Ganondorf is one of the most iconic characters in The Legend of Zelda, and he could be set to make a return in the upcoming Tears of the Kingdom. We’ve seen hints and clues so far, namely the mummified corpse under Hyrule Castle discovered by Link and Zelda in the first trailer, but Nintendo could be about to reintroduce Ganondorf in an upcoming Nintendo Direct. Today I’m going to take a look at the prospect of Ganondorf coming back, plus look at Ganondorf’s role in recent Legend of Zelda games.

Before we get into it today, let me know in the comments if you want to see Ganondorf come back, plus what role do you think he’ll play in the story?

I’m going to have a look ahead to Tears of the Kingdom, but first let’s have a look backwards, and most recently with Breath of the Wild. Ganondorf didn’t make an appearence in Breath of the Wild, but Calamity Ganon certainly resembles him when he takes his final boss form. Calamity Ganon has similar facial hair to Ganondorf in the Wind Waker. It’s possible that Calamity Ganon was trying to ressurrect Ganondorf, but was interrupted by Link and Zelda before he could finish. Similar to Ganondorf and his ability to ressurrect Zant, Calamity Ganon can ressurrect enemies during a Blood Moon, when his powers are at their peak. Calamity Ganon can effectively call upon an undead army.

Breath of the Wild

Ganondorf is alluded to in Breath of the Wild, with a Zora stone monument speaking of a Sage Princess. Ganondorf isn’t mentioned directed by name, although the monument speaks of “an evil man with designs on ruling the world appeared, bring disaster upon Zora’s Domain” – this could be referring back to events in Ocarina of Time. Ganondorf’s Sword of the Six Sages, which he uses in Twilight Princess, is also available in Breath of the Wild if you interact with the Ganondorf amiibo. There is a description of the sword in the game which describes it as an ancient sword created by the Sages to execute and seal away the Demon King.

The Phantom Ganon armor set are similar to that which Ganonsorf wore in Ocarina of Time, and he’s referenced as the Great King of Evil in the description. The title Great King of Evil is also referenced in Calamity Ganon’s Hyrule compendium as one of the titles Ganon has been known as over the centuries. The jewel in the forehead of the Phantom set is also a massive nod to Ganondorf himself and his iconic look.

There is also an interesting quote from Urbosa’s Diary

“Emissaries from Hyrule came to see me today. They informed me that I have been chosen to pilot the Divine Beast. My people are uneasy about it. They tell me such a dangerous task is not fitting for the chief. I understand their fear. However, I intend to accept this task. Calamity Ganon’s resurrection does not only threaten Hyrule, but the whole world. I refuse to sit idly by. Ganon is also closely associated with the Gerudo…an association I deeply resent. I believe Zelda will be here soon to receive my official answer. I am excited to see her, as always.”

Urbosa shows an awareness of Ganon’s Gerudo origins and wants to take the fight to Calamity Ganon, given his mere existance is a stain on the Gerudo people. Urbosa appears to be one of the only Gerudo to know and understand the links between the Gerudo King and Calamity Ganon. Princess Zelda also appears to be aware of this connection related to Ganon and Ganondorf’s origins, although it’s not clear if this is common knowledge throughout the Kingdom of Hyrule.

Twilight Princess

We didn’t see Ganondorf directly in Breath of the Wild, but there certainly appears to be knowledge of him from the past. Ganondorf hasn’t made an appearence in a Legend of Zelda title since Twilight Princess, where he was killed. That could explain why there’s a corpse under Hyrule Castle, with Malice pouring out of it, with Calamity Gaon perhaps trying to resurrect the body. Let’s have a quick recap of Ganondorf’s end in Twilight Princess.

The Water Sage attempted to execute Ganondorf in Twilight Princess, stabbing him with the Sword of the Six Sages. However, Ganondorf didn’t die, presumably because he had the Triforce of Power. He turned to the Water Sage and killed them with his bare hands. The Sages then sealed away Ganondorf in the Twilight Realm, where he met Zant. Ganondorf pretended to be a god and offer his powers to Zant. Ganondorf then tricked his way out of the Twilight Realm and back to Hyrule. Link would go on to defeat Ganondorf in Sword Combat, with Zant appearing and cracking Ganondorf’s neck as a mocking final gesture. According to Hyrule Historia, after his death, the resentment and the evil thoughts of Ganondorf traveled through time and space, and manifested through the Dark Mirror into the Shadow Links in Four Swords Adventures.

Tears of the Kingdom

That brings us up to date with Ganondorf, and leads us to the first trailer for Tears of the Kingdom. Link and Zelda are travelling, and they come across a corse under Hyrule Castle. This corpse certainly looks like it could be the King of Theives, Ganondorf. We see flashes of Thunder and a shadow thown against the wall, which looks like Ganondorf in his full form, rather than this thin corpse. In the first trailer we see the corpse laying down and waking up at the end. In the second trailer we briefly see the corpse up and about, meaning it’s going to come back to life. Once again we see the jewel in the middle of the head, so there are indications here this is Ganondorf, although nothing has been ofcially confirmed by Nintendo just yet.

Some fans have express their desire to play as a Young Ganondorf in Tears of the Kingdom. We’ve seen in tapestries from 10,000 years ago, a figure fighting against a great evil, and this could be Ganondorf rather than Link himself. This tapestry character has red hair and the signature style Ganondorf nose, rather than looking like Link. We’ve also seen a very different looking Link in the trailers, with his hair long and wild, plus a strange arm. There were calls from fans asking to play as Ganondorf, or perhaps Tears of the Kingdom would represent Ganondorf’s redemption story. Personally, I think this would be a massive departure for the Legend of Zelda series and I don’t see us playing as Ganondorf. I coudl see us playing as Link and maybe Zelda, but playing as Ganondorf seems a little farfetched.

I think it’s much more likely that the corpse is Ganondorf, and he’s been resurected through Malice and by some higher power. We’ve seen a god-like figure in the tapestry in the latest Tears of the Kingdom trailer, and perhaps Ganondorf is being resurrected with a purpose of spreading Malice, as a tool for using the Malice to control and ultimately destroy Hyrule.

Given we’ve not see Ganondorf for sometime, I think it’s high time he made a return to the mainline Zelda series, which brings the tantilising prospect of bringing together all three pieces of the Triforce once again.

Let me know in the comments if you want to see Ganondorf come back to The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom.

That’s it for this look at Ganondorf in Tears of the Kingdom. For more Legend of Zelda content like this check out more on Triforce Times on YouTube and subscribe today.