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The Happy Mask Salesman,(OoT | MM3D | OoA | SSBB)[1][note 1] also known as the Happy Mask Shop Owner,(OoT)[6] is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series.

Biography[]

Ocarina of Time[]

In Ocarina of Time, the Happy Mask Shop Owner opens the Happy Mask Shop in the Market after Link delivers Zelda's Letter to the Death Mountain Trail Gatekeeper in Kakariko Village.[7] Once the shop is open, Link can speak to him to become a "happiness salesman." This starts a Mask Trading Sequence where Link can borrow each of the Shop's Masks and sell them to people.[8] After selling all four Masks, Link receives the Mask of Truth, which allows him to understand what Gossip Stones say.[9] Along with this, he can return to the Happy Mask Shop to borrow all of the Masks he has previously sold as well as four new Masks.

Throughout the Trading Sequence, the Happy Mask Shop Owner is usually in a cheerful mood, encouraging Link as he is selling the Masks.[10] However, if Link does not return with the Rupees for the sold Mask, the Happy Mask Shop Owner will become angry and threaten him.[11] If Link returns to the Happy Mask Shop later, he will no longer be upset.

The Happy Mask Shop Owner disappears after Ganondorf takes control of Hyrule Castle and forces the residents of Hyrule Castle Town to flee. He is last seen during the ending credits celebrating at Lon Lon Ranch.

Majora's Mask[]

Prior to the events of Majora's Mask, the Happy Mask Salesman was traveling through the woods in search for Masks.[12] However, he was ambushed and knocked out by the Skull Kid and his two friends, Tatl and Tael. While the Happy Mask Salesman was unconscious, the imp stole Majora's Mask from his bag and became possessed by its evil powers.

When Link arrives in Termina, he is also assaulted by the Skull Kid, who steals his Ocarina of Time and rides away with Epona. Link chases after the Skull Kid, who turns him into a Deku Scrub. Tatl, who was left behind by the Skull Kid and Tael, decides to follow Link. The two of them make their way to the Clock Tower, where they meet the Happy Mask Salesman. He reveals that he has been following Link, and that he knows of a way to return him to his former self.[13] However, he first needs to reclaim his Ocarina from the Skull Kid.[14] In exchange, the Salesman asks Link to return the "precious mask" that was stolen from him within three days, before he has to depart from Termina.[15]

Just a few hours before the Moon falls, Link and Tatl confront the Skull Kid at the top of the Clock Tower. The hero retrieves his Ocarina and plays the "Song of Time", which transports him back to the beginning of the three day cycle. He then returns to the Happy Mask Salesman with his Ocarina, who teaches him the "Song of Healing", a melody that heals troubled spirits and turns them into Masks.[16] After the song is played, the spirit of the Deku Butler's Son is encased in the Deku Mask and Link returns to his Hylian form.[17] Having fulfilled his promise, the Happy Mask Salesman asks for his end of the deal. After learning that Link failed to retrieve Majora's Mask, he becomes distressed and shakes Link out of frustration.[18] He tells Link of the great lengths that he went through to obtain the Mask, as well as its true nature. He explains that if the Mask is not taken back from the Skull Kid, something horrible will happen.[19] He begs Link to recover the Mask for him, once again stressing the fact that he must leave in just three days, which is the day of the Carnival of Time, as well as the time remaining before the Moon crashes into Clock Town. As Link and Tatl set off to recover Majora's Mask, the Happy Mask Salesman waits patiently inside the Clock Tower for their return.

Once Link successfully defeats the evil inside Majora's Mask, the Moon vanishes, thus saving the land of Termina from destruction. The Happy Mask Salesman finally reclaims his Mask, which has seemingly lost its evil power.[20] As he is in the middle of his travels, he bids farewell and implies that Link should return to Hyrule.[21] After commenting on the number of people who Link made happy, he walks away and disappears.[22]

The Happy Mask Salesman seems to know a lot about Link and his previous adventures, mentioning that retrieving Majora's Mask should be of no difficulty to someone like him.[23] Moreover, if Link wears a Mask and speaks to him with it on, he will say something about that Mask: what emotion it is filled with, its rarity, or something special about it.

In Majora's Mask 3D, the Happy Mask Salesman also gives Link the Bombers' Notebook after they first meet.

Oracle of Ages[]

OoA Happy Mask Salesman Sprite 2

In Oracle of Ages, the Happy Mask Salesman owns the Mask Shop on the outskirts of Lynna City. He is starving and will give Link the Doggie Mask in exchange for something to eat, namely the Tasty Meat from the Tokay cook.[24] His appearance is almost identical to previous games, the one notable difference being his ears which are rounded and not pointed.

Other Appearances[]

Majora's Mask (Himekawa)[]

In the Majora's Mask manga by Akira Himekawa, the Happy Mask Salesman's role appears the same as in the game. Towards the final battle with Majora's Mask, he is shown far more sinister than previously.[25] After the battle, the Happy Mask Salesman appears before Link still wearing the Fierce Deity's Mask to take his mask. Link strikes out at him with his Sword and tells him to leave, slicing various masks in half, possibly in an attempt to strike Majora's Mask. He misses, however, and the mysterious man picks up the mask and fades away laughing.

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[]

In Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Happy Mask Salesman appears as a Sticker.

Sticker Artwork from Effect in The Subspace Emissary Usable by
SSBB Happy Mask Salesman Sticker Icon
Happy Mask Salesman
Majora's Mask [Leg] - Attack +9 This sticker is only usable by Link, Zelda, Ganondorf and Toon Link

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[]

Happy Mask Salesman — Spirit Battle Information

SSBU Happy Mask Salesman Spirit Icon
Happy Mask Salesman
SSBU Support Spirit Icon Support Spirit
No. 212
Team Power SSBU Shield Type Icon Shield | 4300 Rank ★★ ADVANCED Fighter(s)
Stage Umbra Clock Tower Theme "Song of Storms" SSBU Young Link Stock Icon 8 Young Link
Rule(s) Attack Power 🠅
Move Speed 🠅
Jump Power 🠅
Hazard(s)
Condition(s)
 · Timed Battle Triforce piece
 · All fighters have increased jump power
 · All fighters have increased move speed after a little while

Happy Mask Salesman — Spirit Information

SSBU Happy Mask Salesman Spirit Icon

Happy Mask Salesman
No. 212
Rank ★★ ADVANCED Cost
Skill
Trade-Off Attacks 🠅
Start battles with 30% damage and higher attack power.

In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the Happy Mask Salesman appears as a Spirit with the ability, Trade-Off Attacks 🠅, which grants a Fighter the ability to start battles with higher attack power, but with 30% Damage already dealt to them.

Trivia[]

  • The Happy Mask Salesman has nine Masks attached to his bag. One of them features the face found on the Mirror Shield and another one is based on Mario.
  • Hacking into the Majora's Mask 3D files reveals that the face models used for the Moon Children is that of the Happy Mask Salesman.[26] In the original game, their faces had no texture.[27]
  • The Happy Mask Salesman appeared as a guest in a Miiting released to promote Majora's Mask 3D.[28]
    • Viewing his Mii data file, his creator name is zeroed out to "?やべ", likely meant to be "Ayabe", implying the Mii was made by Naoko Ayabe, who is credited as an illustrator on the game. His birthday is also set to December 31st, which could not be a placeholder, and must be intentional. As the Happy Mask Salesman is associated with "the end", and December 31st is the end of the year, this makes sense.


Nomenclature[]

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in other regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
LanguageNameMeaning
FranceFrenchEUVendeur de masques (OoT)[29]
Vendeur de Masques (MM3D)[30]
Mask seller
Mask Seller
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery[]

Notes

  1. The Happy Mask Salesman is referred to as the Mask Salesman in Majora's Mask and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask — Official Perfect Guide by Versus Books.[2][3] The line depicting his title was altered in Majora's Mask 3D,[4] eliminating any in-game source for his name. He is also referred to as simply the Mask Merchant in the July 2000 edition of Nintendo Power.[5] However, as the Happy Mask Salesman's name was retconned in Hyrule Historia and Art & Artifacts, these names are not considered Canon. The name "Mask Salesman" only applies to instances of the Happy Mask Salesman specifically in versions and ports of Majora's Mask for the Nintendo 64 in contrast to Majora's Mask 3D and Majora's Mask content overall.

References

  1. Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 238,(OoT) 244(MM) & 254(OoA)
  2. "The mask salesman said that if you got back the precious thing that was stolen from you, he could return you to normal!" — Tatl (Majora's Mask)
  3. "The Mask Salesman will meet you at the entrance to Clock Town, and teach you the Song of Healing." (The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask — Official Perfect Guide, Versus Books, pg. 12)
  4. "The mask salesman said that if you got back the precious thing that was stolen from you, he could return you to normal!" — Tatl (Majora's Mask 3D)
  5. "The Mask Merchant
    After arriving in Termina, Link finds the Mask Merchant who has lost Majora's Mask to the Skull Kid in the clock tower. He implores Link to find the evil mask and return it to him. Only by doing so will Link save Termina from the horrible fate that hangs overhead.
    " (Nintendo Power no. 134, Nintendo Power, July 2000, pg. 55)
  6. "Happy Mask Shop
    Please read this sign before you use the shop. How This Shop Works We do not sell masks at this shop. We just lend them to you. You sell the loaned masks on your own. If you pay back the money for the mask, we will lend you a newer model. You can borrow masks you have already sold again; however, you can sell each model of mask only once. Please try our shop! {signature}Happy Mask Shop Owner
    " — Sign (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  7. "By the way, Mr Hero... If you're going to climb Death Mountain, you should equip a proper shield! It is an active volcano, after all! If you go back to Hyrule Castle Town Market, you should check out the Bazaar. They sell the shield you need there. Tell 'em I sent you, and they should give you a special discount! If you think you're good to go already, don't worry about it. I'd like to ask a favour of you. No, I don't expect you to do it just because of the great tip I just gave you! I'm just asking! Have you been to the Happy Mask Shop that just opened in the Hyrule Castle Town Market? Everyone is talking about it! My little boy pesters me for a popular mask, but I don't have time to go there... So could you go and get the mask for me next time you are in the Market? If you don't feel like it, that's OK, but... Well, I have no choice - this is my job... ...Sigh..." — Death Mountain Trail Gatekeeper (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  8. "Hiyeee! Welcome to the Happy Mask Shop! We deal in masks that bring happiness to everyone! How would you like to be a happiness salesman? I'll lend you a mask. You sell the mask and bring the money back here. If you want to read the fine print, take a look at the sign right over there. After you've sold all the masks, you will become happy yourself! Have faith..." — Happy Mask Salesman (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  9. "As a reward...I will lend you this special mask. This is the Mask of Truth. It is a mysterious mask passed down by the Sheikah. With this mask you can see into other people's minds... It's useful, but scary! Why is it scary? You may find out as you grow older and wiser in the ways of the world... Ho ho ho!" — Happy Mask Salesman (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  10. "Oh! You haven't sold the newest mask yet.
    Just have faith... Keep trying a little longer.
    " — Happy Mask Salesman (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  11. "What?! You don't have my money?! How dare you! You'd better bring me my money...or else!" — Happy Mask Salesman (Ocarina of Time 3D)
  12. "I own the Happy Mask Shop. I travel far and wide in search of masks..." — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  13. "You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you? Now don't think me rude, but I have been following you... For I know of a way to return you to your former self." — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  14. "If you can get back the precious item that was stolen from you, I will return you to normal." — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  15. "In exchange... All I ask is that you also get back my precious mask that the imp stole from me. Except... The one thing is... I'm a very busy fellow... And I must leave this place in three days. How grateful I would be if you could bring it back to me before my time here is up..." — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  16. "Then listen to me. Please play this song that I am about to perform, and remember it well... This is a melody that heals evil magic and troubled spirits, turning them into masks. I am sure it will be of assistance to you in the future." — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  17. "Ah, yes. I give you this mask in commemoration of this day." — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  18. "Now, I have fulfilled my promise to you... So, please, give me that which you promised me... Don't tell me... My mask... You did... get it back... Didn't you? What have you done to me!!!" — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  19. "I went to great lengths to get that legendary mask. When I finally had it... I could sense the doom of a dark omen brewing. It was that unwelcome feeling that makes your hair stand on end. And now... that imp has it... I am begging you! You must get that mask back quickly or something horrible will happen!" — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  20. "Oh...So the evil has left the mask after all... Well, now...I finally have it back." — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  21. "Since I am in the midst of my travels... I must bid you farewell. Shouldn't you be returning home? Whenever there's a meeting a parting is sure to follow. However, the parting need not last forever..." — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  22. "...But, my, you sure have managed to make quite a number of people happy. The masks you have are filled with happiness. This is truly a good happiness." — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  23. "What? Is it not a simple task? Why, to someone like you, it should by no means be a difficult task." — Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
  24. "I'm so hungry my stomach hurts. AHH! I'M HUNGRY! Pardon me. I just thought you could help." — Happy Mask Salesman (Oracle of Ages)
  25. "Ho ho... They're off to confront that little demon. Now for the real show. If I can only get that mask back, I'll no longer have a need for this world. I just move on. Ho... Ho ho ho..." (Majora's Mask manga, VIZ Media, pg. 144)
  26. NewSuperMoiWii, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D Unused Models, The Cutting Room Floor, published February 18, 2015, retrieved March 15 2015.
  27. Shesez, Boundary Break: Majora's Mask, YouTube, published June 30, 2016, retrieved July 26, 2016.
  28. "This is the third time we've held a Miiting, so we thought we would try something a little different - my guest today is not a developer, but a certain important character from The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D." — MariChan, Majora's Mask 3D Miiting, Miiverse (Archive), published March 13, 2015, retrieved July 25, 2017.
  29. Encyclopedia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 238
  30. Encyclopedia, Les Éditions Soleil, pg. 244
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