Maiden: Difference between revisions

{{Infobox Character

|image= File:FSA Seven Maidens.png

|caption= The Shrine Maidens from {{FSA|-}}

|title=  

|race=  

|ALttP (Ishinomori)= {{Plural|ALttP (Ishinomori)|Hylian|link}}

|game= ALttP, FSA

|other= ALttP (Ishinomori), FS (Himekawa)

|family= [[Sage]]s{{Exp|ancestors}}

The {{Term/Store|Maiden|Maidens|Series|plural}} are a recurring group of seven young women, including [[Princess Zelda]], in {{TLoZ|Series}}.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= A&A |publisher= |page= 388}}</ref> In {{ALttP}}, they are descendants of the [[Sage#A_Link_to_the_Past|seven Sages]], from whom they have inherited magical abilities.<ref name=lineage>{{Cite|They say the Hylia people controlled mysterious powers, as did the seven wise men. But the blood of the Hylia has become thin over time. We who carry the blood of the seven wise men do not possess strong power any more, either. Our powers will increase if we mix the courage of the Knights with the wisdom of the wise men.|Maiden|ALttP}}</ref> In {{FSA}}, they are also descended from Sages<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book=E |publisher= |page=24 }}</ref> and their role is to protect the [[Four Sword Sanctuary]]. In both games, they are taken captive and later rescued by [[Link]], aiding him subsequently in his efforts to restore the peace in [[Hyrule]].

==Biography==

==={{ALttP|-}}===

[[File:ALttP The Return of the King Credits Scene.png|thumb|left|256px|The King, the seven Maidens and four [[Soldier]]s in {{ALttP|-}}]]

Long before the events of {{ALttP}}, the seven Sages (named Wise Men in the original version)<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=However, their lives were not lost in vain, for they bought precious time for the Seven Wise Men to magically seal Ganon in the Golden Land.|game=ALttP|page=6}}</ref> joined forces with the [[Knights of Hyrule]] to seal [[Ganon]] and his influence in the [[Sacred Realm]], preventing him from taking over the [[Light World]].<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=The King of Hyrule gathered the Seven Sages to find a way to seal the entrance to the Golden Land so that his kingdom would be safe from the evil there.|game=ALttP&FS|page=15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=The Knights of Hyrule: they fought in a war while the Sages were sealing the way to the Golden Land. They fought against the evil who tried to stop the Sages.|game=ALttP&FS|page= }}</ref>

Prior to Link's quest, [[Agahnim]], late [[King of Hyrule|King]]'s right-hand man, used his power to find and capture the seven Maidens, who are descended from the Sages' bloodlines. While not as strong as their ancestors, the Maidens had inherited their magical abilities.<ref name=lineage/> Agahnim planned to send them to the [[Dark World]] one by one in order to break the {{Term|ALttP|Seal of the Seven Wise Men|link}} that kept Ganon locked up.<ref>{{Cite|Long ago, in the beautiful kingdom of Hyrule surrounded by mountains and forests... legends told of an omnipotent and omniscient Golden Power that resided in a hidden land. Many people aggressively sought to enter the hidden Golden Land... But no one ever returned. One day evil power began to flow from the Golden Land... So the King commanded seven wise men to seal the gate to the Land of the Golden Power. That seal should have remained for all time... ... ...But, when these events were obscured by the mists of time and became legend... A mysterious wizard known as Agahnim came to Hyrule to release the seal. He eliminated the good King of Hyrule... Through evil magic, he began to make descendants of the seven wise men vanish, one after another. And the time of destiny for Princess Zelda is drawing near.|N/A|ALttP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Link, because of you, I can escape from the clutches of the evil monsters. Thank you! Ganon captured us because he couldn't break the seal of the wise men with his power alone. And then, using the wizard Agahnim as his pawn, he drew us to the Dark World. After cracking the seal with our powers, he sealed us inside of these crystals. He then gave us to his loyal monsters. But Ganon didn't plan on your getting this far. Now, Princess Zelda is waiting for you inside of Turtle Rock. Please hurry!|Maiden|ALttP}}</ref>

[[Princess Zelda]] was going to be the seventh sacrifice, but she managed to telepathically send a message to [[Link]], requesting him to rescue her.<ref>{{Cite|Help me... Please help me... I am a prisoner in the dungeon of the castle. My name is Zelda. The wizard, Agahnim, has done... something to the other missing girls. Now only I remain... Agahnim has seized control of the castle and is now trying to open the seven wise men's seal. ... ... I am in the dungeon of the castle. Please help me...|Princess Zelda|ALttP}}</ref> Succeeding in bringing her to safety, Link was told to meet [[Sahasrahla]], the [[Kakariko Village]] elder and a descendant of the seven Sages.<ref>{{Cite|I am, indeed, Sahasrahla, the village elder and a descendant of the seven wise men. ... ... Oh really? Link, I am surprised a young man like you is searching for the sword of evil's bane. Not just anyone can use that weapon. Legends say only the Hero who has won the three Pendants can wield the sword. ... ... ... Do you really want to find it?|Sahasrahla|ALttP}}</ref> On his quest to obtain the [[Master Sword]], Link also met the [[Lost Old Man|grandfather of one of the Maidens]] who gives him the [[Magic Mirror]], and details on the whereabouts and use of the [[Moon Pearl]].

Through all this, Link found and claimed the Master Sword, at which point Zelda sent him a telepathic message once more that the [[Soldier (Enemy)|soldiers]] had found her.<ref>{{Cite|Link! Help! The soldiers are coming to Sanctuary! AIEEEEEEE! ... ... ...|Princess Zelda|ALttP}}</ref> Despite his best efforts, he could not prevent her becoming the seventh sacrifice. All was not lost, as Sahasrahla told Link that victory was still in reach if Link could reclaim the [[Triforce]]. To do so would require the help of the Maidens, who were still alive and trapped somewhere in the Dark World.<ref>{{Cite|Link, it is I, Sahasrahla. I am communicating to you across the void through telepathy... The place where you now stand was the Golden Land, but evil power turned it into the Dark World. The wizard has broken the wise men's seal and opened a gate to link the worlds at Hyrule Castle. In order to save this half of the world, the Light World, you must win back the Golden Power. You must also rescue the seven maidens who Agahnim sent to the Dark World. As members of the blood-line of the seven wise men, they have power that will surely help you. The maidens are locked in hidden dungeons full of evil creatures and dangerous traps. The Palace of Darkness should be your first goal in this world! Link, I can rely on only you. Please make this old man's wishes come true. I beg you!|Sahasrahla|ALttP}}</ref>

Link set off to save the Maidens. However, each one was transformed into a [[Crystal]] in the possession of a demonic monster within a [[dungeon]]. The Maiden inside the [[Palace of Darkness]] elaborated on this, explaining that Ganon needed the gate to become larger to be of use to him and that he was still using the Maiden's powers to get that accomplished. She also explained that Link needed the Maidens' help to reach {{Term|ALttP (Ishinomori)|Ganon's Tower|link}} and urged him to rescue the others.<ref>{{Cite|Link, because of you, I can escape from the clutches of the evil monsters. Thank you! ...This world used to be the Golden Land where the Triforce was hidden. But because Ganon, the boss of thieves, wished it the world was transformed... I'm sure he's intending to conquer even our Light World after building his power here. He is trying to open a larger gate between worlds near the castle using our powers. But the gate is not open completely yet... If we seven maidens come together, we can break the barrier around Ganon's hiding place. I will tell you where the other girls are held. I believe you will destroy Ganon. I will return to my original form at that time. ... ... ... ... ... May the way of the Hero lead to the Triforce.|Maiden|ALttP}}</ref> When Link collected all the Crystals, including one which sealed Princess Zelda in {{Term|ALttP|Turtle Rock|link}}, they helped break the barrier around Ganon's Tower as promised, allowing Link to go in and defeat Ganon once and for all.<ref>{{Cite|Link, we are going to break the barrier of Ganon's Tower with our power.|Princess Zelda|ALttP}}</ref> During the ending, the Maidens are seen finally restored to their normal Hylian form, along with the revived King of Hyrule and [[Soldier]]s freed of brainwashing.

==={{FSA|-}}===

[[File:FSA Seven Maidens Sealing.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The Maidens sealing the Four Sword]]

In {{FSA}}, the maidens are referred to as '''Shrine Maidens''' and are responsible for keeping the powers dormant in the [[Four Sword Sanctuary]] under control. It is they who control the gate to its sacred grounds, preventing anyone from taking the [[Four Sword]] and from freeing [[Vaati]].<ref>{{Cite|These six maidens guard the portal to the Four Sword Sanctuary to keep it safe. I'm going now to make sure Vaati's seal remains strong. Now, the shrine maidens and I must open the portal to the Four Sword's resting place. Step back, Link...|Princess Zelda|FSA}}</ref> The [[Royal Jewels]] that belong in the Four Sword Sanctuary to open [[Tower of Winds|the path]] to the [[Realm of the Heavens]] are left in the care of the [[Knights of Hyrule]], only to be gathered and used through the Shrine Maidens' power if the path were to close.<ref name="GreenMaidenSpeech">{{Cite|You passed through the flames to rescue me! Such bravery. You're just like the [[Knights of Hyrule]]! You've heard of the Knights of Hyrule, of course! They're the pride of the kingdom! They would lay down their lives for honor! In Hyrule, four sacred jewels can open the path to the Realm of the Heavens. The safety of these jewels has for ages been entrusted to the Knights of Hyrule. And yet, in these dark times, the knights are nowhere to be seen... I cannot hide my fears. ... ... ... Pardon? Master Kaepora Gaebora, you say? Is that so... Well then, we must go to Hyrule Castle! We must liberate the castle!|Green Maiden|FSA}}</ref>  

In {{FSA|-}}, each of the Shrine Maidens has an associated color after which they are titled. When freed, the Shrine Maidens turn into the form of [[Fairy's Spirit]]s. [[Kaepora Gaebora]] returns to guide Link through his quest. There is no mention made of him being the reincarnation of an ancient Sage, but he is both known and respected by the Shrine Maidens.<ref name="GreenMaidenSpeech"/>

On a stormy night, Princess Zelda and the Shrine Maidens feared that the reason for those events was that [[Vaati]]'s seal was weakening.<ref>{{Cite|Oh, Link... It's you! Thank goodness you came! The six maidens who guard Hyrule are gathered here in the castle. The sky has become so dark and foreboding... I'm worried about the seal that binds the wind sorcerer Vaati.|Princess Zelda|FSA}}</ref> They summoned Link to the castle so he could protect them while they opened the portal to the Four Sword Sanctuary. When they did however, the portal turned dark and [[Dark Link|Shadow Link]] came from it. Using the confusion his looks caused, he abducted the Shrine Maidens and sealed them in [[crystal]]s strengthened by Vaati's magic in [[dungeon]]s all over Hyrule. This in order for either [[Ganon]] or Vaati to leech power from them<ref>{{Cite|Link! There's a terrible fiend in Hyrule Castle. He's leeching power from the maidens little by little. Listen well, Link. To rescue the maidens, you must face the fiercest of foes. Keep your wits about you, and be wary!|Kaepora Gaebora|FSA}}</ref> and to keep the Tower of Winds, where Princess Zelda was held captive, inaccessible.  

Not the one to sit back and do nothing, Link entered the portal the Shrine Maidens had created before their capture and drew the Four Sword, thereby accepting the destiny of the Hero and the responsibility to free the Shrine Maidens.<ref>{{Cite|Link... You have accepted the destiny of the Hero... Princess Zelda and the six maidens have been taken by dark forces. However, Vaati's magic has robbed the Four Sword of its power to vanquish darkness. To return the sword to its full strength, find the source of that power: Force Gems. Gather Force Gems wherever they lie, and rescue the maidens and Princess Zelda.|Kaepora Gaebora|FSA}}</ref> Each Shrine Maiden he freed helped him reach another part of Hyrule, usually the part they watched over. They also used their ability to travel in [[Fairy|fairy-form]] to accompany Link from time to time and hand him instructions on how to proceed. Once the sixth Shrine Maiden was freed, the group united their powers to call for Princess Zelda,<ref>{{Cite|We'll work together to find Princess Zelda! Let our six hearts be one... Now let us call to her!|Maiden|FSA}}</ref> whom they found out to be held in the Tower of Winds. They urged Link to find the last royal jewel not yet in his possession so that they could summon the tower back to Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite|Ah! Princess Zelda! The Tower of Winds!! She is trapped in the Tower of Wind, which has now vanished from Hyrule... Accursed Vaati! The princess is in danger! Link! Quickly, you must get the last royal jewel and bring back the tower! You heroes have crossed Hyrule and gathered three of the jewels. There's only one place left to search. Frozen Hyrule, where the power of darkness keeps spring at bay... The last royal jewel must be there! No matter the cost to us, Princess Zelda must be rescued!! Hurry, Link!|Maiden|FSA}}</ref> The Shrine Maidens then went ahead to the Four Sword Sanctuary to keep it safe from attacks in the time Link would need to get the remaining royal jewel and to prepare for the ceremony.<ref>{{Cite|Link, the Tower of Winds has vanished. If we enshrine the royal jewels on the Four Sword's sacred ground, the temple may reappear. We'll go on ahead and guard the sacred ground from our foe until you arrive. The power of darkness has halted the flow of time here, and winter lingers on. We must believe in tomorrow and hold true to our hope. May our passion keep our hearts from freezing! Link, you must first seek out the final royal jewel! Then, we will go to the Tower of Winds, where Princess Zelda awaits.|Maiden|FSA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Link, the sacred grounds lie within this forest. Preparations are complete. Come, let us proceed.|White Maiden|FSA}}</ref> When Link returned with all four royal jewels, the Shrine Maidens wasted no time on bringing back the Tower of Winds.<ref>{{Cite|Hear me, heavens... Hear me, earth... Heed the light of the royal jewels enshrined here, and restore to us... the Tower of Winds!!|Maiden|FSA}}</ref> Link proceeded to rescue Zelda, who promised that she and the Shrine Maidens would prevent the evil Link had been fighting from recovering, but that he had to destroy Vaati to make peace return truly.<ref>{{Cite|Link? It is you, isn't it, Link? I believed you would come to my rescue, and here you are. I knew you would wield the Four Sword and come... Thanks to your efforts the darkness above ground is thinning. The maidens and I will pray to keep the darkness from recovering its full strength. However, the Realm of the Heavens is now overflowing with Vaati's monsters. The darkness in the Realm of the Heavens must be purged if true peace is to return.|Princess Zelda|FSA}}</ref>

[[File:FSA Blue Maiden Sprite.png|left|x40px]]  

The '''Blue Maiden''' is the first of the Shrine Maidens to aid the Hero. She appears to be in charge of [[Eastern Hyrule]], where a [[Village of the Blue Maiden|village lies that is named after her]]. She was held captive in [[Hyrule Castle]] and guarded by [[Phantom Ganon]].<ref>{{Cite|Where am I? The darkness... It's gone. I have been freed, haven't I? Link! What's happened to you? Oh, the Four Sword. You've drawn the mystic blade. That means Vaati is free once more, does it not? And you've taken up the mantle fate has given you. How brave! Such determination speaks well of you. You are truly a great hero. Oh... Oh! There's something you must know! That dark shadow that captured us... It looked... just like you! What was it? Link... you must save the princess and the remaining maidens! Travel by sea under my protection to a place called the Eastern Temple. Another of my kidnapped sisters is imprisoned there. Allow me to transform, that I might serve as your guide. Come! We must go! Let's go!|Blue Maiden|FSA}}</ref>

[[File:FSA Yellow Maiden Sprite.png|left|x40px]]  

The '''Yellow Maiden''' is the second of the Shrine Maidens to aid the Hero. She is in charge of [[Death Mountain]] and was held captive in the [[Eastern Temple]], guarded by [[Stone Arrghus]].<ref>{{Cite|Link! Did you defeat that giant stone eye-thing? Thank you! By defeating that beast, you rescued me from my crystal prison! Thank you, Link. You have my gratitude! The wind sorcerer Vaati has regained his power. When he last tried to conquer Hyrule, he built a Palace of Winds in the Realm of the Heavens. So even now, he's sure to be- Link! You must first rescue Princess Zelda. Act quickly! I rule over Death Mountain. High atop the peak, the Tower of Flames stands tall. Climb the mountain. One of the maidens must be trapped in the tower of raging lava. Come, Link. I shall guide you.|Yellow Maiden|FSA}}</ref>

[[File:FSA Green Maiden Sprite.png|left|x40px]]  

[[File:FSA White Maiden Sprite.png|left|x40px]]  

The '''White Maiden''' is the fourth of the Shrine Maidens to aid the Hero. She is in charge of the [[Forest of Light]], now known as the [[Lost Woods]], and was held captive in [[Hyrule Castle]], guarded by the [[Big Poe (Boss)|Big Poe]].<ref>{{Cite|Link... Thank you. You carry my hopes with you...as well as all of Hyrule's. Wait... is that the blue royal jewel you carry? How did you come by it? Is that so? The Knights of Hyrule... So even the jewels are now... Link, all we can do is put our faith in the light and press on, overcoming each obstacle that confronts us. My forest has lost its light. Darkness covers it like a shroud. Link, will you go to the forest? Perhaps you will find some clues there. In the heart of the forest is a temple. The Dark Mirror can be found there. Long ago, a dark tribe invaded Hyrule. They were defeated and imprisoned within the mirror. The tribe's mirror prison was then secreted away and hidden in the forest temple to sever its connection to this world. That Dark Mirror must never fall into the hands of those with evil hearts.|White Maiden|FSA}}</ref>

[[File:FSA Red Maiden Sprite.png|left|x40px]]  

[[File:FSA Purple Maiden Sprite.png|left|x40px]]  

[[File:FSA Princess Zelda Sprite.png|left|x40px]]

==={{ALttP|-}} (Ishinomori)===

In the {{ALttP|Ishinomori}}, Agahnim has sent the Maidens into the [[Dark World]] so that [[Ganon]] could steal their power, thus weakening Ganon's seal and eventually open the way to the now tainted [[Sacred Realm]].<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=Agahnim sent the Maidens here so Ganon could steal their power!|book= ALttP (Ishinomori)|publisher= |page=5}}</ref> Much like in the game, Agahnim casts his final incantation on the third and final Maiden, Princess Zelda, on the night of a full moon in front of Link's eyes, prompting the young hero to rescue the Maidens as well as the princess from the Dark World.

Link first learns of the Maidens when he talks to [[Zora (Ishinomori)|Zora]] in the Dark World, who mentions that a Maiden is imprisoned in the [[Palace of Darkness]] nearby.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=Yesss, and one is imprisoned in Crystal in the palace nearby...but you shouldn't go there! In legendsss that place is known as the Palace of Darkness... Ganon's servantss have ssstockpiled the dangerousss, explosssive firecorn there...|book= ALttP (Ishinomori)|publisher= |page=5,6}}</ref> When Link arrives to the Palace of Darkness, he denotes the [[firecorn]] explosives held in the storeroom, causing the entire palace to collapse but also allowing the Maiden to be freed from her [[crystal]]. As a sign of gratitude for saving her, the Maiden grants Link a relic called the [[Comfork]].<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=Thank you, Link! Because of you I can escape this Crystal prison! Now, here is something that will help you--the Comm-Fork!|book= ALttP (Ishinomori)|publisher= |page=16}}</ref>  

The second Maiden is found in a hidden chamber of the {{Term|ALttP (Ishinomori)|Swamp Palace|link}}. As Link makes his way to the maiden, a large, tentacled monster attacks him. He thrusts himself with the Master Sword into the monster and defeats the creature, which spits out Link from inside and gives him a chance to destroy the floating crystal where the maiden is. The maiden, now freed, thanks Link and tells him that Zelda is imprisoned in a {{Term|ALttP (Ishinomori)|Turtle Rock|link}} found at the end of the world, then vanishes.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=Thank you for saving me, Link! I know you are searching for Zelda. She is being held in a rock that looks like a turtle. But this rock is located at the end of this world...|book= ALttP (Ishinomori)|publisher= |page=8}}</ref> Knowing this, Link eventually makes his way to {{Term|ALttP (Ishinomori)|Turtle Rock}} and frees Princess Zelda, and with her and the Maidens' help, Link and Zelda are able to go inside the {{Term|ALttP (Ishinomori)|Ganon's Tower|link}}.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=Oh, mystical maidens... Lend us your power...|book= ALttP (Ishinomori)|publisher= |page=10}}</ref>

During the final battle with Ganon, Zelda fires an ordinary [[arrow]] from [[Roam]]'s [[crossbow]] to the now-frozen Ganon. As the arrow approaches Ganon, it is empowered by Link, Zelda, Roam, and the Maidens, turning into a [[Silver Arrow]] and thus defeating the King of Thieves.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=It was the '''enchanted arrow'''...|book= ALttP (Ishinomori)|publisher= |page=6}}</ref>

==={{FS|-}} (Himekawa)===

*In the original Japanese text of {{OoS}} and {{OoA}}, the [[Oracle]]s are referred to as "Shrine Maidens", the same title as the Maidens of {{FSA|-}}. It is not known if there is a connection between the two.

*Removed text of {{FSA|-}} seems to imply that it was originally going to feature sages instead of shrine maidens.<ref>{{Cite Web|url=http://www.zeldalegends.net/files/emulation/dumps/fsa/Europe/FSA_English.txt|title=Four Swords Adventures' Text Dump|site=Zelda Legends}}</ref>

*The colors of the glowing orbs which the [[Lokomo]] from {{ST}} turn into at the end of the game, match the colors of the Shrine Maidens in {{FSA|-}}.

*It is possible that in {{BotW}}, the [[Seven Heroines]] are related to the Maidens or [[Sage]]s. Described as divine protectors of the [[Gerudo]] people, the Heroines each represent a unique power—skill, spirit, endurance, knowledge, flight, motion and gentleness—shown in-game by the Heroine statues' associated orbs which have unique colors and symbols (red, orange, yellow, grey, green, blue, purple). These colors roughly, but do not exactly, correspond to the colors of the Maidens shown in {{FSA}}.

{{Nomenclature}}

File:ALttP Maiden Sprite.png|First Maiden from {{ALttP|-}}

File:ALttP Maiden Sprite 2.png|Second Maiden from {{ALttP|-}}

File:ALttP Maiden Sprite 3.png|Third Maiden from {{ALttP|-}}

File:ALttP Maiden Sprite 4.png|Fourth Maiden from {{ALttP|-}}

File:ALttP Maiden Sprite 5.png|Fifth Maiden from {{ALttP|-}}

File:ALttP Maiden Sprite 6.png|Sixth Maiden from {{ALttP|-}}

|Hylians, Maidens, Sages

|characters= ALttP, ALttP (Himekawa), ALttP (Ishinomori)