S5 E10 | David meets up with Andy and Alasyn of The Zelda Cast at the Zelda Dungeon live stream marathon to talk about what it's like making a Zelda podcast. HOST: David Geisler GUESTS: Andy Spiteri, Alasyn Eletha WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY DAVID GEISLER | PRODUCED BY DAVID GEISLER AND CELESTE ROBERTS | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: DAVID GEISLER | EDITOR: DAVID GEISLER | SOUND DESIGNER: DAVID GEISLER THIS EPISODE FEATURES MUSIC BY MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, TITLED "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" AS WELL AS "KAKARIKO VILLAGE" FROM THE ALBUM "ZELDA & CHILL" AVAILABLE ON APPLE MUSIC AND YOUTUBE. COPYRIGHT 2022 SIXFIVE MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE VIEWS INFORMATION, OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED DURING ANOTHER ZELDA PODCAST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF SIXFIVE MEDIA AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

S5 E11 | Kate and David get together to build a top ten list of some of the most beautiful places in the Zelda universe. HOSTS: David Geisler, Kate May WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY DAVID GEISLER | PRODUCED BY DAVID GEISLER AND CELESTE ROBERTS | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: DAVID GEISLER | EDITOR: DAVID GEISLER | SOUND DESIGNER: DAVID GEISLER THIS EPISODE FEATURES MUSIC BY MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, TITLED "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" AS WELL AS "KAKARIKO VILLAGE" FROM THE ALBUM "ZELDA & CHILL" AVAILABLE ON APPLE MUSIC AND YOUTUBE. COPYRIGHT 2022 SIXFIVE MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE VIEWS INFORMATION, OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED DURING ANOTHER ZELDA PODCAST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF SIXFIVE MEDIA AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

S5 E9 | David and Shane get together to build a top ten list of some of the most monumental moments in the Zelda franchise. HOST: David Geisler CAST: Shane Kelley WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY DAVID GEISLER | PRODUCED BY DAVID GEISLER AND CELESTE ROBERTS | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: DAVID GEISLER | EDITOR: DAVID GEISLER | SOUND DESIGNER: DAVID GEISLER THIS EPISODE FEATURES MUSIC BY MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, TITLED "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" AS WELL AS "KAKARIKO VILLAGE" FROM THE ALBUM "ZELDA & CHILL" AVAILABLE ON APPLE MUSIC AND YOUTUBE. COPYRIGHT 2022 SIXFIVE MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE VIEWS INFORMATION, OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED DURING ANOTHER ZELDA PODCAST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF SIXFIVE MEDIA AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

S5 E8 | Kate and David listen to some of their favorite songs from Twilight Princess. HOSTS: David Geisler, Kate May WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY KATE MAY AND DAVID GEISLER | PRODUCED BY DAVID GEISLER AND CELESTE ROBERTS | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: DAVID GEISLER | EDITOR: DAVID GEISLER | SOUND DESIGNER: DAVID GEISLER THIS EPISODE FEATURES MUSIC BY MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, TITLED "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" AS WELL AS "KAKARIKO VILLAGE" FROM THE ALBUM "ZELDA & CHILL" AVAILABLE ON APPLE MUSIC AND YOUTUBE. COPYRIGHT 2022 SIXFIVE MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE VIEWS INFORMATION, OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED DURING ANOTHER ZELDA PODCAST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF SIXFIVE MEDIA AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

S5 E7 | The AZP team gets together to celebrate Linktober's Zelda Creator Con 2020 by taking a Zelda quiz. HOSTS: David Geisler, Celeste Roberts CAST: Shane Kelley, Mallory Kuhn, Ryan Kuhn, Stephanie Klimov, Carlos Gomez, Hazel GUEST: Jake Naroden WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY DAVID GEISLER AND CELESTE ROBERTS | DIRECTED BY DAVID GEISLER | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: DAVID GEISLER | EDITOR: DAVID GEISLER | SOUND DESIGNER DAVID GEISLER THIS EPISODE FEATURES MUSIC BY MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, TITLED "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" AS WELL AS "KAKARIKO VILLAGE" FROM THE ALBUM "ZELDA & CHILL" AVAILABLE ON APPLE MUSIC AND YOUTUBE. COPYRIGHT 2022 SIXFIVE MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE VIEWS INFORMATION, OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED DURING ANOTHER ZELDA PODCAST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF SIXFIVE MEDIA AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

S3 EP12 | T.C. DeWitt, from the podcast 'The Studio Demands It!', joins David to review the first three episodes of the 1989 The Legend of Zelda TV show. ▶️Direct Download iTunes | Google Play | YouTube Get early access with Patreon HOST: David Geisler SPECIAL GUEST: T.C. De Witt Season 3 | Episode 12

S5 E6 | David is joined by T.C. DeWitt of The Studio Demands It! and Dan McCoy of Fan Fix-tion to discuss the next three episodes of the Zelda cartoon. HOST: David Geisler CAST: Dan McCoy GUEST: T.C. DeWitt WRITTEN BY DAVID GEISLER AND RYAN KUHN | DIRECTED BY DAVID GEISLER | PRODUCED BY DAVID GEISLER AND CELESTE ROBERTS | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER DAVID GEISLER | EDITOR DAVID GEISLER | SOUND DESIGNER DAVID GEISLER THIS EPISODE FEATURES MUSIC BY MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, TITLED "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" AS WELL AS "KAKARIKO VILLAGE" FROM THE ALBUM "ZELDA & CHILL" AVAILABLE ON APPLE MUSIC AND YOUTUBE. COPYRIGHT 2022 SIXFIVE MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE VIEWS INFORMATION, OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED DURING ANOTHER ZELDA PODCAST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF SIXFIVE MEDIA AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

by Shane Kelley As per the title, I combined Harvest Moon with "Blood Moon." When thinking of The Legend of Zelda series, many think of a traditional action-adventure-type game or maybe even the Hyrule Warriors series. From time to time, we see Nintendo let other companies take the reigns and develop a new way to play a Zelda game or a remake of an older game, such as Cadence of Hyrule and Link’s Awakening on Switch. So, what’s stopping Nintendo from making new genres within The Legend of Zelda franchise? After contemplating what genre could effectively bring something new or fun to the series, I thought of a few, but I wasn’t sure how these ideas would translate into writing. I ultimately decided that it would be amazing to have a farming simulator mixed with RPG (Role-Playing Game) elements. This is what my brainstorming came up with. You would choose an area in Hyrule, such as Hyrule Field, Lost Woods, Lake Hylia, Gerudo Desert Oasis, Goron Mountain Hot Springs, etc. After choosing an area, you would create your character or choose from the cast of existing ones and then name your farm, choose a pet, and start planting. With this idea being a farm sim, we know that crops would be at the "heart container” of the game, but what unique elements could be infused to make it feel more Zelda-themed? As per the title, I combined Harvest Moon with "Blood Moon." I thought about games such as Stardew Valley, which contains light combat elements you utilize within a cave. As you progress deeper within the cave system, you receive more prestigious rewards. So, having sword and armor upgrades as part of a Zelda farm sim would feel natural. Having four seasons makes sense, and, to incorporate the Blood Moon mechanic in Breath of the Wild where it resets the enemies, we could do something quite similar. Each season, the player would have the opportunity to go as far into the cave or other areas presented to defeat enemies with the potential to find rare materials. These rare materials would be used to upgrade weapons and armor; at the beginning of the next season, the Blood Moon would rise and reset that area. Each time this occurs, you have the potential to get farther into the area as you get stronger. This is just one way the game mechanic could function. As for traditional farming, I believe that we have a lot to go on within the Zelda series. Examples such as Lon Lon Ranch could provide the focus of the game where we grow food, raise animals, and cut grass for extra spending money, but other elements that could be added might give the farm sim a fresh feel. You could raise Loftwings and travel to other locations that have rare materials or other mechanics you could unlock (maybe obtain iron boots to find treasures under the water, hover boots to reach islands with rare materials, or Pegasus boots to find hidden areas or travel faster). With the animals, you could produce Lon Lon milk, Cucco eggs, Ordon goat cheese... the list goes on. The plants you grow could be foods such as Deku nuts, pumpkins, Mighty Bananas, and Hearty Durians. You could cook these items to sell or consume for magical purposes. The other thought I had was that the player must tend to a newly sprouted Deku tree, and as time passes, the tree grows--and so do the story elements for the game. Unique attributes such as this idea could make this an amazing experience. Activities within the game could also flesh out the game even further. Fishing is a staple in the Zelda series, of course, so we could see various locations and plenty of real and made-up fish. Added traveling to various locations could allow for new technologies or upgrades to occur for the player to utilize. Concepts such as the outfits mechanic in Triforce Heroes could be incorporated into wearable fashion that is showcased as something fun and lucrative. Of course, in any Zelda game, a superior soundtrack would be incorporated alongside some musically based mini games to liven up the world. Lastly, the world must be populated with lifelike animals and non-playable characters to keep the land of Hyrule fresh and inviting (this probably means Tingle should be mayor). The ideas and coming up with elements are the easy part to this whole non-existent game; it’s pitching the concept to Nintendo that would be the difficult part. What do you think of the concept? What elements would you want to see incorporated? How would you feel about a Zelda farm sim? Please follow me on Twitter @Stillsaneshane.

By Celeste Roberts Link undergoes a transition from an age of innocence to an age of experience in Ocarina of Time: he initially knows only the tranquil, isolated domain of Kokiri Forest and is one day thrust into a quest to protect the entire land of Hyrule, an adventure that transports the ten-year-old child seven years into the future with no halting in between the years. In order to rid Hyrule of the malicious Ganondorf, the Hero of Time must awaken six Sages by cleansing each temple of its curse (i.e., defeating the Boss). In addition to exciting battles and arduous puzzles, I think each temple and its linear place in the game symbolizes different stages of Link’s life as he explores Hyrule and encounters perils no normal Hylian could imagine. Light Temple (Temple of Time): Birth/Entering Life/Hope After slumbering for seven years, Link awakens as a young man in the Temple of Time, where he pulled the Master Sword from its pedestal and inadvertently permitted Ganondorf access to the Sacred Realm, where the foe obtains the Triforce and sends Hyrule into chaos. Amidst the destruction and pain, Link is completely safe in the chambers of the Light Temple, similar to a child safe within his mother’s womb. Although the Sage of Light, Rauru, explains that Link has been awakened, I believe, in a sense, he has been reborn as the suitable Hero of Time Hyrule desperately needs. The Chamber of the Sages inside the Temple of Light Photo source: Zelda Wiki Link is about to enter unfamiliar territory: decimated cities, destroyed populations, haunted fields, and suffering survivors. Yes, as a child he did gain courage and skills in his expeditions, but now he is beginning anew. The name of the song to transport him to the Temple of Time is “Prelude of Light,” a fitting title since the young man is introduced to a new adventure. Light is a break in darkness, clarity in the midst of uncertainty. Plagued areas are shrouded in a dark fog until Link defeats the evil curses and restores peace. Link is the light of Hyrule, hope incarnate. Forest Temple: The Unknown/Exploration/Childhood Link first encounters the derelict entrance to the Forest Temple in the Sacred Forest Meadow as a child, where his dear friend and cheerleader Saria is playing her fairy ocarina. She teaches him her song, a sign of their friendship and, quite likely, her wish to assist her friend on his journey and to remind him of her gentle spirit whenever they are far apart. "I've been waiting for you, Link! This is the Sacred Forest Meadow. It's my secret place! I feel... This place will be very important for both of us someday. That's what I feel. If you play the Ocarina here, you can talk with the spirits in the forest." Photo source: Zelda Wiki Seven years later, Link returns to his childhood homeland and the Lost Woods, where he fights stronger beasts and guards. In Saria’s stead is Sheik, who imparts bittersweet wisdom to Link: “The flow of time is always cruel... Its speed seems different for each person, but no one can change it... A thing that doesn't change with time is a memory of younger days…” The mysterious harpist then teaches Link the “Minuet of Forest,” another transportation melody. A minuet is a slow ballroom dance for two people; perhaps this is yet another symbol honoring the leisurely pace of childhood and the beloved, intimate moments between two friends. Most people experience extreme bouts of nostalgia as they pause and acknowledge the fleeting nature of childhood--and life in general. Link suddenly realizes his childhood is gone; the familiarity of his home and his daily routines has vanished. The Forest Temple symbolizes his self-discovery and struggle to navigate his fate while learning to relinquish the comfort of his boyhood and innocence. Fire Temple: Suffering/Passion Link soon ventures back to Goron City, only to see empty caverns, save one fiercely rolling Goron who is Darunia’s son and who also happens to bear the name “Link.” He informs his namesake that Ganondorf imprisoned the rest of his tribe in the Fire Temple and is threatening to turn them into the dragon, Volvagia’s, meal. The entrance to the Fire Temple Photo source: Zelda Wiki Fire has both negative and positive connotations: many associate Hell with fire and tribulations, while some view fire as a vehicle of cleansing and renewal. Sheik teaches Link the “Bolero of Fire” as his transportation song and shares some musings: “It is something that grows over time... a true friendship. A feeling in the heart that becomes even stronger over time... The passion of friendship will soon blossom into a righteous power and through it, you will know which way to go... This song is dedicated to the power of the heart…” Many song lyrics describe love and passion as a “burning flame.” Young Link witnessed Darunia’s intense enthusiasm for music and dancing when he played "Saria’s Song" years before, and Link’s defeating the abominable Dodongo sealed their brotherhood and friendship, which involves a different type of love that can feel just as strong as romantic love. Many platonic relationships experience trials and periods of absence as life consumes our free time and energy; however, the sign of true, loving friendship as strong as a sword forged in flames is the decision to be available in times of suffering and sadness. Water Temple: Cleansing Water Temple. These two words evoke feelings of irritation and hopelessness for many players of the original 1998 version of Ocarina of Time, whose iteration of the Water Temple is infamous for its challenging layout and puzzles. With water levels constantly rising and falling in the labyrinthine halls of the temple, one could become lost quickly and for a long time without resorting to a player’s guide or walkthrough. Many of us conquered this dungeon over two decades ago when we were children, meaning our memories may be clouded with bias towards a puzzle we struggled to solve due to our young ages and unrefined critical thinking skills. That’s okay--we all will approach challenges in our lives as we, to speak in terms of video games, level up. Setting aside any disgruntlement, we can admire the Water Temple for the structure itself and its potential deeper meanings. Sheik teaches Link the “Serenade of Water” as the two enjoy the tranquility of Lake Hylia: "Time passes, people move.... Like a river’s flow, it never ends... A childish mind will turn to noble ambition... Young love will become deep affection... The clear water's surface reflects growth…” A serenade is a musical piece that honors someone; many men attempt to woo their desired sweethearts by singing to them or playing a song. Interestingly, within the Water Temple is Link’s fiancée from seven years before: Princess Ruto. This temple is also home to one of the most famous battles in the Zelda series: Link versus Dark Link, Link’s shadowy doppelganger. Link must use his cunning and quick attacks to defeat… himself! Photo source: Zelda Dungeon Sometimes we are our greatest obstacle. We must take time to reflect on our worries and hopes so we can understand what is holding us back. As destructive and dangerous as water can be (flooding, drowning, riptides), it also is a calm presence one may rest beside to regain composure. Shadow Temple: Fragility/Truth/Regret What happened on the outskirts of Kakariko Village? Photo source: Zelda Wiki Even beautiful Hyrule has a dark past: the Sheikah sworn to protect the Royal Family often resorted to torture to intimidate enemies who could harm the governing clan. Impa is one of the only remaining members of her tribe, who often were referred to as the “shadow folk.” This temple is a nightmare incarnate; it includes eerie music, haunting whispers from the deceased, terrifying creatures, and weapons that have not seen the light of day. Despite noble intentions of protection, at what point are one’s methods criminal? In order to progress in his quest to save Hyrule and to find Princess Zelda, Link must, indeed, kill his enemies, small and massive. No matter how many times his blade saves his own life, does Link feel any tinge of regret upon ending the life of another being, regardless of its evil nature? Link never falters in his journey, yet we never peek inside his psyche to see how he is handling his trials. Surely even the Hero of Time has moments of fear, doubt, and even regret as he bears the weight of an entire land. The song used to transport him to the Shadow Temple, which is located within the graveyard of Kakariko Village, is the “Nocturne of Shadow.” Sheik has few words to describe the terrors awaiting Link: “This is the melody that will draw you into the infinite darkness that absorbs even time…” A nocturne references anything nocturnal or evocative of the night. Even steadfast warriors encounter darkness within. Spirit Temple: Stamina/Hardiness The last temple Link must explore and conquer is hidden in a desert wasteland past the land of the Gerudo, the all-female clan of thieves. The Desert Colossus, where the Spirit Temple lies. Source: Zelda Wiki A lone oasis lies outside of the entrance to the temple like a beacon of hope and respite in the barren land. The placement of the temple is fitting: the song for voyaging to this area is entitled the “Requiem of Spirit.” A requiem is a song played at a funeral. One’s burial or cremation is the final part of life’s adventure, and, canonically, the Spirit Temple is the final trial before Link faces Ganondorf and his castle. Unlike the previous temples, Link must time travel and explore the ruins as both a child and a man: "To restore the Desert Colossus and enter the Spirit Temple, you must travel back through time's flow... Listen to this ‘Requiem of Spirit’... This melody will lead a child back to the desert” (Sheik). As we age, we may find ourselves reflecting on our past and appreciating, regretting, and even missing how our lives used to be. Only the hardiest flora and fauna flourish in a desert, a sign of resilience and persistence. Link has conquered all adversities in his path, and he will vanquish the darkness in Hyrule and restore peace. Imagine undergoing such an odyssey at such young ages; truly, only a determined mind and gallant spirit may see this crusade to the end. In the span of merely hours of gameplay, Ocarina of Time, for me, brings a philosophical examination of life and our various experiences as we tumble along. What do you think about symbolism in the Zelda series? Which temple is your favorite and why? I would love to hear from you! Special thanks to Zeldapedia for the listing of Sheik’s wise words when he teaches Link transportation songs and the analyses of the names of the songs. Another great source of inspiration is The Architecture of Zelda, a ruminative and profound blog about the deeper meanings hidden within this beloved series.

S5 E5 | David is joined by Ryan Kuhn of the Brewthers-In-Law podcast to discuss the bars and restaurants of the Zelda universe. HOST: David Geisler CAST: Ryan Kuhn WRITTEN BY DAVID GEISLER AND RYAN KUHN | DIRECTED BY DAVID GEISLER | PRODUCED BY DAVID GEISLER AND CELESTE ROBERTS | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER DAVID GEISLER | EDITOR DAVID GEISLER | SOUND DESIGNER DAVID GEISLER THIS EPISODE FEATURES MUSIC BY MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, TITLED "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" AS WELL AS "KAKARIKO VILLAGE" FROM THE ALBUM "ZELDA & CHILL" AVAILABLE ON APPLE MUSIC AND YOUTUBE. COPYRIGHT 2022 SIXFIVE MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE VIEWS INFORMATION, OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED DURING ANOTHER ZELDA PODCAST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF SIXFIVE MEDIA AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

S5 E4 | David and Kate talk about their experience playing Skyward Sword. HOSTS: David Geisler, Kate May WRITTEN BY DAVID GEISLER AND KATE MAY | DIRECTED BY DAVID GEISLER | PRODUCED BY DAVID GEISLER AND CELESTE ROBERTS | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER DAVID GEISLER EDITOR DAVID GEISLER | SOUND DESIGNER DAVID GEISLER THIS EPISODE FEATURES MUSIC BY MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, TITLED "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" AS WELL AS "KAKARIKO VILLAGE" FROM THE ALBUM "ZELDA & CHILL" AVAILABLE ON APPLE MUSIC AND YOUTUBE. COPYRIGHT 2022 SIXFIVE MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE VIEWS INFORMATION, OR OPINIONS EXPRESSED DURING ANOTHER ZELDA PODCAST ARE SOLELY THOSE OF THE INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THOSE OF SIXFIVE MEDIA AND ITS EMPLOYEES.

There seems to be a pattern with this addition of Zelda into the classroom vernacular: it seems to come out of nowhere, but there is always a reason for a student to bring up the game. by Kevin Goodwin All photos in this article were taken by the author. “So you get these four things, and then you get a paraglider…” I overheard this conversation during a walk with my 1st-grade students. Anyone who is a fan of The Legend of Zelda--especially Breath of the Wild--will immediately recognize what is being talked about. Whispers about Zelda and Link are often heard in my classroom. I have never outwardly stated that I am a fan of Zelda or even video games to my students; I find it much more interesting to hear them bring up the topic first. The kids always talk about Pokémon, Minecraft, and Harry Potter. There are several kids with Harry Potter backpacks and other kids in Pokémon and Minecraft shirts. There is the occasional Mario or Sonic gear, too, and kids seem to always talk about owning a Nintendo. Right now, the talk revolves around owning a Switch. I love hearing about the things the kids are into, and I can typically make lots of connections with them through these different games, movies, and books. It's a joy talking about Harry Potter or Star Wars with a group of kids or navigating what to do when someone loses a Pokémon card that they brought from home. As a teacher, you need to accept the things that your students are interested in and embrace them and connect to them. I may not play Minecraft, but I can still talk about Creepers, Steve, and the endless things that are possible in Creative Mode. I can easily explain to kids why The Prisoner of Azkaban is my favorite book, but when it comes to Zelda, it always seems to be much more nuanced. In a way, the game lives up to its name; it is often spoken of as more of a legend and an experience than as simply a game you play, book you read, or shirt your parents bought you. There seems to be a pattern with this addition of Zelda into the classroom vernacular: it seems to come out of nowhere, but there is always a reason for a student to bring up the game. We will be reading an adventure book or exploring fairy tales that contain dragons, or we will discover something while out on a walk around campus. We tend to go on an adventure every day, whether it is nice out, pouring rain, or a blizzard. These things coupled with giving the kids some free time to have their own conversations and to build and play then seem to provide a space for someone to bring up Zelda. It’s usually as simple as a student saying, “Like in the game Zelda,” or “I played this game called Zelda, and that has dragons, too.” The flood gates then typically open. Once one kid brings up Zelda, then a couple more will join in the conversation, and it is at this point that I chime in with my love of the franchise. Zelda can be a great connector. There is something so intriguing when you hear someone talking about shrines, the Triforce, Link and Zelda, Ganon, and the multitudes of the things that can be done in the games. Breath of the Wild is certainly the game talked about most in my classroom when it comes to the franchise, and the open endedness of that game lends itself to some truly magical conversations. Even kids who have no clue what is being talked about are immediately intrigued by the world of Zelda. Talk of wild beasts, ruins, dungeons, treasures, and mysteries over each and every hill are all things that get kids' imaginations going. This intrigue with the mystery of Zelda may also just connect with this age group. I find that 1st and 2nd graders experience more about themselves and form true identities as they progress through those years. Every day is a new adventure, and every experience is something that truly shapes them. Much like Link, they grow and discover more and more abilities that they never knew they were capable of. As teachers, we need to keep that sense of adventure alive. It is certainly fun to talk about Zelda: I love hearing kids tell me that there are older games (they are usually referring to Twilight Princess since that game seems ancient to them). They find it crazy to learn that the game series goes back much further than that. There is a sense of true history when it comes to the development of these games. More than just talking about the games, I find that kids simply live this life of adventure. We might not find Moblins on our walks, but we find all kinds of other creatures. Whether out of LEGOs, sand, or blocks, I find them constantly creating their own little worlds. There is constant world building happening in the classroom. Watching the kids do these things makes me think of the stories of Shigeru Miyamoto exploring his world as a kid and then using that as inspiration to create Zelda. There’s just something magical about hearing your class speak about Zelda, and watching kids make friends because of Zelda is always amazing. Seeing a quiet student spend almost an hour explaining Breath of the Wild for a presentation and crafting a Zelda quiz for the class is one of my greatest memories from teaching. Zelda might not be as “in your face” as things like Pokémon in the context of a classroom, but when the legend is brought up, I take notice and love seeing the worlds it begins to create.

I am going to go over a few creatures and peoples who have been in a game—from those in the early timeline and now Breath of the Wild—and ponder where they are. by Ryan Kuhn Have you noticed a creature or race of people who roamed Hyrule at one point in time and then never saw them again? I am not talking about those who evolved and changed, similar to how the Kokiri evolved to the Koroks or the Zora evolved to the Rito (now we have both races). No, I am asking about those who were in a game or two and now are no longer found in the world of Hyrule. I am going to go over a few creatures and peoples who have been in a game—from those in the early timeline (Ocarina of Time and Skyward Sword) and now Breath of the Wild—and ponder where they are. Mogmas In the beginning, we had a group of people who worked with the goddess Hylia to save the Hylians and stop Demise from coming. They were the Kikwis, Gorons, Parellas, Ancient Robots (not a very clever name), and the Mogmas, and they prevented the Triforce from falling into Demise’s hands. We know the Gorons stayed around and are still kicking. The Ancient Robots were lost in time. We can assume that the Kikwis evolved to the Kokiri and the Parellas evolved to the Zora (in theory, that makes sense), but what about the Mogmas? They are never mentioned in the timeline again after Skyward Sword, so where did they go? My first guess would be that they are lost under a mountain or Eldin Volcano to escape the Moblins and Bokoblins, as they are the strongest monsters to fight and the only real escape is to dig underground. The Mogmas didn't have a nice dragon to protect them like the Parellas did, either, so I think they were defeated over time. They didn’t seem to have a home village and were almost nomadic in looking for treasure. Maybe they left to find more treasure outside of Hyrule after the Gorons settled within the Eldin region. The Mogmas should have stayed since they would have found all of the chests in Breath of the Wild that we pulled out of the ground with Magnesis. Deku Found in Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, the Deku were more than just simple bad guys that spit out Deku nuts or, as a Deku Baba, lunged at you as you walked by: there was a kingdom of the Deku that talked and danced. They worshiped the creature within the Great Deku Tree, followed King Deku, and trapped innocent monkeys. As time passed, we saw only Deku Babas, and then the Octoroks took over forests and sandy regions in Breath of the Wild. So, where did the Deku go after Majora’s Mask? The easy theory here is that they were all called in by the Deku King to protect him and the princess from the moon in Termina and decided not to leave since the Southern Swamp may have been a safe place. The monkeys eventually left and were found in Faron Woods—but what happened to them afterwards since they are not in Breath of the Wild, either? The other answer is that the Octoroks became an invasive species and kicked the Deku out of the forest. As either an enemy or resident of the Deku Palace, we have not seen them for a while. River Zora When you go near the water in A Link to the Past, an evil River Zora appears and spits a fireball at you. As discussed in my article about the story of the Zora, the River Zora and the Ocean Zora/Zora tribe are different and appear throughout the timeline. Though we see the Zora Tribe continue to Breath of the Wild, the River Zora do not appear. Where did those fire-breathing angry Zora go? Most likely, the Zora Tribe brought them into the fold to join them, and they became nicer—and less fiery (literally). This has worked for them as now the Zora are in both the ocean and river in Hyrule. Loftwings Even though we have our trusted steed, Epona, before we had her, we had our trusted Loftwing. After the fall of Demise, the statue of Hylia goes down to the Surface, and some of the people in Skyloft go down to presumably start the kingdom of Hyrule. However, not everyone goes down, and as we finish Skyward Sword, we see Link’s (or “Dude,” as I named him) and Zelda’s Loftwings fly up to the clouds. Where do these Loftwings end up, including those that stayed in Skyloft? It looks as though the humans who remained in Skyloft became Ooccoos in Twilight Princess, but what of the Loftwings? Perhaps as Link arrived there to save the Ooccoos, the dragon came into play to scare the Loftwings away, and maybe a new place was found where one day we will find them again. Keaton As an honorable mention, I would like to bring up the Keaton from Majora’s Mask and the mask of the Keaton in Ocarina of Time. Based on Japanese lore, this three-tailed yellow fox is a fan favorite that has just a quick appearance and then never appears again, not even as a mask (insert sad face emoji). No one knows where he went, but if the Zelda creators give us a quiz to complete, it better be given to us by the Keaton. Are there any other characters or races you’d like to see reappear? Let me know! Follow Ryan on Twitter, and, if you enjoy good beer, be sure to check out his podcast, Brewers-in-Law!

S5 E3 | David travels to Manitowoc to visit Shane and talk about some of their favorite cyclops. HOST: David Geisler CAST: Shane Kelley Written and Directed by David Geisler Produced by David Geisler and Celeste Roberts Executive Producer: David Geisler Editor: David Geisler Sound Designer: David Geisler This episode features music by MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, titled "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" from the album "ZELDA & CHILL" available on Apple Music and YouTube. The views, information, or opinions expressed during Another Zelda Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sixfive Media and its employees. This has been a production of Sixfive Media 2022

by Ryan Kuhn As you travel across Hyrule, is there a time you think to yourself, “Man, I need to kick back with a cold one”? Do you think about sitting down in a low-key tavern with a drink and some pumpkin soup or a bar that has a great nightlife to party in after sailing all day? Let us pour a glass of our favorite drink, play some Zelda & Chill, and go on a bar crawl through the Zelda Universe. The first stop is in Skyloft at the Lumpy Pumpkin. After flying around on your Loftwing and taking your leap of faith to the land below to save Zelda, it is nice to just come here and relax. As you land your Loftwing (or jump off it and land flat on your face), you walk in and see the wonderful open area to sit down and relax. The giant chandelier above you is gorgeous and adds to the atmosphere (as long as no one tries to knock it down for a piece of heart). You sit down and order your beverage of choice and the house specialty, pumpkin soup (as it should be). The father/daughter team works as the bartender and server, respectively, to make sure that all the customers are served and, of course, to warn everyone not to knock down the awesome chandelier. However, if you are looking for some entertainment, there just might be some guy in green who plays the harp that is paying off his debt for breaking the chandelier. The next stop is the Milk Bar. If you ever make it to Clock Town before the moon hits, this is the spot to go to—but you need to know how to get in. This speakeasy-like bar allows only members, but once you rock the Romani Mask, you can make your way in. The bar has only two options for drinks: you can order regular milk or Chateau Romani scotch—I mean, milk. Once you spend the 200 rupees for the Chateau, you can take a seat in a nice wing-back chair, and then you can settle in for the live band. Although you were told it was the Indigo-Go’s, you see a band made up of a Deku on brass, a Zora on guitar, a Goron on drums, and a Hylian child on the ocarina. Though unexpected, they jam out to the classic “Ballad of the Wind Fish” that we all know and love while you sip on your 200-rupee whisk...milk. Again, I meant milk. So, if you like a speakeasy with live bands that play all the classics, this is the bar for you. You can find franchises of the Milk Bar in Kakariko Village and Thieves Town in A Link Between Worlds. The next stop requires a boat as we make our way to Mercay Island and to another Milk Bar. Though not affiliated with the Milk Bar in Clock Town, they do serve milk to customers, including regulars like Captain Linebeck whenever he comes to shore and Multza as he hides from his wife, Tuzi. Here you can talk to Midori, the bartender, in his watermelon green vest (I see what you did there) and learn the locations of a couple of challenges. As for decor, you see a portrait of Tingle on the wall along with a map that shows where Freedle is on Mercay Island. If you need a break from sailing in the world of Phantom Hourglass, this is the place to go to. You can continue with your boat trip (and add a flux capacitor to go back in time) to travel to Cafe Bar on Windfall Island. This is the place to be while on Windfall Island, no matter the time of day. During the day, you can relax after a day of using the Wind Waker and kick back. It is also a great place for first dates, though there aren't many other options on the island. If you like a livelier atmosphere, you can come at night and party with any sailors that have pulled in for the night. Though the manager/lone employee is a child due to the owner’s taking sick days, Gillian seems to know how to handle the bar, even if she not happy she has to do it. Whether you like to relax or party hard, this is the bar for you. If you ever get tired of going back and forth visiting the Minish, then the place to go is Mama's Bar in Hyrule Town. There is even a similar bar for the Town Minish and Forest Picori up in the rafters to relax in without worrying about being stepped on. This is the place to find the gossip going around town. This is also the hangout for the people who can fuse Kinstone pieces for you. So, if you are looking for a place to relax, to drink tea, and to spill the tea (keep up with the slang), Mama’s Bar is the place to go no matter the size you are. All are welcome! For the final stop, we make our way to Hyrule Castle Town and find the diamond in the rough called Telma’s Bar. Here is the place to be if you have to make plans without anyone finding out (unless you are in the rafters and have incredible balance for a Twili wolf). If you are a Twili wolf, though, you will not be allowed in and will be kicked out by the Goron doorman (the local cat will help you to find the way back in through the rafters). If you come in while in non-Twili beast mode, Telma will greet you, possibly flirt, and will somehow know if you are there to join The Resistance that is in the corner talking about how to bring peace to Hyrule. Though this bar is patronized by traveling swordsmen and castle soldiers alike, she knows how to keep The Resistance in a separate nook in the bar, and, if you look like you know how to protect people, Telma will gladly volunteer you to help those in need. Also, if you had a little too much to drink, the doctor’s office is across the street to help you nurse the headache. If you wish to discuss the taverns in the Zelda world or what your drink of choice is besides the 200-rupee milk, you can reach out to me on Twitter @rambokuhn, where we can talk about drinks and brewing. You can also visit brewthersinlaw.com, where my brother-in-law, Mike, and I discuss home-brewing.

S5 E2 | David and Mallory get together in Chicago to talk about how the character Princess Zelda has evolved over the years. HOST: David Geisler CAST: Mallory Kuhn Written and Directed by David Geisler Produced by David Geisler and Celeste Roberts Executive Producer: David Geisler Editor: David Geisler Sound Designer: David Geisler This episode features music by MIKEL & GAMECHOPS, titled "THE LEGEND OF ZELDA" from the album "ZELDA & CHILL" available on Apple Music and YouTube. The views, information, or opinions expressed during Another Zelda Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of Sixfive Media and its employees. This has been a production of Sixfive Media 2022

S1 EP12 | David and Kate talk about their experiences with The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker. ▶︎ Direct Download iTunes | Google Play | YouTube CAST: David Geisler Kate Fischer Season 1 | Episode 12

by Carlos Gomez With the release of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, I found myself pondering the Zelda storylines that exist on the fringes of each installment. Whether it is the ancient Imprisoning War leading up to A Link to the Past or the story of the Gerudo before swearing fealty to the royal family of Ocarina of Time, there is always a sense of something more in each release. One storyline that I’ve wanted to explore above all others is that of Majora and the Fierce Deity. The entire story of Majora’s Mask revolves around the mysterious and powerful mask whose namesake is the game's title, a relic so powerful that it can even bring down the moon itself to destroy the world, yet little is truly shared about its origins. Even with the in-game dialogue and Hyrule Historia, a lot is left unsaid. There are a few sprinkled facts about Majora being of ancient origin or the fact that it lay trapped in the mask for ages. We know that at some point there was a tribe of witch doctors that wished to hijack Majora’s power, only to be led to their own destruction. This mystery only increases when we find out that the mask has a nemesis in the Fierce Deity, a being strong enough to rival the power of Majora that is also within a mask. So many loose threads, each one with juicy potential. Perhaps Majora was once like Ganondorf and in its home world would be considered the ultimate evil power. Perhaps like when the ancient people of Hyrule tried to seal Ganon away, so, too, did the ancient tribe seal Majora in the mask. In the game it is said, “The ancient ones, fearing such catastrophe, sealed the mask in shadows.” This is similar to Ganon’s being sealed in the Twilight Realm. If we follow that thread further, we can see similarities in the helmet that Midna wears. One of the eyes carved in the mask looks strikingly similar to that of Majora’s. If there is no true connection with the Twilight Princess game, what about the mask being featured in the “Downfall” timeline? Though the creators of A Link Between Worlds stated they hung it on the wall in Link’s house simply as an Easter egg, I would argue its mere presence fuels the fire for a story that is seen as not yet complete and is a direct admission of continued fan interest. Another option of the mask's origin is with the Sheikah, who are also known as the “shadow people.” The artwork matches the better known Sheikah creations. They tend to use more rounded edges and have a great focus on the eye in their art. If you look at the Sheikah-made Mask of Truth, the art style does have a similar quality to it. Although origins stories abound, what makes this backstory the most fascinating is the Fierce Deity. The Fierce Deity (trapped as a mask as well) obviously shared the same fate as Majora, and so it begs the question: Was the hero just as dangerous as the villain? Majora itself views the Fierce Deity as the “bad guy,” stating so clearly while asking Link to play a game of tag. Instead of tag, you dispatch and destroy Majora as the Fierce Deity with ease. Surely the upside-down Triforce piece on his uniform seems to imply something not quite heroic about him, and perhaps another clue is in the Japan release of the game, where it is referred to as the Oni Mask, which can be translated to "demon" or "ogre". This is all to say that whatever direction Nintendo could want to explore for a backstory, the threads to weave it are there. None can argue that despite not being the most recognized title in the Zelda franchise, Majora's Mask surely has made a mark both thematically and culturally within the fandom. Whether it be a run-and-slash game like Hyrule Warriors or a Metroidvania-style game to reflect the darker mood of the source material, the story of Majora and the Fierce Deity begs to be told. Fans crave and hunger for more details and world building. We see this repeatedly with franchises like Star Wars or The Avengers. With the Star Wars television series The Mandalorian or the movie Rogue One, we find the audience has an appetite for an expansion to the story and appreciates the ability for the title to stand alone. A Majora’s Mask spin-off, much like Age of Calamity, could offer the same. What do you think?! Is there a better fringe story that you feel needs to be explored? Is Majora’s Mask worthy of such a revisit in storytelling? Do I fanboy about Majora’s Mask too much? Please share your thoughts by reaching me @The_Lost_Hylian on Twitter, thelosthylian on Instagram, or check out my Facebook page, The Lost Hylian.

by Carlos Gomez (aka, The Lost Hylian) The Happy Mask Salesman is considered by many to be one of the creepiest characters in all of the Zelda multiverse. That list also includes hands coming out of toilets, Great Fairies, and even Tingle. I would argue no NPC causes more debate and speculation than the Happy Mask Salesman. Perhaps it’s his obsession with mask collecting, or perhaps it’s how his temper can flare when you do not meet his requests. Perhaps it’s the Mario Mask on his pack or the fact that at one time he held Majora’s Mask. What is it about this particular NPC that makes our minds spin with wonder? Who is the Happy Mask Salesman? Perhaps to understand him better, we must look to some historical inspiration. The history of wearing masks in Japan for religious rituals is estimated to date back to the country’s Jomon period, an era spanning as far back as 10,000 B.C. These crude masks were initially made from shells and simple pottery. In ancient times, they were seen as the physical embodiment of spirits (sound familiar?). This continued on for thousands of years, eventually evolving into use for festivals, Kagura dance performances, and theatre. The Noh masks are perhaps the best representation of the theater masks; they are carved in such a way to change expression depending on the shadow cast on various angles of the mask. Though I can’t say for sure that any one mask in the Zelda series imitates a Japanese mask. I definitely see some that were possibly inspired. An example of this is the Keaton Mask from the series vs. the Kistune mask. The Kitsune mask--a fox--represents the contradictory nature in the individual and is popular in Japanese pop culture. The Keaton Mask in Ocarina of Time perhaps does the same. The guard at the base of Death Mountain wants it for his son, but he wears it. In Majora’s Mask, a man who has been turned into a boy wears one while sneaking around town. The duality in both of these characters’ nature makes the Keaton Mask perfect for their wear. If you want to learn more about the history of artistic masks in Japan, click here. With such a prevalent history of masks in Japanese culture, it should be no surprise that a Happy Mask Shop appears in Ocarina of Time. This is our first exposure to the Happy Mask Salesman. Instead of selling Link a mask, the owner hires our young hero to be his salesman, thus beginning the mask trading side-quest in Ocarina. If you recall, completing all of the mask quests will result in your attaining the Mask of Truth, which, according to the Happy Mask Salesman, came from the Sheikah. This mask allows Link to talk to Gossip Stones, gaining valuable insight and information. This alone makes me wonder about the Happy Mask Salesman and how he could attain such an item--that, coupled with his random fits of anger when a mask has not been sold, shows a darker side. There is a sense of obsession when it comes to mask collecting, as if the smiling face of the salesman is a mask itself, the plastic grin hiding the roiling madness just beneath the jolly surface. He actually reminds me a bit of the Sméagol vs. Gollum dynamic. The duality of the Mask Salesman, if hinted at in Ocarina of Time, is fully realized in Majora’s Mask. The fact alone that he held in his possession Majora’s Mask should show the depth of his need. Majora’s Mask is arguably the most powerful relic outside of the Triforce itself. The mask was able to bring down the moon to destroy Termina and gave the Skull Kid unimaginable powers, turning him into the Ganondorf of the doomed Clock Town. The sheer fact that the salesman was able to obtain it raises many questions about him and his abilities. Link first encounters him after having been transformed into the Deku Scrub, where the salesman says the iconic line, “You’ve met with a terrible fate, haven’t you?” Though not present during certain events, he seems to have a vast knowledge of Link, the magic of the masks, and the goings-on in Termina, even though he never seems to leave the clock tower. He offers to return Link to normal; in exchange, he wants Majora’s Mask returned to him. He teaches Link the “Song of Healing” to remove the Deku Scrub’s mask, thus sealing the spirit of the dead Deku Scrub inside. This made me as a player wonder if every mask on his pack contains the spirit of someone deceased, captured beings used for their power. The Happy Mask Salesman’s knowledge and reach seem to transcend death. If you let the game play out and die on the third day from the moon falling, something interesting happens. As the moon crashes into Termina, a wave of fire consumes you. As you die, you hear the Happy Mask Salesman laugh, repeating his iconic line: “You’ve met with a terrible fate, haven't you?” Link wakes up back on Day One, with the salesman asking “How did you do?” There is a sense that he knows of your failure and that he himself brings you back to life. When Link does not have Majora’s Mask, the salesman immediately goes into a fit of rage, choking and shaking Link. He tells Link that Majora’s Mask had an evil and wicked power bestowed upon it; the mask had been sealed away in a place of shadow forever to ensure its evil could never be reached. Yet the Happy Mask Salesman somehow obtained it before it was stolen by the Skull Kid… For someone to acquire such a mask in such a place cannot be underestimated. Think of all Link had to do to get the Triforce in A Link to the Past. It’s important to note that the Happy Mask Salesman has a certain reverie for the mask. As he goes on to describe the darkness he feels inside the mask, his body rocks in apparent bliss. All of the Happy Mask Salesman’s little oddities in action and expression made me wonder, “Does he want the mask because of its power or the power because it's in the mask? Is he a curious collector or something more sinister?” In the end, we never truly know the Happy Mask Salesman’s goal. If you recall during the ending sequence of the game when he finally holds Majora’s Mask, he states, “Oh… So the evil has left after all…” His face isn’t shown in the scene, yet the way the text plays across screen makes it seem as if he is disappointed, as if the mask somehow lost its luster. He then walks off into the distance, vanishing before Link’s eyes--but not before telling Link he needs to get back to Hyrule. Another item of note is that the Happy Mask Salesman technically exists in two timelines. He is not only in the Child Timeline but is also featured in the Downfall Timeline, as seen in Oracle of Ages’ Kingdom of Labrina hundreds of years after the events of Ocarina of Time. Though the handhelds have a little more freedom in what they do as far as story and cameos, this is technically canon. This is a pretty impressive résumé for someone who just collects and sells masks. To recap: The Happy Mask Salesman has lived in multiple timelines. He has used magic to take souls and place them into masks. He is able to gain Majora’s Mask, which had been sealed away in an impenetrable darkness. He seems to know Link is able to turn back time, perhaps even doing so himself to save him from death on the Third Day. He has a keen sense of all that is happening in Termina and even that you are needed in Hyrule, despite his staying locked in the clock tower. Whether he is a deity or mystical traveler, we may never know. The mask that is his smile will always stoke the imagination and keep us forever asking, “Who is the Happy Mask Salesman?” Let me know your thoughts! Twitter @The_Lost_Hylian, Instagram @thelosthylian, and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheLostHylian/)

by Ryan Kuhn Is there a game you just can’t stand? Never gave it a chance or even tried it? Well, as a wise woman once said, “Haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate.” In this blog post, I will go over three Zelda games that have a bad rap. It could be the mechanics of the game or the difficulty, or it just didn’t meet your expectations or dreams. I am here to tell you that every Zelda game brings something unique and great to the table. The first game the haters love to hate is Majora's Mask. And the main reason people won’t try it? It is just a giant Water Temple from Ocarina of Time! It is too hard! Also, where is Zelda?!? I’ll admit it is very difficult--probably one of the hardest games in the Zelda Universe--but this game has a few things that no other Zelda game has. First off, the concept of the game is one of a kind. Here, you play only three days over and over again, trying to complete each mission before the days are up because when you start back over on day one, everything you did resets (except the bank that somehow holds your money after time travel... makes sense). Yes, Ocarina of Time has time travel, and so does Oracle of Ages and Seasons--but not on this level. Another unique concept introduced in a Zelda game are the masks. I’m not talking about the Keaton Mask or Bunny Hood; I mean the four masks that transform you. Ever wanted to be a Zora and swim in the ocean? Boom, you can. Roll up in a ball and throw yourself in a boss battle as a Goron? Boom, you got it. This Zelda game is all about trying something new. The other great aspect of this game (though many games have this, too) is the music. Majora’s Mask has an amazing soundtrack that can easily fit up there with Ocarina and Twilight Princess. There are also many covers to them, including those by Mikel and GameChops and Theophany. Next, we’ll discuss the infamous Wind Waker. This game had a strong love-or-hate feeling to it: either you loved everything about it or you hated it all. I myself was one of the haters for a while until I actually gave it a chance. The main reason for my initial hatred of this game was that it did not meet my expectations. Prior to its release, Nintendo put out promos for a Zelda game prior to any trailer that showed Ocarina-like art of Link and Ganondorf fighting, and I was pumped. Then we got Toon Link. What the Hades, Nintendo?! I was so angered by this that I refused to even buy a GameCube. It wasn’t until ten years later that my wife (then girlfriend) made me play it, and although I had gripes, I tried it. I actually fell in love with the story and the characters (just not the toon art). Even in the end, I was left feeling bad for Ganondorf and realized that he was trying to save his people. The other part of Wind Waker that people love to hate is the Triforce Shard hunt. Yes, it is horrible to find those maps, pay Tingle a lot of rupees, and find the shards, but without all of that, you wouldn’t be forced to explore the entirety of the game world. The Triforce Shard hunt gives players a reason to explore all the islands they don't come across during the rest of the game. People didn’t complain about aimlessly wandering through the map in Breath of the Wild, so they shouldn’t complain about this quest, either. When ranking all The Legend of Zelda games, I bet most put Skyward Sword near or at the very bottom. Why is that? Some say controller issues and mechanics (*cough* David *cough*), some say the music (*cough* wife *cough*), or some say the art style (*cough* me *cough*), but there are good things about this game as well. My favorite thing about Skyward Sword is that it is an origin story. I love a good origin story. You see how the Master Sword was powered as you complete the journey with Fi. You see how the world worked before Ganondorf was ever a thought. We meet Demise and see how the cycle starts. You see Hyrule before it was Hyrule. How can you not like that? We also get to see the coolest final battle, visually speaking, with the battle with Demise. The scenery around you is awesome with the water you walk on reflecting the sky. Demise is a menacing and terrifying opponent. The fight process is a complete battle of chicken with him seeing who will be able to hit the other first. This is one of my favorite final fights of all Zelda canon. The last part is that those “Zeld-ink” or “Link-das” out there finally got what they wanted. Zelda and Link are actually in love (or, at least, I choose to believe they are). This may be the only Zelda game where Link isn't driven to rescue Zelda by duty... nay, it was love. So stop drinking that Haterade, people, and give these games a shot! You never know if one will become a new favorite, and it is always good to try a new adventure. If you want to talk more about Zelda, follow me on Twitter at @rambokuhn, or if you want other blogs to read on a different topic, check out my blog on beer and brewing at hopbrewandblog.com.