Twilight Realm
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The Twilight Realm is a to the realm of Hyrule.[1] It is a world perpetually enveloped in dusk, and the home of the Twili. The only link between the Twilight Realm and Hyrule is a relic known as the Mirror of Twilight, which acts as the one gateway between the two worlds.
Features and Overview
Twilight Princess
History
The Twilight Realm's full history is unclear. All that is known of the Twilight Realm's history are brief hints of its origins, and what recent political history Midna . For much of its early history, the Twilight Realm was a peaceful place. This soon changed when the King of Gerudo, Ganondorf was banished to the realm by the Ancient Sages. Here he would use his influence to cause a coup d'état and overthrow the Princess Midna installing Zant into the position of ruler of the Twilight Realm. Zant would go on to seal away the Sols leaving the Twilight Realm in darkness.[2] However, after the Ganondorf's defeat both Hyrule and the Twilight Realm were free of his grip. This was made possible by the efforts of Link and Princess Zelda. The Mirror of Twilight was shattered by Midna. This action severed the only known gateway between the two worlds, destroying the only known means of travel between them to prevent similar events from happening again.
Origins
At an uncertain point in the history of Hyrule, a war broke out across the land when a group of powerful mages learned of the mythical Triforce located within the Sacred Realm and attempted to invade to harness the Triforce's power. To this end, the Interlopers used an ultimate weapon, the dark relic known as the Fused Shadow, inside which they had vested a vast amount of their magic.[3]
The Golden Goddesses ordered Light Spirits of Hyrule to intervene and seal away the dark magic of the mages to halt the war.[3] The goddesses chased the interlopers across Hyrule and banished them to the Twilight Realm.[4] The Light Spirits shattered the Fused Shadow into four fragments (hiding three of them across Hyrule and leaving the fourth in the hands of the Interlopers) to prevent its future misuse.
Over time, the Interlopers would evolve into the Twili.[4] Nevertheless, the goddesses did not completely sever the Twilight Realm's connection to Hyrule, for they left one link between the two worlds in the hands of the Ancient Sages: the Mirror of Twilight, which could only be shattered by the true ruler of the Twili.[5][6]
The Rise of Zant
Shortly after the events of Ocarina of Time, the King of Evil Ganondorf attempted to stage a coup but was thwarted by the Royal Family of Hyrule, who had been forewarned. As a result, he was arrested and sentenced to death at the Arbiter's Grounds.[7] Ganondorf was kept there for a time until the day his sentence was to be carried out in the Mirror Chamber atop the prison. However, when the Ancient Sages impaled him with the Sword of the Sages, the Triforce of Power suddenly activated within him and prevented his death.[8] He broke free of his chains, killing the Sage of Water and turning the blade on its owners. As a last resort, the remaining Sages activated the Mirror of Twilight in order to open the portal to the Twilight Realm and send Ganondorf through it.
Centuries later, the Twilight Realm entered a period of political instability when the throne was suddenly left vacant. One of the hawkish advisers of the Royal Family of the Twilight Realm, Zant believed himself to be a prime candidate to ascend to the throne. Notwithstanding, Midna was crowned rightful ruler, which enraged him.[9] He became severely depressed, and in this state was approached by Ganondorf, masquerading as a god.[10] Ganondorf offered him the power to take the throne by force in exchange for his freedom from the Twilight Realm. Zant used his newfound magical abilities to curse Midna and usurped the throne of the Twilight Realm.[11][12] Midna fled to Hyrule with a lone piece of the Fused Shadow left in the hands of the Twili and decided to seek out the other fragments to use against Zant.
The Invasion of Hyrule
Zant then proceeded to launch an invasion of the World of Light itself, intending to conquer both worlds and mix shadow and light together to make pure darkness, as ordered by his "god".[13] His armies spread Twilight all over Hyrule as they conquered each of its provinces. In this Twilight, the people of Hyrule became like spirits, unaware of what had happened to them.[14] Eventually, Zant and his army conquered Hyrule Castle, where he offered Princess Zelda, the chance to either surrender or face the deaths of her people. At this, Zelda surrendered the throne of Hyrule to Zant, and Twilight completely engulfed the country's main regions, leaving only the small annex of Ordona Province unaffected.
Eventually, Link was captured when he entered the Twilight and was transformed into a divine wolf, dragged to the dungeons of Hyrule Castle by Shadow Beasts. Here, he met Midna who coerced him to locate the lost fragments of the Fused Shadow to defeat Zant. After dispelling the Twilight and finding all of the Fused Shadow fragments, the pair were confronted by Zant himself in Lanayru's Spring; where he would curse Link and fatally injure Midna. This compelled Link to travel back to Hyrule Castle, where Zelda would sacrifice herself to save Midna.[15][16]
After finding the sword in the ruins of an ancient temple, the pair journeyed to the Arbiter's Grounds in search of the Mirror of Twilight. There, they discovered that Zant broke the Mirror of Twilight into four shards and scattered them over Hyrule to prevent anyone from entering the Twilight Realm.[6]
The Assassination of Zant
The pair succeeded in finding the lost fragments to the Mirror of Twilight, and reopened the gateway. With this, Link and Midna used the Mirror of Twilight to journey to the Twilight Realm, where Link succeeded in restoring the Sols to their proper shrine, restoring the normal flow of light in the Twilight Realm and causing the Twili to revert to their true forms. In addition, the power of the Sols transferred into the Master Sword, a sign that the gods of the Twilight Realm were on Link's side as well.[17]
The pair then entered the palace to face Zant himself. Link is then forced to battle Zant in several deadly skirmishes for the fate of the Twilight Realm, facing him in arenas that Link had visited throughout his adventure to defeat the King of Shadows. Despite his great magical power bestowed by Ganondorf, Zant fell to the Master Sword's evil-banishing power and lay dying upon the throne as he stated his belief that regardless of what Link and Midna did, he would be resurrected by Ganondorf.[18] After taunting Midna by revealing to her that the curse on her would not lift until Ganondorf was vanquished,[11] Midna used the Fused Shadow to obliterate Zant, causing him to combust. With this, his reign of terror over the Twilight Realm was brought to an end, but Midna was distressed at the raw power that she had exhibited.[19]
The Closing of the Road Between Worlds
Link and Midna return to Hyrule and infiltrated the usurped Hyrule Castle to face Ganondorf. At the top of the castle tower, they found the Throne Room being circled by dark, foreboding clouds. Inside, they found Princess Zelda's lifeless body suspended in the central hole of the Triforce statue adorning the chamber and Ganondorf himself sitting on Zelda's throne. After a brief conversation, the pair began a battle against Ganondorf for the fate of Hyrule, battling him in many different ways and forms. After Zelda was restored to her physical being, she and Link were warped away by Midna, who attempted to kill Ganondorf with the Fused Shadow, but ultimately failed. The pair then engaged him in a horseback battle across Hyrule Field and Link engaged him in one final sword duel before impaling him with the Master Sword, killing the Dark Lord and restoring Midna to her true form.
Link and Princess Zelda accompanied Midna back to the Mirror Chamber to bid her farewell as she returned home to resume her place as the ruler of the Twili. Zelda encouraged relations between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm to continue. Midna then addressed Link one final time as she shattered the Mirror of Twilight, sealing off the only known road between the worlds.
Governance
The Twilight Realm is governed by a monarchy, similar to the Kingdom of Hyrule. The Royal Family of the Twilight Realm governs its territory and all in it from the massive Palace of Twilight, situated at the heart of the Twilight Realm. It appears that a retiring monarch typically determines the successor. However, in the absence of a hereditary ruler, the people of the Twilight Realm have the power to select their next monarch.
Military
During his brief reign, Zant created an army of transformed Twili, the Shadow Beasts, and used them to launch an invasion of the kingdom of Hyrule. It is not known whether the Twili monarchs possessed an army before Zant usurped the throne.
Theology
The Twilight Realm is a polytheistic society.[17] While no gods are named, wolves are a known venerated animal.[20]
Economy
Little is known about the economy of the Twilight Realm or whether much of one exists. However, Link finds Rupees hidden in several places within the Palace of Twilight.
Technology in the Twilight Realm
The Twilight Realm is shown to be filled with examples of technology far surpasses anything found in Hyrule or most other locations featured in The Legend of Zelda series to date. Most buildings are suspended in the infinite Twilight by unseen forces, implying that the Twili have developed means of allowing their structures to float in the void of the Twilight Realm. As exemplified within the Palace of Twilight, there are multiple other examples of advanced technology that were made by the residents of the Twilight Realm. The vast majority of these apparatuses found are powered by Sols, and operated by motion or touch activation.
Geography
Locations and Landmarks
The Twilight Realm is seen in brief flashbacks and visited briefly in Twilight Princess. The only known landmark is the Palace of Twilight, a palatial complex of angular and imposing monoliths sequestered from the surrounding area by the giant levitating stones it rests on. The layout consists of five large buildings and one main promenade.
When closely inspected, one can see other buildings floating in the distance, implying that the Palace of Twilight and its surroundings are only a part of the Twilight Realm; however, it is impossible to travel from the grounds to these other structures.
Palace of Twilight
The Palace of Twilight is the seat of the government and serves as the eighth dungeon in Twilight Princess. It is the home of the Royal Family of the Twilight Realm and as such is the home of Princess Midna. Link can obtain the Light Sword here, allowing him to cut through the Dark Fog that pervades the palace.[17]
The Sol Shrine is a special shrine located in the plaza of the Palace of Twilight. It is made up of two pedestals and is the rightful resting place of the Sols, located just outside of the walls of the Palace of Twilight.[21]
Population
Inhabitants of the Twilight Realm
While the only noted inhabitants of the Twilight Realm are the Twili, Zant's interference transforms them into Shadow Beasts.[12][22] It is unknown whether there were any natural inhabitants of the Twilight Realm prior to the banishment of the Dark Interlopers.
Twili
The primary residents of the Twilight Realm, the Twili, are a race of shadow-beings that are descended from another group of sorcerers known as the Dark Interlopers that once resided in the land of Hyrule in the past. After the Interlopers began to delve into darker magic through the creation of the Fused Shadow, they attempted a conquest of the fabled Sacred Realm in the hope of establishing control over a much greater source of magic, the Triforce. After much bloodshed, the Golden Goddesses chased the Interlopers across Hyrule and banished them to the Twilight Realm. Over time, the interlopers of legend eventually became the Twili.
In their evolved forms, the Twili are shown to be fairly humanoid beings but with some stark differences in regard to Hylians or even their dark ancestors. Their skin varies in shades of white and black, and their eyes glow with a red hue. They can also vary in height, as some are shown to be extremely tall in comparison to Link while others are short and stout, like some of those featured near the Sol Shrine on Link's visit to the Twilight Realm in Twilight Princess. Only two Twili have shown the capacity to speak the normal Hylian dialect, those two being Midna and Zant, while the others seem to communicate through a high-pitched series of moaning sounds that are not able to be understood by Link.
Other Appearances
Hyrule Warriors
Twilight Princess (Himekawa)
Trivia
- According to the original Japanese text, Midna mentions that the Hyruleans mistakenly believe the Twilight Realm to be an afterlife realm.[23][24] In addition, the Japanese expression "守護神" that is used for the "guardian deities" of the Twilight Realm, can be used to refer not only to animate but inanimate entities as well.[17][25] It is possible that Midna is referring to the Sols which appear to be inanimate.
- Unused Twili dialogue from in the original Japanese version of Twilight Princess suggests that Midna was intended to be the last remaining member of the Twilight Realm's Royal Family. [26]
Nomenclature
The Twilight Realm's name refers to it being a gloomy, hazy, yet very serene world. It is often seen as a world of shadows and evil, however there is a serene beauty to the Twilight Realm, a beauty which is said the Hylians see every time the Sun sets.[27][28]
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References
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 30
- ↑ "That shining sphere illuminates this world. It's called a Sol. It's like the sun of your world, Link." — Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "But soon, word of the Sacred Realm spread through Hyrule, and a great battle ensued...Among those living in the light, interlopers who excelled at magic appeared. Wielding powerful sorcery, they tried to establish dominion over the Sacred Realm. It was then that the goddesses ordered us three light spirits to intervene. We sealed away the great magic those individuals had mastered. You know this magic...It is the dark power you seek...the Fused Shadow." — Lanayru (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "What do you think happened to the magic wielders who tried to rule the Sacred Realm? They were banished. They were chased across the sacred lands of Hyrule and driven into another realm by the goddesses. It was another world entirely... The antithesis of Hyrule, where the sun shines bright. Its denizens became shadows that could not mingle with the light. Eventually, most came to call it the Twilight Realm, and from it, none could return to the world of light..." — Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Though the goddesses forbade us to return to the world of light, they left one link between the light and the darkness. Something called the Mirror of Twilight was passed to the protectors of Hyrule..." — Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Only the true leader of the Twili can utterly destroy the Mirror of Twilight...so Zant could merely break it into pieces." — Sage (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "In the last scene of Ocarina of Time, kids Link and Zelda have a little talk, and as a consequence of that talk, their relationship with Ganon takes a whole new direction. In the middle of this game [Twilight Princess], there's a scene showing Ganon's execution. It was decided that Ganon be executed because he'd do something outrageous if they left him be. That scene takes place several years after Ocarina of Time." —Eiji Aonuma (Nintendo Dream: Eiji Aonuma Interview.)
- ↑ "Yet...By some divine prank, he, too, had been blessed with the chosen power of the gods." — Sage (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "But would they acknowledge me as their king? No! And as such, I was denied the magic powers befitting our ruler." — Zant (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "It was then, in the thrall of hatred and despair, that I turned my eyes to the heavens...and found a god." — Zant (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Midna... Foolish Twilight Princess...The curse on you cannot be broken...It was placed on you by the magic of my god! The power you held as leader of the Twili will never return!" — Zant (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "It was a peaceful place...until Zant took control of the Twilight Realm and transformed all of the Twili into shadow beasts." — Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "My god had only one wish...To merge shadow and light...and make darkness!" — Zant (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Twilight covered Hyrule like a shroud, and without light, the people became as spirits. Within the twilight, they live on, unaware that they have passed into spirit forms..." — Eldin (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Midna... I believe I understand now just who and what you are...Despite your mortal injuries, you act in our stead...These dark times are the result of our deeds, yet it is you who have reaped the penalty. Accept this now, Midna. I pass it to you..." — Princess Zelda (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Head for the sacred grove that lies deep within the lands guarded by the spirit Faron. There you will find the blade of evil's bane that was crafted by the wisdom of the ancient sages...the Master Sword. The Master Sword is a sacred blade that evil can never touch. Evil cloaks you like a dark veil...and that blade is the only thing that can cleave it." — Princess Zelda (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 "Amazing... The power of the Sols has been transferred to your sword... The guardian deities of my world are on our side, too! You really are the chosen one, Link... A true hero! As long as you have that sword, you should be able to repel the shadows Zant has spread!" — Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "As long as my master, Ganon, survives, he will resurrect me without cease!" — Zant (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "I...I used just a fraction of the power that's in me now...I did THAT using only a fraction of my ancestors' magic?!" — Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "In our world, we've long believed that the Hero would appear as a divine beast." — Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "We must return the two Sols to the Pedestals quickly!" — Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Zant had his way with this place...So much has changed...I can't show myself to them, but I want to save everyone I can...Please help me, Link. Link, hurry! My people are still not true beasts. If we can defeat Zant, there still might be time to save everyone!" — Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "The Shadow World... they act like it's the otherworld or something... however, that's not so." — Midna (Twilight Princess, Japanese version)
- ↑ "Don't you ever feel lonely for some reason as dusk falls? It's the only time when the other world and this world can intersect... It is said that the sentiments of the people of the underworld/hades, their regrets lingering in this world, are still around. That's why the hour of twilight is lonesome and dolorous..." — Rusl (Twilight Princess, Japanese version)
- ↑ Jumbie, Translation of Japanese Game Texts , Legends Alliance Forums, published June 29, 2008, retrieved March 6, 2016.
- ↑ https://tcrf.net/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Twilight_Princess/Unused_Text#Missing_Japanese_Lines
- ↑ "Some call our realm a world of shadows, but that makes it sound so unpleasant...The twilight there holds a serene beauty...You have seen it yourself as the sun sets on this world. Bathed in that light, all the people were pure and gentle...But things changed once that foul power pervaded the world..." — Midna (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Tell me...Do you ever feel a strange sadness as dusk falls? They say it's the only time when our world intersects with theirs... The only time we can feel the lingering regrets of spirits who have left our world. That is why loneliness always pervades the hour of twilight..." — Rusl (Twilight Princess)