Hero's Spirit
- "White Wolf" redirects here. For the recurring enemy in The Legend of Zelda series, see White Wolfos.
Template:Character The Ancient Hero,(TP)[1] also known as the Hero's Spirit,(TP)[2] and the Hero's Shade,(TP)[3] is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series. The Ancient Hero is a skeletal specter who can assume the form of a Golden Wolf.[4][note 1]
Biography
Twilight Princess
The Ancient Hero is the Hero of Time from Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, filled with regrets from being unable to pass on the "lessons of his life to those who came after him" after he was sent back in time to his childhood. He also lamented the fact that he was not remembered as a hero. In order to ease his regrets and finally pass on his knowledge, he teaches the seven Hidden Skills to his descendant, the Link from Twilight Princess.[6][7] In Hyrule, he appears as a Golden Wolf, who can be summoned by finding a Howling Stone, with the exception of the first time he is encountered, in which he appears to Link directly. Once a Howling Stone is found, the song has to be howled along with the Spirit. He then tells Link to take "sword in hand" and find him, implying that Link had to return to human form before searching for the wolf. The Golden Wolf will then appear on Link's Map indicating his current location. When Link confronts the Wolf, it leaps through Link, transporting him into another world.[8] The wolf then transforms into a ghostly knight, the Ancient Hero, who then teaches the Link one of the seven Hidden Skills.
Golden Wolf
In Hyrule, the Ancient Hero takes the form of the Golden Wolf. It is a ghostly Wolf, glowing a golden yellow color. Like the humanoid form of the Ancient Hero, the Golden Wolf's left eye glows red, while the right eye is missing.
Ancient Hero
In the other world, the Ancient Hero's form has bluish skin and a pallid, decaying appearance, with a skeletal face. His left eye glows red, while his right eye is missing. He carries a rusting Sword and Shield and wears an armor, which is covered with leaves in sections. He carries a scabbard belted to his waist. From the back, his armor appears to be filled with a ghostly mist, rather than flesh, and his torso is not connected to his legs.
Other Appearances
My Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess
The Hero's Shade appears as puzzles in both the Picross and Mega Picross series of puzzles in My Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess. In the Picross series, the Hero's Shade is the 35th puzzle, serving as a 15×15 grid. In the Mega Picross series, the Hero's Shade is the 26th puzzle, also as a 15×15 grid.
Trivia
- The first song that Link can howl in order to begin the quest of easing the Ancient Hero's regrets is the "Song of Healing". He plays the "Song of Healing", then takes over the Spirit's powers and eases his troubles, causing him to pass on.[9]
Nomenclature
 Names in Other Regions 
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|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | Meaning | |
 |
Japanese | 骸骨の戦士 (Gaikotsu no Senshi) 金色の狼 (Kin'iro no Ōkami) 勇者の亡霊 (Yūsha no Bōrei) |
Skeleton Warrior Golden Wolf Hero's Spirit |
 |
German | Goldener Wolf | |
 |
Italian | Eroe Lupo dorato |
Hero Golden wolf |
 |
SpanishEU | El Espíritu del Héroe Lobo Dorado |
The Spirit of the Hero Golden Wolf |
Gallery
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The Ancient Hero preparing to fight from Twilight Princess
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The Golden Wolf as seen in-game from Twilight Princess
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The Ancient Hero preparing to teach Link a Hidden Skill from Twilight Princess
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The Ancient Hero's sword from Twilight Princess
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Concept art of the Ancient Hero from Twilight Princess
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The Golden Wolf as seen in-game from Twilight Princess HD
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The Golden Wolf howling from Twilight Princess HD
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The Golden Wolf in the ghostly ether realm from Twilight Princess HD
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Wolf Link brought to a ghostly ether realm by the Golden Wolf from Twilight Princess HD
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The Hero's Shade from My Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess
Notes
- ↑ The Golden Wolf is also known as the White Wolf in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess — PRIMA Official Game Guide.[5] However, as this name contradicts its name in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess — The Official Nintendo Player's Guide, this name is not considered canon.
References
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<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedHH - ↑ "Although I accepted life as the hero, I could not convey the lessons of that life to those that came after. At last, I have eased my regrets." — Ancient Hero (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "In that case, return to your world and train yourself further. When you are prepared, come visit me again." — Ancient Hero (Twilight Princess)
- ↑ "Although I accepted life as the hero, I could not convey the lessons of that life to those who came after. At last, I have eased my regrets. . . . Farewell!" — Ancient Hero (Twilight Princess)