Kaepora Gaebora

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Template:Character Kaepora Gaebora (Pronounced /ˈkeɪ pɔræ ˈgeɪ bɔræ/, KAY-pora-GAY-bora) is an owl introduced in Ocarina of Time. This owl is very large and very knowledgeable, traits it uses to carry the Hero places and to advise him on the next course of his journey.

In Ocarina of Time, Kaepora Gaebora is said by a Gossip Stone to be the reincarnation of an ancient sage.[1] It is therefore likely its Ocarina of Time and Four Swords Adventures incarnations are the same character. It also helps explain why Kaepora Gaebora knows so much about Hyrule and why it keeps track of Link's proceedings.

Appearances and Biography

Ocarina of Time

Kaepora Gaebora as seen in-game
Kaepora Gaebora as seen in-game

Kaepora Gaebora awaited Link when he left Kokiri Forest giving him encouragement on the adventure the Great Deku Tree had tasked him with and directing him to Hyrule Castle. He then left with the message they'd meet again.[2]

True to his word, Kaepora Gaebora was often around when Link entered or was near a new area to offer information. On two occasions Kaepora Gaebora even provided easy travel by flying Link back to a more central area. After Link awakened in the future however, Kaepora Gaebora was nowhere to be found with one exception: when Link learned the Requiem of Spirit from Sheik, Kaepora Gaebora looked on but did not make his presence known.

Oddly, Kaepora Gaebora seems to refer to this moment back in the past years which Link had to travel to to obtain the Silver Gauntlets. That also was the final time the two spoke as Kaepora Gaebora noted that it was no longer necessary. With one last piece of advice on the battle with Twinrova ahead, he flew off never to return again.[3]

Encounters

  • Initial Appearance: At the entrance of Hyrule Field from Kokiri Forest.
Gives a self-introduction and directs Link towards Hyrule Castle.[2]
Introduces Link to Kakariko Village[4] and redirects Link to Hyrule Castle if he has not spoken to Princess Zelda yet.[5]
Gives Link information on the Lake Hylia and Gerudo Valley regions.[6]
  • Fourth Appearance: On the road to Lake Hylia.
Provides Link information on the Zora race as well as an insight into the Lake itself. Kaepora helps Link locate the Lake on his map subscreen as well.[7]
  • Fifth Appearance: Near Hyrule Castle.
Encourages Link to infiltrate Hyrule Castle and chats about the passing of time in the overworld as compared to civilization.[8]
Kaepora Gaebora flies above Link as Malon teaches him Epona's Song.
Kaepora Gaebora in Ocarina of Time 3D
Kaepora Gaebora in Ocarina of Time 3D
  • Seventh Appearance: Before the Lost Woods in the Kokiri Forest.
Informs Link on Saria's location deep in the Sacred Forest Meadow.[9]
  • Eighth Appearance: Deep in the Lost Woods.
Divulges information on ocarina song usage.[10]
Gives information on Death Mountain, the Great Fairies, and a shortcut to Kakariko Village.[11]
Reports more information about the Zoras and how to enter their domain.[12]
  • Eleventh Appearance: At Lake Hylia.
Gives insight on the Water Temple, its protection by the Zoras, and offers a ride back to Hyrule Castle Town.[13]
Kaepora Gaebora observes Link learn the Requiem of Spirit then flies off.
  • Final Appearance: At the entrance of the Spirit Temple in the Desert Colossus.
Reports its final bit of knowledge on defeating Twinrova and bids Link goodbye.[3]

Majora's Mask

In the alternate dimension of Termina in Majora's Mask, Kaepora Gaebora has a counterpart that makes two appearances. The wise owl teaches Link the Song of Soaring which allows Link to warp to different activated Owl Statues that resemble Kaepora Gaebora himself. He is seen again at Snowhead where he tells Link where the Lens of Truth is. The owl helps him get to the cave where it is placed by using its feathers to point to a group of invisible platforms that Link can use to reach the cave.

Four Swords Adventures

File:KaeporaGaebora FSA.png

Kaepora Gaebora makes a reappearance in Four Swords Adventures serving much the same role it did in Ocarina of Time. The wise owl is first seen after Link withdraws the Four Sword from its pedestal. Afterward, Kaepora Gaebora will appear in several levels to guide the Links on what he must do next.

Theories

Theory Warning

Sage identity - Being said to be the reincarnation of an ancient Sage, Kaepora Gaebora is subject to much speculation on his original identity. It is often argued that Kaepora Gaebora is Rauru's form outside of the Sacred Realm. This assumption is based on two things mainly. For one on that they both are/have been ancient Sages, and furthermore, on that one of the Gossip Stones' states that "[Kaepora Gaebora's] character is rather lighthearted"[14] which is thought to be a reference to Rauru's status as the Sage of Light. However, a lot of the things said by Rauru and Kaepora Gaebora don't add up if they are supposed to be the same character like that Kaepora Gaebora did not believe in "the tales of a boy who could travel back and forth through time", whereas Rauru was the very person who caused that time travel. Or that Kaepora Gaebora on his last appearance notes that it's his "last advice"[3] whereas Rauru goes on guiding Link for a little longer. While it may be theorized Rauru didn't want his alternate identity to be discovered, there is no reason why he wouldn't want that.

Another popular suggestion is that Kaepora Gaebora is the reincarnation of Kasuto - a theoretical Sage assumed to exist due to Ocarina of Time's system of naming its Sages after towns from The Adventure of Link.

While unconfirmed, the most likely theory is that Kaepora Gaebora is the reincarnation of Gaepora from Skyward Sword. The two characters share an uncanny name similarity, some similar mannerisms such as their laugh, and various aesthetic similarities such as their long eyebrows. This also seems likely due to the special relationship the people of Skyloft have with birds. This theory also means that the Rauru discrepancies can be discounted.

Trivia

Owls are a common theme throughout the The Legend of Zelda, usually, in relation to the gaining of knowledge. If and how there is a connection with Kaepora Gaebora, is largely unknown.

  • In Link's Awakening, there is an owl character who guides Link with words of wisdom. Since both Kaepora Gaebora and this owl are owls who give Link directions, it is possible that the owl from Link's Awakening may have inspired the later Kaepora Gaebora. From an in-universe perspective, it is possible that the two's likeness is to be explained the other way around. Since all characters from Koholint are a product of either Link's or the Wind Fish's minds, in some cases obviously inspired by someone they know, possibly the memory of Kaepora Gaebora created the owl, but this is unlikely as the owl stated that he is indeed a part of the Wind Fish's soul, and not a part of Link's memories or dreams.[15]
  • Eldin, the Light Spirit of the Eldin Province in Twilight Princess, is also an owl or perhaps another kind of a large bird.
  • Owl Statues appear in Link's Awakening, even moreso in its DX version, as well as Oracle of Ages, Oracle of Seasons, and Twilight Princess. They serve to hand out information and hints on nearby challenges.
  • Kaepora has proven unpopular with casual gamers due to his lengthy dialogue. After this dialogue, one must not press A, as the default response to his question at the end of his story will result in repeating the entire story.

Gallery


References

  1. ↑ "They say that the owl named Kaepora Gaebora is the reincarnation of an ancient Sage." — Gossip Stone (Ocarina of Time)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Hoo hoot! Link... Look up here! It appears that the time has finally come for you to start your adventure! You will encounter many hardships ahead... That is your fate. Don't feel discouraged, even during the toughest times! Go straight this way and you will see Hyrule Castle. You will meet a princess there... If you are lost and don't know which way to go, look at the Map. The areas you have explored will be shown on the Map. Press START to enter the Subscreens and (Z) or (R) to find the Map. On the Map Subscreen, you will also see a flashing dot showing you which way you should go next. Did you get all that? All right then, I'll see you around! Hoot hoot hoot ho!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Hey, what's up, Link? Surprised to see me? A long time in this world is almost nothing to you, is it? How mysterious! Even I thought that the tales of a boy who could travel back and forth through time was merely a legend. Link, you have fully matured as an adult. From now on, the future of all the people in Hyrule is on your shoulders. Maybe it's not my time anymore. Here is my last advice. Two witches inhabit this temple. In order to destroy them, turn their own magic against them. Hoo hoot! I will continue to watch you... Hoo hoo hoo hoot!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  4. ↑ "Hey, Link! Look over here! Beyond this point you'll find Kakariko Village. Watch your step! Hoot hoo! Link, you're the only one who can complete the quest ahead! You must do your best! Hoo!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  5. ↑ "Hey, Link! Wait a second, friend! Beyond this point you'll find Kakariko Village. Have you seen the Princess of Hyrule? If not, I suggest you go to the castle. Link, you're the only one who can complete the quest ahead! You must do your best! Hoo!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  6. ↑ "Link! Wait up, buddy! Hoo hoo! Head south from here to reach Lake Hylia's full, rich waters. If you go west, you'll find Gerudo Valley. There's a hideout of a gang of thieves on the other side of the valley. Well, you're free to go anywhere you want! Ho ho ho...hooo! No matter how hard it is, just don't get discouraged. Ho Ho Hoo!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  7. ↑ "Beyond this point lies Lake Hylia. It is full of deep, pure water. The Zoras, who live all the way upstream, guard the sunken temple at the lake's bottom, as well as Zora's Fountain. If you want to confirm its location on the map, press START to switch to the Subscreens and (Z) or (R) to find the Map. All the places you have visited will be shown on the map. Ho hoo hoot! OK, be careful and go!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  8. ↑ "Hey, Link! This way! The princess is inside the castle just ahead. Be careful not to get caught by the guards! Ho ho ho hoot! On this ground, time flows normally. But time stands still while you are in Lon Lon Ranch or in a town. If you want time to pass normally, you'll need to leave town. Well, well, which way are you going to go now? Hoo hoo hoot! Hoooo. You're a smart kid. Good luck, then. Hoo hoo." — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  9. ↑ "Hey, over here! Hoo hoo! Link...Good to see you again! Listen to this! Hoot hoot.... After going through the Lost Woods, you will come upon the Sacred Forest Meadow. That is a sacred place where few people have ever walked. Shhhh...What's that? I can hear a mysterious tune... You should listen for that tune too... Hoo hoo hoo! If you are courageous, you will make it through the forest just fine... Just follow your ears and listen to the sounds coming from the forest! Hoot hoot!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  10. ↑ "Did you learn an Ocarina song from Saria? That melody seems to have some mysterious power. There may be some other mysterious songs like this that you can learn in Hyrule." — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  11. ↑ "You've done well to come all the way up here, Link. This is the summit of the sacred Death Mountain! Hoot! It is said that the clouds surrounding this peak reflect the condition of Death Mountain. When they look normal, it is at peace. Climbing all the way up here just proves how smart you are! Now I want to see you make another smart move... The Great Fairy lives on this mountaintop, and she will give you a new skill! She is the leader of the fairies, you know. Hoo! I will perch here and wait for you. When you're ready to go back down, I can help you! Now, get going!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  12. ↑ "Hoo hoo! Looks like you've gotten bigger and stronger already, Link! Just ahead lies Zora's Domain. The Zoras serve Hyrule's Royal Family by protecting this water source. Their door will not open for anyone except those who have some connection with the Royal Family. Let them hear the melody of the Royal Family! Hooo hoo hoooot!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  13. ↑ "What are you doing? You've come a long way to get up here... Link, this is a beautiful lake full of pure, clear water. At the lake bottom there is a Water Temple used to worship the water spirits. The Zoras are guardians of the temple. Hoo hoo. The Zoras come from Zora's Domain in northeast Hyrule. An aquatic race, they are longtime allies of Hyrule's Royal Family. I heard that only the Royal Family of Hyrule can enter Zora's Domain... Hoo hoo! I'm on my way back to the castle. If you want to come with me, hold on to my talons!" — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  14. ↑ "They say that strange owl, Kaepora Gaebora, may look big and heavy, but its character is rather lighthearted." — Gossip Stone (Ocarina of Time)
  15. ↑ "As part of the Wind Fish's spirit, I am the guardian of his dream world" — Owl (Link's Awakening)


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