Summary
The sages depicted during the Era of Light and Dark were ordered by the King of Hyrule to seal the Sacred Realm. While the sages in the prologue of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past are not depicted with elemental associations as with past sages, the Shrine Maidens shown during the events of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past do follow a similar color style. Late in the Era of Light and Dark, the sages that Link rescues from Yuga, including Zelda, bear a closer resemblance to the sages of the past.
Early Era of Light and Dark
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]
Images
Late Era of Light and Dark
The Rise of Yuga
A mysterious sorcerer named Yuga begins turning the descendants of the Seven Sages into paintings to harness their power. They enter Hyrule through a crack between Lorule and Hyrule.[3]
Link Rescues the Descendants of the Seven Sages
Link embarks on a mission to rescue the descendants of the Seven Sages from various dungeons scattered across Lorule.[3]
Yuga Merges With Ganon
Yuga continues to manipulate events and strengthen his power by merging with Ganon.[3]
Yuga-Ganon Is Defeated
Link fights Yuga-Ganon, who is empowered by Ganon's essence and wielding Hilda's assistance. Hilda realizes the gravity of her actions as Link and Zelda prevail.[3]
Zelda Wishes on the Triforce to Restore Lorule's Triforce
With Hilda realizing her mistakes, Zelda and Link use Hyrule's Triforce to restore Lorule's Triforce, saving the parallel world from collapse.[3]
