Unveiling the Christian Secrets of The Legend of Zelda

Table of Contents

1. Introduction\ 1.1 Gaijin Goomba's perspective \ 1.2 Purpose of the article

2. Christian Symbolism in The Legend of Zelda\ 2.1 Prince of Darkness Ganon \ 2.2 Christian crosses in Legend of Zelda two: Link's Adventure \ 2.3 The use of the Bible in the game \ 2.4 The significance of the magic shield \ 2.5 The churches in Hyrule \ 2.6 The role of Link in relation to Christian practices \ 2.7 The sanctuary as a church \ 2.8 The resemblance of the loyal sage to a priest \ 2.9 Kneeling in front of a crucifix \ 2.10 The influence of Christianity on Zelda game design

3. Is the Triforce a Symbol of the Holy Trinity?\ 3.1 The creation story in The Legend of Zelda \ 3.2 Parallel to the creation story in Genesis \ 3.3 The connection of Din to God the Father \ 3.4 Nehru's connection to Jesus \ 3.5 Favors and the Holy Ghost \ 3.6 Rauru's connection to the Holy Spirit \ 3.7 The significance of courage in Christianity

4. Speculation and Conclusion\ 4.1 The touchy subject of religion in video games \ 4.2 Nintendo's approach to religious symbolism \ 4.3 Speculating on the future of the Zelda franchise

5. Highlights\ 5.1 Uncovering the Christian symbolism in The Legend of Zelda \ 5.2 Exploring the influence of Christianity on the game design \ 5.3 Analyzing the parallels between the Triforce and the Holy Trinity

6. FAQs\ 6.1 Are there any other religions represented in The Legend of Zelda? \ 6.2 How did Nintendo of America handle religious references in later games?

Article

🎮 Uncovering the Christian Symbolism in The Legend of Zelda 🎮

1. Introduction

1.1 Gaijin Goomba's perspective

In a recent video, Gaijin Goomba explores a fascinating theory surrounding The Legend of Zelda franchise. While the series has been the subject of various interpretations and controversies, Gaijin Goomba delves into the potential Christian symbolism hidden within the games. This article aims to delve further into this theory and discuss the possible connections between The Legend of Zelda and Christianity.

1.2 Purpose of the article

The purpose of this article is to carefully examine the evidence of Christian symbolism within The Legend of Zelda franchise. By analyzing the game's references to Christian iconography, scriptures, and themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of the possible influences and messages conveyed in the game. It is important to note that this analysis is purely speculative and should be viewed from an academic standpoint.

2. Christian Symbolism in The Legend of Zelda

2.1 Prince of Darkness Ganon

The story of The Legend of Zelda opens with the description of the "Prince of Darkness" Ganon, who steals the Triforce and captures Princess Zelda. This title of "Prince of Darkness" immediately makes us think of Satan. The game sets the stage for a battle against a central evil figure, reminiscent of the Christian concept of wrestling against evil powers.

2.2 Christian crosses in Legend of Zelda two: Link's Adventure

In the game Legend of Zelda two: Link's Adventure, Christian crosses are abundant. Tombstones display crosses, and the entrance to the three-eyed Rock Palace is in the shape of a cross. This prevalent usage of crosses suggests a positive association with Christianity within the game.

2.3 The use of the Bible in the game

Surprisingly, the game features an item called the Bible. This item is clearly labeled as such, even in the Japanese version. The presence of the Bible within the game adds another layer of Christian symbolism.

2.4 The significance of the magic shield

The magic shield in The Legend of Zelda prominently displays a cross. This design choice likely references Crusaders who brandished similar cross symbols on their shields and armor during the Crusades. The presence of the cross on the shield suggests an intentional connection to Christian history.

2.5 The churches in Hyrule

Hyrule, the game's fictional world, features churches that bear a striking resemblance to traditional churches with pews and stained glass windows. Furthermore, one of the sages in the game closely resembles a priest. These elements further reinforce the notion of Christian influence and religious symbolism within the game.

2.6 The role of Link in relation to Christian practices

During the game, Link performs actions that resemble Christian practices. For instance, when using the Book of Medora to open the gate to the desert temple, Link engages in a series of motions reminiscent of prayer: removing his hat, kneeling, gesturing with his arms, and clasping his hands. These actions suggest a connection to Christian traditions surrounding prayer.

2.7 The sanctuary as a church

The sanctuary in The Legend of Zelda game serves as a safe haven for Link and Zelda. The sanctuary bears a striking resemblance to a church, complete with pews and stained glass windows. Additionally, the appearance of the loyal sage resembles that of a priest. These visual cues further emphasize the Christian undertones within the game.

2.8 Kneeling in front of a crucifix

In the Japanese guide book for The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, there is an image of Link kneeling in front of a crucifix. This clear reference to Catholic iconography strengthens the argument for Christian symbolism present within the game.

2.9 The influence of Christianity on Zelda game design

The presence of Christian symbolism in early entries of The Legend of Zelda franchise raises speculation about the intended religion of the game's world, Hyrule. The abundance of Christian religious symbolism suggests a deliberate incorporation of Christian themes into the game's design.

3. Is the Triforce a Symbol of the Holy Trinity?

3.1 The creation story in The Legend of Zelda

The Link to the Past handbook describes the creation of the world in The Legend of Zelda. It mentions the mythical gods descending from a nebula to create order and life. This bears similarities to the Genesis creation story.

3.2 Parallel to the creation story in Genesis

The parallel between The Legend of Zelda and the Genesis creation story is evident. In Genesis, God creates land from the void, followed by vegetation, animals, and finally humanity. The parallels to The Legend of Zelda's creation story suggest a connection and potential influence from Christian beliefs.

3.3 The connection of Din to God the Father

In The Legend of Zelda, Din is associated with raw power and fire, similar to the attributes of God the Father in the Old Testament. The manifestation of God's power through fire is a recurring theme, further bolstering the idea of a connection between Din and God the Father.

3.4 Nehru's connection to Jesus

Nehru, the goddess associated with wisdom and law in The Legend of Zelda, parallels Jesus' role in Christianity. Nehru's responsibility to bring law to the land aligns with Jesus' proclamation of fulfilling the law of God. The emphasis on love and tolerance corresponds to Jesus' teachings as well.

3.5 Favors and the Holy Ghost

Favors, the goddess associated with life and rebirth, also represents the invisible force of wind. This concept of a spiritual rebirth reminds us of the Holy Ghost, which is believed to grant believers eternal life. The similarities suggest a possible connection between Favors and the Holy Ghost.

3.6 Rauru's connection to the Holy Spirit

Rauru, the sage associated with the Triforce of Wisdom, shares similarities with the Holy Spirit. Rauru's transformation from a goddess to a mortal for the purpose of protecting Hyrule resonates with the Christian belief in the Holy Spirit becoming mortal to save humanity from sin and evil.

3.7 The significance of courage in Christianity

The goddess of courage in The Legend of Zelda, Faerore, provides people with the strength to overcome evil. This aligns with the role of the Holy Spirit in Christianity, as it empowers believers with the will to confront and conquer evil forces.

4. Speculation and Conclusion

4.1 The touchy subject of religion in video games

The inclusion of religious symbolism in video games is a sensitive topic. Nintendo has carefully navigated this territory, ensuring their franchises remain free from direct religious affiliation. However, the evidence presented suggests a strong Christian influence in the early entries of The Legend of Zelda.

4.2 Nintendo's approach to religious symbolism

Nintendo of America has made efforts to minimize religious references in later Zelda games, likely to avoid potential controversy and appeal to a broader audience. The Christian symbolism found in the early games may have been toned down in subsequent releases.

4.3 Speculating on the future of the Zelda franchise

It is worth considering what the Zelda franchise would have been like if the Christian influences had remained more explicit. Would the games have continued to incorporate Christian symbolism? Can we expect a resurgence of religious themes in future installments? These questions open up possibilities for the direction of the franchise.

5. Highlights

• Discover the hidden Christian symbolism in The Legend of Zelda
• Explore the influence of Christianity on game design
• Analyze the parallels between the Triforce and the Holy Trinity

6. FAQs

6.1 Are there any other religions represented in The Legend of Zelda?

While Christian symbolism is prevalent in The Legend of Zelda, there are no direct representations of other religions in the game. However, the Zelda series draws inspiration from various mythologies and folklore from around the world.

6.2 How did Nintendo of America handle religious references in later games?

Nintendo of America decided to minimize religious references in later Zelda games to ensure the games can appeal to a broader audience. This decision also aimed to avoid potential controversies and conflicts with different religious beliefs.

Resources:

• Gaijin Goomba's Youtube channel: Link