Unveiling the Mystery: Is There a Fifth Divine Beast in Breath of the Wild?
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The answer, like the mists shrouding Hyrule Field, isn’t a simple yes or no. While The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild primarily features four Divine Beasts – Vah Ruta, Vah Rudania, Vah Medoh, and Vah Naboris – the game and its DLCs introduce concepts that blur the lines of what constitutes a “Divine Beast.” Whether there’s a true fifth Divine Beast is debatable, resting largely on interpretation and perspective. Let’s dive into the evidence.
The Core Four: Remembering the Titans
Before exploring potential fifths, let’s reaffirm what we know. The four Divine Beasts are colossal, mechanical constructs created by the ancient Sheikah over 10,000 years before the events of Breath of the Wild. These behemoths were designed as weapons of immense power, intended to combat Calamity Ganon. They are tied to the four Champions: Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa, who piloted them during the Great Calamity. Freeing these beasts provides Link with crucial advantages in the final battle against Ganon and unlocks character abilities, granting access to the four Champion’s abilities. These advantages can also yield a secret ending.
The Champion’s Ballad: Taming the Final Trial
The Champion’s Ballad DLC introduces what many consider the closest thing to a fifth Divine Beast: The Final Trial. This trial takes the form of an engine hidden beneath the Shrine of Resurrection. It is activated by the One-Hit Obliterator and involves completing a series of challenges across Hyrule. Upon completing the Final Trial, Link faces Monk Maz Koshia, the original creator of the Divine Beasts.
But there are reasons why this trial isn’t officially considered a fifth Divine Beast. The most obvious reason is that it isn’t one of the four initial Divine Beasts, though it does provide Link with a new “Divine Beast” to pilot.
The Master Cycle Zero: A Divine Beast in Motorcycle Form?
Upon defeating Monk Maz Koshia, Link is awarded the Master Cycle Zero, a motorcycle built using ancient Sheikah technology. The game explicitly calls it a “Divine Beast created for the ‘true hero’.” The Master Cycle Zero is a fast and efficient way to traverse Hyrule, but it doesn’t function like the other Divine Beasts. It doesn’t shoot lasers, solve puzzles, or directly weaken Ganon. It serves primarily as a vehicle. While a powerful tool, its role differs greatly from the original four.
The Moon: A More Speculative Fifth
Some theories propose the Moon itself as a fifth Divine Beast. This theory is based primarily on speculation, noting the Sheikah’s mastery of technology and the Moon’s seemingly artificial appearance. The idea is that it’s a “dormant” Divine Beast. However, this is largely unsupported by in-game evidence.
Defining “Divine Beast”: What Qualifies?
Ultimately, the question hinges on how you define a “Divine Beast.” Is it solely a colossal mechanical construct piloted by a Champion to directly combat Ganon? Or is it any Sheikah-engineered device of significant power that aids Link in his quest?
- The original four clearly fit the first definition.
- The Final Trial is more of a challenge leading to a reward.
- The Master Cycle Zero leans toward the second definition, but its functionality is limited compared to the core four.
- The Moon theory remains firmly in the realm of speculation.
Therefore, while the game uses the language of “Divine Beast” when referencing the Master Cycle Zero, and while the Final Trial can be thought of as a test to prove worthy of controlling an extra Divine Beast, it’s more accurate to say that the concept of a fifth Divine Beast is explored, but there are only four official Divine Beasts in Breath of the Wild.
Further explorations into the nuances of game design and narrative can be found at the GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Divine Beasts are there in Breath of the Wild?
There are four main Divine Beasts in the base game: Vah Ruta, Vah Rudania, Vah Medoh, and Vah Naboris.
2. What is the hardest Divine Beast?
Many players consider Vah Naboris, along with its boss Thunderblight Ganon, to be the most challenging. This beast is considered more difficult in fighting Thunderblight Ganon as well.
3. Which Divine Beast is the easiest?
Vah Medoh, located near Rito Village, is generally considered the easiest. Also, the Champion Ability is considered more useful in the game.
4. Where is the Final Trial Divine Beast located?
The Final Trial is hidden beneath the Shrine of Resurrection on the Great Plateau. You can only access it after completing the four Champion’s Ballad DLC.
5. Is the Master Cycle Zero considered a Divine Beast?
The game itself refers to the Master Cycle Zero as a Divine Beast, but its function is more akin to a vehicle than a weapon of war.
6. Which Divine Beast should I free first?
Vah Ruta is often recommended as the first Divine Beast, as it’s relatively close to the starting area and its ability, Mipha’s Grace, is invaluable early in the game.
7. What happens when you beat all the Divine Beasts?
Defeating all four Divine Beasts weakens Calamity Ganon in the final battle, making him easier to defeat. You also unlock the secret ending.
8. What animal does Vah Ruta resemble?
Vah Ruta resembles an elephant.
9. What is the most annoying Divine Beast to complete?
Many players find Vah Rudania the most annoying due to its limited visibility and frustrating puzzles.
10. Why were the Divine Beasts buried?
The King of Hyrule feared the Divine Beasts’ power and ordered them buried underground.
11. Which Blight Ganon is the hardest to defeat?
Thunderblight Ganon, found within Vah Naboris, is widely regarded as the most difficult Blight Ganon.
12. What does “Vah” mean in the names of the Divine Beasts?
“Vah” may be from Hebrew and means “nail” or “bind together”. There are many other potential meanings. In Pali, the meaning is “carry”.
13. How old are the Divine Beasts?
The Divine Beasts were created 10,000 years before the events of Breath of the Wild.
14. What are the rarest animals in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?
Some of the rarest animals include the Giant White Stallion, Golden Horse, Stalhorse, Blupee, Fairy, and Ancient Arowana.
15. Did Zelda and her team ever discover the fifth Divine Beast?
The conclusion of the user’s article suggests that Zelda and her team never figured out the existence of a fifth Divine Beast, while Ganon did.