What is Link’s Divine Beast? Unraveling the Mystery
The question of Link’s Divine Beast is a fascinating one, sparking debate and speculation among fans of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Unlike the other Champions who each piloted a massive mechanical construct, Link’s situation is unique. The short answer is: Link’s “Divine Beast,” if it can be called that, is the Master Cycle Zero, a motorcycle he acquires after completing the Champions’ Ballad DLC. While not a traditional Divine Beast in the same vein as Vah Ruta, Vah Medoh, Vah Rudania, or Vah Naboris, the Master Cycle Zero fills a similar role, providing Link with a powerful tool and mobility for his adventures.
The Master Cycle Zero: More Than Just a Motorcycle
The Master Cycle Zero is a distinct entity from the traditional four Divine Beasts. These four behemoths were designed by the ancient Sheikah to aid in the fight against Calamity Ganon. Each was piloted by a Champion, chosen from the different races of Hyrule. However, Link is an exception. He doesn’t pilot a pre-existing Divine Beast. Instead, he earns the Master Cycle Zero, a creation of ancient Sheikah technology designed for his exclusive use.
The Master Cycle Zero is a motorcycle shaped like a mechanical horse, incorporating Sheikah designs and powered by an energy source. It’s not a lumbering giant but a fast, agile vehicle that allows Link to traverse the vast world of Hyrule with unprecedented speed and versatility. It’s a reflection of the game’s producer, Eiji Aonuma’s desire to incorporate a motorcycle into the game, stemming from his personal experiences. Many have interpreted the Master Cycle Zero as Link’s personal Divine Beast, even though it doesn’t align with the traditional definition of a Divine Beast.
Why is the Master Cycle Zero Considered a Divine Beast?
The Master Cycle Zero, although a modern, sleek machine, possesses several characteristics that blur the lines and position it as a unique type of Divine Beast. For one, it is Sheikah technology, a hallmark of all the four traditional Divine Beasts. Secondly, like the original Divine Beasts, it serves a purpose – to aid Link in his journey. It allows him to move swiftly, conquer vast distances, and pursue his quest with greater efficiency. This is in line with the original design philosophy of the Divine Beasts, created to assist the chosen hero.
Not a Conventional Divine Beast
Despite its function and Sheikah origins, the Master Cycle Zero does deviate from traditional Divine Beasts. The original Divine Beasts were controlled by their respective Champions, and were built before the Great Calamity. The Master Cycle Zero is instead directly controlled by Link, and was designed specifically for him and unlocked much later in the storyline. The Divine Beasts were also much larger, with their own dungeon-like internal structures.
It’s also worth mentioning that the game itself doesn’t explicitly refer to the Master Cycle Zero as a Divine Beast. However, many fans and theorists have concluded, given its purpose and unique nature, that it is Link’s personal version of one. The evidence, though not conclusive, leans towards this interpretation, solidifying its status as an exceptional and unique “Divine Beast.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the four original Divine Beasts?
The four original Divine Beasts are Vah Ruta, a massive elephant-like machine located in Zora’s Domain; Vah Medoh, a bird-like machine soaring above Rito Village; Vah Rudania, a lizard-like machine dwelling on Death Mountain; and Vah Naboris, a camel-like machine traversing the Gerudo Desert. These were all corrupted by Calamity Ganon before Link awakens.
2. How do you obtain the Master Cycle Zero?
The Master Cycle Zero is acquired by completing the Champions’ Ballad DLC main quest. After completing Monk Maz Koshia’s Final Trial, Link receives the motorcycle. It’s a significant reward that enhances Link’s exploration capabilities.
3. Why was the Master Cycle Zero created?
Eiji Aonuma, the series producer, wanted to add a motorcycle to Breath of the Wild as the experience of navigating the vast world on a horse reminded him of his first motorcycle ride. This personal inspiration led to the creation of the Master Cycle Zero.
4. Is the Master Cycle Zero in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, the Master Cycle Zero is not present in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Instead, players have created various Zonai vehicles, including the popular “Hover Bike,” to navigate the world. The Master Cycle Zero and Sheikah tech in general are not available in the sequel.
5. What is the purpose of the Divine Beasts?
The Divine Beasts were initially designed to assist the chosen hero (Link) in his fight against Ganon. They were powerful tools meant to be weapons against the looming threat of Calamity. However, they were corrupted by Ganon, requiring Link to reclaim them.
6. Who piloted the four original Divine Beasts?
Each of the four Divine Beasts was piloted by a Champion. Vah Ruta was piloted by Mipha, Vah Medoh by Revali, Vah Rudania by Daruk, and Vah Naboris by Urbosa. These champions were crucial in the battle against Calamity Ganon a century before the game.
7. Is Wolf Link considered a Divine Beast?
Wolf Link is not a Divine Beast, but instead is a divine beast in the lore of Twilight Princess. In that game, the Twili believe he’s the beast that will free them. He isn’t associated with the Sheikah tech in Breath of the Wild.
8. Which is the hardest Divine Beast to complete?
Many players consider Vah Naboris to be the most difficult Divine Beast in Breath of the Wild. Its puzzles and the boss fight with Thunderblight Ganon are often cited as challenging.
9. What is the most annoying Divine Beast to do?
Opinions vary, but many players find Vah Rudania to be the most annoying Divine Beast due to its frustrating puzzles and the constant need to reposition the Divine Beast.
10. What is the One-Hit Obliterator?
The One-Hit Obliterator is a weapon obtained in the Shrine of Resurrection after Princess Zelda’s instructions. This powerful weapon is essential for completing the Champions’ Ballad DLC.
11. What is Windblight Ganon?
Windblight Ganon is a phantom of Ganon that attacked and corrupted Vah Medoh. It was responsible for the death of the Champion Revali and is fought as one of the main bosses in Breath of the Wild.
12. Are Zora and Rito related?
Yes, the Rito are descendants of the Zora. They evolved from the Zora over time, particularly following the Great Flood, due to changes in the environment.
13. Why are men not allowed in Gerudo Town?
Before the events of Breath of the Wild, the Gerudo were not opposed to men. However, after Ganondorf betrayed them, they banned all men from entering Gerudo Town, declaring it a female-only haven.
14. Is Ganondorf a Hylian?
Ganondorf, the only male Gerudo seen in the Zelda series, has Hylian blood within him. This is because the Gerudo are believed to have a mix of both Hylian and Gerudo ancestry.
15. Was Ganondorf married?
Yes, at the age of sixteen, Ganondorf was given the right to choose any Gerudo to be his wife. He chose Nabooru. He lived happily with her until he began militarizing before the Gerudo Wars.
In conclusion, while the Master Cycle Zero is not a Divine Beast in the conventional sense, its unique position and function within the game make a strong case for its consideration as Link’s own, personal Divine Beast. It highlights the innovative and sometimes unconventional approaches to gameplay that make The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild so captivating. The debate continues, but the Master Cycle Zero holds a special place in the hearts of players, representing a powerful, personal, and very cool, Divine Beast.