Although mythology has technically been a part of The Legend of Zelda‘s fantasy world since its inception, that sort of worldbuilding has only grown in scale and impact with the series’ evolution over time. Legends of prophecies and goddesses have materialized into crucial aspects of the stories seen in popular The Legend of Zelda games, leading to several varying takes on a similar foundation.
Archetypes of divine figures have come to be depicted differently across different Zelda narratives, as the franchise tends to feature new mini-pantheons which echo previous ones. Between some variation within that structure and experimenting outside it, however, it’s clear that some gods in The Legend of Zelda have achieved more importance in the eyes of fans.
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Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’s Official Place on the Timeline Leaves Mores Questions Than Answers
While it’s nice to finally know where Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom falls on the official Legend of Zelda timeline, one element remains confusing about it.
S-Tier Deities
Din, Nayru, and Farore were the earliest instance of the three goddess concept, makers of the world who are responsible for the existence of the Trifoce. Hylia, on the other hand, came to the forefront when it was revealed that she sacrificed her immortality to reincarnate as Zelda in Skyward Sword. Demise exists alongside her as the evil presence that has reappeared in Ganondorf in opposition, making the two stand as primordial forces across games. Majora, while mysterious, has attained a level of visual recognition through their associated mask that is difficult to ignore.
- The Golden Goddesses – Din, Nayru, Farore (A Link to the Past)
- Majora (Majora’s Mask)
- Hylia (Skyward Sword)
- Demise (Skyward Sword)
A-Tier Deities
While not necessarily the creators of everything, these deities still play major roles in shaping their domains. While the Wind Fish’s dream composes the entirety of the world of Link’s Awakening, the Kokiri’s Great Deku Tree established itself as a guardian mentor figure, and Jabu-Jabu did the same for the Zora. Zephos and Cyclos are vital parts of Wind Waker‘s world as literal gods of the wind who bestow Link with control over it, while the roaming dragons of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild serve as visually-stunning takes on the Golden Goddesses. The Fierce Deity manifested through the mask of its namesake remains unknown, but its apparent connection to Majora and intimidating appearance make it a fan-favorite.
- The Wind Fish (Link’s Awakening)
- The Greak Deku Tree (Ocarina of Time)
- Lord Jabu-Jabu (Ocarina of Time)
- The Fierce Deity (Majora’s Mask)
- Zephos (The Wind Waker)
- Cyclos (The Wind Waker)
- Naydra, Farosh, and Dinraal (Breath of the Wild)
B-Tier Deities
While not all necessarily bear universal reach or highly memorable presences, these godly beings still help to flesh out the worlds they represent. The Spirits of Light, Ordona, Faron, Eldin, and Lanayru from Twilight Princess are homages to the goddess trio with a unique twist, while Jabun and the dragon Valoo in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker are charming flips on Volvagia and Jabu-Jabu in a new context. Phantom Hourglass’ gods share domains with previous deities, while Malanya and the Horned God showcase the more cryptic storytelling niches of the recent Switch titles. The Four Giants of Majora’s Mask present an unforgettable spectacle, even if their bizarre debut was never followed up on.
- Valoo (The Wind Waker)
- Jabun (The Wind Waker)
- The Four Giants (Majora’s Mask)
- Spirits of Light (Twilight Princess)
- Ocean King (Phantom Hourglass)
- Golden Chief Cylos (Phantom Hourglass)
- Levias (Skyward Sword)
- Malanya the Horse God (Breath of the Wild)
- The Horned God (Tears of the Kingdom)
C-Tier Deities
These figures either have a more questionable status as deities, generally limited influence, or aren’t even fully depicted and therefore exist more as legends alone, naturally leaving them with more limited roles. For example, it’s theorized but unconfirmed that the Goddess of Time mentioned in Majora’s Mask could be Hylia herself. The Guardian Dragon trio of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword are a tamer take on a familiar idea, while the rest are practically all lacking physical manifestations.
- Goddess of the Sands (Ocarina of Time)
- Goddess of Time (Majora’s Mask)
- Season Spirits (Oracle of Ages and Seasons)
- Fortune Goddess (The Wind Waker)
- Mountain Goddess (Spirit Tracks)
- Spirits of Good (Spirit Tracks)
- Faron, Eldin, and Lanayru the Dragons (Skyward Sword)
- Lord of the Mountain (Breath of the Wild)
- The Seven Heroines (Breath of the Wild)
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