The Tragic Tale of Ganondorf Dragmire

[@Edible_Inc]

Hey all! Gosh this video has been doing incredibly well lately! Can’t thank you enough for the support!! 🥹 I did a Ganondorf Month of April if you’re craving more Ganon boi content in prep of Tears of the Kingdom! kzbin.info/aero/PLzY_KnIv4pI26xLaxZZOgPYgDQdASvJaV It makes me really happy that this video still gets so much attention, as it’s def one of my favorite projects I’ve ever done. Once again, can’t say it enough, but thank you for stopping by! :)

[@DronesOverTheMoon]

Ganondorf Quagmire

[@princesscadance197]

Imagine how Ganondorf's mother must have felt. 'Congratulations, Mrs. Dragmire, you gave birth to Satan! Your son possesses the hatred of the Demon King, Demise, and will bring great strife to many!'

[@sahilhossian8212]

Lol accurate

[@magmatic0v3rl0rd2]

"Welp, we failed. _gun cocks_ Don't look honey"

[@jeronimomartinezcalsina7690]

I heard somewhere that in tloz ocarina of time link beats up his stepmothers

[@Butthead_DeffinatelyScores]

The mothers are twinrova that birthed him from magic to be king and I believe with how evil they were they where proud.

[@hello1184]

@@Butthead_DeffinatelyScores Mmm Twinrova was Ganondorf's mother yes, but not biologically. They were only stepmothers. Nobody actually knows who Ganondorf's true mother was. But yeah they (Kotake and Koume) were just as evil as Ganondorf and promoted his rise to power in Oot (Ocarina of Time). Both Kotake and Koume were a mini-boss in OoT, sick with pride for Ganondorf and insulting Link.

[@kingcamelot1395]

I'd like a Zelda game where at the beginning, Link and Ganondorf have an almost friendly relationship with each other. But then fate forces them to be on opposite sides of a 10,000 year old curse.

[@Esowolf]

That would be so damn good!

[@minicle426]

Imagine if you could save and seperate him from Ganon/Demise at the end. A version that actually gets a happy ending.

[@HENNY_22]

10000? More like 100000

[@ravenschippers8267]

I remember coming across a comic someone posted on youtube "growing up gerudo" where link was ganon's adopted son and they had a very healthy father-son relationship but it was hinted that ganon, either compelled to or forced by whoever that lanky ghost guy was, was doing some nefarious things in the background and link was predestined to be a hero who would defend hyrule. I don't know how the comic ended as I only got to watch/read up to the third episode but the last episode I watched hints that something was going to happen. Something irreversable.

[@tjjordan4207]

Not sure how that would work, considering that Ganon is literally the manifestation of Demise's hate in the flesh. Demise had cursed Link, Zelda, and others in connection to the two of them to be reborn for all time and face off against Ganon. So, Ganon is destined to fight them.

[@MegaJesseman]

I feel like Ganondorf was actually not initially evil. He talked about wanting better for his people in Wind Waker, which led to means of attainment through conquering, which eventually led him to fall into the dark side, because he was filled with rage and resentment towards those who stopped him. I think basically being Demise's incarnation has always been a pusher that would cause him to fall into darkness after events unfold. I always wanted them to make one game where Ganondorf does not have events unfold that push him to the dark side and that he maintains his viewpoints on wanting better for his people and that he does not get led astray from those goals, but also does not have to resort to barbaric means. His thirst for power has always led him to immorality, but I loved that in Wind Waker they gave more to his backstory. That he was not just a being of pure evil. Whenever the king stopped his wish, he snapped and was pushed into the darkness once more. I firmly believe he was being honest whenever he stated he had no intentions of killing Link and Zelda, because he had literally no reason whatsoever to lie about it, but he snapped when the king foiled his plans. The reincarnation of the hatred that Demise felt causes his incarnations to have anger issues and have a proneness to fall into immorality, but they are not really born evil, necessarily. That is my theory anyway.

[@Edible_Inc]

Absolutely agree. Well said!

[@chadpeterson5698]

@@Edible_Inc in my opinion Ganondorf is actually a quite relatable character since while he has done some unforgivable things and as a result is irredeemable in truth he's not much worse than the Hylians given that the royal family in the Hyrulian Civil War committed genocide on the Sheikah race only leaving a few left. And they also are quite discriminating against the Gerudo calling them thieves just for trying to survive in the desert. So in a sense the King of Hyrule was some what correct when he said that he was the same as Ganondorf.

[@sykune]

However not every incarnation of demises hatred is ganondorf. Vaati is one of them for instance as is malladus. Ganondorf is just the one who acquired the triforce of power making him the most dangerous and well known

[@Boogeyyyman]

Twisted by the dark side young Ganondorf has become. The Gerudo boy with good goals gone he is consumed by Darth Demise.

[@IamSupreme333]

Ganondorf is destined to become evil. It doesn’t matter if he became evil because the desert or just outright born evil. It doesn’t matter why he becomes evil. It’s his destiny to become the Demon King, in one way or another.

[@valmanway1844]

Wind waker is the most humanizing of ganon I had seen, he wasn't evil, just desperate. He wanted a better future for his people and even the the other people affected by the God's dumb decision. He soon realized how cruel his fate was that it was basically predestined and him having no chance, he just found it funny because everything he worked for just ended up being one big joke.

[@cunnyman]

@Malthizar Doesn’t make flooding the planet a good choice either. He wanted to rule not destroy. He’s more like a narcissistic king than a god of destruction.

[@spookysioux1224]

I guess so. Although he only wants to save his people, screwing over everyone else. Not entirely selfish.

[@cunnyman]

@Malthizar Planet being flooded was done by the gods, not by the people. I did not defend OOT Ganon at all; but the one in Wind Waker changed a lot. Maybe it’s the goofy art style that made me believe that? Idk. Guy seemed much less menacing.

[@Oriandu]

This is bullshit and we both know it. Wind Waker did not "humanize" Ganondorf, all he did was drop one line about the desert being an uncomfortable place to live and that was his justification for attempting to conquer the world, murder innocent people, and to try and get the Triforce to give himself ultimate power. It's not a God's dumb decision, the Gods have nothing to do with Ganondorf's evil.

[@jazzyj7834]

​@@cunnymanIf you learn about the timelines, you'll learn that it's literally the same ganon. Same as the ganon in Twilight Princess, just a different timeline. As well as the exact same iteration of Ganon in A Link to the Past, Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, as well as the original Legend of Zelda 1 and 2 for the NES (though in 2 his resurrection is prevented, but it's still the same one). The ganon that Vaati tried to resurrect in Four Swords Adventures was the same Ganon at the end of Twilight Princess, who is the same one throughout the rest of the series. And I wouldn't be surprised if we learn that the Tears of the Kingdom Ganon is the same ganon from the three timelines that merge into Botw and totk. I suspect, however, that it's the same ganon from before OoT, and the first iteration of Demise's curse from Skyward Sword, split into a fourth, non-oot timeline - which makes more sense if you've beaten the newest game. Basically, it's always the same Ganon, resurrected from the dead or otherwise unstopped in his pursuit of power. It's just different incarnations of Zelda and Link

[@theonlyvampirateable]

"Ganon was shook." Is the best sentence I've ever heard.

[@elcayugaloco656]

............

[@theonlyvampirateable]

@@elcayugaloco656 have a problem?

[@theonlyvampirateable]

Tots. Like, choke me with a spoon.

[@itsyaboiChubbs]

Give our boy Ganondorf some credit in wind waker, his bitchslap game is an art form

[@Edible_Inc]

Lol! Hell yeah man, def my fav Ganon

[@gwendolynsnyder463]

bitchslap game?

[@kaiserwave5977]

@@gwendolynsnyder463 when he slaps tf outta Zelda

[@gwendolynsnyder463]

@@kaiserwave5977 Oh, yeah. Well, Zelda deserved it in Windwaker, because she's a little bitch.

[@Ink_Bendy_414]

It’s an art that’s hard to master

[@YowLife]

You know...the Zelda games have had many different Zeldas and Links, but Ganondorf has always been the same dude. I wish at one point he just looked to the Link he's fighting and just said something like: "Ugh this crap again? You know you cannot stop me, right? I faced over 10 Links who've tried to kill me and I ALWAYS come back. How about for once you can let me make my stupid wish on the Triforce already?! At this point I just want to start an industrial revolution, I still can't believe we're fighting with swords, bows, magic, and crap. "

[@jon4268]

I hate and love this at the same time and I don't know why

[@topsecret770]

What if all this time his wish on the triforce was to be free of Dimise's curse?

[@Ankit-vl8hb]

@@topsecret770 I mean it is possible and he can't just go to Link and Zelda and ask for their pieces of triforce because no one would believe him and to get the part he would need to steal them

[@sykune]

Only part of this true four sword adventures had different Ganondorf all together but he to fell into darkness seeking power.

[@remyrich2513]

and thats how the iphone was made

[@Vincentvondoom]

Little known fact: Ganondorf is a suave singer and dancer in all timelines.

[@daderowley4514]

Even the boar demon ganon from the 2D games.

[@InvaderGIR98]

Don't forget that he's a sick organ player

[@DarkestKnight502]

What most people don’t realize is Ganondorf is just as much a victim of Demise’s curse as Link and Zelda are. (If you don’t know who Demise is play Skyward Sword)

[@kreiskhaos8516]

All because of Groose and Demise.

[@baifomet6425]

My theory is Koume and Kotake were Demise worshippers and used Ganondorf as a vessel for their god.

[@TheDapperDragon]

Why would you ever wish that on someone?

[@DronesOverTheMoon]

​@@TheDapperDragonLiteral Demon king? idk he doesnt seem to give a shit

[@Ironcabbit]

See, I don’t see it like that. Ganondorf is possessed by the spirit of Demise and his will only strengthens the possession. Just as Demise’s bestial form was The Imprisoned so is Ganon Ganondorf’s bestial form. In that way Ganondorf the man is cursed to never die and spend literal eternity inflicting misery on others for a brief time before he’s imprisoned again and again as the puppet of Demise’s hateful spirit.

[@dabluepittoo-aqua4213]

Honestly Ganondorf is really pitiful. He's a man who's unaware that his destiny is written down on pen and paper. I like to imagine after his imprisonment in the Adult Timeline, Ganondorf managed to mature and, through time and patience, somewhat fight off Demise's influence. That's possibly why he's more passive and noble in Wind Waker. Having his wish stolen right under his nose however broke him, letting Demise's power enrage him to no end. At least he died at peace and as himself. His last words were of him reminiscing of the wind blowing. Who knows what'll happen to Ganondorf next? Yeah, Ganon's the one who started it all, but no beast can truly rule like a man. I personally prefer Ganondorf, mainly because he feels more like a character and there's a side of me that. . .would like Ganondorf in BOTW2 to be like some of the fan comics. Free from Demise's curse and a possible ally to Link and Zelda. A free Ganondorf. Oh and Ganondorf's now in SSF2 so hooray!

[@Edible_Inc]

Well said. Love the Wind Waker iteration for these reasons

[@apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868]

I mean I disagree that he died at peace. He died broken. The wind he felt blowing wasn't the wind of the once-prosperous hyrule. It was the winds of Gerudo desert. The winds that brought Death. When he wants the triforce pieces from Link and Tetra, he doesn't kill them. He isn't a monster, doesn't care about the cycle of vengeance. he just wants the best for his people. But when Daphnes steals his wish, he just lets out a long laugh. He has lost faith in even the golden goddesses from which all else sprang, and just cares about bringing down everything with him. He has been broken. He's not at peace from losing everything he ever wanted or wished for. He's not at peace from losing any hope of his species, his people ever having a chance to live again. He's lost everything he ever thought he had. And now the only thing left to do is take it all away from Link and Zelda

[@Mike14264]

Heh, kudos to that. I don't think that's what we got, but fan interpretations are a lot of fun because of that!

[@yoshi6847]

Dang what if this Ganondorf tries to be a good guy, but demises curse makes him be evil. And this is all demise fault, he couldn't hold the L😤

[@nonoctoro4933]

"Great, I will claim the Triforce and save my people" "Oupsie, I just murdered innocent women and their children" (That's an actual thing he did according to Nabooru). "Well, at this point ... let's starve the Gorons to death, kill the Deku Tree and leave the Kokiris helpless and curse the Zora's Deity with parasytes inside of him so he goes mad and starts attacking anything. "

[@mendozaalexander69]

MMHHMMMM

[@scottgrohs5940]

Anyone playing him in a movie would need to go from this exact angle.

[@eryluria3554]

Facts it’s in the Bible

[@equivalenceprinciple1982]

@@nonoctoro4933 Well, if we're being fair, Nabooru didn't say that he killed women and children; she said that he "stole from women and children and even killed people," which is different.

[@Pepper_Jvck]

Honestly... In the next BotW, I wanna see a more humanlike Ganondorf. Because to me it seems more black and white/good and evil. I still want him as the villain, but I want some level of sympathy for him.

[@chadpeterson5698]

For example this new reincarnation of Ganondorf was abandoned when he was young just barely being able to survive on his own combined with the resentment he held for being abandoned and the influence of Demise's curse. Ganondorf falls into darkness even further than before and I would even have Ganondorf say " the world took everything from me as a child, leaving me with nothing but my will to survive, I'm not like my ancestors who were fortunate enough to at least have some silver of comfort in a rotting Kingdom, I was born with nothing and expected to die without a trace. That was when I knew what I needed to do. If Hyrule and the rest of the world was to abandon me, they ALL WILL *PAY* .

[@TrafalgarWaterDLaw-dl5cm]

How about you get a game where you seperste Demise from Ganondorf? So he becomes a Gerudo ally and finally a hero to his people. But its unlikely since they profit of the nostalgia factor. And Zelda without future Ganondorfs would feel incomplete. Still a nice thought.

[@vinkennest3274]

Zombie ganon

[@oilyspoilyyt]

it’s real

[@MaxiTaxi_23]

Your wish came true

[@linkoftruth]

The phrase "divine prank" made me feel so many emotions when I first saw it in twilight princess. Excellent video 👏

[@Edible_Inc]

Thanks!

[@tjjordan4207]

Even though he is a villain and has done monstrous things, Ganon is just an unknowing pawn to Demise. It adds a layer of sympathy, knowing that he is destined to be reborn with such hatred to destroy those who are just trying to protect everything they love. There's a story here to explore with Ganon. Imagine if a future version of him found out and was struck with a realization that he and all of his other reincarnations have been living a lie, futilely trying to continue an evil being's wishes. Raising such questions as to who he is and what he wants. It would be a great way to end the series by having Ganon, Link, and Zelda teaming up to end the curse and allowing their legend to finally die.

[@randomrhino7500]

It will be cool eventually he will get tired of the stupid end less hatred

[@Ironcabbit]

No, he never will. Demise’s influence on his mind ensures that Ganondorf will never stop trying. He would need to willingly separate from his hatred and lust for power. And that’s like asking a Sith Lord to willingly walk away from the Dark Side of The Force.

[@lundylow]

I _reeeeaally_ hope they draw on Wind Waker's depiction of Ganondorf in Tears of the Kingdom. I'm fine with him still being a foe, but I love the idea of him being more complex than "I'm the bad guy, I'm back"

[@Edible_Inc]

Totalllllly agree!

[@havewissmart9602]

Spoilers... Didn't happen

[@nickjaxon1317]

​@@havewissmart9602 yeh maybe next time makes that the wait more impact ful

[@havewissmart9602]

@Malthizar what he said

[@agustinquiroga9541]

Well he's meant to be the bad guy

[@NintendoBlackCrisis]

Excellent video, you definitely deserve more subscribers Also that end bloopers part is totally me everytime I do a voiceover LOL

[@SaintDamain]

My theory was that the Gerudo invaded Hyrule not to claim dominion over the Sacred Realm, but for food, considering they live in the desert and all. Only the Hylians ever called him the king of thieves, while he said he wanted better for his people. Considering the Shadow Temple is the confluence of evil, death, and horror. It’s also the Hyrule Royal family’s prison. So the Gerudo annexed Hylian land food, the Hylians retaliated, war broke out, and the Hylians won. The penance for their insolence was the death of every male Gerudo besides the king, and he’s only allowed to bear a son after reaching 100. Ganondorf is a descendant of the king from those times. He sought peace with Hyrule in order to save his people from starvation and extinction. He asked to use the TriForce to wish all the men back to his people. However, King Hyrule knew the Gerudo relied on piracy for food. So he dubbed him the “King of Thieves”, and banished him from Hyrule. Watching his people suffer for all his life, and now being turned away by King Hyrule, Ganondorf became blinded by rage and his desire for revenge. He schemed to take Hylia from the Hyrule Royal family, and kill them all for the deaths of all the Gerudo boys and men. And he succeeded. At least, that kinda makes sense to me.

[@Shutter-Writer]

When it comes to a Legend Of Zelda game, I really enjoy how even with how many characters you meet in the games. Each character seems intriguing.

[@ShepherdsCreek]

I love how much depth each of the characters in these games have. They all have strengths and weaknesses, wants, desires, quirks and other features that make them feel so much more real.

[@nineworlds8253]

Ganondorf isn't evil he just wanted peace and power for his people his people were Banished to the desert to die that is the saddest story I've ever heard. And don't forget about demise curse witch took him over with this list for power and freedom.

[@gwendolynsnyder463]

it's quite sad actually. Also, I'm pretty sure that Demise's curse is basically making Ganon posess Ganondorf, who slowly, but surely gives him Schizophrenia. And he slowly and painfully turns crazy. I'd like to see in BotW a Ganondorf, who is working really hard to stop the damn curse. I doubt Nintendo would stop that curse, ever, but make him work for it! I don't care if he fails miserably, this would just add to his character. Show his struggles with the curse! Show him slowly turning insane while knowing he doesn't want to turn insane! Make him go to sorcerers to at least keep his inner demon, Ganon under control! But for the love of Din, make Ganondorf do a 180 and work towards improving himself and breaking Demise's curse.

[@ryujokatagiri7019]

@@gwendolynsnyder463 Or better, Make Ganondorf's next reincarnation be the next Link.

[@gwendolynsnyder463]

@@ryujokatagiri7019 unfortunately, not the BotW one. Nobody would accept Ganondorf back at this point. Except, the Yiga could still be loyal to him. Sooo, maybe he should start from bossing the Yiga around to first violently conquer the Gerudo Town, then show him fight against the curse, and then Link turns into a Blight, and that way, the Sword could be like: "Hmmm... Link is dead... Ganondorf is not only strong, but he is fighting what is about to make him evil... better give him a chance."

[@Boogeyyyman]

Ganondorf just wanted peace freedom justice and security for his empire

[@itsnotonepieceitsthatpiece]

@@Boogeyyyman "His" empire? Link's allegiance is to the kingdom of Hyrule. To monarchy!

[@durayne3211]

It’s really weird that you only have 8.6K subs you deserve at least anywhere’s between 500K to a million subs

[@bio-weaponn5576]

There needs to be a Ganondorf focused spin off game that explores his life from birth up to his first encounter with Link.

[@tysondennis1016]

Imagine if Ganondorf learned of Demise’s curse, and was like, “Yep. I now can fail as many times as I have to, to get the Triforce and rule Hyrule.”

[@gwendolynsnyder463]

I think it would be more plausible to say that Ganondorf was a kid when he was the Ancient Hero. In the Shrine of Resurrection, we find clothes, that are too small, even for Link. No way there were meant for a teenage Gerudo man. However, they could totally have fit a 7yo Gerudo Boy.

[@Edible_Inc]

Hey guys! Just want to make it clear that when I talk as if I’m Ganon, this isn’t me theorizing into his thoughts with any concrete evidence. More so just what I imagine is going through his mind in these moments. Anyway thanks for stopping by! What’s your favorite part of the video?

[@jiminisdemochi2064]

I love your videos💜💜

[@ThatAnArchyDude]

Isn't the "Dragmire" surname non-canon seeing as it's only mentioned in the English version of the 'A Link to the Past' instruction manual & once on the official Zelda website, but has not been used at all in any of the games or any original Japanese instruction manuals?

[@Edible_Inc]

Well yes it was first introduced on the English version for the instructional manual of A Link to the Past; however, it’s multiple appearances on the Zelda online guide by Nintendo make it canon in my eyes. It’s a worldwide release by Nintendo, as opposed to an English release. Although it’s all up to how you interpret it like a lot of things regarding Zelda Lore. www.mic.com/articles/174860/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-ganondorf-dragmire-link-nemesis-gets-an-official-last-name-surname

[@Abi_B.]

That last part😂

[@tristanlopez1777]

Hey this was a very good video. Lmao the last part playing with words! X'D Though I did desire evidence of what happened in the Twilight Princess story line. :(

[@StrikerTheHedgefox]

Would be interesting to see a Zelda game where Ganondorf is finally broken free of the chains binding him to Demise, not only allowing a new villain to emerge, but perhaps give Ganondorf's soul a chance to find some semblance of retribution and peace after what has likely been tens of thousands of years of torment.

[@EndlessDream]

I like how Ganon refers to Link as kid

[@menakolyfeld5620]

I hope one day Ganny can be an antihero or something of the sort. Fell in love with his Smash counterpart so I wanna see a character arc of him battling his very nature, whether it ends him finally or it changes him for the better.

[@TheDeadmanstrolling]

I know Ganondorf had a tragic life... But he was always selfish and self serving. In WW, he tells us about his tragic past, but this is only after the OoT in the Adult Timeline where he killed everyone in Castle Town, Zora's Domain, nearly wiped out the Gorons, and brainwashed the Gerudo to worship him... was sealed away and came back and killed countless more people, including the Wind and Earth Sages, when there was no hero before Hyrule was flooded. He grew up fearing the desert wind that brought death to him and his people. But he never said he wanted the prosperous wind of Hyrule to blow for the Gerudo. He just coveted that wind for himself. When he had the Triforce of Power in OoT, he conquered Hyrule, but gave none of it to the Gerudo so they could live better. He left them in the desert, brainwashed and impoverished. When he finally had the complete Triforce in WW, he didn't wish to bring back his people or to bring the winds of life to the desert. He said, "Give me Hyrule!" He tried to change after he was sealed under the sea. He spared the other girls, he spared Zelda and Link, he tried to be better. But when he made his selfish wish from the Triforce, and King Hyrule took it from him... He immediately went back to his old ways, laughing like he used to in OoT, and tried to kill Link and Zelda (two children). What's tragic about him is his inability or unwillingness to change his selfishness, thousands if not millions of years after his efforts.

[@flithbrin]

Ganon: You stabbed me! Link: I'm a dangerous sociopath with a long history of violence. Ganon: Oh, right. Link: I don't know how you keep forgetting that.

[@jeffreyreeves]

Honestly, I felt somewhat bad for Ganondorf in Twilight Princess. His facial expression and final words felt like there was more to his story than just malice. It was something I wished Nintendo would use the Hyrule Warriors series to expand on, particularly the events of what seems to be a civil war for the triforce with the interlopers, but they never did....

[@briannahebert295]

Who says it's too late for an origin story? One which predates the events of the hero of time?

[@jennifermoriarty2188]

He technically did nothing in that timeline so the royal family is executing a innocent man..yes plotting but atill didn't do anything yet

[@apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868]

@@jennifermoriarty2188 Well I mean Link was sent back presumably to the day he pulled the sword, at which point Ganondorf had already chased zelda from the castle. It's very likely that from Ganon's perspective, he had just tried to capture zelda when he saw link. Then he followed Link into the chamber, was waiting for Link to pull the sword, when Link just turns around and leaves. he follows link to the castle, Link tells the guards "there's the man you wanted," and he was sent to the sages then and there.

[@Aurora-313]

Imagine if all Ganondorf was to wish for rains over his desert, turning it into a flourishing landscape.

[@rileymiley7947]

If Link encountered BotW Ganondorf: Link: "you're... like, the Ancient hero?" Ganondorf: "yes." Link: "wh-why are you a Gerudo?!" Ganondorf: "Oh my Goddess, Link! You can't just ask people why they're a Gerudo!"

[@aemperorgamedev]

Maybe he wanted the triforce to also remove demise’s curse?

[@briannahebert295]

I don't think he's aware of his true origin. If he was, perhaps...

[@objectjon9015]

It’s really interesting to see Ganondorf’s side of all this laid out. It really helps to understand the depth of his character and even the flaws in his character that lead to his demise even as his perspective on things changes between games

[@Edible_Inc]

That. Is a great comment.

[@megaunderflow4076]

I remember how in BotW, Urbosa talks about how Ganondorf was originally a Gerudo, and how she'd fight calamity Ganon as a way of "avenging" the pride of the Gerudo after Ganondorf tainted it... This sentiment bugs me. As we learn in Wind Waker, while Ganondorf did spirale out of control due to his malicious lust for power, his ambitions all started out of loyalty to his people as the Gerudo King. He envied the lush, green and cool fields of Hyrule, and the way it's people thrived; whilst his own Gerudo lived off of thievery and violence to survive in their scorching, barren deserts. He may have lost his way, but at the beginning, I really do think he just wanted a better life for his people. The ignorance of Urbosa writing Ganondorf off as just a "corrupt Gerudo" kinda agitates me. I get it, she lived in an age where Calamity Ganon was this mythic force of evil, so it's probably difficult to have ever imagined him having such human ambitions, but still. It's sad that the champion of the very people Ganondorf led and was determined to seize power for would just belittle his own story and struggles so dismissively. He was a king to her people at one time. That deserves at least the most minimal respect. 😞

[@TheDeadmanstrolling]

A lot of unambiguously evil people started with good intentions. When they start, say, feeding Gorons to a dragon to make an example of them, then yes Ganondorf counts as an unjustifiable evil that must be made right

[@megaunderflow4076]

@@TheDeadmanstrollingNever said he was justified, only that it's tragic that his humanity was overshadowed by the legacy of his evil.

[@TheDeadmanstrolling]

@@megaunderflow4076 such is the case irl! I wouldn't say it's tragic, but of course we all have opinions

[@megaunderflow4076]

@@TheDeadmanstrollingHow so? Ganondorf was unmistakeably an awful dude after what he had done, but I think it's healthily poignant to recognize the human behind the crimes and how they got there. Ganondorf was a man doomed to fall into madness thanks to the curse of Demise, so his intentions, no matter how noble at the beginning, were destined to fall into corruption. Is that not somewhat tragic? We can feel empathy while still holding someone accountable for wrong doings, after all. I'm not trying to start a flame war, by the way, just a discussion. I think this is a fun topic, as well as harmless since it's about a character who's purely fictitious. (:

[@TheDeadmanstrolling]

@@megaunderflow4076 I love Ganondorf, but to me it's not tragic because deep down he wanted that. I don't feel like he had noble intentions at the beginning - Wind Waker Ganondorf has all the time for self reflections and attempts to justify his evil actions. It feels like he's in the bargaining stage - I'm not that bad! I don't hate the heroes! Just give me my wish and no one gets hurt! But he still killed the Wind and Earth Sages, two children, even after this characterization where he just wanted to better his people. OoT Ganondorf in the Young Link sections looked young, cocky, and hotheaded. He looked like someone who WANTED nothing but power. Not to better his people, but for himself. It seemed to me, when I originally played WW and replayed OoT, that the older Ganondorf was just trying to justify himself, to others and his own conscience. But that's just my interpretation! I love this character and I certainly also like tragic Ganondorf who was forced by date to become evil.

[@Upāsaka_11]

Ganondorf represents the evil curse of Demise. He threw his own people and follows under the bus in order to obtain power and then ultimately destroyed an entire kingdom with it. The implications and magnitude of his actions denote pure evil. He's just a bad dude.

[@JachymorDota]

WW Ganondorf is my favourite Ganondorf. He appears more regal, more justified in his plans. This is a charakter which had seen the gods deny him and teach him a lesson in humility. He does not wear armor or a big twohander, instead going with robes and dual scimitars, more akin to his Gerudo tribe equipment. He looks for a home for his people, but most likely his ambitions would be corrupted by hate eventually. He does not feel contempt for Link nor Zelda. All the other girls he kidnapped were still alive. OoT Ganondorf caused actual genocide. Of all the Ganondorfs, he could have become an actually peaceful ruler, given the circumstances. Maybe he even was aware of the curse, as he was aware of the reincarnations of Link of Zelda. Most of all, he is the only Ganondorf who does not go beastmode and unleashes his boar-demon-form, even when everything is on the line. Correct me if I am wrong, but aside from the kidnappings, Ghoma and destroying an island, he was quite tame in that game. Most monsters and dungeons were natural or built by the Sages. So yeah, give that man a ship and let him sail, all that brooding in the tower was not good for his psyche.

[@TheDeadmanstrolling]

WW Ganondorf is the same Ganondorf from OoT. Specifically, after he caused genocide and adult Link stopped him. He's guilty of all the same things lol

[@TheDeadmanstrolling]

@Malthizar and he still makes a selfish wish once he has the Triforce. Man learned nothing. He has only ever, and will always, serve himself and never the Gerudo

[@kaustubhiyer8912]

One thing which I love about wind waker ganon is that even after losing the triforce and going crazy in the end, he just knocks out zelda instead of killing her for shooting light arrows.

[@Edible_Inc]

Wow, very true!

[@gourry47]

I don't know what it is about it but I always feel somewhat satisfied when I see red blood come out of ganondorf with the finishing blow in ocarina of time

[@nonoctoro4933]

Cmon, we are all a little bloodthirsty.

[@bradonschwindt6877]

This video taught me a lot. I had no clue why the gerudo weren't in twilight princess, but i understand now. Great video

[@Edible_Inc]

Glad it did!

[@ianoliver2224]

You wanna know something worse, it’s possible Ganon is cursed with immortality. So he always has to suffer demise every time he fights the hero.

[@Michallote]

Dude I just found your channel, and came to watch more of your videos, awesome work, actual footage of the games makes all the difference. Subed and Like!

[@BowlOSoup6661]

The reason why Ganondorf did not have any intention on killing Toon Link is Because toon link isn't a hylian and he wasn't the chosen one, he forced his way through everything and took the master sword

[@RedberetVC]

what. a. VIDEO! such a masterpiece! thank you so much for making this!

[@challengerjakku1943]

I can't see how his tale is Tragic as it's entirely justified. Every time we see Ganondorf one thing is a constant, he's a manipulator. He tried to manipulate the King in OOT to gain access to the sacred realm, he tries to manipulate Link at the end of the WW with his sob story, when we all know everything he's saying is in fact a lie. As when he was ruling over Hyrule as King he does nothing to help his people and curses/harms all the other races and inhabitants of the world. The man is one thing... Devil's incarnation.

[@NotThatGuy]

Wow really high quality stuff here

[@Spubly]

The Official Zelda Anime, with Edible as Ganondorf 😂 I really enjoyed this video, Edible! Keep up the good work, dawg! I never noticed how much care you put into your descriptions too, dayum 😂.

[@lolscrubs8977]

Useless fact: In German Ganondorf means Ganonvillage

[@ezrastardust3124]

Lolscrubzz lol that is brilliant

[@SunFalk]

Man, I'm sooo hype for botw 2, good vids

[@eshk3926]

SunFalk when is it coming out tho 😭

[@0918only]

Apparently 2020

[@101fdioklujyhtngbvfrdclokijm]

Diego 2020 somewhere in June

[@iMarzie]

G01DEN BOI lol okay

[@chadpeterson5698]

@@0918only not anymore because of the stupid COVID 19 virus.

[@TCB-Youtube]

I hope Im not the only one who just read Ganon Quagmire.💀

[@pankajsaroj8937]

Good videos edible, you deserve more likes and keep up the good work.

[@Edible_Inc]

Much appreciated!

[@TheInfectiousCadaver]

i fell in love with ganon the moment i saw his twilight princess form. what an absolute badass prince of darkness drip. even happier it was made even better in smash ultimate. i know styles dont matter. but i love the realistic/gritty nature of it. like he legit looks like a prince of darkness.

[@lebag6843]

My favorite idea for a future Zelda game is to have Gannondorf be sick of constantly being controlled by Demise's curse, and so he stays as a ghost kind of like the champions and becomes allies with Link and Zelda to help them take down either an old villain, or a new one

[@DavidLPuga]

Teally dig this video! My head canon since Wind Waker has been that he was a tragic villain. A leader that wanted better for his people only for the Triforce of Power (and later the demon's curse from SS) to corrupt him fully despite his righteous intentions.

[@legate7158]

I'd like to see a Legend of Zelda Civil War, where Gannondorf realises his flaws and rules with kindness to most, and the classic evil to his enemies. A big open map game like breath of the wild, where you have to play with other kingdoms, other than Hyrule - ruled by Gannondorf, to defeat Gannondorf where he has support as a ruler.

[@thehollowvoice7994]

This guys’ voice is incredibly calming...wow

[@Edible_Inc]

Much appreciated

[@thehollowvoice7994]

@@Edible_Inc Thanks sooo much 🥰

[@tigerlilly6056]

Lol I also really like his voice, can't pinpoint why though.

[@KingBobStudios]

Why did I love that blooper real so much! Felt like the most relatable thing I’ve ever heard 😂

[@apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868]

The way people engage with Ganondorf being part of Demise's curse is really weird to me. Like, yall, he's not being mind controlled into hating Link and Zelda. He's not a tragic villain being forced to do these things due to some powers he neither knows nor understands. He is simply the result of a promise. Demise swore that someday, someone would hate all of creation the way he did, and with the last of his malice, he made that promise a curse. Ganondorf's villainous actions are not tragic or pre-determined, simply predicted. He chooses to do these things because he's a maniacal conqueror.

[@SinisterPixel]

Now that the game is out, looks like TOTK takes place on an entirely separate timeline we don't know about. Unless it's just so far flung in the future that Hyrule was lost and later refounded on history that had all but been lost to legend

[@pubcle]

Some significant disagreements on a few points here, for instance, if we take the full script from Twilight Princess's end before it was cut, we get the full context of Ganondorf's thoughts at the end: ”When the chosen ones appear… they are always born into this world in perfect balance. That is the destiny of the chosen. That is the fate decreed by the gods in which you believe, the only path for those who bear their crests. When this world brings forth another marked as you are… know too, that it shall also be visited by one of my blood. Do not think this ends here. The history of light and shadow will be written in blood!” ~ Script cut from Twilight Princess It's also quite clear he wasn't just handed all of his power, while yes much of it was given to him by birth it and destiny it was also, at the same time, made very clear how much Ganondorf had to research to learn of the Triforce, how deep into lore and myth and history he delved to excavate information on it. It's also important to note the Gerudo, especially of that time, were a warrior tribe heavily reliant on cavalry. If we compare it to the kingdoms and empires of the ancient world where the main source of national expression and wealth is military dominance the ruler is almost never just given the crown, even if it said to be by divine right, but rather is brutally and harshly trained for it. I like to imagine Ganondorf was chosen because he fit the curse, because he fit what was being looked for, rather than he was just purely given them. He was, in many ways, the ultimate expression of power in just how adept of conquest and the gathering of strength, whether it be through knowledge or physical or magical, he was its fullest definition. How I imagine Ganondorf is a man who covets freedom or really command in the most extreme form, taken to its absolute most distant extremes, some similarity from the devil of Paradise Lost where it is better to rule over hell than to serve in heaven kind of mentality. He wants to overthrow everything and anything that would try to command him, gods, kings, anything that would try to assert authority over him he will rebel against to put under his own authority. He is possessive, domineering, his main sin is not greed quite as much as jealousy, at least in how he begins his journey, though he is certainly fiercely ambitious.

[@shaniahmcshine3223]

Thank you for taking the time to compose and share this. You are much appreciated.

[@mrkicks7817]

Every villain has a good side to them, not just Darth Vader.

[@s.e.n3264]

I believe that the Wind Waker version of Ganon knows about the curse

[@ThatAnArchyDude]

That's kinda speculation since Skyward Sword (and therefore the curse in question) didn't actually exist until after Wind Waker.

[@thatjrpganimefanplayerjusi8003]

Anarchy Dude I believe the word we’re looking for here is called an add on retcon from skyward Sword to the lore making wind waker make more sense and S.E.N I agree with you big time and I most say ganondorf of wind waker is my favorite dorf from a character on screen depth perspective

[@s.e.n3264]

@@thatjrpganimefanplayerjusi8003 He's pretty fly

[@thatjrpganimefanplayerjusi8003]

S.E.N yup agree 👍 now here’s hoping Nintendo further develops ganondorf character in BOTW 2 when he gets revived from the dead because we all know it’s going to happen it’s a given you just don’t show ganondorf or any hint of him and keep him out from doing anything and same for demise the demon king and even graham if he comes back! OMG! if he comes back witch would be a reference to skyward sword I WILL RETURN! it would be great for ganondorf to see the evil of all evil who has been plaguing him this whole time and because of this the Zelda series will take a whole brand new turn/breath of fresh air and divergence from the typical overly done to death out of date formula that most OOT and TP fans want over and over and over and OVER! AND OVER! AND OVER! again unfortunately you know iam not lying about THAT! This breath of fresh will be continuing what WW was trying to give us feeling plot twist development wise. anyway it would be the greatest twist and revaluation in Zelda history if they did this I would be really REALLY back on the Zelda hype train since now I know there doing new things with development with the story since the WW and SS aka the story/timeline is actually developing and going some were because in my opinion I will say TP let my down BIG Time with the dorf after his Deeper WW development and BOTW went even lower but after seeing the new trailer of BOTW part 2 I can understand why now i forgive BOTW. now iam just hoping BOTW 2 gives us a shocking revaluation with the story new twists and turns for the series while still connecting and developing the character and the villains from the past and giving the dorf a new twist/light/future I want to be shocked like I was with the wind waker skyward sword and a ALBW I just don’t want a Zelda game just for it to be a typical Zelda game I want new twist a revaluation out of it aonuma do your thing we all know your the one doing the story continuity and twist and not Shigeru Miyamoto he’s proved it he’s to simple minded he only cares about game play he may be the creator but he’s to simple.

[@chadpeterson5698]

@@ThatAnArchyDude that's not true timeline wise since in the timeline Skyward Sword is the first game chronologically.

[@brainnn]

i just remembered they actually did say divine prank

[@DefinitelyNotATrolldier]

Ganon in other games: menacing, intimidating and a challenge to beat Ganon in BotW: pig

[@cardboardking577]

I looked at the title with the corner of my eye and thought it read "the tragic story of ganondorf's dingle" 💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀

[@armzngunz]

I wanted to say, I don't tihnk Ganondorf got the triforce of power in the child timeline because of demise, but instead, the triforce automatically split as Link traveled back in time in Ocarina of Time. You can see in the end cutscene that Link and Zelda also have their respective triforces as they meet, even though no one has opened the door to the sacred realm. Link brough his triforce with him into the past, or at least "the mark" of him having the triforce, so the triforce in the child timeline recognises that Link should have the triforce, and it splits.

[@messifbaccount4099]

Absolutly incredible. Thank you for making this😋

[@Edible_Inc]

Thanks!! :D

[@Vergil9O]

The path to hell is paved with even the most well intentioned acts of evil. Ganon wishes to rule the world, to what end? Taken at its most basic level, for nothing more than the sake of it. Power, it is what he feels he is owed, and it is through power that he will achieve it. Yet he never will, as arguably the only person able to rule all would need to possess the whole of the triforce. Yet it can be argued that each of the trinity are bestowed by presence of its virtue, not the other way around. He does not possess wisdom nor courage. Therefore, he cannot possess the trinity in its entirety. Just as Tantalus or Sisyphus of myth are forever doomed to repeat their tasks, so too will Ganon labor in vain forever. This cursed road Ganon walks stretches without end. The only solution being to simply step off from it. Yet often the simplest solutions are the least obvious. And one could wager that Ganon may never break the cycle. And thus remain trapped, in an existential cage of his own design. Doomed to repeat his failure until the very stars grow cold. His fate may very well be the most tragic of all.

[@jajordan2106]

I like how it's a reoccurring theme that if someone pays attention to link long enough they find exactly what they are looking for

[@TheRegulus01]

I have always had a soft spot for the Nintendo villains and it reflects on the people I use in Smash bros. the most. From Bowser's goofy attempts to kidnap Peach, to Ridley's sadistic joy to torture Samus, to Ganondorf's continous attempts to conquer. Though out of those three, Ganondorf is the only one I felt sorry for, ever since I played Skyward sword. A man who has his destiny written for him, the pen wretched from his hand by the devil laughing in the shadows behind him. Way back when, it was easy for me to see him as a demon king that needs to be put down. Not so much anymore. He is just a man trapped in a cycle of hatred that he cannot understand. Now with Tears of the Kingdom out and me replaying breath of the wild, seeing how he turned into Calamity Ganon, it is honestly horrifying how far Demise has corrupted Ganondorf to become a monster, all for the sake of puring Link's and Zelda's bloodline. And Ganondorf never has the chance to look inside of himself and notice that he was never in control of his own life. All those fancomics previous to Tears of the kingdom, aside from the fact that they made Ganon into a damn handsome guy, made me ponder of an alternate universe or timeline where Ganon might have had the smallest of chances to notice that he had shackles on him from the moment he was born. A chance where he could seek out help to rid himself of Demise's curse before his influence became too much. Maybe that Ganondorf could have become a benevolent ruler to his people, a respected king in Hyrule and the closest confidant to Zelda and Link as they have to purge Demise for good. But that is wishful thinking more than anything, born out of interest of what could have been. It is 3 years late, but thank you very much for this. It got me back into writing mood after a very long hiatus!

[@sophia_6873]

Between tree link making a comeback and you not being able to pronounce “quickly gather” to save your life, those last 20 seconds were wayyyyy too amusing 😂

[@gluckskatze3229]

The outakes made me smile. :D Thank you for this awesome video!

[@Edible_Inc]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@AzumarillConGafasBv]

WW Ganondorf(that it's supossed to be OoT Ganondorf(and same goes to TP Ganondorf)) is the best Ganondorf I ever seen, TP Ganon is more badass and cool but damn, WW Ganondorf is relatable and has actual reasons to accomplish his goals

[@andrewrivera7496]

Who already knew Ganondorf's last name was Dragmire? I didn't

[@Boogeyyyman]

It's not his real surname. It's an invention of some translaters.

[@andrewrivera7496]

@@Boogeyyyman why

[@equivalenceprinciple1982]

@@Boogeyyyman I really wish they didn't do that. It just sounds stupid. I'm glad that it isn't referenced in any of the canon games.

[@organizedmicrowave4414]

@@andrewrivera7496 , People weren't given surnames in ancient times. No reason, too little people.

[@chadpeterson5698]

I knew

[@Insomniacdream]

And just like that, you earned a subscriber. Great video. ^^

[@Edible_Inc]

Thanks!

[@trp1x4l17]

For some reason I can't take anything related to ganondorf seriously now that I know his last name is dragmire. Quagmire will forever haunt me...💱

[@basedgodly1623]

Wind Waker ganon will always be my favorite! Always seemed the most sympathetic especially when he talks about the struggles of his people and being jealous of hyrule and their abundance and he wanted that for his people. And then when he tried to attain it they literally flooded the world to stop him destroying his home and isolating hyrule. I think that iteration of him was pretty spiritual and felt like he really understood his sad fate and felt truly foresaken.

[@leddmask]

Fighting him in Ocala was beyond epic. Deflecting his attacks to harm him, dodging the falling tiles, and hitting him with light arrows at just the right time. Such a good boss fight.

[@DaisukidaioNihon]

You know WHAT would be AWESOME??? A videogame playing as Ganondorf and Him Breaking the curse set upon himself in an I don't know Super Plot Twist Spin Off from the WIND WAKER. Which would have sense since it would make him reflect on his mistakes and turn over a new leaf.

[@sealyseal3462]

So basically, in the adult timeline, ganondorf learns from his mistakes, and understands it all, and in the end, he doesn’t care anymore, since he’s lost everything without anything left. It was a “If I’m going to hell, bitch you’re coming too!”. But in the child timeline, ganondorf never made the mistake of underestimating the hero, thus never learned, and so the same ignorance takes place in TP, which causes him to meet the same fate as he would have in the adult timeline. In the downfall timeline, we still have yet to see what happens to ganondorf. We know ganondorf IS ganon, or vice versa, so we know he is slowly becoming less human (The further down the timeline you go, the less intelligent he becomes, he slowly turns into a mindless, raging beast.) And we assume he’s still cocky, since he never underestimated link, but we can also assume he’s even MORE prideful since he killed link, winning. He slowly turns into calamity ganon, the mindless warbeast bent on destruction and death. Botw 2 is most likely the end of the downfall timeline, and ganon was killed off in the split, which leaves the last two timelines. The botw timeline, and the one where the champions win. Ganondorf WILL die in botw2, I know it. We’re so close to finishing this story, we’re so, so close. Only one more game after this to finish the last chapter.

[@apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868]

I mean we don't know that TOTK is downfall, and considering what we've seen I kinda doubt it.

[@jaysonmacdonald7770]

In wind waker it almost feels like he understands the formula of the zelda games, he knows he can't win, he's just giving it one last (half hearted) attempt at ultimate power

[@asock69]

the tragic life of keep getting clapped by two teenagers

[@Eleven217]

"Today we'll be learning about Ganondorf's life from his-" My rotten brain: "-from his suavemente"

[@jadenr1343]

He had a last name?

[@eldin6491]

Yeah, in the original NES guidebook, I think

[@nonoctoro4933]

Not in Japanese. He is the Evil Thief as Ganondorf and the Demon King as Ganon. "Mandrag" and "Dragmire" were made up by the western, and especially American localization.

[@chadpeterson5698]

@@nonoctoro4933 oh really then why is it confirmed that Dragmire is Ganondorf's last name

[@imaheadout2639]

@@chadpeterson5698 it isnt

[@generalsalami]

I read this as "Ganondorf Quagmire" and now I'll never be the same.

[@overpricedhealthcare]

dromire is behind lunk's back

[@mike9139]

I love your narration!! 😀

[@Edible_Inc]

Thanks!!

[@Deadpool....]

We all gotta admit it, Ganondorf may not be destined to succeed, but hes very suave

[@bpuppin]

SO Demise's curse will only end when Zelda tackles the very nature of Demise's origin before the Triforce

[@chadpeterson5698]

I don't think so.

[@59rlmccormack]

Good job on the video homie, you’re still the best!

[@Killjoyfiend]

Ganon: Hola. Me has atrapado en medio suavamente.🕺🏾

[@doubleedge6656]

The reason in windwaker when he said “let’s see how much your precious triforce is worth, “ is because he believed it was the triforces power that defeated him before. Now that they don’t have any triforces he wants to see the hero’s real strength. That’s my interpretation anyway.

[@gwendolynsnyder463]

what Ganondorf should have said in Windwaker instead of "See how much your Triforce is worth!": "You. Your daughter wielding the Triforce of Wisdom didn't help with anything. You could have wished for Demise's curse to end. Instead, your whole family is a walking blonde joke!"

[@ethanparr8955]

I've been a fan ever since I first saw the first game, I was born before windwaker and Twilight Princess and such so I grew up with those classics, and until I saw this video I never knew Ganon had a last name, or that it was Dragmire

[@runerdude141]

Ganon swearing false allegiance to the king of hyrule…. Oh how history repeats itself

[@Shinji_Ikari-real]

The most intimidating name then goes to the most funniest last name

[@HOUSEOFXR]

I’ve always loved granny’s last name lol it’s so iconic

[@thatguy4996]

I feel like if Ganon ever got the triforce and was able to make a wish it would be to be free from Demise’s curse

[@apersonwhomayormaynotexist9868]

Nah we know his wishes aren't to be free. In OoT it was conquest/ruling, and in WW it was to restore hyrule. He doesn't know about Demise's curse, and technically Demise's curse isn't even necessarily a constant. We see Link and Zelda escape it in the Adult Timeline.