Dark Barrier

Appearing only in Four Swords Adventures, these Dark Barriers are created by Vaati, and block the exit from every level. The barriers can only be broken by powering up the Four Sword, which is achieved by collecting 2000 Force Gems within the level. The barriers are always composed of four glass globes containing the eye symbol of Vaati, connected by a chain of electricity and surrounded by a dark fog.

The barriers (according to Kaepora Gaebora) drain the land of its life, similar to Twilight princess.

Trivia

 * This is very similar to the barrier blocking the top door of Hyrule Castle in A Link to the Past which you have to hit with the Master Sword.