Ganon

This article is about the character that appears throughout the series. For game-specific boss information and strategies, see Ganon (Disambiguation).

Ganon

Ganondorf from Tears of the Kingdom

Title	Prince of Darkness King of Evil Evil Incarnation of Darkness King of Darkness Demon King Dark Beast Dark Lord The Beast Primal Evil Scourge of Hyrule Castle Hatred and Malice Incarnate
Race	Gerudo
Gender	Male
Games	The Legend of Zelda The Adventure of Link A Link to the Past Ocarina of Time Oracle of Seasons Oracle of Ages The Wind Waker Four Swords Adventures Twilight Princess Hyrule Warriors Breath of the Wild Cadence of Hyrule Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity Tears of the Kingdom Echoes of Wisdom
Location	Level 9: Death Mountain Pyramid of Power Ganon's Castle Room of Rites Ganon's Tower Palace of Winds Hyrule Castle (Twilight Princess) Hyrule Castle (Breath of the Wild) Beneath Hyrule Castle
Related	Twinrova (surrogate mothers)
Credits
Voice Actor	Takashi Nagasako (Ocarina of Time, The Wind Waker, Four Swords Adventures) Hironori Miyata (Twilight Princess) Taiten Kusunoki (Hyrule Warriors) Matthew Mercer (English, Tears of the Kingdom)
Media
Gallery	Gallery:Ganon
Music	Ganondorf's Theme (Ocarina of Time Soundtrack) Enter Ganondorf Ganondorf Battle Last Battle The King of Light and Shadow

"These toys are too much for you! I command you to return them to me!"

— Ganondorf, Ocarina of Time

Ganon, also known as Dark Beast Ganon or Ganondorf, is the main antagonist of 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 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 Goddesses.

Backstory

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 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.

Name Issue

The Prince of Darkness has three "n"s in his name in the original The Legend of Zelda, making his name G-A-N-N-O-N. However, in all other games, he is known as G-A-N-O-N (two "n"s). Newer fans have used the single "n" form as the canon one, but older fans who first played The Legend of Zelda back in the day still spell it "Gannon".

Characteristics

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 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

Main article: Ganon (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 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, and asks him to take this quest. This begins the game.

Once Link has obtained all eight pieces, he can travel to 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.

The Adventure of Link

Ganon does not appear in 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. Should his followers succeed in defeating Link and sprinkle his blood over the ashes of their master, Ganon will be revived. Ganon's menacing silhouette only appears if Link perishes, and presumably completes his conquest and destruction of Hyrule.

A Link to the Past

Main article: Ganon (A Link to the Past)

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.

Some years later, the demon is able to leave the Dark World disguised as the wizard Agahnim. In a clever twist of fate, Agahnim wins over the trust of the King of Hyrule and assumes the reins of power himself. He seals the Seven Maidens in the Dark World but one eludes him, Zelda, whom Link rescues from the Sanctuary. During Link's quest to obtain the Master Sword, however, Zelda is left unguarded and is captured by Agahnim and subsequently sealed in the Dark World.

After defeating Agahnim in the Dark World, a bat arises from the defeated wizard's body and flies to the Pyramid of Power. It is revealed that the bat is indeed Ganon and Link must face the boar-like demon in a final battle. Link's Master Sword and Silver Arrows triumph over Ganon's complete Triforce and Trident of Power.

Link's Awakening

Main article: Shadow Nightmares § Shadow of Ganon

The Shadow of Ganon is one of the forms the Shadow Nightmares take in the final boss battle of Link's Awakening.

It can summon bats, like the true Ganon in 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.

Ocarina of Time

See also: Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time) and Ganon (Ocarina of Time)

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.

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 Arrows. 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.

Oracle of Seasons & Oracle of Ages

Main article: Ganon (Oracle Series)

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 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 resulting incarnation of Ganon lacks much intelligent thought, though he does show knowledge of who he is. Still, Ganon proves to be the toughest obstacle that Link will have to overcome if he is to restore peace to the world and take his destined place in history as the Legendary Hero.

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. 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 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.

The Wind Waker

Main article: Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)

Ganondorf
	Base of Operations: Ganon's Castle Effective Weapons: Light Arrows, Master Sword The possessor of the Triforce of Power, Ganondorf controls many fell beasts. It is useless for Link to try to face him alone. He must look for an ally who can aid him in battle.

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

Main article: Ganon (Four Swords Adventures)

In 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 and explores the 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. 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

Main article: Ganondorf (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". 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. However, the Sages explain that he was blind of any danger, and thus he was brought to justice. 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. 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, which Midna responds to with a snide comment on how it is much too late to be figuring out where Zant got his powers. The Sages conclude their speech by telling Link he should be able to collect the fragments of the Mirror of Twilight. 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. He continues by saying that he believed he would be the next to rule the Twili people, but was denied. Zant continues by telling them how he found Ganon, who he refers to as "god". 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. Zant ends his speech by saying that Ganon had only one wish, to merge light and shadow, to make darkness.

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. He continues by showing good faith in Ganon, saying that as long as Ganon survives, he will resurrect Zant without cease. 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.

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, in the Throne Room. Ganon can be found sitting on the throne, with 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. 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. 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. He explains why, in his opinion, Midna's people did not succeed; it was because they lacked true power. The kind of power those chosen by the gods wield. 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. After Midna vows to deny Ganon what he desires, Ganon redirects their attention to Zelda, who he refers to as their little friend. 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. He explains that the history of light and shadow will be written in blood. 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

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

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

See also: Calamity Ganon (Boss) and Dark Beast Ganon (Breath of the Wild)

"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

Backstory

Calamity Ganon

Ganon appears in Breath of the Wild, and is referred to as 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 Guardians to aid the chosen Hero and Princess. These protectors were aided by four massive creatures known as the Divine Beasts (also built by the Sheikah) that were used to weaken Ganon. With this army, the Sheikah and Hylians sealed Ganon beneath 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.

Past

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 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 and 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.

Present

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.

Once Link destroys this incarnation, Ganon's spirit escapes to Hyrule Field and manifests into its true form: Dark Beast Ganon. A pure embodiment of Malice and Hatred, it is a gigantic boar similar to Ganon's appearance in Twilight Princess. Princess Zelda reveals that Ganon has given up on reincarnation to create this form, intending to release the full force of its wrath upon the world. Now that it is free from the prison of Hyrule Castle, Ganon will do exactly that unless stopped.

Granting Link with the Bow of Light, Zelda entrusted this task to Link. While riding on his horse around the Beast's massive figure, Link uses the Bow to pierce several weak points on Ganon's body. He then fires one last shot into the core of beast, which releases Zelda from her century-long imprisonment. As Ganon makes one last attempt to attack, Zelda uses the power of the Triforce to finish it off for good.

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.

Age of Calamity

"A new incarnation of Ganon, born after absorbing Astor's power. He was revived to bring Hyrule to ruin and has now been sealed away by Link, Zelda, and the others."

— In-game description

Calamity Ganon retroactively debuts during the second Great Calamity. In an attempt to ensure that its manifestation cannot be averted, it sends a piece of itself through the time warp used by Terrako to stop it from changing the future. Soon afterward, it tries to use a possessed Guardian to try and kill Zelda as she, Link, and Impa are on their way to the Ancient Tech Lab.

It eventually gained a more complete form after having its Harbinger Ganon form absorb Astor after the two were brought to a corner by the Champions of Hyrule, which resembled a gigantic, Malice and Sheikah technology-fused version of his human form, albeit with a slightly piggish snout. It was also invincible in this form, forcing the Champions to their knees until Terrako, reactivated after being forced to fight the Champions due to Calamity Ganon, proceeded to take Ganon's blast towards Zelda and self-destructed, weakening him enough to ultimately seal him away.

Calamity Ganon can also be unlocked as a playable Warrior by completing Challenge Missions pertaining to the Blight Ganons until a trio of three missions unlock where the player must challenge the three final bosses in one on one confrontations. Completing the Level 80+ mission Versus Calamity Ganon will unlock him. His weapon is the Malice-infested Ancient screws as part of his form is derived from Terrako.

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.

Weapons

• 

  Cursed Bone Shard

• 

  Malevolent Spine

• 

  Heart of Annihilation

Tears of the Kingdom

See also: Demon King Ganondorf and Demon Dragon

"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

Ganondorf first appears as a corpse that has been sealed away Beneath Hyrule Castle. Link and 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.

After reaching Hyrule, Purah will task Link with resolving the four Regional Phenomena that are occurring across the land. After defeating each of the monsters Ganondorf has sent, a former Sage will show Link a memory of what caused the current events. This memory details an early Hyrule, when the Sages and Rauru fought against Ganondorf during the Imprisoning War. The Sages were not able to overcome Ganondorf's power, and Rauru used his last efforts to seal Ganondorf away beneath Hyrule Castle at the cost of his own life.

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, 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, 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.

Echoes of Wisdom

Before the events of the game, Ganon kidnaps Zelda and traps her in a crystal. When Link confronts Ganon, the latter throws a fireball at the hero. After a Dead Man's Volley, Ganon is stunned and quickly defeated by Link, then explodes into a cloud of purple fog.

Non-Canon Appearances

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.

		This evil lord supposedly possesses the Triforce. Just when you expect him to attack from afar...SURPRISE! He's right beside you. Which isn't nice at all.

Super Smash Bros. Series

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
• 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.

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

Main article: 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.

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

See also: Ganon (Hyrule Warriors)

"The personification of evil becomes the personification of awesomeness when Ganondorf takes the field with a really big sword."

— Ganondorf's Hyrule Warriors Official Website description

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.

Cadence of Hyrule

See also: Skull Ganon

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.

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.

Trivia

• Ganon's last name is Dragmire, according to the manual of A Link to the Past.
• In The Legend of Zelda, Ganon's name was spelled G-A-N-N-O-N. In every game since, it has been changed to G-A-N-O-N, only using two "N"s.
• The many incarnations of Ganon are comprised of a mere three individuals. One appears only in Four Swords Adventures. A second appears both as himself and through his Malice-based apparitions in Breath of the Wild, Age of Calamity and Tears of their Kingdom. Every other appearance is the same Ganon who first arose during Ocarina of Time.

Gallery

Main article: Gallery:Ganon

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  Ganon art from the Million Publications Strategy Guide for The Legend of Zelda

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  Ganon art for A Link to the Past

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  Ganondorf design art for Ocarina of Time

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  Ganon key art from Ocarina of Time

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  Ganon sprite from Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages

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  Ganondorf key art for The Wind Waker

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  Ganon sprite from Four Swords Adventures

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  Dark Beast Ganon from Twilight Princess

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  Ganondorf key art for Twilight Princess HD

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  Ganon key art for A Link Between Worlds

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  Hyrule Warriors Ganondorf art with Great Swords

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  Calamity Ganon key art from Breath of the Wild

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  Ganondorf and his Demon King form key art from Tears of the Kingdom

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  Ganon sprite from Cadence of Hyrule

References

1. ↑ " I just got the go-ahead from Nintendo, so I can FINALLY announce my absolute pleasure to be voicing Ganondorf in the Legend of #Zelda : #TearsoftheKingdom. An immense honor that I have thrown myself into doing justice.", Matthew Mercer on Twitter
2. ↑ "These toys are too much for you! I command you to return them to me!" — Ganondorf, Ocarina of Time.
3. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia, pg. 172
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 Booklet, pg. 3-4
5. ↑ "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, pg. 4
6. ↑ "That magic is a dark power that only he possesses..." — Ancient Sages, Twilight Princess.
7. ↑ "He was the leader of a band of thieves who invaded Hyrule in the hopes of establishing dominion over the Sacred Realm." — Ancient Sages, Twilight Princess.
8. ↑ "In all of his fury and might, he was blind to any danger, and thus was he exposed, subdued, and brought to justice." — Ancient Sages, Twilight Princess.
9. ↑ "By some divine prank, he, too, had been blessed with the chosen power of the gods." — Ancient Sages, Twilight Princess.
10. ↑ "Perhaps that evil power has been passed on to Zant..." — Ancient Sages, Twilight Princess.
11. ↑ "You're just now figuring out where Zant got his power? It's far too late..." — Ancient Sages, Twilight Princess.
12. ↑ "You who have been sent by the goddesses... You should be able to gather the three pieces..." — Ancient Sages, Twilight Princess.
13. ↑ "In the shadows we regressed, so much so that we soon knew neither anger nor hatred...nor even the faintest bloom of desire. And all of it was the fault of a useless, do-nothing royal family that had resigned itself to this miserable half-existence! I had served and endured in that depraved household for far too long, my impudent princess." — Zant, Twilight Princess.
14. ↑ "And why, you ask? Because I believed I would be the next to rule our people! THAT is why! But would they acknowledge me as their king? No! And as such, I was denied the magic powers befitting our ruler." — Zant, Twilight Princess.
15. ↑ "It was then, in the thrall of hatred and despair, that I turned my eyes to the heavens...and found a god." — Zant, Twilight Princess.
16. ↑ "I shall house my power in you... If there is anything you desire, then I shall desire it, too." — Ganon, Twilight Princess.
17. ↑ "My god had only one wish..." — Zant, Twilight Princess.
18. ↑ "To merge shadow and light...and make darkness!" — Zant, Twilight Princess.
19. ↑ ^{19.1 19.2} "Already he has descended and been reborn in this world... As long as my master, Ganon, survives, he will resurrect me without cease!" — Zant, Twilight Princess.
20. ↑ "Welcome to my castle." — Ganon, Twilight Princess.
21. ↑ "Your people have long amused me, Midna. To defy the gods with such petty magic, only to be cast aside... How very pathetic." — Ganon, Twilight Princess.
22. ↑ "Pathetic as they were, though, they served me well. Their anguish was my nourishment. Their hatred bled across the void and awakened me. I drew deep of it and grew strong again." — Ganon, Twilight Princess.
23. ↑ "Your people had some skill, to be sure...but they lacked true power." — Ganon, Twilight Princess.
24. ↑ "The kind of absolute power that those chosen by the gods wield." — Ganon, Twilight Princess.
25. ↑ "He who wields such power would make a suitable king for this world, don't you think?" — Ganon, Twilight Princess.
26. ↑ "I will risk everything to deny you!" — Midna, Twilight Princess.
27. ↑ "Yes, try to deny me... You and your little friend..." — Ganon, Twilight Princess.
28. ↑ "Do not think this ends here..." — Ganon, Twilight Princess.
29. ↑ "The history of light and shadow will be written in blood!" — Ganon, Twilight Princess.