Summary
The Legend of Zeldafranchise is synonymous with mystical weapons and items used to defeat the forces of darkness. Throughout the long-running series, various incarnations of the hero, Link, have wielded different swords and weaponry to aid him on his quest to restore peace to the world. The most iconic and important of these swords is the Master Sword, which has appeared in moreLegend of Zeldagames than any other. Though the Master Sword is the most notable weapon used by Link, there is another all-powerful sword that can defeat evil and seal away darkness, the Four Sword.
The Four Sword was first introduced in 2002’s Game Boy Advance titleA Link to the Past & Four Swords, the re-release of the Super Nintendo classic paired with a new multiplayer side game. Added tothe GBALink to the Pastwas a new secret dungeon called the Palace of the Four Sword. In this dungeon, players must fight through a boss rush gauntlet to get to the final battle of four Dark Links, which, if defeated, restores the Four Sword. The history of this blade was expanded even further inThe Minish Cap, which highlighted some key differences between it and the famous Master Sword.
Repels and Banishes Evil
What Makes The Four Sword Unique
The History of the Four Sword
The Four Sword was created by tiny beings called the Minish, known as Picori to the Hylians. InThe Minish Cap, it is revealed that it was originally called the Picori Blade, given to the Hero of Man by the Picori people during a great war. As the story goes, they descended from the heavens when the land of Hyrule was in a time of war and offered the sword and a magical light force as a gift to thwart evil. Link inThe Minish Caprestores the Four Swordand uses it to defeat the evil Vaati and save Princess Zelda.
The evil sorcerer Vaati also threatens peace inFour SwordsandFour Swords Adventures. Though he is usually sealed away by the power of the Four Sword, the villain is freed in both games and escapes the sanctuary. BothFour SwordsandThe Minish Capfollow a similar story that follows Link and Zelda as childhood friends who are separated by Vaati. Inall appearances of the Four Sword, the blade plays a crucial part in defeating the evil Vaati—and eventually Ganon—and restoring peace.
The Master Sword and The Four Sword: Key Differences
Both the Master Sword and the Four Sword are divine blades that can only be wielded by a pure-hearted hero to seal away darkness. They both have similar abilities, as they can both defeat evil beings and allow for time travel under certain circumstances. They are both worshiped bythe people of Hyrule, given shrines in their honor, and can both be upgraded. But that is really where the similarities end.
The major difference between the two swords is that the Four Sword has the unique ability to split the wielder into four nearly identical copies of themselves. This strategic advantage is what allowed Link to defeat Vaati each time he returned, and also allowed for some pretty awesome cooperative play via the GBA Link Cable.
The design of the Four Sword changed fromMinish CapandFour Swords Adventuresas it has the ability to absorb elements. This allowed the Four Sword to grow in power and change from a more Master Sword-like design to the gold-hilted blade it is known to be.
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures
WHERE TO PLAY
Multiplayer Zelda! In just two words, we’ve summed up why this game should make you very excited indeed. In The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures, play with up to three friends (or go solo, with the help of the computer) as you cooperate and compete with your fellow colour-coded Links on the TV and Game Boy Advance. Walk into a cave on-screen and witness your character re-appear on your GBA screen! Or band together as a force of four to push a heavy obstacle out of the way, then make a mad dash to be the first to grab handfuls of Rupees. Featuring familiar elements from the Zelda universe, plus bags of new surprises, Four Swords Adventures is a must for any self-respecting Zelda fan.
