Hero's Spirit



In Twilight Princess, the Hero's Spirit, also called the Hero's Shade, is a skeleton-like spectre that teaches Link each of the seven hidden skills throughout the game. Hero's Spirit is also believed by some to be the spirit of Link from Ocarina of Time.

The Golden Wolf
The Golden Wolf, also called the White Wolf, is the animal incarnation of the Hero's Spirit. The wolf is summoned by finding a howling stone, with the exception of the first time, in which he confronts Link directly. Once a howling stone is found, the song must be howled in tune with the Spirit. He will then tell you to "take sword in hand, then find [him]," implying that Link should return to human form before searching for the Wolf. The Golden Wolf will also appear as a symbol on Link's map, which is useful in case the player forgets where the location of the Hero's Spirit is. When he confronts the Wolf, Link will be transported into an ancient arena. The wolf will finally transform into his true form, the Hero's Spirit, who will then teach you one of the seven hidden skills. The true form of the Hero's Spirit resembles a cross between a Stalfos and a Darknut.

The Skills:
 * Ending Blow
 * Shield Attack
 * Back Slice
 * Helm Splitter
 * Mortal Draw
 * Jump Strike
 * Great Spin

Note: At the end of his teachings, he says he accepted the role as the Hero long ago. This implies that he may be an earlier Link. This theory is also supported by the Hero's Spirit saying this to Link: "Go and do not falter, my child!" Though, this is not supportive evidence since many mentor-like characters in many stories and games refer to their young charges using "my child".

Also, in both Wii and Gamecube versions, both Link and the Hero's Spirit wield their swords in the same hand. The Gamecube version (the version Twilight Princess was originally meant to be portrayed as) has Link as a left-hander. In every past game, Link has always wielded his sword with the left hand.