The Master Sword: A Legendary Weapon with a Rich History
The Master Sword is a legendary weapon that appears in most Zelda games, with a rich and detailed history. The Zelda series has a loose chronological order, but the Master Sword is a significant and important constant.
The Master Sword is a powerful tool that can defeat evil and has unique abilities in each game, alongside other Zelda items. It’s also an object of great historical significance and has a deep background story that has been explored in the games. So, what is the Master Sword? We’ll tell you all you need to know about this important weapon.
The Legend of Zelda: Master Sword Origin
The Master Sword first appeared in A Link to the Past in 1991, five years after the original game. It’s the same sword wielded by the Hero of Time, who would eventually become Link, in Ocarina of Time.
In Skyward Sword, the Master Sword was originally the Goddess Sword wielded by Goddess Hylia. She was forced to use it to fight Demise, the monster who would eventually become Ganondorf. She blessed the sword with her power, making it the only weapon capable of vanquishing evil.
In Ocarina of Time, Link uses the Master Sword to seal away Ganondorf and restore peace. However, it appears in several other Zelda games, including A Link Between Worlds and A Link to the Past, even though they take place long before Ocarina of Time.
The Master Sword in Other Games
There are several Zelda games where the Master Sword appears in different timelines. The following is a breakdown of each game and how the Master Sword appears within them.
A Link to the Past
The Master Sword appears in A Link to the Past in its pedestal in the Lost Woods, which is guarded by the Fairy Queen. It was the first time the Master Sword was seen outside of its own game.
Oracle of Ages & Oracle of Seasons
The Master Sword appears in Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, but only obtainable through specific means. In Oracle of Ages, Link can obtain the Master Sword after ending the game with another item, the Sword that Seals, but only if he didn’t break any pots. In Oracle of Seasons, Link must obtain the Master Sword by completing the game and then receive it from the Man from the Fairy Fountain.
Four Swords
The Master Sword appears in Four Swords, obtainable after completing the game and then receiving it from the Man from the Fairy Fountain.
Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, Link uses the Master Sword to seal away Ganondorf and restore peace. The sword serves a crucial story role, but it has fewer unique gameplay elements compared to other Zelda games.
A Link Between Worlds
In A Link Between Worlds, the Master Sword emulates its predecessor and can be upgraded for increased damage.
Twilight Princess
Twilight Princess introduces a deeper combat system and the ability to clear away Dark Fog with the Master Sword.
Skyward Sword
Skyward Sword provides the greatest depth to the Master Sword’s origin and power. It can be upgraded, allowing Link to attack while hovering, perform advanced combos, and attack while riding his Loftwing. The Master Sword also has multiple stages of power, starting as the Goddess Sword, then the Light Sword, and finally the true Master Sword.
Breath of the Wild
Breath of the Wild is unusual in that Link doesn’t need to acquire the Master Sword to complete the game, but it can still be obtained. The Master Sword does, however, have unique abilities against evil enemies, which is something that all swords in Zelda games have in common.
That’s everything you need to know about the Master Sword in The Legend of Zelda. For more essential guides, check out our Pokemon Sun and Moon walkthrough, or maybe our Assassin’s Creed 2023 walkthrough to get you through the holidays. You can also read our Splatoon 2 review, or our Pokémon Light Platinum review to see how we got on with one of the latest spin-off games.
