Keaton
Keaton are a recurring race of fox-like creatures in The Legend of Zelda series.[1]
Anatomy
Keatons are three-tailed, fox-like creatures whose characteristics are derived from the Chinese myth of nine-tailed fox, which also appears in Japanese folklore. They have yellow fur and their three tails bear black fur on the tips. Keatons are said to recognize one another by the sheen of their tails,[2] indicating subtle differences between each member.
Appearances
Ocarina of Time
No Keatons appear in Ocarina of Time, though a Keaton Mask can be obtained as part of a trading quest. It is the first Mask obtained from the shop in Hyrule Castle Town, and can be sold to the guard at the far end of Kakariko Village as a gift for his son. Keaton is said to be a popular character.[3]
Majora's Mask
A single Keaton appears in several locations in Majora's Mask, hiding within Rustling Grass and playing tricks on people.[4] In order to draw out the Keaton, Link must cut at least one clump of Rustling Grass wear the Keaton Mask a before all of the clumps have been destroyed. Additionally, at least one clump of Rustling Grass must be left remaining in order for the Keaton to show itself. The Keaton will then appear and offer the Keaton's Quiz minigame, asking the young hero five questions about people and locations in Majora's Mask.[5] The Keaton appears in all locations in Termina that contain Rustling Grass, such as North Clock Town, Mountain Village or along Milk Road, excluding those in the Lost Woods.
Trivia
- In the Japanese version, the Keaton speaks in an archaic tone, such as the use of マロ (Maro) [6] personal pronouns and auxiliary verb おじゃる (ojaru) [7], which is presumably based on the pop culture portrayal of the nobilities in the Heian period to imply that the Keaton is living for a long time.
- The song Keaton's Quiz resembles gagaku, which also represents the Heian period.
Nomenclature
Keaton seems to be based on the Japanese word 狐Kitsune (Fox). It is possible that the Japanese name, キータン (Kītan), is a corrupted form of キツネちゃんKitsune-chan (Foxie), which is the noun キツネ (Kitsune) shortend to the first letter キ (Ki), and the ちゃん (-chan) honorific is corrupted to たん (-tan). Two words are combined with a long vowel, as would fit with the Keaton Mask.
 Names in Other Regions  | ||
|---|---|---|
| Language | Names | |
 Italian | Keaton[8] | |
| This table was generated using translation pages. To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference. | ||
Gallery
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Link speaking with a Keaton from Majora's Mask
References
- ↑ Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 245 (MMMajora's Mask)
- ↑
Hee-hee-ho! Hello, child. If you are attempting to fool me, it is impossible. We Keatons can recognize our own by the sheen of our tails.
— Keaton (Majora's Mask) - ↑
Is that a "Kee...something..." character mask? I heard he's very popular recently? He's my boy's favorite. That "Kee...something..." mask... If you don't mind... Will you sell it to me?
— Guard (Ocarina of Time) - ↑
It seems Keaton, the ghost fox, plays tricks in the grass...
— Gossip Stone (Majora's Mask) - ↑
Answer me this... Pick one of the three choices...
— Keaton (Majora's Mask) - ↑
ほっほっほっ ワラシよ マロを ダマそうとしても ムダじゃぞ
— Keaton (Majora's Mask) - ↑
問題でおじゃる ３択で答えよ！ 牧場の娘 ロマニーが 練習で使っているフーセンは何コ？
— Keaton (Majora's Mask) - ↑ Enciclopedia di Hyrule, Magazzini Salani, pg. 245