The Tragic Fate of Astor: A Deep Dive into His Role in Age of Calamity
Astor, a central figure in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, meets a grim and ultimately transformative end. Initially presented as a mysterious seer with a powerful connection to the dark energies of Malice, Astor’s ambition and manipulation pave the way for Calamity Ganon’s emergence. His ultimate fate is not one of triumph, but of complete and agonizing absorption. As the Champions close in on him, Astor, desperate for victory, attempts to command Harbinger Ganon to destroy them. However, his plans backfire catastrophically. He is consumed by Malice, screaming in agony as Harbinger Ganon absorbs him into itself. This absorption is not just a defeat for Astor; it is the catalyst for Harbinger Ganon transforming into its true form – Calamity Ganon. In essence, Astor’s own dark power and hubris becomes the fuel for the very entity he sought to unleash, rendering him a mere stepping stone in the grander scheme of Ganon’s resurrection. He is entirely obliterated, becoming an unwilling component of the calamity he helped create.
Astor’s Role as the Antagonist
Astor is not merely a lackey or a henchman; he is the driving force behind the events of Age of Calamity. Referred to by the Yiga Clan leaders as “Seer” and “Prophecy Man,” he manipulates events using his knowledge of the future, specifically seeking to ensure the rise of Calamity Ganon. He gathers and uses the Malice, a manifestation of Ganon’s evil power, to his own ends, working from behind the scenes to orchestrate the chaos that weakens Hyrule. His motivations stem from a warped desire to see Ganon restored, viewing him as a bringer of change and perhaps power. This is a significant departure from previous Zelda antagonists who are often extensions of Ganon himself. Astor is his own agent, albeit a misguided one, and his ambition to control such immense power ultimately seals his doom. His manipulation of the Yiga Clan, as well as his influence on the corrupted guardians, makes him a formidable and complex antagonist.
The Transformation into Calamity Ganon
The most significant aspect of Astor’s fate is his absorption by Harbinger Ganon. This pivotal moment marks the climax of his villainous efforts and simultaneously showcases the game’s deviation from the original Breath of the Wild timeline. Astor’s desperate attempt to use Harbinger Ganon as a weapon is his downfall, and instead he fuels the transformation from a shadowy harbinger to the fully realized, devastating Calamity Ganon. Astor’s being is essentially consumed and his power and essence become one with Ganon, completing a process that was partially initiated by the guardians. This twist makes the final boss fight all the more poignant, as the player is battling against the culmination of all Astor’s schemes and a piece of his very being, demonstrating the irreversible consequences of his actions.
Astor’s Uniqueness in the Zelda Universe
Unlike other villains in the Zelda franchise who are often incarnations or extensions of Ganon, Astor is a unique creation for Age of Calamity. He is not present, or even hinted at, in Breath of the Wild, making his presence in this alternate timeline particularly intriguing. This fact contributes to the notion that Age of Calamity creates a separate timeline from the canonical events of Breath of the Wild, as the consequences of his actions are unique and differ greatly. His existence prompts the question of whether he is meant to replace a potential canon villain or is simply a unique addition to that specific timeline’s narrative. Astor represents a different type of villain – one of human origin, motivated by ideology and the desire for power, rather than being an extension of a greater evil.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Astor playable in Age of Calamity?
No, Astor is not a playable character in Age of Calamity. He serves solely as the game’s main antagonist and a significant narrative figure. His role is to drive the plot and provide opposition to the heroes, never joining their ranks.
2. Can you unlock Calamity Ganon in Age of Calamity?
Yes, you can unlock Calamity Ganon as a playable character in Age of Calamity. However, this requires considerable progression through the game. You must first unlock all other playable characters (excluding DLC) including Terrako and then complete specific challenge missions in the post-game content.
3. Is Astor a Fortune Teller?
Yes, Astor is a Fortune-Teller, often referred to as “Seer” or “Prophecy Man” by the Yiga Clan leaders. He uses his knowledge of future events to orchestrate the chaos and revive Calamity Ganon.
4. Is Astor canon in the broader Zelda timeline?
Astor is not considered canon in the main Breath of the Wild timeline. He is an original character created solely for Age of Calamity, which creates a divergent timeline. There is no mention or any allusion to a character like him in Breath of the Wild.
5. Who is the main villain in Age of Calamity?
Astor is the main villain in Age of Calamity. While Calamity Ganon is the ultimate threat, Astor is the orchestrator of events who directly challenges the heroes throughout the game.
6. How does Astor become part of Calamity Ganon?
Astor is absorbed by Harbinger Ganon when his plan to command it against the heroes fails. The Malice consumes him, and his energy is used to transform Harbinger Ganon into Calamity Ganon.
7. Did Age of Calamity change the established timeline?
Yes, Age of Calamity creates a separate timeline where the events of Breath of the Wild never happen. Specifically, the Champions and King survive, Link is not wounded, and Calamity Ganon is defeated in an alternate scenario thanks to Terrako.
8. Why does Zelda disappear in Twilight Princess?
In Twilight Princess, Zelda “sacrifices” herself by giving her life force to Midna so she can survive, she disperses into thin air. She is not seen again until the very end of the game.
9. What is the relationship between Sooga and Kohga?
Sooga is the right-hand man of Master Kohga and also his personal bodyguard. He is also the top general of the Yiga Clan and serves them loyally. They are not confirmed to be related by blood.
10. What happened to Zelda’s mother in Breath of the Wild?
In Breath of the Wild, Zelda’s mother died when she was only six years old, according to King Rhoam’s journal entry.
11. Does Sooga die in Age of Calamity?
No, Sooga does not die in Age of Calamity. The game’s credits reveal that Sooga survives the events alongside Kohga, despite the initial impression that he may have perished.
12. What is considered the hardest boss in Age of Calamity?
While many bosses present unique challenges, Calamity Ganon is generally considered the hardest boss in Age of Calamity, living up to his reputation as the final antagonist.
13. How many secret characters are in Age of Calamity?
There are four secret characters that need to be unlocked through post-game content in addition to the characters you unlock through the main story.
14. Does Age of Calamity have a secret ending?
Yes, Age of Calamity has a secret ending. This requires completing post-game quests and challenges that unlock an additional scene showing the ultimate victory over the Calamity in this altered timeline.
15. Do the Champions survive in Age of Calamity?
Yes, the Champions survive in Age of Calamity. This is a key element of the divergent timeline as their survival is one of the major differences between this game and Breath of the Wild. This leads to a more optimistic outcome where Zelda’s power is awakened earlier, the champions succeed in their fight, and the Great Calamity is averted.