The various incarnations of Ganondorf in The Legend of Zelda tend towards specific developments in their individual stories, a recurring theme that one game hints holds greater significance than it may initially seem. As Zelda’s most prominent villain, and one of the most famous gaming antagonists of all time, it is unsurprising that Ganondorf has been reinterpreted and redesigned several times throughout the franchise. Despite this, there are core aspects of his identity that never change, and these can lend great insight into the King of Evil’s central nature.

As prominent as Ganondorf is in the franchise, it can be argued that Tears of the Kingdom emphasizing Ganondorf’s ruthlessness. However, there are less directly connected lore details that can nevertheless affect one’s understanding of Ganondorf, especially as Ganon.

Zelda’s Demons Naturally Make The World A Worse Place To Live

They Have A Natural Aura that Attracts Monsters

In The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Link can meet the Demon Batreaux living in isolation on Skyloft. Unlike many of his kin, Batreaux’s greatest desire is to simply live in peace, and this prompts an extensive side quest; gathering 80 Gratitude Crystals, which collectively have the power to turn Batreaux into a human. However, achieving this goal comes with an unexpected side-effect; nights on Skyloft are originally quite dangerous, but this all changes when Batreaux finally transforms.

Nights on Skyloft see the airborne island being attacked by monsters, and even the cat-like Remlits become aggressive towards Link. This ceases to be the case once Batreaux becomes human; the now-former Demon comments that he “must have radiated a fiendish power” into the area, something that was directly responsible for the night-time dangers. It is clear that Batreaux has no desire to endanger the people of Skyloft, suggesting that this malevolent aura is actually a natural part of a Zelda Demon’s presence no matter their personality; their presence alone makes the world a more dangerous place.

Ganon Being A Demon Fits His Impact On Hyrule

He Mimics The Established Effects Of A Demon’s Presence

While neither appear in Skyward Sword, the idea that a Demon’s presence alone worsens their surroundings suits Ganondorf and his demonic alter-ego Ganon perfectly. The many versions of Ganon fought in Zelda games are ultimately the result of Ganondorf undergoing a similar demonic transformation in several different lifetimes, and in some cases later being resurrected in the same form. This transformation shows how far Ganondorf’s lust for power can go, but with the context provided by Batreaux, there is an additional level of symbolism that can be found in this common aspect of Ganondorf’s story.

There is no denying that Ganondorf’s actions pose a threat to Hyrule whenever he appears, no matter what form he takes in the process. Although he may style himself as a king and ruler, whenever he does acquire power, it is clear that his would-be subjects suffer as a result. Just like Batreaux, Ganondorf makes the world around him a far less pleasant place even without a Demon’s effect on the environment. From this perspective, Ganondorf becoming a Demon only cements this natural tendency of his character as an actual, innate ability.

Ganondorf’s Demonic Transformations Exemplify His Evil Nature

Becoming The Demon Ganon Only Makes His True Self Easier To See

Although Ganondorf is specifically a Gerudo, the more pig- or boar-like Ganon is just as recognizable a character. Of course, despite the differing names, they are essentially the same character, although Ganon specifically is more commonly seen in command of monsters rather than more human races like the Gerudo. The transformation is itself commonly associated with the Triforce, a result of Ganondorf interacting with it and wielding its power (even if only in part as the Triforce of Power). The Demon Ganon is therefore the truest form of Ganondorf’s soul.

As Ganondorf’s origins are rooted in the Curse of Demise, his transformations into a demon also reflect his association with their age-old king, and the fact that Ganondorf is effectively a reincarnation of Demise, if only partially given the latter’s sealing during the ending of Skyward Sword.

By abandoning his humanity in search of greater power, Ganon embraces a demonic identity that perfectly suits his actions. Unlike Batreaux, he clearly revels in the death and destruction he can bring about as a result of this. Even when he forgoes a Ganon form as the Demon King in Tears of the Kingdom, he ultimately decides to sacrifice his mind in a final attempt to destroy Hyrule. And although Ganondorf becomes a mindless beast here, this Demon Dragon form nevertheless continues the core theme of Ganondorf’s identity; an overwhelmingly powerful being that endangers the world simply by existing.

There is little direct lore concerning Demons in Zelda games, but the details that are known carry interesting implications for Ganondorf’s character. Given that Ganondorf does not appear in Skyward Sword (unless one counts Demise), it can be surprising that the game can expand on so much of his character. Nevertheless, the game makes it clear that The Legend of Zelda’s iconic villain repeatedly takes on the role of a demon before becoming one physically, making these transformations all the more fitting.