Ganon: Difference between revisions

| race    = [[Gerudo]]

| gender  = Male

| music    = [[Ganondorf's Theme (Ocarina of Time Soundtrack)]]<br/>[[Enter Ganondorf]]<br/>[[Ganondorf Battle]]<br/>[[Last Battle]]<br/>[[The King of Light and Shadow]]

| gallery  = [[Gallery:Ganon]]

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.

{{main|Ganon (The Legend of Zelda)}}

[[File:Ganon.png|left|100px]]

Once Link has obtained all eight pieces, he can travel to [[Level 9: Death Mountain|Death Mountain]] and confront Ganon. This battle is quite difficult, as for the most part, Ganon will be invisible while shooting fireballs at Link. Ganon can only be hurt if Link strikes his invisible form with his sword. Once Ganon has been hit, he will be visible for a moment, and then disappear again. Once Ganon has been hit enough times with the sword, he will turn a brownish color, which shows he is vulnerable. This is Link's opportunity to finish him off with a shot from the [[Bow]] using a [[Silver Arrow]]. This will defeat Ganon, leaving behind his ashes and the Triforce of Power. Link can now proceed into the door directly above and save Princess Zelda. If Link does not shoot him with the Silver Arrow in time, Ganon will flash before turning invisible again, returning to full strength.

[[File:AOL Game Over.png|left]]

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{{main|Ganon (A Link to the Past)}}

[[File:Ganon-ALTTP-Sprite.png|right]]Prior to the start of the game's events, Ganondorf Dragmire enters the Sacred Realm, obtaining the [[Triforce]]. Desiring its full benefits for himself, he murders his accomplices. Upon touching the Triforce, he is transformed into a boar-like demon dubbed Ganon. The [[Sacred Realm]] also assumes the guise of the [[Dark World]]. Endeavoring to preserve the balance of peace, the [[Knights of Hyrule]] and the [[Seven Wise Men]] lock Ganon in the Dark World.

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{{Main|Shadow Nightmares|section=Shadow of Ganon}}

The Shadow of Ganon is one of the forms the Shadow Nightmares take in the final boss battle of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]''.

It can summon bats, like the true Ganon in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'', and must be dashed into numerous times to defeat. Spin attacks are also effective methods of harming the Shadow of Ganon.

{{main|Ganondorf (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.  

After Link awakens from his slumber, he sets out to undo the evil Ganondorf has inflicted over the land and awaken the five Sages. After doing so, Princess Zelda comes out of disguise and presents Link with Ganondorf's weakness, the [[Light Arrow]]s. With Zelda's disguise removed, Ganondorf is able to find her and capture her, using her to lure Link up into his castle. He hopes to take the pieces of the Triforce from Link and Zelda and engages Link in battle. At first, Link seems to win and the castle collapses, but Ganondorf revives in his beast form, Ganon, and engages Link in battle again. In the end, Link comes out victorious, but as Ganondorf still holds the Triforce of Power he cannot be killed. The Sages are forced to seal Ganondorf away, though he claims that as long as he holds the Triforce of Power, he will return and take his revenge.

{{main|Ganon (Oracle Series)}}

[[File:Ganon-Oracle.png|200px|left]]

Through a linked game, Link can go to a secret altar where they will fight Ganon. For the battle, Ganon will constantly be disappearing and reappearing. Sometimes he will appear and slash at you with his trident. He also has several variations on an orb attack: sometimes he will shoot three larger orbs, one large orb, or many smaller orbs. All his attacks including his trident slash can be avoided by jumping with the [[Roc's Cape|Roc's cape]]. Sometimes he also charges up for a jump which will stun you for a moment. Again, you can avoid this by jumping before he lands. To fight him, you must charge up a [[Spin Attack|spin attack]] when he is not on the screen. When he appears, move next to him and hit him with the spin attack. When he begins to become low on health, he will change the room briefly to a strange blue room and back again. When the blue room is in effect, controls are reversed (if you press left, you will go right, etc.) so you have to be careful. After many spin attacks, Ganon will be defeated and you will have completed the game.

[[File:Ganondorf WWHD.png|200px|right]]

{{Main|Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)}}<br/>

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.

{{main|Ganon (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]].  

{{main|Ganondorf (Twilight Princess)}}

[[File:Ganontp.png|thumb|upright=1.4|Ganondorf being banished to the Twilight Realm]]

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 was he 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.

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]]}}

After Link has defeated Zant, Zant will reveal to Link and Midna that his god, Ganon, has already descended and been reborn in the World of Light.{{Ref|name=Quote1|TP|1754|[[Zant]]}} He continues by showing good faith in Ganon, saying that as long as Ganon survives, he will resurrect Zant without cease.{{Ref|name=Quote1}} This mini-scene shows how much Zant really praises Ganon, which can be interpreted as Ganon playing Zant so he can be revived in Hyrule, or as a true relationship that has mutual feelings.

[[File:Hyrule-Castle-TP.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Outside of the Throne Room]]

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 four 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 seizes movement, yet still standing. This is the end of Ganon in ''Twilight Princess'', but it is unconfirmed if he died or not.

Although Ganondorf does not make an appearance, he is mentioned in the prologue, which is a summary of ''The Wind Waker's'' events.

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.

{{see also|Calamity Ganon (Boss)|Dark Beast Ganon (Breath of the Wild)}}

{{Quote|Calamity Ganon's physical body is sealed away inside of Hyrule Castle. Princess Zelda's weakening powers and the hero's awakening have served as a catalyst for Ganon's revival. When Calamity Ganon finally breaks Zelda's seal, its form is incomplete. It resembles an enormous spider equipped with a variety of weapons. It has absorbed the ancient Sheikah relics used to attack it one hundred years ago, and utilizes a beam attack that is not unlike a Guardians laser.|[[Creating a Champion]], page 76}}

{{image|file=Calamity-ganon.jpg|align=right|type=caption|caption=Calamity Ganon}}

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, it attempted to regenerate a physical form after link awoke but was forced to confront him in an incomplete state.

A century before the present day, a prophecy was made foretelling the imminent return of Calamity Ganon. Hoping to defeat Ganon in the same fashion as their ancestors, the [[Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule|King]] and the Hylian people began working to locate and excavate the Guardians and Divine Beasts. A [[Champion]] was chosen from each of Hyrule's four races to pilot the Divine Beasts. Princess Zelda also worked to awaken the power to seal Ganon that rested within her, alongside the protection afforded by her knight and the chosen hero, Link.  

Despite their efforts, Ganon broke free of its prison before Zelda awakened her true power. Unexpectedly, the beast was cunning, and used its power to take control of the Guardians and turn them against Hyrule and its citizens. Ganon also created four blights in his image to infect the Divine Beasts, taking control of the constructs and killing each of the Champions. Waterblight Ganon, Windblight Ganon, Fireblight Ganon and Thunderblight Ganon. With most of [[Central Hyrule]] destroyed, [[Link (Breath of the Wild)|Link]] and [[Zelda (Breath of the Wild)|Princess Zelda]] fought against the Guardians in a deserted field. While defending Link, Zelda awakened the power to seal Ganon away and defeat the Guardians. Link, however, died soon after, and was taken to the [[Shrine of Resurrection]] where he would revive after a long slumber. Until this day arrived, Zelda used her power to contain Ganon within Hyrule Castle. Ganon thinks he can be undefeated.

After Link's awakening in the shrine one hundred years later, Calamity Ganon can be seen circling the top of Hyrule Castle, unable to escape. During Link's absence, Zelda's power to contain Ganon has been weakening, allowing the beast to create more of a presence as the days continue. Many characters in the nearby vicinity acknowledge Ganon's existence, often referring to Ganon as an 'it', while the Monks still refer to him as 'Ganon'. Once Link completes his journey and returns to Hyrule Castle, he encounters Ganon in a large room below the [[Sanctum]]. Ganon takes a grotesque form, appearing in a centipede-like figure, with a large head surrounded by Ganondorf's signature long flowing red hair. The beast fights with a combination of the attacks used by the blights he created long ago, and puts up a considerable fight even against the Master Sword's power.  

While Ganon seemingly disappears after its defeat, Princess Zelda indicates that Ganon is only 'gone for now'. Though Ganon can no longer take a physical form, it is still able to return in the future.

[[File:Calamity Ganon - HWAoC.png|200px|right]]

[[File:Harbinger Ganon Terrako.png|200px|left]]

The playable version of Calamity Ganon is slightly smaller than the boss version though he can still use many of the same attacks. His unique ability is to spread Malice when performing combos and certain Strong Attacks. Pressing ZR will have Ganon absorb the Malice back into his body, filling the Malice gauge. Filling it completely will have him enter his Calamity Form where he gains new powerful combos. Either string will not only stagger strong enemies and bosses but expose their Weak Point on hit. His Enhanced Ability allows him to spread even more Malice in his Calamity form with his normal combo.

<gallery mode=nolines perrow=3>

File:Cursed Bone Shard - HWAoC icon.png|link=Cursed Bone Shard|[[Cursed Bone Shard]]

</gallery>

{{Listbox|Age of Calamity Calamity Ganon Quests}}

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

{{TotK-Stub|section}}

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

{{Monita}}

*Get Ganondorf to join the party in The Subspace Emissary

*Beat Classic mode on Normal difficulty with Zelda or on Hard difficulty with Link, and then beat Ganondorf in a fight.

{{main|Ganon (Faces of Evil and Wand of Gamelon)}}

In the [[Philips CD-i]] games, Ganon takes on a different design from the canon [[Nintendo]] games and animated series. He is more demonic in appearance and in the first two games only requires a single hit to defeat.

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

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[[File:CartoonGanon.jpg|200px|right]]

His lair is the subterranean Underworld where he keeps the Triforce of Power, the source of his seemingly unlimited magic. In each episode, he plots to steal the Triforce of Wisdom so he can rule the world. Normally he does this through the minions he summons and sends to the overworld only to be defeated time and time again by the efforts of Link and Zelda. He summons all of his monsters and minions from a large glass device in his throne room called the Evil Jar. From this, he sends them to the overworld to defeat Link, kidnap Princess Zelda or ultimately steal the Triforce of Wisdom. When the minions, or on rare occasion himself, are zapped by Link they always reappear back in the Evil Jar.