The Legend of Zelda series exemplifies the art of drawing inspiration from real-world mythology, a practice that could greatly benefit other video games. While numerous games and media rely on mythological themes, some, like God of War and Hades, take a more direct approach to adapting these stories. In contrast, the Assassin’s Creed franchise incorporates mythological elements, such as the Apples of Eden and Mjölnir, without fully immersing itself in those narratives.
Despite the obvious mythological roots in games like Age of Mythology, the inspiration found within The Legend of Zelda is often subtler. This nuanced approach has helped the series carve out a distinctive identity while authentically drawing from myth. Not every game has succeeded in this regard, making The Legend of Zelda a valuable reference for developers seeking to build unique video game worlds.
Inspired by Mythology: The Zelda Approach
Creative Adaptation of Mythological Influences
A fundamental aspect of The Legend of Zelda‘s success lies in its ability to strike a balance between borrowing from and reimagining mythology. For instance, the series draws heavily from Celtic mythology, featuring fairies that soothe or assist players. The Master Sword bears a resemblance to Claidheamh Soluis, known as the Sword of Light, found in various mythic bridal quest tales, yet the game expertly avoids a simple one-to-one adaptation.
A prime illustration of this creative adaptation can be seen in the portrayal of fairies. Within The Legend of Zelda, these ethereal beings are generally benevolent, often aiding the player, such as Navi’s guidance in Ocarina of Time. In contrast, Celtic fairies encompass a broader spectrum, including tricksters and malicious entities. Although sharing some characteristics, Zelda’s fairies bring unique traits that set them apart from their mythological counterparts.
The series also cleverly amalgamates diverse mythological inspirations. Creatures like Lynels and the Cyclopes from A Link to the Past tap into Greek mythology, while items such as the Mirror Shield evoke Perseus’s polished shield from the same mythos. By weaving together multiple mythological narratives rather than solely adapting a single source, The Legend of Zelda fosters a rich and distinct fantasy realm.
Iconic Characters and Legendary Items of Zelda
Uniquely Crafted Characters Beyond Mythological Origins
The adventurous spirit of The Legend of Zelda extends to the creation of its most memorable elements. One such example is the Master Sword – a weapon that, while reminiscent of both Excalibur and the Sword of Light, possesses distinctive features that truly set it apart. Link, much like Arthur, must extract the Master Sword from its resting place. However, instead of being divinely chosen, Link earns the privilege to wield it, making it a more personal journey of growth.
Moreover, the Master Sword holds unique powers to repel evil, unlike Excalibur, which does not share this divine attribute. This creative blend ensures that the Master Sword is not merely a replica of existing legends, but a symbol of its own legacy.
In addition to items, the series has succeeded in crafting unique characters. For example, Ganon originally emerged under the name Hakkai, a possible nod to Zhu Bajie, the pig character from the classic tale Journey to the West. Unlike Zhu Bajie, whose role primarily serves as comic relief, Ganon evolves into a formidable antagonist, reflecting a significant departure from his origins. This transformation cements his reputation as one of Nintendo’s most iconic villains, unhindered by the limitations of being a straightforward adaptation.
A Lack of Originality in Many Mythology-Inspired Games
Challenges in Meaningful Mythological Adaptation
Contrasting with the original creations seen in The Legend of Zelda, many games that feature mythological themes take a more literal approach. Titles such as God of War and Assassin’s Creed often integrate well-known mythological figures and objects without redefining or uniquely reinterpreting them. For instance, in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Excalibur makes a straightforward appearance rather than a newly imagined artefact.
The earlier installments of God of War demonstrate this flaw; characters like Aphrodite and Medusa are reduced to one-dimensional tropes, focused largely on superficial traits. This type of portrayal misses opportunities for deeper narrative exploration, leading to characters that are largely interchangeable with other adaptations.
Deficiencies in Creative Identity Among Mythology-Focused Games
The Risks of Blending Mythological Adaptations
While not every game falters in its portrayal of mythological figures, a significant number tend to lack a creative edge. Stray Gods exemplifies an innovative reimagining of Greek mythology, presenting characters like Medusa and Aphrodite in a distinctive manner unlike what is seen in God of War. Even newer iterations of God of War have begun to present more inventive interpretations of mythological characters, particularly in their portrayal of Loki. This is mainly due to the more sparsely documented nature of Norse mythology, which allows for greater freedom in character creation.
However, direct adaptations often lead to inevitable comparisons with other portrayals, restricting the narrative potential. Characters like Aphrodite or Loki will always share a cultural space with their canonical counterparts, while unique original creations, such as Ganon, remain free from such constraints, allowing for greater depth and development.
Developers intending to design games inspired by mythology should consider the creative strategies that make The Legend of Zelda a benchmark in the industry. How a game interprets and transforms myth can significantly enhance its identity. Games like Hades successfully employ unique artistic approaches and innovative interpretations of Greek mythology, further establishing their distinctiveness compared to others, such as Immortals Fenyx Rising. Emulating The Legend of Zelda in their designs could inspire more imaginative adaptations and memorable gaming experiences.
Source: Nintendo