Synopsis
Link is summoned to rescue Princess Zelda and stop the sorcerer Agahnim, who seeks to free Ganon from the Dark World. Link must travel between the Light and Dark Worlds, gathering powerful artifacts to defeat Agahnim and ultimately Ganon.
Gameplay
This return to top-down gameplay introduces a dual-world mechanic, with players switching between Light and Dark Worlds. Link explores intricate dungeons, uses items to progress, and solves puzzles, establishing the series' core mechanics.
Prologue
The Seven Sages Seal the Demon King
At last, Ganondorf found himself in the possession of the Triforce of Wisdom that dwelt within Princess Zelda, and the Triforce of Courage that dwelt in Link. His true power achieved, he transformed into the Demon King. The Seven Sages of Hyrule, led by Princess Zelda, sealed Ganon and the Triforce in the Sacred Realm as a final resort.[1]
The Sacred Realm Becomes the Dark World
Because of the darkness in the heart of Ganondorf, the Sacred Realm was transformed into the Dark World.[2]
The Imprisoning War
For a brief time, it seemed as though peace had returned to the kingdom. However, there were many who knew of the existence of the Triforce and the entrance to the Sacred Realm because of the events set in motion by Ganondorf. Their lust aroused, they rushed to gain access to the holy land in their quest to obtain the power of the gods. Little did they realize that the Sacred Realm had been transformed into the Dark World by Ganondorf's evil heart. None returned from their adventures. Instead, only the power of darkness flowed forth. Rivals embroiled in the conflict surrounding the Sacred Realm[2]
The Sacred Realm Is Sealed
For a short while, it appeared that peace had come back to the kingdom. However, many were aware of the Triforce and the entrance to the Sacred Realm due to Ganondorf's actions. Driven by their desire, they hastened to reach the sacred land in hopes of acquiring divine power. Unbeknownst to them, Ganondorf's malevolent heart had turned the Sacred Realm into the Dark World. None of them returned from their journey, and instead, only darkness spread from the realm.[2]
Events
The King of Hyrule is Murdered
Agahnim sent the king to an early grave. Putting the soldiers of the kingdom under his spell, he kidnapped the maidens in whose veins flowed the blood of the Seven Sages.[3]
Agahnim Breaks the Seal on the Sacred Realm
Although the power of the Triforce and the bloodline of the Hylians continued to diminish, Hyrule enjoyed peace. That is, until the arrival of a man determined to break the seal on the Sacred Realm, now the Dark World. This man, a priest named Agahnim, wielded formidable magic. He caused the king's untimely death, placed the kingdom's soldiers under his control, and abducted the maidens descended from the Seven Sages. One by one, he sacrificed these maidens, sending them to the Dark World, and was on the verge of doing the same to Princess Zelda.[4]
Link Rescues the Shrine Maidens
If the passage to the Dark World were to widen, the Demon King Ganon would emerge into the Light World once again. The only way to prevent this was to defeat Ganon and take back the Triforce. Link traveled back and forth between the worlds. His first task was rescuing the maidens that had been sacrificed to the Dark World.[5]
Ganon Is Defeated
Ganon, taking the form of a massive demonic beast, launched a fierce attack, wielding dark magic and a three-pronged trident. Despite the overwhelming power of darkness, Link managed to defeat him. The Hero then claimed the Triforce and wished for peace to return to the world. Those who had been sacrificed, including Link's uncle and the king of Hyrule, were also restored to life and health. The Triforce was once again entrusted to Hyrule's royal family. With Ganon's defeat, the Dark World, which had been created by his malevolent heart, gradually disappeared.[5]