Summary
Ganondorf, also known as the King of Evil, is one of the most iconic villains in the Legend of Zelda series. As the primary antagonist in several games, Ganondorf is often depicted as the leader of the Gerudo tribe, a powerful sorcerer, and the reincarnation of the Demon King Demise. His ambitions typically involve obtaining the Triforce to conquer Hyrule and plunge it into darkness.
Appearances
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, Ganondorf is introduced as the Gerudo King, the only male born to the tribe in a hundred years. He feigns loyalty to the King of Hyrule while secretly plotting to seize the Triforce. Ganondorf manipulates the young hero Link and Princess Zelda into opening the Sacred Realm, where he claims the Triforce of Power. With his newfound power, Ganondorf plunges Hyrule into darkness and rules as an evil tyrant. Link, now an adult, gathers the power of the Sages to confront Ganondorf in his castle. After a fierce battle, Link defeats Ganondorf, but he transforms into the monstrous Ganon for a final confrontation. Ultimately, Link and Zelda seal him away in the Sacred Realm, marking his first major defeat.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
In The Wind Waker, Ganondorf returns after breaking free from his seal in the Sacred Realm. He aims to find Princess Zelda, who possesses the Triforce of Wisdom, and reclaim the Triforce of Courage, which is scattered across the Great Sea. Ganondorf seeks to revive Hyrule and conquer it once more. However, Link, the Hero of Winds, gathers the Triforce of Courage and confronts Ganondorf in Hyrule Castle. With the help of Princess Zelda, Link battles Ganondorf, who fights with dual swords in his human form. In a climactic battle, Link plunges the Master Sword into Ganondorf's forehead, turning him to stone and sealing him beneath the sea along with the sunken kingdom of Hyrule.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
In Twilight Princess, Ganondorf is revealed to have been sentenced to execution by the Ancient Sages after the events of Ocarina of Time. However, due to the power of the Triforce of Power, he survives the execution and kills one of the Sages. In desperation, the remaining Sages banish Ganondorf to the Twilight Realm, where he grants power to the usurper king Zant, allowing him to overthrow Midna, the rightful ruler of the Twilight Realm. Ganondorf's ultimate goal is to merge the Light World and Twilight Realm into one dominion under his control. After Zant's defeat, Ganondorf emerges in Hyrule Castle, where he battles Link and Princess Zelda. Despite taking on multiple forms, including his beast form Ganon and a horseback duel, Ganondorf is eventually defeated when Link delivers a final blow with the Master Sword.
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
In Four Swords Adventures, Ganondorf is depicted as a power-hungry Gerudo who steals a dark trident, transforming himself into the Demon King Ganon. He seeks to plunge the world into darkness by reviving the Dark Mirror and using it to create Shadow Links, who cause chaos throughout Hyrule. However, Link, with the help of the Four Swords, confronts Ganon in the Pyramid. After a fierce battle, Ganon is sealed away in the Four Sword, putting an end to his dark ambitions.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
In A Link to the Past, Ganondorf, now fully transformed into Ganon, seeks to conquer both the Light World and the Dark World. Having once been a thief in the Gerudo Desert, Ganondorf finds the Triforce and uses it to transform the Sacred Realm into the Dark World, where he reigns as its dark overlord. Ganon captures the maidens descended from the Seven Sages and attempts to break the seal placed on him to escape into the Light World. Link, however, foils his plans by retrieving the Master Sword and the Silver Arrows, ultimately defeating Ganon in the Dark World and restoring peace to Hyrule.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages & Oracle of Seasons
In Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, Ganondorf's resurrection is attempted by his loyal followers, Twinrova. By igniting the Flames of Destruction, Sorrow, and Despair, Twinrova plans to revive Ganon. However, Link thwarts their plans by defeating Twinrova before Ganon can fully return, leaving him as a mindless beast in his incomplete resurrection.
The Legend of Zelda: The Legend of Zelda
In the original The Legend of Zelda, Ganon, now a monstrous pig-like demon, has kidnapped Princess Zelda and stolen the Triforce of Power. Link must collect the pieces of the Triforce of Wisdom and confront Ganon in Death Mountain. Armed with the Silver Arrows, Link defeats Ganon, turning him to ashes and recovering the Triforce of Power, restoring peace to the land.
The Legend of Zelda: The Adventure of Link
In The Adventure of Link, Ganon does not directly appear, but his followers attempt to resurrect him by using Link's blood as a sacrifice. After the events of the first game, Ganon's defeat leaves his followers desperate to bring him back. Link's quest to prevent this resurrection leads him to the Great Palace, where he defeats the final guardian and prevents Ganon's return.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
In Breath of the Wild, Ganon appears as Calamity Ganon, a primal force of destruction that has plagued Hyrule for millennia. After being sealed away for 10,000 years, Calamity Ganon returns, laying waste to Hyrule and corrupting the Guardians and Divine Beasts meant to protect the kingdom. Link, after awakening from a century-long slumber, must gather the power of the Divine Beasts and the Master Sword to confront Calamity Ganon in Hyrule Castle. In a final battle, Link and Princess Zelda defeat Calamity Ganon, sealing him away once more and bringing hope for Hyrule's future.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
In Tears of the Kingdom, Ganondorf returns once more, this time as a more cunning and malevolent figure. Emerging from the depths of the earth, he seeks to reclaim his place as the ruler of Hyrule. Using the power of the gloom, Ganondorf corrupts the land and spreads despair. Link, now armed with new abilities and allies, must once again confront Ganondorf in a battle that spans both the surface and the depths of Hyrule. The final confrontation tests Link's courage and determination as he faces Ganondorf in his most powerful form yet. With the help of Zelda and the Sages, Link ultimately defeats Ganondorf, sealing his dark influence for good and restoring peace to the kingdom.
