Unveiling the Mythical Spectacle: The Undeniable Impact of Dragons in The Legend of Zelda Universe!

Highlights

Dragons in The Legend of Zelda series have evolved from being enemies to both foes and allies, often portrayed as deity-like beings found in temples or sacred locations.

Aquamentus and Gleeok were the first dragons introduced in the original Legend of Zelda. Subsequent games portrayed dragons as both powerful bosses and protective guardians, such as Valoo in The Wind Waker and the sacred dragons in Skyward Sword.

In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, Dinraal, Farosh, and Naydra emerged as modern representations of dragons. These Immortal Dragons played a significant role in Tears of the Kingdom, culminating in an epic showdown between the Light Dragon (Zelda) and the Demon Dragon (Ganondorf).

Dragons have been a significant part of The Legend of Zelda series since its inception, and their presence has only grown stronger with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. While the Zelda franchise is known for its fantasy adventures, dragons have become recurring characters that play various roles throughout the games. Unlike the conventional portrayal of dragons as enemies in most fantasy media, the Zelda series has expanded their use, presenting them as both foes and allies, depending on the game. These majestic creatures are often found in temples or sacred locations, serving as deity-like beings. By establishing this portrayal, players gain a deeper understanding of the dragons' significance and their evolution within the franchise.

Dragons Have Been Important Figures Throughout the Zelda Series

In the original Legend of Zelda for NES, Aquamentus and Gleeok were the first dragons to appear as bosses in the game's dungeons. Aquamentus and Gleeok both resembled traditional European-style dragons, with Gleeok being especially notable for its multiple heads. Subsequent Zelda games introduced more dragon bosses, including Barba in The Adventure of Link and Volvagia in Ocarina of Time.

However, it was The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker that changed the portrayal of dragons in the series. Instead of being enemies, dragons like Valoo in Dragon Roost Island were revered creatures. In the game, Link rescues Valoo from the torture inflicted by Gohma in the island's volcano. The game Skyward Sword also features benevolent and sacred dragons named Eldin, Faron, and Lanayru. These dragons, known as The Protectors of the Surface, grant Link pieces of the Song of the Hero.

In Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the dragons Dinraal, Farosh, and Naydra, bear resemblance to their Skyward Sword counterparts. These dragons soar above the skies of Hyrule, and upon encountering them, players can obtain their scales for crafting purposes. In Breath of the Wild, there is even a dedicated side quest where Link must free Naydra from the clutches of Ganon's Malice in order to witness the dragon soaring through the lands of Hyrule. The portrayal of these dragons in Breath of the Wild, along with the enigmatic references to the Zonai, set the stage for their pivotal role in the most recent installment of the series, Tears of the Kingdom.

It is explicitly mentioned that the ancient Zonai civilization worshipped dragons, a fact which becomes evident throughout the events of Tears of the Kingdom and the crucial part played by the Immortal Dragons. In this entry, dragons take on a heightened significance, particularly in the final battle where Link joins forces with the Light Dragon, who is ultimately revealed to be Zelda after having consumed her Secret Stone. Together, they face off against the Demon Dragon, Ganondorf's transformed state after consuming his own Secret Stone of Darkness. This climactic clash represents the culmination of the series' long-standing association with dragons, as two god-like beings, one representing an ally and the other an enemy, collide in a battle to determine the fate of Hyrule.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available for Nintendo Switch.