What Happened to Zelda’s Father? Unraveling the Mystery of Hyrule’s Royalty
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The fate of Princess Zelda’s father, King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule, is a pivotal element in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Unlike some other figures in the expansive Zelda lore, his story is clearly outlined, albeit tragically. King Rhoam met his end during the Great Calamity, specifically when Calamity Ganon awakened. As the devastating events unfolded, Hyrule Castle Town was destroyed, and King Rhoam perished alongside his people. However, his story doesn’t end there. He returns as a Spirit, bound to the Great Plateau, where he guides and tests Link, the hero destined to defeat Ganon. His presence as the Old Man on the Plateau is crucial for setting Link on his quest to save Hyrule. Therefore, to succinctly answer the question: Zelda’s father, King Rhoam, was killed during the Calamity Ganon attack and now exists as a spirit to guide Link.
The Tragic Circumstances of King Rhoam’s Demise
Before Calamity Ganon‘s resurgence, King Rhoam was a figure torn between his royal duties and his concern for his daughter, Princess Zelda. He grappled with Zelda’s struggles to unlock her sealing powers, desperately hoping to secure Hyrule’s future. His journal entries in Breath of the Wild paint a portrait of a worried father, frustrated with the political pressures and Zelda’s lack of progress. The awakening of Calamity Ganon came as a devastating blow, not only to the kingdom, but personally to King Rhoam. In his final moments, he was likely aware of the impending doom but was unable to prevent the catastrophe.
The game reveals that the King was anxiously awaiting Zelda’s return from her research when Ganon attacked. His inability to express his guilt to his daughter before his death is a point of deep sorrow. He carries this emotional weight into his spiritual form on the Great Plateau, where he seeks to atone by aiding Link. His spectral form serves as a reminder of the tragic loss of Hyrule’s royal family and the weight of responsibility that Link must now shoulder.
The Role of the Old Man
In his spiritual form, King Rhoam takes on the guise of the Old Man. He interacts with Link on the Great Plateau, presenting various challenges that essentially act as training for the larger quest. As the Old Man, his identity is initially concealed, making the reveal of his true nature all the more impactful. He offers Link guidance, and through completing shrine trials, Link gains the power he needs to face Ganon. In this capacity, he is a mentor and an important ally, demonstrating his continued dedication to protecting Hyrule, even in death. This transformation from worried King to spirit guide demonstrates his deep commitment to his kingdom and his daughter’s safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Zelda’s Father
To further clarify the details surrounding King Rhoam’s life, death, and legacy, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Was King Rhoam the only King of Hyrule?
No, Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule was the last king of Hyrule, but there have been numerous kings and rulers of Hyrule throughout the Zelda series’ timeline. The game Breath of the Wild specifically focuses on his reign and the events leading to the fall of Hyrule.
2. What was the cause of Zelda’s mother’s death?
According to King Rhoam’s journal entries in Breath of the Wild, Zelda’s mother died when Zelda was only six years old. The cause of her death was never divulged, with the king stating that it was “sudden and unexpected”.
3. What was King Rhoam’s relationship with Zelda like?
King Rhoam’s relationship with Zelda was complex. He loved his daughter but struggled with the pressures of preparing her for her role as the kingdom’s guardian. He was frustrated with Zelda’s inability to awaken her sealing powers, which caused them some tension. However, deep down he was a loving father.
4. Was King Rhoam a strong leader?
While King Rhoam was dedicated to his kingdom, the game suggests he was burdened by the weight of his responsibilities and the imminent threat of Calamity Ganon. His diary entries show that he sometimes struggled with making decisions, though he always put Hyrule’s best interest at heart.
5. How did the spirit form of King Rhoam survive for 100 years?
The exact mechanics of his survival as a spirit are not explicitly stated. It is likely linked to his strong desire to aid in the fight against Calamity Ganon, which kept him tethered to the Great Plateau. He was waiting for Link, the hero prophesied to stop Ganon.
6. Why did he appear as an “Old Man” on the Great Plateau?
His appearance as an old man was a disguise, likely used to conceal his true identity from Link initially and to allow Link to learn about the world without influence. This also allowed him to assess Link’s strength before revealing his true nature and his purpose.
7. What was King Rhoam’s main concern before his death?
Before the Calamity, his main concern was the fact that Zelda was struggling to unlock her sealing power and that they were running out of time before the inevitable resurgence of Calamity Ganon.
8. Did King Rhoam know Link prior to the events of Breath of the Wild?
Yes. As revealed in Link’s memories, King Rhoam knew Link and had appointed him to be Zelda’s personal knight. He had high expectations for Link and relied on his loyalty to protect his daughter.
9. Was King Rhoam aware of Zelda’s feelings towards Link?
While it’s not explicitly stated in the game, there is a strong implication that King Rhoam was aware of the close bond between Zelda and Link. His focus was always on the survival of Hyrule, so this may have taken a back seat to his other worries.
10. What was King Rhoam doing when Calamity Ganon awakened?
According to the game, King Rhoam was writing in his journal, anxiously awaiting Zelda’s return when Calamity Ganon awakened. This indicates that he wasn’t aware of the imminent attack and was caught off guard.
11. What was the significance of King Rhoam’s spirit’s guidance of Link?
As the Old Man, King Rhoam guides Link, preparing him for his mission to defeat Ganon. He ensured Link gained the necessary abilities by completing shrine challenges. This is his form of atonement for not protecting his kingdom before his death.
12. Did King Rhoam have any regrets before his death?
Yes, one of King Rhoam’s regrets, shown within the game narrative, is that he never got to tell Zelda that he was proud of her. He also expresses guilt about pressuring her to awaken her sealing power.
13. Does King Rhoam reappear in any other Zelda games?
No. King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule is exclusive to Breath of the Wild and his role as the Old Man. The various incarnations of Zelda throughout the series have different fathers, or at times they are not mentioned.
14. Is there any mention of King Rhoam’s father in the lore?
No, there is no specific information about King Rhoam’s father within the established lore of Breath of the Wild. The game’s focus is centered on his story and that of his daughter.
15. Does King Rhoam’s death significantly impact the Zelda story?
Absolutely. King Rhoam’s death and his spiritual presence as the Old Man are pivotal for the storyline of Breath of the Wild. His demise symbolizes the fall of Hyrule and provides an emotional context for Link’s quest. His guidance is essential to Link’s progression, and he plays a crucial role in preparing Link for the final confrontation with Calamity Ganon.
In conclusion, King Rhoam’s story is an integral part of the Breath of the Wild narrative, highlighting both the tragedy of loss and the enduring power of parental love and dedication. His death is not just a plot point but a catalyst that drives the central conflict and shapes the fate of Hyrule.