Dark World
- This article is about the world parallel to Hyrule. For the realm in Spirit Tracks, see Dark Realm. For the level in Four Swords Adventures, see The Dark World.
A map of the Dark World in A Link to the Past
Games | ||
Points of | ||
Related | ||
The Dark World is an parallel world in A Link to the Past and Four Swords Adventures. It usually has similar features and landmarks to the area of Hyrule to which it corresponds.
A Link to the Past
Once the Sacred Realm, the Dark World is an evil, paralleled version of the kingdom of Hyrule. After Ganon was sealed there and granted his wish upon the Triforce, the world reflected his evil heart and became corrupted.[1][2] In the Dark World, Ganon reigns over all and his minions run rampant. Ganon seeks to conquer both the Light World and the Dark World and create chaos by connecting the two.[3][4] In order to weaken the seal between the two worlds and gain access to the Light World, Agahnim captures and sends the Seven Maidens to the Dark World.[5] Due to their sacrifices, Warp Tiles that lead to the Dark World appear across Hyrule.
People within the Dark World are transformed into a reflection of their hearts.[6] The only way to prevent this from occurring is by using a Moon Pearl.[7]
In A Link to the Past, the Dark World contains eight full dungeons and many side quests and collectibles. Many monuments and landmarks present in the Light World were drastically transformed with the creation of the Dark World. Deserts became swamps, green fields became dead wastelands, Kakariko Village became a haven for thieves, as well as many others.
Link is able to travel from the Dark World to the Light World using the Magic Mirror. Upon using the mirror, Link creates a small portal in the Light World precisely where he was standing previously, which can be used to travel back into the Dark World. This technique was used to manufacture several puzzles that span across both worlds in order to successfully complete them. Some places in the Light World cannot be accessed unless traveling from the Dark World with the Magic Mirror.
Lore
"In a realm beyond sight,
The sky shines gold, not blue.
There, the Triforce's might.
Makes mortal dreams come true.
"
"One day, quite by accident, a gate to the Golden Land of the Triforce was opened by a gang of thieves skilled in the black arts. This land was like no other. In the gathering twilight, the Triforce shone from its resting place high above the world. In a long running battle, the leader of the thieves fought his way past his followers in lust for the Golden Power. After vanquishing his own followers, the leader stood triumphant over the Triforce and grasped it with his blood-stained hands. He heard a whispered voice: "If thou hast a strong desire or dream, wish for it..." And in reply, the roaring laughter of the brigand leader echoed across time and space and even reached the far-off land of Hyrule. The name of this king of thieves is Ganondorf Dragmire, but he is known by his alias, Mandrag Ganon, which means Ganon of the Enchanted Thieves."
[...] "[I]n time evil power began to flow from the Golden Land and greedy men were drawn there to become members of Ganon's army. Black clouds permanently darkened the sky, and many disasters beset Hyrule. The lord of Hyrule sent for the Seven Wise Men and the Knights of Hyrule, and ordered them to seal the entrance to the Golden Land. "
Four Swords Adventures
The Dark World is another dimension that is first introduced in the Village of the Blue Maiden stage. It is most commonly entered via Moon Gates, which are often activated with a Moon Pearl.[8][9] However, Floormasters can also forcibly bring the Links there. Only certain people are able to sense the entrances to the Dark World.[10] Link is granted the ability to sense it thanks to the Four Sword.[11]
When the Knights of Hyrule were attacked by Ganon, their Royal Jewels became portals to the Dark World.[12][13] They also became trapped in the Dark World as Big Dark Stalfos.[14] Children in the Village of the Blue Maiden have also been going missing and appear to have ended up within the Dark World.[15][16]
The terrain within the Dark World is often similar but not identical to the regular world. People within the Dark World appear as shadows in the regular world, including the Links. Few things can interact between the two worlds. However, Links within the Dark World can pick up Links in the regular world to carry them.
The fifth level in the game is also known as The Dark World.
Gallery
Map of the Dark World in A Link to the Past
Artwork of the Dark World from the Shogakukan Game Book
The Links within the Dark World in Four Swords Adventures
References
- ↑ "It has been said that the Triforce grants the wish of whoever touches it, while also acting as a mirror to their heart. By invading the Sacred Realm and touching the Triforce, Ganondorf transforms the realm into the Dark World." — pg. 29, The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia
- ↑ "Welcome, Link... I am the Essence Of The Triforce. ... ... ... The Triforce will grant the wishes in the heart and mind of the person who touches it. If a person with a good heart touches it, it will make his good wishes come true... If an evil- hearted person touches it, it grants his evil wishes. The stronger the wish, the more powerful the Triforce's expression of that wish. Ganon's wish was to conquer the world. That wish changed the Golden Land to the Dark World. Ganon was building up his power here so he could conquer the Light World and make his wish come completely true. But now, you have totally destroyed Ganon. His Dark World will vanish. The Triforce is waiting for a new owner. Its Golden Power is in your hands... Now, touch it with a wish in your heart. ... ... ... ..." — Essence of the Triforce, A Link to the Past.
- ↑ "I never imagined a boy like you could give me so much trouble. It's unbelievable that you defeated my alterego, Agahnim the Dark Wizard, twice! But I will never give you the Triforce. I will destroy you and make my wish to conquer both Light and Dark Worlds come true without delay." — Ganon, A Link to the Past.
- ↑ "Due to the actions of the dark wizard Agahnim, Ganon is able to make his move: sending the Light World into chaos by opening portals to the Dark World throughout Hyrule." — pg. 29, The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia
- ↑ "Putting the soldiers of the kingdom under his spell, he kidnapped the maidens in whose veins flower the blood of the Seven Sages. One by one, he sacrificed the girls, sending them to the Dark World, and was about to offer up Princess Zelda as well." — pg. 94, The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia
- ↑ "Those who set foot in the Dark World cannot maintain their form, and are transformed into the form that best represents who they are in their hearts." — pg. 29, The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia
- ↑ "Link, it is I, Sahasrahla the elder. An orb known as the Moon Pearl is in this tower. Whoever holds the Moon Pearl is protected so that his form will not change in the Dark World. You must find it and escape from the tower! Don't forget the Moon Pearl..." — Sahasrahla, A Link to the Past.
- ↑ "A dark mirror casting its reflection on Hyrule, the Dark World can be entered through Moon Gates by way of the Moon Pearl." — pg. 29, The Legend of Zelda: Encyclopedia
- ↑ "You got a Moon Pearl! This mysterious gem guides its bearer into the Dark World. Carry it with the R Button, and study things that catch your eye." — In-game description, Four Swords Adventures.
- ↑ "Oh! Travelers! Listen! Calamity has befallen our town! First whirlwinds, and then mages! What are we to do? We need one who can sense the Moon Gates... So if you run across anyone who can do that, well... Be sure to let me know, OK?" — Villager, Four Swords Adventures.
- ↑ "[sfx]Hoot hoo! Link, are you now able to wield the Four Sword? It's a sacred sword able to smite the darkness. And that's not all. It also grants you the power to see the shadowy Dark World. The people of this village... They're being spirited away by some force. It may be that the Dark World is drawing them in. Save the villagers, Link! Bring light to their darkness!" — Kaepora Gaebora, Four Swords Adventures.
- ↑ "In order to gain even more dark powers, [Ganon] used Vaati to turn the Royal Jewels into the gateway to the Dark World." — pg. 120, The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia
- ↑ "[sfx]I am the Knight of Hyrule charged with guarding the blue royal jewel. To my shame, I fell under the sway of dark powers and was transformed into a base creature of magic. The jewel was also cursed, and it became a portal to the Dark World. I am sorry for the citizens of Hyrule who suffered... and for Princess Zelda! I trust that you are going to the Realm of the Heavens and the Palace of Winds. However, you must first gather the royal jewels to reveal the path to the Tower of Winds. There are three other guardian knights. I fear they too have been changed. Free them from their dark curses and retrieve the jewels! The light must return to Hyrule! I entrust you with the blue royal jewel. And with it, I place in your hands the hopes of all Hyrule!" — Blue Knight of Hyrule, Four Swords Adventures.
- ↑ "[sfx]I am the Knight of Hyrule charged with guarding the red royal jewel. Hear now the doom of the knights. We were bested by a foe with a mighty weapon. He cast us into the Dark World, where we and the jewels were lost in shadow. The Tower of Winds vanished, and I... No, WE servants of the crown were turned into monsters! The man that defeated us is also the same man who created that shadowy imp. A man from the desert wastes... He is not Vaati. Your dark twin was sent by him to trick you into breaking Vaati's seal. I wonder where the fiend got the amazing power he now wields. It matters not! None of this allows me to aid Princess Zelda. And yet I cannot go on... Brave ones...I entrust the red royal jewel to you. You now possess three of them. Obtain the fourth, and bring light back to the Realm of the Heavens!" — Red Knight of Hyrule, Four Swords Adventures.
- ↑ "- Tingle Times - :Volume 2 Strange days have arrived in the village as one child after another disappears. Tingle bets that they're all ditching school, no doubt playing some charming game. Oooh! Tingle wants to play, too! If you discover the kids' whereabouts, play awhile for Tingle's sake! Search 'til your eyes are bloodshot and weary! :Tingle" — Tingle Times sign, Four Swords Adventures.
- ↑ "Awesome! You found this secret world, too? Did you notice that there are only kids here? All we do is play and play! No one wants to go home! Not even me! No, sir! Except...the girl in the house with the red roof is always crying. I wonder if she doesn't like it here." — Child, Four Swords Adventures.