History of the Fierce Deity (Oni Link) | Legend of Zelda Lore

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Hyrule History Book is a series that examines one specific part of Legend of Zelda lore and mythology, and discusses and examines it. Today we are looking at Fierce Deity Link, or Oni Link. Fierce Deity appears in the Legend of Zelda game Majora's Mask, with the Fierce Deity being the last mask of Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. The Fierce Deity then returns in Breath of the Wild, and Smash Bros. This video goes over all instances of Fierce Deity in Legend of Zelda to give proper background to the Dierce Deity as a whole. The Fierce Deity is from Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask. Fierce Deity did not appear in games such as Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past , Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, or Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker. This video is about Fierce Deity from Majora's Mask as well as general Fierce Deity.

[@NayruYT]

Every time you leave a comment about me mispronouncing Navi, it only makes me stronger - - - - - Sorry for the long gap between Hyrule Histories lol, hopefully it won't happen again. Also Cuccolover and I came to identical conclusions about the Bhuddism relationship, but his theory predates mine by quite a few years so go check it out here zeldadungeon.net/forum/threads/zelda-mm-theory-fierce-deity-who-was-he.47907/page-3#post-989433

[@Jacob-eg3kv]

Lol I was thinking about it but you are already powerful enough. Any more and it could get dangerous.

[@phoenixbabbitt2597]

You know you are pronouncing it wrong yet you continue to do so. You sir, are a monster.

[@ju66er1]

Nah-Vee, Neigh-Vee who cares

[@azathoth2075]

the idea mentioned that he may have chosen to wear the mask permanently would actually give a reason to why the hero's shade is also excessively tall when next to link in TP.

[@NayruYT]

First off, I love your name. And yeah, that is a good point!

[@ast.4049]

True, i thought about that too!

[@linklinksson6885]

@Ashley Abel where did it say that my rough estimate was 9'10 because he is around a man and a half taller than doors and most doors are 6'7-6'8 and oot link is 5'7 if you measure him in the diving spot in lake hylia but tp link is supposedly 5'3 that explains why hero's shade looks taller cause he is also his helmet

[@billybowdeniii1537]

Facts

[@zk0rned]

@Ashley Abel smol

[@TheMacC117]

The mask's own description eludes to that the Fierce Diety is a dark, violent God, not a savior. Majora probably just wanted to try eliminating him and Link at the same time.

[@NayruYT]

It is true that he is dark and violent. But the Buddhist Fierce Deities that he is at least partially based on, are also dark and violent. Maybe even cruel. However their violence and cruelty are aimed at the things that wish to harm you, which means even though they are violent they are still fighting for good. The same could be the case with Fierce Deity. Perhaps he is dark, violent, even cruel. But if that cruelty and violence is aimed towards evil, he is still acting as a protector. That being said, it is all guesswork, and the idea that Majora was trying to take them both out at the same time makes a lot of sense!

[@tomdekler9280]

The Mask's own description is an edgy translation choice by Nintendo of America. In the original language, Link is challenged to a game of "Onigokko" instead of Good Guys versus Bad Guys. Onigokko is literally just the word for Tag, the children's game. The "Oni" is the one who chases, named after a monster from Japanese folklore, commonly translated as ogre or demon. The Japanese description of the mask is "Is this an Oni mask that an Oni would wear?" Nintendo of America either missed this nuance or made the conscious decision of keeping the edgier theme of the game, translating the "Oni mask" bit to something more westernized and less religious, something about "ThE dArK eViL pOwErS". This is another fun wordplay with the Fierce Deity mask as the video explains the word is written in a way that can also be read as "Oni God", probably because Fierce Deities look monstrous. Link is both the Buddhist concept of a Fierce Deity while also being the ogre in a Japanese game of tag, and the mask's name applies to both.

[@TheMacC117]

@@tomdekler9280 doesn't oni also mean demon in Japanese?

[@tomdekler9280]

@@TheMacC117 I said as much, it's one of the common translations. Onis are creatures from Japanese folklore. Just as Kappa or Tengu, translating the name removes all subtleties. There are many creatures that get translated to demon, but typically they'd use "Akuma".

[@thegamingkeyblade7066]

Majora doesn't like F.D. Link looks like F.D. major wants to fight F.D. but he dead. Presto mask on link F.D. back.

[@lotusjewell9984]

I actually prefer the theory that Fierce Deity to Link is as the same as Hylia to Zelda and Ganon to Demise. Being a mortal reincarnation of a god. The three constantly locked in battle since the beginning when Demise attempted to overthrow the Sacred Realm. Hylia and Fierce Deity teamed up together to fight off Demise and were only able to defeat him by giving their immortal lives to do so. Therefore, the reincarnations Link and Zelda always work together against Ganon.

[@Dionysos_____Alters]

Thats canon to me. It gives Link more value rather then just being „the knight“ he has more elevated status

[@vannilla53]

This actually makes so much sense when you look at the fact that Fierce Deity has one piece of the Triforce on him indicating that he is one of the three.

[@JGGaming920]

Sounds right to me. Zelda and Ganon have counterparts and Link doesn't.

[@herosshade2247]

Kudos for the attention to detail, it never occurred to me that the stripes on his face were similar to the Hylian shield.

[@NayruYT]

I appreciate that! With so little to work with, I had to really analyze everything I had!

[@Link-to-the-Smash]

Hmmm........

[@D1ZzY_90]

My issue there is that the paint is already on the mask prior to Link putting the mask on

[@dorkfox89]

@@D1ZzY_90 Maybe that helps to reinforce that Fierce Deity is the Termina counterpart to Link.

[@ottomontero1798]

Maybe majora off screened fierce deity before you arrived to termina. I think it’s crazy that the ocarina is what he was most interested in and he took it. Considering the master sword was back on its pedestal and it couldn’t be stolen . Link has the power of courage still inside of him and if you add the power he gets from it plus the the masks power boost you could say he is op and Majora messed up big time by trying to show off . The whole fight majora was trolling link

[@absolutemadlad5662]

My headcanon is that the fierce diety was the original link, a predecessor to every other link, even the one in skyward sword, just like every form of Ganon is a reincarnation of demise, every incarnation of link is a reincarnation of the fierce diety

[@NayruYT]

So Fierce Deity is the Hero who's spirit Link inherits? That's a really fun idea!

[@NapaCat]

That's... actually a really interesting idea.

[@tjfarrington1824]

i was just thinking that fierce deity link is the original hero who fought demise

[@Cri_Jackal]

This also fits into the theory of Majora being Ghirahim sealed in a mask. From Ghirahim's perspective as Demise's most loyal servant, the one who struck down his master would be the "bad guy".

[@cbassthefirst1343]

I thought that it was more along the lines of being a merge between Gannon and Link. Seeing as to how Gannon isn’t the antagonist in Majoras mask. Which is why he has the white eyes, face tattoos, and moon emblem on his chest. I believe Gannon is a draconian as well. But it seems to me that link and Gannon are intrinsically tied, they’re in some manner this fierce deity to one another. Imagine if Gannon and Link merged power together what would you consider that? I could be wrong but idk.

[@rykermartin6192]

1:00 - "Nav-eye" Ugh made me cry

[@NayruYT]

thank man

[@rykermartin6192]

@@NayruYT good theory tho bro, I like it

[@mcmanny9552]

I stopped listening after that if I'm going to be honest.

[@NayruYT]

@@mcmanny9552 you weren't missed my dude

[@Sebster456]

@@NayruYT Idk why people care about pronunciation so much. The video & theory overall is great and I enjoyed it a lot

[@EvilNickolas]

My head cannon is.. - Zelda is the reincarnation of Hylia - Gannon is the reincarnation of Demise - Link is the reincarnation of the Fierce Deity Its not a stretch in my mind, that the goddess Hylia's chosen protector was also a god. Or a least, as the 'Fierce Deity' is not named, a lesser god.

[@NayruYT]

A fun idea!

[@Priceluked]

I always liked the idea that the fierce deity is the embodiment of all heroes throughout time and worlds.

[@NayruYT]

Ooh neat!

[@amateuraries]

This is probably the most understandable and best theory on Deity Link I've found yet, and I've been going through many theories as of late. It also makes sense, Buddhism is the second largest religion in Japan next to Shintoism, and with the creators' being from Japan, it wouldn't surprise me that they would make one of the strongest characters from their own source of religion. But who knows. Great work.

[@NayruYT]

Yeah there are a lot of Buddhist ideas in games even outside of Majora's Mask, but the influence is very heavy in Majora's Mask. Thank you for the kind words, and for watching!

[@tomdekler9280]

In fact, the Japanese largely practice both. There's a massive overlap.

[@Just.Kidding]

You've probably learned this since this was 4 years ago, but you don't use apostrophes with plurals, and certainly not after the "s". The only time you would use an apostrophe as you have in " creators' " is to show plural possession or possession by a party ending in "s". A few examples would be: "There was no compromising the creators' vision" or "The doctor took James' temperature".

[@kanemccarthy1979]

I think the symbols on his chest are supposed to be alchemical symbols. The triangle means fire and the moon means silver. The moon representing silver would match his colour scheme. The moon could also be buddhist because it would signify Link's enlightenment as the Fierce Diety.

[@NayruYT]

Ooh that is a fun thought, thanks for this. I'm going to look into it!

[@kanemccarthy1979]

@@NayruYT thanks! Great video BTW!

[@TheOmegaDragon]

I heard that the Fierce Deity mask represents the happiness and gratitude of everyone in Termina that Link helped which is a requirement to even obtain the mask. Fits in with the Buddhism theory about compassion you were talking about. Link always helped people despite the 3-day time limit and he also played and gave masks to the children of the moon. The courage and kindness allowed him to balance the dark power of the Fierce Deity mask giving him the power to defeat Majora with ease.

[@dragondude1012]

I like the theory however in a bit of a bigger context. Zelda always has loved the number 3. The triforce. Zelda,link,Gannon etc. I would guess this would applies to gods in there world. So you have the goddess. We can refer demise to be another god. A god of darkness. Then the fierce deity would be the third god. Each of the gods representing a person. Zelda with the goddess. Gannon with Demise. Link with the fierce diety. I know this was already kinda implied with your video but I wanted to put this in. And let’s be honest it would be really bad ass if link had a god as a backer or was blood of a god.

[@NayruYT]

Numerology and Zelda has always been a pretty interesting combination!

[@Phantom86d]

It works with the moon symbolism. If Zelda (Hylia) is Light, Ganon (Demise) is Dark, that leaves Link as the middle which would be the Moon and Twilight. Since the Fierce Deity has a crescent moon, it implies it is either succumbing to Darkness or fighting off Darkness if waxing. That and the Fierce Deity wears silver or grey, also a middle.

[@totodacat]

I’m gonna be real, you’re just right on that theory. It’s literally in the name, quite LITERALLY in the name.

[@tomdekler9280]

He's certainly right that's what the name translates to. Whether or not there's literally a Buddhist deity spirit in the mask is up for grabs. There's a thing to be said about language here. Like, take a look at one of the bosses in the Oracle games, Medusa Head. Does it imply Medusa is real? Then what about the rest of Greek Mythology? We got a tower of Hera... is Hera in the Hylian pantheon too?! Hmm! But I don't think we should be looking at it that way. Rather, there's a (state of) being in this fantasy world, and the best approximation we have for a name here is Fierce Deity. It doesn't have the subtleties of the entire Buddhist implications, but the word suffices as something that makes you think of frightening power used to do good. It's hard to tell to what extent other fantasy works, folklore, real life, religion and mythology apply to a fantasy world. In what ways is a Keese not like a bat? When writing about a vampire, are they weak to garlic? The bulb or its flowers? The sun? Crossing flowing water? Churches? A compulsive need to count tiny things? Being uninvited? Can they hypnotize? There's so many variables that all we can do is see what parts of Wrathful Deities definitely apply to the Fierce Deity Mask transformation and what parts are _somewhat informed_ guesses.

[@redjoker365]

In the Majora's Mask manga the original Fierce Deity also killed a demon and carved Majora's Mask from its carcass

[@Revolver.Otacon]

Exactly! I love that manga

[@lunarielptv5753]

Well actually it wasn’t a demon but a dragon And the „fierce Deity original“ is just an adventurer who traveled through the land an he was a musician He maybe has a connection to the fierce deity but: Actually the fierce deity is a God of chaos and he only gave his power to link to demonstrate his power against Majora

[@boebie5052]

So...how is this even plausible? Since majoras mask is literally wood. Unless the dragon or demon was made of wood as well then i doubt this

[@seuchenkater7728]

@@boebie5052 "Majora" was a mighty dragon nobody could kill. Just one person, that was a musician that forced Majora to dance until death. This musician makes "Majoras Mask" out of the scales from Majora. Sadly, only the bad part of Majora goes into the mask and it was long forgetten, until the start of the game of course.

[@Danielxyoon]

Actually I recently learned in One Piece that the crescent moon facing the opposite side (with the crescent side on the left) is a symbol of rebellion meaning the Fierce Deity Link is rebelling against Majora which is why he can be seen as the bad guy to Majora. Also he is viewed as a powerful being almost as bad as Majora meaning the crescent moon is an indication of him rebelling against the gods in Termina. But thats just what I thought after watching one piece recently so take how you will.

[@evdestroy5304]

The reality is that Fierce Deity was just the creator's way to repurpose the Adult Link mask that was cut from the final game, hence why it's just Adult Link with a face lift

[@NayruYT]

That can be said of most of Majora's Mask haha

[@evdestroy5304]

@@NayruYT Difference is that Fierce Deity is repurposed cut content from Majora, not repurposed content from Ocarina. Noone knows what the Adult mask was for but it was seen in early screenshots.

[@mr.colbycheese6625]

Imagine how cool it would be if they made a game with the fierce deity as the protagonist, antaganist, or even just a boss fight

[@NayruYT]

It would be extremely cool to see him return

[@medinachete73]

I've always thought that Fierce Deity is the result of the triforce of courage when it's out of control, in the same way that Ganondorf is the result of the triforce of power out of control.

[@NayruYT]

That makes sense!

[@handlesarestupid154]

Honestly I think details like his boots and hat might just be from the fact that the deity is inhabiting Link. All of his transformations have features gained from Link, despite the original spirit the mask came from not having those features. (Look at the difference between Goron Link and Darmani for example)

[@luigimedel9815]

When you showed the model of the sword it looked to me as representing the fusion of link and the fierce deity. As the colors of the helix are green and the bluish color of his new tunic. The green representing link and the blue the deity fusing together to into a single being. Great theory and video btw!

[@NayruYT]

That makes a lot of sense! And thank you!

[@dagakotowaru7591]

tbh fierce diety is my fav loz character of all time i wish we got to see him more

[@megablaziken8572]

Personally, I always thought that majora represented the sun while the fierce deity represented the moon mainly because of majora’s attacks and the presence of the moon on fierce deity link’s armor. And something else that I recently thought of is when it comes to origins, likely the same tribe that created the majora’s mask created the fierce deity mask as a bit of a safety measure.

[@NayruYT]

That is a cool interpretation!

[@b3rz3rk3r9]

One way I've seen it is that the Fierce Diety is the embodiment of Roghteous Fury, since you get the mask from trading every mask that is born from a happy memory. Let me ask you: what emotion would YOU feel if the happiness you helped to create (like in a lot of the missions in Majora's Mask) would be wiped away from the annals of history, with inly the mask of that memory to remain. Those people you care for, those problems you solved; removed from time and replaced with utter misery. I believe that, in the context of the game, The Fierce Diety could be Link's frustration with having to undo the good he's experienced with everyone he's met every time he has to turn back the clock. That, or maybe this: maybe the Fierce Diety is a God like Hylia, a defender of the weak and downtrodden. A warrior who sees their fear, sorrow and misery at the hands of evil and Rages against the darkness. What if he was a god that followed Hylia into reincarnation, with Link's inner will to destroy evil and save good being derived from him?

[@NayruYT]

A very cool comment!

[@VolundMush]

Very good observations and theories! I've got another one - since the entire "adventure in Termina" is taking place - or so I remember reading - inside a dimension created by Majora out of the memories of Link - explaining why it has races and counterpart/lookalike characters (Romani = Malon, etc), so in a sense... all of Majora's Mask is KINDA like a dream. One interpretation I've toyed with is the idea is that the Fierce Deity mask represents Link reclaiming the might he wielded as an adult. The Hero of Time only showed his greatest might as an adult, but having been sent back to his childhood this effectively 'never happened'. What became of that experience, that peak he had reached when he was ready to face down Ganondorf? Link was, in that moment, a hero chosen by fate - you could almost say he was ALREADY the closest thing Hyrule had to a guardian deity who could DO something... so, perhaps that mask is a representation of the Link who fought Ganondorf, once again ready to bring down a great evil. It has the aspect of darkness because it is a lost, forgotten thing from a future that 'never was' (at least in Young Link's perspective), and carries with it all of the loss and trauma he experienced on his adventure. In fact, when you look at just how tragic his tale actually is, is it any wonder that a world created using his memories as a base is full of people struggling with loss, and on the brink of ruin?

[@TheBreadPirate]

That Buddism culture theory was super well crafted! Great job with it. You've sold me.

[@NayruYT]

Kind words from my rival, thank you!

[@paulrance5445]

@@NayruYT, You’re not really a subrosian, are you?

[@nateschumacher9123]

Your awesome bread pirate, bread pirate told me he is better

[@OGxGINO]

I hope the Fierce Deity reappears in the series in a new game someday. It's one of my favorite armor sets in BotW.

[@luckiestclub85]

How do you get it in botw?

[@OGxGINO]

@@luckiestclub85 The Fierce Deity Link Amiibo. You can either look for the actual amiibo figure or buy one of the cards. The armor and sword spawns from it.

[@superepic8242]

I think the fierce deity mask brings out your max when you wear it. If fierce deity’s are a fierce source of enlightenment I think it enlightens you and you become the feirce deity

[@NayruYT]

That is a cool idea!

[@Skylicity]

my favorite link ever in the whole series. great video btw, very specific and understandable also THANK YOU for mentioning oni link. so many people leave that out when it's actually important.

[@NayruYT]

Thank you! Gotta mention Oni Link!

[@lightdeck8357]

Personally i think he represents the spirit of the hero, but the spirit's Terminian counterpart.

[@Kenny-221]

Fierce Deity Link is so special to me, it has this werid, mystic aura that makes it so mysterious, I can't explain how werid it is, so powerful and scary yet I can't help but to fell safe looking at it. I like it so much

[@jpphilosopher]

I really wish Nintendo would make a new Zelda game with FD link in it.

[@IFearlessINinja]

10/10 impressed. Right when I think there's nothing more to learn about MM. I expected far less info considering the tiny amount of info you had to work with. Well done!

[@NayruYT]

Thank you Fearless Ninja, I appreciate you sticking around!

[@IFearlessINinja]

Nayru's Love How could I not? I'm always eager for your videos. Your quality is leagues higher than your view counter suggests!

[@NayruYT]

@@LadyCucco actually, I found the thread you are talking about, I'm guessing your are referring to the Zelda Dungeon thread I had to find by literally googling your username with quotes around it. I don't use Zelda Dungeon as a source, I never have. I am a history major, and I am pretty good at research. I came to the same conclusion as you independently. I did not use your random post on page three of fan forums that don't appear in Google unless I literally Google your name. I don't really care if you believe me, but if anybody else cares, I'm happy to show my time-stamped notes on Google docs

[@NayruYT]

@@LadyCucco I'm not doubting your credentials. What I'm telling you it's that I've never seen your post until now. The only zelda-related sources I used for this video were the wikis. I didn't steal from you. You uncovered the theory first, so yes it is your theory more than it is mine. But I came to the Bhuddism conclusion on my own without having seen any other videos.

[@NayruYT]

I would never accuse you of anything, dude. Like I said I'm a history major, academic integrity is important to me. I 100% believe that you figured it out way before me. I'm just telling you that I haven't seen any of your theories.

[@swaglevi4315]

my headcanon is that the fierce deity is an alternate link from a differing timeline where instead of having the triforce of courage he had the triforce of power because the kid wearing majora inside the moon said "lets play good guys against bad guys you can be the bad guy" Idk maybe i just like the quote "absolute power corrupts absolutely "

[@NayruYT]

I think it is a fun idea!

[@swaglevi4315]

@@NayruYT eyy danke nayru

[@tomdekler9280]

I was _really_ pleasantly surprised with how much this video stuck to the facts. Few things: - In East Asian Buddhism, Fierce Deities are typically wrathful avatars of Boddhisatva's or Buddha's. This could imply the mask looks like Link because it's _his_ wrathful avatar, though that would imply Link attained enlightenment. - You missed some sources on the mask that could be worth mentioning, namely a gossip stone mentions it contains the merits of all masks, and Eiji Aonuma stated the best way to think about it is that the memories of all the people of Termina are inside of the Fierce Deity Mask. - Link is not just referred to as "Oni Link" because that's an alternate interpretation of the kanji, it's also because the kid wearing Majora's Mask in the Japanese version of the game challenges him to a game of "Onigokko", or as we know it, tag, where the Oni is "it" and chases the rest. It's in the Japanese mask description as well, "You got the Kishin Mask! Is this an Oni Mask an Oni wears?"

[@mesastreatexit]

i think the connection to Buddhist fierce deities makes perfect sense as a metaphor for what Aonouma said about it being "all the people in Termina". as if all the ppl you helped throughout the game are channeled into this protective spirit. and as you said, it needs to be a dark power in order to contest Majora, right? so maybe that gives extra meaning to how dark some of the character quests in the game can be, if those characters kind of get channeled into helping Link against Majora. you know the dark zides to life in Termina

[@JBuckley1997]

if you take a look at celtic/ gaulic mythology in line with the Buddhist teachings the celts and gauls had 3 different types of divines; gods who served as creators, deities who served as guardians of the weak, and the dark gods who only wish to destroy. Its a really cool look at the way the fierce diety plays out in MM. Also, even just looking at his name Fierce Diety the etymology for diety orginally just meant a guardian god, a god who protected an aspect of humanity or the balance of the world.

[@davidholbrook6221]

The moon on the fierce deities chest plate is in the opposite direction as the ones on the blocks and stuff it's a rune and runes change meeting depending on how you place it and what you place it next to so could it mean the one on the block is to lock your way and when it the mean the one on his chest means to unlock something to unblock something maybe this is Link's power all along maybe this is link 0000 and in his reincarnation cycle.

[@themasterofmasters3768]

In my head cannon I think the Fierce Deity is Hylia chosen hero that fought Demise all those years ago before skyward sword

[@yungmuney5903]

It's such a depressing shame that this form never get expanded upon. Yeah yeah "mysterious appeal, less is more" all that shit, but where is the 'more' exactly? The last canonical, timeline, 'relevant' appearance was it's own debut, a 20 year old game. That's it, that's 20 years of complete fuck all beyond easter eggs and callbacks. That's all he is now, just a nostalgia baiting, reference fodder. Like what the fuck? Such a popular badass and cool design just thrown completely to the wayside for no reason other than Nintendo loving the same old triforce trio story all over again. I swear Majora's Mask is like the 'Super Mario Land 2' of Zelda games. Like they still clearly remember this thing right? So what happened? We never even got a concrete conclusion to it, what did OOT Link or Hero's Shade do with it? Does Nintendo have no idea what to do with it? Do they not care about it? What's the deal?

[@thegreattsbob]

If you look at the story of Majora's Mask as a symbolic journey of the Hero of Time struggling with his own loneliness, you can see how the Fierce Deity's power may have been lent to Link specifically to combat this emotion to prevent it from taking over. I don't think it is an ability he received that can be used anywhere else. The more I look at the story of Majora's mask the more I think it was a Link's Awakening kind of experience for the Hero of Time. Real in the sense that it happened and he remembers it accurately, but a localized experience that no one outside of him can remember.

[@LordParticle]

I never beat majora's mask. But I have the fierce deity link spirit in smash

[@nicolaswarren3453]

Well, on top of the fact of each LoZ game being very insular, you're talking about a character that appears very briefly in one game and in a location that may or may not even exist (e.g. the theory that Termina is all a spiritual journey Link takes vs an actual, physical parallel dimension). You have to recognize that some main characters in media don't get the development and attention that FDL let alone a side character. Don't get me wrong, I would love to know more canonical info of FDL, but that longing is also part of the appeal of LoZ in general. You are rarely given all the answers in any LoZ game and that can be seen as an extension of exploring the game and its universe. For example, why is Ganondorf blessed with the Triforce of Power; what are the upper limits of each triforce piece in terms of power; what happened to the Triforce of Courage in BotW; why are the Kokiri human looking in some games buts tree people in others; etc.

[@yungmuney5903]

@@nicolaswarren3453 "that longing is also part of the appeal" Sounds like torture, especially if it lasted for 2 decades of nothing and doubt they'll fulfill ever but alright then.

[@nicolaswarren3453]

@@yungmuney5903 It's a matter of perspective, really. For some, it probably is. For others, the lack of info leaves lots of room for theory and speculation, which is fun for some.

[@aabgcj]

Great video!! Loved all your animations and theories! The connection to Buddhism is nicely explained and easy to see. Can't wait for the next video!

[@NayruYT]

Thank you!

[@bigboy8421]

I always figured fierce diety is the original hero of that reality, except instead of getting the triforce of courage, he got the triforce of power. That's why majora saw him as the bad guy.

[@umauma1479]

Some thing weird is how the game shows the final fight is like a dream or memory or its bad frame rate

[@tomdekler9280]

Well yeah. I don't think there's literally an endless grassy field inside of the moon, or a bunch of dungeon rooms.

[@hyruleprotector6897]

What if the Fierce Deity is Hylia's counterpart. Would make sense, both are generous and yet dangerous. Most importantly, both are gods who are warriors

[@NayruYT]

Oooh a fun idea!

[@kingnamor7777]

I liked to think that Link kept the Fierce Deity Mask. Because it literally makes him the second strongest and most powerful Link. Within the Legend of Zelda timeline.

[@DERPY5706]

The form link takes when he puts the fierce deity mask on is most likely specific to when he wears it as the other mask transformations look like a mix of link and the spirit in the mask.

[@davidholbrook6221]

One problem with that all the characters ware links green outfit and green cap fierce deity doesn't of course he's wearing armor butshouldn't the cap and the outfit remain green that part is supposed to be link but why is it not green it's like as if there's more fierce deity then link the only way that could happen is if links soul it wasn't in charge or in control of that body my theory is much slightly more credible if you think about the fusion being 50/50.

[@tomdekler9280]

Yeah but none of the masks look like Link. This one does, before Link puts it on.

[@DERPY5706]

@@tomdekler9280 damn, that's true. I didn't think about that.

[@jesussaucedo8133]

Mask wearing link, Ocarina of Time Link, and the hero's shade in Twilight princess are literally the same Link!

[@Animeman36]

A freaking 1 video. I dont think I have ever seen the connection made between fierce deity link and Buddhism. Honestly awesome and inspiring video. The summary of Buddhism really gave me some stuff to think about

[@josehernandezmartinez8719]

This has to be the best video that gives a very convincing theory, as to what exactly is the fierce deity. Very well researched and explained. Is very interesting to know, and what Buddhism elements have inspired the creation of this character.

[@viivoid]

this made me love him SO MUCH MORE thankyou so much for this explanation!!

[@rich1051414]

Link is neutral. He simply holds the triforce of courage. That doesn't require link to be particularly good or bad, though perhaps it does give him a responsibility to do good. The triforce of wisdom and power are a bit different. Wisdom can show the way in the worst of situations, and thus represents the light in times of darkness. Power corrupts, and manifests darkness in the hearts of even those with the best intentions. Courage is inherently neither good nor bad. So link is allowed to be the most human in that regard. We are lucky that Link is on the side of Zelda rather than the side of ganondorf, but unfortunately, Ganon will always see other triforce wielders as threats and wielders of power he wants to possess instead, and not as allies, thus is the curse of holding the triforce of power. So Link will always be his enemy, regardless of how much 'edge' that incarnation of Link has.

[@NayruYT]

I think I disagree with the idea of Link being neutral since he is the very picture of heroism, but I think this is a very interesting comment

[@MilestheDirtyMindedGoblin2099]

Very true, great comment

[@GoodBloodGames]

You're onto it!

[@Josuh]

Nice channel, nice video, nice everything bro, i love the fierce deity

[@AnthonyG44884]

This is an amazing video 🔥🔥

[@NayruYT]

Thank you very much!

[@kinggrimlock311]

I believe that the Fierce Deity is a culmination of the emotions and spirits of Termina and that whoever crafted the mask was someone who knew it would fall into Link's hands, which is why it looks like him...he may be the sole wielder of it and it is his duty to use it to vanquish Majora and the other evils that bring sorrow, pain, and suffering to the world.

[@Sarah_H]

Something that struck me after watching this video and thinking about the game some more...why do the copies that are created after Link plays the Elegy Of Emptiness not look like the form he's assuming, but instead look like the people he got the transformation masks from? My theory on this is that Link, as a Deku, Goron, or Zora, doesn't look like how the player views him, with the green hat, tunic, and gauntlets. He looks like the people whose spirits are contained within the transformation masks. This is supported throughout the game when characters mistake you for the person whose form you're occupying (the Gorons outside Darmani's grave mistaking you for Darmani, the Indigo-Gos mistaking you for Mikau when you go into their rooms, even the Deku butler saying you remind him of his son). We only see Link with the green hat and tunic for our benefit as the player, so we'll have something familiar and recognizable in the new forms instead of the game just forcing us to play completely different characters whenever we put on the transformation masks (or the forms the player sees are how Link views himself in the different forms). What's this got to do with the Fierce Deity? What if the Fierce Deity we see in the game isn't the Fierce Deity's *true form*? The Fierce Deity is a transformation mask, which means that it *must* contain a spirit, if we're keeping in line with the other transformation masks. The other transformation masks were granted to you as a final, dying wish: that you would finish their unfinished business for them. Eiji Aonuma says that the Fierce Deity mask contains "the memories of all the people of Termina"; what if the spirit inside the Fierce Deity's mask is the culmination of every Terminian citizens' wish to finish their unfinished business? Their desperate want to live? Their base survival instinct? The other transformation masks have a HARD time fighting Majora, because those masks were created via the wishes of a single person. Against Majora, a single person is almost powerless. But a mask-entity created through the collective wishes of an entire nation would probably result in something that could rival Majora, or even surpass it. The people of Termina want a hero, and Link, who *is* the Hero of Time, assumes that role, thus imparting the familiar aspects to the Fierce Deity's appearance like he did with the other transformation masks; the facepaint that's reminiscent of the Hylian shield, the tunic, the boots, gauntlets and hat, and the adult form that came to be recognized as the Hero of Time. What would the Fierce Deity's Elegy statue look like?

[@NayruYT]

Thank you for the thoughtful comment! This raises a few good points, I had never noticed that about the statues

[@VonCondersmite]

I saw a theory years ago that said the Fierce Deity was Termina's version of Hylia but instead of Zelda's incarnation it was Link's

[@NayruYT]

A super interesting idea

[@BroMaxIII]

I always thought that the red and blue on his face could be related to the stage make up typically done in Kabuki theater. Red symbolizing that he's the hero and Blue being the malevolence/Demon that is the fierce diety mask.

[@NayruYT]

A fun idea I hadn't thought about!

[@sethdusith6093]

This is by far the best theory on the fierce deity mask I've ever seen

[@roseheartfire]

Great vid! Thank you!

[@NurchinsCryptids]

I'm totally on board with the similarities to Buddhism but it makes me wish there were other deities that could be channeled to achieve more than just improved strength

[@NayruYT]

Yeah actually, I've always wanted to see Zelda embrace Shintoism and Japanese folklore a bit more

[@Moonknife]

i feel that there is intersting that Zelda, Link and Ganon have "God" like ancestors, Zelda has Hylia the goddess, Ganon has Demise the demon king and Link has the Fierce deity, maybe Fierce deity and Hylia once had to team up to end with demise. before Skyward Sword. a future game hopefully

[@NayruYT]

One can hope!

[@zebzero1348]

im a bit late but i like the idea that the manga for majoras mask was true with the special part at the end showing a man who looked almost identical to the deity just with different attire who killed the monster that was the source of majoras power and that that's the reason he majora hates the deity being that he was the one who carved the mask out of a monstrous daemon's carapace and either brought the mask to life or trapped the daemon's mind into it

[@NayruYT]

A cool idea, I just kinda hate Dragon Majora 🙈

[@guestb8389]

I like to think of the Fierce Deity being the Termina version of The Spirit of the Hero, rather than Link. The Hero's Spirit represents light. It is kind and oftentimes merciful, while the Fierce Deity represents darkness. It is wrathful and merciless most of the time. However, both of these figures inhabit the body of a courageous boy, and ultimately fight against evil.

[@HandheldGamer1991]

The title "Master of Masks" is so fucking cool!

[@discocup]

Not sure if this account or anything is active, but in breath of the wild its said to be an ancient hero, so it is indeed the link of termina and the mask looking like link instead of something else shows that it's not a fusion, but actually what he looks like Me and my sister said that majora coming from a sun, and a npc line saying that the moon wasn't hostile and had blue eyes, makes it seem the fierce deity was the moon god and protected the people from within that moon, his realm being an empty field, though it seems both at some point got sealed in a mask, though since majora got a host, she seemed to have taken over his realm and now wants to destroy his world with his own realm, since he doesn't let her "play" or hurt the people

[@NayruYT]

It was made pre-BotW but that is good to know!

[@A-bp9hq]

never a theory has been so, so cool

[@NayruYT]

Thank you!

[@SismisBS]

Wait hold up who the hell does not know who is Fierce Deity Link?

[@andresala3575]

This is a great video but you forgot to speak about the majoras mask manga where we get some background on the fierce deity

[@NayruYT]

True! Mostly because the manga aren't canon, and I find them to be fairly hit or miss

[@annihilator_420]

Ilike to think the reason he uses a double helix sword is because its 2 people in control when the mask is worn. Its a manifestation of both link's and the feirce diety's will. And the stronger their will the stronger the sword gets. That's why it shoots beams of light like the master sword.

[@NayruYT]

That is some clever insight

[@dussiasofficial]

Great video. I'd say that the resemblance to the Hylian shield tells us that the deity is of Hylian origin. Without Zelda (who physically helped Link in the final fight against Ganon), Link has relinquished his masks (weapons) and has no help against Majora's Mask. So he could use help, and no one can reach the dimension where Termina is except for goddess Hylia, present through the mask, able to garnish all the power of Termina's inhabitants (which copy Hyrule's) to defeat evil.

[@NayruYT]

That makes sense!

[@outlawempires555]

I always thought it was just future link

[@RealNayru]

You must be thinking about "A Link to the Future". That's a different video on the channel.

[@grimgl3]

@@RealNayru he bread prirate big fan

[@NayruYT]

an imposter is among us

[@paulrance5445]

@@NayruYT, yep, it’s the bread pirate

[@melissabell3049]

@@RealNayru i loved the vid bread

[@vicwrd8489]

YO that theory made so much sense

[@NayruYT]

I'm glad!

[@jpphilosopher]

Cool topic! I love OOT & MM and FD Link! I would like to se you cover the Zelda mangas and the MM manga that has the story about FD link. I know its not cannon but its still fun.

[@NayruYT]

Thank you! I personally feel fairly wishy washy about the MM manga to be honest, I like Majora a lot more as an eldritch unknowable being as opposed to an old dragon

[@nomad5602]

I Love this Series even though I just got into it back in March 2017 here’s my little story… At a low point in my life BoTW legit saved my life and I would not be hear without this beautiful game so it has a special place in my heart so much so I have a necklace of the a Heart Container. Since BoTW I have played any and every Zelda game I could that was on Switch. Dislike 2 with a freakin passion man sorry if that offends anyone. And to be 100% honest my favorite Zelda game so far is *Links Awakening* I absolutely adore that game. And am currently falling in Love with Skyward Sword and get this I got lucky the other week as I went to Walmart for supplies at 6AM and decided to stop by the Nintendo aisle and low and behold the Skyward Sword Joy Cons were there 2 pairs!! I was freakin ecstatic but it was too early and Electronics were not open so I waited there for an hour cus I knew if I did not get them there I’d never get them as they’ve all been scalped! I’m not a dick so I only bought a pair for myself and left the other one there and hope another Zelda Fan got it and not a scalper. Since I just in a way got started with Zelda the games I’ve been wanting to play the most are Ocarina of Time (Really want to avenge my younger self and put Mido in his place) , Majoras Mask, & Twilight Princess as they are regarded as the GOATS in the Legend. So i really hope Nintendo Ports them over cus I would buy them all instantly and I do not care if they are all sold separately for $60 as long as they release in the first place! Right now I am currently playing Ocarina of Time on my Series X and it’s a lot of fun and surprisingly really responsive to Xbox Controls. Plan on moving to MM and then Twilight Princess next. Rather them be on my Nintendo legit. Have countless hours in BoTW have nearly all armor sets with my favorite being the OoT armor I like to mix that with Epona and a Hylian Shield plus my upgraded Master Sword and it’s like I’m playing OoT hahaha. Same with Twilight Princess I’ll wear the armor set and maybe put on midnas helmet and run around with Wolf Link by my side all game as it makes it fun to head into battle and after find a quiet place to rest , relax , cook and eat to replenish both of our hearts. Only downfall is Wolf Link does not like Stealth at all. So many instances I try to sneak up on a group only for him to bark and then start the battle completely wasting an opportunity to get them all in 1 strike. Or alerts them when I’m in the middle of the group and it’s “Uh Oh Spaghetti-Os” Still fun as hell though especially when he helps you take out Lynals and if we do get over run then I just simple shoot a Ancient Arrow at the enemy and it like deletes their genetic code or some shit hahaha. Anyways that’s my story on why I love this series so far even though I’ve only been here since March of 2017.

[@NayruYT]

This is a really lovely comment, thanks for taking the time!

[@kingnamor7777]

@@NayruYT kept in mind Termina is a parallel world with it own spirit of hero, demise in the goddess hylia. Relating to the Hyrule version. Goddess Hylia/Zelda= Goddess of Time Demise= Majora Mask Link/Spirit of the hero= Fierce Deity Mask

[@TheGoldenGamerOG]

Maybe the Fierce Deity is the spirit of courage in link's reincarnation physically formed mask.

[@NayruYT]

A super cool thought

[@blindmanzero3766]

I’d say Fierce deity link was what link was originally before reincarnation in order to stop demises reincarnation

[@NayruYT]

An interesting idea!

[@loveylemon6807]

Why on EARTH this has so few views is beyond me. This is absolutely fantastic, and by FAR the BEST Fierce Diety video I have ever seen. B R I L L I A N T.

[@marche800]

I definitely lean into the Fierce Deity Design we see being a fusion of Link and this entity. Afterall every other transformation mask does the same thing. Deku, Goron and Zora Link all have Link's cap and tunic. In the case of Zora and Goron Link they are both noted by NPCs to look almost exactly like the person the mask came from, with Link being mistake as Mikau or Darmsni respectively. Its only logical to assume the same thing is happening with the fierce deity. The only things we can say for sure are from the Deity itself are the hair colour, ears and face paint. We can infer the armor, sword and gauntlets were also from the Deity because Link didn't have those but the hat, tunic and boots are all him.

[@NayruYT]

A valid take, thank you for the comment!

[@DangerousArmyGuy]

Something you missed, but in the manga, though not canon, some people saw Link become the Fierce Deity, and called him a kishin, a fierce god or spirit. Which is pretty fitting honestly, being that the Fierce Deity is a being that rages against those that take delight in taking away happiness.

[@louisdellalucca8969]

My theory is that Fierce Deity Link was Termina’s version of Link. Possibly in Termina, Link was an ancient Evil that Majora Sealed away, explaining how the child has the mask

[@NayruYT]

It is possible! Though I have a hard time imagining Link as an ancient evil haha

[@dannymerfeld7711]

In addition to the Fierce Deity connection to Buddhism I suspect that the four giants are also indicative of the Four Bodhisattva Kings which each represent a cardinal direction. That is of course if my information is correct. I'm not super well versed in Buddhist lore, but I stumbled upon this video while looking for things to more or less vindicate Fierce Deity Link because people seem to want to take a monstrous villain's word at face value.

[@NayruYT]

It is odd that he is literally called a "Fierce Deity", which is a scary protector, and people still think he is evil. I'm going to look into the Four Bodhisattva Kings, at a cursory glance you seem to be onto something!

[@tomdekler9280]

Could be the Five Wisdom Kings. Acala / Fudo Myo'o is a fun comparison point.

[@Blueshyguy-er9xi]

Fierce deity just him self is just a really really cool idea I think it just old link turned into a fierce ruler taking the power tri force piece instead courage

[@NayruYT]

A cool thought!

[@MatiasRogel1]

Young link was robbed and humiliated

[@coinmite6969]

This really awesome

[@johnsonmcsandwhich6576]

He's the hero Hyrule deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we'll hunt him. Because he can take it. Because he's not our hero. He's a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A Fierce Deity

[@NayruYT]

*gruff voice* "WHERE'S NAVI?"

[@christopherjacobsen6421]

The symbols on the chest plus your description of how he s more militaristic, what of Fierce Diety is a sort of apocryphal Link in which he has Hylian features but he's also Gerudo. Or maybe a future where hylians and gerudos are true allies, as in Ganon is good or some force causes them to work together. Ganon Link fusion.

[@glidershower]

I've always held the idea that both Majora and Fierce Deity are connected in the way both represent _immense soul suffering,_ but are two different answers to it. Majora is the collective suffering of a desperate people, and thru their collective will decided that they'll become _selfish and take whatever they want._ Fierce Deity is the collective suffering of all successful _and many failed_ heroes of time, and thru their will decided they would _embrace selflessness and balance._ Kid Majora just gave Link the mask because deep inside its acquired evilness, it was a soul lost and afraid in the darkness, and it just had enough with suffering. I think in the end, the Fierce Mask just simply vanished into thin air, as it no longer felt needed to keep that balance. Thanks for the video, it really brought a good perspective on the spiritual meaning of the mask!

[@NayruYT]

I like this interpretation a lot! I really love that whereas the other games are analyzed from a strictly lore perspective, Majora's Mask analysis often has a more emotional, human element to it.

[@glidershower]

@@NayruYT The one Zelda game to really make you tear down when you remember the feel of the cutscenes as a kid, and when you analyze it philosophically as an adult. They really took the _nice gloves_ off with that one!

[@benbittinger9789]

Always remember: fierce does not imply evil

[@NayruYT]

Correct!

[@parityzandaka]

this video deserves wayyy more views than it has rn

[@NayruYT]

That is very kind of you!

[@charlottew.8460]

What was the outro song again? Amazing theory!! I enjoyed it a lot and it's really plausible in my opinion!

[@NayruYT]

Thank you very much! Its the ZREO reorchestration of "Nayru's Song" from Oracle of Ages!

[@fatalwaffle1715]

AWESOME VIDEO BRO! I hope we can still use the Fierce Deity in BOTW 2.

[@Scalesthelizardwizard3399]

Calling him Oni Link is interesting considering there is a story where a monk (who was an asshole) put on an Oni mask during a festival but could not remove it and became in Oni

[@NayruYT]

That kinda reminds me almost of the children on the moon!

[@BitchChill]

The fact that we'll never get an official answer, saddens me

[@NayruYT]

I totally get that, but I like having some aspects that just stay forever mysterious!

[@prettyponymonster]

"You play the bad guy." I think its either a fusion of Link and Ganon and/or what would happen if Link had the power triangle instead of courage. I would lean towards since he has Ganon's peoples' crest on one side of the cuirass and one triangle piece on the other breast. Link, Ganon and the power piece forming a "tri-force" of their own in keeping with the 3 motif, but not specfically having each represent a piece of it.

[@NayruYT]

An interesting idea!

[@eliasgalindo5578]

Imma end this mans whole career.The Fierce Deity Link is... Find out on the next episode of Dragon Ball Z!

[@paulrance5445]

ACTUALLY SANS UNDERTALE

[@EiShatMaiSelf]

(SPOILERS) Personally, my head canon is he looks the way he does in the game is because of link being his vessel. Kind of like how (and I just thought of this) the Hollow Knight looks much worse than he did is his prime, after becoming corrupted, or how SUPREME (sonic frontiers) had red lights while possessed by the end.

[@NayruYT]

I more or less agree!

[@phinnyfarr8916]

If they made a zelda game where the feirce deity gets a lot of lore and story built around him, that would be really awesome, especially since he would be outside of the typical zelda formula.

[@NayruYT]

Totally agree!

[@toddmansilver12]

fun fact, the fierce deity form is simply link's adult character model reskinned and scaled up roughly a time and a half give or take 5 percent.

[@camryncable1396]

Good video

[@graywolf01]

Theres a interview with eiji aonuma the director for zelda when majora 3ds dropped in the interview they asked him whos soul was in fierce deitys mask and this was his awnser Aonuma: The best I can give you is just a suggestion. The best way to think about it is that the memories of all the people of Termina are inside of the Fierce Deity Mask.”

[@God_of_Bacon]

He might just be a what if scenario of link having the triforce of power

[@NayruYT]

True!