The '''Golden Goddesses''', also known as the '''Old Gods''',<ref>{{cite|...She made this sacrifice, as you have likely guessed, so that the supreme power created by the old gods could one day be used.|Zelda|SS}}</ref> are [[Din (Goddess)|Din]], the Goddess of Power, [[Nayru (Goddess)|Nayru]], the Goddess of Wisdom, and [[Farore (Goddess)|Farore]], the Goddess of Courage, the chief gods and creators of the land that becomes the Kingdom of [[Hyrule]] and the [[World of The Legend of Zelda|extended world]] that it resides in.<ref name=gdt/> It is understood that the Golden Goddesses have always existed, and that they are omnipotent and eternal. Though the Golden Goddesses are the most important gods of the world, they are mentioned by few characters in the series, and knowledge of them has been shown to be limited to the people of Hyrule alone, most races worshiping their own patron deities. Signs of their existence has been visible in parallel worlds such as [[Termina]] and the [[World of the Ocean King]] also, implying that they may have created those worlds as well.<ref>{{cite web|quote=This is a different world from the one Tetra and her friends live in, but the crests of the three great goddesses of Hyrule can be found in the Temple of the Ocean King. Because of that, it’s very likely that the World of the Ocean King was created by the same goddesses.|url=http://www.glitterberri.com/hyrule-historia/page-130/|title=Pg. 130 The Beginning of the Age of Exploration; retrieved June 19 2012|site=GlitterBerri}}</ref>
The {{Term/Store|Golden Goddess|Golden Goddesses|Series, SS|plural}} are a recurring trio of deities in {{TLoZ|Series}}.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E|publisher= |page= 11}}</ref> They are {{Term|Series|Din (Goddess)|link}}, the Goddess of Power, {{Term|Series|Nayru (Goddess)|link}}, the Goddess of Wisdom, and {{Term|Series|Farore (Goddess)|link}}, the Goddess of Courage, the chief gods and creators of the land that becomes the {{Term|Series|Hyrule|link}} and the [[World of The Legend of Zelda|extended world]] that it resides in.<ref name="Great Deku Tree OoT"/> It is understood that the Golden Goddesses have always existed, and that they are omnipotent and eternal. Though the {{Plural|Series|Golden Goddess}} are the most important gods of the world, they are mentioned by few characters in the series, and knowledge of them has been shown to be limited to the people of Hyrule alone, most races worshiping their own patron deities.
Each of the three Goddesses is associated with a characteristic, common element and color: Din is power, fire and red; Nayru is wisdom, water and blue; Farore is courage, wind and green. They are the creators of the sacred [[Triforce]] that is made up of their three associated characteristics of power, wisdom and courage.
Each of the three Goddesses is associated with a characteristic, common element, and color: Din is power, fire and red; Nayru is wisdom, water and blue; Farore is courage, wind and green. They are the creators of the sacred {{Term|Series|Triforce|link}} that is made up of their three associated characteristics of power, wisdom and courage.
==Appearances==
==Biography==
Although the Goddesses have never to date never physically appeared, they are sometimes implied to be influencing the events that take place throughout the series. The three deities of power, wisdom, and courage were first mentioned in the manual of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'', but they were not yet given names. They were first be called by their individual names and titles in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'' and appeared in a flashback as flaming golden feminine humanoid figures as they created the world from chaos. Their [[Marks of the Goddesses|symbols]] make an appearance in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages|Oracles of Ages]]'' representing three tunes of the [[Harp of Ages]], as do the [[Oracle]]s that are named after them. They were mentioned in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'' as putting the young [[Link#The Wind Waker|Hero of Winds]] through trials to test his worthiness as a successor of [[Link#Ocarina of Time|Hero of Time]],<ref>{{Cite|Only one who is able to overcome the trials that await here will be acknowledged by the gods to be a true hero. [...] You must rise above the trial of the gods!|[[King of Red Lions]]|TWW}}</ref> and three colored statues (red, blue and green) depicting each one of them appears with their associated symbols. The goddesses also play an indirectly important role in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword]]'' where it is revealed that they personally placed the [[Triforce]] in the care of the goddess [[Hylia]] in the [[Zelda Timeline#The Era of the Goddess Hylia|ancient past]].
In most of the history of {{Term|Series|Hyrule|link|display=Hyrule}}, whenever {{Term|Series|Ganondorf|link}} comes to power and plans to take over the kingdom, the {{Plural|Series|Golden Goddess}} appoint a hero, usually {{Term|Series|Link|link}}, to rise and defeat the King of Thieves.<ref>{{Cite|If a person who has an evil heart gets the Triforce, a Hero is destined to appear...and he alone must face the person who began the Great Cataclysm.|Maiden|ALttP}}</ref><ref name="TWW Courage">{{Cite|Oh! What is this? There, on your hand, the Triforce piece now dwells within you! It is the Triforce of Courage, proof that you are indeed the true hero. You have controlled the wind and crossed the seas, and here, near the end of your quest, the power of the gods has been bestowed upon you... Surely, from this moment on, you shall be known as the Hero of Winds...|King of Red Lions|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Oh, chosen one... Accept this final challenge...|Gohdan|TWW}}</ref><ref name="TP Faron">{{Cite|It was a sign that the {{Color|TPHD Red|powers of the chosen one}} rest within you...and that they are awakening. Look at your awakened form... The green tunic that is your garb once belonged to the ancient hero chosen by the gods...|Faron (Spirit)|TPHD}}</ref> {{Term|Series|Link}} the hero is trusted with the {{Term|Series|Triforce of Courage|link}},<ref name="TWW Courage"/><ref name="TP Faron"/> while {{Term|Series|Princess Zelda|link}} is given the {{Term|Series|Triforce of Wisdom|link}} to protect it.<ref>{{Cite|Like you, I have been granted special powers by the goddesses...|Princess Zelda|TP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|And the other, who holds the Triforce of Wisdom... is the seventh Sage, who is destined to be the leader of them all... It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>
==History==
==={{ALttP|-}}===
===Creation of the World===
[[File:ALttP Goddesses Artwork.png|thumb|right|The {{Plural|ALttP|Golden Goddess}} depicted in the {{ALttP|-}} manual, version from {{A&A|-}}]]
[[File:Creation1.gif|thumb|right|250px|The Golden Goddesses shown leaving Hyrule following its creation]]
The {{Plural|Series|Golden Goddess}} were first mentioned in the game manual of {{ALttP}}. The legends of the {{Plural|Series|Golden Goddess}} are explained to be derived from scrolls left behind by ancient {{Plural|Series|Hylian|link}}.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= The legends say the mythical gods of Hyrule had as their chosen people the Hylia. These ancient people left scrolls that are the primary source of the legends...|game= ALttP|page= 3}}</ref> Without naming each Goddess individually, the scrolls explain the {{Plural|Series|Golden Goddess}} as those who transformed the {{Term|ALttP|World of Chaos|link}} into the inhabitable {{Term|Series|Hyrule|link}}. The "God of Power" created the land and fire; the "God of Wisdom" created science and brought order to the land; the "God of Courage" created all life on the world.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= According to the Hylian scrolls, the mythical gods descended from a distant nebula to the world that was and created order and life. The God of Power dyed the mountains red with fire and created land. The God of Wisdom created science and wizardry and brought order to nature. And the God of Courage, through justice and vigor, created life — the animals that crawl the land and the birds that soar in the sky.|game= ALttP|page= 3}}</ref> The Goddesses then departed from the world they created and left behind the {{Term|Series|Triforce|link}}, a small portion of their power that meant to serve as a guide for the people in the new world.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= After the gods had finished their work, they left the world, but not before creating a symbol of their strength, a golden triangle known as the Triforce. A small but powerful portion of the essence of the gods was held in this mighty artifact, which was to guide the intelligent life on the world of Hyrule.|game= ALttP|page= 3}}</ref><ref name="E 11">{{Cite Book|quote= |book= E|publisher= |page= 11}}</ref> The {{Term|ALttP|Triforce}} beckoned people from the outside world to search for it in hope that someone worthy would obtain it.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= From its hiding place in the so-called Golden Land where the gods placed it, the Triforce beckoned people from the outside world to seek it in hope that someone worthy of these titles would find it.|game= ALttP|page= 3-4}}</ref> The {{Term|ALttP|Triforce}} was accidentally discovered by a gang of thieves and as taken by {{Term|ALttP|Ganondorf|link}}, which then led into the {{Term|ALttP|Imprisoning War|link}} and finally the events of {{ALttP|-}}.<ref>{{Cite Manual|quote= One day, quite by accident, a gate to the Golden Land of the Triforce was opened by a gang of thieves skill in the black arts. This land was like no other. In the gathering twilight, the Triforce shone from its resting place high above the world. In a long running battle, the leader of the thieves fought his way past his followers in 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. He heard a whispered voice: "If thou hast a strong desire or dream, wish for it..." And in reply, the roaring laughter of the brigand leader echoed across time and space and even reached the far-off land of Hyrule. 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}}</ref>
Before time began and before spirits and life existed, the universe was in chaos. The three Golden Goddesses descended upon the chaos and began the creation of of the world, each of them creating a different facet of the realm. Din created the material realm, Nayru gave the realm law and order, and Farore created all life forms who would follow the said order.<ref name=gdt>{{cite|Before time began, before spirits and life existed... Three golden goddesses descended upon the chaos that was Hyrule... Din, the Goddess of Power... Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom... Farore, the Goddess of Courage... Din... With her strong flaming arms, she cultivated the land and created the red earth. Nayru... Poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world. Farore... With her rich soul, produced all life forms who would uphold the law.|Great Deku Tree|Ocarina of Time}}</ref>
With their labors completed, the Goddesses departed for the heavens, but not before leaving behind the Triforce, three sacred golden triangles representing a small portion of the essence of the goddesses.<ref>''Hyrule Historia'', page 70.</ref><ref>{{cite manual|quote=After the gods had finished their work, they left the world, but not before creating a symbol of their strength, a golden triangle known as the Triforce. A small but powerful portion of the essence of the gods was held in this mighty artifact, which was to guide the intelligent life on the world of Hyrule.|game=A Link to the Past|page=3}}</ref><ref name=fsmanual>{{cite manual|quote=Aeons ago, the Deities of Power, Courage, and Wisdom descended to the world of chaos. They created the world that we know and left behind a symbol of their strength, the golden emblem known as the Triforce, which they hid in the Golden Land.|game=A Link to the Past/Four Swords|page=14}}</ref> Because the power of the Triforce was so great, they trusted the sacred relic to the careful hands of the goddess Hylia so that she could protect it from those who would misuse its almighty power.<ref>{{cite|Handed down by the gods of old, this power gave its holder the means to make any desire a reality. Such was the might of the ultimate power that the old ones placed it in the care of the goddess.|Introduction|SS}}</ref> Since Hylia herself was a goddess, the Triforce was in safe hands, as only mortals would be able to use its power.
==={{OoT|-}}===
[[File:OoT Golden Goddesses Depart.png|thumb|right|250px|The {{Plural|OoT|Golden Goddess}} shown leaving {{Term|OoT|Hyrule}} following its creation]]
In {{OoT}}, the {{Plural|OoT3D|Golden Goddess}} are seen in-game for the first time while the {{Term|OoT3D|Great Deku Tree|link}} details the creation of {{Term|OoT3D|Hyrule|link}} to {{Term|OoT3D|Link|link}} after he vanquishes {{Term|OoT3D|Gohma|link}}. Like in the manual for {{ALttP}}, the {{Plural|OoT3D|Golden Goddess}} are explained to have created the land of {{Term|OoT3D|Hyrule}} before departing and leaving behind the {{Term|OoT3D|Triforce|link}}.<ref name="Great Deku Tree OoT">{{Cite|Before time began, before spirits and life existed... Three golden goddesses descended upon the chaos that was Hyrule... Din, the goddess of power... Nayru, the goddess of wisdom... Farore, the Goddess of Courage... {{Color|OoT3D Black|Din...}} With her strong flaming arms, she cultivated the land and created the red earth. Nayru... Poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world. Farore... With her rich soul, produced all life-forms who would uphold the law.|Great Deku Tree|OoT3D}}</ref> The {{Plural|OoT3D|Golden Goddess}} are each given names for the first time: {{Term|OoT3D|Din (Goddess)|link}}, the Goddess of Power, {{Term|OoT3D|Nayru (Goddess)|link}}, the Goddess of Wisdom, and {{Term|OoT3D|Farore (Goddess)|link}}, the Goddess of Courage. The resting place of the {{Term|OoT3D|Triforce}} was also referred to as the {{Term|OoT3D|Sacred Realm|link}} for the first time.<ref>{{Cite|And the resting place of the triangles has become the Sacred Realm.|Great Deku Tree|OoT3D}}</ref>
The land where the goddesses parted eventually became to be known as the [[Sacred Realm]], the eventual resting place of the Triforce after Hylia could no longer protect it due to giving up her immortal form.<ref>{{cite|When all was chaos, the goddesses descended and gave order and life to the world. They granted power equally to all who dwelt in the light, and then returned to the heavens. The lands where the goddesses descended came to be known as the Sacred Realm.|Lanayru|SS}}</ref><ref>{{cite|And, the resting place of the triangles has become the Sacred Realm.|Great Deku Tree|OOT}}</ref>
==={{TWW|-}}===
[[File:TWW Scroll of the Hero of Time 5.png|thumb|left|The people pray to the Goddesses to come to their aid]]
[[File:TWW Golden Goddess Statue Model.png|thumb|right|180px|The statues resembling the {{Plural|TWWHD|Golden Goddess}} in {{TWW|-}}]]
In {{TWW}}, it is revealed that, after the {{Term|OoT3D|Hero of Time|link}} was sent back to his original time, {{Term|Series|Hyrule}} in the [[Adult Timeline]] was left without a hero when the seal on {{Term|Series|Ganondorf|link}} broke.<ref>{{Cite|The boy, who traveled through time to save the land, was known as the Hero of Time. The boy's tale was passed down through generations until it became legends... But then...a day came when a fell wind began to blow across the kingdom. The great evil that all thought had been forever sealed away by the hero... ...once again crept forth from the depths of the earth, eager to resume its dark designs. The people believed that the Hero of Time would again come to save them. ...But the hero did not appear.|N/A|TWWHD}}</ref> Faced by {{Term|Series|Ganondorf}}'s unstoppable power and with no hero to aid them, the people of {{Term|Series|Hyrule}} prayed to the {{Plural|Series|Golden Goddess}} to come in their aid.<ref>{{Cite|Faced by an onslaught of evil, the people could do nothing but appeal to the gods. In their last hour, as doom drew nigh, they left their future in the hands of fate.|N/A|TWWHD}}</ref> Since the {{Plural|Series|Golden Goddess}} knew that to seal the people away along in {{Term|Series|Hyrule}} would grant {{Term|Series|Ganondorf}}'s wish of destroying the land,<ref>{{Cite|Yet all was not lost. For the gods knew that to seal the people away with the kingdom would be to grant Ganon's wish for the destruction of the land.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWWHD}}</ref> the Goddesses instructed the {{Plural|Series|Hylian}} to flee to {{Term|Series|Hyrule}}'s mountaintops in order to escape the coming flood.<ref>{{Cite|So, before the sealing of the kingdom, the gods chose those who would build a new country and commanded them to take refuge on the mountaintops.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWWHD}}</ref> Once the people were safely away, the Goddesses caused a torrential downpour, covering the land and turning the mountaintops into islands.<ref>{{Cite|When the {{Color|TWWHD Vermilion|gods}} heard our pleas, they chose to {{Color|TWWHD Vermilion|seal away}} not only {{Color|TWWHD Vermilion|Ganon}}, but {{Color|TWWHD Vermilion|Hyrule}} itself...and so, with a torrential downpour of rains from the heavens... Our fair kingdom was soon buried beneath the waves, forgotten at the {{Color|TWWHD Vermilion|bottom of the ocean}}.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWWHD}}</ref>
===Interventions in Hyrule===
The three pearls required to open the {{Term|TWWHD|Tower of the Gods|link}} are also named after each respective goddess: {{Term|TWWHD|Din's Pearl|link}}, {{Term|TWWHD|Nayru's Pearl|link}}, and {{Term|TWWHD|Farore's Pearl|link}}. Furthermore, the statues that each of the pearls are placed on to open the tower each resemble a {{Term|TWWHD|Golden Goddess}}.
Although the Goddesses' morals and standards are never specifically stated anywhere in the games, they have intervened in affairs numerous times after the creation of the world but always for a good cause.
====The Light Spirits and Sealing Away the Interlopers====
==={{TP|-}}===
{{Main|Interloper War}}
While never seen during the main events of the game, the {{Plural|TPHD|Golden Goddess}} play a major role in the backstory leading into {{TP}}. They are stated to have appointed the four {{Plural|TPHD|Spirit of Light|link}} to protect {{Term|TPHD|Hyrule|link|display=Hyrule}},<ref>{{Cite|I am one of {{Color|TPHD Red|four light spirits}} that protect Hyrule at the behest of the gods. I am {{Color|TPHD Green|Ordona}}.|Ordona (Spirit)|TPHD}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|I am one of the spirits of light who dwell in Hyrule. By the order of the gods, I protect this forest.|Faron (Spirit)|TPHD}}</ref> and gave the order for the {{Plural|TPHD|Dark Interlopers|link}} to be banished to the {{Term|TPHD|Twilight Realm|link}} and the {{Plural|TPHD|Fused Shadow|link}} to be locked away.<ref name="TPHD Forbidden">{{Cite|The {{Color|TPHD Red|dark power}} that you seek... It waits in a temple set in the bed of {{Color|TPHD Red|Lake Hylia}}. ...But before seeking it, you must now bear witness to something...and never forget it. You must know that it was the will of the goddesses that we lock away the {{Color|TPHD Red|forbidden power}}...|Lanayru (Spirit)|TPHD}}</ref>
[[File:DarkLinksTwilightPrincess.jpg|thumb|right|The Interlopers try to take over the Sacred Realm]]
The Golden Goddesses appointed four [[Light Spirit]]s, [[Ordona (Spirit)|Ordona]], [[Faron (Spirit)|Faron]], [[Eldin (Spirit)|Eldin]], and [[Lanayru (Spirit)|Lanayru]], to protect each of the four regions in Hyrule, [[Ordon Province]], [[Faron Province]], [[Eldin Province]], and [[Lanayru Province]], respectively.<ref>{{cite|I am one of four light spirits that protect Hyrule at the behest of the gods. I am Ordona.|Ordona|TP}}</ref><ref>{{cite|My name is Faron. I am one of the spirits of light who dwell in Hyrule. By the order of the gods, I protect this forest.|Faron|TP}}</ref>
When word of the [[Sacred Realm]] and the Triforce spread, a great war ensued between those seeking to wield the ultimate power.<ref>{{cite|But soon, word of the Sacred Realm spread through Hyrule, and a great battle ensued...|Lanayru|Twilight Princess}}</ref> During this war, the tribe skilled in dark magic known only as the [[Dark Interlopers]] attempted to establish dominion over the Sacred Realm and establish their power using the [[Fused Shadow]]. As this war dragged on, three [[Light Spirits]] intervened at the behest of the Golden Goddesses, chasing the Dark Interlopers across Hyrule and into the twilight, locking them away in the [[Twilight Realm]].<ref name=Midnaquote>{{cite|What do you think happened to the magic wielders who tried to rule the [[Sacred Realm]]? They were banished. They were chased across the sacred lands of [[Hyrule]] and driven into another realm by the [[Golden Goddesses|goddesses]]. It was another world entirely... The antithesis of Hyrule, where the sun shines bright. Its denizens became shadows that could not mingle with the light. Eventually, most came to call it the [[Twilight Realm]], and from it, none could return to the world of light...|Midna|Twilight Princess}}</ref><ref name=Lanayru>{{cite|Among those living in the light, interlopers who excelled at magic appeared. Wielding powerful sorcery, they tried to establish dominion over the Sacred Realm. It was then that the goddesses ordered us three light spirits to intervene. We sealed away the great magic those individuals had mastered. You know this magic...It is the dark power you seek...the Fused Shadow.|Lanayru|TP}}</ref> They also sealed away the great magic those individuals had mastered,<ref name=Lanayru/> and splintered it to prevent its future misuse.
After freeing the {{Term|TPHD|Lanayru Province|link}} from {{Term|TPHD|Twilight|link}}, the {{Term|TPHD|Spirit of Light}} {{Term|TPHD|Lanayru (Spirit)|link}} reveals to {{Term|TPHD|Link}} where the final {{Term|TPHD|Fused Shadow}} he seeks is located. He then goes on to explain why exactly the {{Plural|TPHD|Fused Shadow}} were locked away and forbidden by the {{Plural|TPHD|Golden Goddess}}.<ref name="TPHD Forbidden"/> {{Term|TPHD|Lanayru (Spirit)}} narrates the story of the {{Term|TPHD|Interloper War}}, which took place after the events of {{SS}}. The people of {{Term|TPHD|Hyrule}} lived in peace after {{SS|-}}, but news of the {{Term|Series|Sacred Realm|link}} and the {{Term|Series|Triforce|link}} eventually spread, causing the {{Term|Series|Interloper War|link}}.<ref>{{Cite|For ages, the people lived at ease, content in mind and body... But soon, word of the Sacred Realm spread through Hyrule, and a great {{Color|TPHD Red|battle}} ensued...|Lanayru (Spirit)|TPHD}}</ref> It was then that the {{Plural|Series|Dark Interlopers|link}} appeared, using their strong magic, the {{Plural|Series|Fused Shadow}}, to take control of the {{Term|Series|Sacred Realm}}.<ref>{{Cite|Among those living in the light, {{Color|TPHD Red|interlopers}} who excelled at {{Color|TPHD Red|magic}} appeared. Wielding powerful {{Color|TPHD Red|sorcery}}, they tried to establish dominion over the Sacred Realm.|Lanayru (Spirit)|TPHD}}</ref> The {{Plural|Series|Golden Goddess}} then ordered the {{Plural|Series|Spirit of Light}} to banish them to the {{Term|Series|Twilight Realm}} and seal away their magic.<ref>{{Cite|It was then that the goddesses ordered us three {{Color|TPHD Red|light spirits}} to intervene. We sealed away the {{Color|TPHD Red|great magic}} those individuals had mastered.|Lanayru (Spirit)|TPHD}}</ref> With no connection back to the {{Term|Series|Light World|link}}, the {{Plural|Series|Dark Interlopers}} would eventually become the {{Term|Series|Twili|link}} race.<ref>{{Cite|Eventually, most came to call it the {{Color|TPHD Red|Twilight Realm}}, and from it, none could return to the world of light... They were forever doomed to live in the twilight, flitting in the half-light of dusk, mere shadows of Hyrule... This is the history of the {{Color|TPHD Red|Twili}} as it has been passed down from our ancestors...|Midna|TPHD}}</ref>
Although the Goddesses forbade the Interlopers from returning to the world of light, they left a single link between Hyrule and the Twilight Realm.<ref>{{cite|Though the goddesses forbade us to return to the world of light, they left one link between the light and the darkness.|Midna|TP}}</ref> This link, known as the [[Mirror of Twilight]], was entrusted to the [[Sages]] of Hyrule by the Goddesses, who commanded them to guard it and protect it.<ref>{{cite|At the command of the goddesses, we sages have guarded the Mirror of Twilight since ancient times.|Sage|TP}}</ref>
While it was impossible for the {{Term|TPHD|Twili}} to return to the {{Term|TPHD|Light World}}, the {{Plural|TPHD|Golden Goddess}} left one link between the two worlds, the {{Term|TPHD|Mirror of Twilight|link}}.<ref>{{Cite|Though the goddesses forbade us to return to the world of light, they left one {{Color|TPHD Red|link}} between the {{Color|TPHD Red|light}} and the {{Color|TPHD Red|darkness}}. Something called the {{Color|TPHD Red|Mirror of Twilight}} was passed to the protectors of Hyrule...|Midna|TPHD}}</ref> The {{Plural|TPHD|Golden Goddess}} commanded the {{Plural|TPHD|Sage|link}} to guard the {{Term|TPHD|Mirror of Twilight}} after imprisoning the {{Plural|TPHD|Dark Interlopers}}.<ref>{{Cite|At the command of the goddesses, we sages have guarded the {{Color|TPHD Red|Mirror of Twilight}} since ancient times.|Sage|TPHD}}</ref>
====The Rise of a Hero====
==={{PH|-}}===
{{Main|Link}}
Although the {{Term|PH|World of the Ocean King|link}} exists in a different parallel world than the {{Term|PH|Light World|link}}, the {{Plural|PH|Marks of the Goddesses|link}} can still be found in the {{Term|PH|Temple of the Ocean King|link}}, making it possible that the {{Plural|PH|Golden Goddess}} created the {{Term|PH|World of the Ocean King}} as well as the {{Term|PH|Light World}}.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= |book= HH|publisher= |page= 130}}</ref>
In most of the history of Hyrule, whenever Ganondorf comes to power and plans to take over the kingdom, the Goddesses appoint a hero, usually [[Link]], to rise and defeat the King of Thieves.<ref>{{cite|[Link], hero chosen by the goddesses...|Lanayru|TP}}</ref><ref>{{cite|If a person who has an evil heart gets the Triforce, a Hero is destined to appear...and he alone must face the person who began the Great Cataclysm.|Maiden|ALTTP}}</ref><ref>{{cite|You who have been sent by the goddesses... You should be able to gather the three pieces...|Sage|TP}}</ref><ref name=tww>{{cite|Oh! What is this? There, on your hand, the Triforce piece now dwells within you! It is the Triforce of Courage, proof that you are indeed the true hero. You have controlled the wind and crossed the seas, and here, near the end of your quest, the power of the gods has been bestowed upon you... Surely, from this moment on, you shall be known as the Hero of Winds...|King of Red Lions|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{cite|Oh, chosen one... Accept this final challenge...|Gohdan|TWW}}</ref><ref name=tprise>{{cite|It was a sign that the powers of the chosen one rest within you...and that they are awakening. Look at your awakened form... The green tunic that is your garb once belonged to the ancient hero chosen by the gods...|Faron|TP}}</ref> Link the hero is trusted with the [[Triforce of Courage]],<ref name=tprise/><ref name=tww/> while [[Princess Zelda]] is given the [[Triforce of Wisdom]] to protect it.<ref>{{cite|Like you, I have been granted special powers by the goddesses...|Princess Zelda|TP}}</ref><ref>{{cite|And the other, who holds the Triforce of Wisdom... is the seventh Sage, who is destined to be the leader of them all... It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda.|Princess Zelda|OOT}}</ref>
====The Great Flood====
==Other Appearances==
{{Main|Great Flood}}
==={{ALttP|-}} (Himekawa)===
[[File:Normal opening 5.png|thumb|right|The people pray to the Goddesses to come to their aid]]
{{Noncanon|Start}}
In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', it is revealed that, after the [[Hero of Time]] was sent back to his original time, Hyrule in the [[Adult Timeline]] was left without a hero when the curse on [[Ganon]] broke.<ref>{{cite|The people believed that the Hero of Time would again come to save them. ...But the hero did not appear.|Introduction|TWW}}</ref> Faced by Ganondorf's unstoppable power and with no hero to aid them, the people of Hyrule prayed to the Goddesses to come in their aid.<ref>{{cite|Faced by an onslaught of evil, the people could do nothing but appeal to the gods. In their last hour, as doom drew nigh, they left their future in the hands of fate.|Introduction|TWW}}</ref> Since the Goddesses knew that to seal the people away along in Hyrule would grant Ganon's wish of destroying the land,<ref>{{cite|Yet all was not lost. For the gods knew that to seal the people away with the kingdom would be to grant Ganon's wish for the destruction of the land.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> the Goddesses instructed the Hylians to flee to Hyrule's mountaintops in order to escape the coming flood.<ref>{{cite|So, before the sealing of the kingdom, the gods chose those who would build a new country and commanded them to take refuge on the mountaintops.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref> Once the people were safely away, the Goddesses caused a torrential downpour, covering the land and turning the mountaintops into islands.<ref>{{cite|When the gods heard our pleas, they chose to seal away not only Ganon, but Hyrule itself...and so, with a torrential downpour of rains from the heavens... Our fair kingdom was soon buried beneath the waves, forgotten at the bottom of the ocean.|Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|TWW}}</ref>
In the {{ALttP|Himekawa}}, after Link rescues Princess Zelda from [[Agahnim]], they enter a church with Zelda's remaining supporters.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Let's go to the church. There might be some soldiers hiding there.|book= ALttP (Himekawa)|publisher= |page= 28}}</ref> She briefly explains the Goddesses's creation of the Triforce and the Sacred Realm, along with its power.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= It began a long time ago. According to legend, the goddesses hid the Triforce in the Sacred Realm... somewhere in this country. They say the Triforce has the power to grant any wish made by the first person who touches it.|book= ALttP (Himekawa)|publisher= |page= 30}}</ref> After a series of events, Link meets [[Sahasrahla]], who in turn retells the story of the Goddesses and the Triforce and explains each Goddesses's role in creating Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Long before humans ever existed, the goddesses came down, bringing order and life to the chaos. The goddess of power colored the mountains red with fire. The goddess of wisdom created the magic of science. The goddess of courage used her kind and strong heart to create the other creatures of land, see and sky.|book= ALttP (Himekawa)|publisher= |page= 68, 69}}</ref> He also reveals that the Triforce itself whispers the wishes of those who touch it to the Goddesses.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= It is said Hyrule is where goddesses came down, and our country has many Hylian ruins. There is also an old legend regarding the Triforce. Somewhere under heaven is the golden power... which whispers to the goddesses the wish of any who touch it...|book= ALttP (Himekawa)|publisher= |page= 70}}</ref>
{{Noncanon|End}}
==={{OoT|-}} (Himekawa)===
{{Noncanon|Start}}
At the beginning of the {{OoT|Himekawa}}, the Great Deku Tree is explaining Hyrule's creation to the [[Kokiri]], describing how each Golden Goddess formed Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Shall I begin? Long, long ago... before the world had taken clear shape... it is said that three goddesses came down to Hyrule. One was Din. She brought fire and sculpted a red land. One was Nayru. With her wisdom she brought law to the world. The last one was...|book= OoT (Himekawa)|volume= 1|publisher= |page= 10}}</ref> However, he is interrupted by a disagreement between [[Mido]] and Link before he can impart the role Farore was responsible for. When the Great Deku Tree is dying because of [[Gohma]], he tells Link the story of the Triforce, the power of the Goddesses and that those who touch it may remake the world in their form.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= The Triforce has held the power of the gods since ancient times. Whoever touches it has the power to remake the world in the image of his own heart...|book= OoT (Himekawa)|volume= 1|publisher= |page= 34}}</ref> He then instructs Link to bring the [[Kokiri Emerald]] to Princess Zelda, as she has been chosen by the Goddesses.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= ... There is a princess there who has been chosen by the gods. Give her this stone... The Kokiri's Emerald!!|book= OoT (Himekawa)|volume= 1|publisher= |page= 35}}</ref> When Princess Zelda and Link meet later on, Zelda fully describes the Golden Goddesses's roles in shaping Hyrule and confides in Link the [[Sacred Realm]]'s secret.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote= Long, long ago... before there was any life on land or in the sea... the three Golden Goddesses came down to the chaotic land of Hyrule... Din, the Goddess of Power... whose strength lay in fire, which she used to forge the red earth. Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom... who bathed the land in her wisdom and brought order out of the chaos. And Farore, that Goddess of Courage... who protected that order and, from her great heart, brought life to the world...|book= OoT (Himekawa)|volume= 1|publisher= |page= 61, 62}}</ref><ref>{{Cite Book|quote= When these tacks were completed and it was time for the three Golden Goddesses to return to heaven, they left behind a golden pyramid - the Triforce - and the surrounding area became the Sacred Realm... he who gathers the three Spiritual Stones... must stand in this spot with the Ocarina of Time. If he does... the door will open. This is the secret of the Sacred Realm...|book= OoT (Himekawa)|volume= 1|publisher= |page= 62, 63}}</ref>
{{Noncanon|End}}
==The Three Goddesses==
==Nomenclature==
===Din, The Goddess of Power===
{{Nomenclature}}
{{Main|Din (Goddess)}}
{{quote|Din... With her strong flaming arms, cultivated the land and created the red earth.|''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''}}
[[File:Dinoot.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Din, as seen in ''Ocarina of Time'']]
{{Ref}}
'''Din''' created the bare earth and shaped the featureless land, forming its topography. Her labors produced the towering mountains, profound chasms, and great expanses of Hyrule's topography.
With her work completed, Din formed the [[Triforce#Triforce of Power|Triforce of Power]], the embodiment of her supremacy. When the Gerudo King [[Ganondorf]] sought to abstract the Golden Power from its resting place, he failed to procure the sacred Triforce in its entirety and it split into its three elements. Believing in his heart that power was the most important aspect of the Triforce, he was left with the Triforce of Power, and the blessing of Din.
{{quote|Nayru... Poured out her wisdom onto the land, and gave it the spirit of law.|''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''}}
[[File:Nayruoot.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Nayru, as seen in ''Ocarina of Time'']]
'''Nayru''' is the source of the laws that govern the realm in which Hyrule exists. Once her sister Din had completed the creation of the physical realm, Nayru began establishing order within the realm. Nayru illuminated the firmament of the sphere with her divine wisdom, and founded the fundamental laws of the realm.
Once she had finished, Nayru formed the [[Triforce#Triforce of Wisdom|Triforce of Wisdom]], the embodiment of her omniscience. Whomever would possess the Triforce of Wisdom would be instilled with the essence of Nayru, and her blessing, granting them wisdom unparalleled. When the sacred Triforce was split into its three virtues, the Triforce of Wisdom eluded [[Ganon]], and sought a worthy holder, namely, the Princess of Destiny, [[Princess Zelda]].
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===Farore, The Goddess of Courage===
{{Main|Farore (Goddess)}}
{{quote|Farore... With her rich soul, produced all life forms who would uphold the law.|''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]''}}
[[File:Faroreoot.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Farore, as seen in ''Ocarina of Time'']]
'''Farore''' is the source of all life that exists within the Hyrulean realm. Once her sisters had finished creating a realm suitable for sustaining life, Farore created the life forms that would inhabit it. Farore breathed life onto the barren earth and into the seas, creating grasses, trees, vines, and all other manner of vegetation, also forming all of the diverse people of Hyrule.
With her works completed, Farore drew a portion of her divine spirit, and produced the [[Triforce#Triforce of Courage|Triforce of Courage]]. The holder of the Triforce of Courage would be imbued with the blessings of Farore, and valor unrivaled by any other. When the Triforce divided into its three aspects, the Triforce of Courage was bestowed upon the Hero, [[Link]], in merit of his great courage.
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==Legacy==
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|caption=The Goddess Statues in ''The Wind Waker''
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Various items, people and deities found throughout the series are named after the Golden Goddesses. Each of the goddesses also have a [[Marks of the Goddesses|crest that represents them]], which can be found in places and items related to them.<ref>{{cite web|quote=The Goddesses of Creation who control power, wisdom, and courage. Din, Nayru, and Farore each have a crest that represents them, which can be found in places related to them.|url=http://www.glitterberri.com/hyrule-historia/page-70/|title=The Legend of the Gods and the Hero of Time|site=GlitterBerri}}</ref>
[[de:Die drei Göttinnen]]
The first of the items are the three magic abilities obtained in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'': [[Din's Fire]], [[Farore's Wind]], and [[Nayru's Love]], granted to [[Link]] by the [[Great Fairy|Great Fairies]]. In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', it is said that [[Din's Pearl]], [[Farore's Pearl]], and [[Nayru's Pearl]] were handed down to the [[Rito]]s, [[Korok]]s, and [[Jabun]] by the goddesses themselves, respectively.<ref>{{Cite|The water spirit Jabun was kind enough to give you this jewel, a treasure of one of the goddesses!|N/A|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{cite|You received Din's Pearl! This is the gem the Ritos claim was passed down from the great goddess!|N/A|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{cite|You received Farore's Pearl! The earth spirit, the Deku Tree, has seen fit to give you this jewel, a treasure of the goddess, Farore.|N/A|TWW}}</ref> These three pearls, known as the [[Goddess Pearls]], are each placed on the three statues resembling the Golden Goddesses located in each of the [[Triangle Islands]] found across the [[Great Sea]] to rise the [[Tower of the Gods]] from beneath the waves.<ref>{{cite|Wandering traveler who seeks the guidepost of the goddesses... Place the pearl you hold here.|Goddess Statue|TWW}}</ref> Atop the [[Hyrule Castle]] from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'' is a statue depicting the Goddesses surrounding the [[Triforce]]. Three songs, "[[Din's Power]]", "[[Farore's Courage]]", and "[[Nayru's Wisdom]]" in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword]]'' are learned in the [[Isle of Songs]], which are necessary to obtain the three [[Sacred Flames]], each also named after the Goddesses, that will upgrade the [[Goddess Sword]].<ref>{{cite|Ah, sorry to disappoint you, boy, but for now your sword lacks the power necessary to awaken the gate. Faron Woods...Eldin Volcano...and Lanayru Desert... A sacred flame is hidden somewhere in each of these lands. Seek them out, and purify your sword in their heat. Only after your blade has been tempered by these three fires will it be fully imbued with the great power for which you search.|Impa|SS}}</ref>
[[Din (Oracle)|Din]], [[Nayru (Oracle)|Nayru]], and [[Farore (Oracle)|Farore]] from the [[Oracle Series|''Oracle'' series]], who are the Oracle of Seasons, Ages, and Secrets respectively, share the names of the goddesses and also share physical similarities to the statues depicted in ''The Wind Waker''. It is also implied that both the dragons from ''Skyward Sword'' and the Light Spirits from ''Twilight Princess'', Eldin, Faron, and Lanayru, are references to the goddesses, with two of the dragons bearing the symbol of the goddess they are associated with on their forehead. Because of this, the [[Silent Realm]]s of the three regions in the former game feature the names of the goddesses, each of them testing one of the goddess' attributes depending on the realm. Farore's Silent Realm tests the limits of Link's courage, Nayru's Silent Realm tests the limits of his wisdom, and Din's Silent Realm tests the limits of his power.<ref>{{cite|This particular trial, Farore's Silent Realm, tests the limits of your courage.|Fi|SS}}</ref><ref>{{cite|This is the second trial, known as Nayru's Silent Realm. It will test your wisdom, Master.|Fi|SS}}</ref><ref>{{cite|You stand within Din's Silent Realm, the third trial. It will test the limits of your power.|Fi|SS}}</ref> Likewise, each of the [[Sacred Tears]] bear their name.<ref>{{cite|You got a Tear of Farore! This object's power halts the movements of the Guardians for just 90 seconds. Collect all 15 to pass the trial!|N/A|SS}}</ref> Three [[Sacred Flames]] sharing their names and bearing their associated symbols, characteristics and colors are used to forge the [[Goddess Sword]] into the legendary [[Master Sword]] and activate the [[Gate of Time]] that also bears their symbols in the [[Temple of Hylia]].
==Physical Appearance==
[[File:Goddesses.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A mosaic of the Golden Goddesses.]]
In their first appearance, in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'', the Goddesses Din, Nayru, and Farore are depicted as a golden figures surrounded by a red, blue, and green auras, respectively. However, in later titles, monuments representing the Goddesses (such as the statues of the Golden Goddesses in the throne room of [[Hyrule Castle]] in ''Twilight Princess'') give a more detailed appearance. The Goddess Statues in ''The Wind Waker'' appear similar to the Oracles [[Din (Oracle)|Din]], [[Nayru (Oracle)|Nayru]], and [[Farore (Oracle)|Farore]] who are all named after the Goddesses.
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[[Category:Deities]]
Latest revision as of 03:07, 15 April 2024
The Golden Goddesses are a recurring trio of deities in The Legend of Zelda series.[1] They are Din, the Goddess of Power, Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom, and Farore, the Goddess of Courage, the chief gods and creators of the land that becomes the Hyrule and the extended world that it resides in.[2] It is understood that the Golden Goddesses have always existed, and that they are omnipotent and eternal. Though the Golden Goddesses are the most important gods of the world, they are mentioned by few characters in the series, and knowledge of them has been shown to be limited to the people of Hyrule alone, most races worshiping their own patron deities.
Each of the three Goddesses is associated with a characteristic, common element, and color: Din is power, fire and red; Nayru is wisdom, water and blue; Farore is courage, wind and green. They are the creators of the sacred Triforce that is made up of their three associated characteristics of power, wisdom and courage.
The Golden Goddesses depicted in the A Link to the Past manual, version from Art & Artifacts
The Golden Goddesses were first mentioned in the game manual of A Link to the Past. The legends of the Golden Goddesses are explained to be derived from scrolls left behind by ancient Hylians.[9] Without naming each Goddess individually, the scrolls explain the Golden Goddesses as those who transformed the World of Chaos into the inhabitable Hyrule. The "God of Power" created the land and fire; the "God of Wisdom" created science and brought order to the land; the "God of Courage" created all life on the world.[10] The Goddesses then departed from the world they created and left behind the Triforce, a small portion of their power that meant to serve as a guide for the people in the new world.[11][12] The Triforce beckoned people from the outside world to search for it in hope that someone worthy would obtain it.[13] The Triforce was accidentally discovered by a gang of thieves and as taken by Ganondorf, which then led into the Imprisoning War and finally the events of A Link to the Past.[14]
Ocarina of Time
The Golden Goddesses shown leaving Hyrule following its creation
In Ocarina of Time, the Golden Goddesses are seen in-game for the first time while the Great Deku Tree details the creation of Hyrule to Link after he vanquishes Gohma. Like in the manual for A Link to the Past, the Golden Goddesses are explained to have created the land of Hyrule before departing and leaving behind the Triforce.[2] The Golden Goddesses are each given names for the first time: Din, the Goddess of Power, Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom, and Farore, the Goddess of Courage. The resting place of the Triforce was also referred to as the Sacred Realm for the first time.[15]
The Wind Waker
The people pray to the Goddesses to come to their aidThe statues resembling the Golden Goddesses in The Wind Waker
In The Wind Waker, it is revealed that, after the Hero of Time was sent back to his original time, Hyrule in the Adult Timeline was left without a hero when the seal on Ganondorf broke.[16] Faced by Ganondorf's unstoppable power and with no hero to aid them, the people of Hyrule prayed to the Golden Goddesses to come in their aid.[17] Since the Golden Goddesses knew that to seal the people away along in Hyrule would grant Ganondorf's wish of destroying the land,[18] the Goddesses instructed the Hylians to flee to Hyrule's mountaintops in order to escape the coming flood.[19] Once the people were safely away, the Goddesses caused a torrential downpour, covering the land and turning the mountaintops into islands.[20]
The three pearls required to open the Tower of the Gods are also named after each respective goddess: Din's Pearl, Nayru's Pearl, and Farore's Pearl. Furthermore, the statues that each of the pearls are placed on to open the tower each resemble a Golden Goddess.
After freeing the Lanayru Province from Twilight, the Spirit of LightLanayru reveals to Link where the final Fused Shadow he seeks is located. He then goes on to explain why exactly the Fused Shadows were locked away and forbidden by the Golden Goddesses.[23]Lanayru narrates the story of the Interloper War, which took place after the events of Skyward Sword. The people of Hyrule lived in peace after Skyward Sword, but news of the Sacred Realm and the Triforce eventually spread, causing the Interloper War.[24] It was then that the Dark Interlopers appeared, using their strong magic, the Fused Shadows, to take control of the Sacred Realm.[25] The Golden Goddesses then ordered the Spirits of Light to banish them to the Twilight Realm and seal away their magic.[26] With no connection back to the Light World, the Dark Interlopers would eventually become the Twili race.[27]
While it was impossible for the Twili to return to the Light World, the Golden Goddesses left one link between the two worlds, the Mirror of Twilight.[28] The Golden Goddesses commanded the Sages to guard the Mirror of Twilight after imprisoning the Dark Interlopers.[29]
In the A Link to the Past manga by Akira Himekawa, after Link rescues Princess Zelda from Agahnim, they enter a church with Zelda's remaining supporters.[31] She briefly explains the Goddesses's creation of the Triforce and the Sacred Realm, along with its power.[32] After a series of events, Link meets Sahasrahla, who in turn retells the story of the Goddesses and the Triforce and explains each Goddesses's role in creating Hyrule.[33] He also reveals that the Triforce itself whispers the wishes of those who touch it to the Goddesses.[34]
At the beginning of the Ocarina of Time manga by Akira Himekawa, the Great Deku Tree is explaining Hyrule's creation to the Kokiri, describing how each Golden Goddess formed Hyrule.[35] However, he is interrupted by a disagreement between Mido and Link before he can impart the role Farore was responsible for. When the Great Deku Tree is dying because of Gohma, he tells Link the story of the Triforce, the power of the Goddesses and that those who touch it may remake the world in their form.[36] He then instructs Link to bring the Kokiri Emerald to Princess Zelda, as she has been chosen by the Goddesses.[37] When Princess Zelda and Link meet later on, Zelda fully describes the Golden Goddesses's roles in shaping Hyrule and confides in Link the Sacred Realm's secret.[38][39]
↑ 2.02.1"Before time began, before spirits and life existed... Three golden goddesses descended upon the chaos that was Hyrule... Din, the goddess of power... Nayru, the goddess of wisdom... Farore, the Goddess of Courage... Din... With her strong flaming arms, she cultivated the land and created the red earth. Nayru... Poured her wisdom onto the earth and gave the spirit of law to the world. Farore... With her rich soul, produced all life-forms who would uphold the law." — Great Deku Tree (Ocarina of Time 3D)
↑"If a person who has an evil heart gets the Triforce, a Hero is destined to appear...and he alone must face the person who began the Great Cataclysm." — Maiden (A Link to the Past)
↑ 4.04.1"Oh! What is this? There, on your hand, the Triforce piece now dwells within you! It is the Triforce of Courage, proof that you are indeed the true hero. You have controlled the wind and crossed the seas, and here, near the end of your quest, the power of the gods has been bestowed upon you... Surely, from this moment on, you shall be known as the Hero of Winds..." — King of Red Lions (The Wind Waker)
↑ 6.06.1"It was a sign that the powers of the chosen one rest within you...and that they are awakening. Look at your awakened form... The green tunic that is your garb once belonged to the ancient hero chosen by the gods..." — Faron (Twilight Princess HD)
↑"And the other, who holds the Triforce of Wisdom... is the seventh Sage, who is destined to be the leader of them all... It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda." — Princess Zelda (Ocarina of Time)
↑"The legends say the mythical gods of Hyrule had as their chosen people the Hylia. These ancient people left scrolls that are the primary source of the legends..." (A Link to the Past manual, pg. 3)
↑"According to the Hylian scrolls, the mythical gods descended from a distant nebula to the world that was and created order and life. The God of Power dyed the mountains red with fire and created land. The God of Wisdom created science and wizardry and brought order to nature. And the God of Courage, through justice and vigor, created life — the animals that crawl the land and the birds that soar in the sky." (A Link to the Past manual, pg. 3)
↑"After the gods had finished their work, they left the world, but not before creating a symbol of their strength, a golden triangle known as the Triforce. A small but powerful portion of the essence of the gods was held in this mighty artifact, which was to guide the intelligent life on the world of Hyrule." (A Link to the Past manual, pg. 3)
↑"From its hiding place in the so-called Golden Land where the gods placed it, the Triforce beckoned people from the outside world to seek it in hope that someone worthy of these titles would find it." (A Link to the Past manual, pg. 3-4)
↑"One day, quite by accident, a gate to the Golden Land of the Triforce was opened by a gang of thieves skill in the black arts. This land was like no other. In the gathering twilight, the Triforce shone from its resting place high above the world. In a long running battle, the leader of the thieves fought his way past his followers in 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. He heard a whispered voice: "If thou hast a strong desire or dream, wish for it..." And in reply, the roaring laughter of the brigand leader echoed across time and space and even reached the far-off land of Hyrule. 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)
↑"The boy, who traveled through time to save the land, was known as the Hero of Time. The boy's tale was passed down through generations until it became legends... But then...a day came when a fell wind began to blow across the kingdom. The great evil that all thought had been forever sealed away by the hero... ...once again crept forth from the depths of the earth, eager to resume its dark designs. The people believed that the Hero of Time would again come to save them. ...But the hero did not appear." — N/A (The Wind Waker HD)
↑"Faced by an onslaught of evil, the people could do nothing but appeal to the gods. In their last hour, as doom drew nigh, they left their future in the hands of fate." — N/A (The Wind Waker HD)
↑"Yet all was not lost. For the gods knew that to seal the people away with the kingdom would be to grant Ganon's wish for the destruction of the land." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker HD)
↑"So, before the sealing of the kingdom, the gods chose those who would build a new country and commanded them to take refuge on the mountaintops." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker HD)
↑"When the gods heard our pleas, they chose to seal away not only Ganon, but Hyrule itself...and so, with a torrential downpour of rains from the heavens... Our fair kingdom was soon buried beneath the waves, forgotten at the bottom of the ocean." — Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule (The Wind Waker HD)
↑"I am one of four light spirits that protect Hyrule at the behest of the gods. I am Ordona." — Ordona (Twilight Princess HD)
↑"I am one of the spirits of light who dwell in Hyrule. By the order of the gods, I protect this forest." — Faron (Twilight Princess HD)
↑ 23.023.1"The dark power that you seek... It waits in a temple set in the bed of Lake Hylia. ...But before seeking it, you must now bear witness to something...and never forget it. You must know that it was the will of the goddesses that we lock away the forbidden power..." — Lanayru (Twilight Princess HD)
↑"For ages, the people lived at ease, content in mind and body... But soon, word of the Sacred Realm spread through Hyrule, and a great battle ensued..." — Lanayru (Twilight Princess HD)
↑"Among those living in the light, interlopers who excelled at magic appeared. Wielding powerful sorcery, they tried to establish dominion over the Sacred Realm." — Lanayru (Twilight Princess HD)
↑"It was then that the goddesses ordered us three light spirits to intervene. We sealed away the great magic those individuals had mastered." — Lanayru (Twilight Princess HD)
↑"Eventually, most came to call it the Twilight Realm, and from it, none could return to the world of light... They were forever doomed to live in the twilight, flitting in the half-light of dusk, mere shadows of Hyrule... This is the history of the Twili as it has been passed down from our ancestors..." — Midna (Twilight Princess HD)
↑"Though the goddesses forbade us to return to the world of light, they left one link between the light and the darkness. Something called the Mirror of Twilight was passed to the protectors of Hyrule..." — Midna (Twilight Princess HD)
↑"At the command of the goddesses, we sages have guarded the Mirror of Twilight since ancient times." — Sage (Twilight Princess HD)
↑"Let's go to the church. There might be some soldiers hiding there." (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 28)
↑"It began a long time ago. According to legend, the goddesses hid the Triforce in the Sacred Realm... somewhere in this country. They say the Triforce has the power to grant any wish made by the first person who touches it." (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 30)
↑"Long before humans ever existed, the goddesses came down, bringing order and life to the chaos. The goddess of power colored the mountains red with fire. The goddess of wisdom created the magic of science. The goddess of courage used her kind and strong heart to create the other creatures of land, see and sky." (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 68, 69)
↑"It is said Hyrule is where goddesses came down, and our country has many Hylian ruins. There is also an old legend regarding the Triforce. Somewhere under heaven is the golden power... which whispers to the goddesses the wish of any who touch it..." (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 70)
↑"Shall I begin? Long, long ago... before the world had taken clear shape... it is said that three goddesses came down to Hyrule. One was Din. She brought fire and sculpted a red land. One was Nayru. With her wisdom she brought law to the world. The last one was..." (Ocarina of Time manga vol. 1, VIZ Media, pg. 10)
↑"The Triforce has held the power of the gods since ancient times. Whoever touches it has the power to remake the world in the image of his own heart..." (Ocarina of Time manga vol. 1, VIZ Media, pg. 34)
↑"... There is a princess there who has been chosen by the gods. Give her this stone... The Kokiri's Emerald!!" (Ocarina of Time manga vol. 1, VIZ Media, pg. 35)
↑"Long, long ago... before there was any life on land or in the sea... the three Golden Goddesses came down to the chaotic land of Hyrule... Din, the Goddess of Power... whose strength lay in fire, which she used to forge the red earth. Nayru, the Goddess of Wisdom... who bathed the land in her wisdom and brought order out of the chaos. And Farore, that Goddess of Courage... who protected that order and, from her great heart, brought life to the world..." (Ocarina of Time manga vol. 1, VIZ Media, pg. 61, 62)
↑"When these tacks were completed and it was time for the three Golden Goddesses to return to heaven, they left behind a golden pyramid - the Triforce - and the surrounding area became the Sacred Realm... he who gathers the three Spiritual Stones... must stand in this spot with the Ocarina of Time. If he does... the door will open. This is the secret of the Sacred Realm..." (Ocarina of Time manga vol. 1, VIZ Media, pg. 62, 63)
Names in Other Regions 