How Zant's Neck Crack Killed Ganondorf (Zelda Theory)

[@BanditGames]

Who's your FAVORITE Zelda antagonist? Mine is either Ganondorf or the Skull Kid!

[@aboveaveragecat44]

Skull Kid for sure

[@synthetic_ivy]

hmmm skull kid ya

[@lowesgameing2003]

Skull kid hands down

[@jjcintrn706]

I liked chancellor chole from spirit tracks xD

[@Naithkenshin]

Vati

[@blazingmammoth3757]

Zant: “My neck’s been really bothering me.” Ganondorf: *softly* “Don’t.”

[@harryguidotti3815]

Zant: Just a sec, my Lord. Gotta take care of this. *Crack.* Ohhhh that feels so much better!

[@Mimi-San721]

Ganondorfand : wait dont- Also ganondorfand as a spirit: *sigh*

[@kingconniebonnie2178]

Nice office meme

[@vertex_chillz9464]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nXpmuKl9V2Y9k

[@breakingdecks1899]

Laughed way to hard at this

[@TheCatWatches]

This theory if true actually makes the ending more satisfying and makes Zant a cooler character than just a pawn.

[@jakereich2080]

His final way to atone for his sins :)

[@traitorlord7832]

That’s exactly what I was thinking

[@seanplayzgamez4782]

Zant is my favorite character in twilight princess by far

[@modragon1936]

Want to know something that makes you think he has more power than this thought that was not even a neck crack just a simple tilt 🤯

[@meediamongergamemodder2302]

oh he is a pawn but he killed his king out of spite for the way he trated him

[@santosjimenez8211]

I don't know what's more badass The fact that Zant killed Ganondorf even after death, Or the fact that Ganondorf was still standing with the Master Sword in his chest.

[@Noir_ODonnell]

For me, it’s the latter.

[@CutTheVioletWire]

@@Noir_ODonnell ah yes, I too think that ladders are far more badass. Nothing more badass than some good ol climbing.

[@donweatherwax9318]

Agree. It's very Helm Hammerhand of him.

[@spoontheguy5397]

It kinda reminds me of the story of Cu Culhain. Even after he died, he tied himself up to remain standing sword in hand against his enemy. It was only after a crow landed on his unmoving shoulder did his enemies gain the courage to approach his corpse. Even dead, Cu Culhain proceeded to cut off the hand of the first enemy who approached him. The raw, unrelenting power of a warrior who wouldn’t die without a fight. While Cu Culhain died protecting his home, Ganondorf died trying to usurp and keep his iron grip tight

[@lunalight4226]

I find the combination of the both makes it perfectly badass😎

[@PK-Radio]

Ganondorf: *loses to a farmer boy* Everyone on the death star when it exploded: *first time?*

[@lynic-0091]

LMAO

[@mrtoxicwasteland]

This is hilarious

[@asvoliesharvemasvolies9373]

Link: im a rancher not a farm boy!!

[@reddiamond66]

Ironically, Zant was the former learner turned master of Ganondorf’s fate.

[@dafilmqueen556]

Luke Skywalker and Link, farmer brothers from other mothers, forever bound together by defeating powerful villains and bound by destiny claiming this was meant all along..

[@ariestsuji4417]

“Over ten years ago” Me: actually it’s nearly fifte- *realises how quickly time is passing and has a crisis*

[@sajaak940]

It's been FIFTEEN years!? Guess I'll start working on my funeral arrangements.

[@zerozer0384]

i feel old rn

[@jaehaalexander1172]

No. No. NO. I AM NOT THIS OLD😭😭😭😭😭 Fifteen YEARS are you KIDDING ME?! Nooooooooooooo

[@fabi3790]

Really? How long for the Wii-version?

[@jaehaalexander1172]

@@fabi3790 that's the 15 years. 2006 was the original wii release date

[@jackysakura3098]

15 years later and were still trying figure out why ZANT OF ALL PEOPLE was there to end ganon life all to sudden LMAO

[@anonymousfellow8879]

Jacky Sakura As fun and epic TP is to play it’s...quite honestly a hotmess of plotholes.

[@dude7552]

@@anonymousfellow8879 Not really. It's just mysterious.

[@ShiruKitty]

your comment is at 666 likes.

[@TheGreatestCommenter]

14 years

[@danklord3387]

Flying Melon 🍉

[@Corbinhol]

Perhaps Evil people just need chiropractors.

[@shadowwhistle606]

Corbin Holcombe it’s true Sometimes they need one to crack their neck back in place

[@Trisepta777]

Bad people need bad people?

[@MaddesG1]

They arw just too tense and edgy

[@Cometstarlight]

Hey, antagonists have back issues too

[@jongameaddict]

For REAL, remember Bowser's Inside Story?

[@dissonanceparadiddle]

Remember zant said if you kill me my god will resurrect me

[@BanditGames]

I bet Ganondorf can taste the irony

[@Schregger]

Ganondorf: CURSE YOU IRONY!!! **blegh**

[@JapriAjmi718]

Schregger and do the cycle of the hero with the spirit of the irony and the princess with the blood of the prank be reincarnated time and time again

[@keithbellic2629]

Dissonance Paradiddle I think that he revived him, and that's also why he had such a say in Ganondorf's request. Which would be ironic, Zant was promised infinite revivals but the moment he gets a chance to rid himself of sharing the power he betrays Ganondorf and dorf's request.

[@Espartanica]

@@BanditGames Yeah, blood is full of iron after all

[@kamfrayre6789]

"If there is anything you desire, then I shall desire it, too" Zant desired Ganondorf's death because after losing against Link, he felt betrayed and abandoned by the false God Who promised him power. He didnt come to his aid when he was about to die. So when Ganondorf Was in his final moments as well, and felt abandoned by the triforce, Zant appeared and desired to see him die, betraying him Just as he did.

[@butter7790]

To be honest, I kinda feel sorry for Zant. When he said that his people's emotions were slowly decading as time went on, you can tell It wasn't a happy memory for him. At the end of the day, he only wanted freedom, being able to feel what everyone called happiness. He wanted justice. And Ganon took advantage of him

[@awendigowithinternetaccess4400]

THIS.

[@BlaecOleander]

The road to hell is paved with good intentions, i guess

[@yoshineitor]

Pretty sure the Twili knew they didn't have business in Hyrule anymore, the light straight kills them. Midna also hints that Zant was mostly lusting for power, and fearing that he could lead his people into war with Hyrule (as he just does later), they denied him the throne. Yes, Ganondorf took advantage of him but it means that an evil guy (he wanted war) was being taken advantaged of by a more evil guy.

[@jamarcusdavis4023]

This kinda ties into a theory I've had about Zant for a while now. Remember how Zant mentioned that as long as Ganon was alive, he would resurrect him without cease? What if he meant that literally? What if Ganon and Zant had a psychic link of sorts? That as long as Ganon was alive, Zant could never truly die? So when Midna "killed" Zant with the Fused Shadows, it destroyed his body, but his soul lived on. And like you said, Zant watched Ganon's callous disregard for him and his people, causing him to lose faith in the one he once revered as a god. So when Ganon was at death's door, Zant used the last of his power to deal the final blow to Ganon in a final act of vengeance against this false god. Theories like this really make me wish they'd bring back Zant in a future game. It would be interesting to see him be the main villain without Ganon.

[@clayxros576]

Lord knows he's spiteful enough to come back

[@Vic_714]

yeah like tp2 fuck botw title. we need another dark story telling tp game!

[@jovamoment]

But he would be dead because Gannon was also dead to, sorry if I am wronh

[@Alpha-kt4yl]

@@jovamoment I don't think Zant would care about his own death

[@JuggernautFit]

Maybe Zant didn't really die, and Ganon fused with him at the end, killing his own body which was defeated. Then living on in Zants body

[@sydc3667]

So basically this scene is the "Then Perish" conversation.

[@vertex_chillz9464]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nXpmuKl9V2Y9k

[@nine_bone_nick]

This is actually a brilliant theory. There are so many unexplained scenes in Twilight Princess that I would love to see you cover as well. This discussion blew me away.

[@Mangaka-Knight]

What scenes are those? I love to hear it. Twilight Princess is my favorite Zelda game, well besides Breath of the Wild.

[@Decapitationtrain]

Just showing how bad the plot is.

[@DanJuega]

@@Decapitationtrain nah

[@russellharrell2747]

Twilight Princess had a very convoluted development history, with one such example of many changes being at one time Zant was the main villain, but Ganon was added late. Also at one time the game was rumored to have been a prequel to Wind Waker, depicting the events of the Great Flood.

[@anonymousfellow8879]

Russell Harrell A WW prequel? That would’ve been amazing. And also a game without Link. Which I’m all for...but the fanbase would predictably riot, so, probably why that got scrapped. But, a game where you play as Zelda or the Sages? Or an actual subject (who isn’t Link or Zelda or a Sage) but still chooses to try? Outset kinda sparked a tradition of them.

[@shrodu]

Based on your theory, I'd like to think that he does try to use his power to revive...but remembers why he can't...he gave his power to the "pathetic" Zant who had bit the dust, meaning that he can't even retrieve that power because Zant is dead. In his very final moment, Ganondorf doesn't see Zant's ghost. He remembers that he gave that final piece of energy to that "pathetic" childish boy that got wasted. That reserve energy was gone and he didn't save any energy for the event of his death, forgetting that his reserve was now in deceased Zant. So he dies...his tank hits the E. It's like...you're on a road trip. You meet a broken down car with a guy needing gas. You give him your spare gas that's in a can in your backseat. He uses it up...you never see him again as you go on your way. You're out in the middle of nowhere and your gas is low...you thought you had more, but now it's low...but it's fine, right? You were prepared. You have that gas can in the....back.....seat...........which you gave to that other guy....who had trouble with his car.....You curse yourself for giving away that gas as now...you're the one stranded instead.

[@hajilee4539]

I like this theory more. Doesn't really describe why his neck cracked though.

[@blindmelon2007]

@@hajilee4539 Because Zant used the triforce of power to do it maybe?

[@ZoarTwili]

This make MORE and official sense. If you have knowledge of symbology, you will know that this scene makes sense beyond the eye's vision.

[@Keijo_]

Idk man, I'm not sure about the triforce of power running out of.. power

[@aliceandrade7164]

@@Keijo_ I say it's more about Ganondorf now running out of power and the triforce gave up on him cause of that, it would be like if Link stooped being brave or Zelda being smart, that way the triforce in lack of their respectives virtues gave up on them

[@wolfenergy17]

I always thought that one line "I shall house my power in you" was the whole reason why Zant's creepy neck crack finally offed Ganondorf. That line showed that the two were connected at some deep level and Zant was able to take control of Ganondforf at that last moment where Ganondorf was the weakest and managed to kill the so called "god" after Zant died with no help and was not missed by his "god". The many sublayers of Ganondorf's death are fascinating! Twilight Princess is definitely in my top three favorite games of all time. There has been nothing like it since.

[@jerryseinfield9609]

Your argument could be correct because not only did we see Ganondorf house his power into Zant, but Zelda temporarily did the same thing to Midna for Midna’s safety!!!!!!!

[@SneakyPlagueBringer]

Wait doesn't that mean tha only link has the full piece of his triforce within himself ? So he is the most powerfull of the three too

[@enternamehere7942]

@@SneakyPlagueBringer even without the triforce link could kick some ass so we all know who truly is the most powerful Character

[@aviatorhawk37]

@@enternamehere7942 t i n g l e

[@jakereich2080]

underrated comment mnb heart this comment ^^ :)

[@AZodiacCancer]

@@aviatorhawk37 Koo Loo Limpa!

[@SylvainCosmos]

Ganondorf: *loses his battle with Link * Zant: Wow, dude....just, wow. And you were my god. *cue the neck crack *

[@vertex_chillz9464]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nXpmuKl9V2Y9k

[@josephjackson1956]

The sound effect for breaking bones usually comes from snapping and breaking vegetables like celery and carrots.

[@juniorsr197]

I love this lol, I actually considered doing this as a job and I still do want to

[@renegade7357]

For me personally, the best neck break in popular culture has to be Bruce Lee's Character killing the giant (played by Kareem Abdul Jabbar.) towards the end of my favourite Bruce Lee movies, Game Of Death.

[@nullpoint3346]

It's not bone breaking, it's popping the air bubbles in the joints. Nitrogen gas in your body's natural lubricant.

[@juliandebrouwer9118]

@@nullpoint3346, he means the sound recording for the game, not actual bones.

[@nullpoint3346]

@@juliandebrouwer9118 The sound they're replicating is the popping sound.

[@Silversky1113]

I could see this as a possibility. Ganondorf made Zant a part of him. Through Zant, Ganondorf was able to travel through the twilight realm, and through Ganondorf, Zant was able to travel the light realm. They became a part of one another. In a way, it's kind of like Voldemort creating horcruxes; he stored his power in other little pockets for him to retrieve when needed. The neck cracking in this context could also symbolize Zant not only breaking his connection to Ganon, but his own life as well, thus severing the flow of power.

[@LonelySpaceDetective]

I've forgotten the details from what I read about this scene and its intent (I think the whole thing was inspired by something in Shintoism? idr), but I believe the idea you outlined here about Ganondorf and Zant's lives being linked is what they were going for.

[@LonelySpaceDetective]

Did some digging to try and find what I was thinking of, and found a GameFAQs post by a "flameheadshero": "There's also theories that you can look up about Zant being a parallel to Japanese Onmyoji. I don't know a lot about it myself so I probably have a lot of this wrong as I try to explain what I've looked up so if anyone wants to correct me, please do. The word Onmyoji apparently means something along the lines of "master of ying and yang" which is similar to "king of light and twilight" which is said in the game. Onmyoji were practitioners of magic and divination that served royalty - much like Zant served the royal family of the Twilight Realm and apparently they got their power by binding their souls to that of a shikigami which is a spirit or deity, much like Ganondorf appeared to Zant as a god. And if you do an image search of an onmyoji, it seems that this is the most common depiction: [URL redacted because KZbin, but you can probably find it] Which I can't help but notice is similar to Zant. The large robe and long sleeves and the tall hat that Zant's helmet mimics in a way. They have a very similar silhouette." The tl;dr here it seems is that Ganondorf granting Zant his power tied their lives together, and the neck crack is Zant breaking that tie and thus allowing each other to die.

[@Zero-gl2ou]

So stand?

[@lazyliongames5858]

Ganondorf: help Zant: "snap crackle pop" Ganondorf: **straight up deleted**

[@LunaP1]

😂😂

[@aidenmichaels4825]

wall of text wall of text wall of text wall of text

[@ajgameguy3674]

Poor bastard's soul got hit with the eviction notice and dipped.

[@Brendanowl]

Well his evil desires were reincarnated into a new ganondorf, due to demise's curse, but ok.

[@trevdeesciple3324]

I’m pretty sure 10000 years will give you such a crick in the neck.

[@mysticgamer8783]

Ah, I see what you did there. Lol!

[@curtisleblanc5897]

"I understood that reference."

[@vertex_chillz9464]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nXpmuKl9V2Y9k

[@wilfredolazo3122]

Why do I feel like it’s a familiar reference

[@Griffj85]

I still miss him terribly.

[@ChristyTina22]

I've actually thought along similar lines. Remember when Zant was about to die he said that his God would not hesitate to revive him?

[@vertex_chillz9464]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nXpmuKl9V2Y9k

[@cyberiancheesehead]

"Wait, it's all Zant?" *cocks gun* "Always has been."

[@Attaxalotl]

Skyward sword time: "Wait, it's all ghirahim?" *cocks gun* "Always has been" The entire series was because of that guy.

[@apocollama]

"Wait, it's all Zant?" *Cracks Neck* Always has been

[@lukenotlucas2428]

Wind Waker time “Wait, its all Tetra?” *cocks gun* always has been

[@eeveeboi7174]

@@apocollama *necks crack* been has always

[@harryguidotti3815]

Botw 2. "Wait. It's all mummified Ganondorf?" *Dehydrated Neck Crack* "Always has been."

[@joshuatendoornkaat8558]

I love your theory. I always loved the symbolism in this scene. I always interpreted it like this: Ganondorf abused zant, and used him as a tool for his own good. Now that ganondorf's power is failing him, he sees his former underling standing before him, now apparently more powerful than ganondorf himself. This functions as a final humiliation to ganondorf's arrogance, only moments before his death.

[@astrealbrizbee9815]

I always took Zant's action as him going "I'm not going to revive you again, I'll proceed to uninstall myself now" and did just that.

[@astrealbrizbee9815]

To add in, Ganondorf found Zant in the Twili Realm and made a deal with him to get out through Zants help, he assumed his minion would help once again before Zant straight up went "I'm not fighting Link again, bye"

[@arempy5836]

I just came here to say that Zant looks like Benedict Cumberbatch

[@kitkatboard]

I hate this but this is so true.

[@PMMillard]

@@kitkatboard Benedict cumberbatch with a bowl cut.

[@ParalyzedQueen]

Omg I can't, hahahaha.

[@eeveeboi7174]

zanedict twilitbatch

[@strawberrymilksoup]

he fucking does and you just ruined my whole month

[@raen5256]

I haven't heard a discussion on this in such a long time, this is gonna be good!

[@TheREALSimagination]

So how was it?

[@traitorlord7832]

I can tell you ahead of time that this comment is accurate

[@nos1000100]

Gannondorf: "Please! I need your power to revive me, Ill give you the world!" Zant: "HA! NOPE!" (moves head to the side and smiles)

[@charleschamp9826]

Zant: "How the fuck you gonna give me what you don't own?"

[@KevinToadstool]

This wasn’t even funny.

[@specterbektormektor8615]

Final flash

[@ValensBellator]

I never fully understood the zant scene, but I always felt it was one of the coolest villain deaths I’ve ever come across. It was so sudden and unexpected, and also felt somehow karmic, like a figure of Greek tragedy whose own hubris surprises him in his last moments. It was almost sad. They nailed it imo

[@colineadesyeux]

I'm two years late, but I love the comparison to the Greek tragedy, I feel like it works and sound good in this context, he sealed his own death by doing what he did with Zant and his death was inevitable

[@KingCudii17]

I always thought it was because Ganondorf gave Zant like 10% of his power. At that time Ganon was about to tap into that last 10% but then remembered he gave it to Zant. Then he remembered Zant is dead therefore he should be dead, hence the neck cracking

[@Goddot]

We do see ghosts in TP though, which would validate it being the actual dead Zant and not a metaphor.

[@FMHikari]

"If there is anything that you desire, i shall desire it as well" Zant: i want you dead Ganondorf: *dead ganon face*

[@vertex_chillz9464]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nXpmuKl9V2Y9k

[@whocaresitsaNameSgotu]

@@vertex_chillz9464 stfu bot

[@name2123]

@shark_eater09 this is what I think happened since Ganondorf and Zant are linked him snapping his neck made Ganondorf snap his neck

[@scp7375]

"in a legendary 1 on 1" where the farmer beats him with a fishing rod XD

[@purplestar322]

Agreed

[@rustkarl]

To be fair OoT Ganondorf could be beaten with a bottle...

[@vertex_chillz9464]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nXpmuKl9V2Y9k

[@DrBeauHightower]

I represent this one

[@LardLadLoser]

Lol

[@VerdantBBX]

Lmao bruh good to see ya Can you come work on my back? Pretty sure I have scoliosis xD

[@dragonbane001]

LMAO WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE DOC? Who knew he was a Zelda fan.

[@razzaashand3962]

Was you here for the killer neck crack?

[@wnrr2696]

Was not expecting you to be here but I’m pleased to see dots connect. Please assist, man down, TMJ

[@GameMasterKyro]

It was always my theory that Ganondorf was already on the verge of death and that the power of the Triforce was seeming to awaken again and revive him, yet it failed, and that Zant's presence was a mere vision as he was about to pass into the beyond. Note that Ganondorf's Triforce symbol fades *before* he sees this vision; therefore, its power has already left him. As Ganondorf was about to leave the mortal world, he saw the image of a man he used and abused for his own selfish ends, one who witnessed what transpired after his death through the afterlife. Zant's neck crack, as part of my theory, wasn't something that actually "killed" Ganondorf, but rather was him preparing to exact his revenge on Ganondorf, and the fear in Ganondorf's eyes as he dies may be indicative of this. Ganondorf seems to believe that what places him above Zant is the power of the Triforce, based on his monologue before he possesses Zelda, so without it he and Zant should be on equal terms, which means that if Zant were to actually get serious (which he clearly is) then he would be a dire threat in battle against a Ganondorf bereft of the Triforce. So Zant intends to make Ganondorf suffer on an entirely new level for all of eternity, and Ganondorf's death is the mere beginning of that suffering. As far as what happened to the Triforce, it's tied to the mortal world, so Ganondorf, about to pass into the afterlife, cannot take it with him, but I assume it would be passed on to his reincarnation. But that leaves the question: Why was Ganondorf's situation different now from when he was being executed? If I had to guess, I would say either that only the Master Sword can truly terminate him, since that was its original purpose, or that it was a combination of the Master Sword and the Triforce of Courage, because only those chosen by the gods can slay him. I believe that being impaled by the Master Sword may have been a continual drain on his power so that, even if he tried to revive himself using his Triforce of Power, it exceeded the limit of the Triforce, or possibly even terminated his connection to it. As the blade of evil's bane, or the sword that seals the darkness, naturally it should be the sole weapon capable of ending Ganondorf's reign, which is supported by Ocarina of Time's ending where the only weapon that can be used to deal the final blow is the Master Sword.

[@lowesgameing2003]

Okay so let's try and solve a riddle together... Who gave dehydrated mummified Gannondorf some water?

[@generaljimmies3429]

That would explain why EVERYONE is so thirsty for Re-Hydrated Gannondorf ;)

[@revan0890]

Thirsty fan girls.

[@lowesgameing2003]

@Katherine McKinney wait isn't the windmill man dead. He was alive all the way back in ocarina of time when Gannondorf was old enough to be Link's father.

[@killablue1279]

@@lowesgameing2003 well maybe sided with G-man and was granted temporary immortality

[@anonymousfellow8879]

killa blue Or he got reincarnated, or has a descendent who suspiciously has the same name/face/personality. (Which, there’s a Windmill Guy in Oracle of Seasons intentionally playing the Song of Storms on his phonograph, so...)

[@RwanLink]

Ganondorf got the triforce in TP thanks to Zelda from Oot. At the end she sent Link back in time but Link still has the triforce of courage so the last 2 pieces of the triforce split and went to the other choosen ones. Zelda and Ganondorf. I think that Ganondorf didn't even know he had the triforce of power in TP until his execution. And I agree with the fact that Xant and Ganondorf were Linked in TP. Xant put a end to the link between them and doing this killed Ganondorf.

[@truelionofhylia8437]

Link killed the Dark Lord Ganondorf with the Master Sword by stabbin' his chest. Maybe Zelda was like, "I'm speechless at how Link, a young 17-year-old villager could save us by killin' Ganondorf in the last duel to end this war with the courage to protect his loved ones AND the strangers, courage with the righteous justice ta save both worlds." Link did the finishin' blow. That's what made the Triforce of Power leave his right hand. Then Zant's spirit was snappin' his own neck as a mockery. Maybe it was like, "This farm boy killed ya with the sacred sword. AND got the Triforce of Power ta leave yer right hand. Y'ain't so tough now, are ya, boss? Here. One last insult before the time the sword kills ya." Maybe Ganondorf's face was like, "Wha? Even after this boy kills me with the Master Sword, you mock yer master by snappin' yer own neck as a mockery against me with yer betrayal? I'm unpleasantly surprised by this mockery. Offended. Insulted." Link AND the Master Sword finished the job, Zant's spirit was snappin' his own neck in a vision as a mockery that could be like, "Yain't so tough now, are ya, boss?" Link 'n' Zelda bowed their heads in respect. Link saw Midna again when she was restored to her beautiful self. He was relieved that she was safe. Maybe he was like, "I'm so happy that you's OK! I dunno what was gonna happen if you wasn't!"

[@GabrielusPrime]

Actually, from what I understand it's implied in The Wind Waker that OoT!Link DIDN'T have the Triforce of Courage after he came back in time, given that WW!Link has to collect all the pieces of it, and it's stated that they were left there when the Hero of Time left...

[@albedo4008]

Before watching the video: i rember reading somewhere is that ganon give zant his power or a part of it and affer zant died some of his power was stil in ganon cause they someqaht mixed thier powers and zants cracking up a cold one is him killing himself inside ganon and cause thier powers are one he died

[@leonardopeloso5662]

I think it's just something "poetical". When Ganondorf was dying, he tries to use the triforce of power, but sees Zant looking at him from the other side, and then he knows that it's the end. It's like Zant was saying: "Soon you will be here with me".

[@HexagonThatReallyLikesVinegar]

what if zant was just stretching after he woke as a spirit and accidentally killed ganon.

[@Arob4343]

6:03 helps this theory. Anything Zant desires, Ganondorf shall desire it, too.

[@subtlegong2817]

And now I have “Ganondorf Rehydrated” in my search history

[@caucasoidape8838]

Funny stuff

[@BaronessAnicca]

i dont regret searching that 😳

[@DarthFennec]

This is more or less what I thought was happening when I first played, and I was surprised to see that other people hadn't considered it. It's a great theory, it makes this sequence more impactful and it completes Zant's character arc, making his inclusion in this game more than simply a bait-and-switch. I love it.

[@amazingduck8735]

Alternative ending: ganon didnt die from zant he stepped on a lego

[@bear06260]

*shudders* That would be the worst way to die!

[@unicornsoup1374]

I’m just gonna believe this.

[@Brendanowl]

The scream would be the same.

[@acuddlyheadcrab]

Wall of text warning The triforce of Power goes to whoever is believed in the most. Ganondorf used to believe very strongly in himself, and that allowed him to wield this part of the triforce. When he cheated death once and subsequently got banished to a dimension where he has no body, he started believing that someone else could do his bidding better than him, if he gave them some of his power. Therefore he began to believe less in himself in partially in Zant. And yet Ganondorf's villianous attitude (maybe he's not used to interacting with other males?) meant he treated Zant like a pawn, and it bit him in the behind when he needed Zant for a revival. It's possible Zant was in the spirit realm in that last shot of him, since he get exploded by midna right? - The triforce of Wisdom is wield by those who have faith in others, thus Zelda having faith in the hero she's had visions of as a child, is the best suited for this partition of triforce. And she does indeed put her faith in Midna, literally giving her triforce power, who later learns to put her faith in Link as well, when he revives Midna in her time of need. - The triforce of Courage is wielded best by those with humble origins who have come a long way from the lowest of the low to the highest of skill levels, and thus is best wielded by the player / Link, the peasant boy who lives in a tree from Ordon. - *i know 'belief in' and 'faith in' have some overlap, it might make more sense if we say, Power goes to those who are believed in, and Wisdom goes to those who have faith in the humble and courageous.

[@cma3203]

This was a great video as always! I really like that the scene can be seen as almost a redemption for Zant, seeing how he decides after his defeat (and of course how Ganondorf gave no craps about it) that enough was enough and that it was time for Ganondorf to finally die so he used the remaining power to fully kill him. Of course it may just be Zant being petty but I'm a sucker for villian redemptions 😂

[@aviatorhawk37]

Zant is just like.... Fuk u green bitch

[@hattsbygaming2861]

Ganondorf: "Zant, my faithful servant! Send me the strength that i housed in you so--" Zant: "So you can live, right?" Ganon: "Uh, yeah, so that--" Z: "So that you can win, conquer Hyrule, blada, blada, yada, yada. Listen, G, I heard what you said. G:"What do-" Z: "I. Heard. What you said." G:"...ok, i know it looks bad, but--" Z: "oh, its not bad, it AWFUL!" Z:"I put my faith in you, I did everything according to plan: Conquer Hyrule with my Shadow Beast army, seal away the light spirits, Heck, i even forced Zelda to surrender to me! ALL YOU HAD TO DO WAS FIGHT LINK IMMEDIATELY and we would've WON! But NO, YOU HAD TO PLAY WITH YOUR "TOYS" LIKE ME! And when I was fighting Link, Did *I* get support? Was *I* brought back to life? SPOILERS: I WASN'T! SO GUESS WHAT! SPOILERS: YOU'RE NOT!!"

[@ThisIsMadnessPeople]

@@hattsbygaming2861 Nicely said

[@virtualpellot933]

Twilight is one of my favorate. It feels like a dark fantasy and has a very dark, eerie and mature tone.

[@macegamesdx3162]

What if Zant still being with him at the end was intended? The last part of his plan. To keep part of his power in this being "Zant" to later ressurect him. Zant's neck crack was a sealing spell of sorts. Trapping him in that state which is why he never fell down at the end. He was "suspended" not dead. The triforce reacts when in proximity of the others. We dont see this with the blights or final blight in BotW because the triforce WASN'T in close proximity(being buried deep beneath the surface still in ganons physical body) and, the soul of Zant being long gone let the power return to ganon over time. The triforce of power reacting with it's counterpart broke the sealing spell with building overwealming power, symbolic of the neck cracking back into place. The hand was there to ensure the seal was kept. (Also the dragons on ganons clothes seem very VERY similar to the dragon depictions of the tribe which shall not be named. Just a theory I love the videos MNB!

[@macegamesdx3162]

"This isnt over" calls on zant to seal him. Not for the last of his power

[@RelatvityUnset]

This-this is good. If it’s true, it would make the game magnificent.

[@macegamesdx3162]

Thank you A B. You are right. But I still feel its something along the lines. I feel I'm close but not sure where to go from there.

[@jakereich2080]

underrated comment mnb heart it

[@macegamesdx3162]

Thank you Jake! I wasnt expecting to get this many likes and comments and I'm very greatful to you guys. Thank you all for supporting my very first comment mini theory.

[@adamhunter6756]

I love the part where he says G-Man getting straight up deleted

[@infinitepotato001]

4:39 That really should have been the actual theory. If nothing else that's my godessdamn headcanon now.

[@petery6432]

7:44 "Possessing Zelda, transforming in to Beast Ganon, creating phantom soldier, and *even* *changing* *the* *weather* " I died laughing at that. Also, 1 other thing: you are treating the Tri-Force as if it's a battery, and I'm pretty sure that the Tri-force is simply a key to the vault of magic that gives him the ability to make barriers, possess people, ect. I think that instead, because he housed his power in Zant, he could not bring himself back from near death without Zant's portion power, so he called to him and Zant denied him.

[@xuto2693]

If it acts as a key to power instead of a barrier, why did Zant approve all the other uses?

[@zacziggarot]

Was Zant actually denying him or was he unable to being also dead?

[@crestfallensunbro6001]

I always imagined that zany tried to revive him but just couldn't handle/didn't have the amount of power needed and just broke under the strain

[@StormierNik]

Hey, changing the weather as silly as it sounds is an incredible display of power and medical finess. Do you know how many natural forces you have to work against just to turn a small area of sunshine into thunder and lightning? We can't even do that with all our vast technology because it's so complicated and works against everything happening around that small area. Way more impressive than creating a soldier

[@NestyEco]

Epoch Divergence Link can change it with an just an Ocarina and a time paradox.

[@hiddendesire3076]

Ah yes, Zant, the Hyrulian counterpart to the head of the “ninja” tribe of Ikana Valley. I’m not kidding. Same fighting style and mannerisms.

[@zombiegod34]

so erratic and crazy.

[@cuckoo61]

That's a reason to think the twili and the founders of Ikana, the ancient tribe, are related

[@hiddendesire3076]

cuckoo61 It would more so be along the lines of Ikana mirroring Hyrule and the “ninja tribe” being the twili or interlopers, but in a timeline where they weren’t banished.

[@jakereich2080]

@@hiddendesire3076 you know they could be related cause we dont know if it is parallel universe it could be another land in same universe dun dun dun!

[@connie40star]

You broke down this theory so eloquently, that there is no doubt in my mind that you are on the right track. I from time to time thought that there was a poignant reason for Gant's neck cracking scene. It all makes so much more sense. You are awesome. Stay safe and GOD BLESS.

[@Blitzwaffen]

First time I played through the game my take away was, since Ganondorf linked his power to Zant their lives were tied. If Zant died, if Ganandorf lived Zant would eventually return. Same the other way around. When Zant showed up after Ganondorf was stabbed I assumed it was Zant's reforming spirit/self actively killing himself so they would both go down together.

[@_stealth_313]

Honestly, I think it’s because Ganon told Zant that “Whatever you desire, I shall desire too.” Maybe when Ganon requested to be revived, Zant did not want Ganon to be revived, as he has lost faith in Ganon as a god, perhaps even realizing he was a pawn. As one who would want to rule his people, I’d imagine he wouldn’t appreciate being a pawn.

[@jaydenmichael5188]

Ganondorf after he dies: You took everything from me. Zant: I don't even know who you are.

[@mah1na]

Ganondorf: You will. [RESURRECTED FOR THE NEXT GAME]

[@vertex_chillz9464]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b3nXpmuKl9V2Y9k

[@XkitkatersX]

I love Zant as an antagonist and stuff like this is exactly why; he's just a petty, spiteful man

[@vinnycoco9321]

"even though the game came out over 10 years ago" Me, growing up with strict parent: oh

[@bobwasdole]

I don’t get it

[@noradosmith]

@@bobwasdole they weren't allowed the game as a kid so got it later

[@D._Eath]

Another possibility is that since Ganondorf placed some measure of the Triforce of Power within Zant, and Zant subsequently died, that Zant then took that measure of the Triforce of Power with him into death; so Gonondorf reaching for that measure of the Triforce of Power requires traveling unto death to reach it.

[@samstallings4198]

I don’t know why I laughed at “like ant, but with a Z” but it was great lmao

[@cioplasmmajic8327]

Random thought: Could the Twilight magic be a counter/seal to the divine power of the triforce? In the lanayru cutscenes, we see the complete fused shadow cover the Triforce before the Light spirits came. The Twilight magic is weak against Ganondorf's demon magic, but when the master sword sealed the demon magic, the only thing left was the Triforce, which Zant could counter.

[@AgnusCavichioliPereira]

Don't think so. If that was the case, Ganondorf would probably try to take it for himself, instead of breaking it after calling it "pitiful power"

[@gavinchaston8105]

Or you know, Ganondorf was just caught up in his hubris, like any real person could be. The existence of a power triangle with the triforce, twili magic, and demon magic is not far fetched either, as anyone who's played rock paper scissors can share. You can even see this within the triforce itself; power overtakes wisdom, but courage puts power back in its place and is loyal to wisdom.

[@Sugondeeze_Nuts]

Wow. Didn't expect to see such unimaginable powers explained as a simple rock-paper-scissors

[@Botsusann]

"a snack crackle pop with his head holder." is probably one of the most hilariously almost rare insult sounding things I've ever heard and i love it.

[@LunaP1]

That had me.🤣🤣🤣

[@IamSupreme333]

This video (and the entire theory) is very well put together and makes sense to me. I look forward to seeing what you upload in the future

[@JK1029]

Also in this ending is Midna using her golden teardrop to shatter the mirror makes me wonder if that will somehow be connected to the new TotK since it gives off strong TP vibes too.

[@girl1213]

It's basically an abuse victim turning their back on their abuser, damning the abuser to face the consequences of their actions. Because oftentimes, the abuser *needs* the victim, not the other way around, so when the one they need is no longer "willing" to help them, then they're screwed. Zant believed in Ganondorf, but he wasn't there when Zant needed him most, opening his eyes that Ganondorf was never good for him. So when he hears Ganondorf's cry for help, Zant does what Ganondorf did to him: basically saying "no." But as an added bonus, kills him himself through their shared power. Meaning Zant *killed* Ganondorf, not Link.

[@b_boy0077]

I mean hey, Ganondorf was right about one thing : it really didn't end there.

[@OmoiSenpai]

WHAT IF Ganon actually revived Zant after Zant died before the whole final fight with the G-Man And Zant Snapped Ganondof's neck to claim that he's dead, but instead, left the tiniest of drop of life within his body, one unnoticeable to anybody.... And years upon years later, The Hand of Zant feeds to revive his God for the events of BOTW/ BOTW2. 0.0''

[@littlefox_100]

I mean shure

[@maryjoemccane5503]

New theory: Zant is Monika from doki doki and he deleted ganondorf.

[@BanditGames]

JUST ZANT

[@GalexiDude]

JUST ZANT

[@INSAne_DrUNkard]

JUST ZANT

[@lolsomebody]

JUST ZANT

[@marciver5028]

JUST ZANT

[@DeathnoteBB]

Ganondorf: _tries to cheat death with the Triforce of Power Zant: 👁👄👁

[@zzedixx]

That actually looks like Zant

[@allysongouin4821]

"No ❤"

[@Metaljesuslol]

That theory was spot on. i cant think of another reason the remaining power would deny him life. And zant cracking his neck is totally the last of the power triforce saying "Naw Mr.G".... CRACK!

[@beckyritter7983]

"If there is anything you desire, then I shall desire it, too." Sounds a lot like what the Triforce is supposed to whisper to the one who finds it: "If thou hast a strong desire or dream, wish for it." (The history of Hyrule in the A Link to the Past game manual.) So Ganon knows his power comes from the Triforce, or at least, he found out about it when the Sages tried to kill him. The Triforce is supposed to grant the wish of whoever touches it.

[@wrenmatrix5136]

I realized what you were getting at after right after you explained the part where G housed his power in Z. I just had this moment of, "Ooooooh! I get it!"

[@sage1622]

Dude... I’ve been playing this game since I was six years old. After just graduating high school, I finally have a sense of what this means 11 years later. Thanks bandit🙏🏼

[@lynic-0091]

Subscribed not only because this theory is awesome, not because I'm a Zelda fan, but the way you explain your theory is straight up hilarious XD

[@indigofenix00]

Seems like a pretty spot-on theory, but I think there's more to it than that. The reason why Zant's refusal is represented by him snapping his own neck is because his spirit was tied to Ganondorf at this point, so the "revival request" had to be "approved" by both holders of the Triforce, and would have resurrected them both. Zant knew this, but he hated Ganondorf so much by this point that he chose to die permanently, taking Ganondorf down with him.

[@ElToland]

Three months ago: Me: I'm hungry. I'm in the mood for a pizza, or some tacos. * Everything is closed for quarantine * Me: *Craks own neck*

[@objectjon9015]

This is such a cool theory that gives Zant so much more relevance to the overall plot. When I first beat the game, that scene at the end confused (and terrified) me so much, but this idea sets the events into perspective

[@callysta5160]

Not gonna lie, this video was INCREDIBLY interesting and considering I've never played any LOZ game other than BOTW, it's hard for me to stay focused on any other LOZ-based video. And yet your personality and humor mixed with the presentation kept me totally intrigued!! I have no choice but to stan, my dude 😁

[@_itsmunah]

Hopefully you’ve played more Zelda games by now. Botw was not a Zelda game. Just an open world rpg with very few Zelda characters. The botw storyline did zero justice to the depth or basic lore of the series.

[@cassiaprior453]

Those last sentences explaining the theory were quite poetic.

[@jstar3382]

My thought was that a small amount of Zant still lived, possibly inside of Ganon. They likely shared power, given that Ganon got some twili powers. But Zant severed that link in that moment, leaving Ganon with nothing

[@LoserCatStudios]

I accidentally clicked the notification but it was a happy accident

[@maryjoemccane5503]

Same lmao

[@lightning-assassin6434]

Like me

[@linusjoen]

Bob Ross: There are no faliures, only happy litle accidents.

[@BlazeBlade]

hey MNB!! love ur vids

[@illumiiii]

there are no accidents -master oggway

[@bloxxybox2576]

something I find kinda symbolic about Zant cracking his neck is that one of the first things we see happen with Ganondorf in ToTK is his neck cracking - and since it's implied to be the same one from OoT & TP, along with Twilight Princess being the last mainline game where we even see Ganondorf prior to ToTK, there's probably something going on there that or I'm just looking too deep into things lol

[@charleslee8313]

"Totally original slogan"

[@lukef752]

This brings a whole new perspective to his neck snapping back in the trailer to tears of the kingdom

[@kentomon2657]

There's legit so many good jokes and funny moments in this vid, I cant even pick a favorite haha. Great video!

[@phoenixtears8387]

Back when I first played TP I never took that scene as Zant killing Ganon, I assumed it was just a symbolic thing like "yep, you died too" and the crack was just to signal the moment Ganon died. This is really interesting though! It'd be crazy if that is what actually happened

[@gho3945]

Seriously though, Demon King Ganon (sometimes referred to as pig ganon) is the best form of him in my opinion. I really wish they made a figure of him.

[@caucasoidape8838]

I would like an 8 bit amiibo of him, and Bowser.

[@TheDeathOfLucifer]

He stored his power in Zant and then Zant denied him the power of the flow of the triforce.

[@shinyknighttt]

I always just thought it was just a poetic decision by the game developers. Zant was certain that Ganon would revive him, only for us to learn that Zant was a pawn all along. When Ganon was certain his triforce would save him, as it had done previously, Zant appears and breaks his neck, as if to say "your story ends, too." I saw it as a spiteful gesture, meant to be a role reversal, as it is now Ganon hoping something else will save him.

[@thenerdasaurus3717]

It would make a lot of sense for Zant to have acquired a bit of the triforce of power as Zelda does a similar thing for Midna in the game as well This was a fascinating theory!

[@kagelynx]

Why would Zant have power after death? Would Ganon be permanently nerfed every time he gave away his power to someone who dies later?

[@lbgreviews]

Picturing the thoughts of every Ganon post-defeat, "Really shot myself in the foot after nerfing myself to gain Zant's trust..."

[@Attaxalotl]

Well, no because it's implied that he's behind most of the enemies in the series, and when link kills them, it doesn't really affect him. And you usually have to kill a LOT of enemies.

[@ShadowAraun]

see i always just believed that because he broke his promise to Zant by not reviving him like he said he could/would, Zant waited at the gates of hell and moment ganon set a foot there, before he could even fully summon his power, Zant just ambushed him and dragged him the rest of the way in.

[@RexDC]

My GOD, ive never seen somoenes recomended page so similar to mine.

[@camthorn2088]

i just found this video, saw the totk clip with dehydrated ganon's neck snap and then saw that this video is 2 years old. Its insane that that trailer is now 3 years (almost 4) old when it still feels new. I know i've been waiting for the game since before it was even revealed but it feels surreal that not only is it so soon, but the first trailer was so long ago

[@baddragonite]

Fun fact: when you pop a joint you aren't actually popping the bones or the joint, you're popping air bubbles inside of the joints that have built up and allowing said air to escape. That's why there's usually a sense of pressure relief when you do it

[@noriakikakyoin7961]

What's creepy is that my neck sounds like that 0:03

[@kangtwili3428]

It makes perfect sense. Zant finnaly saw who he was following and saw that he was nothing and by him being granted by Ganondorf some of that power gave Zant his opportunity to keep his left over power and allow Ganondorf to die the exact same way that Ganondorf let him die.

[@kevinbrown2039]

5:05 Masked: "..probably already know where I'm going with this theory." Me: Yeah I'm following, I think I understand. Video ends Me: Wtf that was so different than what I thought.

[@sipinthatbub]

Maybe he just cracker his neck because he was stressed out af due to his job, like me. Now my neck makes a similar sound when I turn my head left or right

[@TheTobyOMG]

My thought always was he housed some of his power in Zant and so they became connected. Upon seeing Ganondorf's betrayal and defeat Zant took the opportunity to take his revenge, killing what power remained in himself and killing Ganondorf.

[@Naxaky]

İ just finished TP for first today and i had same question tnx👍