Are the Champions Alive in Age of Calamity? A Deep Dive
The simple answer is yes, in the altered timeline presented in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, the Champions survive. This is a direct divergence from the tragic fate they meet in the original Breath of the Wild timeline. Because Princess Zelda’s powers awaken earlier, and with the intervention of Terrako, the Champions are able to successfully pilot their Divine Beasts and fight off the Ganon Blights. This fundamentally changes the course of Hyrule’s history, creating a much more optimistic outcome. The game showcases a world where Mipha, Revali, Urbosa, and Daruk live to see the resolution of the Calamity, a stark contrast to their heroic sacrifices in Breath of the Wild.
The Changed Timeline and its Implications
The non-canon status of Age of Calamity is crucial to understanding the Champions’ survival. The game creates a branching timeline where events unfold differently due to the arrival of Terrako from the future. This allows for a more hopeful narrative where the Champions can use their skills and the power of the Divine Beasts to their full potential, actively contributing to Calamity Ganon’s defeat.
What Happens to the Champions After the Calamity?
Since they survive, the Champions continue to serve Hyrule and work alongside Link and Zelda in the aftermath of the Calamity. The game doesn’t delve deeply into their individual futures beyond this point, but it’s implied that they play important roles in rebuilding Hyrule and ensuring its continued safety. Their relationships with their respective peoples also likely evolve and strengthen, now that they are not defined by the tragic circumstances of their deaths. We see a fully realized opportunity for them to guide and mentor their descendants, such as Sidon or Riju, in ways that weren’t possible in the original timeline.
Addressing Key Questions: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Age of Calamity considered canon in the Legend of Zelda series?
No, Age of Calamity is considered non-canon. This means that its events, including the survival of the Champions, do not align with the established timeline and lore of the main Breath of the Wild storyline. It presents an alternate “what if” scenario.
Q2: How does Zelda awaken her powers earlier in Age of Calamity?
The presence of Terrako from the future acts as a catalyst, pushing Zelda to confront her abilities sooner. The threat of the Calamity, coupled with Terrako’s intervention, forces her to unlock her latent powers earlier than she does in the Breath of the Wild timeline.
Q3: What role does Terrako play in the Champions’ survival?
Terrako serves as a key element in altering the timeline. By traveling back in time, it alerts Zelda and Link to the impending danger, allowing them to prepare and change the course of events that led to the Champions’ deaths. Its presence is instrumental in diverting the Calamity’s original devastating path.
Q4: What happened to Sooga in Age of Calamity?
Despite the logical expectation that Sooga would sacrifice himself, the game shows Sooga alive alongside Kohga in the ending credits, suggesting he survived the events of the game. This highlights the game’s divergent timeline and deviation from expected outcomes.
Q5: Who is the main villain in Age of Calamity?
Astor is the primary antagonist in Age of Calamity. He’s a seer who serves Calamity Ganon and manipulates events to try and ensure Ganon’s victory. However, Calamity Ganon itself is ultimately the overarching threat.
Q6: Are the Divine Beasts still corrupted in Age of Calamity?
No. In Age of Calamity, because the Champions survive and are able to effectively pilot their Divine Beasts, they are able to fight off the Ganon Blights, preventing the corruption that plagued them in Breath of the Wild.
Q7: Who is considered the strongest Champion in Age of Calamity?
Within the game’s mechanics and narrative, Link is generally considered the most powerful character, followed by Sidon, and then the other Champions. This is based on his abilities, his role as the hero, and his overall performance in combat.
Q8: What is the ending of Age of Calamity?
Age of Calamity concludes with Princess Zelda successfully sealing away Calamity Ganon, preventing the century of suffering that occurred in Breath of the Wild. Terrako plays a crucial role, sacrificing itself to weaken Ganon. The future characters return to their timeline, and Hyrule is saved. The game offers a sense of closure and triumph.
Q9: What are the key differences between the timelines of Breath of the Wild and Age of Calamity?
The biggest difference is the survival of the Champions in Age of Calamity. This leads to a completely different outcome for Hyrule, preventing the destruction and despair that characterized the beginning of Breath of the Wild. Other differences include the earlier awakening of Zelda’s powers and the altered roles of certain characters due to the changed circumstances.
Q10: How does the survival of the Champions affect the future of Hyrule in Age of Calamity’s timeline?
With the Champions alive, Hyrule has a much stronger leadership structure and a more capable defense force. They can actively participate in rebuilding the kingdom and training future generations, leading to a brighter and more secure future. The descendants of the champions may also grow up alongside their predecessors.
Q11: What impact does Revali’s survival have on his relationship with Link?
While Revali may still harbor some resentment towards Link, his survival provides an opportunity for them to work together and potentially overcome their differences. They could even develop a grudging respect for each other.
Q12: Does Mipha’s survival change her relationship with Link?
Mipha‘s survival allows her to potentially express her feelings for Link more openly and explore a possible romantic relationship. It also allows them to work together more effectively to help her people rebuild.
Q13: What becomes of Urbosa after the Calamity in Age of Calamity?
Urbosa likely continues to lead the Gerudo and guide Riju in her development as a leader. She would contribute to the overall stability and prosperity of Hyrule, using her wisdom and experience to help shape its future.
Q14: How does Daruk’s survival impact the Goron people?
Daruk would continue to protect the Goron people and ensure their safety. He would also play a key role in strengthening their relationship with the other races of Hyrule, fostering peace and cooperation.
Q15: Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of video games?
You can explore the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for understanding the intersection of gaming and education. You can also discover more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.