Maiden: Difference between revisions

The '''Maidens''' are a recurring group of seven young women, including [[Princess Zelda]], in {{TLoZ|Series}}.<ref>{{Cite book|quote='''THE SEVEN MAIDENS'''|book=A&A|page=388}}</ref> In {{ALttP}}, they are descendants of the seven [[Sage]]s, from whom they have inherited magical abilities.<ref name=lineage>{{Cite|They say the Hylia people controlled mysterious powers, as did the seven wise men. But the blood of the Hylia has become thin over time. We who carry the blood of the seven wise men do not possess strong power any more, either. Our powers will increase if we mix the courage of the Knights with the wisdom of the wise men.|Fifth Maiden|ALttP}}</ref> In {{FSA}}, the Maidens' role is to protect the [[Four Sword Sanctuary]]. In both games, they are taken captive and later rescued by [[Link]], aiding him subsequently in his efforts to restore the peace in [[Hyrule]].

In the {{ALttP|Ishinomori}}, Agahnim has sent the Maidens into the [[Dark World]] so that [[Ganon]] could steal their power, thus weakening Ganon's seal and eventually open the way to the now tainted [[Sacred Realm]].<ref>{{Cite book|quote=Agahnim sent the Maidens here so Ganon could steal their power!|book=A Link to the Past|publisher=Nintendo Power|page=5}}</ref>  Much like in the game, Agahnim casts his final incantation on the third  and final Maiden, Princess Zelda, on the night of a full moon in front  of Link's eyes, prompting the young hero to rescue the Maidens as well  as the princess from the Dark World.

Link first learns of the Maidens when he talks to [[Zora (Ishinomori)|Zora]] in the Dark World, who mentions that a Maiden is imprisoned in the [[Palace of Darkness]] nearby.<ref>{{Cite book|quote=Yesss, and one is imprisoned in Crystal in the palace nearby...but you shouldn't go there! In legendsss that place is known as the Palace of Darkness... Ganon's servantss have ssstockpiled the dangerousss, explosssive firecorn there...|book=A Link to the Past|publisher=Nintendo Power|page=5,6}}</ref> When Link arrives to the Palace of Darkness, he denotes the [[firecorn]] explosives held in the storeroom, causing the entire palace to collapse but also allowing the Maiden to be freed from her [[crystal]]. As a sign of gratitude for saving her, the Maiden grants Link a relic called the [[Comfork]].<ref>{{Cite book|quote=Thank you, Link! Because of you I can escape this Crystal prison! Now, here is something that will help you--the Comm-Fork!|book=A Link to the Past|publisher=Nintendo Power|page=16}}</ref>  

The second Maiden is found in a hidden chamber of the [[Swamp Palace (A Link to the Past)|Swamp Palace]].  As Link makes his way to the maiden, a large, tentacled monster attacks  him. He thrusts himself with  the Master Sword into the monster and  defeats the creature, which spits  out Link from inside and gives him a  chance to destroy the floating  crystal where the maiden is. The maiden,  now freed, thanks Link and  tells him that Zelda is imprisoned in a [[Turtle Rock (A Link to the Past)|rock shaped like a turtle]] found at the end of the world, then vanishes.<ref>{{Cite book|quote=Thank you for saving me, Link! I know you are searching for Zelda. She is being held in a rock that looks like a turtle. But this rock is located at the end of this world...|book=A Link to the Past|publisher=Nintendo Power|page=8}}</ref>  Knowing this, Link eventually makes his way to Turtle Rock and frees  Princess Zelda, and with her and the Maidens' help, Link and Zelda are  able to go inside the [[Ganon's Tower (A Link to the Past)|Ganon's Tower]].<ref>{{Cite book|quote=Oh, mystical maidens... Lend us your power...|book=A Link to the Past|publisher=Nintendo Power|page=10}}</ref>

During the final battle with Ganon, Zelda fires an ordinary [[arrow]] from [[Roam]]'s [[crossbow]] to the now-frozen Ganon. As the arrow approaches Ganon, it is empowered by Link, Zelda, Roam, and the Maidens, turning into a [[Silver Arrow]] and thus defeating the King of Thieves.<ref>{{Cite book|quote=It was the '''enchanted arrow'''...|book=A Link to the Past|publisher=Nintendo Power|page=6}}</ref>