Deity: Difference between revisions

From Zelda Wiki, the Zelda encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
(→‎Miscellaneous Deities: Added content)
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
No edit summary
 
(43 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Improve|Oct 30, 2011}}
{{Improve|Oct 30, 2011}}
There are many entities that have been worshipped in {{TLoZ|Series}}. They vary from guardians of locations and races, to elemental spirits, to true immortals and demigods, or a  varied mixture. A vast majority of temples located throughout [[Hyrule]] and other lands are dedicated to worshipping the different deities at different points in time.
{{Term/Store|Deity|Deities|Series, ALttP, OoA, TWW, TWWHD|plural}},<ref>{{Cite Guide|quote= |game= ALttP&FS |guide= Prima |page= 5 {{Exp Game|ALttP}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E|publisher= Dark Horse Books|page= 254 {{Exp Game|OoA}} & 259 {{Exp Game|TWW, TWWHD}}}}</ref> also known as '''Gods''',<ref>{{Cite|And with the third toll of the bell, I will become like a {{Color|TMC Green|god}}!|Vaati|TMC}}</ref> or '''Spirits''',<ref name="Encyclopedia22"/> are powerful entities worshiped in {{TLoZ|Series}}. They vary from guardians of locations and races, to elemental spirits, to true immortals and demigods, or a  varied mixture. A vast majority of temples located throughout [[Hyrule]] and other lands are dedicated to worshipping the different deities at different points in time.
 
Spirits are normally incorporeal and invisible, but they can speak to mortals by either inhabiting physical vessels or taking physical form. The form they take has been known to change depending on who they are communing with and when. Most choose to take the forms of animals.<ref name="Encyclopedia22">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 22}}</ref>


==The Golden Goddesses==
==The Golden Goddesses==
Line 10: Line 12:


==Guardian Deities==
==Guardian Deities==
There are groups of several guardians who watch over specific tribes throughout the history of Hyrule and its neighbors. While not true deities in proper they are worshipped all the same.
There are groups of several guardians who watch over specific tribes and areas throughout the history of Hyrule and its neighbors.
 
===The Legend of Zelda===
*'''{{Plural|TLoZ|Lynel|link}}''' are described as guardians of {{Term|TLoZ|Death Mountain|link}},<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=The guardian who attacks all those who come near Death Mountain.|game= TLoZ|page=30}}</ref> and more specifically as "guardian deities" in the Japanese manual.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote={{Exp|A guardian deity that repels those who approach Death Mountain.|デスマウンテンに近づく者を撃退する守り神。}}|game= TLoZ|page=29}}</ref>


===Ocarina of Time===
===Ocarina of Time===
*'''The [[Great Deku Tree]]''' is a "forest spirit" and the guardian of the [[Kokiri]], the [[Kokiri Forest]] and the [[Lost Woods]].
*'''The [[Great Deku Tree]]''' is a "forest spirit" and the guardian of the [[Kokiri]], the [[Kokiri Forest]] and the [[Lost Woods]].
*'''[[Lord Jabu-Jabu]]''' is a "water spirit" and the guardian of the [[Zora]].
*'''[[Lord Jabu-Jabu]]''' is a "water spirit" and the guardian of the [[Zora]].
*'''[[Volvagia]]''' is the spirit of [[Death Mountain]].<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Residing within the Fire Temple in {{OoT|-}}, Volvagia was a wicked dragon defeated by Link; in essence, it was the spirit of Death Mountain. |book= E |publisher= |page= 22}}</ref>


===Majora's Mask===
===Majora's Mask===
Line 33: Line 39:
===Phantom Hourglass===
===Phantom Hourglass===
*The '''[[Ocean King]]''', guardian of the [[World of the Ocean King]].
*The '''[[Ocean King]]''', guardian of the [[World of the Ocean King]].
*The '''[[Servant Spirits]]''', the [[fairy|fairies]] who assist the Ocean King in protecting the Great Sea; they are [[Ciela]], [[Leaf]], and [[Neri]].
*The servant '''[[Spirit]]''', the [[Fairy|Fairies]] who assist the Ocean King in protecting the Great Sea; they are [[Ciela]], [[Leaf]], and [[Neri]].
 
===Spirit Tracks===
*'''The [[Mountain Goddess]]''', guardian of the [[Goron]] race.


===Skyward Sword===
===Skyward Sword===
Line 41: Line 50:
*'''[[Lanayru (Dragon)|Lanayru]]''' the Lighting Dragon, the original guardian of Hyrule's [[Lanayru Province]].
*'''[[Lanayru (Dragon)|Lanayru]]''' the Lighting Dragon, the original guardian of Hyrule's [[Lanayru Province]].
*'''[[Levias]]''', the guardian of the skies.
*'''[[Levias]]''', the guardian of the skies.
===Breath of the Wild===
*The '''{{Term|BotW|Seven Heroines|link}}''', the protectors of the {{Term|Series|Gerudo|link}} people.
*The '''{{Term|BotW|Lord of the Mountain|link}}''',<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= CaC |publisher= |page= 157}}</ref> which watches over animals.<ref>{{Cite|This noble creature watches over all animals that make their homes in the forest. Legends say this holy creature is a reincarnation of a sage that died on the lands it now protects. It has an acute awareness of its surroundings, so it seldom appears before people. It's sometimes known by its other name, Satori.|Hyrule Compendium|BotW}}</ref>


==False Deities==
==False Deities==
Despite their immense power, and worshipers, these deities lack immortality and/or possess the ability to use the Triforce. For these reasons, they are not true deities.
Despite their immense power, and worshipers, these deities lack immortality and/or possess the ability to use the Triforce. For these reasons, they are not true deities.


*[[Ganondorf|Ganondorf]] bears the title King of Evil and Dark Lord. He is worshiped as a god by the Gerudo,<ref>{{Cite|They say that Gerudos worship Ganondorf almost like a god.|Gossip Stone|OoT}}</ref> the Deku,<ref>{{Cite|I'm off to the Temple of Darkness to worship Lord Ganon! Oopipi!|Deku|FSA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|"Ganon, Ganon," they chanted. It was as though they were...worshipping.|N/A|FSA}}</ref> and [[Zant]].<ref>{{Cite|This power is granted to me by my god! It is the magic of the King of Twilight, and you WILL respect it!|Zant|TP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|It was then, in the thrall of hatred and despair, that I turned my eyes to the heavens...and found a god.|Zant|TP}}</ref>
*[[Ganondorf]] bears the title King of Evil and Dark Lord. He is worshiped as a god by the Gerudo,<ref>{{Cite|They say that Gerudos worship Ganondorf almost like a god.|Gossip Stone|OoT}}</ref> the Deku,<ref>{{Cite|I'm off to the Temple of Darkness to worship Lord Ganon! Oopipi!|Deku Scrub|FSA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|"Ganon, Ganon," they chanted. It was as though they were...worshipping.|N/A|FSA}}</ref> and [[Zant]].<ref>{{Cite|This power is granted to me by my god! It is the magic of the King of Twilight, and you WILL respect it!|Zant|TP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|It was then, in the thrall of hatred and despair, that I turned my eyes to the heavens...and found a god.|Zant|TP}}</ref>
*In the German, Japanese and Latin American Spanish versions, [[Horned Statue]] claims that he is a deity of life and strength.<ref>{{Cite|{{Exp|I... I am actually a deity of life and strength.|Ich... Ich bin eigentlich eine Gottheit des Lebens und der Stärke.}}|Horned Statue|BotW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|{{Exp|A long time ago, I was a deity that granted life and power.|Hace mucho tiempo, yo era una deidad que otorgaba vida y poder.}}|Horned Statue|BotW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|{{Exp|The god who controls life and power... that's what I used to be.|命と力を司る神･･･ それがかつての俺だ }}|Horned Statue|BotW}}</ref>


==Miscellaneous Deities==
==Miscellaneous Deities==
Line 54: Line 68:


===Ocarina of Time===
===Ocarina of Time===
*The '''Goddess of the Sands''', depicted by various statues in the [[Desert Colossus]] and the [[Spirit Temple]].  
*The '''goddess of the sands''', an unnamed [[Gerudo]] goddess depicted by various statues in the [[Desert Colossus]] and the [[Spirit Temple]]. Due to differences in religion, the [[Hylian]]s believe the goddess of the sands to be an evil deity.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Beyond Gerudo Fortress and past the Haunted Wasteland are a goddess statue and the Spirit Temple. Because of differences in religion, the people of Hyrule say the Desert Colossus depicts an evil deity. Thieves loyal to Ganondorf and Nabooru use it as a base of operations, and experiments in brainwashing using magic are conducted there. |book= E |publisher= |page= 45}}</ref>


===Majora's Mask===
===Majora's Mask===
Line 71: Line 85:


===Spirit Tracks===
===Spirit Tracks===
*'''The [[Mountain Goddess]]''', guardian of the [[Goron]] race.
*'''The [[Spirits of Good]]''', worshipped by the Lokomo
*'''The [[Spirits of Good]]''', worshipped by the Lokomo


===Breath of the Wild===
===Breath of the Wild===
*''' The [[Horse God]]''',
*'''{{Term|BotW|Malanya|link}} the Horse God''', who revives fallen {{Plural|BotW|Horse}}.
This God revives fallen horses
*'''{{Term|BotW|Naydra|link}}''', '''{{Term|BotW|Farosh|link}}''' and '''{{Term|BotW|Dinraal|link}}''' are the three {{Term|Series|Dragon}} spirits who serve the {{Term|BotW|Spring of Wisdom|link|display=Springs of Wisdom}}, {{Term|BotW|Spring of Courage|link|display=Courage}} and {{Term|BotW|Spring of Power|link|display=Power}} respectively.
 
==={{TotK|-}}===
*The '''{{Term|Series|Zonai|link}}''' were said to be descended from gods.<ref>{{Cite|Long ago, my people, known as the Zonai, came from the heavens to the surface of the world. It was said they were the descendants of gods...|Mineru|TotK}}</ref> The gods gifted them their {{Plural|TotK|Secret Stone|link}}.<ref>{{Cite|They bore treasures from these same gods--secret stones, capable of amplifying the abilities of those who possessed them.|Mineru|TotK}}</ref> When the Zonai first descended to the Surface, the ancient Hylians mistook them as gods.<ref>{{Cite|When your Zonai ancestors first descended upon these lands long, long ago, they must have seemed to be gods.|Ganondorf|TotK}}</ref>


==Objects==
==Objects==
Line 82: Line 98:
*The [[Tuni Nut]] is worshiped by the citizens of [[Symmetry Village]] in [[Labrynna]].<ref>{{Cite|The Tuni Nut is the city's symbol. We dutifully worshipped this nut.|N/A|OoA}}</ref>
*The [[Tuni Nut]] is worshiped by the citizens of [[Symmetry Village]] in [[Labrynna]].<ref>{{Cite|The Tuni Nut is the city's symbol. We dutifully worshipped this nut.|N/A|OoA}}</ref>
*The [[Rod of Seasons]] is worshiped in the [[Temple of Seasons]] in [[Holodrum]].<ref>{{Cite|Bring the Rod of Seasons that is worshipped in the temple!|N/A|OoS}}</ref>
*The [[Rod of Seasons]] is worshiped in the [[Temple of Seasons]] in [[Holodrum]].<ref>{{Cite|Bring the Rod of Seasons that is worshipped in the temple!|N/A|OoS}}</ref>
{{Ambig|Start}}
{{Noncanon|Start}}
The {{MM|Himekawa}} implies that [[Odolwa]] is the god of the [[Deku Scrub|Deku]], though Odolwa may merely be a name for the Southern Giant they are known to worship in {{MM|-}}.
The {{MM|Himekawa}} implies that [[Odolwa]] is the god of the [[Deku Scrub|Deku]], though Odolwa may merely be a name for the Southern Giant they are known to worship in {{MM|-}}.
{{Ambig|End}}
{{Noncanon|End}}
 
==Trivia==
*The various divinities in {{TLoZ|Series}} seem to be based upon the Japanese concept of kami, rather than the more Western perception of a single omnipotent God. Like Hyrule's divinities, the kami are numerous, are tied to certain objects or locations, are worshiped at shrines, and vary in power. The [[Wind Shrine]] in {{TWW|-}} even features a torii gate, which are used in Japan to mark the entrance to a kami's shrine.
**The relationship between the Golden Goddesses and Hylia is reminiscent of the Japanese deities Izanami, Izanagi, and Amaterasu. Like the Golden Goddesses, Izanami and Izanagi were the gods who created the world. Like Amaterasu, Hylia is the most widely-worshiped god (at least in {{SS|-}} and {{BotW|-}}) and the ancestor of the Royal Family.
 
==Nomenclature==
{{Nomenclature}}


{{Ref}}
{{Ref}}

Latest revision as of 16:56, 16 August 2023

This pagesection does not meet Zelda Wiki's quality standards.
Please improve it as you see fit. Editing help is available.
This article has been flagged since Oct 30, 2011.

Deities,[1][2] also known as Gods,[3] or Spirits,[4] are powerful entities worshiped in The Legend of Zelda series. They vary from guardians of locations and races, to elemental spirits, to true immortals and demigods, or a varied mixture. A vast majority of temples located throughout Hyrule and other lands are dedicated to worshipping the different deities at different points in time.

Spirits are normally incorporeal and invisible, but they can speak to mortals by either inhabiting physical vessels or taking physical form. The form they take has been known to change depending on who they are communing with and when. Most choose to take the forms of animals.[4]

The Golden Goddesses

The most renowned of the divine are the omnipotent Golden Goddesses, alternatively known as the Gods of Old, who created the the world itself. They are most well-known in the mythology of the kingdom of Hyrule.

  • Din, the Goddess of Power.
  • Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom.
  • Farore, the Goddess of Courage.

Guardian Deities

There are groups of several guardians who watch over specific tribes and areas throughout the history of Hyrule and its neighbors.

The Legend of Zelda

Ocarina of Time

Majora's Mask

The Wind Waker

Twilight Princess

  • Ordona the Light Spirit, the guardian of the Ordon Province, bordering southern Hyrule.
  • Faron the Light Spirit, the guardian of Hyrule's Faron Province
  • Eldin the Light Spirit, the guardian of Hyrule's Eldin Province.
  • Lanayru the Light Spirit, the guardian of Hyrule's Lanayru Province.
  • The Guardian Deities of the Twilight Realm.[9]

Phantom Hourglass

Spirit Tracks

Skyward Sword

Breath of the Wild

False Deities

Despite their immense power, and worshipers, these deities lack immortality and/or possess the ability to use the Triforce. For these reasons, they are not true deities.

Miscellaneous Deities

There are references throughout the franchise to deities that do not belong to any particular group; they either act on the Goddesses' behalf or are not affiliated with the three at all. The Golden Goddesses are creator gods with a vast array of roles and creations, and it is possible that many of the more obscure and unseen deities mentioned are simply titles belonging to the individual goddesses themselves.

Link's Awakening

Ocarina of Time

  • The goddess of the sands, an unnamed Gerudo goddess depicted by various statues in the Desert Colossus and the Spirit Temple. Due to differences in religion, the Hylians believe the goddess of the sands to be an evil deity.[20]

Majora's Mask

Oracle of Ages and Seasons

The Wind Waker

  • Zephos and Cyclos are twin gods of wind. They once had a shrine dedicated to them to them, but it was destroyed by visitors.
  • One of the Great Fairies is known as the Goddess of Fortune.[21]

Phantom Hourglass

Spirit Tracks

Breath of the Wild

Tears of the Kingdom

  • The Zonai were said to be descended from gods.[22] The gods gifted them their Secret Stones.[23] When the Zonai first descended to the Surface, the ancient Hylians mistook them as gods.[24]

Objects

Non-Canon Information

The Majora's Mask manga by Akira Himekawa implies that Odolwa is the god of the Deku, though Odolwa may merely be a name for the Southern Giant they are known to worship in Majora's Mask.

Trivia

  • The various divinities in The Legend of Zelda series seem to be based upon the Japanese concept of kami, rather than the more Western perception of a single omnipotent God. Like Hyrule's divinities, the kami are numerous, are tied to certain objects or locations, are worshiped at shrines, and vary in power. The Wind Shrine in The Wind Waker even features a torii gate, which are used in Japan to mark the entrance to a kami's shrine.
    • The relationship between the Golden Goddesses and Hylia is reminiscent of the Japanese deities Izanami, Izanagi, and Amaterasu. Like the Golden Goddesses, Izanami and Izanagi were the gods who created the world. Like Amaterasu, Hylia is the most widely-worshiped god (at least in Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild) and the ancestor of the Royal Family.

Nomenclature

Names in Other Regions
LanguageNames
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

References

  1. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords—Prima's Official Strategy Guide, Prima Games, pg. 5 (ALttP)
  2. ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 254 (OoA) & 259 (TWW | TWWHD)
  3. ↑ "And with the third toll of the bell, I will become like a god!" — Vaati (The Minish Cap)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 22
  5. ↑ "The guardian who attacks all those who come near Death Mountain." (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 30)
  6. ↑ "デスマウンテンに近づく者を撃退する守り神。" (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 29)
  7. ↑ "Residing within the Fire Temple in Ocarina of Time, Volvagia was a wicked dragon defeated by Link; in essence, it was the spirit of Death Mountain." (Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 22)
  8. ↑ "The imp was a friend of the giants since before they had created the four worlds." — Granny (Majora's Mask)
  9. ↑ "The guardian deities of my world are on our side, too!" — Midna (Twilight Princess)
  10. ↑ Creating a Champion, Dark Horse Books, pg. 157
  11. ↑ "This noble creature watches over all animals that make their homes in the forest. Legends say this holy creature is a reincarnation of a sage that died on the lands it now protects. It has an acute awareness of its surroundings, so it seldom appears before people. It's sometimes known by its other name, Satori." — Hyrule Compendium (Breath of the Wild)
  12. ↑ "They say that Gerudos worship Ganondorf almost like a god." — Gossip Stone (Ocarina of Time)
  13. ↑ "I'm off to the Temple of Darkness to worship Lord Ganon! Oopipi!" — Deku Scrub (Four Swords Adventures)
  14. ↑ ""Ganon, Ganon," they chanted. It was as though they were...worshipping." — N/A (Four Swords Adventures)
  15. ↑ "This power is granted to me by my god! It is the magic of the King of Twilight, and you WILL respect it!" — Zant (Twilight Princess)
  16. ↑ "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)
  17. ↑ "Ich... Ich bin eigentlich eine Gottheit des Lebens und der Stärke." — Horned Statue (Breath of the Wild)
  18. ↑ "Hace mucho tiempo, yo era una deidad que otorgaba vida y poder." — Horned Statue (Breath of the Wild)
  19. ↑ "命と力を司る神･･･ それがかつての俺だ " — Horned Statue (Breath of the Wild)
  20. ↑ "Beyond Gerudo Fortress and past the Haunted Wasteland are a goddess statue and the Spirit Temple. Because of differences in religion, the people of Hyrule say the Desert Colossus depicts an evil deity. Thieves loyal to Ganondorf and Nabooru use it as a base of operations, and experiments in brainwashing using magic are conducted there." (Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 45)
  21. ↑ "It was also said that whoever met with the Great Fairy who lived here was blessed with great fortune, so it came to be known as the Fountain of the Fortune Goddess." — N/A (The Wind Waker)
  22. ↑ "Long ago, my people, known as the Zonai, came from the heavens to the surface of the world. It was said they were the descendants of gods..." — Mineru (Tears of the Kingdom)
  23. ↑ "They bore treasures from these same gods--secret stones, capable of amplifying the abilities of those who possessed them." — Mineru (Tears of the Kingdom)
  24. ↑ "When your Zonai ancestors first descended upon these lands long, long ago, they must have seemed to be gods." — Ganondorf (Tears of the Kingdom)
  25. ↑ "The moon has long been considered a mystical body, which people have worshiped and feared. That alone shows how the moon has a cosmic influence that affects our daily lives." — Professor Shikashi (Majora's Mask)
  26. ↑ "The Tuni Nut is the city's symbol. We dutifully worshipped this nut." — N/A (Oracle of Ages)
  27. ↑ "Bring the Rod of Seasons that is worshipped in the temple!" — N/A (Oracle of Seasons)
Retrieved from "https://zeldawiki.wiki/w/index.php?title=Deity&oldid=1095107"