What is Link’s Divine Beast Supposed to Be?
Link, the enduring hero of the Legend of Zelda franchise, doesn’t have a single, traditional Divine Beast in the same vein as the colossal mechanical entities that dot the landscape of Breath of the Wild. However, Link is unique in that he has two entities that can be considered a divine beast throughout the series. The first is the Master Cycle Zero, a horse-shaped motorcycle, is explicitly designated as a “fifth Divine Beast” within the Champion’s Ballad DLC for Breath of the Wild. The second, is Wolf Link from Twilight Princess, who is described as a divine beast by Midna. So the answer depends on which game you are considering.
The Master Cycle Zero is a significant departure from the other Divine Beasts, which are all massive, animal-shaped constructs piloted by the Champions to fight against Calamity Ganon. This cycle is, instead, a personal vehicle for Link, granted to him after overcoming Monk Maz Koshia’s challenges. The vehicle’s unique design, blending ancient Sheikah technology with a horse-like form, blurs the lines between machine and beast, making it a fitting and powerful companion for Link in his quest.
The Master Cycle Zero: A Modern Divine Beast
The introduction of the Master Cycle Zero is a direct nod to producer Eiji Aonuma’s desire to incorporate a motorcycle into the Breath of the Wild experience. He found riding his motorcycle evocative of exploring the open world on horseback. While it serves a purely utilitarian purpose—transporting Link quickly across vast distances—its presence also symbolically elevates Link’s status, providing him with a personalized tool to continue his hero’s journey, even after the Divine Beasts have been reclaimed. It’s an implicit suggestion that his own journey is now the primary concern. Unlike the other four, which were designed as weapons of mass destruction.
The Master Cycle Zero is more than just a vehicle. It is a manifestation of Link’s journey and power. This motorcycle embodies his ability to adapt and overcome the challenges he faces, marking the progress he makes on his hero’s journey.
The Significance of the Fifth Divine Beast
The label of “fifth Divine Beast” is important. By bestowing this title upon the Master Cycle Zero, Nintendo acknowledges its significance in the context of Breath of the Wild’s narrative. It isn’t merely a piece of equipment. The cycle fits the criteria of other divine beasts within the series that were used as aid to the hero. The other four were piloted by champions, however this is a divine beast for Link, and Link alone. This places it on a similar playing field to the other four while emphasizing its uniqueness. It’s a vehicle created specifically for him, in response to his own efforts.
Wolf Link: A Divine Beast from Twilight Princess
While the Master Cycle Zero might be the most obvious answer regarding a divine beast linked to Link, the game Twilight Princess offers another perspective. Midna, the Twili Princess, mentions a belief within her culture of a hero appearing in the form of a divine beast. During the game, Link transforms into a wolf in the twilight realm, and Midna refers to this form when talking to him.
The fact that she believes Link might be a divine beast suggests that his wolf form is an integral part of his identity. She also implies that the people of her world believed that the hero would have a form similar to a beast, in this case, a wolf.
A Divergent Concept of Divine Beasts
Link’s Divine Beasts, then, are different from the conventional mechanical constructs found in Breath of the Wild. They aren’t simply tools for battling Ganon, but rather, they represent the hero’s journey. The Master Cycle Zero is a physical manifestation of his own strength, speed, and perseverance. Wolf Link represents a connection to the more primal world of spirits, which grants him access to power that he wouldn’t otherwise have. Both entities are deeply connected to Link, making them uniquely his. They mirror his transformative ability and his own evolution as the hero.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the four Divine Beasts in Breath of the Wild?
The four traditional Divine Beasts in Breath of the Wild are Vah Ruta (resembling an elephant and associated with water), Vah Rudania (resembling a lizard and associated with fire), Vah Medoh (resembling a bird and associated with wind), and Vah Naboris (resembling a camel and associated with lightning). These were designed to aid the chosen hero as he fought Ganon, but fell under Ganon’s control.
2. Who piloted the Divine Beasts in Breath of the Wild?
The Divine Beasts were piloted by the four Champions: Mipha (Vah Ruta), Daruk (Vah Rudania), Revali (Vah Medoh), and Urbosa (Vah Naboris). These champions were chosen for their unique skills and abilities.
3. Is the Master Cycle Zero available in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, the Master Cycle Zero is not present in Tears of the Kingdom. This title does not feature the Sheikah technology found in Breath of the Wild. However, players have created various Zonai vehicle alternatives, including the popular “Hover Bike.”
4. Why is the Master Cycle Zero called a Divine Beast?
The Master Cycle Zero is referred to as the fifth Divine Beast to highlight its significance to Link’s journey. It is a unique, powerful tool granted to him, designed for a heroic purpose, similar to the four conventional Divine Beasts. Though it is much smaller and more personal to Link, its functionality places it on the same plain as the other four.
5. What is the hardest Divine Beast to defeat?
Many players consider Vah Naboris to be the most challenging Divine Beast due to its complex puzzles, powerful boss, and the extreme heat conditions of its surrounding region.
6. Which Divine Beast is considered the easiest to complete?
Vah Medoh is generally considered the easiest Divine Beast to complete, and its Champion ability, Revali’s Gale, is often considered the most useful in the game.
7. How do you get the Master Cycle Zero?
The Master Cycle Zero is obtained after completing Monk Maz Koshia’s Final Trial in the Champion’s Ballad DLC for Breath of the Wild.
8. Is there a fifth Divine Beast other than the Master Cycle Zero?
Some theories suggest that the moon might be a fifth Divine Beast, but it is not explicitly referred to as such in the game.
9. What happens when you free all the Divine Beasts?
After freeing all four Divine Beasts, Zelda will talk to Link, saying she and the other Champions await him for his battle with Calamity Ganon. The Divine Beasts are no longer under Ganon’s control.
10. Why did Link become a wolf in Twilight Princess?
In Twilight Princess, when beings from the Light World enter the Twilight Realm they are transformed into spirits. Link was turned into a wolf as a result, however the Triforce prevents him from turning into a spirit. This transformation is due to his contact with the Twilight, and it is similar to Link’s transformation into a rabbit in A Link to the Past.
11. How does Midna describe Link?
In Twilight Princess, Midna refers to the belief that a hero would appear as a divine beast. She mentions she believed that Link’s wolf form was such a beast and that she could use him as a result.
12. Why doesn’t Link have a Divine Beast in the traditional sense?
Link’s role as the main hero differs from the Champions. While they piloted their Divine Beasts to assist Link, the Master Cycle Zero is a tool specific to Link, and his journey.
13. Who is Navi?
Navi is a fairy companion to Link in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. She acts as a guide and offers help throughout his journey.
14. What is Dark Link?
Dark Link, also known as Link’s Shadow, is an antagonist and recurring character in the Zelda series. He is a manifestation of Link’s inner darkness and appears as a final challenge to obtain the Triforce of Courage.
15. Does Zelda have a Divine Beast?
Zelda herself does not have a Divine Beast. The four Divine Beasts were controlled by the Champions, and the Master Cycle Zero was created for Link.