Ikana Kingdom

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The Ikana Kingdom,[1] also known as the Kingdom of Ikana,[2] is a monarchy that appears only in Majora's Mask.

It was founded in the mountains barricading Termina's east face and ruled by the Ikana Royal Family.[3] The loyalty of its subjects is unwavering, and they continue to serve their Kingdom even in death.[4] The King of Ikana, Igos du Ikana, still sits upon his ruined throne in Ikana Castle.[5] While its past is mostly shrouded in mystery, the remarks of some of its residents shed light on the circumstances surrounding its eventual downfall, and how it came to be a "land where only the dead roam."[6]

History

Ikana boasted a capable army, the soldiers of which continue to fight after the Kingdom's demise.[2][4] The commander of that army was Captain Skull Keeta,[7] a giant and a close servant of the King who had earned in life the respect and sworn allegiance of legions.[8][9]

Although Ikana's army was quite possibly its most notable achievement, there is also evidence that the subjects of Ikana Kingdom were skilled in the art forms of music and dance.[10][11]

The War

Though the events which sparked the war between Ikana Kingdom and the nation from which the Garo hail are not divulged, what is made very clear throughout the game is their intense rivalry; it is powerful enough to keep them fighting even after they have died. The Garo Ninjas that haunt Ikana were originally spies from an enemy nation.[12] The armies of the Garo's nation were apparently very skilled, even defeating Captain Keeta's soldiers on their own soil.[13] Any spies infiltrating Ikana who were captured or defeated committed ritual suicide without leaving a corpse, and while common Garo would call this practice their "way," a Master Garo refers to it as "law."[14][15] Details of the countless battles that ensued following the war's initiation are not revealed, but the Kingdom is said to be "stained with a history of darkness" and "drenched in blood," insinuating a merciless, long-winded conflict.[16] When Tatl senses Garo nearby, she says she can sense a "thirst for blood looming all around" them, possible evidence that the war started as, or eventually boiled down to, a conflict of mere bloodlust.[17]

Ikana Graveyard was heavily protected by Ikana forces, even guarded by Captain Keeta himself in life and in death.[18] The reason the Graveyard is so well defended is never explicitly stated, although it is reasonable to assume that it was either a matter of honor (so that enemies could not desecrate the graves of the Royal Family)[3] or an effort to safeguard the Family's treasures, several of which are hidden in graves.[18][19][20] The graves continue to be patrolled long after the war has ended.[21]

According to the King, the quarrels among his men was a significant factor that led to the destruction of the Kingdom.[22]

A Ruined Kingdom

By the time Link arrives, Ikana is vastly different from the prosperous Kingdom it once was, writhing under a curse.[23] The rushing waters of Ikana River have dried up, and Ikana Village is haunted by Gibdos.[24] Sharp, one of Ikana's Royal Composers, watches over the Spring Water Cave, cursed himself.[25] His brother Flat says that he "sold his soul to the devil" and locked him in his prison in the graveyard.[26] Exactly to whom Flat is referring is left to speculation; however, Sharp says that he "dreamt of the revival of the Royal Family," perhaps entering into a false agreement to that end unwittingly.[27] After the curse upon him is broken, he reveals that it is the trickery of the Skull Kid that caused the dead to linger in Ikana.[28] The root of the curse shrouding Ikana is in the Stone Tower Temple, located high in the ominous Stone Tower.[23][29]

The King of Ikana waits on his desolate throne, lording over the dead.[30] His Castle is in ruins, a shell of its former glory, crumbling under the dark winds blowing from within the Stone Tower.[29] Residing in the throne room with him are two unnamed Stalfos, former swordsmen of Ikana.[31] Their position protecting the throne and their fondness for ceremonial marching suggests they were high ranking officers in life. If Link can break the curse upon them and agrees to besiege Stone Tower, Igos du Ikana will teach Link the "Elegy of Emptiness". This magical song contains the power of a soldier who has no heart.[32] The song was undoubtedly composed by the Composer Brothers,[10] and was possibly composed to be used as a weapon in the war against the Garo.

The Stone Tower

Main article: Stone Tower

The origins of the Stone Tower are less clear than the origins of Ikana itself. It is an impenetrable stronghold, able to withstand assault from hundreds of soldiers.[33] High in its towers lies the Stone Tower Temple. The Temple is only ever spoken of by Ikana's inhabitants in reference to the curse on the land, and thus in a negative light.[23] It is also implied that the very doors of Stone Tower have been sealed shut for many years.[34] Some speculate that this might mean the Temple and Stone Tower were already in existence when Ikana Kingdom was founded, and not built by the subjects of Ikana as may be assumed, and the founders merely chose to settle in the Tower's shadow. The existence of a Garo Master within the Temple leads others to suggest that the Garo may have had control over the Stone Tower at one time.

No evidence in the game is conclusive, and what Stone Tower truly represents is never revealed.

References

  1. Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 246
  2. 2.0 2.1 "It's a Stalchild. They were the cursed soldiers of the Kingdom of Ikana...What are you gonna do?" — Tatl (Majora's Mask)
  3. 3.0 3.1 "All the graves here belong to the family members of the King of Ikana Castle, a place that lies beyond the mountains." — Dampé (Majora's Mask)
  4. 4.0 4.1 "And convey my words to my men, who, even in death, remain loyal to me." — Captain Keeta (Majora's Mask)
  5. "You who bring light into darkness, I am the King of Ikana Kingdom, Igos du Ikana." — Igos du Ikana (Majora's Mask)
  6. "What business have you in Ikana Kingdom, land where only the dead roam?" — Sharp (Majora's Mask)
  7. "I commanded the Ikana Army of Ikana Kingdom atop the hill. I am called Skull Keeta." — Captain Keeta (Majora's Mask)
  8. "Ohhh! Keeta! Is it not Captain Keeta?!?" — Igos du Ikana (Majora's Mask)
  9. "That's the Captain's Hat, isn't it? That is a splendid thing. It earns the respect and sworn allegiance of legions of soldiers." — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  10. 10.0 10.1 "I served the Ikana Royal family. I am the composer called Flat. The songs connected to the Royal Family that remain here were all composed by my brother and I." — Flat (Majora's Mask)
  11. "The ReDeads in Ikana were once members of the castle's dancing troupe..." — Garo (Majora's Mask)
  12. "They are merely shells that are empty on the inside. They're the shells of spies from an enemy nation sent to investigate Ikana. They have been unable to forget their living days. Even now their spirits--emptiness cloaked in darkness--continue to spy." — Pamela's Father (Majora's Mask)
  13. "Since being shamed by loss in a battle within my kingdom... I have waited here for one to come and awaken my soul." — Captain Keeta (Majora's Mask)
  14. "To die without leaving a corpse... That is the way of us Garo." — Garo (Majora's Mask)
  15. "Die I shall, leaving no corpse. That is the law of us Garo." — Garo Master (Majora's Mask)
  16. "Ikana Kingdom was founded on this land, stained with a history of darkness, drenched in blood... Even now it is a place where troubled, regretful spirits gather." — Poe Collector (Majora's Mask)
  17. "I can't see it, but I sense there's a thirst for blood looming all around us..." — Tatl (Majora's Mask)
  18. 18.0 18.1 "Did you see the huge skeleton at the back of this graveyard? My father once said that was all that was left of the former Royal Soldier who once guarded this graveyard. Even though he is dead, his remains still block the way. In a sense, he is still guarding the Royal Family's treasure. He must have been a fine soldier, indeed." — Dampé (Majora's Mask)
  19. "I came looking for the Royal Family's legendary treasure, but my torch has gone out." — Dampé (Majora's Mask)
  20. "The melody that summons the tears of angels rests here. [...] A vessel that holds wandering spirits rests here. [...] A piece that heals the wounded soul rests here." — Tombstone (Majora's Mask)
  21. "As per your orders, sir, we've been guarding these graves closely." — Stalchild (Majora's Mask)
  22. "Will you stop?!!? What fools! Haven't you begun to understand? The kingdom being ruined and us left in this state... Isn't it petty, little battles like this that have caused it? Believing in your friends and embracing that belief by forgiving failure... These feelings have vanished from our hearts." — Igos du Ikana (Majora's Mask)
  23. 23.0 23.1 23.2 "I wish for you to go to the temple in this land and sever the root of the evil curse that torments us." — Sharp (Majora's Mask)
  24. "You know...Lately, frightening ghosts have been appearing in swarms in Ikana Village across the river." — Sakon (Majora's Mask)
  25. "With my brother's song, you have broken the curse that was placed upon me. It is all thanks to you." — Sharp (Majora's Mask)
  26. "Oh...Sharp, my dear brother. He sold his soul to the devil and was the one who locked me in here..." — Flat (Majora's Mask)
  27. "Forgive your foolish brother who dreamt of the revival of the Royal Family..." — Sharp (Majora's Mask)
  28. "We dead should not be lingering here in this land. It was all a trick of the masked one who had upset things." — Sharp (Majora's Mask)
  29. 29.0 29.1 "To return true light to this land, you must seal the doors of Stone Tower where the winds of darkness blow through." — Igos du Ikana (Majora's Mask)
  30. "The King is in the ruins of Ikana Castle, awaiting the coming of the one who will break the curse." — Sharp (Majora's Mask)
  31. "'I was once called the best swordsman in all of Ikana...' 'The greatest swordsman in all of Ikana? You?'" — Stalfos (Majora's Mask)
  32. "It is far too reckless for one to take on such a challenge. ...And so... I grant to you a soldier who has no heart. One who will not falter in the darkness. This soldier who has no heart is your twin image. A shell of yourself that you will shed when your song commands it." — Igos du Ikana (Majora's Mask)
  33. "But Stone Tower is an impenetrable stronghold. Hundreds of soldiers from my kingdom would not even be able to topple it." — Igos du Ikana (Majora's Mask)
  34. "Believing in your friends and embracing that belief by forgiving failure... These feelings have vanished from our hearts. It all happened after somebody thrust open the doors of that Stone Tower." — Igos du Ikana (Majora's Mask)