Ganon
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2008-07-17T04:07:44Z
Sesshomaru
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Rv, if what you say is true then cite it in the article first. Also a one-time event doesn't count, see [[Talk:Ganon#Overcategorization]]
{{Copyedit|date=February 2008}}
<!--NOTE TO EDITORS: If you came here to edit the name section, consider that it is not necessary to put "/Ganondorf" or "(dorf)" at the end of Ganon's name. Fans are aware of this duality and those unfamiliar with the character can learn this better through the reading of the article. Thank you.
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{{General VG character
| name = Ganon
| image = [[Image:GanonTP.jpg|170px]][[Image:GanondorfTP.jpg|170px]]
| width = 200px
| caption = Ganon in his beast form (left - top) and his human form (right - bottom) as seen in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''
| series = [[The Legend of Zelda (series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]]
| firstgame = ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' (1986)
| creator = [[Shigeru Miyamoto]]
| voiceactor = [[Takashi Nagasako]] (1998-2004)<br />Hironori Miyata (2006-)
}}
{{nihongo|'''Ganon'''|ガノン}}, also known as {{nihongo|'''Ganondorf'''|ガノンドロフ|Ganondorofu}} in his human form, is a [[fictional character]] and the primary [[antagonist]] of several games in [[Nintendo]]'s [[The Legend of Zelda (series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]]. He is the most commonly recurring [[villain]] in the series, frequently appearing as the final [[Boss (video games)|boss]]. Although he has appeared many times in the series, he was first given a back-story in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]''. The ''A Link to the Past'' instruction manual gives the character's full name as '''Ganondorf Dragmire''', though the Dragmire surname never appears in the game or any later work.
Originally a [[Races in The Legend of Zelda series#Gerudo|Gerudo]] leader who has become a dark demon emperor,<ref>Ganon is the king of the Gerudo tribe in ''Ocarina of Time'', and his given title as a boss in [[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages|''Oracle of Ages'' and ''Oracle of Seasons'']] is "Evil Gerudo King".</ref><ref>'''''The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time''''', '''Rauru''': {{nihongo|"アタシたち 賢者は 六人そろえば 魔王ガノンドロフを 封印することが できるの。"|||lit. "If we, the six sages, come together, we will even be able to seal the Demon King Ganondorf."}}</ref><ref>'''''Four Swords Adventures''''', '''Ganon''': {{nihongo|"おお…、俺は闇の魔王!!"|||lit. "Graah! I am the Demon King of Darkness!"}}</ref><ref>'''''Four Swords Adventures''''', '''Princess Zelda''': "King of Darkness, ancient demon reborn. The wielder of the trident!!"</ref><ref>Ganondorf's given title as a boss is {{nihongo|'''大魔王 ガノンドロフ'''|||lit. "Great Demon King Ganondorf"}} in the Japanese versions of ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Twilight Princess'', and Ganon's title is {{nihongo|'''魔獣ガノン'''|||lit. "Demon Beast Ganon"}} in ''Twilight Princess''. In the American versions, Ganondorf is known as "Great King of Evil Ganondorf" in ''Ocarina of Time'', and "Dark Lord Ganondorf" and "Dark Beast Ganon" in ''Twilight Princess''</ref><ref>'''''The Wind Waker''''', '''The King of Red Lions''': "He is the very same Ganon...The emperor of the dark realm the ancient legends speak of..."</ref> Ganon's motives and desires vary in specifics from game to game, but most often include the domination of [[Hyrule]] and presumably the world beyond it. To this end he seeks the relic of the gods known as the [[Triforce]], which can bestow great power upon its holder. Ganon's influence over the Triforce varies, but he is consistently shown as being associated with the Triforce of Power and is often in possession of it, giving him great strength but not enough to fulfill his dark desires, leading him to hunt the remaining Triforce pieces.
Ganondorf was the runner-up in the [[GameFAQs]] battle of villains character contest, in which he was defeated by [[Sephiroth (Final Fantasy)|Sephiroth]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/spr05|title=Spring 2005: Got Villains?|publisher=[[GameFAQs]]|author=GameFAQs Staff|date=2005|accessdate=2006-11-03}}</ref> and was named the fourth best villain ever in an episode of [[G4 (TV channel)|G4]]'s ''[[Filter (TV series)|Filter]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tv.com/filter/top-10-villains/episode/453857/recap.html|title=Top 10 Villains|publisher=[[TV.com]]|accessdate=2008-01-29}}</ref>
==Creation and conception==
Since his first appearance, Ganon's name has caused much confusion. In his first appearance, ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', his name was misspelled as "Gannon". This spelling was used only two other times, again in the Japanese version of ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link]]'', and in the non-canon CD-i game ''[[Zelda's Adventure]]''. "Ganondorf" was given as the character's original name in ''A Link to the Past'', and the humanoid Ganondorf<ref>{{cite web|date=1997-12-02|url=http://ign64.ign.com/articles/061/061538p1.html|title=The Z-Files|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2007-06-14}}</ref> of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'' was known exclusively by that name, with "Ganon" only appearing in the name of "Ganon's Castle" and after his transformation at the end of the game. The name "Ganondorf" is usually used to refer to the character's human form, while "Ganon" is used to refer to the evil demon tied to the Triforce of Power, be it the human or bestial form.
===Actor portrayal===
While voice actors have never been used for the speaking parts in the video games, they have been needed for various noises, like shouts and grunts, during battle. [[Takashi Nagasako]] was the voice actor for Ganondorf in ''Ocarina of Time'' and reprised the role of Ganondorf for ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', but did not return for ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''. [[Hironori Miyata]] was given the role as the character's voice actor and played Ganondorf in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.
==Characteristics==
===Personality===
Ganon is depicted as the ultimate embodiment of evil.<ref name="pedia">{{cite web | url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/pedia/g.jsp#Ganon |author=Nintendo | title=The Great Hyrule Encyclopedia - Ganon | publisher=Zelda Universe |year=January 1, 2006| accessdate=2007-06-03}}</ref> He is callous, egocentric and cruel, viewing all others as tools to be used or enemies to be destroyed. In earlier games such as ''A Link to the Past'', he was characterized simply as a power-crazed tyrant obsessed with conquering and enslaving Hyrule. Since then, he has been depicted with more complexity, in games such as ''The Wind Waker'', which provide a more understandable reason for his villainy. His appearance has drastically changed since his first incarnation. Ganon's roles range from savage beast, to [[Machiavellianism|Machiavellian]] tyrant, and god-like entity;<ref>His status as a deity is explained in ''Ocarina of Time'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]'', and ''Twilight Princess''. Ganon has temples dedicated to him and is worshiped as a god.</ref> sometimes, he is seen as a mixture of all three. He possesses a vicious, amoral nature, though he usually maintains great composure, despite the furious rage that seethes within him, only occasionally losing his emotional restraint.
===Abilities===
Ganon is a formidable [[Magician (fantasy)|sorcerer]] with great access to [[Magic (paranormal)|magical powers]],<ref>He uses magic in all games, some of which include ''A Link to the Past'', ''Ocarina of Time'', and ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]''.</ref> and has the ability to [[Shapeshifting|shapeshift]],<ref>He shapeshifts between human and Ganon forms in games such as ''Twilight Princess'' and ''Ocarina of Time''.</ref> complemented by his unrivaled cunning and resourcefulness. Through his intellect, as well as the manipulation of others, Ganondorf came into the possession of the [[Triforce#Triforce of Power|Triforce of Power]]. The Triforce of Power is an artifact of unfathomable mystic power, its source being the divine essence of the Goddess [[Recurring characters in The Legend of Zelda series#Golden Goddesses|Din]] herself. His abilities, both physical and magical, are augmented to god-like proportions by the artifact, such as invulnerability, immense physical strength, and nigh-[[Omnipotence|omnipotent]] magical powers.
The Triforce of Power also grants Ganon virtual [[immortality]]; using its power, he has endured mortal wounds (such as having his heart pierced by a sword), only to remain alive and unscathed, although such wounds can weaken him to the extent he can be sealed away in lieu of death. An attempt to kill Ganon, regardless of its nature, is ultimately futile; the essence of the Triforce of Power makes him effectively invulnerable. The sole exceptions to this rule are sacred weapons such as the [[Master Sword#Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons|Noble Sword]], [[Master Sword]], [[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures#Plot|Four Sword]], Silver Arrows or Light Arrows; these are usually the only weapons that can slay Ganondorf, though non-sacred weapons can be used to defeat him in certain games.<ref>The non-sacred Biggoron Sword can slay him during the first battle against him in ''Ocarina of Time'' and during the final battles against him in ''Oracle of Ages'' or ''Oracle of Seasons''. The Wooden Sword can also slay him in ''Oracle of Ages'' and ''Oracle of Seasons''.<!--really? I was sure that you can't beat him without at least the Noble--></ref> Still, various games, such as ''[[Zelda II: Adventure of Link|Adventure of Link]]'' and the ''Oracle'' games, have depicted methods of reviving Ganon from death.
In addition to Ganon's magical abilities, he is also a skilled swordsman, as shown in his final conflict with Link in ''The Wind Waker'' and ''Twilight Princess''. He is also known for wielding the Magic Trident that he obtained in ''Four Swords Adventures'', as shown in games such as ''BS Zelda no Densetsu'', ''BS Zelda no Densetsu Kodai no Sekiban'', ''A Link to the Past'', ''Oracle of Ages'', ''Oracle of Seasons'', and ''Four Swords Adventures'', as well as dual-wielding tridents in ''Ocarina of Time''.
==Appearances==
===Video games===
Since the series began, Ganon has taken the role of the primary antagonist. As such, he has appeared in almost every game in the series, some of which hide his existence until late in the game. When he does not appear, the antagonist role is filled by another character, such as [[List of characters in The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask#Majora's Mask|Majora]] in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'', [[List of characters in The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass#Bellum|Bellum]] in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|Phantom Hourglass]]'', and [[Vaati]] in both ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Minish Cap]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords|Four Swords]]''. In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]'', [[List of characters in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening#Shadow Nightmares|DethI]] (the physical form of [[List of characters in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|The Wind Fish's Nightmares]]) fills the role of the antagonist. During the final battle, Dethl assumes several forms, all of which are based on villains and creatures from Link's past. While Ganon does not fill the role of the antagonist in this game, one of Dethl's forms is called "Ganon's Shadow" and is constructed from Link's memories of their battle.
====1986—1997====
Ganon made his first appearance in ''The Legend of Zelda''. After years of imprisonment in the [[Sacred Realm#Dark World|Dark World]], Ganon, the Prince of Darkness, managed to escape. With an army of his followers, he soon invaded the land of Hyrule and stole the Triforce of Power. With the power of the Triforce, Ganon wished to plunge the world into darkness and fear under his rule. To protect the realm from this fate, the Triforce of Wisdom was shattered into eight pieces, each hidden in a different location within Hyrule. This last minute effort was pulled off by the Princess of Hyrule, [[Princess Zelda]]. Fearing her efforts would not be enough, the princess sent her nursemaid, Impa, to search for a man with enough courage to defeat Ganon. After learning of the princess's actions, Ganon kidnapped Zelda, locked her in his lair on Death Mountain, and sent a group of his minions after Impa. When the minions found Impa and all seemed lost, a hero named Link appeared to rescue her. Fearing for their lives, the creatures fled. The failure of the pursuing creatures sealed the fate of their master. When Link's journey finally brought him to Death Mountain, an invisible Ganon faced the hero. Despite Ganon's invisibility, Link managed to defeat the Prince of Darkness with the legendary Silver Arrows. Now that their master was dead, the remaining followers were filled with the desire to seek revenge.
In ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'', Ganon's minions attempted to kill Link in order to revive their master by sprinkling Link's blood on Ganon. Throughout the game he was seen as a shadowy figure in the Game Over screen.
[[Image:ALTTP Ganon Artwork.jpg|thumb|left|Ganon in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'']]
In ''A Link to the Past'', it was revealed that centuries ago, Ganon and his army of thieves, who were all skilled in dark arts, found the entrance to the [[Sacred Realm|Golden Land]]. Upon entering the realm, Ganon killed his followers, touched the [[Triforce]] with "blood stained hands", and made a wish. His wish to conquer the world transformed the Golden Land into the corrupt Dark World.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/pedia/d.jsp#DarkWorld |author=Nintendo | title=The Great Hyrule Encyclopedia - Dark World | publisher=Zelda Universe | date=2006-01-01| accessdate=2007-06-03}}</ref> From the Dark World, Ganon began to summon other beings to the Dark World where he used the Triforce to transform them into monsters for his army. When his army satisfied him, Ganon led them in an attack on the land of Hyrule. However, when the knights and the Seven Sages combined their powers, they managed to seal Ganon and his army in the corrupt world he had created.
Ganon was trapped in the Dark World for many centuries, but using the form/possession of [[List of recurring characters in The Legend of Zelda series#Agahnim|Agahnim]], he returned to Hyrule Castle and overthrew the King. To break the sages' seal, he kidnapped the Seven Maidens, the descendants of the sages, and transported them to the Dark World. When it came time to transport Princess Zelda, it was discovered that she had escaped with Link. Determined to break the seal, Agahnim sent the brainwashed knights of Hyrule to search throughout the land for the princess. Much time had passed when she was finally found to be hiding in the Sanctuary. Her recapture had very little resistance because Link had gone in search of the Master Sword, so by the time he found Agahnim, it was too late. Zelda had been transported to the Dark World, and Ganon was finally free. Link began to fight Agahnim, but when the situation began to look bad, the wizard transported the boy to the Dark World. Link does not see the wizard again until Agahnim appeared before Link to battle to the death atop of Ganon's Tower. Unlike their previous fight, Agahnim was ultimately destroyed. With his minion gone, Ganon fled to the Pyramid of Power, where Link, armed with Silver Arrows and the Master Sword, was finally able to defeat him.
====1998—2001====
[[Image:Ganondorf.jpg|thumb|left|125px|Ganondorf in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'']]
In ''Ocarina of Time'', Ganondorf is known as the King of the Gerudo, by virtue of being the only male in the tribe born once every 100 years. Ganondorf learns of the legend of the [[Triforce]] and seeks to attain it with the aid of his servants, [[Twinrova]]. He makes several attempts to steal the sacred stones in order to enter the [[Sacred Realm]], but each time he is unsuccessful. When Link obtains all three, Ganondorf uses this opportunity to seize the Triforce when Link removes the Master Sword, the final key to the Sacred Realm. His unbalanced heart only allows him to receive the Triforce of Power (with [[Triforce of Wisdom|Wisdom]] and [[Triforce of Courage|Courage]] going to Zelda and Link respectively). His Triforce piece allows him to cause numerous disasters for all of Hyrule, and in doing so, become the King of Evil.<ref name="pedia">{{cite web | url=http://www.zelda.com/universe/pedia/g.jsp#Ganon |author=Nintendo | title=The Great Hyrule Encyclopedia - Ganon | publisher=Zelda Universe |date=2006-01-01| accessdate=2007-06-03}}</ref>
By the time seven years had passed, he had placed monsters in the Sages' temples to prevent them from hearing their "awakening call". When Link awakened from the Sacred Realm as a young adult, Ganondorf watched him, waiting for when Zelda would reveal herself. Ganondorf is eventually able to capture the final sage—Princess Zelda—forcing Link into a direct confrontation. Although bested by Link in the ensuing battle atop his tower, he uses the remains of his power to destroy his tower, in hope of finishing Link and Zelda. Though they escape, thinking him defeated, Ganondorf emerges from the rubble and transforms into the monstrous sword-wielding boar-like demon, Ganon. After an epic battle, the Seven Sages imprison Ganon in the Sacred Realm where he vows to return and exterminate the descendants of Link and Zelda as long as the Triforce of Power remains in his hand.
In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages|''Oracle of Seasons'' and ''Oracle of Ages'']]'', the [[List of recurring characters in The Legend of Zelda series#Twinrova|Twinrova sisters]] attempt to revive Ganon by causing [[List of characters in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Seasons#Veran|sorrow in Labrynna]], [[List of characters in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Seasons#Onox|destruction in Holodrum]] and despair by sacrificing Princess Zelda. However, when Link saves Zelda, the ritual is incomplete, and, left with no other options, the Twinrova sisters use themselves as the sacrifice. While the King of Evil is brought back to life, Ganon becomes nothing more than a mindless beast bent on destruction, failing to retain his mind due to the wrong sacrifice in the ritual.<ref>'''Zelda:''' Since they could not sacrifice me in their final rite, the powers of darkness could only revive a mindless, raging Ganon. {{cite video game | title=The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Ages | developer=Flagship | publisher=Nintendo | date=2001-05-14 | platform=Game Boy Color | language=English }}</ref>
====2002—present====
<!--PLEASE NOTE: To achieve good article status sections should be clear and concise, not simply extravagant and detailed plot summaries. Noting what happens and about Ganondorf himself without original research is all that is required. Improvement of the section is encouraged but overzealous expansion is detrimental to the quality of the article.-->
In ''The Wind Waker'', it is revealed that before the events of the game, Ganon, who had been sealed away at the end of ''Ocarina of Time'', managed to free himself. He spread darkness across the land once again, but unlike his previous attempt to rule over the land, he was faced with no opposition by the Hero of Time. When conquest of Hyrule seemed within his reach, the gods intervened and flooded the kingdom, hiding the remains underneath an ocean and delaying his conquest. However, Ganon begins searching for the Triforce of Wisdom and the Triforce of Courage, so he can wish for the kingdom to return. Ganon begins his search for the descendant of Princess Zelda, and he sends his servent, the Helmaroc King, to bring him young blonde-haired girls with pointy ears.
One of the girls kidnapped by the Helmaroc King is Link's younger sister, Aryll. With the help of Tetra, Link sets out to find her. When Link retrieves the Master Sword and reunites with Aryll, he enounters Ganon, who mentions that Link has removed the seal restricting his power. However, Link manages to escape and begins a quest to recharge the Master Sword. Manipulating the course of events, Ganon lures Link back to him in order to claim both Link and Zelda's respective Triforce pieces which he then forms into the complete Triforce to wish for Hyrule to be drained, becoming its complete ruler. Ganon hesitates, revealing the reason for his lust for power and control over Hyrule. He reveals that his country was filled with death and despair which would rain down even from the winds. Hyrule was a rich land filled with life, which Ganon coveted and desired to rule. However, before Ganon make his wish, it is activated by the [[List of characters in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker#King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule|King of Hyrule]], who wishes for Hyrule to disappear. Ganon loses his composure and begins laughing maniacally before attacking Link and Princess Zelda in a psychopathic rage. They retaliate and eventually defeat Ganon by impaling his head with the Master Sword. Ganon utters a final laugh and says, "The wind... it is blowing". He then turns into stone, and his body remains as Hyrule is flooded with water.
In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures|Four Swords Adventures]]'', Ganon's back-story is expanded. A Gerudo named Ganondorf is found to have stolen a trident that gives him incredible powers. With this weapon, he begins to seize control of parts of Hyrule, spreading evil and creating an army of [[List of recurring characters in The Legend of Zelda series#Dark Link|Dark Links]]. When a worried Zelda and Link go to check on the seal in the Sanctuary of the Four Sword, a Dark Link reveals himself and begins to attack. Having no weapon to defend himself, Link is given no choice but to retrieve the Four Sword, releasing the Wind Mage, Vaati, once again. However, this is revealed to be part of Ganon's plan. Ganon plans to use Vaati as a scapegoat so that he can remain undetected. However, Link defeats Vaatiand discovers that Ganon as the true antagonist. As in ''The Wind Waker'', Link and Zelda team up to defeat Ganon, sealing him within the [[Recurring weapons and items from The Legend of Zelda series#Four Sword|Four Sword]].
In ''Twilight Princess'', Ganon initially appears in a plot twist midway through the game, though he is true antagonist behind all of the events that have transpired throughout the story.<ref>{{cite web|last=Casamassina|first=Matt|date=2005-08-16|url= http://cube.ign.com/articles/683/683158p1.html|title=Twilight Princess: Ganon's Return|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2007-06-14}}</ref> Before the start of the game, he is banished to the Twilight Realm after a failed execution by the sages, leaving him with a glowing wound on his chest. In the Twilight Realm, Ganon presents himself as a [[daimonic]] [[deity]]<ref>'''Zant:''' It was then, in the thrall of hatred and despair, that I turned my eyes to the heavens...and found a god. {{cite video game | title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer=Nintendo EAD | publisher=Nintendo | date=2006-11-19 | platform=Wii | language=English }}</ref> to [[Zant]], delegating his power and persuading him to attempt conquest of the light world.<ref>'''Zant:''' My god had only one wish....To merge shadow and light...and make darkness! {{cite video game | title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer=Nintendo EAD | publisher=Nintendo | date=2006-11-19 | platform=Wii | language=English }}</ref> Ganondorf does not appear again until the end of the game, in the throne of Hyrule Castle, proclaiming it as his own. He is challenged by Midna, prompting Ganon to possess Princess Zelda and attacks Link, before reforming as beast Ganon (in a more feral style than previous appearances, mirroring Link's wolf form). Midna recovers and teleports Link and Zelda to Hyrule Field, before attempting to defeat Ganon, causing the castle to explode. Ganondorf appears on horseback, holding Midna's crown. After an equestrian melee, Ganondorf requests a final duel, using the execution sword as his weapon. Link defeats Ganondorf, impaling him through the wound in his chest with the Master Sword. After getting up and uttering a few words,<ref>'''Ganondorf:''' "Do not think this ends here... The history of Light and Shadow will be written in blood!" {{cite video game | title=The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess | developer=Nintendo EAD | publisher=Nintendo | date=2006-11-19 | platform=Wii | language=English }}</ref> The Triforce symbol on his hand disappears, Zant is shown snapping his own neck in a vision. Ganondorf gasps, his eyes glaze over, and he dies.
While Ganon does not appear in the story of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|Phantom Hourglass]]'', he is seen in the game's opening sequence depicting the events of ''The Wind Waker''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spriters-resource.com/nintendo/zelda/other/display.php?file=tlozph_scenes.png|title=Phantom Hourglass opening screenshots|publisher=Spriters Resource|accessdate=2007-06-29}}</ref>
===Other appearances===
[[Image:FacesGanon.JPG|175px|thumb|left|Ganon, as he is seen in ''Faces of Evil'']]
In the CD-i games, Ganon appears in his "green boar" form in two of the three [[CD-i games based on The Legend of Zelda series|CD-i ''Zelda'' titles]], ''Zelda: The Wand of Gamelon'', ''Link: The Faces of Evil''; in ''Zelda's Adventure'' he is a large muscular devil creature. In these versions he only requires one hit to defeat, and appears to be a sorcerer of some sort with features based on his cartoon incarnation.
Ganondorf is an unlockable character in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'',<ref>{{cite web|date=2001-11-26|url=http://cube.ign.com/articles/100/100084p1.html|title=Super Smash Bros. Melee Unlocked|publisher=[[IGN]]|accessdate=2007-06-14}}</ref> and is based on his appearance in the [[SpaceWorld]] demo, even wielding the large, cleaver-like sword in one of his victory poses (though he cannot actually use it in combat). He is one of the four characters from the ''Zelda'' series to be playable in the game. In ''Melee'' and ''Brawl'', he is referred to by his full name and is a slower, heavier, and more powerful "clone" of [[Captain Falcon]], performing mostly the same attacks and moves. In an interview, Eiji Aonuma revealed that his design team had submitted designs for Ganondorf based on his ''Twilight Princess'' design to the developers of ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''.<ref>{{cite web|date=2007-08-02|url= http://www.gameinformer.com/News/Story/200708/N07.0802.1741.54921.htm|title=Eiji Aonuma Talks DS Development And More|publisher=[[Game Informer]]|accessdate=2007-08-02}}</ref> Ganondorf appears as one of the main antagonists in the single-player ''The Subspace Emissary'' mode, allied with [[Bowser (Nintendo)|Bowser]] and [[Wario]] as well as being a servant of [[Super Smash Bros. (series)#Non-playable characters|Master Hand]]. His Final Smash is his "Dark Beast: Ganon" form from ''Twilight Princess'', in which he transforms into Ganon, charges across the screen, and then warps himself back onto the stage.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/hidden09.html|work=Smash Bros. DOJO!!|title=Ganondorf in Super Smash Bros. Brawl|accessdate=2008-03-25}}</ref>
===Appearances in other media===
Ganon was the main villain of 1989's [[The Legend of Zelda (TV series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' cartoon]], which was shown as part of ''[[Super Mario Bros. television series|The Super Mario Bros. Super Show]]'' in syndication that year. In the cartoon, Ganon was a brown-skinned [[anthropomorphic]] wild [[boar]] and a wizard. He was in possession of the Triforce of Power, and, despite having seemingly endless abilities and magical powers, lost every chance to steal the Triforce of Wisdom. He spent most of his time living in his subterranean lair, referred to as his "castle", which was located in the [[Underworld]]. He is disintegrated when attacked several times by Link's sword, Zelda's arrows, or the Triforce of Wisdom. He was voiced by the late [[Len Carlson]].
In addition to ''The Legend of Zelda'' cartoon, Ganon (along with Link and Zelda) also appeared in ''[[Captain N: The Game Master]]'', as a secondary villain in the episode "Quest For the Potion of Power".<ref>{{cite episode |title=Quest for the Potion of Power |series=Captain N: The Game Master |serieslink=Captain N: The Game Master |network=NBC |airdate=1990-09-29 |number=16}}</ref> This was something of a continuum of Ganon's appearance in the ''Zelda'' cartoon. The episode uses elements from ''The Legend of Zelda'' and ''The Adventure of Link''. During the episode, Ganon is revived, double-crosses [[Metroid (series)|Mother Brain]], and is killed again by the Reflect magic on Link's shield.
In the ''[[South Park]]'' episode "[[Imaginationland Episode III]]" Ganondorf is seen as one of many evil characters battling the good characters.
In the [[Robot Chicken]] episode "Shoe", Ganondorf appears briefly but is killed by Link, who frees Zelda shortly afterward.
==Notes and references==
{{Reflist|2}}
==External links==
* [http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/Ganon Ganon] and [http://zelda.wikia.com/wiki/Ganondorf Ganondorf] at [http://zelda.wikia.com/ Zeldapedia]
* [http://www.zeldawiki.org/Ganon Ganon] at [http://www.zeldawiki.org/ Zelda Wiki.org]
* [http://zelda.com/universe/pedia/g.jsp Ganon] at the [http://zelda.com/universe/pedia/ Great Hyrule Encyclopedia]
{{The Legend of Zelda}}
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[[Category:Fictional deities]]
[[Category:Fictional demons]]
[[Category:Fictional emperors and empresses]]
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[[Category:Fictional shapeshifters]]
[[Category:Fictional thieves]]
[[Category:Fictional warlords]]
[[Category:Fictional wizards]]
[[Category:Super Smash Bros. fighters]]
[[Category:The Legend of Zelda series characters]]
[[Category:Video game bosses]]
[[ca:Ganon]]
[[da:Ganon]]
[[es:Ganondorf]]
[[fr:Ganondorf]]
[[it:Ganondorf]]
[[nl:Ganon]]
[[ja:ガノンドロフ]]
[[no:Ganon]]
[[pt:Ganondorf]]
[[simple:Ganon]]
[[fi:Ganon]]
[[sv:Ganon]]