The Complete History of the Master Sword in the Legend Of Zelda Series

There are few artifacts in the vast landscape of video gaming that can compare with the legendary Master Sword of the Legend of Zelda series. It's more than just a weapon; it's a symbol, a narrative thread, a tool for puzzle-solving, the blade of evil's bane, and a cornerstone of one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history. So, strap in, folks, because we're about to delve into a tale as long and layered as the Legend of Zelda timeline itself.

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A Lore-Friendly History Of The Master Sword

Hyrule's history is interwoven with legends, myths, and timeless battles between good and evil. Central to the Legend of Zelda series is the tale of the Master Sword, a powerful sword whose origins are as rich as the very world it's designed to protect.

As told by the video games and the accompanying literature, the Master Sword's story begins in "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword." Forged by the goddess Hylia, it was first known as the Goddess Sword. Fi, a spirit created by Hylia, resided within the blade, guiding its wielder to fulfill their destiny.

Over the course of this video game, Link works to restore the full power of the sacred sword. The Master Sword, in its completed form, isn't just a tool or weapon—it's a symbol of evil's bane. Its blade, gleaming with divine luminescence, possesses the unparalleled power to banish evil and restore equilibrium to a fractured world. More than just its combat prowess, the Master Sword stands as a beacon of hope. It inspires and uplifts, reminding the inhabitants of Hyrule that even in the most oppressive shadows, a light will always shine through, waiting for the right hero to wield it.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - Goddess Sword to Master Sword | Image: Nintendo

Properties and Powers

The Master Sword is more than just a blade; it's a divine tool infused with unique attributes that truly set it apart in the realm of Hyrule and beyond. Notably referred to as the "Sword that Seals the Darkness," this moniker goes beyond mere title— it underlines the Master Sword's unique capabilities in combating evil entities and curses.

One of its fundamental traits is the ability to repel dark magic. In numerous encounters throughout the Legend of Zelda series, only the Master Sword has been the barrier between Link and a barrage of evil magic attacks. This ability isn't just passive— the Master Sword serves as a kind of conduit, channeling the magic through its blade and reflecting it back at the caster. It's an active defense mechanism, showcasing the sword's semi-sentient nature.

A classic property of the Master Sword that many fans will recall fondly is its ability to project energy beams, also known as a "Sword Beam". This ability typically manifests when Link is at full health, serving as a ranged attack that extends the hero's reach on the battlefield. It's an iconic aspect of the weapon, depicted beautifully in the game's rich visual design, and symbolizes the sword's extraordinary power.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Sword Beam | Image: Nintendo

Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of the Master Sword is its discerning nature. It's not a weapon to be wielded by just anyone— it chooses its bearer. The sword tests those who seek to wield it, only permitting those who are pure of heart and strong in spirit to lay hands on its hilt. This gatekeeping ability speaks to the sword's divine origin and purpose. It's not merely a tool of destruction, but an instrument of salvation, destined only for a true hero.

The Master Sword's role in defeating Ganon, the series' primary antagonist, is central to its identity. In most games, it's the only weapon capable of truly vanquishing this embodiment of malevolence, reinforcing the sword's position as the ultimate symbol of good and heroism in the series. Whether it's splitting Ganon's dark form in Ocarina of Time, banishing his Malice in Breath of the Wild, or his latest incarnation of The Demon King in Tears of the Kingdom, the Master Sword's key role in these pivotal battles is a testament to its unmatched power.

As we journey through each incarnation of the Master Sword, it becomes apparent that the sword's properties extend beyond just being a weapon to vanquish evil's bane. It's a living, breathing entity—a beacon of hope and symbol of courage—that stands as Hyrule's stalwart defender against the encroaching darkness.

The Handheld Era

To cover each game across the Legend of Zelda series would be an incredible undertaking. So, we've short-listed our selection to a few of our favorite choices as well as the most relevant games to the Master Sword's story.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Our first encounter with the Master Sword takes us to the magical land of Hyrule in "A Link to the Past." Hidden deep within the Lost Woods, the fabled sword awaits a worthy hero. Once Link collects the three Pendants of Virtue, he pulls the sword from its pedestal, setting the standard for many Zelda games to come.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons

In these sibling games, the Master Sword can be obtained as a linked game secret, where it proves to be a formidable weapon in Link's arsenal. However, its role is not as central to the storyline compared to other entries in the series.

The Console Era

Similar to the handheld section above, we'll be focusing mainly on the most impactful Zelda franchise games found in the Nintendo consoles.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

In "Ocarina of Time," the Master Sword plays a pivotal role. Here, it is not only the weapon to defeat Ganon but also the key to time travel. When Link pulls the sword from its pedestal, he's sealed for seven years until he's old enough to become the Hero of Time, setting up the game's adult and child timelines.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Master Sword | Image: Nintendo Supply

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Although Majora's Mask is a sequel to Ocarina of Time, the Master Sword doesn't appear. However, its spirit lives on through the Gilded Sword, a similarly powerful weapon that serves as a central item within the game.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker

"Wind Waker" presents a sleeping Master Sword deep within Hyrule Castle. Once Link removes it, he sets free Ganon's seal, unwittingly unleashing the darkness once again. The legendary weapon initially lacks its full attack power but regains it once two sages pray at their respective temples to restore the blade's divine capabilities.

The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker - Master Sword | Image: Nintendo Supply

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

"Twilight Princess" introduces us to a rusted, decayed Master Sword resting in a stone pedestal within the Sacred Grove. Link wields it to rid himself of a curse, becoming a beacon of light in the engulfing Twilight. The Master Sword also allows Link to transform between his human and wolf forms at will.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

The story unfolds predominantly in "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword," where we travel back to the earliest known point in the Zelda timeline. Here, amidst a floating archipelago known as Skyloft, the initial narrative of the Master Sword unfurls. Originally, the blade wasn't the iconic weapon we've come to know. Instead, it began as the Goddess Sword, a celestial instrument forged by none other than the goddess Hylia. She envisioned a blade that would stand as a bulwark against the forces of darkness and chaos.

Within the gleaming blade of the Goddess Sword resided Fi, a spirit born from Hylia's own essence. Ethereal and graceful, Fi wasn't just a passive guardian. She played an active role in guiding the sword's wielder, providing counsel, revealing secrets, and offering insights. More than just a voice, Fi was a mentor, ensuring that the bearer of the sword walked the righteous path to fulfill their grand destiny.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword | Image: Nintendo Supply

However, destiny isn't simply handed on a silver platter. It's earned. Link, the protagonist of the tale, embarks on a rigorous journey to prove his worthiness to harness the full potential of the Goddess Sword. His trials lead him to the three Sacred Flames, each a manifestation of the Golden Goddesses' virtues: Courage, Wisdom, and Power. With each flame, the sword undergoes a profound transformation. Initially, it evolves into the Goddess Longsword, a blade of enhanced strength and reach. But the final stage of its metamorphosis, upon being bathed in the third Sacred Flame, results in the birth of the iconic Master Sword.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

In "Breath of the Wild," the Master Sword is hidden deep within the Korok Forest, home to the Great Deku Tree. Its power drained from a previous battle and the sacred blade is but a mere husk of its true power. However, it recognizes Link, its true master, and chooses him once again. Throughout the game, it provides increased damage against the forces of darkness and can regain its full splendor in the game's "Trial of the Sword" DLC.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom

In the newest installment to the Legend of Zelda franchise, Tears of the Kingdom continues the theme of fragile weapons. Tears of the Kingdom starts with a bang: The Demon King re-awakens, Link and Zelda are attacked, and the introduction sequence culminates with a decayed master sword (and arm) before whisking Link up to the great sky island intro sequence.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Link and Decayed Master Sword | Image: Nintendo Supply

The interesting part about the Tears of the Kingdom Master Sword version is that the sword is available almost immediately after completing the tutorial sequence.

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

The game developers make a not-so-subtle hint to the whereabouts of this game's ultimate weapon. As Link attempts to freefall during the game's title sequence, a dragon can be seeing flying in the distance. This specific dragon is The Light Dragon (cough, cough Princess Zelda), where the legendary sword is housed in the dragon's head.

If you're adventurous enough, it's possible to reach the Light Dragon's head through a few creative means - mainly because it's flying at one of the highest points in the skybox. You can also defeat Phantom Ganondorf under the Great Deku Tree in the Lost Woods (the suggested method), which will kick off the task to reclaim the Master Sword and cause the Light Dragon to descend to a more easily accessible altitude.

In order to get the Master Sword, you will need two full stamina wheels, as The Light Dragon attempts to shake you off its head. Passing this task will award Link with the noble sword used to vanquish evil once both stamina wheels have been exhausted. Reclaiming the legendary sword culminates in an emotional cutscene involving Princess Zelda.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom - Master Sword | Image: Nintendo Supply

Once you receive this sword, we guarantee it is the only weapon you'll want to use for the rest of the game - or, until you defeat Ganondorf. The Master Sword makes an incredible base weapon to fuse other objects to. it's true power lies in the fact that the sword never truly breaks; it will become unusable for a 10-minute window before you're able to fight with it again.

Conclusion

The Master Sword is not just a video game weapon—it's a beacon of hope, a symbol of courage, wisdom, and power, and an icon of the enduring bond between Link and the player. From its humble beginnings as the Goddess Sword to the legendary blade we recognize today, the Master Sword has always been at the heart of the Legend of Zelda franchise.

Whether you're exploring the overworld, solving intricate puzzles, or facing off against the forces of evil, the Master Sword is your ever-faithful companion. It's a testament to the timeless appeal of the Legend of Zelda video game series, resonating with old fans and new gamers alike.

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