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{{featured}}
{{Hatnote|Not to be confused with {{Term|Series|Ganondorf|link}}, {{Term|Series|Ganon}}'s {{Term|Series|Gerudo}} form.}}
{{Boss
{{Infobox Boss
|name = Ganon
|image=  
|image = [[File:DarkBeastGanon TP.png|225px|]]
{{Media
|title = Dark Beast<br>Prince of Darkness<ref name=TLOZM>[http://www.zeldalegends.net/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=28&fullsize=1 The Legend of Zelda (NES) Manual]</ref><br>King of Darkness<ref>{{cite|Everything's going swell lately! And we have Ganon, King of Darkness, to thank! Huh? [[Vaati]]? What's that? No, Vaati's old news. Ganon's the King of Darkness! Forget Vaati!|Deku Scrub|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref><br>King of Evil<br>Dark Lord<br>Evil King
|Artwork TLoZ= File:TLoZ Link Battling Ganon Artwork.png
|game = ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'', ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracle of Ages]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''
|Artwork ALttP= File:ALttP Ganon Artwork.png
|dungeon = [[Ganon's Tower|Ganon's Tower/Castle]], [[Hyrule Castle]], [[Pyramid of Power]], [[Room of Rites]]
|Artwork OoT= File:OoT Ganon Artwork.png
|weakness = [[Master Sword]], [[Four Sword]], [[Dead Man's Volley|His own magic]], [[Light Arrow]]s, [[Silver Arrow]]s
|Artwork OoS= File:OoS Ganon Artwork.png
|Artwork OoA= File:OoA Ganon Artwork.png
|Artwork ALBW= File:ALBW Ganon Artwork.png
|Model OoT= File:OoT Ganon Model.png
|Model OoT3D= File:OoT3D Ganon Model.png
|Model TP= File:TP Ganon Model.png
|Model TPHD= File:TPHD Ganon Model.png
|Model ALBW= File:ALBW Ganon Model.png
|Model BotW= File:BotW Dark Beast Ganon Model.png
|Model EoW= File:EoW Ganon Model.png
|Render TP= File:TP Ganon Render.png
|Sprite TLoZ= File:TLoZ Ganon Sprite 5.png
|Sprite TAoL= File:TAoL Ganon Sprite.png
|Sprite ALttP= File:ALttP Ganon Sprite.png
|Sprite OoS= File:OoS Ganon Sprite.png
|Sprite OoA= File:OoA Ganon Sprite.png
|Sprite FSA= File:FSA Ganon Sprite.png
}}
}}
'''Ganon''', (Pronounced {{IPA|'ɡæn ən}}, {{Respell|GAN|ən}}) also known as '''Ganondorf''', (Pronounced {{IPA|'ɡæn ən dɔrf}}, {{Respell|GAN|ən|dorf}}) is the main antagonist of [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]]. He has been present since the first game, ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'', and until ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'', he was at least referred to in each. It is generally assumed that, unlike his archenemies [[Link]] and [[Princess Zelda]], he is the same person who recurrently surfaces as the primary antagonist, although he has had several deaths, both confirmed, like in ''The Legend of Zelda'', and unconfirmed, such as in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'', and has also been resurrected in the past, as well, so the subject of Ganon's consistent or inconsistent identity as the same man throughout nearly 25 years of games [[Ganon Conflicts|poses many questions to fans]]. He is the possessor of the [[Triforce#Triforce of Power|Triforce of Power]], imbued with the essence of the Goddess [[Din (Goddess)|Din]]. This divine relic makes Ganon unimaginably strong and grants him boundless mystical power, making him a grave threat to the land of Hyrule and the world. As stated in prophecy, the only one capable of defeating Ganon is the [[Link|Hero]] who is chosen by the [[Golden Goddesses|Goddesses]].
|caption=
|pronunciation= {{IPA|ˈɡænən}} {{Respell|GAN|ən}}<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=Those creatures from Ganon / Are pretty bad |retrieved=October 14, 2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giSyRgWRzbI&t=12s |title={{TLoZ|-}} US rap commercial |site=YouTube}}</ref>
|title=
{{Infobox Game Blocks
|TLoZ= Demon King<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 106}}</ref>, King of Evil<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= |game= TAoL |page= 4 {{Exp Game|TLoZ}}}}</ref>, Prince of Darkness<ref>{{Cite|LONG AGO, {{Color|TLoZ Red|GANON}}, PRINCE OF DARKNESS, STOLE THE TRIFORCE OF POWER. {{Color|TLoZ Blue|PRINCESS ZELDA}} OF HYRULE BROKE THE TRIFORCE OF WISDOM INTO EIGHT PIECES AND HID THEM FROM {{Color|TLoZ Red|GANON}} BEFORE SHE WAS KIDNAPPED BY {{Color|TLoZ Red|GANON'S}} MINIONS. {{Color|TLoZ Green|LINK}}, YOU MUST FIND THE PIECES AND SAVE {{Color|TLoZ Blue|ZELDA}}.|N/A|TLoZ}}</ref>, Great Thief<ref name="HH 106">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 106}}</ref>
|ALttP= King of Evil<ref name="E 10"/>, Forger of Strength<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= |game= ALttP |page= 3}}</ref>, King of Thieves<ref>{{Cite Guide|quote= |game= ALttP |guide= Nintendo |page= 12}}</ref>
|OoT= Demon King<ref name="E 10">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 10}}</ref>, Evil Incarnation of Darkness<ref>{{Cite|Ancient Creators of Hyrule! Now open the sealed door, and send the Evil Incarnation of Darkness into the void of the Evil Realm!|Rauru|OoT3D}}</ref>, Evil King<ref>{{Cite|After you opened the Door of Time, the Master Sword sealed you away in the Sacred Realm... Your spirit remained in the Sacred Realm... and then the Triforce fell into Ganondorf's hands. He went on to invade the Sacred Realm... Ganondorf had become the Evil King, and the Sacred Realm became a world of evil. All of this is an unfortunate coincidence.|Princess Zelda|OoT3D}}</ref>, King of Evil<ref>{{Cite|It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, {{Color|OoT3D Red|Zelda}}. I apologize for meeting you in disguise, but it was necessary to hide from the King of Evil. Please forgive me...|Princess Zelda|OoT3D}}</ref>, King of Thieves<ref name="E 10"/>, Gerudo King of Thieves<ref name="Gerudo King of Thieves">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= A&A |publisher= |page= 413}}</ref>, Great Ganondorf<ref>{{Cite|Listen. The {{Color|OoT3D Red|great Ganondorf}} recognized my obvious talents and gave the ranch to me!|Ingo|OoT3D}}</ref>, King of the Thieves<ref>{{Cite Guide|quote= |game= OoT |guide= Prima |page= 16}}</ref>, King of the Gerudo Thieves<ref>{{Cite|I've seen your fine work. To get past the guards here, you must have good thieving skills. I used to think that all men, except for the great Ganondorf, were useless...but now that I've seen you, I don't think so anymore! {{Color|OoT3D Red|The exalted Nabooru}}, our leader, put me in charge of this fortress. Nabooru is the second-in-command to the great Ganondorf, King of the Gerudo Thieves. Her headquarters are in the {{Color|OoT3D Yellow|Spirit Temple}}, which is at the end of the desert. Say, you must want to become one of us, eh? All right then! You're in from now on! Take this. With it, you will have free access to all areas of the fortress!|Gerudo Warrior|OoT3D}}</ref>, King Ganondorf<ref>{{Cite Guide|quote= |game= OoT |guide= Prima |page= 14}}</ref>
|OoS= Evil King<ref>{{Cite|Victory Ring<br/>The Evil King Ganon defeated|Inventory|OoS}}</ref>
|OoA= Evil King<ref>{{Cite|Victory Ring<br/>The Evil King Ganon defeated|Inventory|OoA}}</ref>
|FSA= Demon King<ref name="E 10"/>, King of Darkness<ref>{{Cite|Everything's going swell lately! And we have Ganon, King of Darkness, to thank! Huh? Vaati? What's that? No, Vaati's old news. Ganon's the King of Darkness! Forget Vaati!|Deku Scrub|FSA}}</ref>
|TP= The Beast{{Fact|TP}}, Dark Beast<ref>{{Cite|Dark Beast<br/>{{Big|GANON}}|N/A|TPHD}}</ref>, Dark Rider{{Fact|TP}}, Dark Lord<ref>{{Cite|Dark Lord<br/>{{Big|GANONDORF}}|N/A|TPHD}}</ref>
|ALBW= Demon King<ref>{{Cite|Long ago, Ganon the Demon King nearly destroyed our world.|Sahasrahla|ALBW}}</ref>
|BotW= King of the Gerudo<ref name="CaC 401">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= CaC |publisher= |page= 401}}</ref>, Great King of Evil<ref name="CaC 401"/>
|HW= Lord Ganon<ref>{{Cite|Lord Ganon! Your martial prowess is truly outstanding!|Ghirahim|HW}}</ref>
|SSBfWU= The King of Darkness<ref>{{Cite|The King of Darkness<br/>GANONDORF|N/A|SSBfWU}}</ref>
|SSBU= The King of Darkness<ref>{{Cite|The King of Darkness<br/>GANONDORF|N/A|SSBU}}</ref>
|HWAoC= Lord Ganon<ref>{{Cite|Respect. Sooga! This is a directive from Lord Ganon.|Master Kohga|HWAoC}}</ref>
}}
|alias=
|race= [[Demon]]
|gender= Male<ref name="Nabooru">{{Cite|With his followers, he stole from women and children, and he even killed people! A kid like you may not know this, but the Gerudo race consists only of women. Only one man is born every hundred years... Even though our laws say that lone male Gerudo must become King of the Gerudo, I'll never bow to such an evil man!|Nabooru|OoT}}</ref>
|game= TLoZ, TAoL, ALttP, LA, OoT, OoS, OoA, TWW, FSA, TP, ALBW, BotW, EoW
|other= TLoZ (TV Series), CN, TLoZ (Valiant Comics), TCT, ALttP (Ishinomori), TSP, TFoE, TWoG, BSTLoZ, ZA, SSB, SSBM, SSBB, OoT (Himekawa), HW, SSB4, SSBU, CoH, HWAoC
|dungeon= {{List|[[Level-9]], [[Ganon's Castle]], [[Ganon's Tower]], [[Pyramid of Power]], [[Room of Rites]], [[Tower of Winds]], [[Hyrule Castle]], [[Throne Room]]}}
|habitat=
|health=
{{Infobox Game Blocks
|TLoZ= {{HP|TLoZ|16}}
|OoT= {{HP|OoT|40}}
}}
|attack=
|weakness= {{List|[[Silver Arrow]]s, [[Master Sword]], [[Four Sword]], [[Dead Man's Volley]], [[Light Arrow]]s, [[Ancient Arrow]]s}}
|reward=
|exp=
|theme=
|strategy=
{{Infobox Game Blocks
|TLoZ= {{StrategyWiki|The Legend of Zelda/Underworld/Quest 1/Dungeon 9#Boss|Ganon}}
}}
|voiceactor= [[List of Voice Actors#Ganon|List of voice actors]]
}}
{{Term/Store|Ganon||Series, TLoZ, ALttP, OoT, OoS, OoA, FSA, TP, ALBW, TCT}} is a recurring character in {{TLoZ|Series}}.{{Exp Game|TLoZ, ALttP, OoT, OoS, OoA, TWW, FSA, TP, ALBW, TCT}}<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 179 {{Exp Game|TLoZ, ALttP, OoT, OoS, OoA, FSA, TP}} & 300 {{Exp Game|ALBW}}}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= TCT|publisher= |page= 1}}</ref> He is the main antagonist of the series, born from a {{Term|Series|Gerudo|link}} man named {{Term|Series|Ganondorf|link}}. He made his debut appearance in the very first game, {{TLoZ}}, and has since been present or referred to in most subsequent titles.


{{OTOC}}
{{OTOC}}
{{clear|left}}
==Backstory==
{{spoiler}}
{{ImageCaption|image=File:DarkLordGanondorf.png|size=190px|align=left|caption=Ganondorf, King of the Gerudo, as he appears in ''Twilight Princess''.|captionalign=center}}
Ganon was first given a (meager) back story in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]''. It was revealed that Ganon had not always been the boar-like demon introduced in ''The Legend of Zelda''. He was revealed to once have been a human by the name of '''Ganondorf''' (ガノンドロフ, ''Ganondorofu'') and leader of a group of thieves. With the help of his followers, he became the first to enter the [[Sacred Realm]] in ages. He claimed the [[Triforce]], turning the Sacred Realm into the [[Dark World]] and himself into a vastly powerful being.<ref>{{Cite|Ganon's wish was to conquer the world. That wish changed the Golden Land to the Dark World.|N/A|A Link to the Past}}</ref> However, he was trapped within the Sacred Realm by the combined efforts of the [[Knights of Hyrule]] and the [[Sage]]s. This story has been expanded on in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''. Ganondorf was born a [[Gerudo]], one of the human races of the realm of Hyrule. The Gerudo are a race of mostly female warriors and thieves, to whom only one male is born every century. The male is by birthright the King of the Gerudo.<ref>{{cite|Only one man is born every hundred years...Even though our laws say that lone male Gerudo must become King of the Gerudo, I'll never bow to such an evil man!|Nabooru|Ocarina of Time}}</ref>


Ganondorf used his position, the trust of the [[King of Hyrule]], as well as a great deal of cunning, manipulation, and mystical power to gain entrance to the Sacred Realm, the abode of the Triforce. However, he did not obtain the full Triforce but was left with only the Triforce of Power, which he used to great effect in his conquest of Hyrule. In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', Ganondorf's character was given greater depth; a timeline was established, and Ganon was given a clearer background and motive for his villainy. It is made clear that his desire to conquer Hyrule stems from the arduous life he and his people are subjected to living in the harsh [[Gerudo Desert]], a wasteland plagued by sandstorms and an unstable climate, which he compares to the verdant landscape of [[Hyrule Field]], and the amenable life lived by the Hylians.<ref>{{cite|My country lay within a [[Gerudo Desert|vast desert]]. When the sun rose into the sky, a burning wind punished my lands, searing the world. And when the moon climbed into the dark of night, a frigid gale pierced our homes. No matter when it came, the wind carried the same thing... Death. But the winds that blew across the [[Hyrule Field|green fields]] of [[Hyrule]] brought something other than suffering and ruin. I coveted that wind, I suppose.|Ganon|The Wind Waker}}</ref>
==Biography==
Introduced in {{TLoZ|-}} as a monstrous Prince of Darkness, Ganon's character has seen much development throughout the series, from being a simple monster to a powerful warlock with deeper motives to his actions.<ref name=covet>{{Cite|My country lay within a vast desert. When the sun rose into the sky, a burning wind punished my lands, searing the world. And when the moon climbed into the dark of night, a frigid gale pierced our homes. No matter when it came, the wind carried the same thing... Death. But the winds that blew across the green fields of Hyrule brought something other than suffering and ruin. I coveted that wind, I suppose.|Ganon|TWW}}</ref> As the incarnation of the Demon King [[Demise]]'s hatred for those with the blood of the [[Hylia|Goddess]] and the spirit of the [[Link|hero]] (or, according to the {{HH}}, the reincarnation of Demise himself),<ref>{{Cite Person|quote=This game talks about the birth of the Master Sword, and it touches on why Ganondorf showed up. If you play it, I think you'll get some understanding on that. It connects to Ocarina, so if you play Ocarina of Time 3D and move on to this game, I think you'll catch on to a lot of things.|name=Eiji Aonuma|url=http://www.1up.com/news/eiji-aonuma-wraps-zelda-skyward|title=Eiji Aonuma interview}}</ref> Ganon is destined to eternally reincarnate to pursue world domination.<ref name="Demise's final words">{{Cite|Extraordinary. You stand as a paragon of your kind, human. You fight like no human or demon I have ever known. Though this is not the end. My hate... never perishes. It is born anew in a cycle with no end! I will rise again! Those like you... Those who share the blood of the goddess and the spirit of the hero... They are eternally bound to this curse. An incarnation of my hatred shall ever follow your kind, dooming them to wander a blood-soaked sea of darkness for all time!|Demise|SS}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Book|quote=A cyclical tale arose from an ancient battle...|book=HH|page=91}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Book|quote=However, the destruction of Demise was not the end of the battle. It was the beginning of a curse: a never ending cycle of the reincarnation of the Demon King, whose hatred for those with the blood of the Goddess and the Spirit of the Hero is everlasting|book=HH|page=76}}</ref> In most cases though, he makes a return after being resurrected or breaking a seal. {{FSA}} is a notable exception, featuring a reincarnated Ganondorf.<ref name=FSA-reincarnation>{{Cite Book|quote=Four Swords Adventures: The Reincarnation of Ganondorf |book=HH|page= 69}}</ref> The original Ganondorf from {{OoT}} appears in most of the other games, making him stand out from other villains as the same character from game-to-game.


He is also given an alternate backstory in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]''. In this backstory, Ganondorf is a Gerudo, but he is not the king. He begins his transformation into the King of Darkness by violating the Gerudo taboo on the Dark Pyramid and seeking out the Trident of Power.<ref name=Pyramid>{{cite|The pyramid is sacred to our people. To have a criminal such as him enter... His presence stains its holy ground.|Gerudo|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref><ref name=Elder>{{cite|Once every 100 years, a special child is born unto my people. That child is destined to be the mighty guardian of the Gerudo and the desert. But this child, its heart grew twisted with every passing year. The child became a man who hungered for power at any price.|Gerudo elder|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref><ref name=Demon>{{cite|Ganon...This beast was once of the Gerudo...Once human. He was called Ganondorf! King of Darkness, ancient demon reborn. The wielder of the trident!!|Princess Zelda|Four Swords Adventures}}</ref>  
Ganon is the possessor of the [[Triforce#Triforce of Power|Triforce of Power]], imbued with the essence of the Goddess [[Din (Goddess)|Din]]. This divine relic makes Ganon unimaginably strong and grants him boundless mystical power, making him a grave threat to the land of [[Hyrule]] and the world. Additionally, Ganon is the source of darkness.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=Ganon: The source of darkness, awaiting his return to power. |retrieved=November 16, 2015 |url=http://zelda.com/link-between-worlds/history/ |title=Official Site - The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 2DS family of systems. |site=Zelda.com}}</ref> As stated in prophecy, the only one capable of defeating Ganon is the [[Link|Hero]] who is chosen by the [[Golden Goddesses|Goddesses]], Link.
{{clear}}


==Characteristics==
==={{TLoZ|-}}===
Ganondorf is a extremely powerful Gerudo warlock who mainly opposes Link and Zelda within the game series; as such, he is a villain of pure and utter evil, and is a cruel and ruthless warlord who's prime goal is to usurp the Kingdom of Hyrule and to become the paramount leader there. Despite this, king Ganondorf already bears command and authority over a group of soldiers. Ganon's only ambition in life is to obtain the Triforce and dominate the world using the abilities imbued inside of them. Despite his undeniable lust for power, Ganon is a brilliant mastermind, and as such, shouldn't be classified as psychotic; on the contrary, however, his often is seen trying to manipulate situations and events, and and rare occasions, he does so behind the scenes.
[[File:TLoZ Link Using Triforce Artwork.png|thumb|center|300px|Link destroying Ganon from {{TLoZ|-}}]]
Despite Yuga Ganon's apparent destruction at the hands of Link in {{ALBW|-}}, Ganon returns to life some time prior to {{TLoZ}}, devoid of intelligence.<ref name="HH 106"/> He leads an invasion on the small kingdom of Lesser Hyrule and manages to obtain the [[Triforce#Triforce of Power|Triforce of Power]]. Before he can obtain the [[Triforce#Triforce of Wisdom|Triforce of Wisdom]], [[Princess Zelda]] is able to break it into eight pieces and scatters it throughout [[Hyrule]], then sends her attendant [[Impa]] away to search for help. Ganon captures Zelda and holds her hostage in his lair, deep in [[Level-9]] under [[Spectacle Rock]], and sends his minions after Impa. Link, having outwitted his underlings and learned of the perils that the land was under, takes up a [[Wooden Sword|sword]] and goes alone to assemble the pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom. Using it, he enters Level-9 and shines it upon the King of Evil's hiding place. Ganon fights ruthlessly with his seemingly invincible Technique of Darkness, but Link is able to vanquish him with his blade and by using the Silver Arrows to deliver the final blow, reducing Ganon to ashes and revealing the Triforce of Power.


Ganondorf, even without the Triforce, is extremely dangerous and is still capable of conjuring magic, which often embodies dark aura energy.
==={{TAoL|-}}===
Many years prior to both {{TLoZ|-}} and {{TAoL|-}}, a potential offshoot/follower of Ganon only known as the "[[Magician]]" attempted to gain the location of the Triforce of Courage by manipulating the [[Prince of Hyrule]],<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= The true nature of the man who stubbornly hones in on the secret of the Triforce is uncertain. However, it’s possible that he is an offshoot of Ganon, much like Agahnim, or merely one of his followers.|book= HH|publisher= Dark Horse Books|page= 104}}</ref> the Magician dies casting a spell on Princess Zelda to make her fall asleep for eternity in revenge for her not revealing the Triforce of Courage's location.


he is an adept tactician and a master of manipulation and deceit. It is not unusual for Ganon to manipulate the events of a story behind the scenes (as he did in ''A Link to the Past'', ''Four Swords Adventures'', and ''Twilight Princess''), only to be revealed as the orchestrator in a plot twist. Ganon usually presents himself within the facade of a cynical, yet calm and civil man, although he is known to very quickly become enraged, ensuing in a murderous rampage. Ganon does not have a strong sense of morality or honor, and committing murder to achieve his goal is not beyond him. In his conquest of the Sacred Realm, once he reached the Temple of the [[Triforce]], he single-handedly killed all of his followers who had aided him in his expedition, so that he could claim the Triforce uncontested. He is also culturally inclined, playing the organ with great skill, as seen in ''Ocarina of Time'' where he plays his own theme throughout Link's attack on his tower. Ganon also possess an arrogant sense of entitlement, he believes himself to be the only one worthy of ruling the kingdom. His pride is also shown when fighting enemies. Despite being more than capable of defeating most enemies in personal combat, Ganon instead relies on his minions to defeat them. Apparently, he only chooses to fight opponents he deems worthy, such as Link.
Years later, in {{TAoL}}, the evil power left behind by the vile heart of Ganon was causing chaos and ruin in Hyrule. as Ganon's army makes an attempt to revive him by sprinkling Link's blood onto Ganon's ashes, but this method would ultimately failed.  


Even before gaining the Triforce of Power, Ganondorf was arguably one of the most powerful men in the entire land of Hyrule. He was an immensely powerful sorcerer with vast mystical resources, and as the King of the Gerudo, he also possessed political power. Once Ganondorf gained the Triforce of Power, however, his abilities, both physical and mystical, were augmented to god-like proportions, his power unrivaled by any mortal. Ganondorf became utterly unstoppable, conquering Hyrule with ease. As seen in the events of ''Twilight Princess'', the Triforce of Power also grants Ganondorf immortality. Using its power, he has endured mortal wounds (such as having his heart pierced by a sword), only to remain alive and unrelenting. In addition to his incredible strength, invulnerability, and magical abilities, Ganondorf has proven himself to be a very talented swordsman, as seen in the final battles between Ganondorf and Link in ''The Wind Waker'' and ''Twilight Princess''. Ganondorf also has an unnaturally long lifespan, if not indefinite; he has lived through ages of Hyrulean chronology.
In the ending scenario where Link is killed during his journey, Ganon's minions are able to collect his blood and sprinkling it onto Ganon's ashes, reviving him. As such, Ganon only physically appears on the "Game Over" screen.{{Note|This only happens in the NES version of the game. In the original Japanese relase for the Famicom Disk System, only a black screen with text appears and a laugh can be heard in the background.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= |author=
JoshKall Plays|published= August 24, 2014|retrieved= January 22, 2020|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9jThfBhP5A&t=199|title= Version differences - Zelda 2: NES Vs FDS|site= YouTube|type= video}}</ref>}}


==Name issue==
==={{ALttP|-}}===
Since the release of the original game, Ganon has had different names which were and are often used interchangeably. In the first game, Ganon's name was misspelled '''Gannon'''.<ref>{{Cite|MANY YEARS AGO PRINCE DARKNESS "GANNON" STOLE ONE OF THE [[Triforce|TRIFORCE]] WITH POWER. [[Princess Zelda|PRINCESS ZELDA]] HAD ONE OF THE TRIFORCE WITH WISDOM. SHE DIVIDED IT INTO 8 UNITS TO HIDE IT FROM "GANNON" BEFORE SHE WAS CAPTURED. GO FIND THE "8" UNITS "[[Link|LINK]]" TO SAVE HER.|N/A|The Legend of Zelda}}</ref> Note that this was only the case in the game and that the manual did use the correct name.<ref name=TLOZM/> As of today, some people still call him Gannon, which has inspired the site/term [[Community:Gannon-Banned|Gannon-Banned]]. Later, when ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'' was released, Ganon's human form Ganondorf was introduced.<ref>{{Cite|The person who rediscovered the [[Golden Land]] was Ganondorf the evil thief.|[[Maiden]] in [[Swamp Palace|Water Gate Dungeon]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|You are the only one who can destroy Ganondorf, the thief-no, Ganon, the evil King Of Darkness!|[[Maiden]] in [[Swamp Palace|Water Gate Dungeon]]}}</ref> However, because [[Nintendo of America]] decided to give their own twist to the story in the translation, "Ganondorf" ended up with a last name: '''Ganondorf Dragmire'''. This name has only been used in the Western manuals of ''A Link to the Past'' for the [[SNES]].<ref name=ALTTPM>{{cite manual|quote=The name of this king of thieves is Ganondorf Dragmire, but he is known by his alias, Mandrag Ganon, which means Ganon of the Enchanted Thieves.|game=A Link to the Past|page=5-6}}</ref> Similarly, "Ganon" was given the name '''Mandrag Ganon''', which supposedly means "Ganon of the Enchanted Thieves".<ref name=ALTTPM/> These names do not appear in later games or re-releases of ''A Link to the Past''.
[[File:ALttP Link Battling Ganon Artwork.jpg|thumb|center|350px|Link fighting against Ganon]]
{{ALttP|-}} gives an altered version of the events of {{OoT|-}}. When Ganondorf discovered the lost knowledge of how to enter the [[Sacred Realm]] where the Triforce lay,<ref>{{Cite|...The Triforce will grant the wishes of whoever touches it, as long as that person lives... That is why it was hidden in the Golden Land. Only a select few knew of its location, but at some point that knowledge was lost... The person who rediscovered the Golden Land was Ganondorf the evil thief.|Maiden|ALttP}}</ref> he killed his minions in order to be the only one able to claim the [[Triforce]].<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=In a long running battle, the leader of the thieves fought his way past his followers in a lust for the Golden Power. After vanquishing his own followers, the leader stood triumphant over the Triforce and grasped it with his blood-stained hands.|game=ALttP|page=5}}</ref> When he laid his hands upon it, the Sacred Realm changed into the [[Dark World]] and he was transformed into a boar-like demon, Ganon.<ref name="ALttP Wish"/><ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= Indeed, the King of Evil Ganon, the one who has threatened Hyrule so, was born at this time.|game= ALttP|version= Japanese|page= 7}}</ref>[[Category:A Link to the Past articles needing attention]]<!-- The quote should contain the original Japanese text and use Template:Romanize to translate.--> Ganon waged war against Hyrule, and in a fierce battle the [[Knights of Hyrule]] engaged Ganon while the [[Sage]]s sealed the entrance to the Dark World, casting Ganon into it.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=The Knights took the full brunt of the fierce attack, and although they fought courageously many a brave soul was lost that day, 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>
Many years later, Ganon uses the wizard [[Agahnim]] to break free from the Dark World.<ref>{{Cite|I never imagined a boy like you could give me so much trouble. It's unbelievable that you defeated my alter ego, Agahnim the Dark Wizard, twice!|Ganon|ALttP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Agahnim has seized control of the castle and is now trying to open the seven wise men's seal.|Princess Zelda|ALttP}}</ref> Agahnim manages to win the trust of the [[King of Hyrule]] and eventually takes control of [[Hyrule]] himself.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=Pestilence and drought, uncontrollable even by magic, ravaged the land. [...] He offered rewards for anyone who could find the source of these troubles. In answer to these summons a stranger named Agahnim came and quelled the disasters with a previously unseen form of magic. As a reward, the king gave him a new position as chief advisor and heir to the Seven Wise Men.|game=ALttP|page=6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=Of late, rumors have traveled their whispering path with alarming frequency. Rumors saying Agahnim now rules the country with his magic...|game=ALttP|page=7}}</ref> He attempts to break the {{Term|ALttP|Seal of the Seven Wise Men|link}} on Ganon by sending the seven [[Maiden]]s, descendants of the [[Sage#A Link to the Past|Seven Sages]], into the Dark World.<ref>{{Cite|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.|N/A|ALttP}}</ref> However, he is temporarily stopped when [[Link]] helps the final maiden, [[Princess Zelda]], to escape. While Link is trying to acquire the [[Master Sword]] to defeat Agahnim, the wizard finds Princess Zelda and sends her to the Dark World. This breaks the seal and allows Ganon's influence to fully spread across the [[Light World]] as well. After suffering a defeat by Link, Agahnim uses his powers to transport Link into the Dark World.


In almost all cases, the character is referred to either by the name Ganon or Ganondorf. More often than not, "Ganon" has been used as the name of his boar-like demon form, while "Ganondorf" has been used to refer to the [[Gerudo]] man. However, there have been several cases, even in more recent games, in which characters, such as the [[King of Red Lions]] or [[Zant]], refer to the form more commonly known as Ganon or Ganondorf with what has been more firmly established as the other form's name. For more information, see [[Ganon Conflicts]].
[[File:ALttP Ganon Bat Sprite.png|left||Ganon's bat form]]
After rescuing all of the Maidens from their imprisonment in the Dark World, Link faces Agahnim again in the Dark World, where the young hero successfully destroys him. After the battle with Agahnim, the shadow of Ganon rises from his body, turns into a bat, and flies to the [[Pyramid of Power]]. There, Link faces the King of Thieves and even though Ganon wields the might of the full Triforce and the [[Trident]], Link manages to destroy him with the [[Master Sword]] and the [[Silver Arrow]]s.
{{Clear}}
==={{LA|-}}===
[[File:LADX Shadow of Ganon Sprite 2.png|left|118px]]
Ganon did not appear in {{LA}} but during the final battle, the final boss takes on a form known as the [[Shadow Nightmares#Shadow of Ganon|Shadow of Ganon]]. During the final battle, the [[Shadow Nightmares]] take on the form of various monsters from Link's past. One of these is the form of [[Agahnim]], Ganon's alter ego, while the fourth is of Ganon himself. While not the true Ganon, this is a memory of Link's battle with Ganon in {{ALttP|-}}, and as such attacks in a similar manner, using his [[trident]] and attacking with [[Blazing Bat]]s. Unlike the real Ganon, the [[Silver Arrow]]s are not needed for Link to defeat it, but he will have to use [[Spin Attack]]s or the [[Pegasus Boots]] to cause damage. Unlike the other Shadows up to this point, once defeated, the Shadow of Ganon will make the cry normally used for when a boss has been completely destroyed. Despite this, the battle will continue as the shadows take on another form.
{{Clear}}
==={{OoT|-}}===
{{Main|Ganondorf}}
[[File:OoT Ganondorf Artwork.png|left|150px|Ganondorf in {{OoT|-}}]]
Several years prior to {{OoT}}, the [[Hyrulean Civil War]] ended with the unification of the various races of [[Hyrule]] under the [[Royal Family of Hyrule|Royal Familly]]. This included the Gerudo, with Ganondorf as their king, swearing fealty to the King of Hyrule. This brought the [[Gerudo Desert]] under Hyrule's control.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 84}}</ref><ref name="E 20">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 20}}</ref> In truth, Ganondorf only did this so he could move freely throughout the country.<ref name="E 20"/>


==In-Game Appearances==
During the events of {{OoT|-}}, Ganondorf is striving to conquer the lands of Hyrule and obtain the [[Triforce]].<ref>{{Cite|They say that Ganondorf is not satisfied with ruling only the Gerudo and aims to conquer all of Hyrule!|Gossip Stone|OoT}}</ref> In order to access the Triforce within the [[Sacred Realm]], Ganondorf sought the three [[Spiritual Stones]] from the [[Kokiri]], [[Goron]]s, and [[Zora]]s. When they refused to hand them over, he placed a death curse upon the [[Great Deku Tree]] and [[Lord Jabu-Jabu]], and blocked off [[Dodongo's Cavern]] with a gigantic boulder.<ref>{{Cite|All this trouble must have been caused by that Gerudo thief, Ganondorf! He said, "Give me the Spiritual Stone! Only then will I open the cave for you!|Darunia|OoT}}</ref> At the same time, he pledged false allegiance to the [[King of Hyrule]] to gain his trust.<ref name=allegiance>{{Cite|That is Ganondorf, the leader of the Gerudos. They hail from the desert far to the west. Though he swears allegiance to my father, I am sure he is not sincere.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>
===''The Legend of Zelda''===
[[File:Ganon12.png|left|55px]][[File:GanonNESArt.gif|frame|right|A render of Link slaying Ganon in the original ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|Legend of Zelda]]'']]Ganon, who had stolen the [[Triforce#Triforce of Power|Triforce of Power]] attacked [[Hyrule]] in an attempt to steal the [[Triforce#Triforce of Wisdom|Triforce of Wisdom]]. He made his base of operations in [[Death Mountain]] under [[Spectacle Rock]]. [[Princess Zelda]] split the Triforce of Wisdom into eight shards to prevent Ganon from laying his hands on it. Link assembled them and fought and defeated Ganon, using the [[Silver Arrow]]s to defeat him.
{{clear|left}}


====Strategy====
[[Princess Zelda]], however, senses the pure evil within Ganondorf and asks for Link's aid to prevent Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce.<ref>{{Cite|We must not let Ganondorf get the Triforce! I will protect the Ocarina of Time with all my power! He shall not have it!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref><ref name=allegiance/> Ganondorf eventually betrays the King and assaults [[Hyrule Castle]] while Link gathers the three Spiritual Stones.<ref>{{Cite|On that day seven years ago, Ganondorf suddenly attacked... and Hyrule Castle surrendered after a short time.|Impa|OoT}}</ref> The young hero returns in time to see Zelda and [[Impa]] flee while being pursued by Ganondorf on his [[Ganondorf's Horse|Horse]]. When Ganondorf demands Link tell him in which direction the two had fled, Link refuses and is attacked by the King of the Gerudo, who proclaims he will soon rule the world.<ref>{{Cite|You must have seen the white horse gallop past just now... Which way did it go?! Answer me!! […] Pathetic little fool! Do you realize who you are dealing with?! I am Ganondorf! And soon, I will rule the world!|Ganondorf|OoT}}</ref> When Link, shortly thereafter, opens the entrance to the [[Sacred Realm]], Ganondorf sneakily follows him and seizes the opportunity to obtain the Triforce, with partial success.<ref>{{Cite|As I thought, you held the keys to the Door of Time! You have led me to the gates of the Sacred Realm...Yes, I owe it all to you, kid!|Ganondorf|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce of the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref><ref name="Gerudo King of Thieves"/> As he touched the Triforce, however, it split into three pieces, leaving Ganondorf with only the Triforce of Power.<ref>{{Cite|He obtained the Triforce from the Temple of Light, and with its power, he became the King of Evil...|Rauru|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|The Triforce separated into three parts. Only the Triforce of Power remained in Ganondorf's hand.|Impa|OoT}}</ref>
Ganon will attack while invisible. Avoid his fireballs and swing the [[Magical Sword]] at where he appears to be. While many belive his movement pattern is random, close observation of his fireball's starting positions will reveal semi-circular, counter-clockwise patterns, which shifts when a circuit is completed. Link must use this to his advantage when predicting where Ganon will next be positioned. After he is hit a few times, he will turn red and be paralyzed. Link must shoot him with a [[Silver Arrow]] to finish him off.


===BS Legend of Zelda===
During the seven years Link was in suspended animation, Ganondorf conquered the Kingdom of Hyrule, transforming the feudal-style [[Hyrule Castle]] into [[Ganon's Castle]], a tiered near-cylindrical skyscraper resting on a floating island that hovered above a large lake of lava. He had the [[Hyrule Castle Town|Castle Town]] completely decimated, left in ruins, and populated by the [[ReDead]], causing many Hylians to flee to [[Kakariko Village]].<ref>{{Cite|Since Ganondorf came, people in the Castle Town have gone, places have been ruined, and monsters are wandering everywhere.|Malon|OoT}}</ref>
[[File:Ganont 1.gif|left]]
In [[BS The Legend of Zelda|BS Zelda]] (a remake of the first ''Legend of Zelda'' title, re-released for the [[BS-X broadcasting system]] addition for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]), Ganon used a variation of his [[A Link to the Past]] look. He wore a red coat, skull necklace, and wielded the [[Trident]].
{{clear}}


===''The Adventure of Link''===
As Hyrule's new king, Ganondorf gained even more knowledge regarding the Triforce. Because his heart was not in balance, he was only bestowed one third of the element: the Triforce of Power. With all of the luxury and power of the subdued kingdom at his disposal, the Sorcerer Evil King is able to wait patiently for the moment when the two remaining Triforce keepers, Link and Zelda, would reveal themselves. Eventually, he finds them in the [[Temple of Time]], where he kidnaps Princess Zelda, who had evaded his pursuit for seven years,<ref>{{Cite|Princess Zelda...you foolish traitor! I commend you for avoiding my pursuit for seven long years.|Ganon|OoT}}</ref> and challenges Link to come save her.<ref>{{Cite|If you want to rescue Zelda, come to my castle!|Ganon|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|We have to save Princess Zelda from her imprisonment in Ganon's Castle!|Navi|OoT}}</ref> The three Triforce possessors meet again in [[Ganon's Castle]], where the final battle ensues. When Link reaches the top of the Tower, he finds Zelda confined in a pink crystalline enclosure floating above it. Ganondorf taunts the young hero and engages him in battle, where Link is able to defeat the tyrant with the aid of the Light Arrows and the Master Sword.<ref>{{Cite|These toys are too much for you! I command you to return them to me!|Ganon|OoT}}</ref> Wounded and using the last of his strength, Ganondorf tries to make his castle collapse to kill Link and Zelda, but the two manage to escape safely.<ref>{{Cite|Link, listen to me! This tower will collapse soon! With his last breath, Ganondorf is trying to crush us in the ruins of the tower! We need to hurry and escape!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> However, the exhausted Ganondorf still lives, and uses the essence of the Triforce of Power to transform into a bestial monstrosity called Ganon, his true form. Despite his massive size and clever tactics, Link manages to defeat him using the [[Master Sword]] and assistance from the power of the Seven [[Sage]]s.<ref>{{Cite|Use the Master Sword! Destroy Ganon with the sacred sword!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Ganondorf is then sealed into the void of the Evil Realm where he cannot harm Hyrule or lay his hands on the remaining pieces of the Triforce.<ref>{{Cite|Ancient Creators of Hyrule! Now, open the sealed door and send the Evil Incarnation of Darkness into the void of the Evil Realm!!|Rauru|OoT}}</ref> As he is sealed in the Sacred Realm, Ganondorf claims that when he breaks the seal, he will destroy Link and Zelda's descendants,<ref>{{Cite|Someday...When this seal is broken....That is when I will exterminate your descendants!!|Ganondorf|OoT}}</ref> knowing that he will have the opportunity as long as he possesses the Triforce of Power.<ref>{{Cite|As long as the Triforce of Power is still in my hand...|Ganondorf|OoT}}</ref>
[[File:Ganon(AoL).png|left|110px]]
Years later, in ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'', Ganon's army made an attempt to revive him by spilling [[Link|Link's]] blood onto Ganon's ashes but failed. As such, Ganon only appeared on the "Game Over"-screen.
{{clear}}


===''A Link to the Past''===
==={{OoS|-}} and {{OoA|-}}===
[[File:ALttP Ganon.gif|left|110px]]
[[File:OoA Ganon Landing Sprite.png|left|112px]]
Prior to [[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|this game]], Ganondorf was the first to enter the [[Sacred Realm]] in a long time. There, he killed his minions in order to be the only one able to claim the [[Triforce]]. When he laid his hands upon it, the Sacred Realm changed into the [[Dark World]] and he changed into a boar-like demon, Ganon.{{fact}} However, he was not able to enjoy his new powers for very long as the [[Knights of Hyrule]] and the [[Sage]]s locked him up in the Dark World.
In the [[Linked Game|linked]] ending of {{OoS}} and {{OoA}}, it is revealed that the events of the two games were started by [[Twinrova]] in an attempt to resurrect Ganon via the [[Dark Rites]]. The ritual required that three flames were lit: the [[Flame of Destruction]], the [[Flame of Sorrow]], and the [[Flame of Despair]]. The Flame of Destruction is lit when [[General Onox]] throws the [[season]]s of [[Holodrum]] into chaos,<ref>{{Cite|Onox has fallen, but the damage he has done to this land burns on in the Flame of Destruction!|Twinrova|OoS}}</ref> while the Flame of Sorrow is lit when [[Veran]] caused great misfortune to the people of [[Labrynna]] by using the powers of [[Nayru (Oracle)|Nayru the oracle]].<ref>{{Cite|Behold, Veran! The troubles you caused have filled the land with cries of sorrow! It has given birth to the Flame of Sorrow, which burns brightly!|Twinrova|OoA}}</ref> With two flames lit, the Twinrova sisters capture [[Princess Zelda]], causing the despair of the people to light the third flame, the Flame of Despair.<ref>{{Cite|Thanks to Veran and Onox, the Flames of Sorrow and Destruction already flicker! And when we captured Zelda, the foolish humans gave us despair! Oh, Flames of Despair, Destruction and Sorrow, burn with the power of our evil deeds!|Twinrova|OoA}}</ref> Twinrova intended to sacrifice Zelda for Ganon's rebirth, but Link managed to slay them before the ritual finished, and thus the Twinrova sisters were forced to sacrifice themselves to awaken Ganon.<ref>{{Cite|Hoh hoh! Ganon's return was but a step away! Link! It is not over! Our rites have failed, but by sacrificing this body, Ganon will return!|Twinrova|OoA}}</ref> Because of this, the ritual was incomplete and Ganon became a mindless beast,<ref>{{Cite|Since they could not sacrifice me in their final rite, the powers of darkness could only revive a mindless, raging Ganon.|Princess Zelda|OoA}}</ref> although he did demonstrate limited thought just as he was defeated by Link.<ref>{{Cite|Gwoh hoh hoh! I am Ganon... The Evil King...|Ganon|OoA}}</ref>
Many years later, Ganon used the (guise of the) wizard [[Agahnim]] to break free from the Dark World. Agahnim managed to win the trust of the [[King of Hyrule]] and eventually managed to take control of [[Hyrule]] himself. He tried to break the seal by sending the [[Maiden]]s, descendants of the [[Sage#A Link to the Past|Seven Sages]], into the Dark World. He was temporarily stopped when [[Link]] helped the final maiden, [[Princess Zelda]], to escape. However, Agahnim managed to find her while Link was trying to acquire the [[Master Sword]] and immediately send her to the Dark World. This broke the seal and allowed Ganon's influence to spread across the [[Light World]] too. After suffering a defeat by Link, Agahnim draws him into the Dark World. Link had to face Agahnim again in the Dark World, where he destroyed him. After the battle with Agahnim, a shadow, Ganon, arose from his body and flew to the [[Pyramid of Power]]. There, Link finally was able to put him down. Even though Ganon wielded the might of the united Triforce and the [[Trident]], Link managed to kill him with the [[Silver Arrow]]s and the [[Golden Sword]].


====Strategy====
==={{TWW|-}}===
Link must be careful of Ganon's flying [[Trident]] and his fire bats. When Link has a chance, he must hit Ganon with his sword. After some time, the borders of the floor will disappear, and if he falls, he will have to start the fight again. When the lights go out, Link must light the [[torch]]es with the [[Fire Rod]] or [[Lantern]] and strike Ganon with the sword. In order to hurt Ganon with the [[Tempered Sword]], Link must hit him with a [[Spin Attack]]. When he becomes blue, Link must shoot him with a [[Silver Arrow]]. After four arrows, Ganon will succumb.
{{Main|Ganondorf}}
{{Figurines|TWW}}
Long before the events in {{TWW}} but well after {{OoT|-}}, Ganondorf managed to escape from his seal and wreak havoc in [[Hyrule]] once more. Climbing from the Earth in his beast form Ganon, he attacked the Kingdom of Hyrule and easily took control of it.<ref>{{Cite|Once, long ago, this land of Hyrule was turned into a world of shadows by Ganon, who sought to obtain the power of the gods for his own evil ends.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> No hero appeared this time and the [[Golden Goddesses|gods]] were forced to [[Great Flood|flood Hyrule]] in order to stop Ganon.<ref>{{Cite|My power alone could not stop the fiend, and our only choice was to leave the fate of the kingdom in the hands of the gods...|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule |TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|When the gods heard our pleas, they chose to seal away not only Ganon, but Hyrule itself...|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Our fair kingdom was soon buried beneath the waves, forgotten at the bottom of the ocean.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref>


===''Link's Awakening''===
However, Ganon breaks free, rising up from his ocean prison, and subsequently begins to rebuild his army.<ref>{{Cite|The events which we have long feared seem to have been set into motion. Yes. It seems Ganon has returned. There can be no other explanation.|Jabun|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|After his defeat at the hands of the Hero of Time, Ganondorf was sealed away...but not for all time. He was revived, and he returned to Hyrule in a red wrath.|Laruto|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|I knew there was a reason the monsters had begun to congregate in the regions around my wood. Now I understand it. He has returned... Ganon has returned...|Great Deku Tree|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|He is the very same Ganon... The emperor of the dark realm the ancient legends speak of...|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> Still wanting to obtain the [[Triforce]], he sends one of his minions, the [[Helmaroc King]], on a search for "young girls with pointy ears" hoping to find [[Princess Zelda]], the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom.<ref>{{Cite|Ganon will be searching frantically for this child in an attempt to get the power of the gods that she possesses. He will not rest until he has found her.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> He sends two more of his minions, [[Jalhalla]] and [[Molgera]] to kill the [[Sage]]s of Earth and Wind, [[Laruto]] and [[Fado (The Wind Waker)|Fado]], so the Master Sword doesn't have the power to repel evil. Among the girls kidnapped is [[Link]]'s sister, [[Aryll]], and thus Link sets off on his adventure to rescue her. Link finds Ganondorf's hideout, the [[Forsaken Fortress]], where Ganondorf had Link thrown far away into the ocean after being caught by the Helmaroc King.<ref>{{Cite|My name is Ganondorf... And I am the master of Forsaken Fortress.|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref> Later, it is revealed that Ganondorf has limited magic strength, for his powers were sealed away by the gods with the aid of the [[Master Sword]], which by that time had already been weakened by the deaths of the Sages of Earth and Wind. However, without this knowledge, Link himself takes the Master Sword, and thus removes the only barrier restraining Ganondorf's power.<ref name="Magic Seal">{{Cite|Foolish child. While that sword is indeed the {{Color|TWWHD Vermilion|blade of evil's bane}}, at the same time, it has long played another role... You see, it is also a sort of key... a most wretched little key that has kept the {{Color|TWWHD Vermilion|seal}} on me and my magic intact!|Ganondorf|TWWHD}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|By withdrawing the blade, you have {{Color|TWWHD Vermilion|broken}} that {{Color|TWWHD Vermilion|seal}}...|Ganondorf|TWWHD}}</ref>
[[File:Shadow4(Ganon).gif]]
Ganon did not appear in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]'', though [[Nightmare]]'s fourth form resembled him.


===''Ocarina of Time''===
[[File:TWW Ganondorf Backhands Link.png|right|thumb|300px|The Master Sword's blade dull, Ganondorf easily repels Link's attack]]
[[File:Ganondorf.png|right|200px|Ganondorf in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''.]]
Soon afterwards atop the Forsaken Fortress, Ganondorf reveals that the Master Sword is dull; its power to banish evil is gone, having planned for that outcome.<ref>{{Cite|You cannot defeat me with a blade that does not sparkle with the power to repel evil! What you hold is useless.|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Its power is gone, and its edges are dull!|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|And yet...unfortunately, due to Ganondorf's evil designs, the Master Sword you hold has lost this power.|King of Red Lions|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|You cannot defeat Ganon until the power to repel evil has been returned to the Master Sword.|King of Red Lions|TWW}}</ref> Link and the [[Tetra's Pirate Crew|pirate]] captain, [[Tetra]], narrowly escape safely with the help of the Sky Spirit [[Valoo]] and the [[Rito]] before Ganondorf can seize Tetra, who he finds is actually Princess Zelda and the keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom.<ref>{{Cite|My Triforce of Power is resonating! Ha! At long last, I have found you... Princess Zelda!|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref> After this, Zelda is hidden inside the underwater [[Hyrule Castle|castle]] in Hyrule and Link begins his quest to reawaken the Master Sword, whose power had vanished since Ganondorf had murdered the Sages in charge of keeping the power within the sacred blade.<ref>{{Cite|You must protect Zelda. She cannot be permitted to fall into the hands of Ganon.|Jabun|TWW}}</ref> Once Link finally achieves his goals of finding the Triforce of Courage and restoring the Master Sword to its former glory to become the Hero of the Winds, Ganondorf locates their haven and consequently captures Zelda, whom he takes to his underwater {{Term|TWWHD|Ganon's Castle|link|display=Castle}}.<ref>{{Cite|So, despite our efforts, the princess has fallen into Ganon's hands...|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Beyond the bridge on the far side of the castle stands Ganon's Tower. I am certain Zelda is being held there.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> Link finds Zelda unharmed, lying in a bed, sleeping, with Ganondorf watching over her and her dreams.<ref>{{Cite|I can see this girl's dreams... Oceans... Oceans... Oceans... Oceans... Oceans as far as the eye can see.|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref> However, before Link has any chance to approach, Ganondorf unleashes a bewitched, [[Puppet Ganon|giant puppet]] of his beast form, which Link defeats.<ref>{{Cite|This is a gigantic marionette created by Ganon himself. It transforms into three different shapes, but all are vulnerable to rays of light.|N/A|TWW}}</ref> Ganondorf finally reappears to challenge Link, and with Zelda in his arm, he rises to the rooftop of the Tower.
By the time of the events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'', Ganondorf was striving to conquer the lands of [[Hyrule]] and obtain the [[Triforce]].<ref>{{cite|They say that Ganondorf is not satisfied with ruling only the Gerudo and aims to conquer all of Hyrule!|Gossip Stone|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> In order to access the Triforce within the [[Sacred Realm]], Ganondorf sought the three [[Spiritual Stones]] from the [[Kokiri]], [[Goron]]s, and [[Zora]]s. When they refused to hand them over, he placed a death-curse upon the [[Great Deku Tree]] and [[Lord Jabu-Jabu]] and blocked off [[Dodongo's Cavern]] with a gigantic boulder.<ref>{{cite|All this trouble must have been caused by that Gerudo thief, Ganondorf! He said, "Give me the Spiritual Stone! Only then will I open the cave for you!|Darunia|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> At the same time, he pledged false allegiance to the [[King of Hyrule]].


[[Princess Zelda]] sensed the evil within Ganondorf and along with Link, strove to prevent Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce.<ref>{{cite|We must not let Ganondorf get the Triforce! I will protect the Ocarina of Time with all my power! He shall not have it!|Princess Zelda|Ocarina of Time}}</ref><ref>{{cite|That is Ganondorf, the leader of the Gerudos. They hail from the desert far to the west. Though he swears allegiance to my father, I am sure he is not sincere.|Princess Zelda |Ocarina of Time}}</ref> Ganondorf betrayed and assaulted [[Hyrule Castle]] while Link gathered the three Spiritual Stones.<ref>{{cite|On that day seven years ago, Ganondorf suddenly attacked... and Hyrule Castle surrendered after a short time.|Impa|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> He only returned in time to see Zelda and [[Impa]] flee, pursued by Ganondorf on his [[Ganon's Steed|horse]]. Ganondorf demanded Link tell him in which direction the two had fled, but Link refused.<ref>{{cite|You must have seen the white horse gallop past just now... Which way did it go?! Answer me!!|Ganondorf|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> When Link, shortly thereafter, opened the entrance to the [[Sacred Realm]], Ganondorf followed him and seized the opportunity to obtain the Triforce, with partial success.<ref>{{cite|As I thought, you held the keys to the Door of Time! You have led me to the gates of the Sacred Realm...Yes, I owe it all to you, kid!|Ganondorf|Ocarina of Time}}</ref><ref>{{cite|What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce of the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it!|Princess Zelda|Ocarina of Time}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Though you opened the Door of Time in the name of peace... Ganondorf, the Gerudo King of Thieves, used it to enter this forbidden Sacred Realm!|Rauru|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> As he touched the Triforce, it split into three pieces, leaving Ganondorf with only the Triforce of Power.<ref>{{cite|He obtained the Triforce from the Temple of Light, and with its power, he became the King of Evil...|Rauru|Ocarina of Time}}</ref><ref>{{cite|The Triforce separated into three parts. Only the Triforce of Power remained in Ganondorf's hand.|Impa|Ocarina of Time}}</ref>
Soon after Link reaches the rooftop, Ganondorf speaks to him about his reasons for desperately searching for the Triforce pieces, revealing a little of his origins from the harsh [[Gerudo Desert]] and his desire to take over the green landscapes of Hyrule. When he declares that he already has in his possession the Triforce of Wisdom, Ganondorf suddenly rushes against Link and delivers swift, hard punches to the face that leave Link half-conscious and knocking the Master Sword out of reach. Ganondorf, using his Triforce of Power, summons the two missing Triforce pieces from Link and Zelda and reforms the full [[Triforce]].<ref>{{Cite|When power, wisdom, and courage come together, the gods would have no choice but to come down...|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref> Nevertheless, right before Ganondorf is able to touch the Triforce and make his wish come true of conquering Hyrule, [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule]], the last [[King of Hyrule]], appears to touch the Triforce first and makes the wish of permanently washing away the ancient land of Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite|Gods of the Triforce! Hear that which I desire! Hope! I desire hope for these children! Give them a future! Wash away this ancient land of Hyrule! Let a ray of hope shine on the future of the world!!!|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Ganondorf! May you drown with Hyrule!!!|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> The Triforce disappears and water starts pouring through the protective barrier into the land of Hyrule as Ganondorf laughs scornfully. Link wakes up at that point and Zelda approaches him holding the Master Sword for Link to engage Ganondorf in one last battle. Ultimately with Zelda's aid, Ganondorf is defeated when Link deals the final blow by plunging the Master Sword straight into Ganondorf's forehead, turning him into stone<ref>{{Cite|It is none other than the Master Sword...The blade of evil's bane. It is the only sword that can banish Ganon from the world above!|King of Red Lions|TWW}}</ref> and killing him.<ref>{{Cite Person|quote=There was no blood, and he turned to stone, and died.|name=Nate Bihldorff|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/interview/2205|title=Nintendo World Report - The Treehouse Interview}}</ref> Immediately before his death, however, Ganondorf, with slight satisfaction, referenced the brutal winds that had long plagued the Gerudo.<ref>{{Cite|Ughnn… Heh heh… The wind… It is blowing…|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref> His body remains atop the Tower under the [[Great Sea]] with the Master Sword in his head, and the ocean finally drowns Hyrule under the Great Sea. With his death, Ganondorf was freed of his obsessive desire for the Triforce.<ref name="E 21">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |page= 21}}</ref>


During the seven years Link was asleep, Ganondorf conquered the kingdom of Hyrule. When Link was ten years old, talks of the Gerudo were not that commonplace. During the seven years of Ganondorf's reign, he had made his presence felt and acknowledged all throughout Hyrule proper. It was all too rare if there were people in Hyrule not affected by Ganondorf directly or indirectly in some way. He transformed the feudal-style [[Hyrule Castle]] into [[Ganon's Tower|Ganon's Castle]], a tiered near-cylindrical skyscraper resting on a floating island hovering above a large lake of lava. Ganondorf's red hair had grown into a full mane, giving him the appearance of a regal figure. He had the Market Town totally decimated, left in ruins, and populated by the [[ReDead]], causing many Hylians to flee to Kakariko Village.
==={{FSA|-}}===
[[File:FSA Ganon Sprite 2.png|150px|left]]
Hundreds of years later, in {{FSA}}, Ganon is reincarnated following his death in {{TP|-}}.<ref name=FSA-reincarnation/> In this game, Ganondorf is referred to as a desert nomad, recently expelled from the Gerudo Tribe by breaking their taboo and exploring the Desert Pyramid as part of his plan to usurp the powers of others and coat Hyrule in darkness.<ref name=Pyramid/> He steals the [[Trident]] from the Pyramid and the [[Dark Mirror]] (which he uses to summon [[Shadow Link]] and his kin) from the forest. He uses him to trick Link into releasing [[Vaati]] from the [[Four Sword]] to serve as a distraction. Ganondorf then utilized the power of the Trident to hunt down  and defeat the knights of Hyrule and transform them into demons, turning the Royal Jewels into gateways to the Dark World. Ganon also absorbs the power of the imprisoned [[Maidens|Shrine Maidens]].


As Hyrule's new king, Ganondorf gained even more knowledge regarding the Triforce. Because his heart was not in balance, he was only bestowed one third of the element: the Triforce of Power. With all the luxury and power at his disposal, the Evil King had all the time to wait patiently yet alertly for the moment when the two remaining Triforce keepers would reveal themselves. Eventually, he found them in the [[Temple of Time]] wherefore he kidnapped Princess Zelda and challenged Link to come rescue her.<ref>{{cite|We have to save Princess Zelda from her imprisonment in Ganon's Castle!|Navi |Ocarina of Time}}</ref> The three Triforce possessors finally met again in [[Ganon's Tower]] where the final battle was yet to ensue. Link reaches the top of the Tower discovering that the music heard radiating from throughout was Ganondorf playing on a massive organ adorned with grotesque statuary, while Zelda was confined in a pink crystalline enclosure floating above Ganondorf's organ. Upon the arrival of Link, Ganondorf taunts the Hylian, whom possesses the Triforce of Courage, engaging him in battle. Link is able to defeat the tyrant with Light Arrows, spinning sword attacks, and strikes from the Master Sword. Ganondorf, in his corporeal human form, is defeated and weakened. After rescuing Zelda from the Tower, the revived and now-enraged Ganondorf uses the essence of the Triforce of Power to transform into a bestial monstrosity now named ''Ganon''. Despite his behemoth height and clever tactics, Link manages to defeat him by using the [[Master Sword]] and assistance from the power of the Seven [[Sage]]s.<ref>{{cite|Link! Finish him off with the sword of time, the Master Sword!|Princess Zelda |Ocarina of Time}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Oh sealed door opened by the Sages... Close forever with the Evil Incarnation of Darkness within!!|Princess Zelda |Ocarina of Time}}</ref> Ganon was sealed into the void of the Evil Realm where he could not harm Hyrule or lay his hands on the remaining pieces of the Triforce.<ref>{{cite|Ancient Creators of Hyrule! Now, open the sealed door and send the Evil Incarnation of Darkness into the void of the Evil Realm!!|Rauru |Ocarina of Time}}</ref> As he is sealed in the Sacred Realm, Ganondorf claims that when he breaks the seal, he will terrorize Link's descendants.<ref>{{cite|Someday...When this seal is broken....That is when I will exterminate your descendants!!|Ganondorf|Ocarina of Time}}</ref> This appears to come true in other games such as ''The Wind Waker.''
At the end of the game, Ganon appears as the final boss as a twist ending, fought in the [[Dark World]] underneath the [[Tower of Winds]], where he is defeated after Link fires a [[Light Arrow]] into Zelda's {{Term|FSA|Ball of Light|link}} that pierces him. He is then sealed away in the Four Sword as its new prisoner.


====Strategy====
Aside from the reincarnated Ganon, the original Ganon's hatred and malice transcending time and space was responsible for the creation of the various Shadow Links via the Dark Mirror, with the intention of getting Link to break the seal on Vaati.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH|page= 119}}</ref>
After beckoning Link into battle, the Evil King's throne room metamorphoses into a spacious, open room. Ganondorf drives Navi the Fairy away with strong, dark waves. Ganondorf then creates a shock wave that will damage Link if he is too close. This wave knocks much of the floor blocks away, creating an open square cavity around the main pillar. If Link falls into this pit, he can climb back up or use the Longshot to reach the top again.


[[File:Light arrow shot.jpg|thumb|right|''"Shoot him with a Light Arrow, and he will fall to the ground.''"]]
==={{TP|-}}===
Ganondorf will cause shock waves if Link gets close and will unleash two types of ranged magic attacks if he is at a distance. Link can reflect the first type by slashing at it with either the Master Sword (or an Empty Bottle), but the second type consists of many different orbs, so only a well-timed Great Spin Attack will reflect it. However, while charging this attack Ganondorf is highly vulnerable to the Light Arrow.
{{Main|Ganondorf}}
[[File:GanonTP2.jpg|thumb|left|250px|right|Ganondorf as he appears in {{TP|-}}]]
Prior to the events of {{TP}}, Ganondorf's true intentions were exposed, and he was captured, put on trial, and sentenced to [[Failed Execution of Ganondorf|execution]] by the [[Sage]]s.<ref>{{Cite|His name is...Ganondorf. He was the leader of a band of thieves who invaded Hyrule in the hopes of establishing dominion over the Sacred Realm. He was known as a demon thief, an evil-magic wielder renowned for his ruthlessness... But he was blind... In all of his fury and might, he was blind to any danger, and thus was he exposed, subdued, and brought to justice.|Sage|TP}}</ref> While they managed to severely wound him by impaling him with the [[Sword of the Six Sages]], the Triforce of Power activated at that moment and thus they could not kill him.<ref>{{Cite|Yet...By some divine prank, he, too, had been blessed with the chosen power of the gods.|Sage|TP}}</ref> Using the power granted by his Triforce piece, he manages to free himself from his chains, and kills the Sage of Water as well. Knowing no better solution, the Sages open the [[Mirror of Twilight|gate]] to the [[Twilight Realm]] and send Ganondorf through it. There, he promptly revitalized himself using the lingering anguish and hatred from among the Twili that managed to bleed through the Twilight Realm's dimensional fabric.<ref>{{Cite|Your people have long amused me, Midna. To defy the gods with such petty magic, only to be cast aside... How very pathetic. Pathetic as they were, though, they served me well. Their anguish was my nourishment. Their hatred bled across the void and awakened me. I drew deep of it and grew strong again.|Ganondorf|TP}}</ref> He influences [[Zant]], who had been denied the throne of the Twilight Realm, to seize control and access Hyrule again. Ganondorf grants Zant a fraction of his power in return for the opportunity to escape the Twilight Realm.<ref>{{Cite|I shall house my power in you...If there is anything you desire, then I shall desire it, too.|Ganon|TP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|My god had only one wish...To merge shadow and light...and make darkness!|Zant|TP}}</ref>


Once Link reflects Ganondorf's magic upon him, he will be stunned. Shoot him with a Light Arrow, and he will fall to the ground. Now Link can target him and attack with the Master Sword.
After Link defeats Zant, Ganondorf and the young hero meet atop [[Hyrule Castle]], where he is found sitting on Princess Zelda's throne as Zelda's body lies in a niche in the same room. During the final battle, Ganondorf [[Possessed Zelda|possesses Zelda]] by turning into [[Twilight]]. Using Zelda as a puppet, he attacks Link relentlessly, until Link forces his spirit out of Zelda's body. Ganondorf then takes his bestial form, Ganon, becoming an immensely powerful boar. Taking advantage of Ganon's blind rage, Link outwits him, and defeats Ganon by striking the wound left by the Sages with the [[Master Sword]].


After Link defeats Ganondorf, the castle will start falling apart and he will have to escape with Princess Zelda. When he reaches the bottom, the tower will completely collapse. The young hero will then approach the pile of rubble, and Ganondorf will erupt from it and use the Triforce of Power to become Ganon, knocking the Master Sword away from Link's hands. In this battle, Ganon's only vulnerable spot is his tail, but he guards it well, so the only way to get to it is to stun him with a Light Arrow to the face, or have Link roll between his legs while he raises his swords to attack. If Link gets low on health, magic, or arrows, he can lure Ganon into destroying a pile of rubble to reveal a few refills.
Ganondorf then takes on the form of an immense veil of fire in the shape of his disembodied head. Midna valiantly resolves to fight Ganondorf using the Twilight magic housed within the [[Fused Shadow]], teleporting Link and Zelda to the safety of [[Hyrule Field]]. Midna, transforming into an enormous Twilit arachnoid, attacks Ganondorf, with the ensuing battle destroying the castle. However, Midna was no match for Ganondorf, and was promptly defeated by the Gerudo King. Ganondorf emerges from the ruins of Hyrule Castle on horseback, triumphantly holding aloft the Fused Shadow fragment that Midna wore, and after crushing it in his hand, he charges towards Link and Zelda.


After Link causes enough damage to him, Ganon will kneel down, stunned, and the wall of flames separating Link from the Master Sword will temporarily disappear. Link must use this opportunity to  grab it and then repeat the earlier attack pattern to get Zelda to pin Ganon down so Link can finish him off. Only the Master Sword can deliver the final blow to Ganon.
Zelda entreats the Light Spirits of the realm to lend her their power in the form of the [[Light Arrow|Arrows of Light]].<ref>{{Cite|Spirits of the light! Wielders of the great power that shines far and wide upon the lands of our world...In my hour of need, grant me the light to banish evil!|Princess Zelda|TP}}</ref> Mounting [[Epona]], Link and Zelda pursue, assailing Ganondorf with a hail of arrows. Ganondorf is momentarily staggered, falling from his steed, but he recovers surprisingly quickly and confines himself and Link in a makeshift arena where the two engage in a sword duel.


===''Oracle of Ages'' and ''Oracle of Seasons''===
After besting him in a sword to sword struggle, Link plunges the Master Sword into Ganondorf's open wound. He does not die immediately, but only when the Triforce of Power fades completely from his hand, he succumbs. Ganondorf sees a vision of Zant's neck breaking, then Ganondorf's eyes gloss over and he dies. Immediately before his death, however, Ganondorf, implies that future battles between his reincarnation and their descendants will occur and warns them that the history of light and shadow will be "written in blood".<ref>{{Cite|Do not think this ends here... The history of light and shadow will be written in blood!|Ganondorf|TP}}</ref>
[[File:OoX Ganon.gif|left|100px]]
In the [[Linked Game|linked]] ending of the ''[[Oracle series|Oracle]]'' subseries of Zelda games, it is revealed that the events of the two games were started by [[Twinrova]] in an attempt to resurrect Ganon. The ritual required that three flames were lit: the Flame of Destruction, the Flame of Sorrow, and the Flame of Despair. The Flame of Destruction was lit when [[Link]] defeated [[Onox|General Onox]].<ref>{{Cite|Onox has fallen, but the damage he has done to this land burns on in the Flame of Destruction!|Twinrova|OOS}}</ref> The Flame of Sorrow was lit when Link defeated [[Veran]], the Sorceress of Shadows.<ref>{{Cite|Behold, Veran! The troubles you caused have filled the land with cries of sorrow! It has given birth to the Flame of Sorrow, which burns brightly!|Twinrova|OOA}}</ref> With two flames lit, the Twinrova sisters capture [[Princess Zelda]] and intend to sacrifice her to light the final flame.<ref>{{Cite|Thanks to Veran and Onox, the Flames of Sorrow and Destruction already flicker! And when we captured Zelda, the foolish humans gave us despair! Oh, Flames of Despair, Destruction and Sorrow, burn with the power of our evil deeds!|Twinrova|Oracle Series}}</ref> Because Link managed to save her, the Twinrova sisters are forced to sacrifice themselves to awaken Ganon.<ref>{{Cite|Hoh hoh! Ganon's return was but a step away! Link! It is not over! Our rites have failed, but by sacrificing this body, Ganon will return!|Oracle Series}}</ref> Because of this, the ritual was incomplete and Ganon became a mindless beast,<ref>{{Cite|Since they could not sacrifice me in their final rite, the powers of darkness could only revive a mindless, raging Ganon.|Princess Zelda|Oracle Series}}</ref> although he did demonstrate limited thought just as he was defeated (or banished) by Link.<ref>{{cite|Gwoh hoh hoh! I am Ganon... The Evil King...|Ganon|Oracle Series}}</ref>
{{clear|left}}


===''The Wind Waker''===
==={{SS|-}}===
{{quote|My name is Ganondorf... And I am the master of Forsaken Fortress.|Ganondorf}}
Although Ganon is not in {{SS}}, his origins are revealed. He is the incarnation of [[Demise]]'s hatred, and is thus destined to eternally reincarnate to pursue world domination, as well as those with the blood of the goddess and the spirit of the hero.<ref name="Demise's final words"/>
[[File:Ganondorf TWW.png|thumb|left|Meeting Ganon in Wind Waker.]]
Long before the events in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', Ganon managed to escape and wreak havoc in [[Hyrule]] once more.<ref>{{cite|Once, long ago, this land of Hyrule was turned into a world of shadows by Ganon, who sought to obtain the power of the gods for his own evil ends.|King Daphnes Johannsen Hyrule |The Wind Waker}}</ref> No hero appeared this time and the [[Deity|Gods]] were forced to flood Hyrule in order to stop Ganon.<ref>{{cite|My power alone could not stop the fiend, and our only choice was to leave the fate of the kingdom in the hands of the gods...|King Daphnes Johannsen Hyrule |The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|When the gods heard our pleas, they chose to seal away not only Ganon, but Hyrule itself...|King Daphnes Johannsen Hyrule |The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Our fair kingdom was soon buried beneath the waves, forgotten at the bottom of the ocean.|King Daphnes Johannsen Hyrule |The Wind Waker}}</ref>


However, he managed to free himself and subsequently rebuild his army.<ref>{{cite|The events which we have long feared seem to have been set into motion. Yes. It seems Ganon has returned. There can be no other explanation.|Jabun|The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|After his defeat at the hands of the Hero of Time, Ganondorf was sealed away...but not for all time. He was revived, and he returned to Hyrule in a red wrath.|Laruto |The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|I knew there was a reason the monsters had begun to congregate in the regions around my wood. Now I understand it. He has returned... Ganon has returned...|Great Deku Tree |The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|He is the very same Ganon... The emperor of the dark realm the ancient legends speak of...|King Daphnes Johannsen Hyrule |The Wind Waker}}</ref> Still wanting to obtain the [[Triforce]], he sent one of his minions, the [[Helmaroc King]], on a search for "young girls with pointy ears" hoping to find [[Princess Zelda]], the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom.<ref>{{cite|Ganon will be searching frantically for this child in an attempt to get the power of the gods that she possesses. He will not rest until he has found her.|King Daphnes Johannsen Hyrule |The Wind Waker}}</ref> Among the girls kidnapped is [[Link|Link's]] sister, [[Aryll]], and this sets Link off on his adventure to rescue her. Link finds Ganondorf's hideout, the [[Forsaken Fortress]], where Ganondorf had Link thrown far away into the ocean after being caught by the Helmaroc King.<ref>{{cite|My name is Ganondorf... And I am the master of Forsaken Fortress.|Ganondorf |The Wind Waker}}</ref> Later, it is revealed that Ganondorf has limited magic strength, for his powers were sealed away by the gods with the aid of the [[Master Sword]]. However, without this knowledge, Link himself takes the Master Sword, and thus removed the only barrier restraining Ganondorf's power.<ref>{{cite|You see, it is also a sort of key... a most wretched little key that has kept the seal on me and my magic intact!|Ganondorf |The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|By withdrawing the blade, you have broken that seal...|Ganondorf |The Wind Waker}}</ref>
==={{ALBW|-}}===
[[File:ALBW Ganon Revived.png|left|thumb|250px|Ganon being revived by Yuga]]
Ganon appears to Link in a nightmare, ominously hinting that he would soon return. Later, after capturing each of the [[Sage#A Link Between Worlds|Seven Sages]] in portraits, the evil wizard [[Yuga]] uses their power in order to resurrect Ganon from the darkness where he was sealed after his previous defeat.<ref>{{Cite|I will use the Sages to reach the one who shall help me attain true beauty. I mean, of course... GANON!|Yuga|ALBW}}</ref> After resurrecting him, Yuga joins with Ganon, taking on a form which combines attributes of both of the evil sorcerers. However, before [[Yuga Ganon]] can destroy Link, he is stopped by Hilda, who sends Link on a quest to reawaken the Seven Sages and gain the Triforce of Courage.<ref>{{Cite|I knew Yuga planned to slip into your world to abduct Zelda and the Sages. I...I couldn't stop him. Now he has used them to summon the Demon King and siphon his power. Yuga's appetite will soon consume our worlds. Hyrule and Lorule—the beast's for the talking.|Princess Hilda|ALBW}}</ref>


[[File:WW Ganon.png|250px|right]]
Once the Triforce of Courage is obtained, Impa reveals that Ganon is returning and that Link must stop him, she then tells him that he must head to Lorule Castle and confront the Demon King to stop him once and for all.<ref>{{Cite|Yet as Hyrule is facing the same threat as in the legend of old, you have so much more to endure.|Impa|ALBW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|You have claimed the power of the gods Link. With it you can stop the return of the Demon King-and thwart his evil ambitions. Now hero, you must take your battle to Lorule Castle, there awaits the Demon King.|Impa|ALBW}}</ref>
Soon afterwards atop the Forsaken Fortress, Ganondorf reveals that the [[Master Sword]] is dull; its power to banish evil gone.<ref>{{cite|You cannot defeat me with a blade that does not sparkle with the power to repel evil! What you hold is useless.|Ganondorf |The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Its power is gone, and its edges are dull!|Ganondorf |The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|And yet...unfortunately, due to Ganondorf's evil designs, the Master Sword you hold has lost this power.|King of Red Lions |The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|You cannot defeat Ganon until the power to repel evil has been returned to the Master Sword.|King of Red Lions |The Wind Waker}}</ref> [[Link]] and the [[Pirates|pirate]] captain [[Tetra]] narrowly escape safely with the help of the Sky Spirit [[Valoo]] and the [[Rito]] before Ganondorf can seize Tetra, who he finds is actually Princess Zelda and the keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom.<ref>{{cite|My Triforce of Power is resonating! Ha! At long last, I have found you... Princess Zelda!|Ganondorf |The Wind Waker}}</ref> After this, Zelda is hidden inside the underwater [[Hyrule Castle|castle]] in Hyrule and Link begins his quest to reawaken the Master Sword.<ref>{{cite|You must protect Zelda. She cannot be permitted to fall into the hands of Ganon.|Jabun |The Wind Waker}}</ref> Once Link achieves his goals of finding the Triforce of Courage and restoring the Master Sword, Ganondorf locates their haven and consequently captures Zelda, whom he takes to his underwater [[Ganon's Tower|tower]].<ref>{{cite|So, despite our efforts, the princess has fallen into Ganon's hands...|King Daphnes Johannsen Hyrule |The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Beyond the bridge on the far side of the castle stands Ganon's Tower. I am certain Zelda is being held there.|King Daphnes Johanssen Hyrule |The Wind Waker}}</ref> Link finds Zelda unharmed, lying in a bed, sleeping, with Ganondorf watching over her and her dreams.<ref>{{cite|I can see this girl's dreams... Oceans... Oceans... Oceans... Oceans... Oceans as far as the eye can see.|Ganondorf |The Wind Waker}}</ref> However, before Link has any chance to approach, Ganondorf unleashes a bewitched, giant puppet, which Link defeats.<ref>{{cite|This is a gigantic marionette created by Ganon himself. It transforms into three different shapes, but all are vulnerable to rays of light.|N/A |The Wind Waker}}</ref> Ganondorf finally reappears to challenge Link, and with Zelda in his arm, he rises to the rooftop of the tower.


Soon after Link reached the rooftop, Ganondorf speaks to him about his reasons for desperately searching for the Triforce pieces, revealing a little of his origins from the harsh [[Gerudo Desert]] and his desire to take over the green landscapes of Hyrule. When he declares that he already has in his possession the Triforce of Wisdom, Ganondorf suddenly rushes against Link and delivers swift, hard blows that leave Link half-conscious and the [[Master Sword]] out of reach. Ganondorf, using his Triforce of Power, summons the two missing Triforce pieces from Link and Zelda and reforms the [[Triforce]].<ref>{{cite|When power, wisdom, and courage come together, the gods would have no choice but to come down...|Ganondorf |The Wind Waker}}</ref> Nevertheless, right before Ganondorf is able to touch the Triforce and make his wish come true, [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule]], the last [[King of Hyrule]], appears to touch the Triforce first and makes the wish of washing away the ancient land of Hyrule.<ref>{{cite|Gods of the Triforce! Hear that which I desire! Hope! I desire hope for these children! Give them a future! Wash away this ancient land of Hyrule! Let a ray of hope shine on the future of the world!!!|King Daphnes Johannsen Hyrule |The Wind Waker}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Ganondorf! May you drown with Hyrule!!!|King Daphnes Johannsen Hyrule |The Wind Waker}}</ref> The Triforce disappears and water starts pouring through the protective barrier into the land of Hyrule as Ganondorf laughs scornfully. Link wakes up at that point and Zelda approaches him holding the Master Sword for Link to engage Ganondorf in a last battle. Ultimately with Zelda's aid, Ganondorf is defeated when Link deals the final blow by plunging the Master Sword straight into Ganondorf's forehead, turning him into stone.<ref>{{cite|It is none other than the Master Sword...The blade of evil's bane. It is the only sword that can banish Ganon from the world above!|King of Red Lions |The Wind Waker}}</ref> He remains atop the tower under the [[Great Sea]] with the Master Sword in his head, and the ocean finally drowns Hyrule under the Great Sea.
When Link returns and discovers that Hilda has lied to him, she summons Yuga Ganon to fight Link and obtain the Triforce of Courage from him, but Yuga Ganon is defeated. Hilda asks him for the Triforce of Power, but he reveals his plan to use the Triforce to become a god, and turns her into a painting. He then bolsters his power by taking the Triforce of Wisdom from [[Hilda]], but in the end, he is destroyed by Link, though Ganon's soul survives.


====Strategy====
==={{BotW|-}}===
[[File:GanondorfBattleWW.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Battle against Ganondorf]]
{{Main|Calamity Ganon, Dark Beast Ganon}}
Just when the battle begins Zelda will talk to Link, telling him she will take care of the Arrows of Light to cover him. Immediately, Ganondorf will approach Link with his two blades. The young hero must target him, dodge or shield his blows and wait for the [[Parry]] attack to numb Ganon so Link can slash him. Link can also get away from him at a safe distance, making Ganon follow him until Zelda shoots an arrow to numb Ganon, allowing Link to freely strike Ganondorf with the [[Master Sword]]. After some blows from the Light Arrows, a cinema display will be shown where Ganondorf will knock down Zelda, leaving her unconscious for some time. Meanwhile, Link will have to attack Ganondorf with the Parry strategy. The more damage Link does to Ganon, the more difficult it will be to Parry, until it will be just impossible to do so. When that happens, Zelda will wake up. Link must get near her at this point and use the [[shield]] and get away from Ganondorf while targeting him and being aligned with Zelda until she fires an arrow. Ganondorf will dodge it but if Link was using the shield, the magic will be reflected unto Ganondorf. Otherwise, Zelda will hit Link, taking away life from him. If Link is not aligned with Zelda, the arrow will be lost. Once Ganondorf is hit, Link must quickly get near him until he can Parry him for the last blow. Thus, the battle will come to an end.
[[File:BotW Link Calamity Ganon.png|thumb|left|Link confronting Calamity Ganon]]
Ganon reappears in {{BotW}}, known as the Calamity Ganon or simply Ganon for short.<ref>{{Cite|Calamity Ganon|N/A|BotW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|I am a humble monk, blessed with the sight of the Goddess Hylia and dedicated to helping those who seek to defeat Ganon.|Monk|BotW}}</ref> The Calamity Ganon is known as a primal evil that has appeared throughout Hyrule's history.<ref>{{Cite|The history of the royal family of Hyrule is also the history of Calamity Ganon, a primal evil that has endured over the ages.|Impa|BotW}}</ref> Ten thousand years before the events of {{BotW|-}}, he appeared to ravage the world.<ref>{{Cite|Upon Ganon's inevitable return to Hyrule, the princess and the hero fought alongside these four Champions against this ancient evil.|Impa|BotW}}</ref> In preparation for this, the [[Sheikah]] built a massive army of mechanical protectors called [[Guardian]]s to aid the Hero and the Princess.<ref>{{Cite|The people thought it wise to utilize their technological prowess to ensure the safety of the land, should Calamity Ganon ever return. They constructed four mechanical wonders that came to be known as the Divine Beasts. They also built a legion of autonomous weapons called Guardians.|Impa|BotW}}</ref> Four massive mobile fortresses known as [[Divine Beast]]s served as the centerpieces of this army. With this collaboration between the Sheikah and the Hylians, Ganon was sealed beneath Hyrule Castle where it lay dormant for several millennia.


===''Four Swords Adventures''===
One hundred years prior to the game, a prophecy warned of the return of Calamity Ganon.<ref>{{Cite|The return of Ganon looms—a dark force taunting us from afar. I must learn all I can about the relics so we can stop him. If the fortune-teller's prophecy is to be believed, there isn't much time left...|Zelda|BotW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Stories of Ganon were passed from generation to generation in the form of legends and fairy tales. But there was also...a prophecy. "The signs of a resurrection of Calamity Ganon are clear. And the power to oppose it lies dormant beneath the ground."|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref> Hoping to prepare in the same fashion as their ancestors, the people of Hyrule began working to locate and excavate the Divine Beasts and Guardians.<ref>{{Cite|We decided to heed the prophecy and began excavating large areas of land. It wasn't long before we discovered several ancient relics made by the hands of our distant ancestors. These relics, the Divine Beats, were giant machines piloted by warriors. We also found the Guardians, an army of mechanical soldiers that fought autonomously.|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref> Four [[Champion]]s from each of Hyrule's races were chosen to pilot the Divine Beast of their people<ref>{{Cite|We selected four skilled individuals from across Hyrule and tasked them with the duty of piloting the Divine Beasts.|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref> and the restoration of the mechanical army seemed to be a phenomenal success.<ref>{{Cite|The princess, her appointed knight, and the rest of the Champions were on the brink of sealing away Ganon...|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref> Meanwhile, Princess Zelda worked to awaken her sealing powers alongside a young knight, Link, who had been appointed as her protector.<ref>{{Cite|One hundred years ago, there was a princess set to inherit a sacred power and a skilled knight at her side.|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref> Zelda was determined to awaken her power and prayed at the three springs of the goddesses in Hyrule, but her efforts were met with failure.<ref>{{Cite|So you didn't feel anything? No power at all?|Revali|BotW}}<br />{{Cite|I'm sorry, no.|Zelda|BotW}}</ref> Minutes after she had finished praying at the [[Spring of Wisdom]], the Calamity broke his seal and rose up around the castle. In a move that surprised everyone, however, he managed to corrupt the entire Guardian army with its Malice and turned them against Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite|Ganon was cunning, and he responded with a plan beyond our imagining. He appeared from deep below Hyrule Castle, seized control of the Guardians and the Divine Beasts, and turned them against us.|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref> Even the Divine Beasts, with their pilots slain, fell under the control of incarnations of Ganon's [[Malice]].<ref>{{Cite|That...thing is one of Ganon's creations.|Mipha|BotW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|You're here to wrest control of Medoh away from Ganon, correct?|Revali|BotW}}</ref> With their strongest weapons turned against them, Hyrule was laid to ruin and Link grievously wounded, requiring him to sleep in a [[Shrine of Resurrection|Sheikah healing chamber]] for 100 years.<ref>{{Cite|The appointed knight, gravely wounded, collapsed while defending the princess...And thus, the kingdom of Hyrule was devastated absolutely by Calamity Ganon.|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite| I spoke with Purah about the Shrine of Resurrection we discovered earlier. As we speculated, this particular shrine is, in fact, a medical facility with the power to heal. It also has a long-term stasis function that can be activated and maintained until healing is complete.|Zelda|BotW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|You have been asleep for the past 100 years.|Zelda|BotW}}</ref> Princess Zelda went to confront the Calamity Ganon on her own and managed to seal him once more, though this required her to also become his prisoner to maintain the seal.<ref name="Old Man"/>
[[File:Ganon fsa.png|110px|left]]
In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]'', Ganon stole the [[Trident]] and the [[Dark Mirror]] which he used to summon [[Dark Link]]. He used him to trick Link into releasing [[Vaati]] from the [[Four Sword]]. While Vaati distracted Link and imprisoned the [[Maiden|Shrine Maidens]], Ganon absorbed the power of the Maidens. At the end of the game, Ganon appears as the final boss as a twist ending, fought in the [[Dark World]] underneath the [[Tower of Winds]], where he is defeated after Link fires a [[Light Arrow]] into Zelda's energy bomb that pierces him. He is then sealed away in the Four Sword. In this game, Ganon is referred to as a desert nomad, recently expelled from the Gerudo Tribe by breaking their taboo and exploring the Desert Pyramid.<ref name=Pyramid/> {{clear}}


===''Twilight Princess''===
Throughout Link's journey during the events of {{BotW|-}}, the Calamity can be seen swarming around Hyrule Castle,<ref>{{Cite|I assume that you caught full sight of that atrocity swarming around the castle. That...is the Calamity Ganon.|Old Man|BotW}}</ref> where Zelda is using her power to keep him tethered there.<ref>{{Cite|The words of guidance you have been hearing since your awakening are from Princess Zelda herself. Even now, as she works to restrain Ganon from within Hyrule Castle, as she calls out for your help.|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref> When Link arrives at the [[Sanctum]] of [[Hyrule Castle]], Ganon is found hibernating within a cocoon, attempting to regenerate a physical form.<ref>{{Cite|Hibernating within a cocoon, it attempted to regenerate a physical form after Link awoke but was forced to confront him in an incomplete state.|Hyrule Compendium|BotW}}</ref> Link awakes Ganon from this process prematurely, confronting him in an incomplete form resembling a grotesque mixture of Ganondorf, Malice and Guardian parts. Calamity Ganon fights with a mixture of attacks used by his four incarnations of Malice.
[[File:GanonTP2.jpg|thumb|left|280px|right|Ganondorf as he appears in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'']]
Between the events of ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'', Ganondorf was captured, put on trial, and sentenced to execution by the [[Sage]]s.<ref>{{cite|His name is...Ganondorf. He was the leader of a band of thieves who invaded Hyrule in the hopes of establishing dominion over the Sacred Realm. He was known as a demon thief, an evil-magic wielder renowned for his ruthlessness...But he was blind...In all of his fury and might, he was blind to any danger, and thus was he exposed, subdued, and brought to justice.|Sages|Twilight Princess}}</ref> While they managed to severely wound him, they could not kill him. It was revealed that he possessed the Triforce of Power, and with it, he managed to free himself from his chains, and well as kill the Sage of Water.<ref>{{cite|Yet...By some divine prank, he, too, had been blessed with the chosen power of the gods. His abiding hatred and lust for power turned to purest malice...|Sages|Twilight Princess}}</ref> Knowing no better solution, the Sages opened the [[Mirror of Twilight|gate]] to the [[Twilight Realm]] and sent Ganondorf through it. There he influenced [[Zant]], who had been denied the throne of the Twilight Realm, to seize control and access Hyrule again. Ganondorf granted Zant a fraction of his power in return for the opportunity to escape the Twilight Realm.<ref>{{cite|I shall house my power in you...If there is anything you desire, then I shall desire it, too.|Ganon|Twilight Princess}}</ref><ref>{{cite|My god had only one wish...To merge shadow and light...and make darkness!|Zant|Twilight Princess}}</ref>


Ganondorf and Link met in [[Hyrule Castle]] after Link had defeated Zant. Ganondorf was sitting on [[Princess Zelda]]'s throne and Zelda's body lie in a niche in the same room. During the final battle, Ganondorf possessed Zelda by turning into [[Twilight]]. Using Zelda [[Possessed Zelda|as a puppet]], he attacks Link relentlessly, until Link forces his spirit out of Zelda's body. Ganondorf then takes his bestial form, Ganon, becoming an immensely powerful boar. Taking advantage of Ganon's blind rage, Link outwits him, and defeats Ganon by striking the wound left by the Sages with the [[Master Sword]].
When Calamity Ganon is defeated, Ganon's demonic spirit escapes to Hyrule Field and manifests into the Incarnation of Malice and Hatred. He takes the form of a gigantic boar similar to one of Ganondorf's forms in {{TP|-}}, but consumed by Malice.<ref>{{Cite|This form is considered to be Ganon's original, although in this state, his awareness has been consumed entirely by Malice|Hyrule Compendium|BotW}}</ref> Princess Zelda reveals that at this point, Ganon had given up on resurrecting and intends to release the full force of his wrath onto the world.<ref name="Pure">{{Cite|<small>... Ganon...</small> Ganon... Ganon was born out of a dark past. He is a pure embodiment of the ancient evil that is reborn time and time again... He has given up on reincarnation and assumed his pure, enraged form. If set free upon our world, the destruction will be unlike anything ever seen before.|Zelda|BotW}}</ref> However, Zelda used her true powers to destroy Ganon, although she admits his destruction was temporary in the true ending.


[[File:PuppetZelda TP.jpg|thumb|right|Zelda possessed by Ganon]]
==={{TotK|-}}===
Ganondorf then took on the form an immense veil of fire in the shape of his disembodied head. Midna valiantly resolved to fight Ganondorf using the Twilight magic housed within the [[Fused Shadow]], teleporting Link and Zelda to the safety of [[Hyrule Field]]. Midna transformed into an enormous Twilit arachnoid and attacked Ganondorf. The ensuing battle destroyed Hyrule Castle. Ultimately, Midna was no match for Ganondorf, and he made short work of her. He emerged from the ruins of Hyrule Castle on horseback, triumphantly holding aloft the Fused Shadow fragment that Midna wore, and after crushing it in his hand, he charged Link and Zelda.
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Zelda entreats the Light Spirits of the realm to lend her their power in the form of the [[Light Arrow|Arrows of Light]].<ref>{{cite|Spirits of the light! Wielders of the great power that shines far and wide upon the lands of our world...In my hour of need, grant me the light to banish evil!|Princess Zelda|Twilight Princess}}</ref> Mounting [[Epona]], Link and Zelda pursue, assailing Ganondorf with a hail of arrows. Ganondorf is momentarily staggered, falling from his steed. Link dismounts Epona to examine further, but Ganondorf recovers surprisingly quickly, and confines himself and Link in a makeshift arena. Ganondorf challenges Link to a sword duel to the death.


After besting him in a sword to sword struggle, Link plunges the Master Sword into Ganondorf's open wound. He survives the death blow for a few moments. Only when the Triforce of Power fades completely from his hand, does he succumb. Now dying, Ganondorf sees a vision of Zant. Zant's neck breaks, and immediately Ganondorf's eyes gloss over and he dies.


====Strategy====
Because Ganondorf takes over Zelda's body, Link must fight Ganon as [[Possessed Zelda#Twilight Princess|Puppet Zelda]] first. Puppet Zelda attacks similarly to [[Phantom Ganon]] in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''. Her first attack will likely be the electricity ball. When she throws it at Link with his sword, try to hit it back at her, taking both Link and Zelda into a volley. Link is also capable of using an empty bottle instead of his sword in this sequence. As soon Zelda gets hit by the energy ball, Puppet Zelda will try a new attack. She'll try to charge Link with her sword, forcing Link out of the way or she will make a glowing Triforce under Link's feet, which Link must step out of to avoid damage. Following this, Puppet Zelda will eventually revert to tossing her signature energy ball at Link.


Once Puppet Zelda is defeated, Ganon transforms into his beast form. Ganon has only one attack here; he will ram into Link and stomp on him. It does a lot of damage, but he is easy to get away from. As soon as Ganon warps, Link must wait until he reappears, then immediately shoot him with an arrow. He'll slide on the floor, and Link will get a chance to attack. His weak spot is the glowing spot on his chest. Now, when Link tries to hit him with an arrow he'll disappear. So, Link will have to turn into wolf form and stop him with Midna's huge hand, tripping him over. When he's tipped over, Link must attack as quickly as he can, repeating this until Ganon is defeated.
The following text is copied from the Ganondorf article.


After the [[Princess Zelda#Twilight Princess|cut-scene]], Link will be fighting Ganondorf on horseback. When Ganondorf is hit by a Light Arrow,  Link must catch up and attack him. If Link is too slow, Ganondorf will knock Link off of Epona. To do this easier, Ganondorf will also summon ghostly henchmen to charge Link.


[[File:DLGanon TP.jpg|left|thumb|Link getting ready to fight Ganondorf]] Now Link is face to face with the Dark Lord himself. Although his attacks are not as strong as Ganon's, it is much harder to avoid them. His first often used attack is a stab. Once again, this can not be avoided with Link's sword. The best way for Link to avoid this attack is to do a back flip. His second most used attack is a slash. This attack has the same amount of strength as the previous one, but it has a larger range. His strongest attack is one that is taken from Link: he'll bash the young hero, and then he'll do a spin attack. If Link gets hit by the bash, the spin attack is almost impossible to avoid, but he will delay the spin attack if he hits Link into the electricity wall with the bash. Unlike previous forms, Ganondorf will block almost all of Link's sword attacks.
Please make any necessary edits to that page instead.


Most of Link's attacks will have no effect on Ganondorf (with the exception of the Back Slice, which gives Link an opening after the ending sword-strike), either because he'll avoid them with his sword, or his armor will protect him. Link will have a chance to hit him when he finishes an attack, and he is behind him. He must hit him with a jump attack, and then attack the glowing crack on his chest. If Ganondorf misses Link with his attack, he can jump behind Link and try again.


Eventually, Ganondorf will jump away from all of Link's attacks, so he must have perfect timing. As an alternative, Link can pull out his fishing rod. Ganondorf will follow the hook with his eyes, thereby dropping his guard, and allowing Link to attack. When he knocks him down after numerous hits, Link will have to stab him.  
Unless Ganon appears in this game, this section will eventually be removed.


Another easier and more preferable way to defeat him is back away, and when he charges at Link, the "chance" icon will appear at the bottom of the screen. Pressing A will cause Link to lock swords with him, and he can be stunned by rapidly tapping A. When stunned, he can be attacked with the Master Sword until he falls to the ground. Perform the [[Ending Blow]] to stab him after he collapses to finally put an end to the Dark Lord. Although it takes longer, this battle is possible to finish with the [[Ordon Sword]].


[[File:PhantomHourglassintro05.png|thumb|right|Ganondorf appears in the prologue of ''Phantom Hourglass'']]
This section is being preserved here in the meantime due to how new the Ganondorf article is.
===''Phantom Hourglass''===
Ganon is not encountered or fought in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|Phantom Hourglass]]'' due to his defeat in [[Hyrule]] (now beneath the [[Great Sea]]) at the end of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', but [[Link|Link's]] duel with an "evil king" is mentioned in the intro.<ref>{{cite|Just then, a huge, ominous king appeared! He carried Princess Zelda away...The evil king sought the sacred power passed down to Hyrulian princesses. He schemed to take the power and use it himself. The boy chased after him, determined to save the princess...The boy crossed seas and climbed mountains. The journey was perilous. He slayed evil monsters and used their power to become a true hero. After long and hard adventuring, he defeated the evil king. And beautiful Princess Zelda was rescued at last.|Niko|Phantom Hourglass}}</ref>
{{clear}}


==Ganon's Swords==
[[File:Ganon's Sword TWW.png|left|35px]]
:''See also: [[Sword of the Sages]]''
Although they go unnamed throughout [[The Legend of Zelda (Series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]], Ganondorf has several swords that he uses often. They are inscribed with various pictures or writing, depending on the game. Ganondorf is first canonically seen wielding a sword in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'' during the final battle, which is what he uses as his offensive strategy. Later on in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'', Ganondorf wields the [[Sword of the Sages]], a weapon that the [[Sages]] tried to use against him in an attempt to kill him. The Sword of the Sages serves as Ganondorf's weapon in the final battle against Link.


Non-canon appearances of a sword-wielding Ganondorf include several of Ganondorf's victory poses in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and the Spaceworld 2000 demo which included a sword fight between Link and Ganon. This sword was much bulkier than the swords he uses in the main series, and had a rounded tip.
{{Clear}}


==Other Appearances==
{{Noncanon}}


===Animated series===
-->
[[File:Ganoncartoon.jpg|thumb|220px|Ganon as he appears in the Zelda cartoon series]]
{{Main|Ganondorf}}
In the [[The Legend of Zelda (TV series)|''Zelda'' animated series]], Ganon's design is loosely based upon his appearance from the first game, making him similar to a humanoid pig in a purple robe; however, when needed, he can raise a hood over his head to disguise himself, which he often  does when in the surface. Len Carlson serves as the voice actor for Ganon.
[[File:TotK Ganondorf Model 2.png|thumb|right|{{Term|TotK|Ganondorf}}'s mummified body]]
{{Term|TotK|Ganondorf|link}} appears deep underground in {{TotK}}. As {{Term|TotK|Link|link}} and {{Term|TotK|Princess Zelda|link}} are exploring a {{Term|TotK|Zonai Ruin|link}} underground, they discover {{Term|TotK|Ganondorf}}'s mummified body on an altar. His body exudes {{Term|TotK|Gloom|link}} as he is held by the chest by a glowing green hand. When the two approach him, he awakens and attacks them with his {{Term|TotK|Gloom}}. This corrupts {{Term|TotK|Link}}'s arm and causes {{Term|TotK|Princess Zelda}} to fall into a chasm below. To save {{Term|TotK|Link}}, the hand releases {{Term|TotK|Ganondorf}}, only to allow {{Term|TotK|Ganondorf}} to expel even more {{Term|TotK|Malice}}. At some point, {{Term|TotK|Ganondorf}} restores his body and returns to the surface of {{Term|TotK|Hyrule|link}} atop the {{Term|TotK|Great Plateau|link}}. He can be heard saying, "Do not look away. You witness a king's revival...and the birth of his new world."


Ganon makes his den in the [[Underworld]] and maintains an [[Evil Jar]] which allows him to summon his minions to attack at his command. He also keeps the [[Triforce of Power]] in his lair,<ref>{{cite episode|quote=The evil wizard Ganon has the Triforce of Power.|name=Princess Zelda|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=Introduction of each episode}}</ref> giving him an endless supply of magic to aid him in his attempts to overthrow the kingdom of Hyrule by either capturing [[Princess Zelda]],<ref>{{cite episode|quote=Then we will have to try again. I wanted that princess. But once I place this Jewel of Control around her neck, the princess will do anything I say--even "Marry me!" Aha ha ha ha! And make ME ruler of all Hyrule! Aha ha ha ha!|name=Ganon|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=Hitch in the Works}}</ref> [[King Harkinian]],<ref>{{cite episode|quote=Ganon's after Daddy!|name=Princess Zelda|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=Sing for the Unicorn}}</ref> [[Link]],<ref>{{cite episode|quote=Oh, I could. But why work so hard? You will bring me that Triforce, princess, or you'll never see your precious Link again! Aha ha ha ha!|name=Ganon|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=The Missing Link}}</ref> or stealing the [[Triforce of Wisdom]] from [[North Castle]].<ref>{{cite episode|quote=Obviously, if I want the Triforce of Wisdom I'm going to have to get it myself. There is a contest of amateur magicians in Hyrule today. I shall enter that contest!|name=Ganon|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=The Ringer}}</ref> However, his plans are often flawed by the ineptitude of his servants or by Link and Zelda,<ref name=zc>{{cite episode|quote=Blast, blast, blast, blast! You idiots bungled it again!|name=Ganon|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=The Ringer}}</ref> which sometimes results in Ganon being [[Sword Beam|zapped]] into  the Evil Jar instead.<ref>{{cite episode|quote=Just wait til I get out of here, Zelda and Link. You'll pay for this!|name=Ganon|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=The Ringer}}</ref>
Wall paintings inside the {{Term|TotK|Zonai Ruin|display=Ruins}} containing {{Term|TotK|Ganondorf}}'s mummified body depict a {{Term|TotK|Gerudo|link}} warrior on horseback wielding {{Term|TotK|Ganon|link}}'s signature weapon, a {{Term|TotK|Trident|link}}.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= |author= Nintendo of America |published= June 11, 2019 |retrieved= October 27, 2022 |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fr1Z07AV00 |title= Sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - First Look Trailer - Nintendo E3 2019 |site= YouTube |type= Video}}</ref> The entrance to the {{Term|TotK|Zonai Ruin|display=Ruins}} is marked with a carving of a {{Term|TotK|Boar|link}}, which is both the primary form that {{Term|TotK|Ganon}} takes as well as the {{Term|TotK|Zonai}} symbol for the {{Term|TotK|Triforce of Power|link}}.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= The ruins are primarily animal themed, but with the history of the Triforce from an ancient perspective in mind. The designs are symbolic—using dragons (courage), owls (wisdom), and boars (power). And yes, their name is a pun. "Zonai" is a take on <i>nazo</i>, a word meaning "mystery" in Japanese. [laughs] |book= CaC |publisher= Dark Horse |page= 342}}</ref> {{Term|TotK|Ganondorf}}'s attire bears several instances of the {{Term|TotK|Crest of the Gerudo|link}} and he bears his favorite {{Term|TotK|Gem|link}}, a {{Term|TotK|Topaz|link}}, on his forehead.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH |publisher= |page= 148}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E |publisher= |page= 21}}</ref> As is the case for the {{Term|TotK|Gerudo|link}} prior to {{Term|OoT3D|Ganondorf}}'s invasion of {{Term|OoT3D|Hyrule|link}} in the {{Term|OoT3D|Era of the Hero of Time|link}}, he possesses round ears. Following this event, the {{Term|TotK|Gerudo}} developed pointed ears like {{Plural|TotK|Hylian|link}},<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= CaC |publisher= |page= 401}}</ref> indicating that this incarnation of {{Term|TotK|Ganondorf}} dates back before this biological change took place.


Ganon is capable of [[wikipedia:Teleportation|teleporting]] to any location in the Underworld, an ability that he often uses to immediately find Link and Zelda whenever they are traveling around the Underworld.<ref>{{cite episode|quote=Fools! I want those pieces of the Triforce! And I'm going to find them, if I have to teleport to every chamber in the Underworld! Wait. Why work so hard? Link and Zelda will be after those pieces, too. If I just sneak up after they find them, I'll have Link, Zelda, AND the Triforce! Hyrule will be mine at last!|name=Ganon|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=Underworld Connections}}</ref> However, since his magic is limited in the Overworld,<ref>{{cite episode|quote=Since my teleportation powers are limited in the upper world, I'll have to travel in style.|name=Ganon|episode=The Ringer}}</ref> he is unable to use his powers outside the Underworld, which forces him to rely on his minions to perform tasks for him: as means of transportation while in the surface, Ganon often rides a [[Lowder]] or is carried by [[Stalfos]] to help him reach his destination.<ref>{{cite episode|quote=Move it, you boneheads! Get us out of here!|name=Ganon|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=The Ringer}}</ref>
==={{EoW|-}}===
{{Future Release|Game}}
Ganon kidnaps [[Zelda]] and confronts [[Link]] in a decisive battle, only to lose to the young hero. However, the [[Trident]] he left behind forms a rift that swallows Link whole, transporting him to an alternate realm.


This version of Ganon is more comical and bumbling than his appearance in the games, and he is seen to be short-tempered and intolerant of his servants' clumsiness.<ref>{{cite episode|quote=You're sorry? You're sorry? Blast these incompetent servants! You idiots!|name=Ganon|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=Doppelganger}}</ref><ref name=zc2>{{cite episode|quote=Silence! (electrocutes them) Maybe that will shock some sense into you!|name=Ganon|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=The Missing Link}}</ref><ref name=zc/> As such, he is often seen treating them harshly,<ref name=zc/><ref name=zc2/> which at one point they grow tired of and overthrow Ganon as their leader, as seen in "[[The Moblins are Revolting]]."<ref>{{cite episode|quote= We tired of your plans, Ganon. So now, laugh's on you!|name=Moblin|show=The Legend of Zelda|episode=The Moblins Are Revolting}}</ref> Other than using his minions to execute his plans, Ganon is also known to invent various items that will help him achieve his goal of stealing the Triforce of Wisdom, such as a [[Mirror (animated series)|mirror]] that creates an [[Zelda's Clone|evil clone of Zelda]], a [[Wand of Power]], and a [[Capture Staff]].
==Backstory==
{{ImageCaption|image=File:TPHD Ganondorf Artwork.png|size=180px|align=left|caption=Ganondorf, King of the Gerudo, from {{TPHD|-}}|captionalign=center}}
Ganon is first given a backstory in {{ALttP}}. It was revealed that Ganon was not always the massive boar-like demon introduced in {{TLoZ|-}}. He was revealed to once have been a human by the name of '''Ganondorf''' and leader of a group of thieves. With the help of his followers, he became the first to enter the [[Sacred Realm]] in ages. He claimed the [[Triforce]], turning the Sacred Realm into the [[Dark World]] and himself into a vastly powerful being.<ref name="ALttP Wish">{{Cite|Ganon's wish was to conquer the world. That wish changed the Golden Land to the Dark World.|N/A|ALttP}}</ref> However, he was trapped within the Sacred Realm by the combined efforts of the [[Knights of Hyrule]] and the [[Sage]]s.  


===''The Legend of Zelda'' comic===
In {{OoT}}, it is explained that Ganondorf was born a powerful [[Gerudo]] sorcerer, one of the human races of Hyrule. The Gerudo twin witches [[Twinrova|Koume and Kotake]], were his surrogate mothers.<ref name="Koume">{{Cite|Twinrova Koume: Ganondorf's surrogate mother. Sorceress of Flame. She seems vulnerable to low temperature.|Navi|OoT}}</ref><ref name="Kotake">{{Cite|Twinrova Kotake: Ganondorf's surrogate mother. Sorceress of Ice. She seems vulnerable to high temperature.|Navi|OoT}}</ref> The Gerudo are a race of all-female warriors and thieves, to whom only one male is born every century. Because of this, the male is by birthright the King of the Gerudo. [[Nabooru]] mentions that she is not following Ganondorf because he stole from women and children and even murdered people.<ref name="Nabooru"/> Ganondorf uses his position to betray the [[King of Hyrule]], as well as his cunning, manipulative skills, and mystical powers to gain entrance to the Sacred Realm, the abode of the Triforce. However, he does not obtain the full Triforce; he is left with only the Triforce of Power, which he uses to great effect in his conquest of Hyrule.
[[File:GanonComics.jpg|thumb|right|Ganon as he appears in the Valiant Comics.]]
In the [[The Legend of Zelda (Comic)|''Legend of Zelda'' comic]] published by Valiant Comics, Ganon is usually depicted as a man in a  heavy dark blue hooded cloak with no visible face for several issues,  although later on he would be sometimes portrayed as the familiar pig-faced monster. Since this comic takes place after the events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' and ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'', it is told that Ganon led his minions to attack Hyrule and thus allow him to steal the [[Triforce of Power]].<ref>{{cite book|quote=Then, one dark day, an evil army led by the Prince of Darkness, Ganon, attacked Hyrule and stole the Triforce of Power|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=1 (Bonus)}}</ref> Ganon dwells in the [[Underworld]], with his lair being in [[Death Mountain]], just like in the original ''The Legend of Zelda''.  Using the might of the Triforce, Ganon strives to destroy Link and  Zelda, steal the Triforce of Wisdom, and take over the kingdom of  Hyrule.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Soon, Princess Zelda, I will add your Triforce of Wisdom to my Triforce of Power--and rule Hyrule forever! [...] NO ONE will destroy Link! No one but ME!|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=3 [Assault]}}</ref> Ganon goes to great lengths to accomplish his goals, such as manipulating the citizens of the [[Water Town of Saria]] into going against Link and Zelda,<ref>{{cite book|quote=I know why you fear me--! Because you believe the venomous lies spread by one who is truly evil! A man-monster called... Link! Yes, Link the Malevolent! He assaults my mountain home, attacks my servants, and tries to destroy me! ME--! A man of peace! I see that your fields are barren. What have Link and his co-conspirator, the wicked Princess Zelda, done for you? NOTHING!|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=2 [Trust Me]}}</ref> and disguising himself as [[Impa]] to defeat the young hero once and for all.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Bah!  This Impa disguise...worked no better than my OTHER disguises! I must  escape! I'll battle Link another day on my own...|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=9 [He Also Serves]}}</ref> Although his minions follow his every order and are loyal to him,<ref>{{cite book|quote=Link will be totally destroyed! Who but our evil master Ganon could devise such a brilliant plan?|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=9 [He Also Serves]}}</ref> [[Darknut Prime]] reveals that they hate their "pig-nosed master even more" than Zelda and Link do.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Then by all means enter, bold one, where none of us would dare-- though we hate our pig-nosed master even more than you do!|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=6 [Day of the Triforce]}}</ref>


In ''[[The Power]]'', Link manages to steal the Triforce of Power from Ganon<ref>{{cite book|quote=Zelda: Link! You got the magic trophy!<br>Link: That's nothing! I got Ganon's Triforce!|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=5}}</ref> and uses it to severely damage the Prince of Darkness with it.<ref>{{cite book|quote=It's   over, Ganon! I have the power now! You've hounded me! Attacked me!  Made  my life miserable! I'll give you MERCY! The same mercy you've  always  given ME!|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=}}</ref> Knowing that he is powerless against the might of the Triforce,<ref>{{cite book|quote=I must escape! I have no power left!|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=}}</ref> Ganon barely manages to escape back into the Underworld.<ref>{{cite book|quote=He teleported! He got inside Death Mountain and he TELEPORTED!|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=9}}</ref> However, after Link catches up with him, the young hero traps Ganon inside a cage hanging over a bottomless pit.<ref>{{cite book|quote=My magic is powerful enough to CAGE you now! I should just drop you into this endless pit!|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=5}}</ref> Ganon then begs Link to let him have the Triforce of Power back so that the two of them can defeat Zelda together,<ref>{{cite book|quote=Link! Listen to me! We can defeat her together, if you let me have the Triforce of Power back--! Then, once she's gone, we'll divide the spoils of Hyrule! I swear it!|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=8}}</ref> but Link ignores him and says that the Triforce of Power is his forever.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Shut up, Ganon! The power is mine, forever!|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page=8}}</ref>  Once Link realizes what he has become and decides to throw away the Triforce of Power to keep his soul intact, the cage that was holding  Ganon disappears and sends him tumbling down after the Triforce.<ref>{{cite book|quote=The Power must be fine!|book=The Legend of Zelda|publisher=Valiant Comics|page 9 [The Price]}}</ref>
In {{TWW}}, Ganondorf's character is given greater depth and a clearer motive for his villainy. He states that his desire to conquer Hyrule stems from the arduous life he and his people were subjected to living in the harsh [[Gerudo Desert]], a wasteland plagued by sandstorms and an unstable climate, which he compares unfavorably to the verdant landscape of [[Hyrule Field]] and the amenable life lived by the [[Hylian]]s.<ref name=covet/>


===''Captain N: The Game Master''===
He is reborn in {{FSA}}, where, although he is still a Gerudo, he is not the king. He begins his transformation into the King of Darkness by violating the Gerudo taboo on the [[Pyramid]] and seeking out the [[Trident]].<ref name=Pyramid>{{Cite|The pyramid is sacred to our people. To have a criminal such as him enter... His presence stains its holy ground.|Gerudo|FSA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Once every 100 years, a special child is born unto my people. That child is destined to be the mighty guardian of the Gerudo and the desert. But this child, its heart grew twisted with every passing year. The child became a man who hungered for power at any price.|Elder|FSA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Ganon...This beast was once of the Gerudo...Once human. He was called Ganondorf! King of Darkness, ancient demon reborn. The wielder of the trident!!|Princess Zelda|FSA}}</ref>
[[File:Ganon (Captain N).png|thumb|left|Ganon before he recovers his powers]]
[[File:Ganon revived (Captain N).png|thumb|right|Ganon after he recovers his powers]]
Ganon appears in the "[[Quest for the Potion of Power]]" episode of the ''[[Captain N: The Game Master]]'' show. Len Carlson reprises his role as the voice actor for Ganon.


After finding out about a [[Potion of Power|potion]] that can revive Ganon,<ref>{{cite episode|quote= Only one: that they're searching for a magic potion that will restore his power. WE'VE gotta find it first.|name=Princess Zelda|show=Captain N: The Game Master|episode=Quest for the Potion of Power}}</ref> King Hippo and Eggplant Wizard find it in the [[Maze Island Palace]] and go to Death Mountain to make Ganon drink it. Before the evil wizard takes the potion, he is depicted as a small, innocent and defenseless pig. However, right after he swallows its contents, he transforms into a bigger, stronger and more grotesque-looking pig, slightly resembling his ''Zelda'' cartoon appearance. With Ganon now resurrected, he plans to take over Videoland,<ref>{{cite episode|quote=No one can withstand the power of Ganon. Videoland is ''mine!''|name=Ganon|show=Captain N: The Game Master|episode=Quest for the Potion of Power}}</ref> much to the dismay of Mother Brain, who Ganon is supposed to be working for.<ref>{{cite episode|quote=Wait a minute! I don't like freelancers. You're supposed to be workin' for ''me''|name=Mother Brain|show=Captain N: The Game Master|episode=Quest for the Potion of Power}}</ref> The Evil Wizard, however, exclaims that he works for no one, and sends out a shockwave that knocks Mother Brain on her side. Kevin tries to stop Ganon, but he increases his size and becomes a monster of epic proportions. Ganon then tries to defeat Link and Kevin by sending a fire geam in their direction, but Link's [[Magical Shield]] reflects it back to the giant wizard, instantly defeating him.<ref>{{cite episode|quote=That reflect magic is awesome stuff!|name=Kevin|show=Captain N: The Game Master|episode=Quest for the Potion of Power}}</ref>
In {{SS}}, Ganon is revealed to be the incarnation of the everlasting hatred of the demon king [[Demise]] for those with the blood of the [[Hylia|Goddess]] and the spirit of the [[Link|hero]]. Thus, he is destined to eternally reincarnate, becoming the source of various conflicts in the history of Hyrule, which involve various incarnations of Zelda and Link.<ref name="Demise's final words"/>
{{clear}}


===Nintendo Adventure Books===
==Characteristics==
In the [[Nintendo Adventure Books]], Ganon appears again as the main antagonist of both ''[[The Crystal Trap]]'' and ''[[The Shadow Prince]]''. However, in these books, Ganon is described as a skeletal figure with "burning, white eyes" and "skull-like mask" for a face.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Zelda sees the reflection first. Instead of Charles's face, a horrible, hodded, skull-like mask with burning white eyes fills the mirror. 'It's Ganon himself!' Zelda cries.|book=The Shadow Prince|publisher=Mammoth|page=64}}</ref> Some of the magic used by Ganon in the book includes shooting fireballs from his hand and firing a bolt of light from his fingertips.<ref>{{Cite book|quote=He whirls and brings up his other hand with a fireball in it. Flames shoot out at Link.|book=The Crystal Trap|publisher=Archway|page=118}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|quote=A bolt of light leaps from his fingers and shoots toward Zelda.|book= The Crystal Trap| publisher=Archway| page=64}}</ref>
===Personality===
Ganondorf is an extremely powerful Gerudo warlock who opposes [[Link]] and [[Princess Zelda]] within the series; as such, he is a villain of pure evil and a cruel, ruthless warlord whose goal is to usurp the Kingdom of Hyrule. Ganon's only ambition in life is to obtain the Triforce and dominate the world using the abilities imbued by them. He has many characteristics of a megalomaniac. Despite his undeniable lust for power, Ganon is also a mastermind; he is an adept tactician and a master of manipulation and deceit. It is not unusual for Ganon to manipulate the events of a story behind the scenes (as he did in {{ALttP|-}}, {{FSA|-}}, and {{TP|-}}), only to be revealed as the orchestrator in a plot twist. Ganon usually presents himself with the façade of a cynical yet calm and civil man, although he is known to quickly become enraged, ensuing in a murderous rampage. Ganon has no sense of morality. In his conquest of the Sacred Realm, once he reached the [[Temple of Light]], he single-handedly killed all of his followers who had aided him in his expedition, so that he could claim the Triforce uncontested. He is also culturally inclined, playing a pipe organ with great skill, as seen in {{OoT|-}} where he plays his own theme throughout Link's attack in his [[Ganon's Castle|castle]]. Ganon also possesses an arrogant sense of entitlement; he believes himself to be the only one worthy of ruling the kingdom of Hyrule. His pride is also shown when fighting enemies: despite being more than capable of defeating most enemies in combat, Ganon instead relies on his minions to defeat them. Apparently, he chooses to only fight opponents he deems worthy, such as Link.


====''The Crystal Trap''====
Ganon is also an extremely destructive being. Conquest and destruction seem to be one and the same to him, and examples of his rule have shown him willingly turning his dominion into a wicked place of terror and chaos and harming others with little care.
In ''[[The Crystal Trap]]'', Link and Princess Zelda are running inside the [[Midoro Palace]] trying to escape from Ganon's grap. However, the evil wizard finds them and eventually encases Link in a [[Crystal]]. Ganon explains that since he cannot obtain the Triforce of Courage and Wisdom from Link and Zelda respectively, he used a [[Magic Scroll]] which cast a spell to encase both pieces of the Triforce, including the Triforce of Courage encased in Link's heart.<ref name=courage>{{Cite book|quote='I already have the Triforce of Power, but I need all three parts of the Triforce to complete my hold on Hyrule. Since I cannot get the Triforces of Courage and Wisdom from you, then you shall not be able to use them, either,' he says. 'With this magic scroll, I have cast a spell to encase them in unbreakable crystal. Of course, since the Triforce of Courage is in Link's heart, I'm afraid the poor boy will have to be shut up in the crystal also. Sorry about that.'|book=The Crystal Trap|publisher=Archway|page=65}}</ref> Although the evil wizard had planned to kill Princess Zelda, he confesses that he prefers seeing her suffer over Link, and mocks her that she will be unable to obtain all three items necessary to save the young hero before he gets trapped in the crystal forever in 24 hours.<ref>{{cite book|quote='Not likely,' says Ganon. 'There's only one way to break the crystal, and I don't think you'll ever figure it out, or find the three things you need. By this time tomorrow, Link will be trapped in the crystal forever!' Ganon steps closer to Zelda. 'I was going to kill you,' he tells her. 'But it's so much more fun to see you suffer over your friend. I think I'll just leave you here. Well, bye-bye. I have a kingdom to conquer!|book=Crystal Trap|publisher=Archway|page= 66}}</ref>


Eventually, however, Princess Zelda finds the three items as dictated by the [[Fairy's Scroll]] and frees the young hero. After the duo find the [[Spear]], which is the only weapon that can destroy Ganon, the two are confronted by the evil wizard. Although Ganon tries to fight back, Zelda fires an arrow and pins his robe to a tree trunk, giving Link a chance to hurl the Spear. It pierces through Ganon's hand, injuring him gravely, but warns the young heroes that he will come back before disappearing into nothingness.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Link hurls the spear. Ganon throws a flaming fireball at it, but the magic weapon can't be stopped. It hits Ganon in the hand and nails the scroll to the tree trunk. [...] As they watch, the spear begins to sink into the bark of the tree, taking the scroll with it. In a few moments, both disappear.|book=Crystal Trap| publisher=Archway|page=119}}</ref>
He resents defiance from anybody, but seems to grudgingly respect Link's willingness to stand up to him in ''Ocarina of Time''.<ref>{{Cite|So, you think you can protect them from me... You've got guts, kid.|Ganondorf|OoT}}</ref>


====''The Shadow Prince''====
===Abilities===
{{Main|Charles of Moria}}
Even before gaining the Triforce of Power, Ganondorf was arguably one of the most powerful men in the entire land of Hyrule, largely due to his political position as the King of the Gerudo.
In ''[[The Shadow Prince]]'', Ganon disguises himself as a knight from the land of [[Moria]] known as [[Charles of Moria|Charles]], who has come to visit the kingdom of Hyrule to do good deeds and thus become the king of Moria.<ref>{{cite book|quote='I've been travelling for months, doing good deeds as part of Morian custom. When I've done enough I'll go home and become King Charles.'|book= The Shadow Prince|publisher=Mammoth|page=37}}</ref> He meets Link and Zelda when they are about to be killed by a gang of [[Moblin]]s, but Charles arrives and easily scares them off.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Link looks up as a tall, dark man jumps off a white horse. All the moblin freeze in their tracks, terrified. The one hovering over Link drops his knife. 'Begone!' the stranger commands. The moblin seem in shock. Whimpering, they begin to slink out of the clearing.|book= The Shadow Prince|publisher=Mammoth|page=114}}</ref> Although Princess Zelda is impressed by his bravery after single-handedly defeating a [[Darknut]], Link distrusts the Morian knight from the moment he meets him.  


The King of Hyrule is also quick to trust Charles and shows him the Triforce of Wisdom, dubbing him a knight of the Triforce in the process. Later on in the book, the King of Hyrule, fearing the safety of the Triforce of Wisdom, decides to relocate the Triforce to the [[Fifth Castle of Ancient Hyrule]] and chooses Charles to do the task instead of Link.<ref>{{cite book|quote='I believe Ganon is after our Triforce of Wisdom again. It's in danger here. We must move it.' [...] To the Fifth Castle of Ancient Hyrule.'|book= The Shadow Prince| publisher=Mammoth| page= 6}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|quote='Charles of Moria will carry the Triforce of Wisdom to its new home,' the king announces.|book= The Shadow Prince| publisher=Mammoth| page= 102}}</ref> The young hero, furious at the king's decision and saying that Charles cannot be trusted, uses the [[Mirror of Truth]] to reveal the knight's true identity.<ref>{{cite book|quote=Zelda sees the reflection first. Instead of Charles's face, a horrible, hodded, skull-like mask with burning white eyes fills the mirror. 'It's Ganon himself!' Zelda cries.|book= The Shadow Prince| publisher=Mammoth| page= 64}}</ref>  However, Charles quickly takes the Triforce of Wisdom and escapes into the woods with it, where Link defeats him by slashing [[Charles's Necklace|his necklace]], the true source of Ganon's power.<ref>{{cite book|quote=With a neat chop he cuts the necklace in two. Charles gasps, clutching his throat. 'My necklace!' he cries. 'My beautiful necklace!' [...] Suddenly, Charless falls to his knees. [...] Charles's handsome features begin to melt away, exposing a grinning, bare skull with starving white eyesockets. [...] The evil wizard raises a claweed hand and Link suddenly feels as if he's under water. But Ganon's power isn't strong enough to stop Link from moving forward. [...] then, with a chilling shriek, he vanishes into thin air.|book=The Shadow Prince|publisher=Mammoth| page=96,
Ganondorf was also an immensely powerful sorcerer with vast mystical resources. Additionally, Ganondorf has proven himself to be a skilled swordsman, as seen in the final battles between him and Link in {{TWW|-}} and {{TP|-}}. He is also very physically strong, explained by his extremely tall height and bulky body.
97}}</ref>


===Philips CD-i Games===
Once Ganondorf gained the Triforce of Power, both his physical and mystical abilities were augmented by the essence of the Goddess [[Din (Goddess)|Din]] to god-like proportions - his power unrivaled by any mortal, for he ceased to be mortal in that moment. Becoming a monstrously powerful demon king, Ganondorf became utterly unstoppable, conquering Hyrule with ease. He also implies that the Triforce of Power was sufficient enough to allow him to weaken any seals placed on him over time.<ref>{{Cite|YOU... CURSE YOU...ZELDA! CURSE YOU...SAGES!! CURSE YOU...LINK! Someday... When this seal is broken.... That is when I will exterminate your descendants!! As long as the Triforce of Power is in my hand....|Ganondorf|OoT}}</ref> As seen in the events of {{TP|-}}, the Triforce of Power also grants Ganondorf near-invulnerability; using its power, he is capable of enduring mortal wounds (such as having his chest pierced by a sword during his attempted [[Failed Execution of Ganondorf|execution]]), and only the likes of the most powerful sacred weapons (such as the [[Master Sword]]) appear to be able to kill him. Even without access to his full capabilities in {{TWW|-}}, Ganondorf was able to cast a curse to keep the Great Sea in an endless stormy night. As seen in {{TP|-}}, the Triforce of Power grants Ganondorf many more powers such as size manipulation and terrain alteration: while Ganondorf is not personally shown using many of these powers, he temporarily gifts the Usurper King [[Zant]] with some of them.<ref>{{Cite|I shall house my power in you... If there is anything you desire, then I shall desire it, too.|Ganondorf|TP}}</ref> Ganondorf also has an unnaturally long lifespan, having lived through ages of Hyrulean chronology.
[[File:Faces of Evil Ganon.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Ganon as he appears in ''Link: Faces of Evil'']]
In the ''Zelda'' [[Philips CD-i Games]], Ganon bears a greater resemblance to a bulldog than a pig, although he retains some aspects of his design from the cartoon series, such as the long, flowing robe and helmet.  


In ''[[Link: The Faces of Evil]]'', Ganon has ordered his minions to seize the Island of Koridai, and soon after Link is dispatched to defeat him. At one point, he appears in spirit form to capture Zelda, and when Link arrives to fight him, he offers him the Hobson's Choice of an alliance or death. However, Link imprisons him within the Book of Koridai.
Ganondorf's dark magic, and possibly his position as the Demon King, grant him the power to create his armies of monsters and beasts.


In ''[[Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon]]'', Ganon has conquered [[Gamelon]] and also blackmails [[Duke Onkled]] to betray his cousin, [[King Harkinian]], with threats of destroying Gamelon. He also sends Gibdo, Omfak, Hectan, and other various monsters to defeat anyone who stands in his way. When Zelda confronts him, he blows her away with magic after she exposes him to light. Zelda uses the Wand of Gamelon to mystically summon chains to bind him, and he is inexplicably trapped in what appears to be the Book of Koridai, claiming that they have not seen the last of him.
His power, with or without the Triforce, appears to grow over time. The sages in Arbiter's Grounds, when discussing his evil power, mention it being pure malice and hatred.<ref>{{Cite|His abiding hatred and lust for power turned to purest malice...|Sage|TP}}</ref> As the Calamity Ganon, his very essence is known as {{Term|BotW|Malice|link}}, possibly meaning that his demonic magic and power is fueled as much by his own hatred as the Triforce, and his capacity for hatred is the only true limit on how powerful he can grow.<ref>{{Cite|The demon king was born into this kingdom, but his transformation into Malice created the horror you see now.|King Rhoam|BotW}}</ref>


In ''[[Zelda's Adventure]],'' Ganon kidnaps Link and conquers Tolemac, prompting Zelda to go on a quest to defeat him and rescue Link. In this game, Ganon appears nothing like he did in any previous game, resembling a demonic creature more than a porcine sorceror. He has stolen the celestial signs and captured Link, prompting Zelda to defeat him. During the fight, he wields a large [[trident]] similar to the one in ''Four Swords Adventures''. His castle, much like canonical ones, has the bosses that were fought earlier in it, to be fought again. Once defeated, his body is encased in a tornado, which then flies apart, destroying him.
The reincarnated Ganondorf, during the events of {{FSA|-}}, was largely similar to the original, although it is implied that he was weaker than the original, to the extent that he lacked the ability to cover Hyrule in darkness by the time he had been defeated and sealed in the Four Sword.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=[Ganon] was heard to lament, "The power I have attained from the people of Hyrule is not yet enough." From Ganon's words, we can surmise that he did not have the power he needed to cover Hyrule in darkness.|book=HH|page=121}}</ref>
{{clear}}


===''Super Smash Bros.'' Series===
==Names==
:''See [[ssb:Main Page|SmashWiki's]] article on [[ssb:Ganondorf|Ganondorf]] for more information.''
Since the release of the original game, Ganon has had several different names. During the development of {{TLoZ}}, he was referred to as {{Romanize|牛魔王 八戒|Gyūmaō Hakkai|Bull Demon King Hakkai}}, which is said to be derived from the ''{{Wp|Journey to the West}}'' characters {{Wp|Zhu Bajie|Chohakkai}} and {{Wp|Bull Demon King|Gyūmaō}}.<ref>{{Cite Web|retrieved=December 27, 2015 |url=http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/bkij/vol2/index5.html |title=社長が訊く『ゼルダの伝説 大地の汽笛』 番外篇1　昭和６０年に書かれた文書 |site=Nintendo.co.jp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Web|retrieved=December 27, 2015 |url=https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ds/zelda/1/4 |title=Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks: Bonus Stage 1: Ancient Documents from 1985 |site=Nintendo.com}}</ref> Before the game's release, the name was changed to {{Romanize|ガノン|Ganon}}, an accurate katakana representation of different roman spellings. Both the Japanese and English language versions of {{TLoZ|-}} spell the character's name as "Gannon".<ref>{{Cite|MANY YEARS AGO PRINCE DARKNESS {{Color|TLoZ Red|"GANNON"}} STOLE ONE OF THE {{Color|TLoZ Blue|TRIFORCE}} WITH POWER. PRINCESS {{Color|TLoZ Red|ZELDA}} HAD ONE OF THE {{Color|TLoZ Blue|TRIFORCE}} WITH WISDOM. SHE DIVIDED IT INTO "{{Color|TLoZ Blue|8}}" UNITS TO HIDE IT FROM {{Color|TLoZ Red|"GANNON"}} BEFORE SHE WAS CAPTURED. {{Color|TLoZ Red|GO FIND THE "8" UNITS}} {{Color|TLoZ Green|"LINK"}} {{Color|TLoZ Red|TO SAVE HER.}}|N/A|TLoZ}}</ref> The game's English manual instead opted for the spelling "Ganon".<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote=This army was led by Ganon, the powerful Prince of Darkness who sought to plunge the World into fear and darkness under his rule.|game=TLoZ|page=3}}</ref> This disparity gave rise to the notion that "Gannon" was a misspelling introduced during the translation of the first installment's in-game text, inspiring the site and phrase "Gannon-Banned". The misspelling theory is contradicted by the Japanese versions of {{TAoL}} and {{ALttP}}, whose in-game texts kept the spelling of "Gannon".<ref>{{tcrf|Zelda II: The Adventure of Link/Regional Differences}}</ref><ref>{{tcrf|The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past#Regional Differences}}</ref> Ever since the English release of {{TAoL|-}}, official Nintendo translations have consistently used the spelling "Ganon". However, it was not until 1992 that the translators completely settled on the "Ganon" spelling: while {{ALttP|-}} was in development, the English draft script still referred to the character as "Gannondorf" and "Gannon", implying that the localization team comprised of Daniel Owsen and Hiroyuki Yamada deliberated a long time about which spelling to use.<ref>{{tcrf|Development:The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past/Script Differences}}</ref> The first instance of the "Ganon" spelling also being used by the Japanese developers is in the source code of {{OoT}}.<ref>{{tcrf|Proto:The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest/Console Output Strings}}</ref> With the Japanese release of {{SSBM|-}}, the games finally adopted the official English spelling for the Japanese audience. Although the etymology of Link's name is commonly known, the original inspiration behind the name Ganon has yet to be revealed by the Nintendo developers.
[[File:Ssbmganon.jpg|thumb|Ganondorf as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'']]
Ganondorf is an unlockable playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''. He is unlocked after an event match called "Triforce Gathering" or through playing enough multiplayer matches. After any of those have been achieved, he will have to be fought [[ssb:Final Destination|Final Destination]]. If beaten, he will be unlocked for use in the game. His moves and animations (with the exception of his taunt and victory animations) are almost identical to those of [[ssb:Captain Falcon|Captain Falcon]] save for a difference in speed, power, and effect, which has led many to call him merely a clone and a fill-in character. Ganondorf is slow moving but overall the most powerful character in the game; it is also worth mentioning that his lack of speed can be compensated with "[[ssb:L-Canceling|L-Canceling]]" which allows Ganondorf to be played with both power and relative speed, making him a mid-tier. A fully charged attack from him could defeat almost any opponent with ease.


Oddly in his art for the game, Ganondorf wields a sword, but it only appears in the actual game in one of Ganondorf's victory animations. Ganondorf's design, the sword included, is based on the Spaceworld 2000 GameCube tech demo. Ganondorf's design was likely meant to be a pre-emptive reference to his anticipated future appearance on the Gamecube. However, the tech demo never actually came to fruition as a full-fledged game; thus, the only appearance of the sword, and this particular design for Ganondorf, is in ''Melee''.
When {{ALttP|-}} was released, Ganon's human form, Ganondorf, was introduced, although only in name, as ''Ocarina of Time'' fully reveals him afterwards.<ref>{{Cite|The person who rediscovered the Golden Land was Ganondorf the evil thief.|Maiden|ALttP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|You are the only one who can destroy Ganondorf, the thief-no, Ganon, the evil King Of Darkness!|Maiden|ALttP}}</ref> In the Western manual of {{ALttP|-}} for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]], Ganondorf was referred to by the full name "Ganondorf Dragmire".<ref name="ALTTPM">{{Cite Manual|quote=The name of this king of thieves is Ganondorf Dragmire, but he is known by his alias, Mandrag Ganon, which means Ganon of the Enchanted Thieves.|game= ALttP|page=5-6}}</ref> Similarly, Ganon was also referred to in the manual by an alias, "Mandrag Ganon", which means "Ganon of the Enchanted Thieves".<ref name="ALTTPM"/> These names do not appear in {{ALttP|-}} itself, in its re-releases/remakes, or in other games, though the name "Ganondorf Dragmire" is used in Ganondorf's character profile on the [[Zelda.com|official ''Zelda'' website]].<ref>{{Cite Web|quote=Once known as the King of Thieves, Ganondorf Dragmire used the power of the Triforce to become the beast, Ganon.|author=Nintendo|published=2017|retrieved=April 21, 2017|url=http://zelda.com/online-guide/|title=Online Guide - The Legend of Zelda: The official home of the Nintendo game series|site=The Legend of Zelda series for Nintendo systems}}</ref> According to the {{HH}}, the name "Ganondorf" refers to his human form, while the name "Ganon" is both a nickname and the name given to him when he transforms into a boar-like beast.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=Though "Ganon" is also a nickname for Ganondorf, here it refers to the beastlike form adopted by the thief following his transformation. The Demon King resembles a giant boar.|book=HH|page=90}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Book|quote=A design sketch depicting Ganondorf’s phantom. Ganondorf never appears in the Oracle series, however. Only his beast form, Ganon, is seen.|book=HH|page=169}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Book|quote=Ganon: No trace remains of the human known as Ganondorf.|book=HH|page=121}}</ref> There have been several cases in {{TLoZ|-}} series in which characters, such as the [[King of Red Lions]]<ref>{{Cite|I suppose you [Link] saw him... The shadow that commands that monstrous bird... His name is...Ganon... He... who obtained the power of the gods, attempted to cover the land in darkness and was ultimately sealed away by the very power he hoped to command. He is the very same Ganon... The emperor of the dark realm the ancient legends speak of...|King of Red Lions|TWW}}</ref> or [[Zant]], refer to Ganondorf as "Ganon".<ref>{{Cite|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! Already he has descended and been reborn in this world... As long as my master, Ganon, survives, he will resurrect me without cease!|Zant|TP}}</ref> In {{BotW}}, Ganon is known as [[Calamity Ganon]].<ref name="Old Man">{{Cite|I assume you caught sight of that atrocity enshrouding the castle. That...is {{Color|BotW Red|Calamity Ganon}}. One hundred years ago, that vile entity brought the kingdom of {{Color|BotW Blue|Hyrule}} to ruin. It appeared suddenly and destroyed everything in its path. So many innocent lives were lost in its wake. For a century, the very symbol of our kingdom, Hyrule Castle, has managed to contain that evil. But just barely. There it festers, building its strength for the moment it will unleash its blight upon the land once again. It would appear that moment is fast approaching...|Old Man|BotW}}</ref>


{{ImageCaption|image=File:Ganondorfrender.png|size=190px|align=left|caption=Ganondorf as he appears in ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl''|captionalign=center}}
==Ganon's Swords==
Ganondorf appears again as a playable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''. In an interview with [[Eiji Aonuma]], Aonuma discussed both [[Sheik]] and Ganondorf being fit into ''Brawl''.<ref>{{cite person|quote=Actually, my designers did work on the designs for Sheik and Link and Ganondorf. So they submitted the initial designs, and so it would fit in the ''Smash Bros. Brawl'' environment...|name= Eiji Aonuma|url= http://web.archive.org/web/20080611163237/http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200708/N07.0802.1741.54921.htm|title= Game Informer}}</ref>
:''See also: [[Sword of the Six Sages]]''
[[File:TWW Ganondorf Sword Model.png|left|35px]]
Although they go unnamed throughout {{TLoZ|Series}}, Ganon has several swords that he often uses in addition to his Trident. They are inscribed with various pictures or writings depending on the game. Ganon wields a sword for the first time in {{OoT|-}}. In the final battle, he wields two large golden blades against Link. Ganondorf is seen wielding a pair of Swords again in {{TWW|-}} during the final battle, which is what he uses as his offensive strategy. They are engraved with the names "Kotake" and "Koume.", his surrogate mothers from ''Ocarina of Time''.<ref name="E 21"/> Later on, in {{TP|-}}, Ganondorf wields the [[Sword of the Six Sages]], a weapon that the [[Sages]] tried to use against him in an attempt to kill him. The Sword of the Six Sages serves as Ganondorf's weapon in the final battle against Link. As Calamity Ganon, he wields a number of energy blades similar to Guardian Scouts and his elemental avatars.


Ganondorf is an unlockable character and is obtained by playing through [[ssb:Classic Mode|Classic Mode]] as Link or Zelda on Hard difficulty, playing 200 matches in Brawl mode, or playing through the [[Subspace Emissary]] until he joins the party.<ref>{{cite web|quote=The demon thief Ganondorf has returned! He’s the largest and bulkiest of all human-type characters. His movement, his attack capability everything feels weighted. Ganondorf’s attacks land with heavy thunks, which gives him a very unique feel.|url=http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/hidden09.html|title=Ganondorf|site=Super Smash Bros. DOJO!!}}</ref> Though many hoped he would have a new moveset, it was largely unchanged. However, many of the animations have been changed from the ones he used to share with Captain Falcon, showing that the developers attempted to make do with the mistake they'd made of having him be a clone in ''Melee'' without changing him too much. His appearance is based on his ''Twilight Princess'' incarnation, like Link and Zelda. He does not use his sword to battle, but draws it out in one of his taunts. His moveset still features some of the dark purple magic he is seen using in ''Melee''. His movement speed has been lowered since ''Melee'', and though most of his attacks can kill at low percentages, he is considered to be a low-tier character and is currently ranked as the worst character in the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ssbwiki.com/Tier_list#SSBB_tier_list|title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl Tier List|site=SmashWiki}}</ref>
Non-canon appearances of a sword-wielding Ganondorf include one of Ganondorf's victory poses and Smash Attacks in the {{SSBS|-}} and the [[SpaceWorld 2000 GameCube Tech Demo|SpaceWorld 2000 demo]], which included a Sword fight between Link and Ganondorf. This Sword was much bulkier than the swords he uses in the main series, and had a rounded tip. Ganondorf also uses a Sword in his battle with Link in the {{OoT|-}} manga. This sword is capable of having Ganondorf's evil magic channeled through it. He also wields two [[Great Swords]] in {{HW|-}}, the Swords of Despair. They can be upgraded to the Swords of Darkness and Swords of Demise.


[[The Subspace Emissary]] also marks the first time (though outside of canon) Ganondorf has teamed up with Link and Zelda to fight a common enemy. In this new story mode, Ganondorf reprises his villainous role and helps the [[ssb:Subspace Army|Subspace Army]] as a servant of [[ssb:Master Hand|Master Hand]] along with [[smw:Bowser|Bowser]], who he later betrays and turns into a trophy with a [[ssb:Dark Cannon|Dark Cannon]]. It turns out that Master Hand was (literally) being puppeteered by the main antagonist: a villainous entity known as [[ssb:Tabuu|Tabuu]]. When Ganondorf sees this, he is enraged and charges at him, but Tabuu easily sends him flying backwards and turns him into a [[Trophy (Super Smash Bros.)|trophy]]. He is knocked into Master Hand, and in the process, severs the strings controlling him. Later, on the way to Tabuu, Bowser discovers the trophy of Ganondorf and begins to brutalize it as an act of revenge for his betrayal. Shortly afterward, he is discovered by Link and Zelda, who agree on resurrecting him. Initially responding with anger and a headache, Ganondorf joins them to help out in the final fight against Tabuu.
==Strategy==
{{Main|Ganon/Strategy}}


Ganondorf's Final Smash is Dark Beast Ganon. For a brief time, Ganondorf will transform into his boar form, Ganon, and lunge forward, trying to ram his opponents off of the stage.
==Other Appearances==
{{clear}}
{{Main|Ganon/Other Appearances}}
Ganon is also featured in other media, including comics based on the games, animated shows, and the [[ssb:Super Smash Bros. (series)|{{SSBS|-}}]]. Although his appearance varies from the main series, Ganon is still the wielder of the Triforce of Power who seeks to rule Hyrule by using the power of the sacred relic, fighting against Princess Zelda and Link to reach his goal. Ganon also appeared in ''[[nookipedia:Animal Crossing: New Leaf|Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]''. He can be summoned through Wisp by using the Ganondorf, Bokoblin, or 8-Bit Link amiibo.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*In the original ''Legend of Zelda'', Ganon was misspelled "Gannon". In rereleases this error was corrected. It is unknown if this was a mistranslation or just that Nintendo later decided to drop one of the N's in the name.
*Due to a glitch, it is possible to defeat {{Term|ALttP|Ganon}} in {{ALttP}} with the {{Term|ALttP|Master Sword|link}} instead of {{Plural|ALttP|Silver Arrow|link}}.{{Clarify}}
*In ''Ocarina of Time'', Ganon plays his own [[Wikipedia:Leitmotif|leitmotif]] on a pipe organ. The sound becomes louder as Link ascends Ganon's Tower.
*In {{TWW|-}}, according to the original Japanese text, the Master Sword was only sealing Ganon's minions and not actually his magic, as can be observed in-game.<ref name="Magic Seal"/><ref>{{Cite|{{Romanize|その剣は、魔を撃退する{{Color|TWW Vermilion|退魔の剣}} であると同時に、 我が魔族を封じていた、いまいましい{{Color|TWW Vermilion|封印}} そのものなのだよ！|Sono Ken wa, Ma o Gekitai suru Taima no Kendearu to Dōjini, Waga Mazoku o Fūjite ita, imaimashī Fūin sonomonona noda yo!|That sword is the Anti-Demon Sword that repels demons. However, it is also the annoying seal that was sealing my demon tribe.|3}}|Ganondorf|TWW|Japanese version}} <small>(Translation by [http://forums.legendsalliance.com/topic/14202-translation-of-japanese-game-texts/page-27#entry404295 jacensolo06])</small></ref>
*The shape of Ganondorf's ears have varied throughout the series. His initial appearance in ''Ocarina of Time's'' child timeline depicts him with rounded ears. After the time gap in which he was able to obtain the Triforce of Power, his ears become more pointed, similar to those of Hylians (This detail was removed in the 3DS remake). Ganondorf retains his pointed ears in ''Wind Waker'' and ''Twilight Princess''.
*In {{OoT|-}}, Ganon plays his own theme on a pipe organ. In {{TP|-}}, a similar effect occurs when Link progresses through Hyrule Castle, as the background music shifts from the Hyrule Castle theme to Ganon's theme. This makes Ganondorf one of a handful of characters to generate their own theme music; the others being Midna, Ghirahim and Yuga, all of whom hum their themes.
*Early artwork for {{OoS|-}} and {{OoA|-}} shows [[:File:OoS Ganondorf Concept Artwork.png|a design for Ganondorf]], implying he was originally planned to appear in the games. According to the notes for the artwork, the image was meant to depict Ganondorf's phantom.
*According to the {{HH|-}}, Ganondorf is a whopping 230 cm tall (7'6<nowiki>''</nowiki>) in {{OoT|-}}.<ref name="HH 148">{{Cite Book|quote= |book=HH|page= 148}}</ref> His 1/4 scale model from [[First 4 Figures]], who used in game data to faithfully recreate his appearance in {{TP|-}}, stands at 23 inches tall, which indicates that he also stands at 7'6" in that game as well.<ref>[https://www.first4figures.com/ganondorf.html Ganondorf's First 4 Figures Exclusive Figure]</ref>
*[[Topaz]] is Ganondorf's favorite gemstone. In {{OoT|-}} he decorates his armor and weapons with them.<ref name="HH 148"/><ref name="E 21"/>
*[[Fierce Deity Link]] in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'' appears to be the same height as Ganondorf.
*Prior to the battle with Dark Beast Ganon in {{BotW|-}}, Zelda states that Ganon has given up on reincarnation to fight in his "pure, enraged form."<ref name="Pure"/> However, the dialogue in the Japanese version appears to contradict this, as Zelda says that the form was born from his obsessive refusal to give up on revival.<ref>{{Cite Web|quote= This form was born from his obsessive refusal to give up on revival… |published= August 11, 2017 |retrieved= February 22, 2018 |url= https://legendsoflocalization.com/breath-of-the-wilds-ganon-in-english-japanese/ |title= How Ganon’s Motivation Changed in Breath of the Wild’s English Translation }}</ref>
*Originally, Ganondorf when defeated in ''Twilight Princess'' gave a speech where he indicated Zelda and Link, and any who bore the marks of the Triforce of Wisdom and Courage, respectively, are inevitably going to enter conflict with anyone with Ganondorf's bloodline due to it being pre-ordained by the Gods.<ref name="Cut dialogue">https://tcrf.net/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Twilight_Princess/Unused_Text#Ganondorf<br />選ばれし力を持つ者が現れる時<br />必ず、その対極を成す者が生まれ出ん<br />それが、お前達が信じる神が与えた<br />紋章を持つ者の運命だ<br />この世に紋章を持つ者が現れる限り<br />何度でも、流血の時代が訪れる (Translation: When the chosen ones appear... They are always born into this world in perfect balance. That is the fate decreed by your gods, the only path for those who bear their crests. When this world brings forth another marked as you are... Know too, that it shall also be visited by one of my blood.)</ref> This was largely excised in the final version with Ganondorf instead merely assuring them that their conflict won't end then and there as "the history of light and shadow will be written in blood", although the Hyrule Historia nonetheless made clear that a reincarnation of Ganondorf did indeed reappear. Demise's curse at the end of Skyward Sword resembled this cut speech.
*In an interview made during the time Ocarina of Time was undergoing development, script director Toru Osawa indicated that Ganondorf had some redeemable traits despite being pure evil, similar to the character Raoh from the anime and manga ''Fist of the North Star''.<ref>http://www.angelfire.com/games5/makzelda/interviews/kiootcomments.html</ref>
*Ganon's roars in the final battle of {{OoT|-}}, alongside [[Volvagia]]'s, are a faster and higher-pitched edit of [[Queen Gohma]]'s roar.
*In the original N64 version of ''Ocarina of Time'' (1.0 or 1.1), Ganondorf can be seen coughing red blood when defeated, as well as during when Link stabbed him in the mouth for the finishing blow in his beast form. In later 1.2 releases and the 3DS remake, it was changed to green and the Master Sword now hits Ganon in the forehead to make it less violent and prevent the risk of increasing the game's rating.
*Ganon's boar-like form was based on Zhu Bajie, one of the characters from the Chinese novel ''Journey to the West''. In fact, during development of the first Zelda game, Ganon was originally going to be named Hakkai, the Japanese transliteration of Zhu Bajie.<ref>https://archive.today/20120629063241/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_-_zelda_handheld_history_15603_15604.html</ref>


{{gallery-header}}
==Nomenclature==
{{Nomenclature}}


{{refbar}}
==Gallery==
<br>
{{Gallery}}
{{Names
|English=  
|Japanese= {{Japanese|ガノン|Ganon||3}}, {{Japanese|ガノンドロフ|Ganondorofu|Ganondorf|3}}
|Spanish=  
|Spanish(LA)=  
|Spanish(SP)=
|French=
|French(CA)=
|French(FR)=
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|Italian= }}


==See Also==
* {{Term|Series|Calamity Ganon|link}}
* {{Term|Series|Dark Beast Ganon|link}}
* {{Term|Series|Demise|link}}
* {{Term|Series|Yuga Ganon|link}}


{{Characters}}
{{Notes}}
{{HumanEnemy}}
{{Ref}}
{{Swords}}
 
[[Category:Bosses]]
{{Bosses|TP}}
[[Category:Comics]]
{{Categories
[[Category:Deities]]
|Deities, Demons, Ganon, Giant Bosses, Humanoid Enemies, Kings, Mammalian Enemies, Musicians, Pig-Like Enemies, Princes, Sorcerers, Swordsmen, Thieves, Undead
[[Category:Gerudo]]
|bosses= TLoZ, ALttP, OoT, OoT3D, OoS, OoA, FSA, TP, TPHD, EoW, TFoE, TWoG, ZA, BSTLoZ, AST, HW, HWL, HWDE
[[Category:People]]
|playable= HW, HWL, HWDE
[[Category:Royalty]]
|characters= TLoZ, TAoL, ALttP, OoS, OoA, FSA, ALBW, EoW, TFoE, TWoG, ZA, BSTLoZ, AST, NL, HW, HWL, HWDE
[[Category:Super Smash Bros.]]
}}
[[Category:Swordsmen]]
[[de:Ganon]]
{{de|Ganondorf Dragmire}}

Latest revision as of 23:52, 18 June 2024

Not to be confused with Ganondorf, Ganon's Gerudo form.

Ganon is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series.(TLoZ | ALttP | OoT | OoS | OoA | TWW | FSA | TP | ALBW | TCT)[29][30] He is the main antagonist of the series, born from a Gerudo man named Ganondorf. He made his debut appearance in the very first game, The Legend of Zelda, and has since been present or referred to in most subsequent titles.

Biography

Introduced in The Legend of Zelda as a monstrous Prince of Darkness, Ganon's character has seen much development throughout the series, from being a simple monster to a powerful warlock with deeper motives to his actions.[31] As the incarnation of the Demon King Demise's hatred for those with the blood of the Goddess and the spirit of the hero (or, according to the Hyrule Historia, the reincarnation of Demise himself),[32] Ganon is destined to eternally reincarnate to pursue world domination.[33][34][35] In most cases though, he makes a return after being resurrected or breaking a seal. Four Swords Adventures is a notable exception, featuring a reincarnated Ganondorf.[36] The original Ganondorf from Ocarina of Time appears in most of the other games, making him stand out from other villains as the same character from game-to-game.

Ganon is the possessor of the Triforce of Power, imbued with the essence of the Goddess Din. This divine relic makes Ganon unimaginably strong and grants him boundless mystical power, making him a grave threat to the land of Hyrule and the world. Additionally, Ganon is the source of darkness.[37] As stated in prophecy, the only one capable of defeating Ganon is the Hero who is chosen by the Goddesses, Link.

The Legend of Zelda

Link destroying Ganon from The Legend of Zelda

Despite Yuga Ganon's apparent destruction at the hands of Link in A Link Between Worlds, Ganon returns to life some time prior to The Legend of Zelda, devoid of intelligence.[5] He leads an invasion on the small kingdom of Lesser Hyrule and manages to obtain the Triforce of Power. Before he can obtain the Triforce of Wisdom, Princess Zelda is able to break it into eight pieces and scatters it throughout Hyrule, then sends her attendant Impa away to search for help. Ganon captures Zelda and holds her hostage in his lair, deep in Level-9 under Spectacle Rock, and sends his minions after Impa. Link, having outwitted his underlings and learned of the perils that the land was under, takes up a sword and goes alone to assemble the pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom. Using it, he enters Level-9 and shines it upon the King of Evil's hiding place. Ganon fights ruthlessly with his seemingly invincible Technique of Darkness, but Link is able to vanquish him with his blade and by using the Silver Arrows to deliver the final blow, reducing Ganon to ashes and revealing the Triforce of Power.

The Adventure of Link

Many years prior to both The Legend of Zelda and The Adventure of Link, a potential offshoot/follower of Ganon only known as the "Magician" attempted to gain the location of the Triforce of Courage by manipulating the Prince of Hyrule,[38] the Magician dies casting a spell on Princess Zelda to make her fall asleep for eternity in revenge for her not revealing the Triforce of Courage's location.

Years later, in The Adventure of Link, the evil power left behind by the vile heart of Ganon was causing chaos and ruin in Hyrule. as Ganon's army makes an attempt to revive him by sprinkling Link's blood onto Ganon's ashes, but this method would ultimately failed.

In the ending scenario where Link is killed during his journey, Ganon's minions are able to collect his blood and sprinkling it onto Ganon's ashes, reviving him. As such, Ganon only physically appears on the "Game Over" screen.[note 1]

A Link to the Past

Link fighting against Ganon

A Link to the Past gives an altered version of the events of Ocarina of Time. When Ganondorf discovered the lost knowledge of how to enter the Sacred Realm where the Triforce lay,[40] he killed his minions in order to be the only one able to claim the Triforce.[41] When he laid his hands upon it, the Sacred Realm changed into the Dark World and he was transformed into a boar-like demon, Ganon.[42][43] Ganon waged war against Hyrule, and in a fierce battle the Knights of Hyrule engaged Ganon while the Sages sealed the entrance to the Dark World, casting Ganon into it.[44]

Many years later, Ganon uses the wizard Agahnim to break free from the Dark World.[45][46] Agahnim manages to win the trust of the King of Hyrule and eventually takes control of Hyrule himself.[47][48] He attempts to break the Seal of the Seven Wise Men on Ganon by sending the seven Maidens, descendants of the Seven Sages, into the Dark World.[49] However, he is temporarily stopped when Link helps the final maiden, Princess Zelda, to escape. While Link is trying to acquire the Master Sword to defeat Agahnim, the wizard finds Princess Zelda and sends her to the Dark World. This breaks the seal and allows Ganon's influence to fully spread across the Light World as well. After suffering a defeat by Link, Agahnim uses his powers to transport Link into the Dark World.

Ganon's bat form
Ganon's bat form

After rescuing all of the Maidens from their imprisonment in the Dark World, Link faces Agahnim again in the Dark World, where the young hero successfully destroys him. After the battle with Agahnim, the shadow of Ganon rises from his body, turns into a bat, and flies to the Pyramid of Power. There, Link faces the King of Thieves and even though Ganon wields the might of the full Triforce and the Trident, Link manages to destroy him with the Master Sword and the Silver Arrows.

Link's Awakening

Ganon did not appear in Link's Awakening but during the final battle, the final boss takes on a form known as the Shadow of Ganon. During the final battle, the Shadow Nightmares take on the form of various monsters from Link's past. One of these is the form of Agahnim, Ganon's alter ego, while the fourth is of Ganon himself. While not the true Ganon, this is a memory of Link's battle with Ganon in A Link to the Past, and as such attacks in a similar manner, using his trident and attacking with Blazing Bats. Unlike the real Ganon, the Silver Arrows are not needed for Link to defeat it, but he will have to use Spin Attacks or the Pegasus Boots to cause damage. Unlike the other Shadows up to this point, once defeated, the Shadow of Ganon will make the cry normally used for when a boss has been completely destroyed. Despite this, the battle will continue as the shadows take on another form.

Ocarina of Time

Main article: Ganondorf
Ganondorf in Ocarina of Time
Ganondorf in Ocarina of Time

Several years prior to Ocarina of Time, the Hyrulean Civil War ended with the unification of the various races of Hyrule under the Royal Familly. This included the Gerudo, with Ganondorf as their king, swearing fealty to the King of Hyrule. This brought the Gerudo Desert under Hyrule's control.[50][51] In truth, Ganondorf only did this so he could move freely throughout the country.[51]

During the events of Ocarina of Time, Ganondorf is striving to conquer the lands of Hyrule and obtain the Triforce.[52] In order to access the Triforce within the Sacred Realm, Ganondorf sought the three Spiritual Stones from the Kokiri, Gorons, and Zoras. When they refused to hand them over, he placed a death curse upon the Great Deku Tree and Lord Jabu-Jabu, and blocked off Dodongo's Cavern with a gigantic boulder.[53] At the same time, he pledged false allegiance to the King of Hyrule to gain his trust.[54]

Princess Zelda, however, senses the pure evil within Ganondorf and asks for Link's aid to prevent Ganondorf from obtaining the Triforce.[55][54] Ganondorf eventually betrays the King and assaults Hyrule Castle while Link gathers the three Spiritual Stones.[56] The young hero returns in time to see Zelda and Impa flee while being pursued by Ganondorf on his Horse. When Ganondorf demands Link tell him in which direction the two had fled, Link refuses and is attacked by the King of the Gerudo, who proclaims he will soon rule the world.[57] When Link, shortly thereafter, opens the entrance to the Sacred Realm, Ganondorf sneakily follows him and seizes the opportunity to obtain the Triforce, with partial success.[58][59][12] As he touched the Triforce, however, it split into three pieces, leaving Ganondorf with only the Triforce of Power.[60][61]

During the seven years Link was in suspended animation, Ganondorf conquered the Kingdom of Hyrule, transforming the feudal-style Hyrule Castle into Ganon's Castle, a tiered near-cylindrical skyscraper resting on a floating island that hovered above a large lake of lava. He had the Castle Town completely decimated, left in ruins, and populated by the ReDead, causing many Hylians to flee to Kakariko Village.[62]

As Hyrule's new king, Ganondorf gained even more knowledge regarding the Triforce. Because his heart was not in balance, he was only bestowed one third of the element: the Triforce of Power. With all of the luxury and power of the subdued kingdom at his disposal, the Sorcerer Evil King is able to wait patiently for the moment when the two remaining Triforce keepers, Link and Zelda, would reveal themselves. Eventually, he finds them in the Temple of Time, where he kidnaps Princess Zelda, who had evaded his pursuit for seven years,[63] and challenges Link to come save her.[64][65] The three Triforce possessors meet again in Ganon's Castle, where the final battle ensues. When Link reaches the top of the Tower, he finds Zelda confined in a pink crystalline enclosure floating above it. Ganondorf taunts the young hero and engages him in battle, where Link is able to defeat the tyrant with the aid of the Light Arrows and the Master Sword.[66] Wounded and using the last of his strength, Ganondorf tries to make his castle collapse to kill Link and Zelda, but the two manage to escape safely.[67] However, the exhausted Ganondorf still lives, and uses the essence of the Triforce of Power to transform into a bestial monstrosity called Ganon, his true form. Despite his massive size and clever tactics, Link manages to defeat him using the Master Sword and assistance from the power of the Seven Sages.[68] Ganondorf is then sealed into the void of the Evil Realm where he cannot harm Hyrule or lay his hands on the remaining pieces of the Triforce.[69] As he is sealed in the Sacred Realm, Ganondorf claims that when he breaks the seal, he will destroy Link and Zelda's descendants,[70] knowing that he will have the opportunity as long as he possesses the Triforce of Power.[71]

Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages

In the linked ending of Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, it is revealed that the events of the two games were started by Twinrova in an attempt to resurrect Ganon via the Dark Rites. The ritual required that three flames were lit: the Flame of Destruction, the Flame of Sorrow, and the Flame of Despair. The Flame of Destruction is lit when General Onox throws the seasons of Holodrum into chaos,[72] while the Flame of Sorrow is lit when Veran caused great misfortune to the people of Labrynna by using the powers of Nayru the oracle.[73] With two flames lit, the Twinrova sisters capture Princess Zelda, causing the despair of the people to light the third flame, the Flame of Despair.[74] Twinrova intended to sacrifice Zelda for Ganon's rebirth, but Link managed to slay them before the ritual finished, and thus the Twinrova sisters were forced to sacrifice themselves to awaken Ganon.[75] Because of this, the ritual was incomplete and Ganon became a mindless beast,[76] although he did demonstrate limited thought just as he was defeated by Link.[77]

The Wind Waker

Main article: Ganondorf
Nintendo Galleryhide ▲
Figurine
Description

Base of Operations: Ganon's Castle
Effective Weapons:
Light Arrows, Master Sword
The possessor of the Triforce of Power, Ganondorf controls many fell beasts.

It is useless for Link to try to face him alone. He must look for an ally who can aid him in battle.

FigurineDescription

Base of Operations: Ganon's Castle
Effective Weapons:
Light Arrows, Master Sword
The possessor of the Triforce of Power, Ganondorf controls many fell beasts.

It is useless for Link to try to face him alone. He must look for an ally who can aid him in battle.

Long before the events in The Wind Waker but well after Ocarina of Time, Ganondorf managed to escape from his seal and wreak havoc in Hyrule once more. Climbing from the Earth in his beast form Ganon, he attacked the Kingdom of Hyrule and easily took control of it.[78] No hero appeared this time and the gods were forced to flood Hyrule in order to stop Ganon.[79][80][81]

However, Ganon breaks free, rising up from his ocean prison, and subsequently begins to rebuild his army.[82][83][84][85] Still wanting to obtain the Triforce, he sends one of his minions, the Helmaroc King, on a search for "young girls with pointy ears" hoping to find Princess Zelda, the bearer of the Triforce of Wisdom.[86] He sends two more of his minions, Jalhalla and Molgera to kill the Sages of Earth and Wind, Laruto and Fado, so the Master Sword doesn't have the power to repel evil. Among the girls kidnapped is Link's sister, Aryll, and thus Link sets off on his adventure to rescue her. Link finds Ganondorf's hideout, the Forsaken Fortress, where Ganondorf had Link thrown far away into the ocean after being caught by the Helmaroc King.[87] Later, it is revealed that Ganondorf has limited magic strength, for his powers were sealed away by the gods with the aid of the Master Sword, which by that time had already been weakened by the deaths of the Sages of Earth and Wind. However, without this knowledge, Link himself takes the Master Sword, and thus removes the only barrier restraining Ganondorf's power.[88][89]

The Master Sword's blade dull, Ganondorf easily repels Link's attack

Soon afterwards atop the Forsaken Fortress, Ganondorf reveals that the Master Sword is dull; its power to banish evil is gone, having planned for that outcome.[90][91][92][93] Link and the pirate captain, Tetra, narrowly escape safely with the help of the Sky Spirit Valoo and the Rito before Ganondorf can seize Tetra, who he finds is actually Princess Zelda and the keeper of the Triforce of Wisdom.[94] After this, Zelda is hidden inside the underwater castle in Hyrule and Link begins his quest to reawaken the Master Sword, whose power had vanished since Ganondorf had murdered the Sages in charge of keeping the power within the sacred blade.[95] Once Link finally achieves his goals of finding the Triforce of Courage and restoring the Master Sword to its former glory to become the Hero of the Winds, Ganondorf locates their haven and consequently captures Zelda, whom he takes to his underwater Castle.[96][97] Link finds Zelda unharmed, lying in a bed, sleeping, with Ganondorf watching over her and her dreams.[98] However, before Link has any chance to approach, Ganondorf unleashes a bewitched, giant puppet of his beast form, which Link defeats.[99] Ganondorf finally reappears to challenge Link, and with Zelda in his arm, he rises to the rooftop of the Tower.

Soon after Link reaches the rooftop, Ganondorf speaks to him about his reasons for desperately searching for the Triforce pieces, revealing a little of his origins from the harsh Gerudo Desert and his desire to take over the green landscapes of Hyrule. When he declares that he already has in his possession the Triforce of Wisdom, Ganondorf suddenly rushes against Link and delivers swift, hard punches to the face that leave Link half-conscious and knocking the Master Sword out of reach. Ganondorf, using his Triforce of Power, summons the two missing Triforce pieces from Link and Zelda and reforms the full Triforce.[100] Nevertheless, right before Ganondorf is able to touch the Triforce and make his wish come true of conquering Hyrule, King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule, the last King of Hyrule, appears to touch the Triforce first and makes the wish of permanently washing away the ancient land of Hyrule.[101][102] The Triforce disappears and water starts pouring through the protective barrier into the land of Hyrule as Ganondorf laughs scornfully. Link wakes up at that point and Zelda approaches him holding the Master Sword for Link to engage Ganondorf in one last battle. Ultimately with Zelda's aid, Ganondorf is defeated when Link deals the final blow by plunging the Master Sword straight into Ganondorf's forehead, turning him into stone[103] and killing him.[104] Immediately before his death, however, Ganondorf, with slight satisfaction, referenced the brutal winds that had long plagued the Gerudo.[105] His body remains atop the Tower under the Great Sea with the Master Sword in his head, and the ocean finally drowns Hyrule under the Great Sea. With his death, Ganondorf was freed of his obsessive desire for the Triforce.[106]

Four Swords Adventures

Hundreds of years later, in Four Swords Adventures, Ganon is reincarnated following his death in Twilight Princess.[36] In this game, Ganondorf is referred to as a desert nomad, recently expelled from the Gerudo Tribe by breaking their taboo and exploring the Desert Pyramid as part of his plan to usurp the powers of others and coat Hyrule in darkness.[107] He steals the Trident from the Pyramid and the Dark Mirror (which he uses to summon Shadow Link and his kin) from the forest. He uses him to trick Link into releasing Vaati from the Four Sword to serve as a distraction. Ganondorf then utilized the power of the Trident to hunt down and defeat the knights of Hyrule and transform them into demons, turning the Royal Jewels into gateways to the Dark World. Ganon also absorbs the power of the imprisoned Shrine Maidens.

At the end of the game, Ganon appears as the final boss as a twist ending, fought in the Dark World underneath the Tower of Winds, where he is defeated after Link fires a Light Arrow into Zelda's Ball of Light that pierces him. He is then sealed away in the Four Sword as its new prisoner.

Aside from the reincarnated Ganon, the original Ganon's hatred and malice transcending time and space was responsible for the creation of the various Shadow Links via the Dark Mirror, with the intention of getting Link to break the seal on Vaati.[108]

Twilight Princess

Main article: Ganondorf
Ganondorf as he appears in Twilight Princess

Prior to the events of Twilight Princess, Ganondorf's true intentions were exposed, and he was captured, put on trial, and sentenced to execution by the Sages.[109] While they managed to severely wound him by impaling him with the Sword of the Six Sages, the Triforce of Power activated at that moment and thus they could not kill him.[110] Using the power granted by his Triforce piece, he manages to free himself from his chains, and kills the Sage of Water as well. Knowing no better solution, the Sages open the gate to the Twilight Realm and send Ganondorf through it. There, he promptly revitalized himself using the lingering anguish and hatred from among the Twili that managed to bleed through the Twilight Realm's dimensional fabric.[111] He influences Zant, who had been denied the throne of the Twilight Realm, to seize control and access Hyrule again. Ganondorf grants Zant a fraction of his power in return for the opportunity to escape the Twilight Realm.[112][113]

After Link defeats Zant, Ganondorf and the young hero meet atop Hyrule Castle, where he is found sitting on Princess Zelda's throne as Zelda's body lies in a niche in the same room. During the final battle, Ganondorf possesses Zelda by turning into Twilight. Using Zelda as a puppet, he attacks Link relentlessly, until Link forces his spirit out of Zelda's body. Ganondorf then takes his bestial form, Ganon, becoming an immensely powerful boar. Taking advantage of Ganon's blind rage, Link outwits him, and defeats Ganon by striking the wound left by the Sages with the Master Sword.

Ganondorf then takes on the form of an immense veil of fire in the shape of his disembodied head. Midna valiantly resolves to fight Ganondorf using the Twilight magic housed within the Fused Shadow, teleporting Link and Zelda to the safety of Hyrule Field. Midna, transforming into an enormous Twilit arachnoid, attacks Ganondorf, with the ensuing battle destroying the castle. However, Midna was no match for Ganondorf, and was promptly defeated by the Gerudo King. Ganondorf emerges from the ruins of Hyrule Castle on horseback, triumphantly holding aloft the Fused Shadow fragment that Midna wore, and after crushing it in his hand, he charges towards Link and Zelda.

Zelda entreats the Light Spirits of the realm to lend her their power in the form of the Arrows of Light.[114] Mounting Epona, Link and Zelda pursue, assailing Ganondorf with a hail of arrows. Ganondorf is momentarily staggered, falling from his steed, but he recovers surprisingly quickly and confines himself and Link in a makeshift arena where the two engage in a sword duel.

After besting him in a sword to sword struggle, Link plunges the Master Sword into Ganondorf's open wound. He does not die immediately, but only when the Triforce of Power fades completely from his hand, he succumbs. Ganondorf sees a vision of Zant's neck breaking, then Ganondorf's eyes gloss over and he dies. Immediately before his death, however, Ganondorf, implies that future battles between his reincarnation and their descendants will occur and warns them that the history of light and shadow will be "written in blood".[115]

Skyward Sword

Although Ganon is not in Skyward Sword, his origins are revealed. He is the incarnation of Demise's hatred, and is thus destined to eternally reincarnate to pursue world domination, as well as those with the blood of the goddess and the spirit of the hero.[33]

A Link Between Worlds

Ganon being revived by Yuga

Ganon appears to Link in a nightmare, ominously hinting that he would soon return. Later, after capturing each of the Seven Sages in portraits, the evil wizard Yuga uses their power in order to resurrect Ganon from the darkness where he was sealed after his previous defeat.[116] After resurrecting him, Yuga joins with Ganon, taking on a form which combines attributes of both of the evil sorcerers. However, before Yuga Ganon can destroy Link, he is stopped by Hilda, who sends Link on a quest to reawaken the Seven Sages and gain the Triforce of Courage.[117]

Once the Triforce of Courage is obtained, Impa reveals that Ganon is returning and that Link must stop him, she then tells him that he must head to Lorule Castle and confront the Demon King to stop him once and for all.[118][119]

When Link returns and discovers that Hilda has lied to him, she summons Yuga Ganon to fight Link and obtain the Triforce of Courage from him, but Yuga Ganon is defeated. Hilda asks him for the Triforce of Power, but he reveals his plan to use the Triforce to become a god, and turns her into a painting. He then bolsters his power by taking the Triforce of Wisdom from Hilda, but in the end, he is destroyed by Link, though Ganon's soul survives.

Breath of the Wild

Main articles: Calamity Ganon and Dark Beast Ganon
Link confronting Calamity Ganon

Ganon reappears in Breath of the Wild, known as the Calamity Ganon or simply Ganon for short.[120][121] The Calamity Ganon is known as a primal evil that has appeared throughout Hyrule's history.[122] Ten thousand years before the events of Breath of the Wild, he appeared to ravage the world.[123] In preparation for this, the Sheikah built a massive army of mechanical protectors called Guardians to aid the Hero and the Princess.[124] Four massive mobile fortresses known as Divine Beasts served as the centerpieces of this army. With this collaboration between the Sheikah and the Hylians, Ganon was sealed beneath Hyrule Castle where it lay dormant for several millennia.

One hundred years prior to the game, a prophecy warned of the return of Calamity Ganon.[125][126] Hoping to prepare in the same fashion as their ancestors, the people of Hyrule began working to locate and excavate the Divine Beasts and Guardians.[127] Four Champions from each of Hyrule's races were chosen to pilot the Divine Beast of their people[128] and the restoration of the mechanical army seemed to be a phenomenal success.[129] Meanwhile, Princess Zelda worked to awaken her sealing powers alongside a young knight, Link, who had been appointed as her protector.[130] Zelda was determined to awaken her power and prayed at the three springs of the goddesses in Hyrule, but her efforts were met with failure.[131] Minutes after she had finished praying at the Spring of Wisdom, the Calamity broke his seal and rose up around the castle. In a move that surprised everyone, however, he managed to corrupt the entire Guardian army with its Malice and turned them against Hyrule.[132] Even the Divine Beasts, with their pilots slain, fell under the control of incarnations of Ganon's Malice.[133][134] With their strongest weapons turned against them, Hyrule was laid to ruin and Link grievously wounded, requiring him to sleep in a Sheikah healing chamber for 100 years.[135][136][137] Princess Zelda went to confront the Calamity Ganon on her own and managed to seal him once more, though this required her to also become his prisoner to maintain the seal.[138]

Throughout Link's journey during the events of Breath of the Wild, the Calamity can be seen swarming around Hyrule Castle,[139] where Zelda is using her power to keep him tethered there.[140] When Link arrives at the Sanctum of Hyrule Castle, Ganon is found hibernating within a cocoon, attempting to regenerate a physical form.[141] Link awakes Ganon from this process prematurely, confronting him in an incomplete form resembling a grotesque mixture of Ganondorf, Malice and Guardian parts. Calamity Ganon fights with a mixture of attacks used by his four incarnations of Malice.

When Calamity Ganon is defeated, Ganon's demonic spirit escapes to Hyrule Field and manifests into the Incarnation of Malice and Hatred. He takes the form of a gigantic boar similar to one of Ganondorf's forms in Twilight Princess, but consumed by Malice.[142] Princess Zelda reveals that at this point, Ganon had given up on resurrecting and intends to release the full force of his wrath onto the world.[143] However, Zelda used her true powers to destroy Ganon, although she admits his destruction was temporary in the true ending.

Tears of the Kingdom

Main article: Ganondorf
Ganondorf's mummified body

Ganondorf appears deep underground in Tears of the Kingdom. As Link and Zelda are exploring a Zonai Ruin underground, they discover Ganondorf's mummified body on an altar. His body exudes Gloom as he is held by the chest by a glowing green hand. When the two approach him, he awakens and attacks them with his Gloom. This corrupts Link's arm and causes Zelda to fall into a chasm below. To save Link, the hand releases Ganondorf, only to allow Ganondorf to expel even more Malice. At some point, Ganondorf restores his body and returns to the surface of Hyrule atop the Great Plateau. He can be heard saying, "Do not look away. You witness a king's revival...and the birth of his new world."

Wall paintings inside the Ruins containing Ganondorf's mummified body depict a Gerudo warrior on horseback wielding Ganon's signature weapon, a Trident.[144] The entrance to the Ruins is marked with a carving of a Boar, which is both the primary form that Ganon takes as well as the Zonai symbol for the Triforce of Power.[145] Ganondorf's attire bears several instances of the Crest of the Gerudo and he bears his favorite Gem, a Topaz, on his forehead.[146][147] As is the case for the Gerudo prior to Ganondorf's invasion of Hyrule in the Era of the Hero of Time, he possesses round ears. Following this event, the Gerudo developed pointed ears like Hylians,[148] indicating that this incarnation of Ganondorf dates back before this biological change took place.

Echoes of Wisdom

This articlesection contains information about an unreleased video game.
It is likely to contain information of a speculative nature and the content may change dramatically as more information becomes available.

Ganon kidnaps Zelda and confronts Link in a decisive battle, only to lose to the young hero. However, the Trident he left behind forms a rift that swallows Link whole, transporting him to an alternate realm.

Backstory

Ganondorf, King of the Gerudo, from Twilight Princess HD

Ganon is first given a backstory in A Link to the Past. It was revealed that Ganon was not always the massive boar-like demon introduced in The Legend of Zelda. He was revealed to once have been a human by the name of Ganondorf and leader of a group of thieves. With the help of his followers, he became the first to enter the Sacred Realm in ages. He claimed the Triforce, turning the Sacred Realm into the Dark World and himself into a vastly powerful being.[42] However, he was trapped within the Sacred Realm by the combined efforts of the Knights of Hyrule and the Sages.

In Ocarina of Time, it is explained that Ganondorf was born a powerful Gerudo sorcerer, one of the human races of Hyrule. The Gerudo twin witches Koume and Kotake, were his surrogate mothers.[149][150] The Gerudo are a race of all-female warriors and thieves, to whom only one male is born every century. Because of this, the male is by birthright the King of the Gerudo. Nabooru mentions that she is not following Ganondorf because he stole from women and children and even murdered people.[28] Ganondorf uses his position to betray the King of Hyrule, as well as his cunning, manipulative skills, and mystical powers to gain entrance to the Sacred Realm, the abode of the Triforce. However, he does not obtain the full Triforce; he is left with only the Triforce of Power, which he uses to great effect in his conquest of Hyrule.

In The Wind Waker, Ganondorf's character is given greater depth and a clearer motive for his villainy. He states that his desire to conquer Hyrule stems from the arduous life he and his people were subjected to living in the harsh Gerudo Desert, a wasteland plagued by sandstorms and an unstable climate, which he compares unfavorably to the verdant landscape of Hyrule Field and the amenable life lived by the Hylians.[31]

He is reborn in Four Swords Adventures, where, although he is still a Gerudo, he is not the king. He begins his transformation into the King of Darkness by violating the Gerudo taboo on the Pyramid and seeking out the Trident.[107][151][152]

In Skyward Sword, Ganon is revealed to be the incarnation of the everlasting hatred of the demon king Demise for those with the blood of the Goddess and the spirit of the hero. Thus, he is destined to eternally reincarnate, becoming the source of various conflicts in the history of Hyrule, which involve various incarnations of Zelda and Link.[33]

Characteristics

Personality

Ganondorf is an extremely powerful Gerudo warlock who opposes Link and Princess Zelda within the series; as such, he is a villain of pure evil and a cruel, ruthless warlord whose goal is to usurp the Kingdom of Hyrule. Ganon's only ambition in life is to obtain the Triforce and dominate the world using the abilities imbued by them. He has many characteristics of a megalomaniac. Despite his undeniable lust for power, Ganon is also a mastermind; he is an adept tactician and a master of manipulation and deceit. It is not unusual for Ganon to manipulate the events of a story behind the scenes (as he did in A Link to the Past, Four Swords Adventures, and Twilight Princess), only to be revealed as the orchestrator in a plot twist. Ganon usually presents himself with the façade of a cynical yet calm and civil man, although he is known to quickly become enraged, ensuing in a murderous rampage. Ganon has no sense of morality. In his conquest of the Sacred Realm, once he reached the Temple of Light, he single-handedly killed all of his followers who had aided him in his expedition, so that he could claim the Triforce uncontested. He is also culturally inclined, playing a pipe organ with great skill, as seen in Ocarina of Time where he plays his own theme throughout Link's attack in his castle. Ganon also possesses an arrogant sense of entitlement; he believes himself to be the only one worthy of ruling the kingdom of Hyrule. His pride is also shown when fighting enemies: despite being more than capable of defeating most enemies in combat, Ganon instead relies on his minions to defeat them. Apparently, he chooses to only fight opponents he deems worthy, such as Link.

Ganon is also an extremely destructive being. Conquest and destruction seem to be one and the same to him, and examples of his rule have shown him willingly turning his dominion into a wicked place of terror and chaos and harming others with little care.

He resents defiance from anybody, but seems to grudgingly respect Link's willingness to stand up to him in Ocarina of Time.[153]

Abilities

Even before gaining the Triforce of Power, Ganondorf was arguably one of the most powerful men in the entire land of Hyrule, largely due to his political position as the King of the Gerudo.

Ganondorf was also an immensely powerful sorcerer with vast mystical resources. Additionally, Ganondorf has proven himself to be a skilled swordsman, as seen in the final battles between him and Link in The Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. He is also very physically strong, explained by his extremely tall height and bulky body.

Once Ganondorf gained the Triforce of Power, both his physical and mystical abilities were augmented by the essence of the Goddess Din to god-like proportions - his power unrivaled by any mortal, for he ceased to be mortal in that moment. Becoming a monstrously powerful demon king, Ganondorf became utterly unstoppable, conquering Hyrule with ease. He also implies that the Triforce of Power was sufficient enough to allow him to weaken any seals placed on him over time.[154] As seen in the events of Twilight Princess, the Triforce of Power also grants Ganondorf near-invulnerability; using its power, he is capable of enduring mortal wounds (such as having his chest pierced by a sword during his attempted execution), and only the likes of the most powerful sacred weapons (such as the Master Sword) appear to be able to kill him. Even without access to his full capabilities in The Wind Waker, Ganondorf was able to cast a curse to keep the Great Sea in an endless stormy night. As seen in Twilight Princess, the Triforce of Power grants Ganondorf many more powers such as size manipulation and terrain alteration: while Ganondorf is not personally shown using many of these powers, he temporarily gifts the Usurper King Zant with some of them.[155] Ganondorf also has an unnaturally long lifespan, having lived through ages of Hyrulean chronology.

Ganondorf's dark magic, and possibly his position as the Demon King, grant him the power to create his armies of monsters and beasts.

His power, with or without the Triforce, appears to grow over time. The sages in Arbiter's Grounds, when discussing his evil power, mention it being pure malice and hatred.[156] As the Calamity Ganon, his very essence is known as Malice, possibly meaning that his demonic magic and power is fueled as much by his own hatred as the Triforce, and his capacity for hatred is the only true limit on how powerful he can grow.[157]

The reincarnated Ganondorf, during the events of Four Swords Adventures, was largely similar to the original, although it is implied that he was weaker than the original, to the extent that he lacked the ability to cover Hyrule in darkness by the time he had been defeated and sealed in the Four Sword.[158]

Names

Since the release of the original game, Ganon has had several different names. During the development of The Legend of Zelda, he was referred to as 牛魔王 八戒 (Gyūmaō Hakkai), which is said to be derived from the Journey to the West characters Chohakkai and Gyūmaō.[159][160] Before the game's release, the name was changed to ガノン (Ganon), an accurate katakana representation of different roman spellings. Both the Japanese and English language versions of The Legend of Zelda spell the character's name as "Gannon".[161] The game's English manual instead opted for the spelling "Ganon".[162] This disparity gave rise to the notion that "Gannon" was a misspelling introduced during the translation of the first installment's in-game text, inspiring the site and phrase "Gannon-Banned". The misspelling theory is contradicted by the Japanese versions of The Adventure of Link and A Link to the Past, whose in-game texts kept the spelling of "Gannon".[163][164] Ever since the English release of The Adventure of Link, official Nintendo translations have consistently used the spelling "Ganon". However, it was not until 1992 that the translators completely settled on the "Ganon" spelling: while A Link to the Past was in development, the English draft script still referred to the character as "Gannondorf" and "Gannon", implying that the localization team comprised of Daniel Owsen and Hiroyuki Yamada deliberated a long time about which spelling to use.[165] The first instance of the "Ganon" spelling also being used by the Japanese developers is in the source code of Ocarina of Time.[166] With the Japanese release of Super Smash Bros. Melee, the games finally adopted the official English spelling for the Japanese audience. Although the etymology of Link's name is commonly known, the original inspiration behind the name Ganon has yet to be revealed by the Nintendo developers.

When A Link to the Past was released, Ganon's human form, Ganondorf, was introduced, although only in name, as Ocarina of Time fully reveals him afterwards.[167][168] In the Western manual of A Link to the Past for the Super NES, Ganondorf was referred to by the full name "Ganondorf Dragmire".[169] Similarly, Ganon was also referred to in the manual by an alias, "Mandrag Ganon", which means "Ganon of the Enchanted Thieves".[169] These names do not appear in A Link to the Past itself, in its re-releases/remakes, or in other games, though the name "Ganondorf Dragmire" is used in Ganondorf's character profile on the official Zelda website.[170] According to the Hyrule Historia, the name "Ganondorf" refers to his human form, while the name "Ganon" is both a nickname and the name given to him when he transforms into a boar-like beast.[171][172][173] There have been several cases in The Legend of Zelda series in which characters, such as the King of Red Lions[174] or Zant, refer to Ganondorf as "Ganon".[175] In Breath of the Wild, Ganon is known as Calamity Ganon.[138]

Ganon's Swords

See also: Sword of the Six Sages

Although they go unnamed throughout The Legend of Zelda series, Ganon has several swords that he often uses in addition to his Trident. They are inscribed with various pictures or writings depending on the game. Ganon wields a sword for the first time in Ocarina of Time. In the final battle, he wields two large golden blades against Link. Ganondorf is seen wielding a pair of Swords again in The Wind Waker during the final battle, which is what he uses as his offensive strategy. They are engraved with the names "Kotake" and "Koume.", his surrogate mothers from Ocarina of Time.[106] Later on, in Twilight Princess, Ganondorf wields the Sword of the Six Sages, a weapon that the Sages tried to use against him in an attempt to kill him. The Sword of the Six Sages serves as Ganondorf's weapon in the final battle against Link. As Calamity Ganon, he wields a number of energy blades similar to Guardian Scouts and his elemental avatars.

Non-canon appearances of a sword-wielding Ganondorf include one of Ganondorf's victory poses and Smash Attacks in the Super Smash Bros. series and the SpaceWorld 2000 demo, which included a Sword fight between Link and Ganondorf. This Sword was much bulkier than the swords he uses in the main series, and had a rounded tip. Ganondorf also uses a Sword in his battle with Link in the Ocarina of Time manga. This sword is capable of having Ganondorf's evil magic channeled through it. He also wields two Great Swords in Hyrule Warriors, the Swords of Despair. They can be upgraded to the Swords of Darkness and Swords of Demise.

Strategy

Main article: Ganon/Strategy

Other Appearances

Main article: Ganon/Other Appearances

Ganon is also featured in other media, including comics based on the games, animated shows, and the Super Smash Bros. series. Although his appearance varies from the main series, Ganon is still the wielder of the Triforce of Power who seeks to rule Hyrule by using the power of the sacred relic, fighting against Princess Zelda and Link to reach his goal. Ganon also appeared in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. He can be summoned through Wisp by using the Ganondorf, Bokoblin, or 8-Bit Link amiibo.

Trivia

  • Due to a glitch, it is possible to defeat Ganon in A Link to the Past with the Master Sword instead of Silver Arrows.[clarification needed]
  • In The Wind Waker, according to the original Japanese text, the Master Sword was only sealing Ganon's minions and not actually his magic, as can be observed in-game.[88][176]
  • The shape of Ganondorf's ears have varied throughout the series. His initial appearance in Ocarina of Time's child timeline depicts him with rounded ears. After the time gap in which he was able to obtain the Triforce of Power, his ears become more pointed, similar to those of Hylians (This detail was removed in the 3DS remake). Ganondorf retains his pointed ears in Wind Waker and Twilight Princess.
  • In Ocarina of Time, Ganon plays his own theme on a pipe organ. In Twilight Princess, a similar effect occurs when Link progresses through Hyrule Castle, as the background music shifts from the Hyrule Castle theme to Ganon's theme. This makes Ganondorf one of a handful of characters to generate their own theme music; the others being Midna, Ghirahim and Yuga, all of whom hum their themes.
  • Early artwork for Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages shows a design for Ganondorf, implying he was originally planned to appear in the games. According to the notes for the artwork, the image was meant to depict Ganondorf's phantom.
  • According to the Hyrule Historia, Ganondorf is a whopping 230 cm tall (7'6'') in Ocarina of Time.[177] His 1/4 scale model from First 4 Figures, who used in game data to faithfully recreate his appearance in Twilight Princess, stands at 23 inches tall, which indicates that he also stands at 7'6" in that game as well.[178]
  • Topaz is Ganondorf's favorite gemstone. In Ocarina of Time he decorates his armor and weapons with them.[177][106]
  • Fierce Deity Link in Majora's Mask appears to be the same height as Ganondorf.
  • Prior to the battle with Dark Beast Ganon in Breath of the Wild, Zelda states that Ganon has given up on reincarnation to fight in his "pure, enraged form."[143] However, the dialogue in the Japanese version appears to contradict this, as Zelda says that the form was born from his obsessive refusal to give up on revival.[179]
  • Originally, Ganondorf when defeated in Twilight Princess gave a speech where he indicated Zelda and Link, and any who bore the marks of the Triforce of Wisdom and Courage, respectively, are inevitably going to enter conflict with anyone with Ganondorf's bloodline due to it being pre-ordained by the Gods.[180] This was largely excised in the final version with Ganondorf instead merely assuring them that their conflict won't end then and there as "the history of light and shadow will be written in blood", although the Hyrule Historia nonetheless made clear that a reincarnation of Ganondorf did indeed reappear. Demise's curse at the end of Skyward Sword resembled this cut speech.
  • In an interview made during the time Ocarina of Time was undergoing development, script director Toru Osawa indicated that Ganondorf had some redeemable traits despite being pure evil, similar to the character Raoh from the anime and manga Fist of the North Star.[181]
  • Ganon's roars in the final battle of Ocarina of Time, alongside Volvagia's, are a faster and higher-pitched edit of Queen Gohma's roar.
  • In the original N64 version of Ocarina of Time (1.0 or 1.1), Ganondorf can be seen coughing red blood when defeated, as well as during when Link stabbed him in the mouth for the finishing blow in his beast form. In later 1.2 releases and the 3DS remake, it was changed to green and the Master Sword now hits Ganon in the forehead to make it less violent and prevent the risk of increasing the game's rating.
  • Ganon's boar-like form was based on Zhu Bajie, one of the characters from the Chinese novel Journey to the West. In fact, during development of the first Zelda game, Ganon was originally going to be named Hakkai, the Japanese transliteration of Zhu Bajie.[182]

Nomenclature

Names in Other Regions
LanguageNamesMeanings
Japan
Japanese
  • ガノン (Ganon) (TLoZ | TAoL | ALttP | OoT | FSA | CoH)[196][197][198][199]
  • 邪悪の王 (Jaaku no Ō) (ALttP)[201]
  • 魔盗族ガノン (Ma Tōzoku Ganon) (ALttP)[198]
  • 大魔王 (Daimaō) (OoT)[200]
  • 闇の王 (Yami no Ō) (FSA)
  • ガノン様 (Ganon-sama) (FSA)
  • Gannon/Ganon
  • King of Evil
  • Ganon of the Enchanted Thieves
  • King of Darkness / Demon King
  • King of Darkness
  • Revered Ganon
The Republic of ChinaThe Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of ChinaThe Macao Special Administrative Region of China
ChineseTR
加儂 (Jiānóng) (CoH) 
The People's Republic of China
ChineseSI
  • 加侬 (Jiā nóng) (TAoL | OoS)[209][210]
  • 盖侬 (Gàinóng) (CoH)
  •  
  •  
The Kingdom of the Netherlands
Dutch
Ganon (TLoZ | TAoL | TFoE)[204][205][206]
The French Republic
FrenchEU
Ganon (TLoZ | TFoE | CoH)[202][203]
Canada
FrenchCA
Ganon (CoH | HWAoC)[211]
The Federal Republic of Germany
German
Ganon (TLoZ | TFoE | CoH)[207][208]
The Italian Republic
Italian
  •  
  • The king of evil
  • Beast of darkness
  • King of Evil
The Republic of Korea
Korean
가논 (Ganon) (CoH) 
Latin America
SpanishLA
Ganon (CoH)
The Kingdom of Spain
SpanishEU
Ganon (TLoZ | CoH)[212]
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery

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See Also

Notes

  1. ↑ This only happens in the NES version of the game. In the original Japanese relase for the Famicom Disk System, only a black screen with text appears and a laugh can be heard in the background.[39]

References

  1. ↑ "Those creatures from Ganon / Are pretty bad" — The Legend of Zelda US rap commercial , YouTube, retrieved October 14, 2014.
  2. ↑ Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 106
  3. ↑ The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 4 (TLoZ)
  4. ↑ "LONG AGO, GANON, PRINCE OF DARKNESS, STOLE THE TRIFORCE OF POWER. PRINCESS ZELDA OF HYRULE BROKE THE TRIFORCE OF WISDOM INTO EIGHT PIECES AND HID THEM FROM GANON BEFORE SHE WAS KIDNAPPED BY GANON'S MINIONS. LINK, YOU MUST FIND THE PIECES AND SAVE ZELDA." — N/A (The Legend of Zelda)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 106
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 10
  7. ↑ A Link to the Past manual, pg. 3
  8. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past—Nintendo Player's Guide, Nintendo of America, pg. 12
  9. ↑ "Ancient Creators of Hyrule! Now open the sealed door, and send the Evil Incarnation of Darkness into the void of the Evil Realm!" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  10. ↑ "After you opened the Door of Time, the Master Sword sealed you away in the Sacred Realm... Your spirit remained in the Sacred Realm... and then the Triforce fell into Ganondorf's hands. He went on to invade the Sacred Realm... Ganondorf had become the Evil King, and the Sacred Realm became a world of evil. All of this is an unfortunate coincidence." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  11. ↑ "It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda. I apologize for meeting you in disguise, but it was necessary to hide from the King of Evil. Please forgive me..." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Art & Artifacts, Dark Horse Books, pg. 413
  13. ↑ "Listen. The great Ganondorf recognized my obvious talents and gave the ranch to me!" — Ingo (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  14. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time—Prima's Official Strategy Guide, Prima Games, pg. 16
  15. ↑ "I've seen your fine work. To get past the guards here, you must have good thieving skills. I used to think that all men, except for the great Ganondorf, were useless...but now that I've seen you, I don't think so anymore! The exalted Nabooru, our leader, put me in charge of this fortress. Nabooru is the second-in-command to the great Ganondorf, King of the Gerudo Thieves. Her headquarters are in the Spirit Temple, which is at the end of the desert. Say, you must want to become one of us, eh? All right then! You're in from now on! Take this. With it, you will have free access to all areas of the fortress!" — Gerudo Warrior (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  16. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time—Prima's Official Strategy Guide, Prima Games, pg. 14
  17. ↑ "Victory Ring
    The Evil King Ganon defeated    " — Item Screen (Oracle of Seasons)
  18. ↑ "Victory Ring
    The Evil King Ganon defeated    " — Item Screen (Oracle of Ages)
  19. ↑ "Everything's going swell lately! And we have Ganon, King of Darkness, to thank! Huh? Vaati? What's that? No, Vaati's old news. Ganon's the King of Darkness! Forget Vaati!" — Deku Scrub (Four Swords Adventures)
  20. ↑ "Dark Beast
    GANON    " — N/A (Twilight Princess HD)
  21. ↑ "Dark Lord
    GANONDORF    " — N/A (Twilight Princess HD)
  22. ↑ "Long ago, Ganon the Demon King nearly destroyed our world." — Sahasrahla (A Link Between Worlds)
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Creating a Champion, Dark Horse Books, pg. 401
  24. ↑ "Lord Ganon! Your martial prowess is truly outstanding!" — Ghirahim (Hyrule Warriors)
  25. ↑ "The King of Darkness
    GANONDORF    " — N/A (Super Smash Bros. for Wii U)
  26. ↑ "The King of Darkness
    GANONDORF    " — N/A (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate)
  27. ↑ "Respect. Sooga! This is a directive from Lord Ganon." — Master Kohga (Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity)
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "With his followers, he stole from women and children, and he even killed people! A kid like you may not know this, but the Gerudo race consists only of women. Only one man is born every hundred years... Even though our laws say that lone male Gerudo must become King of the Gerudo, I'll never bow to such an evil man!" — Nabooru (Ocarina of Time)
  29. ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 179 (TLoZ | ALttP | OoT | OoS | OoA | FSA | TP) & 300 (ALBW)
  30. ↑ The Crystal Trap, Simon & Schuster, pg. 1
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "My country lay within a vast desert. When the sun rose into the sky, a burning wind punished my lands, searing the world. And when the moon climbed into the dark of night, a frigid gale pierced our homes. No matter when it came, the wind carried the same thing... Death. But the winds that blew across the green fields of Hyrule brought something other than suffering and ruin. I coveted that wind, I suppose." — Ganon (The Wind Waker)
  32. ↑ "This game talks about the birth of the Master Sword, and it touches on why Ganondorf showed up. If you play it, I think you'll get some understanding on that. It connects to Ocarina, so if you play Ocarina of Time 3D and move on to this game, I think you'll catch on to a lot of things." —Eiji Aonuma (Eiji Aonuma interview.)
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 "Extraordinary. You stand as a paragon of your kind, human. You fight like no human or demon I have ever known. Though this is not the end. My hate... never perishes. It is born anew in a cycle with no end! I will rise again! Those like you... Those who share the blood of the goddess and the spirit of the hero... They are eternally bound to this curse. An incarnation of my hatred shall ever follow your kind, dooming them to wander a blood-soaked sea of darkness for all time!" — Demise (Skyward Sword)
  34. ↑ "A cyclical tale arose from an ancient battle..." (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 91)
  35. ↑ "However, the destruction of Demise was not the end of the battle. It was the beginning of a curse: a never ending cycle of the reincarnation of the Demon King, whose hatred for those with the blood of the Goddess and the Spirit of the Hero is everlasting" (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 76)
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 "Four Swords Adventures: The Reincarnation of Ganondorf" (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 69)
  37. ↑ "Ganon: The source of darkness, awaiting his return to power." — Official Site - The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 2DS family of systems. , Zelda.com, retrieved November 16, 2015.
  38. ↑ "The true nature of the man who stubbornly hones in on the secret of the Triforce is uncertain. However, it’s possible that he is an offshoot of Ganon, much like Agahnim, or merely one of his followers." (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 104)
  39. ↑ JoshKall Plays, Version differences - Zelda 2: NES Vs FDS , YouTube (video), published August 24, 2014, retrieved January 22, 2020.
  40. ↑ "...The Triforce will grant the wishes of whoever touches it, as long as that person lives... That is why it was hidden in the Golden Land. Only a select few knew of its location, but at some point that knowledge was lost... The person who rediscovered the Golden Land was Ganondorf the evil thief." — Maiden (A Link to the Past)
  41. ↑ "In a long running battle, the leader of the thieves fought his way past his followers in a lust for the Golden Power. After vanquishing his own followers, the leader stood triumphant over the Triforce and grasped it with his blood-stained hands." (A Link to the Past manual, pg. 5)
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "Ganon's wish was to conquer the world. That wish changed the Golden Land to the Dark World." — N/A (A Link to the Past)
  43. ↑ "Indeed, the King of Evil Ganon, the one who has threatened Hyrule so, was born at this time." (A Link to the Past manual, Japanese version, pg. 7)
  44. ↑ "The Knights took the full brunt of the fierce attack, and although they fought courageously many a brave soul was lost that day, 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." (A Link to the Past manual, pg. 6)
  45. ↑ "I never imagined a boy like you could give me so much trouble. It's unbelievable that you defeated my alter ego, Agahnim the Dark Wizard, twice!" — Ganon (A Link to the Past)
  46. ↑ "Agahnim has seized control of the castle and is now trying to open the seven wise men's seal." — Princess Zelda (A Link to the Past)
  47. ↑ "Pestilence and drought, uncontrollable even by magic, ravaged the land. [...] He offered rewards for anyone who could find the source of these troubles. In answer to these summons a stranger named Agahnim came and quelled the disasters with a previously unseen form of magic. As a reward, the king gave him a new position as chief advisor and heir to the Seven Wise Men." (A Link to the Past manual, pg. 6)
  48. ↑ "Of late, rumors have traveled their whispering path with alarming frequency. Rumors saying Agahnim now rules the country with his magic..." (A Link to the Past manual, pg. 7)
  49. ↑ "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." — N/A (A Link to the Past)
  50. ↑ Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 84
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 20
  52. ↑ "They say that Ganondorf is not satisfied with ruling only the Gerudo and aims to conquer all of Hyrule!" — Gossip Stone (Ocarina of Time)
  53. ↑ "All this trouble must have been caused by that Gerudo thief, Ganondorf! He said, "Give me the Spiritual Stone! Only then will I open the cave for you!" — Darunia (Ocarina of Time)
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 "That is Ganondorf, the leader of the Gerudos. They hail from the desert far to the west. Though he swears allegiance to my father, I am sure he is not sincere." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  55. ↑ "We must not let Ganondorf get the Triforce! I will protect the Ocarina of Time with all my power! He shall not have it!" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  56. ↑ "On that day seven years ago, Ganondorf suddenly attacked... and Hyrule Castle surrendered after a short time." — Impa (Ocarina of Time)
  57. ↑ "You must have seen the white horse gallop past just now... Which way did it go?! Answer me!! […] Pathetic little fool! Do you realize who you are dealing with?! I am Ganondorf! And soon, I will rule the world!" — Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time)
  58. ↑ "As I thought, you held the keys to the Door of Time! You have led me to the gates of the Sacred Realm...Yes, I owe it all to you, kid!" — Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time)
  59. ↑ "What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce of the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it!" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  60. ↑ "He obtained the Triforce from the Temple of Light, and with its power, he became the King of Evil..." — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
  61. ↑ "The Triforce separated into three parts. Only the Triforce of Power remained in Ganondorf's hand." — Impa (Ocarina of Time)
  62. ↑ "Since Ganondorf came, people in the Castle Town have gone, places have been ruined, and monsters are wandering everywhere." — Malon (Ocarina of Time)
  63. ↑ "Princess Zelda...you foolish traitor! I commend you for avoiding my pursuit for seven long years." — Ganon (Ocarina of Time)
  64. ↑ "If you want to rescue Zelda, come to my castle!" — Ganon (Ocarina of Time)
  65. ↑ "We have to save Princess Zelda from her imprisonment in Ganon's Castle!" — Navi (Ocarina of Time)
  66. ↑ "These toys are too much for you! I command you to return them to me!" — Ganon (Ocarina of Time)
  67. ↑ "Link, listen to me! This tower will collapse soon! With his last breath, Ganondorf is trying to crush us in the ruins of the tower! We need to hurry and escape!" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  68. ↑ "Use the Master Sword! Destroy Ganon with the sacred sword!" — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
  69. ↑ "Ancient Creators of Hyrule! Now, open the sealed door and send the Evil Incarnation of Darkness into the void of the Evil Realm!!" — Rauru (Ocarina of Time)
  70. ↑ "Someday...When this seal is broken....That is when I will exterminate your descendants!!" — Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time)
  71. ↑ "As long as the Triforce of Power is still in my hand..." — Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time)
  72. ↑ "Onox has fallen, but the damage he has done to this land burns on in the Flame of Destruction!" — Twinrova (Oracle of Seasons)
  73. ↑ "Behold, Veran! The troubles you caused have filled the land with cries of sorrow! It has given birth to the Flame of Sorrow, which burns brightly!" — Twinrova (Oracle of Ages)
  74. ↑ "Thanks to Veran and Onox, the Flames of Sorrow and Destruction already flicker! And when we captured Zelda, the foolish humans gave us despair! Oh, Flames of Despair, Destruction and Sorrow, burn with the power of our evil deeds!" — Twinrova (Oracle of Ages)
  75. ↑ "Hoh hoh! Ganon's return was but a step away! Link! It is not over! Our rites have failed, but by sacrificing this body, Ganon will return!" — Twinrova (Oracle of Ages)
  76. ↑ "Since they could not sacrifice me in their final rite, the powers of darkness could only revive a mindless, raging Ganon." — Princess Zelda (Oracle of Ages)
  77. ↑ "Gwoh hoh hoh! I am Ganon... The Evil King..." — Ganon (Oracle of Ages)
  78. ↑ "Once, long ago, this land of Hyrule was turned into a world of shadows by Ganon, who sought to obtain the power of the gods for his own evil ends." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  79. ↑ "My power alone could not stop the fiend, and our only choice was to leave the fate of the kingdom in the hands of the gods..." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  80. ↑ "When the gods heard our pleas, they chose to seal away not only Ganon, but Hyrule itself..." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  81. ↑ "Our fair kingdom was soon buried beneath the waves, forgotten at the bottom of the ocean." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  82. ↑ "The events which we have long feared seem to have been set into motion. Yes. It seems Ganon has returned. There can be no other explanation." — Jabun (The Wind Waker)
  83. ↑ "After his defeat at the hands of the Hero of Time, Ganondorf was sealed away...but not for all time. He was revived, and he returned to Hyrule in a red wrath." — Laruto (The Wind Waker)
  84. ↑ "I knew there was a reason the monsters had begun to congregate in the regions around my wood. Now I understand it. He has returned... Ganon has returned..." — Great Deku Tree (The Wind Waker)
  85. ↑ "He is the very same Ganon... The emperor of the dark realm the ancient legends speak of..." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  86. ↑ "Ganon will be searching frantically for this child in an attempt to get the power of the gods that she possesses. He will not rest until he has found her." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  87. ↑ "My name is Ganondorf... And I am the master of Forsaken Fortress." — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  88. ↑ 88.0 88.1 "Foolish child. While that sword is indeed the blade of evil's bane, at the same time, it has long played another role... You see, it is also a sort of key... a most wretched little key that has kept the seal on me and my magic intact!" — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker HD)
  89. ↑ "By withdrawing the blade, you have broken that seal..." — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker HD)
  90. ↑ "You cannot defeat me with a blade that does not sparkle with the power to repel evil! What you hold is useless." — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  91. ↑ "Its power is gone, and its edges are dull!" — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  92. ↑ "And yet...unfortunately, due to Ganondorf's evil designs, the Master Sword you hold has lost this power." — King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
  93. ↑ "You cannot defeat Ganon until the power to repel evil has been returned to the Master Sword." — King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
  94. ↑ "My Triforce of Power is resonating! Ha! At long last, I have found you... Princess Zelda!" — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  95. ↑ "You must protect Zelda. She cannot be permitted to fall into the hands of Ganon." — Jabun (The Wind Waker)
  96. ↑ "So, despite our efforts, the princess has fallen into Ganon's hands..." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  97. ↑ "Beyond the bridge on the far side of the castle stands Ganon's Tower. I am certain Zelda is being held there." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  98. ↑ "I can see this girl's dreams... Oceans... Oceans... Oceans... Oceans... Oceans as far as the eye can see." — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  99. ↑ "This is a gigantic marionette created by Ganon himself. It transforms into three different shapes, but all are vulnerable to rays of light." — N/A (The Wind Waker)
  100. ↑ "When power, wisdom, and courage come together, the gods would have no choice but to come down..." — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  101. ↑ "Gods of the Triforce! Hear that which I desire! Hope! I desire hope for these children! Give them a future! Wash away this ancient land of Hyrule! Let a ray of hope shine on the future of the world!!!" — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  102. ↑ "Ganondorf! May you drown with Hyrule!!!" — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker)
  103. ↑ "It is none other than the Master Sword...The blade of evil's bane. It is the only sword that can banish Ganon from the world above!" — King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
  104. ↑ "There was no blood, and he turned to stone, and died." —Nate Bihldorff (Nintendo World Report - The Treehouse Interview.)
  105. ↑ "Ughnn… Heh heh… The wind… It is blowing…" — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  106. ↑ 106.0 106.1 106.2 Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 21
  107. ↑ 107.0 107.1 "The pyramid is sacred to our people. To have a criminal such as him enter... His presence stains its holy ground." — Gerudo (Four Swords Adventures)
  108. ↑ Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 119
  109. ↑ "His name is...Ganondorf. He was the leader of a band of thieves who invaded Hyrule in the hopes of establishing dominion over the Sacred Realm. He was known as a demon thief, an evil-magic wielder renowned for his ruthlessness... But he was blind... In all of his fury and might, he was blind to any danger, and thus was he exposed, subdued, and brought to justice." — Sage (Twilight Princess)
  110. ↑ "Yet...By some divine prank, he, too, had been blessed with the chosen power of the gods." — Sage (Twilight Princess)
  111. ↑ "Your people have long amused me, Midna. To defy the gods with such petty magic, only to be cast aside... How very pathetic. Pathetic as they were, though, they served me well. Their anguish was my nourishment. Their hatred bled across the void and awakened me. I drew deep of it and grew strong again." — Ganondorf (Twilight Princess)
  112. ↑ "I shall house my power in you...If there is anything you desire, then I shall desire it, too." — Ganon (Twilight Princess)
  113. ↑ "My god had only one wish...To merge shadow and light...and make darkness!" — Zant (Twilight Princess)
  114. ↑ "Spirits of the light! Wielders of the great power that shines far and wide upon the lands of our world...In my hour of need, grant me the light to banish evil!" — Princess Zelda (Twilight Princess)
  115. ↑ "Do not think this ends here... The history of light and shadow will be written in blood!" — Ganondorf (Twilight Princess)
  116. ↑ "I will use the Sages to reach the one who shall help me attain true beauty. I mean, of course... GANON!" — Yuga (A Link Between Worlds)
  117. ↑ "I knew Yuga planned to slip into your world to abduct Zelda and the Sages. I...I couldn't stop him. Now he has used them to summon the Demon King and siphon his power. Yuga's appetite will soon consume our worlds. Hyrule and Lorule—the beast's for the talking." — Princess Hilda (A Link Between Worlds)
  118. ↑ "Yet as Hyrule is facing the same threat as in the legend of old, you have so much more to endure." — Impa (A Link Between Worlds)
  119. ↑ "You have claimed the power of the gods Link. With it you can stop the return of the Demon King-and thwart his evil ambitions. Now hero, you must take your battle to Lorule Castle, there awaits the Demon King." — Impa (A Link Between Worlds)
  120. ↑ "Calamity Ganon" — N/A (Breath of the Wild)
  121. ↑ "I am a humble monk, blessed with the sight of the Goddess Hylia and dedicated to helping those who seek to defeat Ganon." — Monk (Breath of the Wild)
  122. ↑ "The history of the royal family of Hyrule is also the history of Calamity Ganon, a primal evil that has endured over the ages." — Impa (Breath of the Wild)
  123. ↑ "Upon Ganon's inevitable return to Hyrule, the princess and the hero fought alongside these four Champions against this ancient evil." — Impa (Breath of the Wild)
  124. ↑ "The people thought it wise to utilize their technological prowess to ensure the safety of the land, should Calamity Ganon ever return. They constructed four mechanical wonders that came to be known as the Divine Beasts. They also built a legion of autonomous weapons called Guardians." — Impa (Breath of the Wild)
  125. ↑ "The return of Ganon looms—a dark force taunting us from afar. I must learn all I can about the relics so we can stop him. If the fortune-teller's prophecy is to be believed, there isn't much time left..." — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  126. ↑ "Stories of Ganon were passed from generation to generation in the form of legends and fairy tales. But there was also...a prophecy. "The signs of a resurrection of Calamity Ganon are clear. And the power to oppose it lies dormant beneath the ground."" — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  127. ↑ "We decided to heed the prophecy and began excavating large areas of land. It wasn't long before we discovered several ancient relics made by the hands of our distant ancestors. These relics, the Divine Beats, were giant machines piloted by warriors. We also found the Guardians, an army of mechanical soldiers that fought autonomously." — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  128. ↑ "We selected four skilled individuals from across Hyrule and tasked them with the duty of piloting the Divine Beasts." — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  129. ↑ "The princess, her appointed knight, and the rest of the Champions were on the brink of sealing away Ganon..." — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  130. ↑ "One hundred years ago, there was a princess set to inherit a sacred power and a skilled knight at her side." — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  131. ↑ "So you didn't feel anything? No power at all?" — Revali (Breath of the Wild)
    "I'm sorry, no." — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  132. ↑ "Ganon was cunning, and he responded with a plan beyond our imagining. He appeared from deep below Hyrule Castle, seized control of the Guardians and the Divine Beasts, and turned them against us." — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  133. ↑ "That...thing is one of Ganon's creations." — Mipha (Breath of the Wild)
  134. ↑ "You're here to wrest control of Medoh away from Ganon, correct?" — Revali (Breath of the Wild)
  135. ↑ "The appointed knight, gravely wounded, collapsed while defending the princess...And thus, the kingdom of Hyrule was devastated absolutely by Calamity Ganon." — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  136. ↑ "I spoke with Purah about the Shrine of Resurrection we discovered earlier. As we speculated, this particular shrine is, in fact, a medical facility with the power to heal. It also has a long-term stasis function that can be activated and maintained until healing is complete." — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  137. ↑ "You have been asleep for the past 100 years." — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  138. ↑ 138.0 138.1 "I assume you caught sight of that atrocity enshrouding the castle. That...is Calamity Ganon. One hundred years ago, that vile entity brought the kingdom of Hyrule to ruin. It appeared suddenly and destroyed everything in its path. So many innocent lives were lost in its wake. For a century, the very symbol of our kingdom, Hyrule Castle, has managed to contain that evil. But just barely. There it festers, building its strength for the moment it will unleash its blight upon the land once again. It would appear that moment is fast approaching..." — Old Man (Breath of the Wild)
  139. ↑ "I assume that you caught full sight of that atrocity swarming around the castle. That...is the Calamity Ganon." — Old Man (Breath of the Wild)
  140. ↑ "The words of guidance you have been hearing since your awakening are from Princess Zelda herself. Even now, as she works to restrain Ganon from within Hyrule Castle, as she calls out for your help." — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  141. ↑ "Hibernating within a cocoon, it attempted to regenerate a physical form after Link awoke but was forced to confront him in an incomplete state." — Hyrule Compendium (Breath of the Wild)
  142. ↑ "This form is considered to be Ganon's original, although in this state, his awareness has been consumed entirely by Malice" — Hyrule Compendium (Breath of the Wild)
  143. ↑ 143.0 143.1 "... Ganon... Ganon... Ganon was born out of a dark past. He is a pure embodiment of the ancient evil that is reborn time and time again... He has given up on reincarnation and assumed his pure, enraged form. If set free upon our world, the destruction will be unlike anything ever seen before." — Zelda (Breath of the Wild)
  144. ↑ Nintendo of America, Sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - First Look Trailer - Nintendo E3 2019 , YouTube (Video), published June 11, 2019, retrieved October 27, 2022.
  145. ↑ "The ruins are primarily animal themed, but with the history of the Triforce from an ancient perspective in mind. The designs are symbolic—using dragons (courage), owls (wisdom), and boars (power). And yes, their name is a pun. "Zonai" is a take on nazo, a word meaning "mystery" in Japanese. [laughs]" (Creating a Champion, Dark Horse, pg. 342)
  146. ↑ Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 148
  147. ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 21
  148. ↑ Creating a Champion, Dark Horse Books, pg. 401
  149. ↑ "Twinrova Koume: Ganondorf's surrogate mother. Sorceress of Flame. She seems vulnerable to low temperature." — Navi (Ocarina of Time)
  150. ↑ "Twinrova Kotake: Ganondorf's surrogate mother. Sorceress of Ice. She seems vulnerable to high temperature." — Navi (Ocarina of Time)
  151. ↑ "Once every 100 years, a special child is born unto my people. That child is destined to be the mighty guardian of the Gerudo and the desert. But this child, its heart grew twisted with every passing year. The child became a man who hungered for power at any price." — Elder (Four Swords Adventures)
  152. ↑ "Ganon...This beast was once of the Gerudo...Once human. He was called Ganondorf! King of Darkness, ancient demon reborn. The wielder of the trident!!" — Princess Zelda (Four Swords Adventures)
  153. ↑ "So, you think you can protect them from me... You've got guts, kid." — Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time)
  154. ↑ "YOU... CURSE YOU...ZELDA! CURSE YOU...SAGES!! CURSE YOU...LINK! Someday... When this seal is broken.... That is when I will exterminate your descendants!! As long as the Triforce of Power is in my hand...." — Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time)
  155. ↑ "I shall house my power in you... If there is anything you desire, then I shall desire it, too." — Ganondorf (Twilight Princess)
  156. ↑ "His abiding hatred and lust for power turned to purest malice..." — Sage (Twilight Princess)
  157. ↑ "The demon king was born into this kingdom, but his transformation into Malice created the horror you see now." — King Rhoam (Breath of the Wild)
  158. ↑ "[Ganon] was heard to lament, "The power I have attained from the people of Hyrule is not yet enough." From Ganon's words, we can surmise that he did not have the power he needed to cover Hyrule in darkness." (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 121)
  159. ↑ 社長が訊く『ゼルダの伝説 大地の汽笛』 番外篇1　昭和６０年に書かれた文書 , Nintendo.co.jp, retrieved December 27, 2015.
  160. ↑ Iwata Asks: The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks: Bonus Stage 1: Ancient Documents from 1985 , Nintendo.com, retrieved December 27, 2015.
  161. ↑ "MANY YEARS AGO PRINCE DARKNESS "GANNON" STOLE ONE OF THE TRIFORCE WITH POWER. PRINCESS ZELDA HAD ONE OF THE TRIFORCE WITH WISDOM. SHE DIVIDED IT INTO "8" UNITS TO HIDE IT FROM "GANNON" BEFORE SHE WAS CAPTURED. GO FIND THE "8" UNITS "LINK" TO SAVE HER." — N/A (The Legend of Zelda)
  162. ↑ "This army was led by Ganon, the powerful Prince of Darkness who sought to plunge the World into fear and darkness under his rule." (The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 3)
  163. ↑ Zelda II: The Adventure of Link/Regional Differences
  164. ↑ The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past#Regional Differences
  165. ↑ Development:The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past/Script Differences
  166. ↑ Proto:The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Master Quest/Console Output Strings
  167. ↑ "The person who rediscovered the Golden Land was Ganondorf the evil thief." — Maiden (A Link to the Past)
  168. ↑ "You are the only one who can destroy Ganondorf, the thief-no, Ganon, the evil King Of Darkness!" — Maiden (A Link to the Past)
  169. ↑ 169.0 169.1 "The name of this king of thieves is Ganondorf Dragmire, but he is known by his alias, Mandrag Ganon, which means Ganon of the Enchanted Thieves." (A Link to the Past manual, pg. 5-6)
  170. ↑ "Once known as the King of Thieves, Ganondorf Dragmire used the power of the Triforce to become the beast, Ganon." — Nintendo, Online Guide - The Legend of Zelda: The official home of the Nintendo game series , The Legend of Zelda series for Nintendo systems, published 2017, retrieved April 21, 2017.
  171. ↑ "Though "Ganon" is also a nickname for Ganondorf, here it refers to the beastlike form adopted by the thief following his transformation. The Demon King resembles a giant boar." (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 90)
  172. ↑ "A design sketch depicting Ganondorf’s phantom. Ganondorf never appears in the Oracle series, however. Only his beast form, Ganon, is seen." (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 169)
  173. ↑ "Ganon: No trace remains of the human known as Ganondorf." (Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 121)
  174. ↑ "I suppose you [Link] saw him... The shadow that commands that monstrous bird... His name is...Ganon... He... who obtained the power of the gods, attempted to cover the land in darkness and was ultimately sealed away by the very power he hoped to command. He is the very same Ganon... The emperor of the dark realm the ancient legends speak of..." — King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
  175. ↑ "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! Already he has descended and been reborn in this world... As long as my master, Ganon, survives, he will resurrect me without cease!" — Zant (Twilight Princess)
  176. ↑ "その剣は、魔を撃退する退魔の剣 であると同時に、 我が魔族を封じていた、いまいましい封印 そのものなのだよ！" — Ganondorf (The Wind Waker, Japanese version) (Translation by jacensolo06)
  177. ↑ 177.0 177.1 Hyrule Historia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 148
  178. ↑ Ganondorf's First 4 Figures Exclusive Figure
  179. ↑ "This form was born from his obsessive refusal to give up on revival…" — How Ganon’s Motivation Changed in Breath of the Wild’s English Translation , , published August 11, 2017, retrieved February 22, 2018.
  180. ↑ https://tcrf.net/The_Legend_of_Zelda:_Twilight_Princess/Unused_Text#Ganondorf
    選ばれし力を持つ者が現れる時
    必ず、その対極を成す者が生まれ出ん
    それが、お前達が信じる神が与えた
    紋章を持つ者の運命だ
    この世に紋章を持つ者が現れる限り
    何度でも、流血の時代が訪れる (Translation: When the chosen ones appear... They are always born into this world in perfect balance. That is the fate decreed by your gods, the only path for those who bear their crests. When this world brings forth another marked as you are... Know too, that it shall also be visited by one of my blood.)
  181. ↑ http://www.angelfire.com/games5/makzelda/interviews/kiootcomments.html
  182. ↑ https://archive.today/20120629063241/http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/news/iwata/iwata_asks_-_zelda_handheld_history_15603_15604.html
  183. ↑ The Legend of Zelda | NES | Giochi | Nintendo , www.nintendo.it, retrieved September 10, 2020.
  184. ↑ Collector's Edition manual, pg. 34 "Nel frattempo, i tirapiedi di Ganon cercheranno di far risorgere il loro signore." — Zelda II: The Adventure of Link | NES | Giochi | Nintendo , www.nintendo.it, retrieved September 10, 2020.
  185. ↑ 185.0 185.1 "La principessa Zelda è stata rapita da uno stregone intenzionato a liberare Ganon, il re del male: solo Link può ancora salvare Hyrule!" — The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past | NES | Giochi | Nintendo , www.nintendo.it, retrieved September 10, 2020.
  186. ↑ Enciclopedia di Hyrule, Magazzini Salani, pg. 179"#191 - Ganon" — Primary Spirit (Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Italian localization)
  187. ↑ "Ganon" — N/A (Ocarina of Time 3D, Italian localization)
  188. ↑ "Guahaaaa! Sono Ganon... Il Re del Male." — Ganon (Oracle of Seasons, Italian localization)
  189. ↑ "Guahaaaa! Sono Ganon... Il Re del Male." — Ganon (Oracle of Ages, Italian localization)
  190. ↑ "Dobbiamo ringraziare Ganon, Re delle Tenebre, per questo!" — Deku Scrub (Four Swords Adventures, Italian localization)
  191. ↑ "Quando avrò fatto mio il potere di Ganon, il re delle tenebre, ti schiaccerò senza pietà!" — Yuga (A Link Between Worlds, Italian localization)
  192. ↑ "Ma se prima non farò qualcosa per fermare Ganon, sarà tutto inutile." — Deku Princess (Cadence of Hyrule, Italian localization)
  193. ↑ Enciclopedia di Hyrule, Magazzini Salani, pg. 20
  194. ↑ "Nonostante i tuoi sforzi, il Re del Male tornerà a diffondere le tenebre ovunque!" — Twinrova (Oracle of Seasons, Italian localization)
  195. ↑ "Allora ritornerà il Re del Male!" — Twinrova (Oracle of Ages, Italian localization)
  196. ↑ The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 38
  197. ↑ The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 5
  198. ↑ 198.0 198.1 A Link to the Past manual, pg. 7
  199. ↑ Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Shogakukan, pg. 143
  200. ↑ Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Shogakukan, pg. 137
  201. ↑ A Link to the Past manual, pg. 7Nintendo Official Guidebook: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Vol. 2, Shogakukan, pg. 150
  202. ↑ Hyrule Historia, Les Éditions Soleil, pg. 106 (TLoZ)
  203. ↑ "Koridai a capitulé et s'est rendu à Ganon et à ses diaboliques amis!" (The Faces of Evil manual, pg. 11)
  204. ↑ The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 3
  205. ↑ Collector's Edition manual, pg. 8
  206. ↑ "Koridai is in handen gevallen van Ganon en zijn boosaardige vrienden!" (The Faces of Evil manual, pg. 29)
  207. ↑ Encyclopedia, TOKYOPOP, pg. 219
  208. ↑ "Koridai ist in die Hände von Ganon und seinen üblen Gesellen gefallen!" (The Faces of Evil manual, pg. 20)
  209. ↑ 塞尔达传说：百科全书, New Star Press, pg. 222
  210. ↑ 塞尔达传说：百科全书, New Star Press, pg. 250
  211. ↑ Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity pour Nintendo Switch - Détails du jeu Nintendo , www.nintendo.com, retrieved September 8, 2020.
  212. ↑ Encyclopedia, Norma Editorial, pg. 219
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