Sanctuary (A Link to the Past)

The is a location in. Located north of Hyrule Castle, it is home of the Loyal Sage.

Features and Overview
After Link rescues Princess Zelda from her prison in Hyrule Castle, he uses a secret tunnel to take her to the Sanctuary. She remains there with the Loyal Sage, hiding from Agahnim. However, when the hero withdraws the Master Sword from its pedestal, the Sanctuary is attacked by soldiers. When Link reaches the Sanctuary, he finds the wounded Loyal Sage lying on the ground. The sage informs the him that the princess was kidnapped and taken back to the castle so Agahnim could use her to open the Seven Sages' seal.

The Sanctuary is last seen during the ending credits, showing that the Loyal Sage has fully recovered from his wounds.

(Ishinomori)
In the, Link and Princess Zelda reach the Sanctuary after escaping Hyrule Castle through the Sewer Passage. Upon reaching the Sanctuary, the Old Man living there explains the consequences of Agahnim's plan. However, Agahnim suddenly appears and commands that Zelda return to the castle. Although Link steps in to protect the princess, the wizard easily defeats him when the hero tries to attack him. As he takes Zelda  away, she reveals to Link that only the Master Sword can harm Agahnim. The hero then rushes out of the Sanctuary to find the legendary Sword.

Nomenclature
In the Japanese version, the location is named. Nintendo of America changed it to ALttP: in accordance with its policy on religious content. Nintendo of Europe mostly followed suit for its localizations, with the exception of the German one, which uses the term Kathedrale (Cathedral).