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It's official.
The legend of Zelda is now over 30 years old.
The Japanese version released in 1986 and the English version released on the famous
gold cart in August 1987 set the series in motion and gave players a more serious, mature
and challenging contrast to the other big Nintendo franchise, Super Mario Bros.
The game and its many secrets are well known now.
But think back if you can.
If you're one of the few who had the game before any sequel without any guides, extra
help, nothing.
Just the legend of Zelda, its world and the future a completely blank canvas.
Well I found the first product related to Zelda released after the first game.
A manga book published in September 1986, not long after the Japanese release.
It was published by wanpaku comics and written by Ran Maru.
It fills in a few parts of the story, makes hyrule a more lively place and for those totally
lost on what to do in the game, lets you in on the overall main quest.
It's actually very close to the original game with with no big changes but a few enhancements
and some side characters.
If you're a big Zelda fan, you won't need much more explanation than that.
So let's get right to it!!
Welcome to an age of Faeries and Magicians.
A time of peace, freedom and carefree days.
In these days, there was a small kingdom named Hyrule, in which the most beautiful princess
the kingdom had ever had, named Zelda was abducted.
Princess Zelda is brought to the fortress of the Dark Lord Ganon.
Before even entering, Ganon’s voice could be heard outside.
Ganon demands that Zelda surrenders to Triforce of Wisdom to him.
Zelda says that no matter how many times he keeps asking, the Triforce will never be given
over to him, and she would rather die than to see him have it.
Ganon replies by saying that to punish Zelda for her stubbornness, he will terrorize the
kingdom of Hyrule until she changes her mind.
Zelda says Ganon already has the Triforce of Power, but, the people of Hyrule will see
the truth come out of the darkness, no matter what.
The hopes of the people of Hyrule will be a light that never goes out.
Ganon laughs and sends out his minions to find Impa, nursemaid of Princess Zelda, while
locking Zelda away in a dungeon.
While imprisoned she prays that Impa will not be found.
Off in the central grasslands of Hyrule, Impa is chased down, and surrounded by Moblins.
As they get ready to take her away, Link appears on the top of a nearby cliff and yells to
the Moblins to let her go.
One of the Moblins, asks why.
Why should anyone listen to a little boy?
Link says that the old woman, Impa, wasn't doing anything and should be let go.
The head Moblin says Link is making a big mistake getting involved with the henchmen
of Dark Lord Ganon.
Link, and his bird Watto say they don’t know who that is.
This angers the Moblins and they charge Link, who fights back with his slingshot.
One of the Moblins transforms into a boar like creature and charges Link.
He wins and the Moblins retreat, leaving Impa behind.
Link asks if she's hurt.
Impa thanks him for saving her, but says she will not make it and to take this pendant
to an old man living in a nearby cave.
As soon as Link holds the pendants it illuminates with a brilliant light.
Impa tells Link that the pendant will only give light when in the presence of the chosen
one, who will drive evil from the world.
She gives thanks to the gods of Hyrule that she was able to find the chosen one in her
lifetime.
She once again tells link to find the old man in the cave and meet him, then save the
princess and Hyrule.
With “please” as her final word, Impa passes away.
Zelda, locked away in Ganon’s dungeon, can feel Impa’s passing and begins to cry.
Link, given only the instructions of finding the old man and the cave, sets out to do just
that.
At Ganon’s fortress, the Moblins return, and when one explains what happened, he is
burned alive by Ganon as punishment.
He commands all of his henchmen to go out and find Link and kill him.
Meanwhile Link roams the countryside in search of the cave.
He finds that many of the trees and animals are dying.
He asks some villagers about why that is happening.
One old man who is tending to his orchard says that the Triforce keeps life in balance
in the land of Hyrule.
And without it, life could not continue.
Because the trees and animals are dying, it must mean that something has happened to the
Triforce.
Just then, the farmer’s granddaughter runs to him, screaming for help.
The Moblins are back, on the attack.
The granddaughter thinks that the Moblins are out to steal the food she brought for
her grandfather.
The Moblins say they aren’t looking for food, but that if they're hungry they can
cook Watto and eat him instead.
The Goblins chase Watto but are saved by the village giant, named Hercules.
As payment for saving them, he takes the little girls food!
After these events, Link takes off to search for the cave once more, Hercules says if Link
is ever in danger, just call for help.
Finally after much searching, Link finds the cave and the old man.
He tells the man of Impa’s passing.
The old man tells link how a small country like Hyrule has been able to survive for so
long.
The secret lies in the Triforce of Wisdom and Triforce of Power.
Ganon had taken the Triforce of Power and Zelda broke the triforce of Wisdom in to 8
parts and hid them throughout Hyrule so nobody could find them.
But now that Zelda has been kidnapped by Ganon, the old man worries that Ganon will find the
location of the 8 pieces, have both Triforces and rule over Hyrule.
Therefore it is up to Link to search for the 8 pieces, unify the Triforce and use it to
defeat Ganon!
Then the old man takes Link’s pendant and uses its power to communicate telepathically
with Zelda.
The image of Zelda appears in the dark and she begs him to find the 8 pieces of
the Triforce before Ganon can get to them.
The light goes out and Zelda is gone.
The old man then presents Link with a sword and shield that he had been entrusted with
giving to the chosen one, when he would arrive.
The powers of the sword, combined with the power of the Triforce will be the only way
to defeat Ganon.
But where is Ganon, Link asks.
The old man says the Ganon lives in a castle on Death Mountain, but that no one from Hyrule
has ever been there.
The old man then tells Link it's time to embark on his adventure and that Princess Zelda,
and Hyrule depend on him.
Link excitedly says he will save Zelda!
As he leaves, he turns to thank the old man one more time, but he's gone…..
Back outside Watto feels concerned for link and asks him if he can really fight Ganon.
He says its dangerous, going alone and could easily die.
Link says he will not hear anymore discouraging words and as the chosen one, will fight!
Link and Watto enter an area that’s new to them and wonder where they are, when they
are ambushed by Octorocks!
Link tries using the slingshot but it's no good!
Watto says to use the sword!!
Though he has never used one before, he can fight off several Octorocks, eventually defeating
them.
Link and Watto decide to rest a bit when Watto notices something from the battle site.
Watto says that enemies turned into crystals.
Link says that these crystals are called Rupies, and are the currency of Hyrule and can use
them later to buy things.
Watto says then they should simply fight more monsters to become rich!
But link says the mission is to save Zelda, not to get rich.
So Watto says Link can have the Princess and he’ll keep the money!
Actually there are too many Rupies to carry and link is ready to move on, wondering how
he will get to Death Mountain if nobody has even knows how to find it.
As they leave a Vire overhears their conversation and flies back to Ganon to report on what
was said.
Link comes to a cave, a shadowy figure appears and while at first thought, it appears to
be a monster, its actually a shop!
The shopkeeper deals in swords, and shields, and bombs.
He takes interest in Link’s sword, which Link says he will use to defeat Ganon.
The shopkeeper says its inadequate for a fight against Ganon and he should buy the White
Sword from him.
Link also tries to ask for more information about Death Mountain, but the shopkeeper says
that other than the minions of Ganon, no one has ever been there.
He does however offer a map of Hyrule to Link for 50 Rupies.
With this, Link will have a better understanding of where he is and can hopefully find Ganon
faster than without it.
The shopkeeper also offers to buy Link’s pendant for 1000 Rupies, but Link says NO
SALE!
A little dejected, the shopkeeper mocks Link’s claims of being the chosen one, saying he's
too young and inexperienced.
Link leaves the shop while Watto still talks about getting rich.
The next area they come to is a lake and when they get close to the water, the pendant lights
up again, signaling that something important to the quest is nearby.
Watto flies as high as he can to see whats on the horizon, and he says theres an island
off in the distance.
From under the water Zoras jump up and attack.
Peahats also fly down and attack, along with Octorocks Watto directs link to a nearby bridge.
While removing from the fight, Link finds a bomb that the monsters had left behind.
Watto notices the big tree on the island has a open passageway, and wonders if its another
shop.
Link says it looks different that, but that they should investigate anyway.
They go down a long dark staircase.
At the bottom theres some light and they discover a giant maze!
Skeletons are all over the place and Link notices that the pendant’s light gets stronger
in certain directions, which tells him where to go.
Suddenly and without Link noticing, the skeletons, also known as Stalfos come to life.
Also a large shadowed figure appears in a doorway.
It's Hercules!
Sadly though Hercules falls over as he had been hit by several arrows and dies.
Then Link is ambushed by the Stalfos.
He defeats them, but theres even more monsters on the way and Link runs away, finding a safe
spot in a small passageway.
Though he is safe now, he's startled by the voice of an old man.
The old man asks link if he's come looking for the treasure hidden here.
He says its guarded by a huge monster, but if they work together, he can split it with
Link.
He too notices the glow of the pendant, but before there’s even time to explain more
monsters are heard coming and quickly.
While escaping Link asks the old man if the treasure he was looking for was the Triforce.
The old man says no.
And after finding what they thought was a safe hiding spot.
Zols appear and being their attack.
Link defeats them easily enough.
After they fall, a map of the dungeon appears.
Now Link isn't so lost anymore and uses the map to find a room with some stairs and discovers
a bow!
And, after another battle with Goriyas, he discovers a boomerang!
Using the map and the pendant, he then finds the boss's lair, Aquamentus is inside waiting.
In the middle of battle, Link spots the piece of the Triforce off in the corner of the chamber.
After a long battle using both bombs and his sword, the Aquamentus is defeated!
The first piece of the Triforce can now be taken by Link, but before he does, Princess
Zelda appears.
She thanks him for coming this far.
Link shows off his bow that he found here.
Link asks her where to go, how to get to Death Mountain to find her.
Zelda says she can not say.
But she takes his hand and tells him that he has to keep searching out the other 7 pieces
of the Triforce, that she believes in him before she disappears….
Watto finds a Heart Container under the foot of the Aquamentus.
Link picks up the Triforce piece and as he leaves the dungeon, all the remaining monsters
are destroyed by its power.
As Link and Watto leave the big tree, Watto notices that Link’s arms look much bigger
and stronger.
Link says that this power must be from the Triforce!
And now that he has a map of Hyrule, finding the rest of the Triforce will be much easier.
BREAK??
Link has 1/8 of the Triforce but still has 7 to go and still doesn't know where Death
Mountain is.
When we come back, Link’s quest continues.
In Ganon’s lair, the Vire that was spying in Link a while back reports back to Ganon
on what's happened.
Ganon learns that 1 of the 8 Triforce pieces is now gone.
This seriously angers Ganon and he demands that his minions go out and secure the other
pieces as fast as possible!
Two in particular, a DARKNUT and WIZZROBE discuss what to do.
They know that their location Death Mountain is a secret, but that they should set traps,
incase its found.
They also realize that Zelda can communicate with Link, and can tell him where the Triforce
pieces are, but there's very little they can do to stop that.
Link and Watto are wandering around in the dark and are trying to find a shop to buy
some food.
They notice a fire burning nearby.
When they go to check it out, they find that its Ganon’s henchmen burning a village down
to the ground.
The leader of this group says to find him!!
Find him!!!
Another one asks a villager where he is hiding.
The village replies that she doesn't know who they are talking about.
The head Moblin says the boy with the parrot!
The village burns as Link shows up to fight them off and try to save what’s left of
the village.
When Link offers his hand in friendship, the villagers are too startled to trust him, so
he leaves.
As he’s leaving, he spots the same Vire that was spying on him before, only this time
he knows about it.
Link does get to the shop, finally, and is shocked to find that they prices are much
higher there than the last shop.
To which the shopkeeper replies that this is a more dangerous place and because of that
the demand is higher here.
He offers a piece of information for 20 Rupies and Link insists that it better NOT be a lie!
He insists its not a lie and say that he saw some of Ganon’s forces coming and going
at MAKUTO Mountain.
Link thinks that it might be another name for Death Mountain and leaves to investigate.
As he leaves, an old woman gets in the way, and notices the pendant.
After Link is gone, she gets upset at the shopkeeper, what has he sold to him?
Link travels to MAKUTO Mountain and discusses with Watto about the things they seen and
what to do next.
As the make it to foot of the mountains, they are approached by a Lynel.
He tells them Link was brave and lucky to get 1 Triforce piece but that Link will never
defeat all of Ganon’s army and make it to Death Mountain.
They attack and with one stroke of the sword, Link’s shield is sliced in half!
Hiding during the battle.
Watto looks on, but is approached by the old woman from the shop they had visited before.
She asks him about the pendant.
What is it and where did come from?
Watto won’t say anything, but there isn't really even time to talk as Link is getting
beat up pretty badly and Watto jumps in to try and help.
Together they are able to fight off all of them, except for the leader, as the old woman
watches on from afar.
The leader says to Link that he's a skilled fighter but he will meet his end here!
As he jumps to attack link he screams prepare to die!
Link throws his sword right at the Lynel and it lands square in the heart!
But his sword also stabs link in the chest, and is a fatal blow.
Watto cries out for Link to respond!
The old woman comes out from hiding to help, but says its too late, Link is dead.
Link falls into the darkness, landing in a void-like, purgatory like zone.
Its cold, and empty.
Link sees a light off in the distance, it calls to him, to follow the light.
He put his hand out but a different voice calls out and says no!
Don't go there!
Link almost gets taken by a demon but someone grabs his hand to pull him out.
It’s Zelda!!
Meanwhile, the old woman and Watto take Link’s body to a spring where the old woman asks
the faeries there to bring Link back to life.
The faeries say its impossible to restore life to someone who has already died.
The faeries only have to power to recharge the life force of people but if the life force
is gone, then they can’t help.
The old woman insists that he is the one who was destined to save Hyrule and something
must be done.
Link and Zelda are watching over the scene and at this moment, Link realizes that he
is dead.
Zelda says to link to take her hand, and he can have another chance, and can restore his
life.
She warns him that there are even stronger monsters out there.
She tells him to follow the light and protect himself from danger.
At the spring, the old lady and Watto try bargaining with the faeries, offering everything
that they have to brink Link back, but it just can't be done.
Watto cries over Link’s body, while the old woman laments the end of Hyrule.
Suddenly, the faeries say that they are detecting a heartbeat in Link!
It’s faint, but its being picked up and felt by their powers.
They carry Link into the spring and raise his life force.
Watto and the old woman rejoice as Link’s heartbeat returns to normal.
The old woman hails it as a miracle.
Watto, in his excitement drinks some of the water, thinking it will heal his throat.
But the faeries warn him not to drink it!
The water has a strange side effect that makes him grow 10 times his normal size.
Link begins breathing again.
The he opens his eyes, and emerges from the spring, fully healthy!
The old woman gives link a bottle of medicine in case he is injured again.
She also gives him a sword from the shop.
Its the White Sword!
And Link says with this sword, he feels much more powerful.
The faeries equip the heart container Link found and it gives him extra stamina too.
There is however, no cure for Watto’s gigantism!
Link leaves the faeries spring and comes to a town, he tried to find an armory, to get
a new shield, but everyone seems to be in hiding and isn't helpful to Link at all.
One young boy, named Billy, offers to help guide Link around the town…for a fee.
The boy says there is a shop that sells shields really cheap, he thinks it's nearby.
I have to stop the narration and explain what’s going to happen here.
This book is 194 pages long.
We are on page 126 right now and Link has only ONE Triforce piece!
There is no part 2 of this comic series and so for a few pages they montage it up if you
will….
Link gets a shield and and other items found in the game, while defeating the boss monsters
and getting the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Triforce pieces.
Watto’s gigantism wears off and Billy tags along the whole time.
While this is going on Ganon gets angry about being unable to find the other Triforce and
worried that Link will find Death Mountain.
Link continues on fighting, and finding treasures well.
Look there’s a Family Computer and Disk system hiding under some Rupies.
He gets the 5th 6th and 7th Triforce pieces along the way.
The old man from the beginning of the story appears again to tell Link that he is almost
ready for the final battle, but to no be afraid as he is truly the chosen one who will defeat
Ganon and restore peace to Hyrule with the power of the Triforces.
Back at Ganon’s lair, he admonishes the leader of his minions for still being unable
to find Link and let him get away with finding almost the entire Triforce of Wisdom.
Ganon says that if the entire Triforce is reformed, then, his henchmen have the go ahead
to KILL ZELDA!
That pretty much ends the montage, things return to a normal pace after this and were
on page 138, incase yours wondering.
Well, Link is about to get the final Triforce piece, when people from all around come to
present him with food and medicine to help him prepare for the battle.
Word has gotten around Hyrule at this point about Link and his quest and the citizens
of Hyrule are behind him all the way.
In the 8th dungeon, Link find the Magic Book and Magic Wand that lets him cast magic and
defeat some of the toughest monsters located there.
After defeating Gleeok link finds the 8th Triforce piece!!
The 8 pieces fuse together in a brilliant light and at last, the Triforce of Wisdom
is whole!
The old man appears yet again and transforms Link’s White Sword into the Magical Sword!
Link is now ready to find Death Mountain, defeat Ganon, rescue Process Zelda, and save
Hyrule!
Link’s bravery is put to the test as he sets off to face Ganon.
When we come back, the final battle on Death Mountain!!
BREAK!
The road to Death Mountain is long and arduous and even though the peak is visible off in
the horizon, Ganon’s lair is still hidden by magical forces.
At this point, Link thanks Billy for everything, but it is just far too dangerous for him to
come along and sends him away.
Link makes it to the farther point that he possible traverse on foot and then demands
that passageway to Ganon show itself!
The passageway opens and Link is immediately besieged by monsters.
The Magic Wand takes care of them quickly.
At the gate of the fortress, the old man appears again.
He warns link that the Magical Sword and the Triforce will STILL not be enough to defeat
Ganon and to take caution as there is no returning after this point.
Link enters the first level and faces strong enemies at every turn.
Billy returns to his village and brings the entire town to help fight alongside Link.
Link continues to fight and find himself locked inside a room.
He asks if this is Ganon or not.
The DARKNUT replies that no, he is not Ganon, but he is the leader of the Ganon’s forces.
He says that this is the end for Link because the door will never be opened unless of DARKNUTS
inside the room has been defeated.
Link and the leader engage in an epic sword fight!
Meanwhile the Hyrulians are storming the fortress attacking monsters with brooms, rakes and
anything else they could bring along.
Billy and some others make it to the room Link is locked inside of.
He can hear sword fighting, but they can't open the door.
They try a battering ram to get it open.
Link finally defeats the last DARKNUT, which breaks the magic lock in the door.
The Hyrulians with the battering ram run right thru as the doors open!
Link gets angry at Billy, as he told him earlier that it was just too dangerous.
But the old woman is able to bring some medicine along which heals a much hurt Link after this
battle.
After healing up, Link instructs the Hyrulians to search the fortress for Princess Zelda,
as he goes off to face Ganon.
The door locks behind him and the giant stature of Ganon in the entrance way comes to life
and attacks Link!
Link demands Ganon show his true form.
The statue crumbles away and now Link and Ganon are finally face to face.
Ganon says that Link may have been the chosen one, but he will never be defeated.
Link asks where Zelda is.
Ganon replies that since he can never be defeated, Link will never know what happened to Zelda.
And with sends link to the ground with a powerful wave of magic.
He then disappears.
Link swings his sword wildly, being unable to find Ganon.
And Ganon, with the advantage of invisibility attacks Link repeatedly.
Link uses his slingshot and pelts the room with mustard seeds, in the hope of hitting
Ganon and making him somewhat visible in the room.
One seed makes contact, and Link lunges with his sword as hard as he can.
Ganon says Link is a clever opponent, by the throws him to ground and unfurls his wings.
Ganon takes flight, breaking through the peak of Death Mountain.
Ganon is escaping and nobody really knows what to do, but Link gets an idea.
He gives Watto some of the water from the faerie spring and he grows back to a giant
size.
And they fly off together to chance down Ganon.
As they catch up to him, Link members the words of the old man.
That, the Magical Sword and the Triforce will not be enough to defeat Ganon.
Standing atop of Watto Link takes the Silver Arrow and in one shot, lands its share in
Ganon’s face, killing him instantly!
He dissipates in an explosion of light.
The Triforce of Wilson and Triforce of Power fly out and Link is able to retrieve them
and return to the ground safely.
Link returns to find that the Hyrulians have found Zelda, but that they were too late,
Ganon had killed Zelda before they arrived.
Link says that he would give his own life in exchange for Zelda’s.
To everyone’s surprise, the old man comes out through the wall and says that is it possible
to revive Zelda.
The told man asks link to put the pendant on Zelda.
Link Lays on the altar besides Zelda.
The old man uses the power of both Triforces and prays to the gods of Hyrule to return
Princess Zelda’s spirit to this world.
Zelda opens her eyes and sits up!
The people celebrate, cheer and thank link for his bravery in saving Princess Zelda,
The Kingdom of Hyrule and The Triforces which have restored balance to land.
And for our hero, the tale of bravery will live on through the ages, forever.
And so ends the first publication about the legend of Zelda.
Really the first anything beyond the game.
It really did its job well of filling in things the game couldn't technically do back then.
So for a trip to the past, stop by your local library.
Because it's all in books