Is the Master Sword Holy? Unraveling the Sacred Blade of Hyrule

Yes, the Master Sword can definitively be considered a holy weapon within the lore of The Legend of Zelda series. Its very creation is steeped in divinity, forged by the goddess Hylia and empowered by her chosen hero. While its power manifests most noticeably against evil, its essence is fundamentally tied to the sacred. It’s not merely a powerful blade; it’s a conduit for divine will, a symbol of hope, and a protector of Hyrule. The blade resonates with a spiritual energy, a testament to its holy origin and purpose.

The Divine Origin and Purpose

The Master Sword’s holiness isn’t just a label; it’s intrinsic to its very being. The sword began as the Goddess Sword, imbued with the spirit of Fi, a creation of Hylia. Throughout The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Link tempers this blade with the sacred flames of the goddesses, transforming it into the Master Sword, the Blade of Evil’s Bane.

This transformation isn’t merely a strengthening of the metal; it’s an infusion of divine power and purpose. The sword becomes a focal point for the hero’s courage and the goddess’s blessing, making it uniquely effective against entities of darkness and corruption.

Manifestations of Holiness

The Master Sword’s holy nature manifests in several ways throughout the Zelda games:

• Aura against Evil: The most common indication is the blade’s glowing light blue aura when near evil, dungeons, Guardians, or Malice. This visual cue is more than just a game mechanic; it’s a physical representation of the sword’s holy power reacting to the presence of darkness.

• Repelling Evil: The sword’s ability to repel evil is a recurring theme. It’s not simply a matter of dealing more damage; the sword actively pushes back against corruption, offering protection and sanctuary to those who wield it.

• Purification: In some instances, the Master Sword can purify corrupted beings or areas, restoring them to their former state. This ability demonstrates the sword’s active role in combating evil and restoring balance to the world.

• Choosing its Wielder: The Master Sword chooses its master, typically someone who embodies courage, wisdom, and power – virtues aligned with the divine. This selection process emphasizes the sword’s sentience and its connection to a higher power.

Understanding “Holiness” in the Zelda Universe

It’s important to consider what “holiness” means within the context of the Zelda universe. It’s not necessarily tied to a specific religion or dogma, but rather to a fundamental cosmic balance between light and darkness. The Master Sword represents the side of light, embodying the virtues of the goddesses and the power of hope.

Master Sword vs Other Powerful Weapons

While other weapons in the Zelda universe may boast greater raw damage output, the Master Sword’s holiness sets it apart. Weapons like the Fierce Deity Sword or the Great Fairy Sword might inflict more physical harm, but they lack the Master Sword’s intrinsic connection to the divine and its unique ability to combat evil. This makes the Master Sword a strategic choice versus raw power.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Master Sword

1. What is the base damage of the Master Sword?

The Master Sword has a base strength of 30 damage. However, this damage increases significantly when the sword is awakened in the presence of evil.

2. Can the Master Sword be upgraded?

Yes, in some Zelda games, the Master Sword can be upgraded. In Breath of the Wild, completing the Trial of the Sword DLC can increase its base damage to 40, 50, or even 60.

3. Is there a sword stronger than the Master Sword?

Some swords, such as the Fierce Deity Sword and the Great Fairy Sword, deal more raw damage. However, these lack the Master Sword’s holy properties and effectiveness against evil.

4. What happens when the Master Sword runs out of energy?

After extended use, the Master Sword will run out of energy and become temporarily unusable. It will fade out on the weapons tab and require time to recharge.

5. How long does it take for the Master Sword to recharge?

The recharge time for the Master Sword varies between games. In Breath of the Wild, the sword recharges after just 10 minutes of real time.

6. Can the Master Sword be destroyed?

In most Zelda games, the Master Sword cannot be permanently destroyed due to its unique nature and connection to the divine. It can become weakened or corrupted, but it can usually be restored.

7. Who is Fi, the spirit in the Master Sword?

Fi is a humanoid spirit residing within the Goddess Sword, which eventually becomes the Master Sword. She serves as a guide and companion to Link.

8. How did the Master Sword get damaged in Breath of the Wild?

The Master Sword was damaged during the Great Calamity a hundred years before the events of Breath of the Wild. It lost its strength and could no longer perform at peak capacity.

9. Is Zelda the Light Dragon?

Yes, in Tears of the Kingdom, Princess Zelda transforms into the Light Dragon after swallowing her Secret Stone. This act imbues the Master Sword with holy power to recover and strengthen.

10. Why is the Master Sword only 30 damage in Breath of the Wild initially?

The Master Sword initially deals only 30 damage due to its weakened state from the Great Calamity. It needs to regain its power over time and through trials.

11. Is the Master Sword corrupted in Tears of the Kingdom?

Yes, at the beginning of Tears of the Kingdom, the Master Sword is corrupted and destroyed, causing Link to lose his powers and prompting his quest to repair it.

12. Can Ganondorf be killed without the Master Sword?

While the Master Sword deals extra damage to Ganon and Blight-controlled monsters, it is possible to defeat Ganondorf with conventional weapons, especially by speedrunners. The Master Sword provides a distinct advantage but is not a hard requirement.

13. Does the Goddess Sword become the Master Sword?

Yes, the Goddess Sword is transformed into the Master Sword by Link after he tempers it with the sacred flames, imbuing it with divine power.

14. How many hits can the Master Sword take fully upgraded?

The maximum number of hits the Master Sword can take when fully upgraded in Breath of the Wild is nearly 200 strikes before needing to recharge.

15. How powerful is the Master Sword lore?

The Master Sword has a base strength of 30 damage; its holy power will be awakened in the presence of evil. If Link is inside a dungeon, near Guardians or Malice, the blade of the sword will glow with a light blue aura.

The Enduring Legacy of the Master Sword

The Master Sword is more than just a weapon; it’s a symbol. It represents the enduring struggle between good and evil, the power of courage in the face of adversity, and the unwavering hope for a brighter future. Its holiness is not just a property, but an essential aspect of its identity, making it one of the most iconic and beloved weapons in video game history.

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