World of the Ocean King

The World of the Ocean King is setting in which most of the events of Phantom Hourglass take place. It is home to the Ocean King as well as his spirits. It bears a striking resemblance to the Great Sea, and as such, Tetra and Link are not even aware that they are in another world during their adventures.

Etymology
Although the name "World of the Ocean King" is implied by one of the fairy spirits of the Ocean King, the sea of Phantom Hourglass has no verified name. The instruction manual, however, strictly hints that the sea in which Link and Tetra stumble upon is different from the Great Sea, but the manual as well as the game do not give it an official name to go by.

History and Mythology
It's unknown how the World of the Ocean King was actually created, since there is no information on what land existed in its place before the Great Flood. However, it's known that it used to be ruled by the Ocean King, Oshus, along with his Servant Spirits. At some point, however, an evil entity known as Bellum began to absorb the life force of the inhabitants of this world's islands, which made him more powerful; the Ocean King tried to stop Bellum from continuing his evil deeds, but not only lost to him, he had to escape from his reach without his powers (and therefore losing his true form), while two of the Servant Spirits were imprisoned inside dungeons. Ciela, the Spirit of Courage, managed to escape, but in the process lost her memories and her powers as well.

Meanwhile, Bellum continued absorbing the life force of the now defenseless inhabitants, with the help of a Ghost Ship that began lurking through the waters of the ocean. The Temple of the Ocean King, formerly a tribute to the titular King, began to remain cursed by Bellum, and is now a place that absorbs the life force of anyone venturing within. It's not until the arrival of Link, who fails to rescue Tetra when (due to her powerful life force) she is abducted by the Ghost Ship, when there is a possibility to revert the situation, first by rescuing the captured Servant Spirits, then by lifting the curse of the Ghost Ship (and rescuing Tetra in the process), and finally by preparing a weapon capable of defeating Bellum once and for all.

Governance
As in the case of the Great Sea, there is little political division, especially after the apparent disappearance of the Ocean King. Neither island in the Southwestern quadrant is governed, and the Northwestern quadrant is actually uninhabited with few exceptions. Only in the Southeastern quadrant there are governed islands (Goron Island by a Goron Elder, and Isle of Frost by an Anouki chieftain); lastly, the Northeastern quadrant used to be ruled by the Cobble kingdom (a King and four Knights), until they were extinct for unknown reasons.

Economy
The World of the Ocean King primarily uses Rupees as its medium of exchange between inhabitants. Rupees seem to be more abundant here in comparison to other theaters of adventure. Unsurprisingly, the largest wallet, thus far, is utilized here. Much like Hyrule and other lands trading also seems to be acceptable to acquire new goods.

Technology in the World of the Ocean King
Although not to the same extent as the Great Sea, the World of the Ocean King has shown some technological advances, mostly involving transportation (see S.S. Linebeck).

Geography
Much like the Great Sea, the overall area is water covered, and primary transportation is via ship. The Islands have little difference in landscape features and consist of mostly grassy jagged surfaces. The inhabitants have bridges and stairs built, leaving few places inaccessible without other means. Despite being vastly similar, the islands that are found throughout the World of the Ocean King have different climate and landmarks from one another. Examples include the Isle of Ember, which is dominated by an active volcano, the frozen Isle of Frost, and the arid and rugged terrain of Goron Island.

Islands
The World of the Ocean King is known to have sixteen islands:

Southwestern Sea
 * Cannon Island
 * Isle of Ember
 * Mercay Island
 * Molida Island
 * Spirit Island

Northwestern Sea
 * Bannan Island
 * Isle of Gust
 * Uncharted Island
 * Zauz's Island

Southeastern Sea
 * Dee Ess Island
 * Goron Island
 * Harrow Island
 * Isle of Frost

Northeastern Sea
 * Isle of the Dead
 * Isle of Ruins
 * Maze Island

Races
The predominant inhabitants of the Islands seem to be humans. The main villages are on Mercay and Molida Islands although others can be found throughout the four quadrants of the sea. Gorons inhabit an island of the same name, as well as populate Dee Ess Island. The Anouki and Yook share the Isle of Frost. And a seemingly extinct race, the Cobble have elaborate ruins in the Northeastern Seas.

Creatures

 * ''Main article: Enemies

As with its closest counterpart, the Great Sea, these seas and islands are treacherous for travelers. Many of the series's familiar enemies return. Link's most notable new foe are the Phantoms.