Termina
From Zelda Wiki.org
| Termina | |
|---|---|
 A map of Termina. |
|
| Game(s) | Majora's Mask |
| Inhabitant(s) | Hylians, Deku Scrubs, Gorons, Zora, Gerudo Pirates |
| Related place(s) | Clock Town, Termina Field, Woodfall, Snowhead, Great Bay, Ikana Canyon |
Termina is a parallel world to Hyrule and the setting of Majora's Mask.[1] The setting of Majora's Mask is filled with many characters similar in appearance to those introduced in Ocarina of Time. After he had journeyed through time to fulfill his destiny and take place among legends as the Hero of Time, Link set out to find a lost friend (most commonly speculated to be his Fairy partner Navi). This led him to meet the Skull Kid, who, possessed by Majora's Mask, stole Link's mount, Epona, and changed him into a member of the Deku race. He found Termina to be separate universe parallel to Hyrule. Termina was in great danger, as its Moon was falling, about to crash into the central settlement of Clock Town.
This was indeed the work of the evil mask that had possessed Skull Kid, and Link had to set out to awaken the four Guardian Giants in order to stop the Moon from crashing to the ground and destroying Termina.
Termina is more technologically advanced than contemporary Hyrule, possessing modern hallmarks such as rock bands, mayors, clocks, hotels, bars, tourist shops, lotteries, and photography.
Contents |
History and Mythology
The mythology and religion of Termina revolves around the Four Giants.
Though Termina does not have a creation story, the legends of its ancient protectors provide most of its primordial history. Long ago, the peoples of Termina had not yet migrated to the four cardinal directions, and were watched over by the Giants who had created the world.[2] One day, the Giants announced to the people that they would go to the north, south, east, and west and guard the people as they slept. If the people were in dire need, the Giants would awaken and answer their cries for help.[3] However, the Skull Kid, a little imp who was a friend of the Giants, was saddened by this news, and caused mischief in his anger. The Giants rebuked the Skull Kid and he left the world of Termina for the heavens.[4]
An ancient tribe was known to use Majora's Mask in its hexing rituals, but they sealed away the evil inside of the mask to prevent its misuse.[5] It was this mask that the Skull Kid later found as he waylaid the Happy Mask Salesman in the woods. When the demon Majora possessed the Skull Kid, it brought down the Moon from the sky and threatened to destroy Termina. He trapped the Giants in the temples in the North, South, East and West of Termina. It took the intervention of Link to free the Giants once more and prevent the moon from crashing.
The ruined kingdom of Ikana, located in the eastern canyons of Termina, was noted to have a particularly bloodstained and violent history.[6] The Ikana Canyon is haunted by spirits of soldiers who died in its many wars, such as the Garo, who once spied on the Ikana kingdom[7] and Captain Keeta, who was once the commander of the armies of Ikana.[8] The last king, Igos du Ikana, explained to Link that his people had forgotten the value of friendship and forgiveness after someone entered the Stone Tower, and this was the cause of the kingdom's demise.[9]
The Carnival of Time
- Main article: Carnival of Time
Each year the citizens of Termina hold a festival in Clock Town in order to celebrate the Giants, and it is that time of the year when Link comes to Termina. This festival is called the Carnival of Time. This carnival celebrates the alignment of the sun and moon and the progress of time.[10] During the carnival, it is customary to wear Masks made in the image of the Four Giants.[10] If a wedding happens on the night of the carnival, it is also considered a sign of extraordinary luck.[10]
Technology in Termina
The citizens of Termina seem to be more knowledgeable when it comes to technology of different types than their Hyrule counterparts. An example of this is the Clock Town in the center of Termina, which is an amazing town with a marvelous Clock Tower in the middle, and the city built around it. They also have a money bank, something which might indicate that the people of Termina are more sophisticated than inhabitants of Hyrule when it comes to money. The telescope is another example, as well as the fact that nearly every house in Termina has a functioning replica of the Clock Tower's face. The Bomb Shop has a drawing on the wall of a rocket with the caption: Bomb Powered Flight.
Apart from the Terminans, the Zoras are involved in several examples of higher technology. These range from their temple, which behaves similarly to a hydro-electric power plant, to The Indigo-Go's, a jazz/rock band. Boats in the Great Bay are motorized as opposed to being manually propelled.
The music in Majora's Mask follows the theme of advanced technology, containing one of the few electric guitar pieces of music in Zelda history, as well as having electronica theme music for Them, a modern bossa nova for one of the songs, and a combination of futuristic and traditional instruments in several locations, such as the inverted Stone Tower.
Geography
The geographic center of Termina is Clock Town, with four regions with a different climate and inhabitants in each cardinal direction.
Clock Town
- Main article: Clock Town
Clock Town is the most populated area in Termina, and is subdivided into four districts. It is the location of the Clock Tower and the Carnival of Time, and inhabited mostly by Hylians. The leader of the city is Mayor Dotour, who is attempting to mediate a dispute between the carpenters and soldiers over whether or not to evacuate the city. The Bombers are a group of young boys who try to help people in Clock Town.
Southern Swamp
- Main article: Southern Swamp
The Southern Swamp is the southern region of Termina and the home of the Deku Scrub tribe. When Link arrives, the swamp is poisoned, hampering the Swamp's tourism industry. The Deku people live in the Deku Palace, which outsiders are not allowed to enter.[11] The Terminan counterparts of Twinrova run the swamp boat tours and a potion shop, and Tingle's father runs a Pictograph contest. The swamp is also the location of Woodfall Temple and the Swamp Spider House.
Snowhead
- Main article: Snowhead
Snowhead is the snowbound northern region of Termina and home to the Goron tribe. Most of the Gorons live in Goron Village, and stay inside the Goron Shrine to stay warm during the harsh winter. The hero of the Gorons, Darmani, died shortly before the game takes place. After Link lays his soul to rest, Link is able to use the Goron Mask to impersonate Darmani and participate in many activities and traditions of the Goron people, such as the Goron Race and the Powder Keg. Snowhead is also the location of the Mountain Smithy, where Link can upgrade his sword, and Snowhead Temple.
Great Bay
- Main article: Great Bay
Great Bay is the western region of Termina, bordering the ocean. The Zora tribe lives just off the coast, in Zora Hall, and the Gerudo Pirates control the northern portion of the coast, dubbed "Pirates' Cove,"[12] from the Pirates' Fortress. Far off the coast is Pinnacle Rock, where Link ventured in order to rescue some of Lulu's eggs. The water there is murky and dangerous.[13] The Oceanside Spider House is on the beach, and was used by one man as an underground shelter to escape the imminent crash of the moon.[14]
Ikana Canyon
- Main article: Ikana Canyon
Ikana Canyon is located far to the east of Clock Town, amid the ruins of the ancient Ikana kingdom. This land is haunted by the spirits of those who died in its bloodstained past.[6] This is the location of the Ancient Castle of Ikana and the Stone Tower as well as the bandit Sakon's hideout. Pamela and her father live in the Music Box House where they study the strange inhabitants of the cursed valley.
Romani Ranch
- Main article: Romani Ranch
Romani Ranch is a prosperous farm just south of Clock Town and the source of the milk served at the Milk Bar.[15] Its most popular product is Chateau Romani, a special vintage milk.[15] The ranch is run by Cremia and Romani, the two sisters who found Epona after Link lost her. The ranch suffers nightly invasions by the creatures known as Them. With Link's intervention, the raids on the farm stop and the shipments of milk resume. The ranch has a rivalry with the nearby Gorman Track, whose proprietors will try to sabotage the milk shipments into Clock Town.[16]
Termina Field
- Main article: Termina Field
Termina Field is the area surrounding Clock Town, and the Terminan counterpart of Hyrule Field. Termina field provides access to each area in the game, making it the world terminus of Termina. The Astral Observatory is located here, as is the entrance to Milk Road and Romani Ranch. The theme music for this area is a remix of the overworld theme from the first Zelda game, after its conspicuous absence in Ocarina of Time.
Name
- The name Termina fits the darker nature or Majora's Mask. It derives from "terminal", which means "will end."
- Its name may also derive from the phrase "world terminus" used to describe places where one can access many other areas (such as Hyrule Field from the previous game) and referring to Termina's compass-like geography.
References
- ↑ "This is a kind of parallel world that is similar yet different from the land of Hyrule, which was the setting for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time." (Majora's Mask manual, pg. 6)
- ↑ "This tale's from long ago when all the people weren't separated into four worlds like they are now. In those times all the people lived together, and the four giants lived among them." —Anju's Grandmother (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "On the day of the festival that celebrates the harvest, the giants spoke to the people..."We have chosen to guard the people while we sleep...100 steps north, 100 steps south, 100 steps east, 100 steps west. If you have need, call us in a loud voice by declaring something such as, 'The mountain blizzard has trapped us.' Or 'The ocean is about to swallow us.' Your cries shall carry to us..."" —Anju's Grandmother (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "Now then...There was one who was shocked and saddened by all this. A little imp. The imp was a friend of the giants since before they had created the four worlds. "Why must you leave? Why do you not stay?" The childhood friend felt neglected, so he spread his anger across the four worlds. Repeatedly, he wronged all people. Overwhelmed with misfortune, the people sang the song of prayer to the giants who lived in each of the four compass directions. The giants heard their cry and responded with a roar. "Oh, imp. Oh, imp. We are the protectors of the people. You have caused the people pain. Oh, imp, leave these four worlds! Otherwise, we shall tear you apart!" The imp was frightened and saddened. He had lost his old friends. The imp returned to the heavens, and harmony was restored to the four worlds. And the people rejoiced and they worshiped the giants of the four worlds like gods. And they lived happily...ever after..." —Anju's Grandmother (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "The mask that was stolen from me...It is called Majora's Mask. It is an accursed item from legend that is said to have been used by an ancient tribe in its hexing rituals. It is said that an evil and wicked power is bestowed upon the one who wears that mask. According to legend...the troubles caused by Majora's Mask were so great...the ancient ones, fearing such catastrophe, sealed the mask in shadow forever, preventing its misuse." —Happy Mask Salesman (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Ikana Kingdom was founded on this land, stained with a history of darkness, drenched in blood..." —Poe Collector (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "That is the mask of the leader of the ninjas who once spied on the hilltop castle with the blood-stained history." —Poe Collector (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "That is the mask of the captain of the soldiers who once served to protect the castle on the hilltop." —Poe Collector (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "The kingdom being ruined and us left in this state...Isn't it petty, little battles like this that have caused it? Believing in your friends and embracing that belief by forgiving failure...These feelings have vanished from our hearts. It all happened after somebody thrust open the doors of that Stone Tower." —Igos du Ikana (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 "Each year, the season of harmony begins when the sun and moon are in alignment. Paying homage to the way that both nature and time are tirelessly in the process of progressing...the Carnival of Time is when the peoples of the four worlds celebrate that harmony and request fruitfulness for the year. For ages, people have worn masks resembling the giants who are the gods of the four worlds. Now, it has become a custom for each person to bring a handmade mask to the Carnival of Time. It is said that if a couple united on the day of the festival and dedicated a mask as a sign of their union, it would bring luck. The centerpiece of the carnival is the clock tower, and on the eve of all the festivities, the doors to its roof are opened...From atop the clock tower roof, a ceremony to call the gods is held and an ancient song is sung. All of these festivities for the Carnival of Time are held so that we may ask the gods for a rich harvest in the year to come!" —Anju's Grandmother (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "This is the palace of the Deku Kingdom. Only those on official business may enter!" —Deku Guard (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "Pirates' Cove ahead. Tourists are not welcome." —Sign (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "Pinnacle Rock ahead. Beware murky water and sea snakes." —Sign (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "I had no idea this place was here...I'll be safe here for sure. I'm glad I found it early." —Man (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 "We're called a Milk Bar, and we serve the milk of the night. Our most popular, of course, is Chateau Romani. It's a vintage milk. It comes from Romani Ranch, and the current price is 200 Rupees!" —Mr. Barten (Majora's Mask)
- ↑ "Are you ready, boy? I'm going to try to get us through here as fast as I can! If any pursuers come from behind, chase them off with your arrows. They may be after my cargo of milk bottles." —Cremia (Majora's Mask)
