Editing Master Sword (section)

== Appearances ==
[[File:Master Sword.png|thumb|right|alt=Artwork of the Master Sword in its pedestal in the Lost Woods |First appearance of the Master Sword in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past]]'']]

=== ''The Legend of Zelda'' series ===
In the original [[The Legend of Zelda (video game)|''The Legend of Zelda'']] (1986), a fantasy weapon appears without any defining features, but was the precursor for future iterations of the Master Sword.<ref name=":6" /> It was not until 1991 that the Master Sword was introduced in the series with the release of ''[[A Link to the Past]]''. The game involves Link setting out to rescue Princess Zelda by retrieving the blade from its pedestal in the Lost Woods and using it to defeat the main antagonists, the evil wizard Agahnim and finally, Ganon.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=Gratton|first=Kyle|date=2021-08-29|title=The Legend of Zelda: The Master Sword's Magic Powers, Explained|url=https://screenrant.com/legend-zelda-master-sword-magic-powers-time-travel/|access-date=2021-09-21|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US}}</ref> Link must obtain three pendants to prove himself worthy of claiming the sword.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Scullion|first=Chris|date=2016-11-21|title=How A Link to the Past paved the way for the future of Zelda|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/link-past-retro-future-zelda-legend/|access-date=2021-09-24|website=gamesradar|language=en}}</ref>

The sword reappeared in ''[[Ocarina of Time]]'', and was the first iteration of the longsword design in [[3D computer graphics|3D]].<ref name=":6" /> As well as being the only weapon that is capable of defeating Ganon, it also acts as a seal to protect the Sacred Realm and the [[Triforce]]. In this iteration, it is located in the Temple of Time, locked behind the Door of Time. Link must collect three Spiritual Stones to open the Door of Time and claim the Master Sword from its pedestal. Due to his youth, the sword seals him in the Temple of Time for seven years until he is ready to be the Hero of Time. Link can then use the Master Sword to travel back to his childhood by placing it in the pedestal.<ref name=":7" />

In ''[[The Wind Waker]]'', Link finds the Master Sword inside the sunken Hyrule Castle. It is once again presented as the only sword capable of defeating Ganondorf. The sword blocks Ganondorf's magical powers and freezes time around the castle. When the blade is removed from its pedestal, it restores Ganondorf's minions and magic and it loses its power to repel evil. Once Link has replenished the Master Sword's power, he is able to destroy Ganondorf by plunging it into his forehead and turning him to stone.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=2020-05-06 |title=Wind Waker's Ending Was Incredibly Badass |url=https://kotaku.com/wind-wakers-ending-was-incredibly-badass-1843171401 |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}</ref>

When Link seeks out the Master Sword in ''[[Twilight Princess]]'', it is located on its pedestal deep in the woods in the Sacred Grove within the ruined Temple of Time. Retrieving the sword is the only way to break the sorcerer [[Zant]]'s magic, which has turned Link into a wolf. When he returns to the Sacred Grove later in the game, he uses the sword to open a path in time. The sword becomes more powerful when it is infused with the divine power of the Sols. As in previous games, the Master Sword is finally used to kill Ganondorf.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Christopher|first=Michael|date=2020-10-02|title=Zelda: Every Appearance of the Master Sword, Ranked|url=https://www.thegamer.com/zelda-master-sword-appearances-ranked/|access-date=2021-09-23|website=TheGamer|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":3" />

In ''[[Skyward Sword]]'', the Master Sword plays a central role in Link's journey to defeat the main antagonist, Demon King Demise and prove himself as the hero. The plot charts the weapon's transition from the Goddess Sword, a weapon left by the goddess [[Hylia (The Legend of Zelda)|Hylia]], into the Master Sword. Link uses three Sacred Flames to forge the Goddess Sword into the Master Sword and, after defeating Demon King Demise, seals him inside the sword by placing it in its pedestal.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vito Oddo |first=Marco |date=2021-07-20 |title='Skyward Sword' Ending Explained: And So 'The Legend of Zelda' Begins |url=https://collider.com/skyward-sword-ending-explained/ |access-date=2023-08-05 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref> In the finale, a humanoid spirit named [[Fi (The Legend of Zelda)|Fi]], who acts as Link's companion throughout the game, is placed in an eternal slumber within the Master Sword.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Poskitt |first=Matt |date=2021-07-17 |title=Waiting for Breath of the Wild 2? Then you should pick up Skyward Sword HD |url=https://www.techradar.com/news/waiting-for-breath-of-the-wild-2-then-you-should-pick-up-skyward-sword-hd |access-date=2023-08-11 |website=TechRadar |language=en}}</ref>

Link again retrieves the sword from its pedestal in the Lost Woods in ''[[A Link Between Worlds]]'', after collecting three Pendants of Virtue and then rescues Seven Sages and Princess Zelda.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tieryas|first=Peter|date=2020-07-16|title=A Link Between Worlds Is Still A Zelda Like No Other|url=https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/07/a-link-between-worlds-is-still-a-zelda-like-no-other/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718035254/https://www.kotaku.com.au/2020/07/a-link-between-worlds-is-still-a-zelda-like-no-other/|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 18, 2020|access-date=2021-09-27|website=Kotaku Australia|language=en-AU}}</ref> During the game, the Master Sword is upgraded by blacksmiths in Hyrule and Lorule after Link collects master ore from various locations, making it a more powerful weapon.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wilson|first=Tony|date=2013-11-22|title=The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds Master Ore locations guide|url=https://www.gamesradar.com/legend-zelda-link-between-worlds-master-ore-locations-guide/|access-date=2021-09-27|website=gamesradar|language=en}}</ref>

Throughout ''[[Breath of the Wild]]'', Link can obtain the Master Sword once he is strong enough to pull it from its pedestal. It is located deep in the Lost Woods within Great Hyrule Forest.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|date=2020-04-08|title=Zelda: Breath Of The Wild: How To Get The Master Sword|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/zelda-breath-of-the-wild-how-to-get-the-master-sword|access-date=2021-09-21|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB}}</ref> In this game the sword is heavily damaged and covered in Malice<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Creating a Champion|publisher=Dark Horse Books|year=2018|pages=167}}</ref> after being used in battle against Calamity Ganon 100 years before the events of the game.<ref name=":4" /> After successfully retrieving the Master Sword and purchasing the DLC, the player is given the opportunity to tackle one of the end game challenges named "The Trial of the Sword", which is aimed at advanced players.<ref name=":0" /> Upon successfully completing all of the levels, the Master Sword is permanently upgraded to its highest attack level.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lefler|first=Bryan|date=30 June 2021|title=Trial of the Sword guide - The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/125399/trial-of-the-sword-guide-the-legend-of-zelda-breath-of-the-wild|access-date=2021-09-21|website=Shacknews|language=en}}</ref>

In ''[[Tears of the Kingdom]]'' (2023), the sequel to ''Breath of the Wild'', Link begins the game wielding the Master Sword, only for it to be shattered by Ganondorf's power. After he awakens on the Great Sky Island with the broken sword, he sends it back in time to Zelda, who time-traveled back to the era of Hyrule's founding. To defeat Ganondorf, Zelda chooses to consume a secret stone to transform into a dragon, allowing the Master Sword to regain its sacred energy over millennia. In the present day, Link finds Zelda in her draconified form and pulls the Master Sword from her skull.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-05-18 |title=How to get the Master Sword in Zelda Tears of the Kingdom |language=en-gb |work=Eurogamer.net |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-how-to-get-master-sword-9343 |access-date=2023-05-24}}</ref> Like other weapons in the game, the Master Sword can be fused with various materials to make it more powerful in combat.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sinha |first=Ravi |date=8 June 2023 |title=The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Best Weapons and Their Locations, and Best Fuse Combos |url=https://gamingbolt.com/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-best-weapons-and-their-locations-and-best-fuse-combos |access-date=2023-08-04 |website=GamingBolt |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Other media ===
The Master Sword has made appearances in various other video games. Link appears with the Master Sword as a playable character in the original 1999 [[Super Smash Bros. (video game)|''Super Smash Bros'']].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Baird|first=Scott|date=2018-12-07|title=10 Smash Bros. Characters Who Are Overpowered (And 10 Who Are Completely Worthless)|url=https://screenrant.com/super-smash-bros-characters-overpowered-worthless/|access-date=2021-09-24|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US}}</ref> In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', Link also appears as a playable character in eight different costumes that include the Master Sword and Hylian Shield.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith Jr.|first=Donnie|date=2021-08-23|title=Super Smash Bros Ultimate: Where Each Of Link's Alt Costumes Come From|url=https://screenrant.com/super-smash-bros-ultimate-where-each-of-links-alt-costumes-come-from/|access-date=2021-09-21|website=ScreenRant|language=en-US}}</ref> The Master Sword has also made an appearance in ''[[Animal Crossing]]'' games and ''[[Soulcalibur II]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Corbett|first=Noelle|date=2020-08-12|title=Animal Crossing: It's Time for the Nintendo Items to Return|url=https://www.cbr.com/animal-crossing-nintendo-items-should-return/|access-date=2021-09-22|website=CBR|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Rinyu|first=John|date=2020-09-16|title=10 Best Swords in The Legend of Zelda Series, Ranked|url=https://gamerant.com/best-swords-in-the-legend-of-zelda/|access-date=2021-09-23|website=Game Rant|language=en-US}}</ref> In ''[[Nintendo Land]]'', players can wield the Master Sword as part of The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Severino|first=Anthony|title=Nintendo Land Review|url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/58079-nintendo-land-review|access-date=2021-09-23|website=GameRevolution|date=20 November 2012 }}</ref> Link makes a cameo appearance with the Master Sword and the Hylian Shield in ''[[Scribblenauts Unlimited]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cook|first=Dave|date=2012-11-20|title=Scribblenauts Unlimited: see Mario & Link in action here|url=https://www.vg247.com/scribblenauts-unlimited-see-mario-link-in-action-here|access-date=2021-09-23|website=VG247|language=en}}</ref> In ''[[Bayonetta 2]]'', Bayonetta is able to use the Master Sword after equipping Link's costume.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nunneley|first=Stephanie|date=2014-06-21|title=This is what Bayonetta can do when wearing classic Nintendo outfits|url=https://www.vg247.com/bayonetta-wii-u-port-bayonetta-2|access-date=2021-09-23|website=VG247|language=en}}</ref> In the racing game ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'', the Master Sword was introduced with Link in the first [[DLC (video gaming)|DLC]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=LeJacq|first=Yannick|date=13 November 2014|title=Link Is Now In Mario Kart, And He Brought A Sword|url=https://kotaku.com/link-is-now-in-mario-kart-and-he-brought-a-sword-1658354893|access-date=2021-09-23|website=Kotaku|language=en-us}}</ref> It also makes an appearance in the Hyrule Circuit as a statue inside the castle.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Carter|first=Chris|date=2017-05-09|title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe shortcuts|url=https://www.polygon.com/mario-kart-8-deluxe-guide/2017/5/9/15593724/shortcuts|access-date=2021-09-21|website=Polygon|language=en}}</ref> It is also obtainable as gear alongside the Hylian Shield in the [[Nintendo Switch]] version of ''[[The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Orry|first=Tom|date=2017-12-01|title=Skyrim Switch Zelda Gear Guide - How to get the Zelda Master Sword, Hylian Shield, and Link's Champion's Tunic - How to use amiibo to Unlock Zelda Items|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/01-12-2017-skyrim-switch-how-to-get-the-zelda-master-sword-hylian-shield-and-champions-tunic-how-to-use-amiibo|access-date=2021-09-21|website=USgamer|language=en|archive-date=2021-09-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921222622/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/01-12-2017-skyrim-switch-how-to-get-the-zelda-master-sword-hylian-shield-and-champions-tunic-how-to-use-amiibo|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Master Sword was also introduced in ''[[Super Mario Maker 2]]'' with a ''Zelda'' update in 2019. The sword transforms [[Mario]] into Link and bestows a range of special abilities.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=2019-12-02|title=Super Mario Maker 2's Zelda update lets you wield the Master Sword|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2019-12-02-super-mario-maker-2s-zelda-update-lets-you-wield-the-master-sword|access-date=2021-09-23|website=Eurogamer|language=en}}</ref> In the [[hack and slash]] video game ''[[Hyrule Warriors]]'' (2014), the Master Sword appears as a prominent weapon. Link can use it in battle alongside the Hylian Shield, and after completing certain tasks, the sword has the capability of emitting the sword beam.<ref name=":5" /> In ''[[Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity]]'' (2020), Link is able to use the Master Sword throughout the game after defeating an antagonist named Astor and retrieving the blade from its pedestal. Once obtained, Link is able to level up the sword by fusing other weapons into it and add unique effects by equipping it with Seals. The fully maxed out Master Sword then unlocks an additional sword beam attack when Link is at full health.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Fontes|first=Renan|date=2021-01-23|title=Age of Calamity: 10 Pro Tips To Making An Overpowered Master Sword|url=https://www.thegamer.com/age-of-calamity-overpowered-master-sword-guide/|access-date=2021-09-21|website=TheGamer|language=en-US}}</ref> The Master Sword has also been featured prominently in ''Zelda''-related media, including books and other merchandise.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Yehl|first=Joshua|date=9 January 2017|title=Unsheathe the Master Sword to Open This Zelda Art Book|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/09/unsheathe-the-master-sword-to-open-this-zelda-art-book|access-date=22 September 2021|website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lobley|first=William|title=The Best Zelda Merchandise|url=https://www.empireonline.com/shopping/gaming/best-zelda-merchandise/|access-date=2021-09-22|website=Empire|date=15 February 2021 }}</ref>

=== In popular culture ===
The Master Sword features in the lyrics of a single inspired by ''The Legend of Zelda'' series titled "[[Power of the Triforce]]" by British metal band [[DragonForce]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reynolds |first=Ollie |date=2023-10-19 |title=Random: Dragonforce's Latest Single Is A Perfect Tribute To The Legend of Zelda |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/random-dragonforces-latest-single-is-a-perfect-tribute-to-the-legend-of-zelda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019154559/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/random-dragonforces-latest-single-is-a-perfect-tribute-to-the-legend-of-zelda |archive-date=19 October 2023 |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB}}</ref>