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Does Zelda Have a Divine Beast? Exploring the Colossal Guardians of Hyrule

Yes, the Zelda universe, particularly The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, features Divine Beasts. These are colossal, ancient mechanical constructs built by the Sheikah tribe to aid in the fight against Calamity Ganon. They serve as both weapons and dungeon-like environments, crucial to the storyline and gameplay. Let’s delve deeper into these magnificent machines, their purpose, and their significance within the expansive Zelda lore.

The Divine Beasts: Ancient Guardians of Hyrule

The Divine Beasts are far more than just massive machines; they represent a cornerstone of Hyrule’s defense against the recurring threat of Calamity Ganon. Built ten thousand years prior to the events of Breath of the Wild, these titanic constructs were designed to be piloted by chosen champions and used in conjunction with the hero and princess to seal away Ganon. Their existence highlights the advanced technology of the ancient Sheikah and their commitment to safeguarding the kingdom.

The Four Main Divine Beasts

In Breath of the Wild, four Divine Beasts take center stage:

Vah Ruta: A colossal elephantine machine located near Zora’s Domain. It was piloted by the Zora Champion, Mipha. Its primary function seems to be controlling water flow.
Vah Rudania: A massive, lizard-like machine residing on Death Mountain, controlled by the Goron Champion, Daruk. It likely controlled the flow of lava.
Vah Medoh: A giant avian machine soaring above the Tabantha region, piloted by the Rito Champion, Revali. It seems it was used for aerial combat and surveillance.
Vah Naboris: A towering camel-like machine roaming the Gerudo Desert, controlled by the Gerudo Champion, Urbosa. It was used to unleash devastating electric attacks.

Each of these Divine Beasts was corrupted by Calamity Ganon, causing chaos and disaster across Hyrule. Link must cleanse each one, restoring them to their former glory and liberating the spirits of the Champions. By completing these challenges, Link gains the Champions’ powers to aid him in his final battle against Ganon.

Are There More Than Four Divine Beasts?

While Breath of the Wild primarily focuses on the four mentioned above, the question of additional Divine Beasts surfaces frequently. Some theories and game elements suggest possibilities:

The Moon Theory: A prevalent theory proposes that the moon itself is a fifth Divine Beast, launched into orbit by the ancient Sheikah. While not explicitly confirmed, the moon’s unnerving presence and potential connection to Sheikah technology provide fodder for speculation.
Master Cycle Zero: Introduced in The Champions’ Ballad DLC, the Master Cycle Zero is described as a Divine Beast created for the “true hero.” This Sheikah-tech motorcycle serves a similar purpose to the other Divine Beasts, aiding Link in his quest.
Unused Designs: The Creating a Champion art book reveals concept art for six different Divine Beast designs and five Guardian designs that didn’t make it into the final game. This further fuels speculation about the potential existence of other, undiscovered or scrapped, Divine Beasts.

The Impact of the Divine Beasts

The Divine Beasts are central to the narrative and gameplay of Breath of the Wild. They represent:

Strategic Importance: Essential for weakening Ganon before the final battle, these magnificent machines provide a tangible path to victory.
Character Development: Interacting with the Divine Beasts allows Link to connect with the spirits of the Champions, learn about their histories, and inherit their abilities.
World Building: The Divine Beasts are integral to the world’s lore and history, offering insights into the Sheikah’s advanced technology and the struggles of previous generations against Calamity Ganon.
Gameplay Diversity: The dungeons within each Divine Beast present unique challenges, requiring players to utilize their skills and creativity to solve puzzles and defeat enemies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Divine Beasts

Here are some frequently asked questions about Divine Beasts, providing further insight into their lore, functionality, and significance within the Zelda universe:

1. What is the purpose of the Divine Beasts?

The primary purpose of the Divine Beasts was to assist the hero and princess in sealing away Calamity Ganon. Built by the ancient Sheikah, these mechanical constructs were designed to be piloted by chosen champions and used as powerful weapons.

2. Who were the Champions who piloted the Divine Beasts?

The Champions were skilled warriors chosen to pilot the Divine Beasts. They were Mipha (Zora), Daruk (Goron), Revali (Rito), and Urbosa (Gerudo).

3. How did Calamity Ganon corrupt the Divine Beasts?

During the Great Calamity, Ganon unleashed his malice, corrupting the Divine Beasts and turning them against Hyrule. This resulted in them unleashing chaos across the land.

4. What happens after Link cleanses a Divine Beast?

After Link purifies a Divine Beast, he gains the Champion’s power associated with that Beast and weakens Ganon, making the final battle easier. The spirit of the Champion is also freed.

5. Is there a specific order in which the Divine Beasts should be tackled?

There is no set order to tackle the Divine Beasts. However, many players recommend starting with Vah Ruta due to Mipha’s Grace providing valuable healing. Vah Naboris is often considered the most challenging.

6. Where are the Divine Beasts located?

Vah Ruta is located near Zora’s Domain.
Vah Rudania is on Death Mountain.
Vah Medoh flies above the Tabantha region.
Vah Naboris roams the Gerudo Desert.

7. Can you re-enter the Divine Beasts after completing them?

Yes, once you have completed a Divine Beast, you can return to it and activate the main control unit to replay the boss battle against the Blight Ganon.

8. What makes Vah Naboris the hardest Divine Beast?

Vah Naboris is often considered the most challenging due to its complex puzzles, powerful enemies, and the formidable Thunderblight Ganon boss fight.

9. What is the One-Hit Obliterator and how does it relate to the Divine Beasts?

The One-Hit Obliterator is a weapon obtained in The Champions’ Ballad DLC. While powerful, it can only be used for a specific trial and isn’t directly used inside the main Divine Beasts.

10. Is the Master Cycle Zero considered a Divine Beast?

The Master Cycle Zero is referred to as a Divine Beast in the DLC, as it was created for the “true hero” using Sheikah technology and serves a similar function in aiding Link.

11. What is the significance of the Sheikah Slate in relation to the Divine Beasts?

The Sheikah Slate is the key to interacting with the Divine Beasts. Link uses the Slate to activate the terminals within each Beast, solve puzzles, and ultimately gain control of the machine.

12. Do the Divine Beasts appear in Tears of the Kingdom?

The fate of the Divine Beasts after the events of Breath of the Wild is a mystery, but they do not appear in Tears of the Kingdom.

13. What are the theories surrounding the fifth Divine Beast?

Theories about a fifth Divine Beast often revolve around the moon or other hidden Sheikah constructs. While not explicitly confirmed, these theories fuel speculation and add to the lore’s intrigue.

14. How did the Champions die?

Each of the Champions was killed by the Blight Ganon associated with their respective Divine Beast during the Great Calamity. Their spirits remained trapped within the Beasts until Link freed them.

15. Where can I learn more about the lore and design of the Zelda games?

For further insights into game design, learning, and educational aspects of games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization provides valuable resources and research on the intersection of games and education.

In conclusion, the Divine Beasts are integral to the Zelda experience, providing a blend of engaging gameplay, compelling narrative, and fascinating lore. Whether exploring their intricate interiors, battling corrupted forces, or uncovering their secrets, the Divine Beasts leave an enduring mark on the player’s journey through Hyrule.

Does Zelda have a divine beast?