires,{{Ref|TP|1779|[[Midna]]}} Ganon redirects their attention to Zelda, who he refers to as their ''little friend''.{{Ref|TP|1783|Ganon}} He uses [[Twilight]]-magic to possess Zelda, and this begins the epic four-phase battle that concludes ''Twilight Princess''.

After Link completes the fourth and final phase of the battle by stabbing Ganon in the middle of his chest with the [[Master Sword]], Ganon states his final words. He says to Link to not think that this is the end.{{Ref|TP|1819|Ganon}} He explains that the history of light and shadow will be written in blood.{{Ref|TP|1820|Ganon}} The scenes continue by showing the Triforce of Power leave Ganon, at which point Zant will appear, in more of an image rather than physically. He leans his head to the right, with a crack. This seemingly ends Ganon, as his eyes roll to the back of his head, and he ceases movement, yet still standing. This is the end of Ganon in ''Twilight Princess'', but it is unconfirmed if he died or not.

==''Phantom Hourglass''==

==''Skyward Sword''==

Ganon is not mentioned directly in this game, but [[Demise]], before he dies, suggests Ganon or a similar figure will succeed Demise as a threat at some point in the world's future. Demise states that hatred for the Gods and Goddesses like his is so strong that it can never be vanquished for good, and a reincarnation of himself will be born into the world again someday.

==''Breath of the Wild''==

 

===Backstory===

Ganon appears in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]'', and is referred to as [[Calamity Ganon (Boss)|Calamity Ganon]]. Calamity Ganon is known as a primal evil that has appeared throughout the history of [[Hyrule]]. Ten thousand years before the story's events it appeared and attempted to destroy the world. To deal with this threat, the ancient [[Sheikah]] race built an army of mechanical constructs called [[Guardian (Breath of the Wild)|Guardians]] to aid the chosen [[Link (Breath of the Wild)|Hero]] and [[Zelda (Breath of the Wild)|Princess]]. These protectors were aided by four massive creatures known as the [[Divine Beast]]s (also built by the Sheikah) that were used to weaken Ganon. With this army, the Sheikah and [[Hylian]]s sealed Ganon beneath [[Hyrule Castle (Breath of the Wild)|Hyrule Castle]], where it lay dormant for a millennium. In Breath of the Wild, it hibernates within a cocoon and it attempted to regenerate a physical form after Link awoke, but was forced to confront him in an incomplete state.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

===Quests===

==''Tears of the Kingdom''==

{{quote|An evil man who lived long ago in the era of Hyrule's founding. His legend claims that this Gerudo man fed his bottomless ambition with great power and became a king of demons. He was imprisoned beneath Hyrule Castle for ages, but the magic holding him weakened when the castle was damaged during the Calamity a century ago, and his power has steadily been growing since. Now he has revived as a threat beyond the knowledge of any.|Character Profile description}}

[[File:Ganondorf - TotK key art 2.png|200px|right]]

Ganondorf first appears as a corpse that has been sealed away [[Beneath Hyrule Castle]]. [[Link (Breath of the Wild)#Tears of the Kingdom|Link]] and [[Zelda (Breath of the Wild)#Tears of the Kingdom|Zelda]] are exploring the cavern due to the appearance of [[Gloom]] in the area. After reaching the depths of the cavern, they find Ganondorf's corpse, which comes to life and destroys most of Link's arm and [[Master Sword]]. Ganondorf uses his power to lift [[Hyrule Castle]] into the sky, and causes the cavern to crumble, where he falls with the ground below and disappears.

While Link is investigating the Regional Phenomena, those living there will report seeing Princess Zelda in unusual locations, often directly causing the issues to occur. After resolving all the Phenomena, those living at [[Lookout Landing]] report seeing her at Hyrule Castle itself. Link travels there to find her, chasing her around the Castle. As he almost reaches her each time, she is replaced with enemies. When she is at the [[Sanctum]], Ganondorf's image will appear above her, questioning how Link has survived his attacks and made it this far. He reveals that the Princess Zelda seen so far has only been a puppet created by Ganondorf, meant to keep Link occupied. He then reveals the puppet's true form, [[Phantom Ganon (Tears of the Kingdom)|Phantom Ganon]], and orders it to kill Link.

Once Link defeats Phantom Ganon, Ganondorf will attempt to attack Link with Gloom once again, but the four Sages appear and prevent this. Ganondorf will show them an image of how he intends to rebuild Hyrule, intending to eliminate those in it and replace it as a land filled with the monsters he has created. He assures Link that this outcome can not be avoided.

After Link helps the fifth Sage, [[Mineru]], find her Secret Stone, she will explain the murals found below Hyrule Castle. The [[Zonai]] came from the heavens to the surface, using the power of the Secret Stones to make the kingdom of Hyrule, with Rauru and [[Sonia]] as the first King and Queen. Soon after, Ganondorf killed Sonia and stole her Secret Stone. Using the stone, he transformed into the [[Demon King Ganondorf|Demon King]], and attacked Hyrule. Hyrule's defenders were unable to protect the land, and Rauru came up with the plan to give a secret stone to each Sage and defeat Ganondorf. They were initially unable to, until Zelda distracts Ganondorf with her [[Recall]] ability. Rauru uses the power of his stone to hold Ganondorf and steal his magic, an act that kills Rauru and holds Ganondorf in place for thousands of years. Before he dies, Rauru tells Ganondorf that one day Link and the Master Sword will come to defeat him.

Mineru tells Link that the Master Sword is key to defeating Ganondorf. After Link obtains it from the [[Light Dragon]], he heads down to the [[Depths]] beneath Hyrule Castle to find Ganondorf. With the help of the Sages, Link works through Ganondorf's army, eventually facing off one on one with the Demon King. In this battle, Ganondorf has 2500 HP in his first phase as a [[Gerudo]] and 5000 HP in his second phase, though there is an HP stopper halfway through the second phase making it effectively 3 phases of 2500 HP each.

 

Once Ganondorf is nearly defeated, he will commit one final, irreversible act, and consume his Secret Stone. This transforms him into the [[Demon Dragon]]. With the help of the Light Dragon, Link attacks various weak spots along the Demon Dragon's body. After using the Master Sword to shatter Ganondorf's Secret Stone, Ganondorf will finally be destroyed.

 

===''Battle Quest''===

In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest]]'', Ganon serves as the final boss in the main quest, located within the 9th level, [[Raid on Ganon's Castle]]. Ganon later appears in the 12th level, which is also the 3rd secret level, [[Death Mountain Path]]. In this level, Ganon takes a more armored visual look and can withstand more damage. Also, Ganon makes two appearances in the 15th and final level of ''Battle Quest'', [[Ganon's Last Stand]].

===''Super Smash Bros.'' Series===

[[File:Ganondorf_Brawl.png|thumb|upright=1.1|Ganondorf as seen in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'']]

Ganondorf also appears in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. He is a secret character in both games. In order to unlock him in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', Link will have to clear Match Event #29. There are three ways to unlock Ganondorf in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'':

*Play 200 matches in ''Brawl'', and then beat Ganondorf in a fight

In ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', Ganondorf's design is based on his ''Ocarina of Time'' design. However, in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', his design is based on Ganondorf's ''Twilight Princess'' design.

===CD-i===

In ''[[Link: The Faces of Evil]]'', Ganon takes over the island of Koridai prompting the inhabitants to Hyrule, where they ask Link to save them. Over the course of the adventure, Ganon kidnaps Princess Zelda while Link is away. Ganon is eventually defeated by Link and imprisoned in the Book of Koridai.

In ''[[Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon]]'', Ganon has taken over the faraway land of Gamelon. He sent his servant Duke Onkled, the cousin of King Harkinian, to convince both the King and Link to travel to Gamelon to aid in defeating Ganon. They were both captured, which prompted Zelda to travel there herself, to rescue them, and save the land of Gamelon from Ganon and his servants. In the end, Zelda used the magic lantern to expose Ganon to the light, weakening him, and then the Wand of Gamelon to bind him in chains and reseal him into the Book of Koridai.

In ''[[Zelda's Adventure]]'', Ganon has kidnapped Link and stolen the seven celestial signs taking over the kingdom of Tolemac. Zelda goes on a quest to collect the signs and rescue Link. In this game, Ganon bears no resemblance to any previous design and appears as a large demon with bull horns and wearing a dark cape with a red interior but still wields a trident as seen from other games. He teleports around the room firing several magical balls of energy downward. After several hits, he transforms into a small dark whirlwind and flies apart.

===''Hyrule Warriors''===

Ganon appears in the [[Nintendo Wii U]] game ''[[Hyrule Warriors]]''. Ganondorf is the primary antagonist of the game, manipulating [[Cia]] to try and revive himself. He is also playable after Cia is defeated in [[Shining Beacon]].{{clear}}

 

[[File:Coh-ganon.png|200px|right]]

{{clear}}

===''The Legend of Zelda'' (TV Series)===

Ganon made an appearance as the primary antagonist of the 1989 animated TV series from DIC Entertainment voiced by Len Carlson. In this series, he was loosely based on his design from the original ''The Legend of Zelda'' as an anthropomorphized boar in a purple robe. His portrayal is much more comical than any of the game appearances. He is often quick to anger and yells at the bumbling of his minions or waves his fist after losing to the heroes.

{{main|Gallery:Ganon}}

File:Ganonloz2.png|Ganon art from the ''[[Million Publications The Legend of Zelda Strategy Guide|Million Publications Strategy Guide]]'' for ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''

File:Ganon-Barcode-Battler.png|Ganon art for ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]''

File:Ganondorf - OOT Turnaround front HH.png|Ganondorf design art for ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''

File:Ganon-Ocarina.png|Ganon key art from ''Ocarina of Time''

File:Ganon-Oracle-Sprite.png|Ganon sprite from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]''

File:Ganondorf-Artwork-The-Wind-Waker.png|Ganondorf key art for ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]''

File:FSA-Ganon.png|Ganon sprite from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]''

File:Dark Beast Ganon.png|Dark Beast Ganon from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''

File:Ganondorf TPHD.png|Ganondorf key art for ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD|Twilight Princess HD]]''

File:GanonLBW.jpg|Ganon key art for ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds|A Link Between Worlds]]''

File:Hyrule Warriors Artwork Ganondorf Great Swords.png|''[[Hyrule Warriors]]'' Ganondorf art with [[Great Swords]]

File:Calamity-Ganon-Art.png|Calamity Ganon key art for ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]''