User:Tony/Sandbox/Ganondorf

Ganondorf Dragmire is a recurring character and boss in.

A Link to the Past
Ganondorf is not seen in, though he is mentioned by the Maiden in the Swamp Palace and in the manual for A Link to the Past. The Maiden explains that Ganondorf discovered the location of the Golden Land, the resting place of the Triforce, though he allegedly couldn't find a way to return to the Light World once laying his hands on the completed Triforce and subsequently being sealed in the Sacred Realm.

Ocarina of Time
In the seven-year span, Ganondorf began to interfere with the stability of Hyrule, introducing monsters and disrupting the balance of Hyrulean society. Ganondorf deposed Talon from his position at Lon Lon Ranch, installing Ingo in his place and casting him to exile in Kakariko Village. In return for his assistance, Ingo swore fealty to Ganondorf and sought to provide him with Horses raised on the Ranch. Despite this, if Link manages to tame Epona and escape from Lon Lon Ranch with her, Ingo will reform his ways and renounce his loyalty for Ganondorf.

Four Swords Adventures
Following Ganondorf's death in, he was reborn to the Gerudos once again prior to the events of.

Twilight Princess
After defeating Ganon's Puppet, Midna uses the full power of the Fused Shadows to purge Zelda's body of Ganondorf's control, forcing Ganondorf to reform elsewhere. Regaining corporeal form, Ganondorf transforms into Ganon and engages in combat with Link once more.

Once Link and Midna have defeated Ganon, Princess Zelda's life force leaves Midna's body and returns to her, allowing them to briefly speak before they are interrupted by Ganondorf's ethereal form. Angered, Midna warps Link and Princess Zelda to Hyrule Field, leaving herself to confront Ganondorf armed with the complete power of the Fused Shadows. Despite the fearsome power of the Fused Shadows, Ganondorf repels and subdues Midna, taking her personal piece of the Fused Shadow as a trophy. Ganondorf later appears before Link and Princess Zelda on horseback, where he holds Midna's Fused Shadow aloft before crushing it.

Flanked by Phantom Riders, Ganondorf charges toward the duo, beginning the final battle between them. After Link and Princess Zelda successfully beat him in a horseback duel, Ganondorf will fall from his horse. Upon recovering, he will laugh and explain that though the Sword of the Six Sages is merely a regular blade, he intends to use it to "blot out the light forever." Revealing his intent, he challenges Link to a duel.

The duel between Ganondorf and Link is ended when Link impales the Dark Lord with the Master Sword in the same spot that he was executed with the Sword of the Six Sages. Struggling to stand, Ganondorf warns Link that though he has been defeated, their confrontation has not truly ended. Shortly afterwards, the crest of the Triforce of Power disappears from his hand.

Characteristics and Weaknesses
As Ganondorf and his newly-conjured Phantom Riders charge toward Link and Princess Zelda, Zelda prays to the Light Spirits to grant her the power to banish evil. Responding to her call, the Light Spirits warp them away from Ganondorf's advance and gift her with Light Arrows. With her newfound power, she asks for Link's assistance in the battle to come. As Link agrees to aid her, the two return to Hyrule Field atop Epona, where Princess Zelda explains that she can stun Ganondorf with the Light Arrows long enough for Link to strike him.

In order to defeat Ganondorf on horseback, Link must come within range of him to allow Princess Zelda to hit him, opening up a window of time for Link to approach and slash him. If Link takes too long, Ganondorf will temporarily summon Phantom Riders, who will charge at Link and Princess Zelda in an attempt to dismount them. Ganondorf may also use this opportunity to personally charge at them while they are distracted by the Phantom Riders.

After Ganondorf has been hit enough times, he will fall from his Horse and challenge Link in a swordsman's duel.

Trivia
Ganondorf's transformation into Ganon is inspired by the character from the 16th century Chinese novel, . In the novel, Zhu Bajie is banished from heaven due to his corruption and is reborn as a monstrous pig creature. The inspiration is evidenced by concept designs of Ganon from labeling him as,  as Hakkai is the Japanese reading of Bajie.