The Calamity Strikes: Unraveling the Events of 100 Years Ago in Breath of the Wild
A century before Link awakens in the Shrine of Resurrection, Hyrule was plunged into chaos. The Great Calamity, orchestrated by Calamity Ganon, devastated the kingdom, shattering its peace and forever altering its landscape. This cataclysmic event led to the deaths of many, the destruction of Hyrule Castle Town, and the sealing of Princess Zelda, along with Link’s entombment in the Shrine. Ganon, unable to be completely defeated, was contained by Zelda’s power, buying Hyrule a century of fragile respite, but at a great cost. The guardians, once protectors, were corrupted, and the Divine Beasts, ancient mechanical wonders, fell under Ganon’s control, turning against the kingdom they were built to defend. The events of 100 years prior set the stage for Link’s quest to save Hyrule and finally vanquish Calamity Ganon.
The Re-Emergence of Calamity Ganon
The Prophecy’s Warning
The people of Hyrule knew Calamity Ganon would return eventually. Ancient prophecies foretold his re-emergence, stating that signs of his return would be unmistakable and that the power to oppose him lay dormant, waiting to be awakened. This prophecy drove King Rhoam and his kingdom to initiate extensive archaeological expeditions, hoping to unearth the ancient technologies and power necessary to combat the looming threat.
The Discovery and Control of Ancient Technology
Hyrule’s research led to the rediscovery of the Guardians and Divine Beasts, powerful machines created by the ancient Sheikah tribe to combat Ganon. Initially, these machines offered hope, a chance to finally defeat the Calamity once and for all. Four Champions were chosen to pilot the Divine Beasts: Mipha of the Zora, Revali of the Rito, Daruk of the Gorons, and Urbosa of the Gerudo. Link, chosen as Zelda’s appointed knight, was tasked with mastering the use of the Master Sword and acting as the general, or sometimes pilot, of the guardians.
The Betrayal and Fall of Hyrule
The hope offered by the ancient technology was short-lived. During a coordinated assault on Hyrule Castle, Calamity Ganon unleashed his power, corrupting the Guardians and seizing control of the Divine Beasts. The Champions were trapped and killed within their respective Divine Beasts, the Guardians turned on Hyrule’s forces, and the kingdom was thrown into disarray. Link fought valiantly, but was ultimately overwhelmed by the sheer number of corrupted Guardians, leaving the princess alone at Hyrule Castle.
Zelda’s Sealing Power and Link’s Fate
Facing imminent defeat, Princess Zelda finally awakened her sealing powers. She managed to contain Calamity Ganon within Hyrule Castle, preventing him from spreading further destruction. Her power wasn’t enough to destroy him completely, but it did imprison him, buying Hyrule a century to prepare. Severely injured, Link was taken to the Shrine of Resurrection by Zelda’s orders, where he was placed in a restorative slumber, sacrificing his memories in the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Calamity
1. How was Zelda alive for 100 years?
Zelda survived for 100 years by using her sealing powers to contain Calamity Ganon within Hyrule Castle. By doing so, she essentially froze herself in time, preventing herself and Ganon from aging. This act of immense power came at the cost of her own freedom and required constant concentration to maintain the seal.
2. What happened to Link 100 years ago?
Link was critically wounded defending Zelda from the Calamity and the corrupted Guardians. To save his life, Princess Zelda commanded Purah to place him in the Shrine of Resurrection on the Great Plateau, where he entered a 100-year slumber to heal his wounds. The process, however, resulted in the loss of his memories.
3. What game is set 100 years before Breath of the Wild?
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity is set 100 years before the events of Breath of the Wild. This game allows players to experience the events leading up to and including the Great Calamity, offering a firsthand look at the battles, the Champions, and the fall of Hyrule.
4. Why was Link asleep for 100 years?
Link was placed in the Slumber of Restoration within the Shrine of Resurrection to heal the severe injuries he sustained during the Calamity. The Sheikah technology within the Shrine was designed to mend his body over a long period, but the process had the side effect of causing amnesia.
5. Was Link originally intended to be a girl?
While Link is a male character, the developers have stated that they wanted him to be somewhat gender-neutral in some iterations, like Ocarina of Time. This was to allow players to project themselves onto the character more easily. However, he has always been canonically male.
6. Why is Link cursed?
Link is cursed by Demise, the original source of evil in the Legend of Zelda universe. With his dying breath in Skyward Sword, Demise cursed Link and Zelda’s bloodlines, ensuring that they would forever be bound to confront his reincarnated hatred, typically in the form of Ganon.
7. What happened 10,000 years before Breath of the Wild?
10,000 years before the events of Breath of the Wild, the first Great Calamity occurred. During this era, a previous incarnation of Calamity Ganon emerged and threatened Hyrule. The people of Hyrule, alongside advanced Sheikah technology like the Guardians and Divine Beasts, and the Zonai tribe fought him back.
8. What happened to Ganondorf in Breath of the Wild?
In Breath of the Wild, Link, aided by Zelda’s power, ultimately defeats Calamity Ganon within Hyrule Castle. While the battle concludes with the destruction of the Calamity’s physical form, his essence lingers, setting the stage for the events in Tears of the Kingdom.
9. Why does Link not age in many Zelda games?
Link’s agelessness is partially due to him being an archetype – the eternal hero – rather than a fixed individual. He is constantly reincarnated to combat evil. In Breath of the Wild, Link’s age is affected by the 100-year slumber.
10. How did Link and Zelda not age during the Calamity?
Zelda’s sealing powers essentially froze them in time. While Zelda was actively holding Ganon at bay, her power also shielded herself and, indirectly, Link from the passage of time. This explains their lack of aging during the 100-year period.
11. Did Zelda fight Ganon for 100 years?
Yes, Zelda continuously fought to contain Calamity Ganon within Hyrule Castle for 100 years. Her powers acted as a seal, preventing him from fully regenerating and unleashing his destruction upon the world. This constant struggle required immense willpower and drained her of her energy.
12. Why can’t Link talk in Breath of the Wild?
The reason Link doesn’t talk much in Breath of the Wild is primarily due to the heavy burden he carries. As stated in Zelda’s diary, he feels the need to remain strong and silent, bearing the weight of expectations and the responsibility to save Hyrule. He internalizes his feelings to maintain a steadfast demeanor.
13. Who defeated Ganon 10,000 years ago?
The Champions of 10,000 years back were from the Zonai, wearing Sheikah-made armor and helms, and helped the Hylian princess and hero defeat and seal Calamity Ganon.
14. How old is Zelda at the end of Breath of the Wild?
At the end of Breath of the Wild, Zelda appears to be around 17 years old. However, she possesses the wisdom and maturity of someone who has endured a century of struggle.
15. Is Calamity Ganon mentioned in Tears of the Kingdom?
Interestingly, Ganondorf in Tears of the Kingdom does not acknowledge the Calamity. This disconnect raises questions about the nature of Ganondorf’s different incarnations and their awareness of past events. The Calamity was destroyed, so that form of Ganon no longer exists in Tears of the Kingdom.
The events of 100 years ago in Breath of the Wild are not just a backstory, but the core driving force behind the game’s narrative and gameplay. Understanding this history provides context for every exploration, battle, and discovery within Hyrule. The legacy of the Calamity shapes the world, influencing the decisions of its inhabitants and defining the challenges Link must overcome. The study of games and their impact on learning can be further explored at Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org), providing valuable insights into the educational potential of gaming experiences.