Sealed Grounds

The Sealed Grounds, once known as Hylia's Realm, is a location in Skyward Sword. Located near the Faron Woods, it is home to an old woman and the seal that holds The Imprisoned.

Present
This is the first area on the Surface that Link explores after descending from The Sky. The Sealed Grounds consists of a large pit that spirals downward, lined by a series of air vents, which contains the magical Sealing Spike that holds The Imprisoned. At the top of the pit is the Sealed Temple, which connects to Faron Woods. Throughout his journey, Link travels back to this area multiple times to fend of The Imprisoned as it breaks its seal and ascends the spiral path towards the Temple.

After acquiring the Triforce and wishing for the destruction of Demise, the Statue of the Goddess breaks away from the rest of Skyloft and descends into the spiral upon the seal holding The Imprisoned, merging seamlessly into the ground from which it was taken.

Past
Link visits the Sealed Grounds in the past through the newly formed Gate of Time and discovers that the Sealed Temple was once known as the Temple of Hylia. He is unable to explore the Sealed Grounds during his initial visits and is confined to the Temple of Hylia.

He finally encounters Zelda here, and she explains the creation of the Triforce, the war with Demise, the ascension of Skyloft, the sealing of Demise, the creation of Fi and the choosing of a Hero, and Zelda's existence as Hylia reborn. Zelda explains that to maitain the seal on Demise she must enter a sleep that will last thousands of years, and as she does, she asks Link to repay the favor she's owed and wake her up.

Link returns to the Temple of Hylia in the past again to plant the Life Tree Seedling, but is still unable to traverse the Sealed Grounds.

Link travels to the Sealed Grounds a final time after Ghirahim abducts Zelda and flees with her into the past. After overwhelming Impa, he escapes to the Sealed Grounds and attempts to resurrect Demise. He calls forth hordes of enemies to block Link's way as he descends into the spiral, but they are ultimately unsuccessful and Ghirahim is forced to battle Link himself. While they fight, the ritual Ghirahim started continues and eventually Demise is awakened. Demise invites Link to do battle, and the area where the seal on The Imprisoned once was becomes a portal to a place where they "will not be bothered by distractions."

Trivia

 * Images from the game's introduction can be seen on the walls at the bottom of the spiral.