Majora's Mask is One Big Buddhist Metaphor and Here's Why (NEW DISCOVERIES)

[@the8thgate543]

The mask concept of this game was also most likely inspired by Tibetan Buddhism. The Tibetan see the masks as a symbolic manifestation of their inner enemies. They do not believe that anyone has any enemies (externally), but that the only enemies we have are internal. In the game, we are led to believe that Skull kid is antagonist, or enemy. Then we figure out that Skull kid is only being used as a puppet by the mask. So the mask must be evil, it must be the enemy. But the evil aura that the mask mask possessed was a manifestation of the inner darkness of the Skull kid. Also, the majora’s mask is in the shape of a heart. The Skull Kid must confront the darkness within to overcome his suffering. Which happens by the end of the game, and the happy mask salesman noted that the evil aura of the mask has finally left it. At this point, the Skull Kid has finally overcome his inner darkness. In OoT, when Link is in the water temple, he faces Dark Link, which is the same symbolic representation. Navi tells Link to conquer his dark self. And so in OoT Link has already conquered his darkness, in Majora’s Mask he is someone that is helping the Skull Kid to conquer his inner darkness as well. The Skull Kid or Majora was never Link’s enemy, Link was just someone who wanted to stop the cataclysm and to help/free all beings from suffering Our protagonist Link is the bodhisattva. One who has achieved nirvana but has delayed it to free all sentient beings from suffering. In the ending credits, the everyone is all happy and you see the Deku Butler mourning the tragedy of his son. Letting us know that it’s pretty much impossible to save everyone from their suffering. This is reinforced throughout the game whenever Link helps someone in a sidequest, time will restart due to the 3 day cycle, and everything starts back to square 1.

[@Scrollskillups]

This comment felt like I wrote it ha I’m just here to say that was a good comment man and yea he has delayed it to help others. Ha also fierce deity has eyes when puttin on the mask. Showing he isn’t blinded he is aware.

[@ZeranZeran]

Probably going to seem very random, as a young kid that the Jackie Chan cartoon actually teaches this in detail, and even makes sure to differntiate between Oni masks, and other ancient Chinese and Japanese artifacts. Very ahead of its time, and not preachy about it. I thought that the fact that these amazing monsters were based on ancient creatures or legends was so just cool, and I still do. Makes it seem more real. Watching this video totally took me back to learning about that and even researching more about it on my own as a kid. Never thought I'd see them again :).

[@ZeranZeran]

Also, great catch on the water temple and Link fighting his shadow self.. I sort of got the meaning, but never connected it in this way. Great comment.

[@WeekndWarriorrr]

​@@ZeranZeranJackie Chan's adventures was so good.

[@brettrichardson7924]

love how majoras mask not explaining itself allowed its art to really come through and shine.

[@Crichjo32]

This is something Japanese developers do so well compared to Western developers. Games like Zelda and Dark Souls, let their design and symbolism do the storytelling rather than directly telling you.

[@John-ne4fq]

Yeah I tried so hard to decipher it but so much of the game is probably only symbolic and meaningful personally to the creators themselves and will never truly be understood which always leaves it with an air of mystery and also personal interpretation of the person who plays it. This is how symbolism has been used for thousands of years. There is no one right answer

[@st.anselmsfire3547]

There's actually a lot of Buddhism in the Zelda series. A big part is how reincarnation seems to work. The main characters aren't rebirths of their previous selves so much as avatars. Zelda is an avatar of Hylia, for instance, and Ganon/Ganondorf is an avatar of Demise. And Link seems to be an avatar of some kind of spirit of the hero. It's really interesting, and it explains how you can have multiple Zeldas hanging out at the same time (as in Adventure of Link) or two Links (as in Link Between Worlds and Twilight Princess).

[@Medicalguy]

Or two Ganondorfs after the revelation in ToTK. One locked beneath the castle for all time and the others rising and falling during that time

[@chilldragon4752]

Great point.

[@user-dy7ls7uo9j]

avatar is a concept within hinduism tho

[@axonn101]

I don’t think Zelda is necessarily the avatar of Hylia. In Skyword Sword we find out that Hylia does not exist in her spiritual form anymore. Zelda is Hylia. Hylia does not exist somewhere else non-physically. Ganondorf/Ganon is also not the avatar of Demise. Ganondorf is separate for the most part. Demise curses Zelda and Link at the end of Skyword Sword that his hatred will follow them. The “soul” of Demise is sealed in the Master Sword but his hatred in incarnate within Ganon. Though to be clear it is possible that Ganon could be permanently killed. Ganondorf is almost certainly dead by the end of Windwaker and Twilight Princess. The Ganondorf we see in Tears of the Kingdom is a different person. Link is a bit more difficult to define. Demise’s curse says that so long as the incarnation of Hylia and the one with the “soul of the hero” exist then his hatred will as well. But Link does not seem to be reincarnated in the way Hylia is through Zelda. Each Link is his own person. It just seems that in times of need the “soul of the hero,” which is most likely the original Link from Skyward Sword, comes back to help Zelda.

[@victorturnage4188]

Theres a lot of greek too.

[@chrizzel28]

I'm extremely happy to see you branching out to another series I love. Always a pleasure to see you covering things like that.

[@NexxtTimeDontMiss]

Zelda is for girls tho , well and bottoms , it’s on Nintendo. Only girls got Nintendo consoles , boys got PlayStation and Xbox . I only knew girls with fake cube and switch wii etc

[@frenchfrey65]

Between this and how Majora's Mask is a game about solving trauma, I have a newfound appreciation for the creators of this game because so much thought was put into it. I've never played MM as I could never get around the 3 day cycle and the game for me is WAY too cryptic compared to OoT, but I respect the fans for it as well as other aspects of the game (GREAT OST!). As for "solving trauma" another youtuber made a video about that and she makes fantastic points on how the game is about Link healing from losing Navi, as well how Link was traumatized from the whole OoT ordeal, being forced to grow up 7 years, the theft of his childhood by having to fight as a kid, and all the evil he faced. Majora's Mask is a game that was meant to help Link heal, he no longer was a "Hero" he became a "Healer". Makes sense why a powerful song like the Song of Healing is given to you so early. What really stood out to me though about this game was how Skull Kid and Link were 2 sides of the same coin. Link was finding good ways to deal with trauma, and thus helping people which was helping Link himself. Skull Kid (though under the influence of Majora), dealt with trauma negatively by causing pain on everyone, which only made Skull Kid feel lonelier than ever because he was driving everyone away. This youtuber made such a great point about the fact, and tbh I can't recall a time either, on not just how dark Majora was as a villain, but how sick of a villain it was, no other game, let alone in the Zelda franchise, had a villain like that. Most villains just want to conquer the world, or are comically evil, a cliche type of evil in some way shape or form. Majora on the other hand, was sadistic. It's no wonder how most Zelda fans I talk to label Majora as the most evil villain of the franchise. It doesn't want to conquer the world, it just wants to destroy everything/everyone/and cause pain.

[@yppiehageltoster465]

Max's analyses are always autism fueled masterpieces

[@maxderrat]

No truer statement has ever been made.

[@saerain]

*analyses 🧐

[@benfrancois7856]

This is true said the blind man to the def man lol I'm just kidding yes max is by far on of my favorite KZbinrs

[@Indi_51]

You got that right, and I adore it! Dang, the script is genius!

[@HyLo-rule]

i laughed way too hard at "autism fueled masterpiece"

[@Hoodmangames]

I'm 31 and still love these old zelda games. I played them as a child. My parents bought majoras mask and we kids couldn't play it until they beat it. This game will always bring me back to those days. It's so cool to hear you explaine a childhood favorite with such depth.

[@baddragonite]

To be honest even though the devs didn't fully envision a timeline at the beginning I think it's one of the most "Tolkien esque" stories out there, meaning in the sense that it's meant to feel like a magical but existing world with cultures and languages and so on and evoke similar feelings to a religious experience in the same way Tolkien's work does The Hyrule historian trilogy of books are also just great display pieces for a shelf

[@benfrancois7856]

je suis d'accord, c'est sûr, j'aime beaucoup le nouveau jeu vidéo Zelda même si je n'y ai pas encore joué. Je sais que j'aimerais bien y jouer. Je n'ai joué qu'à quelques jeux Zelda Nintendo mais j'aime la plupart d'entre eux.

[@burningbronze7555]

Trilogy of books?

[@jaidens.g.1920]

@@burningbronze7555 Hyrule Historia, Arta & Artifacts, and the Zelda Encyclopedia. Conveniently, the main colors of the books are green, red, and blue, respectively

[@ZeranZeran]

I'm sorry, I mean this with 0 hatred or negativity. Do people really have a religious experience from Tolkien's writing? I've felt that way with a few video games, as silly as that may sound. This makes me want to read my first Tolkien book. It sounds like a wonderful feeling to discover through reading.

[@ZeranZeran]

@@jaidens.g.1920 I can't believe I never noticed that! Just like Din, Nayru, and Farore. How cool.

[@MBulteau]

Great analysis! I always felt that Link falling down into Termina had hints of lower world vs higher world mythology to it as well. Just as Skyward Sword references the story of the buddha in paradise and the spider's thread down to hell in the cistern where a rope leads all the way down to a lower, darker world with monsters. Skull Kid is also said to have "returned to the heavens" by Granny when she's telling the story about how the four giants expelled him. If Termina is a lower world, then Hyrule, as the world above, seems to be its "heavens."

[@HighPriestFuneral]

I had the same thought as well, Lockstin and Gnoggin did a fantastic video some years ago about the connections between Termina and Lorule from A Link Between Worlds, it's a fascinating look, to be sure.

[@TheChowderr]

If you're gonna continue with zelda, Twilight princess is a gem for analysis, such a great story

[@Psychokyuubi666]

Agreed :)

[@felipedonadon7039]

I just wanted to make a quick note: when you talk about the Fierce Deity looking like Link and equate some similarity with this to Atman-Brahman and later with this to a Buddha's Dharmakaya, I see one particular "inconsistency", which lies in the fact that the principal means that the Buddha taught to reach supreme enlightenment was "Anatman" or "no-self", as opposed to "atman" in Brahmanism. Therefore, when you compared both of them together as similar, I pondered if, deep down, such comparison between Buddhism and Hinduism could be drawn so closely, because of these fundamentally distinct (and opposed) concepts as their core. Overall, your videos are always spectacular and thank you for making me ever more interested to be looking into video game culture and our religious experiences. Peace.

[@ieatmud24]

i also like the thought of link giving up all his masks in exchange for the fierce deity mask as a pretty direct metaphor for parting with earthly attachments to reach enlightenment. i'm sure this was stated elsewhere, i'm just excited haha. super cool video!

[@calcinatoir]

Yeah that’s definitely the bodhi tree. It’s said when Siddartha Gautama attained enlightenment the whole world erupted with blossoming lotuses. If you check at 17:30 that tree definitely has what look like a few white lotus flower blossoms sprouting from it. Cool!

[@Goose683]

Really fascinating to hear this kinda interpretation. Usually you hear about how Termina is the 5 stages of grief.

[@Galamoth06]

But that's just a theory...!

[@IgorLollatoTrevs]

.... A GAME THEORY!!!!! XDDD

[@Medicalguy]

Easier when we are western. These folks grew up saturated in this culture and it seem to have subconsciously injected it into their work.

[@Thekidfinesse1]

It’s all connected friend

[@RhumpleOriginal]

Maybe, taking a shot in the dark here, maybe link needed to experience the 5 stages first hand and provide peace to get to his own enlightenment. (Making this up as I go) link is never the person in any game to say he can't do anything or let tragedy get in his way to be a hero. Termina would be the only way for him to actually experience those stages.

[@KaliYuga2049]

You didn't mention the fact that majora's final form gets a Third Eye

[@thatkodochagirl]

Wow!!!!! I absolutely love this analysis and the connections here. This could be one of the underlying reasons why this game speaks to so many people...the concept of letting go of our attachments and achieving enlightenment is something deeply rooted in many ancient religious teachings. This desire exists within all of us, I believe. Amazing work!!!! ❤

[@Sronmar]

It does speak to a lot of people. 🙃

[@tntradernox3654]

I can’t recall if I actually wrote it in the comments when you did the survey, but I remember thinking that you were brave (or foolish) to tackle a LoZ game. When it comes to contradicting someone’s personal head-canon, the LoZ community can be one of the most toxic. But this was a very satisfying analysis and I feel like it gave a concrete meaning behind the symbolism of the fierce deity in particular. And even if someone doesn’t agree, this analysis is a great jumping off point to build on. Great job as always!

[@harrymasononvacation]

Now THIS is some synchronicity! I literally just got the itch a day ago to play Majora's Mask and Link's Awakening, and here you are Max! Glad you're going through these, and PLEASE check out Link's Awakening.

[@isaacmcdonald5780]

I’d like to add, the center Myo-o, Fudo Myo-o is the patron saint of swordsmen in Japanese Buddhism. His Sanskrit name is Akalanantha or the immovable one, and he upholds Buddhist law. He is also an incarnation of the Hindu god Shiva. This is such a cool video, I always appreciated the themes of good deeds and ascension in this game- after getting into eastern mysticism later in life it brings me joy to see my favorite game as a kid being a gateway to this path. Great video, definitely subscribing!

[@ChateauLonLon]

For your first shot at a Zelda video, this is pretty great :) There's actually a line from one of the Business Scrubs that seems to refer to the Fierce Deity and its frightening demon-repellant visage. "Rumor has it, demons aren't afraid unless they see something that looks the same as themselves."

[@an3582]

Doomguy!

[@tristanneal9552]

Wow, this video was fantastic! The best ive seen on MM. As far as Zelda goes, Skyward Sword is known for some notable religous influence; Dragon dieties, Japanese Magatama, and an entire Buddhist temple come to mind.

[@mcturkey7932]

the fact that you've only really just started to get into the series and already you sound like an expert and have something to add to the lore and discussion is a big achievement, keep up the good work!

[@Jonathan-Anderson]

Majora's Mask is my favorite game of all time. And i must say, it brings me great pleasure to see a wholesome interpretation that I've never heard of before. What an amazing video.

[@metalcorpseman5433]

I never equated the Fierce Deity sword with a lemniscate. That was a new outlook for me. I always associated it with the double helical shape of DNA.

[@appleihate5678]

When you spoke of the 5 elements of Buddhism (Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, and Void) it reminded me that those are the exact elements represented in the game Legend of Dragoon. I think your analysis of that game would be intriguing.

[@d8dknee8rjdje8]

The fact that videos still come out trying to analyze this game 23 years after its release... Quite a game.

[@Yan_Alkovic]

This is my second-favourite Zelda Game, so I'm very happy to have seen what you had to say about and I was pleasantly surprised that it was Buddhism of all things that permeated the theming in this one! Twilight princess would be my pick for the next Zelda game TBH.

[@nat_sukashii]

I am happy to see old games videos from Max! As I am currently playing Majora's Masks I'll keep this video for later but I will still do my part for the algorithm~ 💛

[@BioAlpha5]

Ya know this has huge Alchemy Shinto and Godai connections especially in Tears of the Kingdom. I made a Alchemy Part 1 video before tears came out and Working on a Sequel video about it even and this video popped up, making me realize most what i said in my video or my current research, i feel like im onto something! Thank you! Great watch and i love your content, it inspires me to do better on my own editing and research!

[@MikhailDaken]

Really appreciate the conclusion. I grew up between London and Sri Lanka, the latter of which has Buddhism as it's predominant religion. I played Majora's Mask while on vacation in Sri Lanka, during the Vesak Full Moon. It was such an esoteric piece of media representation that extended into such a unique real world celebration. Combined with the themes of the game, I look back on it with a fond, bittersweet magical playthrough experience.

[@deangajraj]

With a focus on the spiritual quest within Majora's Mask, this game goes beyond what a typical game might offer. Exploring themes rooted in Eastern philosophies, the introduction of the Fierce Deity Mask - a blend of Hindu and Buddhist concepts - reflects the idea of achieving 'the ultimate realization.' By wearing this metaphorical mask, Link is mirroring one's own journey towards Enlightenment. While masks serve as mere accessories in many games, Majora's Mask raises the question, 'What if one mask could give you everything?' The answer to this question being that you're left with only your truest self. #Zelda #MajorasMask #Philosophy

[@sameaston9587]

I love the alagorirs in MM. Another video essay said MM is a lesson on forgiveness. And what is forgiveness? Striving to let go, or detach, from negative feelings, so we become our best selves.

[@luca4464]

FINALLY you covered an analysis on my all time favorite series and for that I must thank you!!

[@gozololuzbacio2394]

Awesome, As for which zelda game to tackle next, i’d love to see stuff on wind waker and twilight princess too!

[@tomdekler9280]

Very pleased to see my face, or in this case the face of DJ Crazy Times, on KZbin again.

[@nochannelmusician769]

0:00 this totally applies to cinephiles and music nerds too. I’m both and I’ve never seen 2001: A Space Odyssey or listened to an album by The Who

[@JoyasInmaculadas]

I have to be honest, I was eating sardines on a toast while watching this and I could not follow. But your editing is on point and awesome, I agree with everything even if didn't actually understand. Your work is awesome!

[@floatingshoppinglist5193]

Humans always create things from their own experience of what is Love and what is Good. I love watching artists express themselves, watching the universe express itself through a human experience. Everytime its beautiful. the ups. the downs. the good. the bad. we all contribute, and artists express what the universe is in the most clear way to other fellow humans. there's always a message behind everything. no matter what you are consuming, because humans or other beings of life were behind it.

[@faustus333]

I've barely gotten into Zelda as well. Played almost all the way through Ocarina back in the day but that's it. I'm def checking out MM after watching this! A couple minor but fun tidbits: the color scheme thing is a thing across cultures and beliefs. The specific connotations they rep may change, but it's almost always those colors representing elements, directions, etc. The fourfold thing which the fifth encompasses. The symbols on "wrathful diety" Link's chest: The upward triangle can mean many things, but one of which is elemental fire, which is sometimes seen as a stand-in for spirit (the white) or at least the element 'closest' to spirit. And the crecsent moon, besides everything you mentioned can be a symbol for the buddha itself which has escaped Samsara. On many visual depictions of Samsara like the ones you showed here, you can find the Buddha standing next to the crescent moon, outside of the cycle, pointing the way to enlightenment. Great vid, as always!

[@neryxeldra5093]

When I see your videos pop up I always like before watching because all your work has been great.

[@maxderrat]

YESSS! Thank you!

[@muddywolfpaws6896]

I love how even as a kid I felt like I somehow picked up on the fact that this game represented something sacred. And now the older I get and the more we analyze it all feels so meaningful. Such a cool & amazing feeling, and grateful to share it with you all

[@arjouuh7129]

This is really nice timing, I've been looking for Majora's content recently and I find this video that was just uploaded 😁

[@Uberwenis]

I gotta say, as a guy who loves the art of storytelling, I love your channel for always reminding me what classics I'm still missing. I just started Lost last week btw. There's just too damn many things and never enough time.

[@flyingtypetrainer4072]

Awesome analysis and great video! So thrilled to hear you're playing Zelda. I love your videos, so this video in my feed was such a treat to see. Appreciate your work,- keep it up!

[@IgorLollatoTrevs]

Majoras mask is one of my favorite top games ever alongside with Legend of Mana and Castlevania SoTN. Soooo happy to see that you made a video about it ^^ Cheers! PS: You just blew my mind!

[@seanchan4478]

I saw dragon's dogma on the bottom, Matt knows of its existence confirmed!

[@Amy_Dunn]

I don't think Termina completely disappeared at the end, considering that the end credits show a town celebrating and link leaving. Considering that there is a Zelda title that all takes place in a dream, that came out before Majora's Mask, which made it clear it was in a dream, and that the world would end as soon as Link woke up. Unless they made it obvious that Termina was a dream world, it would be more likely that it's a real place that Link moves on from, and find his way home.

[@terror52]

Very happy you decided to tackle zelda. I hope you enjoyed them. I think twighlight princess would be the best one to tackle next.

[@Tricolossus]

Excelent analysis, it was brilliant

[@wizcatcheslightning]

Excellent watch! I think you can make more than a few hermetic connections to Skyward Sword once you play through all of that.

[@maxderrat]

Yeah! Apparently there are some Buddhist references there too, which Gaming University (the KZbinr who helped review my script) pointed out to me. Might be doing a video on the triforce.

[@wizcatcheslightning]

@@maxderrat Gaming University is a good dude. Excited to see what you two will do when Alan Wake 2 comes out. But yeah, there’s definitely some philosopher stone/emerald tablet vibes coming from Skyward Sword.

[@CircleOfTheSeptagram]

The Lokapala are also depicted in LaMulana as the wise men. I didn't know from what that term originated. Thanks for the vid!

[@benfrancois7856]

I know this is way off topic but why hasn't anyone made a movie out of Metal Gear Solid The Metal Gear Solid movie will be directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, best known for his role in directing Kong: Skull Island, The Kings of Summer, and more.Mar 3, 2023 i literally just looked this up right after i already posted this i can't believe they are actually making a metal gear solid movie its about time i just hope we get to hear max talk about in one if his video's some day because if max does make a video about it than we know it was a great and profound movie 😊

[@gamearcane]

Great video as always! The past few years have had a great boom of esoteric analysis of games and Zelda does consistently end up towards the top of the list. Skyward Sword also has several connections to Buddhism and the more I think about it the more I can see it in others of the series too. I don't think there is much to laugh at about the presence of the 4 classical elements, other than how powerful they can be! Going from OoT to MM is kind of like a turning point in the series from 3 to 4 and it sort of vibrates in this area often. Water and Fire are so strongly opposed they commonly stay separate, but there is some limitlessness of the conjunction or distinction between heaven and earth where their oscillation often makes them appear as one.

[@stoi5946]

Awesome analysis, keep it up Max!

[@jazzyj7834]

I'm so ecstatic that you are doing a Majora's Mask video.

[@matt2027]

I had the thought some time ago that instead of Link putting on the Fierce Deity mask, the Fierce Deity should have taken off his Link mask.

[@WingZeroSymphonics]

Great work. I’m glad you got to enjoy the series.

[@thetalantonx]

Thank you for another great video. It's a joy and honor to be able to support you.

[@zoellopez5930]

Loved the video! I suggest you tackle Link's Awakening. Or, if you want to be further ambitious, a full psychological introspection into the Hero of Time.

[@Hank19999]

I hope you cover more Zelda games in the future 💜

[@SGBD8933]

Very synchronistic I needed to hear this today from 8:33 Onwards.. I had already begun the video last week but, didn't watch it all and forgot about it.. From here on is where it resonated with me 10:02 The use of Masks and attaining your higher true self. Bravo sir! 👏

[@itsasecrettoeverybody]

Usually Zelda games don't have too much symbolism to dissect like Majora's mask. But I do believe you will like twilight princess. Link's awakening is one that maybe you can find some correlations with real world mythos. It's short too. Lost of games in the series have some references to Buddhism or Hinduism and eastern mythos in general, despite being a western themed franchise, skyward sword for example, but MM is a special case.

[@HighPriestFuneral]

This is an intriguing analysis, to be sure. I think you also see those four colors represented for the Giants themselves, tying the Fierce Diety to this White center is also highly fitting thematically for reasons you explained excellently. While I personally believe that Termina is its own world (there is no reason this journey towards enlightenment erases the people and places of Termina) for a fair number of reasons (historically based, high emotional states of characters, the Deku Butler's son), this theory is still highly applicable. Protective guardians actually protecting something is a lot more appealing to me than protective guardians existing in a frayed mindscape.

[@SaltedMallows]

Id like to see you cover the Hero's Shade from Twilight Princess

[@autumnmaru]

I'm not going to lie here, but over the zelda series there's a lot of homages to Buddhist culture. It isn't to far for a stretch to believe the same is for majoras mask to be one too. Far better than some theories, great video explaining the imagery unlike others.

[@dingus_maximus]

Excellent video as always! I know the whole series has frequently, and sometimes overtly, borrowed from Buddhism, but it’s still very interesting to hear specific connections. And of course you managed to bring new info to light. As for what game should come next, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them, but Skyward Sword seems like a good fit for your style of videos.

[@KryyssTV]

The entire problem with your analysis is that Aonuma stated in an Infogamer interview, following the release of MM, is that it is a distant land from Hyrule which "feels" like a parrallel world. Given that both the manuals and encyclopedias are not written by the developers and that Aonina was the main creative lead on the project his statement supercedes what is stanted in third party sources. As for the 3-day theory, this is nonesense as the game did originally have a four day cycle but due the very rushed development it was cut from the game, yet dtill accessible via glitches. The cycle itself was also not originally planned for the game at all, however when development was stalling several months in Yoshiaki Koizumi was pulled off of a seperate pet project (much to his disdain) which was focussed on interacting with people in a town as they went about their daily life scheduals. This became the many side quests, Bombers Notebook and the daily cycle we have in MM. Aonuma has also stated regarding the Fierce Diety Mask that it is the sum total of all the memories and emotions of people in Termina contained within all the other masks. The mask description says it contains a "dark energy" meaning that it does not conrain good emotions and memories. In Japanese folklore, it is said that especially violent and hateful people can become powerful ogre's known as Oni and the Fierece Deity form is also commonly known as Oni Link by eastern fans who understand the connection. However, this has recently been retconned in BotW as the sword is now said to be the source of the dark energy and said to once belong to a fierce deity While buddhist references are common in the Zelda series, the rushed development of MM ( which was made in just 9-12 months) would have meant very little planning was possible so any references are simply a consequence of the unconscious bias the artists and designers have towards symbolism within their own culture. It helps to not turn to the many theorists in the Zelda community when doing a serious analysis as many are far more interested in their own headcannon and spend their time inventing "theories" that are more like fan fiction than anything rooted in carefully researched facts.

[@lloxu]

Such an excellent video. Genuinely original ideas brought forth in an interesting way. I love that ending with the Fierce Deity's sword. For what game to do next, I think Link's Awakening may be a good fit. I've always been a big fan of that one and I think it would be a good fit for your style

[@bluesuzaku3229]

In Hinduism, it important note that an Atman does not become Brahman, The Supreme Absolute.

[@DrnMontemayor]

Ah, man. It feels really good seeing a youtuber explain this to people. Even before MM3D came out, I was in forums discussing this with plenty other people, and I'm so glad you brought it up. During the release of MM3D, they gave interviews that explained the Fierce Deity Mask, and one of the reason the 3D version has more narrative cohesion by making the Notebook include EVERYONE you can interact with that's marginally of consequence, is that the Fierce Deity IS the "negative" emotions of the people of Termina. Just amazing.

[@highbrednxtus]

Damn I can't imagine playing MM as an adult for the first time, welcome to the club! Sounds super cool since you probably caught so much even on first playthrough

[@s.e.n3264]

Majora's Mask is my favorite Zelda game. Zelda is my #1 game series of all time. I'm a gamer because of Zelda. I remember when Ocarina of Time came out back in the 90s.

[@RadiantMantra]

Thank you for talking about Vairocana, the whole vajrayana school of buddhism is extremely interesting and rich with culture

[@yesfredfredburger8008]

This is easily the most scholarly, academic lore video I’ve seen for the Zelda franchise

[@RwnEsper]

Great video Max! Since the "It Was All A Dream" trope was brought up in the video, I IMPLORE you to play Link's Awakening! I would also very much like to see you cover more SMT material; I'd be particularly interested in your takes on the 3DS games, especially Devil Survivor 1&2.

[@EndlessCycleOfPride]

I literally wanted to search up similarities between Zelda en Buddhism today and you posting this is godsend

[@spadeofpain24]

The moon also resemble the giants minus the limbs and facial hair. Making the Moon a "5th giant" of sorts, while Link becomes a huge version of himself as the Fierce Deity to imply being a "6th Giant".

[@Burning_Soup]

tbh i never understood why so many fans of the zelda series hate the idea that termina was created by skull kid/majora because Link's Awakening did the whole "it was all a dream" thing and everyones good with it.

[@SK3III3]

Never disappoints 🙏🏻

[@Inkdisc]

id think skyward sword would be a good candidate. theres mentions in it of a cycle of rebirth of the main villain, and an entire dungeon themed around buddhist hell

[@Psychokyuubi666]

I absolutely adore your Analysis into hidden meanings in many video games & series.

[@mTealeaf]

To the people saying "not everything in the world has to do with alchemy" should reconsider what they know about alchemy, just a thought..

[@danielg3918]

Excellent video! My choice for the next Zelda game would be Link's Awakening. That one never gets enough love

[@voxsouls]

I also very recently played through Majora's Mask, about a month ago. Between the four Zelda games that I had played all the way through (starting in April), I definitely feel that Majora's Mask was the most memorable and rich when it came to story. So many interpretations.

[@happysmilesworldandgames8755]

5:30 "we are perpetually traped. In a neve ending spiral of life and death" -2B

[@DJTS1991]

Phenomenal video, Max. People have been trying to analyse Majora's Mask for years. I was worried it was one of those pieces of fiction relegated to pile that's a little too esoteric, like Twin Peaks, but I'm both surprised and delighted you found something that meaningfully adds to the conversation. I can't wait until you do a deep dive into the acid trip that is Twin Peaks rip-off Deadly Premonition, just to see your response xDDDD

[@ZeranZeran]

Right when you brought up "Space" being one of the elements I said "OH MY GOD THE MOON" This is such a cool video Max. Thank you, sincerely. Some of my favorite content anywhere.

[@IrvingIV]

Link's Awakening would certainly be a treat.

[@TheMikepatota]

Love this video and I’m extremely excited to do a deep dive into all previous work.

[@Khan-ig5rx]

Great video, thank you. Majora's Mask came out when I was 9 and helped shape my personality, it will always be one of my absolute favorite games. I would love to see a video on Link's Awakening, it has a really interesting story that ties into dream myths, it's another one of my favorites.

[@Galamoth06]

Don't spoil it for him. A huge part of what makes Link's Awakening special is learning the truth organically as you play...

[@Khan-ig5rx]

@@Galamoth06 That's a good point, I guess I've played that game so much I just took the information for granted. I will edit my post.

[@Galamoth06]

@@Khan-ig5rx I didn't mean to sound so bossy, you didn't have to change it on my account. It is a very old spoiler that I agree most long-time Zelda fans probably take for granted, but there's still a chance Max has avoided it this long. It's kind of amazing these games were able to convey so much atmosphere and set a tone on such limited hardware.

[@Khan-ig5rx]

@@Galamoth06 Haha you're fine, I wasn't offended, you brought up a good point. And agreed, the small collection of vintage games I hold onto includes nearly every Zelda they made for the Gameboy and GBA. Link's Awakening always stuck with me, the connections to Eastern and Native American mythology are pretty interesting.

[@Galamoth06]

@@Khan-ig5rx The Oracle games are fantastic too. When I replay them I have no problem playing them back to back, then back to back again in reverse order. They're so good that four consecutive playthroughs aren't even tedious (for me, anyway).

[@KingOfDepravity]

This was wicked🕉️ Links awakening was really abstract, but I love Twilight Princess.

[@ThomasCapella]

Haven't even watched the video yet and I already gave it a like. This is a topic I've wanted someone to cover for years. Update: If you want a really interesting connection to eastern ideas I'd say do a video on Skyward Sword. Pretty much all Zeldas or at least most use a lot of Ideas from Shinto and Buddhism together and Skyward Sword has very strong connections. More than most Zelda games. If there is one thing I highly suggest when doing Zelda analysis videos is make sure you double check with the Japanese version of the game. A lot of times localization or censorship will change the meaning of the story or make it harder to understand. They use very specific wording in Zelda games and sometimes it gets cut from the English games. Skyward Sword is no exception.

[@Frogman1212]

Where are my fellow 9 guys who have never played GTA?

[@DJS05]

Im one

[@krisgetthebanana-]

Here

[@Kaisona2017]

Here.

[@SuperKracko]

Here

[@Phantom86d]

What does that strange acronym mean?!

[@mookkss1381]

Amazing video! Glad I found your channel. I would absolutely LOVE it if you did a similar video on Ocarina of Time

[@johnwebb4499]

Skyward Sword had good boss fights and music. Link's Awakening had good 2D Dungeons. Twilight Princess was good. Tears of The Kingdom is a must play.

[@drag0nchampi0n]

The fact that one of my favorite games of all time still gets attention and theory videos is amazing.

[@Aderon]

Twilight Princess is my recommendation for which Zelda title tackle next, since it makes several references to Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask as touchstones for one of its more interesting side quests. Though it may not be as thematically or narratively deep as Majora's Mask (I don't think any Zelda game is tbh), it has a lot to say in regards to the nature of one's spirit in ways that other Zelda games don't quite touch upon.

[@eawproductions]

Good job on the thumbnail, higher quality than all of mine.

[@chimerawizard5639]

Not sure which you should hit up next. I haven't played them all. Maybe Twilight Princess... Majora's Mask is possibly my favorite zelda. Probably because of the eastern mythology within it. Surprised you didn't mention achieving dao by freeing yourself of attachments (masks); thus gaining enlightenment into dao (fierce diety mask) Guess that might be a different eastern religion. Anyway, loved the video. Thank you for always putting out so much interesting content.

[@furyberserk]

This video and game theory's take on grief combined this into an extremely possibly very heavy handed but reasonable idea on the solutions of issues. Considering the 3 day cycle, it can represent the past, present and future, as well as a multiverse of possibilities, thus choices, upon which there are many paths to your goal, none of which are wrong and all filled with experiences. You will suffer, but you will get better. Find your path, keep moving forward, the only wrong answer is to regress with regret. Your limit is yourself. (My take on both vids and combining concepts)