Hello everyone! When watching this video, please keep in mind that it was made when I was 16 years old, and there are a lot of parts of it that I don’t really find to be great analysis anymore. Still feel free to make any critiques you want to, though! I may revisit this topic in the future to give it a better treatment.
I'm relatively new to political analysis, and it's been many years since I've played MM. But I thought you did a pretty good job here and in other videos on your channel (at the very least, you had interesting commentary). If you want to revisit this topic in a new video, I'd certainly watch it.
To go along with your themes of regret, this version of Link has to be one of the most tragic incarnations of the hero. Even back in Ocarina of Time, his life is riddled with tragedy. The Hyrulian Civil War orphaned him. A happy life with a loving family was robbed from him. Instead, he was raised by the Great Deku Tree and the Kokiri. Although the Great Deku Tree cared for Link, and was a good father figure to him, Link never truly belonged. Mido was very quick to remind him of that. The fact he doesn’t have a fairy of his own unlike the rest of the Kokiri sets him apart even more from his peers. One day, he receives a fairy, the very thing that could grant him acceptance from all of his peers, not just Saria. He’s even given a special mission by the Great Deku Tree, one of upmost importance. After Link eventually accomplishes his adopted father’s goal of ridding the curse within him, Link finds out he was too late, anyways. The curse had run its course and only granted Link a little more time with his dying father. The Great Deku Tree doesn’t waste this time granted to him by Link. He provides Link with a goal, to speak with Princess Zelda and stop the man the cursed him, before eventually dying. Now Link is upholding his father’s dying wish. His quest is one of service to the wishes of the dead. He eventually does meet up with Zelda, and learns that his arrival was foretold in a prophetic dream of hers. She helps guide Link and narrow his quest. His goal to defeat Ganondorf is still the same, but he’s now given direction and provided a means to defeat him, that being the Master Sword (and by extent the Triforce) by acquiring the Sacred Stones. When Link does acquire the stones and accesses the Sacred Realm, Ganondorf reveals this was actually part of his plan all along. To use Link to sneak into the Sacred Realm and steal the Triforce for himself. Although Ganondorf didn’t account for the fact that the Triforce only works when used by someone with a balanced heart, he still acquired the Triforce of Power and used it to take over the world. Meanwhile, Rauru kept Link unconscious until he was old enough to properly wield the Master Sword. Rauru then sends Link on a quest to awaken all the sages and defeat Ganondorf once and for all. That’s all well and good… but imagine how Link is feeling. As he’s exploring the ruined Hyrule, he most likely felt responsible for having a part to play in Ganondorf’s rise to power. His good intentions still lead to failure. Now his quest has gained more meaning/purpose. Not only is he fulfilling his father’s dying wish, but he’s actively working to undo the havoc he helped Ganondorf wreak upon the world. Eventually, when Link reunites with the Deku Tree as a sprout, he learns the truth about who he is. He is a Hylian orphan, but also a hero of destiny. His quest is not simply one of service to his father’s wishes or self-atonement for his part in Ganondorf’s plans, but one of fate and necessity too. He is *destined* to be a hero. Like Darnani, he now had a set of expectations thrusted upon him. But it wasn’t from his peers, it was distinctly from the being he considered to be his father. The very person who sent him on his quest in the first place. Link continues his quest, now with a newfound perspective on it. He eventually accomplishes his goal by defeating Ganondorf. And after all was said and done, Zelda sends him back to live the childhood he never got to experience. But this well-intentioned action was too little too late. Link was forced to mature throughout his quest. He experienced horrors and loss no child should ever feel, accomplished feats no child should be capable of. He adapted into his role as a hero and accepted his adulthood. And yet, he was sent back and forced to re-accept his childhood. But childhood innocence is not so easily restored. In maturing, Link lost the ability to truly be a child again. He never even had the opportunity to experience the fruits of his labor, to celebrate his victory with his friends or the people of Hyrule. And even on top of that, his closest friend Navi leaves immediately after they are returned to the past without saying a word. Tragic. Now that he’s in the past, Link doesn’t stop to take a moment to accept his friend’s departure. He does what he always does. He continues his quest without taking any time for himself. He goes to the King and warns him of Ganondorf’s actions in the future. Link isn’t treated as the brave hero who fought through time to destroy Ganondorf. He’s likened to a prophet. After warning the royal family, Link’s quest is complete. There isn’t anything left for him to accomplish. He is forced to confront his own personal thoughts and feelings. There aren’t any present threats or obligations to take his mind off of these problems anymore. The beginning of Majora’s Mask is the direct result of Link confronting his own problems. The first personal goal that he decided to set for himself… was to see his closest friend, Navi. Navi, the only other person to experience everything he did, to know and feel exactly what Link had gone through in the future. The only one who could truly empathize with Link. Unbeknownst to him, the personal quest he set out on was a futile one. Navi was gone, most likely dead after fulfilling her own purpose. Almost immediately after departing on his quest, he is distracted and presented with a new mission. He’s transported into a new world in need of a savior. Because he’s capable of saving this world, he feels he needs to. So he sets aside his personal quest in favor of the greater good. He throws himself into his role as a hero without a second thought, as he always has. This quest forced Link to observe and experience the 5 stages of grief. Although this theme is often used to justify the idea that Link is dead in Majora’s Mask (which is easily disproven by his bloodline prevailing in Twilight Princess), I think it better serves as Link’s grief over the loss of Navi. Link himself doesn’t take a moment to stop and grieve Navi’s loss. Conveniently, however, Link’s new quest forced him to confront his feelings of grief. The denial of the citizens of Clock Town, the anger of the Deku King, the bargaining of Darmani, the silent depression of Lulu, and finally the acceptance/enlightenment atop the Stone Tower, Link observes and confronts each stage of grief through helping others. At the end of this quest, Link seemingly returns to Hyrule, but not before doing one last thing that could easily be missed. As Mikau, he performs with the Indigo-Go’s on the night of the carnival. This was never directly asked of Link from Mikau. This was something Link himself chose to do. Even if it’s what Mikau would have wanted, it’s still something Link wanted too. He finally got to celebrate his accomplishment of saving the world. Although this was not his world, it still must have eased his regrets of not being treated as a hero in Hyrule. But evidently, from what we see of him in Twilight Princess, it wasn’t enough to completely ease his regrets. By Twilight Princess, this Link had lived his life in Hyrule, but he was always plagued by feelings of regret. All of his experiences in the future, all of his mastery, yet he never had anyone to pass his knowledge down to. He was never treated as a hero who experienced hardships and overcame overwhelming odds, only as a prophet. Those feelings had to contribute to his status as a regretful spirit. Fortunately, Link finally got to experience/accomplish something of great personal value. Although his first personal quest was a futile one, his last one was both worthwhile and possible. He met his descendant, the Link of Twilight Princess. He was granted opportunities to guide and train him. He got exactly what he wanted, the very thing he never could find in his own lifetime. After finally accomplishing something for himself, not just for others, his spirit could rest. The tragedy of the Hero of Time always fascinated me. Your video and themes of regret reminded me of how much the topic interested me, and inspired me to write out this entire comment. Your video is very well-made, and I’m happy to have seen it in its entirety.
@@nakitaohara5255 I’ve considered making a RUclips video that retells the story of the Hero of Time not as a legend, but as a tragedy. This comment tapped a bit into my original writing of it but I’m still refining it. Who knows, maybe I’ll actually make it if there’s an audience for it. One thing I didn’t mention is something I noticed when replaying OoT. When Saria gives Link the Ocarina, she asks him to remember her whenever he plays it and visit the forest. And what does Link do after learning Zelda’s Lullaby from Impa? He visits Saria. I just find that so sweet/interesting that he remembered. Little details like that, instances where Link’s humanity shows, really drives home just how tragic his tale really is. Saria’s his closest friend at this point, Navi’s still getting closer to Link but Saria is Link’s first real friend. And despite his sudden exit after being given the gift (an instance where Link found it difficult to say goodbye), he still really cares about Saria and expresses it through his actions. It’s even more tragic that she’s eventually (potentially) killed in the Forest Temple before becoming the Sage of the Forest.
@@Rexis102 you definitely should make a video series based on that. I watched a video essay on the events of BotW in chronological order and I never thought about how Link in that game's silence is actually explained away as him repressing his emotions to focus on the conflicts ahead.
Link was never alone in his agency to help people. He had the help and support of many people. The more people he helped, the more capable he was at helping them in return. Notice his first failure: he became alone. He lost Epona. He didn't get to crawl out of the skin that was not his own, until he made an alliance with one of the people that dealt him that fate in the first place. Also, Link has you. The player, so he never makes his decisions alone. With enough help, he can complete all tasks necessary to defeat the main evil in only three days.
It has been said, by Aonuma, that the Fierce Diety Mask contains the memories of all the people of Termina. At least, he says that's the best way to think about it. This mask can only be obtained after helping everyone in the game, and forming personal relationships with them. Link is not the exception to the rule that a single individual acting alone ends in failure. Link does not act alone at any point in the game (except for the very beginning before entering Termina). He is, in fact, the ultimate example of working together to successfully save everyone.
@@Galador5000 he is the one that united them. It is true that link saved everyone but that would not have been possible without everyone coming together.
Tbh I forgot this video was about Majora's Mask while reading your comment, because it also fits nearly perfectly in describing the events of Twilight Princess. Link may be the chosen hero to serve as Hylia's champion and exemplify courage, and there are things that he must do, but no man is an island and Link constantly leans on his friends and allies. He lends them aid even when time is running out and things are dire, and in return Link has a massive network of people he's helped who are eager to see him succeed. From the Resistance fighters in a little bar, to an entire Goron city, to the hyper-capitalist Malo and the other village children, to Anju and Kafei and their entire extended families at the Stock Pot Inn and the Mayor's Office and Romani Ranch, to King Bulblin and many more, it is incredible to see who gathers around the chosen hero to lend what strength they can. Link's courage is a spark in the darkness that ignites a blaze that will not be contained or smothered. One man's courage brings forth the best from so many people, and there is power in that.
49:03 I think Link listened to Tatl's statement, he went to take care of business while everyone else enjoyed the carnival. Part of that business was ensuring that the Indigo Gos' performance happened; in the end credits you see Link as Mikau performing with the group... Link did everything he could, right up to the end of the carnival, before mounting his return to Hyrule.
Just imagine, generations of Zoras later, they tell the tale of the magical carnival night when Mikau's spirit hung on long enough to play his last gig with his band, after bravely rescuing his children.... Yes, it's not exactly what happened, but Link leaves Termina after the carnival, so that's how the people will probably tell the tale...
That part was always got a bittersweet smile out of me. While all Mikau asked of Link was to save the children, Link still helped the Zora with his unfinished business like getting to perform with the others one last time.
The RUclips algorithm actually showed me something really well made but not well known? It worked for once! So happy I came across this video. Such a fascinating take on Majora's mask. I hope your channel grows quickly!
i know, right?? it drives me crazy that they have so few subs! most of their videos have less than 1k views and they’re all so good??? i just wish there were something i could to do get the word out haha, i feel like everyone has to see this
This video is way too good to have as few views as it did. This was genuinely one of the absolute best looks at this game that I have seen. I LOVE how you took such an in depth look at the leadership failures here. That's an aspect i haven't seen anyone cover save maybe for mentions about the Deku King, but even then, that's more about his personal actions, rather than what he and his people are doing. Damn good job! Keep it up!
God, imagine if there was an impending life-threatening disaster and people argued that we should ignore it because it isn't actually real and we should just go about our business rather than stop doing our jobs to try and survive. What a fun and silly fantasy world this game takes place in.
“Huh, the ocean is getting polluted and the water is getting too warm for the well-being of the creatures that live in it, and there’s unnatural, extreme weather going on over in this other village and threatening the lives of its inhabitants, and this marshland over here is straight up poisonous now... but it’s fine! It’s fine! Carry on with the carnival, everything is fine!” 😬
And the fact that evacuation is useless and any drastic action at this point would be completely futile and would only result in everyone spending their last days in misery and fear goes largely unaddressed...
@NotAGoodUsername Not true. Link faced the root of evil in his vision of the tree "inside" the moon and became his greates self, or the image of his full potential (aka Fierce Deity), destroyed the evil and restored balence to the world. I think this points to some archaic, tribal instinct (hence Majora's mask's tribal origin) of problem solving with dreams, intuitions and visions, which was how we problem solved before logic and science came to be.
Imagine if everyone thought that something was their impending doom but in reality it was something entirely different? Imagine instead of trying to stop the moon from Hitting termina the insane characters in the game had you try and help it hit cause the it Had feelings or something like that? Lol! Now that would be a crazy silly fantasy world for a game to take place in!
45:20 I think at this point he was unwilling to let the thought of his friend's departure go due to his posible inability to reconnect to society. If you think about it Link though he is physically still a child, he was forced to grow into an adult both physically and more importantly, mentally. I think it's safe to say Link isn't in the right head space as once again he was forced to change his life by departing from the one person that was physically with him from start to the end of his ever changing journey. Radical changes to ones lifestyle mentality can cause issues such as depression, so personally I believe this story is about Link finding solace of sort because there really isn't anything else out there for him. He has changed so much that he can't go home and wouldn't even fit in with his old friends thus his new purpose of helping other and in turn helping himself. What else is there for him but to wander and search in hope that he reunites with the one person that held so much importance in his life?
I have always had this question for folks who say that Link lost everything when he was returned to his childhood: why do fans believe that Link would even want to return to the forest? As Saria said at the very beginning: Link was always bound to leave the forest, and he was always different from all the Kokiri. Why do people think that Link would truly want to return to the forest? I get that that is where he grew up, but those drawings at the base of Link’s treehouse, assumingely drawn by Link, showed that he always longed to be a hero and for bigger things. I very much doubt that even at the end of OoT that he would be willing to settle back in the place that he previously was bound to leave. Why are fans so set on this interpretation?
At the end when you say there’s no direct sequel, we do still technically get to learn of this Link’s fate in Twilight Princess as the Hero’s Shade and experience the end of his story. Very fittingly, they are filled with regret and like many of the characters in Majora’s Mask, they’re dead but still unable to properly pass on/find peace until their regrets are resolved by the player. There’s so many details between the end of MM and the events of TP we’ll never get to know, but we do get a conclusion of sorts.
I've watched so many MM videos, and this is such an amazing, in depth and unique perspective that I've never thought of. MM is one of my favorites games and this video was a joy to watch. I don't know how you don't have more subscribers but I hope you gain the recognition you deserve!
I love whenever the algorithm recommends me fantastic videos from small channels. I love these sorts of videos, and this one is no exception. It was done very well. Great job!
This is a surprisingly wonderful video, Majora's Mask has an immense amount to offer both in standard game design study as well as its narrative and themes and I appreciate you really attempting to get at *not* the same main points everyone has already brought up. If I may offer an alternative to your theory about Link's lack of resolution even by the end of the game, I think that Link's journey actually mirrors the Skull Kids in a way. Maybe I'm being a bit too charitable to the writing and reading what I want out of it. But Link starts the game looking for Navi, and the game frames the way Navi leaves (vaguely) in a manner very similar to the Giants leaving Skull Kid, in that both Link/Skull Kid were the ones who had been left behind. As the game progresses Friendship is a common thematic element that shows up, especially right at the beginning as Link gets so much help to return to his human form. So when Skull Kid has his speech of acceptance, that even though the Giants left, their bonds would not simply disappear, it's not too hard to imagine that same speech applying to Link and Navi as well. It's merely my interpretation and can definitely be otherwise written off as the game just attempting to have a satisfying and upbeat ending for the "villain"; but I think the ambiguous ending really allows one to read into Link's personal thoughts and beliefs without too much stretching.
i don't feel like this is a stretch at all, this is what i always thought was the intended take away tbh. majora's mask is a game loaded with parallels to link's experience in ocarina of time; from link and skull kid as the protagonist/antagonist foils both going through a similar tragedy (abandonment) and dealing with it in opposite ways (skull kid lashes out, link picks up the pieces), to kafei mirroring link as a child having been trapped in an adult body, or even the bomber's drawing a parallel to link being othered by the kokiri (swapping the roles of hylian/terminan and kokiri/deku and all that.) healing is a major theme in majora's mask, and it's a process. so i've always appreciated the game ending on an ambigious note rather than telling us what link does with the lessons he's learned. just like healing, that journey is your own to take.
There are definitely parallels between Link and the Skull Kid; just take a look at how their actions and goals impacted Termina, the masks each one received, and even the contrasting musical elements throughout the game.
@@TheEggoEffect In the GameCube Zelda collection, the art they use to display Majora’s Mask shows Link and Skull Kid, but both are a bright single color, their main color. Link is a bright green and Skull Kid a bright red, both colors direct opposites, yet they stand at the same height and come from the same forest. Plus Saria was the first friend they ever had
Oh my god, I was so sure you would have at least a hundred thousand subscribers. Criminally underrated content, and exactly the kind I've been looking for. I love how you look at the themes and ideas from a slightly different point of view than most reviews - and I would add a response to some of your claims, but all has been said by other commenters. Off to binge the rest of your videos I guess, keep on making them!
Brilliant analysis of this classic game! Just subscribed to your channel. Majora's is my favorite game, never ceases to amaze me how 20 years later I still learn more about this masterpiece. This game gets better as you get older and accumulate life experience. Some of the themes you discussed like failure of leadership, over reliance on individuals and seeking out relationships are elements I felt, but you perfectly explained. Look forward to your other videos. P.S. Excellent editing and sound mixing, I was instantly hooked by that sick intro.
The Mayor conflict is a faithful representation of our current pandemic issue. I live in Brazil, where the term Carnival (Carnaval originally) came from, and it happens from february to march. In 2020 things were already getting strange around the world but politicians decided to ignore it and let Carnival happen as scheduled. Coincidence or not, from that point on there was a massive increase of infected and death. In 2021 they forbid the festival, but so far it has already been stated by some Mayors that Carnival will happen with full glory next year. Hope the Moon doesn't fall again over our heads.
Uauuuu pensei a mesma coisa aqui. Representa total a nossa realidade.. não só no Brasil, mas no mundo todo. Com todo o problema da pandemia e a ignorância, mesmo com evidências claras sobre o que fazer e o que não fazer para amenizar o problema. Mas no Brasil temos essa representação do Carnaval e o que significa para muitos brasileiros, mesmo em tempos de crise.
@@KingArthur39 You guys should try to reply in English so the rest of the world can read and understand. =) Bom ver mais compatriotas assistindo ao conteúdo.
They can answer in whatever language they feel like. English isn’t the official language of the world! RUclips has a translation feature anyway, so people can still read it.
@@RealmW I'm not complaining, just a suggestion. Let's say English might be the closest thing to a "common language" from Tolkien-like stories. And google translations usually suck. xD
I have to bring up, on the closing statement of Link's lack of closure, we DO actually know how his story ends, what with the Swordmaster in TP, as well as the parting statements by the Happy Mask Salesman, that a parting need not be forever. We know that Link eventually returned to Hyrule and settled into his place and role, and while he never fully healed from his hurt, he did inevitably pass on knowledge to the next Hero, that connection ultimately healing the pain he had never fully healed before.
I have the theory that by MM's develooment, they actually decided that Link would become a Skull Kid instead of a stalfos (because he was a kid by then) and the game itself was Link's purgatory into accepting his fate as a lost soul without a fairy to guide him out of the woods. In this sense, MM was just a dream that Link had that displayed themes regarding this lonely death in relation to the only thing he lived: the hero's journey.
I honestly never really liked the whole Hero’s Shade being the Hero of Time thing. The Hero of Time never really came across as someone who would care about legacy. MM’s time loop essentially trivialized the whole concept of lasting legacy and whether or not people knew if your heroism, so it seemed weird that he would be so regretful that he wasn’t able to pass on his knowledge to the next generation that his spirit would be unable to rest for a hundred years.
@@andredelacerdasantos4439 What kind of purgatory has a happy ending where an impossible love blossoms, two opposing political sides come together, a Band that lost much plays the most important and awesome gig they’ll have, a kid who put the lives of many into danger is forgiven easily, two struggling dancers find inspiration from the departed, a boy reunites with his lost horse and death itself is overcome. Sounds more like a Heaven to me
@@akward4210 In the Hyrule Historia they say that he is and since that’s an official book I guess it’s canon So how about we just ignore the timeline and appreciate each game on its own instead
@@GameboyFanatic Eh, Hyrule Historia contradicts a lot of what's in the games, and I believe it also mentions somewhere that the details in the book are subject to change if Nintendo wills it, so I have a really hard time accepting it as official canon. Hell, even Nintendo currently recognizes Encyclopedia's version of the timeline over Hyrule Historia's if you check the official website, and nobody likes Encyclopedia. However, I 100% agree with you that we should ignore the timeline altogether and enjoy the games on their own. The games are rich enough for that.
Commenting to say: I think its hella cool someones finally covering the more Real part of games' worlds like Zelda, especially in the context of our politics overlapping with the games', its a super unexplored but really interesting category, especially since its not the screaming internet demagogue politics that were prevelant in 2016. And with this good of editing Hope your channel grows and you can cover more games! I'm currently working on doing similar to start my channel, rn its on Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War. Fandom could use some insightful analysis and info like this; and those games got a lot to work with.
I need to play this again now. Thank you! I do a lot of political and philosophy study myself as I'm sure you do and i'm a big fan of this game (as my username may imply) but I had not thought about looking at it in a political context with this level of interpretation until now. This was very well made and I hope it gets a lot more attention because it's a fantastic way to start a conversation with people about the nature of power structures, morality, narrative, and social relationships and their implications. (Not to mention autonomy and it's extent and limitations) Very nice video
I’m going to come back and comment something of more substance at a later date. I just wanted to express how much love I have for this video. It tackles such complex themes and says something so powerful about human nature. Every night for the last week, before bedtime, Ive been consuming Majora’s Mask content. This by far is the most thoughtful and well constructed video of them all. Thank you so much for this.
This has always been my #1 favorite game, but these themes of obligation, failure of leadership, and the breakdowns of relationships are even more stunning to me as an adult. You summed up most of the emotional impact of the game without getting stuck on the (still very canon) deeply personal tragedies of the characters. Examining their social context elevates this even past politics into some very interesting philosophy. IMO the obvious counter to "social problems caused by failure of individual leadership now fall to a single individual to fix them, and that seems weird," is that Link hardly qualifies as a "single individual" by the end. He's become so much more powerful with the help of others (and fantastical items he's acquired after said help). The final mask he acquires is literally a god's mask. So the people of Termina have in some ways made their own social disasters, but also have been cursed by a malevolent Majora. At the end they're saved by a near-godlike Link, who undoes the supernatural curses with supernatural powers, which is very fun gameplay. But the game also has Link and his various mask-incarnations making very mortal gestures to encourage people, or help people with their social problems. And I think the game does a good job of showing what went wrong between its characters, so maybe fixing a whole world doesn't have to fall down to one Chosen Hero. Maybe each of us can fix one injustice or tragedy in our own backyards. Maybe once someone helps us, we become more available to help others. We'd be less likely to bicker and prove we're The Best, less likely to stick it out alone and have our individualism fail us, or find an outsider scapegoat to blame. A lot of the time, all these characters needed was just somebody help them, and the courage to ask for help.
When I was a child, my Aunty used to love Nintendo games, so I use to visit her every couple days a week and play with her. She played Ocarina of time and Majoras mask more than anything As I got older, her mental health got incredibly bad to the point where she had to live on her own away from her family. We still hear how she's doing but we don't see her anymore because of her mental health. I always watch these videos and play Zelda practically everyday because they were the best memories I could of asked for. My life feels strange sometimes but I feel right at home whenever I play Zelda or hearing people talking about facts about these games. I am so happy youtube exists
This was honestly incredible!! I really loved this deep dive into Majorca’s Mask, as I loved Majora’s Mask’s themes and overall message when I first played it! It just has so many parallels to the modern world and our responses to disaster. Really great work on this! I’m for sure going to have to watch some of your other videos because the effort put into this was amazing!!
This video is just what I’ve unknowingly been looking for as inspiration when I’m writing my novel and running out of ideas. I could listen to these types of in depth Zelda videos all day.
I must not be smart enough to understand your explanations because my brain just can’t process everything you’re saying. Although, I will say that this video is quite entertaining and very well put together.
Man you need more followers, this is some top tier quality stuff. I don’t normally watch videos this long but you kept me wanting to hear more. Well done sir. 👏👏
This was a fantastic video. Majora’s Mask never ceases to amaze me with how many layers it has and with how many ways it can be analyzed, and you did an incredible job thoroughly explaining the ideas presented. The description of the different examples of irresponsible leadership were fascinating, and I adored your take on the Song of Healing.
The circus committee gives echoes of a certain American political party circa January of 2020. 🤔 This video is remarkably thorough and deserves far more views! A wonderful introspective into an uncommon topic in video games!
Heh. Yeah, a circus indeed where some *genuinely* believe that someone can raise from the dead just to run for VP. Just goes to show how certifiably nuts they can be.
And hindsight has shown us running to a little ranch in response to the moon falling was as futile as all countries' pandemic responses with the difference between the most draconic and the most permissive being both within the initial 3.4% death rate prognostic.
I'm curious your take on the Romani Ranch and the 'aliens" who come every year of the carnival. And the overall struggle the Romani family has gone throughout, losing their father, the Gorman brothers robbing them, Anju's mom accusing Crimea of taking off with Kafei, etc. Their story fascinated me. Great video brother, this was awesome 👍
@@zionfreedom9149 I think they were speaking about how leadership defaulted to sentimentality over action when it came to the pandemic. And about how many people just lived their lives, total faith in the systems of whatever guides them (such as religion or patriotism) instead of taking COVID seriously. The ones most at risk are the ones with the least amount of power to change their circumstances, aka the public servants and "necessary workers" having to risk COVID and go to work, like the guards and the postman in Majora's Mask not being allowed to evacuate. There are also smaller parallels, but the thing about stories is that you get out of them what you put into them. Your life circumstances will change how you view a piece of work. It's impossible to tell where someone lives based on a youtube comment, but the pandemic effected some places much harsher than others. I'm guessing OP lives in a place where the pandemic was largely ignored last year and is now worse than before. So it's natural to interpret Majora's Mask as the same. If you didn't see the parallels yourself, it's likely because you live in a different sort of place and you might get something different from this game.
@@LOP4795 Anything can blind you to the truth and make you eager to accept the status quo. I would also add love, apathy, greed, power. Really anything. You could add a thousand examples if you had all day. I chose religion and patriotism because those are the things that directly parallel Majora's Mask. The Festival of Time is a religious festival and pride for Termina and Clock Town seem to be involved in Mayor Dotour and the craftsmans' motivation for continuing the tradition.
@@seqka711 Totally agree. And I've never seen anyone use apathy as a potential blinder towards potential truths so major points for that as I didn't think of that myself. I'll be sure to use that from now on though!
I just gotta point out the visuals for this video ❤️🔥 I love the panning of rooms and different locations as well as the sound of the clock 🕰️ turning at the beginning of each segment in sync with the lunar childrens' quotes!
I disagree about the political motives of the Deku King. That guy was taking it personally. A man enraged at the loss of his daughter... oh yeah, he’s torturing that monkey for catharsis.
Majora's Mask is one of my favorite games of all time, and I feel you definitely did it justice with this video and your opinions on the game. Good work :)
8:50 at most the mayor could have made an announcement that they were all going to die. That might be the most appropriate decision, but the one he comes to makes sense. It’s a global catastrophe, there is nothing anyone but Link can do. It’s like blaming the president for Galactus coming to consume the earth in marvel. Nothing would be accomplished.
Hey, this is a great video, man!! I love deep dives into Zelda lore - I don’t think most people realize how deep it is, but videos like this will help!! Earned a new subscription and hope to see more “Politics of Zelda” on other games in the series. Good luck :)
I enjoyed this video and was glad to have it recommended to me! I liked using the giants questions from the end game to frame the differing thematic explorations of selfish sentimentality, the harmfulness of individualist systems, the security of friendship, and the importance of overcoming regret. It did well to help give a more cohesive feeling to a lot the disparate and often contradicting themes you chose to explore in an already eclectic and self contradictory game. Plus the visuals of the panning hd landscapes were a nice touch. I’m glad to see some more political pondering and questioning of the contradictory elements of the story on top of videos others have done on the symbolism of grief and unifying theme of time. Majora’s Mask really has so much to be explored!
The effort, the quality and the production of this video are noticeable in every second, the whole video is constantly and increasingly enjoyable, I am surprised that it does not have more comments and visits since videos like this show me that there are people who make an effort to unstoppable as if it were a force of nature and that without a doubt manage to convey a feeling of curiosity about what the author has to say, I can only say, wonderful video
There's a lot of good points you brought up, and this video was a blast to listen to. That said, I agree with several comments that disagreed with several points; I personally think that the Mayor's compromise was not a failure on his part (for lack of a better option, at least), and that the Deku King wasn't doing what he did out of public pressure. There was quite literally nothing anyone on Termina could've done to actually stop the moon from crashing-- the giants were initially sealed away, even if anyone thought about it, they couldn't be called upon until freed. Him giving the order that everyone ought to choose for themselves in the end can be construed as him handing off his responsibility onto others, but seen in another way, isn't end of life choice something that ought to be personal responsibility? We cannot hand over the choice for our contentment to our leaders; they can't define what is right for us, for us. The other option is him choosing either to force everyone to stay or to leave-- based on his personal choice. With the terrifying *finality* of the end of the world, the least he could do was allow everyone the dignity to choose. The Deku King was also doing what he did because he was personally taking the disappearance of his daughter badly; this is yet another failure in a ruler, but I think it was more that his personal beliefs and actions affected the views and feelings of his subjects. The righteous fervor they display is more to mirror his anger than the other way around. Once the monkey fails in his role as a satisfying scapegoat, he most likely will seek another. It'll turn back to his own people if not stopped. There seems to be a lack of any collective drive in most of the communities in the game. But I think the overreliance on singular leaders and heroes also stemmed from society. Leaders cannot be removed from the society they lead; it's a feedback loop. That they have so much "power" and is seen as the only savior only works because the group gives them that power. In that, the individuals of the group also deprive themselves of both power *and* responsibility.
Something cool to add to this is when you complete the great bay skulltula house, the guy who gives you the Giants Wallet mentions something about underground being a good refuge.
I disagree that the Major’s compromise is actually unreasonable. Allowing personal freedom isn’t a bad thing, especially since the ones fleeing Clock Town are in a different kind of denial- that by simply going to Romani Ranch they’ll survive the whole freaking Moon crashing into Termina. It’s the equivalent to the rats on the Titanic running from the rising water. It seems smart and it’s all anyone can do, but it’s no way to spend life in the face of CERTAIN doom. Also the idea that the Mayor feels the need to leave but won’t order that of others isn’t hypocrisy, that’s respect for the fact that he doesn’t have an actual real answer. It’s either totalitarian or juvenile to think that you can just avert doom with an order for even to assume state action is any better than not.
this is an interesting reading. not totally sure I agree about the personal freedom vs collective safety, and i’m not sure it entirely negates what there is to say about the mayor, but I think the point that there is a certain futility to both options is a good one. somewhat re-contextualizes parts of the story in general - what is the value of any action in the face of inevitable end? what happens to the conflict between different ideologies when they will all be inconsequential? interesting stuff, i appreciate the comment
@@RealmW The value of acting in the face of an inevitable end comes from the act itself. Ultimately, even without any disasters, everyone will eventually die, and everything in our world will eventually end. What's important is to simply live in a way that you can feel proud of. In the situation, everyone involved was taking the correct course of action in standing up for what they believed in to the end. The only way for everyone to walk away proud of their life is to do exactly what happened. Let people choose for themselves what they want to do. Forcing people to either stay or go would have either escalated the situation to outright physical fighting, or a side begrudgingly giving up and feeling miserable during their last days.
In a sense, this video still links with the TP one (outside of the obvious heros shade). I can't help but feel that the start of this game mirrors that of the end of Twilight Princess, other than that there's no chance for Midna to be found (presumably, unless Rusl's words at the beginning of the game can be taken literally). Link maintains his position of helping others, but never getting the desired outcome for himself. Another friend lost
First of all. Great video, between today and yesterday I watched the two Zelda and politics videos and deeply enjoy them. I like the way you present facts, I like your arguments. and, as good politics, I had different conclusion and would love to share them. For example, towards the end of this video, you mentioned that Link's regrets are not solved. And you point to fairy's final words. But, I really thing there are two more things to take into account: I) the fairy always had an acid sense of humor. II) the final scene is one of a picture of Link with the giants, the fairys and skull kid. (Some people also mentioned link performance as a Zora and other end credits events where, somehow, everything that Link did towards other prevails whether or not it was done in the last cycle). Indeed, we don't know what Link will do next. But he did made new and honest relationships. He abandoned Hyrule because there was nothing there (although Zelda was his friend he was blind by grief to notice) and finishing leaving Termina because he doesn't belongs there, although he has connections with it. I honestly believe that Link continue to travel without the "sorrow", "grief", "regret" or "sadness" that he started it. Although we are not sure of his immediate direction. Now, this might only be half canonical, but the golden wolf from Twilight Princess is that same link and he mentioned he had a family. So we know that he went back to Hyrule eventually. I have heard a lot of videos pointing at how Link is invisible to other (or himself) since he is acting with the mask and towards others. But he does make some stories as Link (Anju's one, the dancer one, Ramoni's one). Being Majora's mask a game about relationships, Link learn about himself through his new relationship and the relationships between others. So, the obstacle that Termina was at first, ended up as a travel of self-knowledge for Link (the four questions from the kids you used in the video). I argue that he gets heal through that, and that is why he eventually returns to Hyrule.
This video is truly a masterpiece, I will definetely look into your channel when I have time. Though I was surprised to hear that song in the endcard (my first language was german).
This was an amazingly crafted vid, well thought out and it makes me want to dive back into one of my favorite games. Keep up the amazing work, and hope you have a great 2023
Not even 6 minutes in and I just realized that the modern Horton Hears a Who! movie, shares a lot of overlap with the Mayor's perspective. That being that the plot features a Mayor experiancing conflict over potentially cancelling a major celebration for an entire town )something that the people look forwards to and are fricking amped about), once they realize some major revelation surrounding celestial bodies. You would THINK that they would go with an obvious choice, but they actually have to delicately balance their duties and responsibilities of being a person imbued with massive power and the people's trust (and favor, and ability to live life without fear or anxiety, and economy) hanging in the balance.
I came across this channel today and have just been binge watching your content, they are super interesting and all around great videos! It’s baffling to me that you don’t have nearly as much recognition as you deserve, but I’m sure that it will all come in due course. Seriously though, keep up the great stuff - can’t wait to see whatever you’ll put out next :)
Great, now I'm going to need to dig up my 3DS and play this again. Anyways, As a person whose life derailed even before the pandemic, due to circumstance and personal failings, usually of not paying enough attention, I am left with very few personal connections anymore and regret is a constant part of life. There's nothing to be done about the regret but nothing to push forward to either, especially with pandemic instability still muddying the waters. One of the reasons I always played Majora's Mask more than Ocarina of Time was because it felt like you were able to help more people. You save the Kingdom of Hyrule, sure, but other than Market Town, Hyrule is nearly lifeless. That's more because of technology, budget, and timetables though. But it doesn't change the fact that it feels like you directly impact more people in MM than in OoT, especially at a personal level. This is a failing of myself than anything else, but I had to stop playing games or watching anything that tried to make you connect with a character as I always fell for it. I used to play Fire Emblem all the time but cannot anymore because if someone is killed, I just restart anyways. I mean, I even bought Three Houses years ago and still haven't touched it because I know I'll enjoy it too much. As for the Happy Mask Salesman, I don't believe him to be a malevolent force in their world or universe. While the initial deal that is struck is rather mercenary, he does teach you the Song of Healing and subsequently implores you to stop a tangible force of evil. And since there was no follow up chapters or stories, I'm kind of forced to conclude that he was either a benevolent or neutral force. Regardless of his intentions, which we will now never know, in absence of sinister actions later on, I don't think we can label him as a sinister or malevolent force. In regards to the Song of Healing, it is cheesy to say and incredibly flimsy and only really works in extreme, do or die situations, but false hope is still hope. It can sometimes be the thing that stops a person from being paralyzed into inaction. Someone may freeze or give up if almost certain death creeps towards them from all directions. But there are many fictional and historical examples of people really only needing the ability to put their back against a wall, know that it is "secure" behind them, and then they can act. If presented with too many options or choices, especially of a mortal or existential nature, fight/flight/freeze kicks in. And while freeze gives time to think, it also robs someone of time to act. And never underestimate the power to soothe someone's pain. Pain can be a quality of life ruining experience and is such a feared feeling that every culture that has been discovered has had some sort of mythology evolve to help deal with the concept of inevitable pain. Plus, the Song of Healing directly de-cursed that father, so that's another point in its favor. Even more points if you count the fact that the song soothing spirits is what allowed Link to collect the masks to save the kingdom. Status quo is a powerful thing, and while it is often characterized by dull, lifeless, or stagnation, it is often the foundation on which people build their lives. Even medical science has realized that the status quo can be so powerful that people can die actually die from a broken heart, though usually it's listed as a major contributing factor, usually age or stress. It's called cardiomyopathy. There are also records of incidents where people die for seemingly no reason. They didn't have any large medical issues or injuries, yet they just never wake up. And its only been noted as happening during sleep. It doesn't take much effort to reason the cause being that their status quo was ruined in unimaginable or horrible ways. People who survive disasters but don't have any family or possessions left to tie them to their former life, die in their sleep. There hasn't been an actual study yet because no one has come across someone in such a situation in a state that can also be tested, and I do believe the ethics and law would like to have a word with you if you try to invoke that kind of situation on a person to see. But it is thought that the person becomes so depressed, so hopeless, that their body gives up. It is already well understood that being depressed also physically depresses and mutes the nervous system which also has health effects. It may be a case of hopelessness so vast and deep that the physically depressed nervous system doesn't re-kickstart itself like it usually does when a minor issue occurs like someone holds their breath while asleep or someone's heart skips a beat in their sleep. They never cough or wake up nor does the brainstem or pacemaker correct the arrhythmia. All of that to say that there may be a reason why the status quo in Majora's Mask is such a powerful theme and the desperation many people clung to their delusions that the moon wasn't really falling. Same thing with the false hope, the swordsman ended up wasting his time, but he wasn't paralyzed with inaction like say, the mayor or postman, but because he had false hope and thus had his back against a wall, one that did not exist, he was able to press on without falling to despair for a few more days. I also wonder if the Mayor's decision in itself to let the people decide their own fate can truly be called bad or selfish. The fact he didn't announce it to the townspeople at large, yeah, very poor call to make. But sometimes the selfish decision is the correct decision. There are cases of people who over-extended themselves or lost everything trying to save everyone during a disaster instead of the people they already had safe. I don't think selfish and altruistic can be looked at in a black and white sense all the time. We may wrestle with the morality of a selfish decision while applauding the altruistic ones but if the altruistic decision leads to situational blindness or more deaths, it is the wrong call to make, weird as that makes us feel. Altruism may actually be encoded into our DNA, as the altruistic person may have had more allies or people to support them in a bad time or scenario than a selfish one. As much as we are taught and wired to dislike the notion or idea, the selfish call can sometimes be the correct one, if it gets people moving in the right direction, such as freeing up the town servants and guards to decide their own course of action. Link's tragedy may even be greater that initially realized. Not only did Navi leave without a single word after the final trip back the river of time to Link's childhood, but in Termina, very few people are going to realized who saved them and how. Doubtful that Link would want recognition or glory, but since all of his deeds are miss-atributed to the wrong people, people who are dead, it may reinforce the same behavior that initially doomed the kingdom. After all, the giants appeared and stopped the moon, who is to say that something just a miraculous may not happen again? And if that is indeed what happens, then the subsequent stop in Termina may have ruined his chance to re-connect with Navi. But now I'm getting into the foggy area of thoughts and actions that may never have occurred or will never occur. But, if ya can't tell, I liked your vid. Was thought provoking and well made. Good job! And I'm glad you made it. And I know I write about as well as someone rolling their face on their keyboard while having a seizure in an earthquake, do your reasonable best to avoid regret. It resonates hard in MM and can be nearly debilitating in life as well. Or at least try to control what type of regret you have. Regretting that something didn't work out is much, much better than regretting not taking action when necessary because you were worried about repercussions from something else or making the situation somehow worse. You can move on a lot easier from regret that something didn't work out in the end than the other kind.
And what's the next logical step for the Hero of Time once he's done in Termina? Especially since what's going on in Hyrule at that time, which he ultimately caused? To concoct his master plan, with the goal being to put an end to Ganondorf for good. He, with help from the Sheikah, set up the howling stones. He trusted his friend skull kid to guide his successor to the blade of evil's bane should the time come to pass. He entrusted his allies (and sworn brothers) the Goron tribe with the very bow he acquired and used in Termina. He married Malon and continued the bloodline. And finally, he took part in quite a lot of sword combat and mastered the very sword skills he would go on to teach his biological descendent as the Hero's Shade. One in particular was absolutely required in order to kill Ganondorf for good, namely the ending blow.
sick video essay my dude. touched on a lot of the deep themes within majora's. one thing to analyze deeper, perhaps in a sequal, would be the true "root of all evil," or what those implications are. It's obviously not the mask salesman, and something linked with the tribe that created Majora's Mask in the first place. Majora itself seems to be a force of destruction and chaos, but why exactly does it act with and impose upon others such malice? Why is the center of the moon and the moon children clash so much with the rest of the game? There is a sense of the theme of "the loss of innocence" within their cryptic dialouge and the way it clashes with the final boss room. Anyway, great video.
Awesome job man I loved every detail of it, maybe when I played I did not notice all the grim things at first glance but it was a great experience and also very dangerous as it will take everything you have to save the world in just 3 days or go inside in the process.
Amazing analysis and really interesting conclusion! I wonder about if/how Nintendo could make a third and final installment in this story with the consideration of the Hero's Shade from Twilight Princess. Talk about a character with seeming regrets. Could be one of the more interesting games in the series to have a game take place with adult link years after Majora's Mask--addressing what seems like at best a bittersweet demise. (Although he does seem to finally find peace via the Twilight Princess plotline).
Hello everyone! When watching this video, please keep in mind that it was made when I was 16 years old, and there are a lot of parts of it that I don’t really find to be great analysis anymore. Still feel free to make any critiques you want to, though!
I may revisit this topic in the future to give it a better treatment.
I'm relatively new to political analysis, and it's been many years since I've played MM. But I thought you did a pretty good job here and in other videos on your channel (at the very least, you had interesting commentary). If you want to revisit this topic in a new video, I'd certainly watch it.
@@Ren_Daemonica much appreciated!
This is already one of my favorite Zelda analysis videos, I would love an even more refined version
Bro I hope you come back. With you being a bit older now, I think a thorough re-analysis is in order. Your vids are amazing, and we need ya.
The fact that you made this at 16 is awesome inspiring… this is still one of my favorite Majora’s mask video essays to this very day
To go along with your themes of regret, this version of Link has to be one of the most tragic incarnations of the hero. Even back in Ocarina of Time, his life is riddled with tragedy. The Hyrulian Civil War orphaned him. A happy life with a loving family was robbed from him. Instead, he was raised by the Great Deku Tree and the Kokiri. Although the Great Deku Tree cared for Link, and was a good father figure to him, Link never truly belonged. Mido was very quick to remind him of that. The fact he doesn’t have a fairy of his own unlike the rest of the Kokiri sets him apart even more from his peers.
One day, he receives a fairy, the very thing that could grant him acceptance from all of his peers, not just Saria. He’s even given a special mission by the Great Deku Tree, one of upmost importance. After Link eventually accomplishes his adopted father’s goal of ridding the curse within him, Link finds out he was too late, anyways. The curse had run its course and only granted Link a little more time with his dying father. The Great Deku Tree doesn’t waste this time granted to him by Link. He provides Link with a goal, to speak with Princess Zelda and stop the man the cursed him, before eventually dying.
Now Link is upholding his father’s dying wish. His quest is one of service to the wishes of the dead. He eventually does meet up with Zelda, and learns that his arrival was foretold in a prophetic dream of hers. She helps guide Link and narrow his quest. His goal to defeat Ganondorf is still the same, but he’s now given direction and provided a means to defeat him, that being the Master Sword (and by extent the Triforce) by acquiring the Sacred Stones. When Link does acquire the stones and accesses the Sacred Realm, Ganondorf reveals this was actually part of his plan all along. To use Link to sneak into the Sacred Realm and steal the Triforce for himself. Although Ganondorf didn’t account for the fact that the Triforce only works when used by someone with a balanced heart, he still acquired the Triforce of Power and used it to take over the world. Meanwhile, Rauru kept Link unconscious until he was old enough to properly wield the Master Sword. Rauru then sends Link on a quest to awaken all the sages and defeat Ganondorf once and for all.
That’s all well and good… but imagine how Link is feeling. As he’s exploring the ruined Hyrule, he most likely felt responsible for having a part to play in Ganondorf’s rise to power. His good intentions still lead to failure. Now his quest has gained more meaning/purpose. Not only is he fulfilling his father’s dying wish, but he’s actively working to undo the havoc he helped Ganondorf wreak upon the world.
Eventually, when Link reunites with the Deku Tree as a sprout, he learns the truth about who he is. He is a Hylian orphan, but also a hero of destiny. His quest is not simply one of service to his father’s wishes or self-atonement for his part in Ganondorf’s plans, but one of fate and necessity too. He is *destined* to be a hero. Like Darnani, he now had a set of expectations thrusted upon him. But it wasn’t from his peers, it was distinctly from the being he considered to be his father. The very person who sent him on his quest in the first place.
Link continues his quest, now with a newfound perspective on it. He eventually accomplishes his goal by defeating Ganondorf. And after all was said and done, Zelda sends him back to live the childhood he never got to experience. But this well-intentioned action was too little too late. Link was forced to mature throughout his quest. He experienced horrors and loss no child should ever feel, accomplished feats no child should be capable of. He adapted into his role as a hero and accepted his adulthood. And yet, he was sent back and forced to re-accept his childhood. But childhood innocence is not so easily restored. In maturing, Link lost the ability to truly be a child again.
He never even had the opportunity to experience the fruits of his labor, to celebrate his victory with his friends or the people of Hyrule. And even on top of that, his closest friend Navi leaves immediately after they are returned to the past without saying a word. Tragic.
Now that he’s in the past, Link doesn’t stop to take a moment to accept his friend’s departure. He does what he always does. He continues his quest without taking any time for himself. He goes to the King and warns him of Ganondorf’s actions in the future. Link isn’t treated as the brave hero who fought through time to destroy Ganondorf. He’s likened to a prophet. After warning the royal family, Link’s quest is complete. There isn’t anything left for him to accomplish. He is forced to confront his own personal thoughts and feelings. There aren’t any present threats or obligations to take his mind off of these problems anymore.
The beginning of Majora’s Mask is the direct result of Link confronting his own problems. The first personal goal that he decided to set for himself… was to see his closest friend, Navi. Navi, the only other person to experience everything he did, to know and feel exactly what Link had gone through in the future. The only one who could truly empathize with Link. Unbeknownst to him, the personal quest he set out on was a futile one. Navi was gone, most likely dead after fulfilling her own purpose. Almost immediately after departing on his quest, he is distracted and presented with a new mission. He’s transported into a new world in need of a savior. Because he’s capable of saving this world, he feels he needs to. So he sets aside his personal quest in favor of the greater good. He throws himself into his role as a hero without a second thought, as he always has.
This quest forced Link to observe and experience the 5 stages of grief. Although this theme is often used to justify the idea that Link is dead in Majora’s Mask (which is easily disproven by his bloodline prevailing in Twilight Princess), I think it better serves as Link’s grief over the loss of Navi. Link himself doesn’t take a moment to stop and grieve Navi’s loss. Conveniently, however, Link’s new quest forced him to confront his feelings of grief. The denial of the citizens of Clock Town, the anger of the Deku King, the bargaining of Darmani, the silent depression of Lulu, and finally the acceptance/enlightenment atop the Stone Tower, Link observes and confronts each stage of grief through helping others.
At the end of this quest, Link seemingly returns to Hyrule, but not before doing one last thing that could easily be missed. As Mikau, he performs with the Indigo-Go’s on the night of the carnival. This was never directly asked of Link from Mikau. This was something Link himself chose to do. Even if it’s what Mikau would have wanted, it’s still something Link wanted too. He finally got to celebrate his accomplishment of saving the world. Although this was not his world, it still must have eased his regrets of not being treated as a hero in Hyrule. But evidently, from what we see of him in Twilight Princess, it wasn’t enough to completely ease his regrets.
By Twilight Princess, this Link had lived his life in Hyrule, but he was always plagued by feelings of regret. All of his experiences in the future, all of his mastery, yet he never had anyone to pass his knowledge down to. He was never treated as a hero who experienced hardships and overcame overwhelming odds, only as a prophet. Those feelings had to contribute to his status as a regretful spirit.
Fortunately, Link finally got to experience/accomplish something of great personal value. Although his first personal quest was a futile one, his last one was both worthwhile and possible. He met his descendant, the Link of Twilight Princess. He was granted opportunities to guide and train him. He got exactly what he wanted, the very thing he never could find in his own lifetime. After finally accomplishing something for himself, not just for others, his spirit could rest.
The tragedy of the Hero of Time always fascinated me. Your video and themes of regret reminded me of how much the topic interested me, and inspired me to write out this entire comment. Your video is very well-made, and I’m happy to have seen it in its entirety.
That was beautifully written and I feel even worse for the Hero of Time Link.
I love this comment more than the video it's on
@@nakitaohara5255 I’ve considered making a RUclips video that retells the story of the Hero of Time not as a legend, but as a tragedy. This comment tapped a bit into my original writing of it but I’m still refining it. Who knows, maybe I’ll actually make it if there’s an audience for it.
One thing I didn’t mention is something I noticed when replaying OoT. When Saria gives Link the Ocarina, she asks him to remember her whenever he plays it and visit the forest. And what does Link do after learning Zelda’s Lullaby from Impa? He visits Saria. I just find that so sweet/interesting that he remembered. Little details like that, instances where Link’s humanity shows, really drives home just how tragic his tale really is. Saria’s his closest friend at this point, Navi’s still getting closer to Link but Saria is Link’s first real friend. And despite his sudden exit after being given the gift (an instance where Link found it difficult to say goodbye), he still really cares about Saria and expresses it through his actions. It’s even more tragic that she’s eventually (potentially) killed in the Forest Temple before becoming the Sage of the Forest.
@@Rexis102 you definitely should make a video series based on that. I watched a video essay on the events of BotW in chronological order and I never thought about how Link in that game's silence is actually explained away as him repressing his emotions to focus on the conflicts ahead.
damn, had to pause the video just to read this. Come back and tag us if you make a video series!
Link was never alone in his agency to help people. He had the help and support of many people. The more people he helped, the more capable he was at helping them in return. Notice his first failure: he became alone. He lost Epona. He didn't get to crawl out of the skin that was not his own, until he made an alliance with one of the people that dealt him that fate in the first place. Also, Link has you. The player, so he never makes his decisions alone. With enough help, he can complete all tasks necessary to defeat the main evil in only three days.
He never would have accomplished what he did without the help of the Deku, the Goron and the Zora (even if it was in mask form)
And even... Zelda. Even that, without the OoT, link would have died with the rest of them without even leaving his Deku form.
It has been said, by Aonuma, that the Fierce Diety Mask contains the memories of all the people of Termina. At least, he says that's the best way to think about it. This mask can only be obtained after helping everyone in the game, and forming personal relationships with them. Link is not the exception to the rule that a single individual acting alone ends in failure. Link does not act alone at any point in the game (except for the very beginning before entering Termina). He is, in fact, the ultimate example of working together to successfully save everyone.
@@Galador5000 he is the one that united them. It is true that link saved everyone but that would not have been possible without everyone coming together.
Tbh I forgot this video was about Majora's Mask while reading your comment, because it also fits nearly perfectly in describing the events of Twilight Princess.
Link may be the chosen hero to serve as Hylia's champion and exemplify courage, and there are things that he must do, but no man is an island and Link constantly leans on his friends and allies. He lends them aid even when time is running out and things are dire, and in return Link has a massive network of people he's helped who are eager to see him succeed. From the Resistance fighters in a little bar, to an entire Goron city, to the hyper-capitalist Malo and the other village children, to Anju and Kafei and their entire extended families at the Stock Pot Inn and the Mayor's Office and Romani Ranch, to King Bulblin and many more, it is incredible to see who gathers around the chosen hero to lend what strength they can. Link's courage is a spark in the darkness that ignites a blaze that will not be contained or smothered.
One man's courage brings forth the best from so many people, and there is power in that.
49:03 I think Link listened to Tatl's statement, he went to take care of business while everyone else enjoyed the carnival. Part of that business was ensuring that the Indigo Gos' performance happened; in the end credits you see Link as Mikau performing with the group... Link did everything he could, right up to the end of the carnival, before mounting his return to Hyrule.
I really like that interpretation!
Just imagine, generations of Zoras later, they tell the tale of the magical carnival night when Mikau's spirit hung on long enough to play his last gig with his band, after bravely rescuing his children....
Yes, it's not exactly what happened, but Link leaves Termina after the carnival, so that's how the people will probably tell the tale...
That part was always got a bittersweet smile out of me. While all Mikau asked of Link was to save the children, Link still helped the Zora with his unfinished business like getting to perform with the others one last time.
I wonder how this can work with the Link is Dead theory
@@Adventureruler
It can't, because that theory is flawed and has been proven to be wrong.
The RUclips algorithm actually showed me something really well made but not well known? It worked for once!
So happy I came across this video. Such a fascinating take on Majora's mask.
I hope your channel grows quickly!
Preach!!!
Examining MM’s through a leadership and failure lens is so fascinating and feels pretty relevant.
This video is blowing my mind. I so desperately needed this video in my life
i know, right?? it drives me crazy that they have so few subs! most of their videos have less than 1k views and they’re all so good??? i just wish there were something i could to do get the word out haha, i feel like everyone has to see this
God damnit Owen this is a channel I watch
I’m so glad you enjoyed it !!
This video is way too good to have as few views as it did.
This was genuinely one of the absolute best looks at this game that I have seen. I LOVE how you took such an in depth look at the leadership failures here. That's an aspect i haven't seen anyone cover save maybe for mentions about the Deku King, but even then, that's more about his personal actions, rather than what he and his people are doing.
Damn good job! Keep it up!
Thank you so much, I’m glad you liked the video!!
I agree, I love this game, and these videos on it.
God, imagine if there was an impending life-threatening disaster and people argued that we should ignore it because it isn't actually real and we should just go about our business rather than stop doing our jobs to try and survive. What a fun and silly fantasy world this game takes place in.
🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃🙃
“Huh, the ocean is getting polluted and the water is getting too warm for the well-being of the creatures that live in it, and there’s unnatural, extreme weather going on over in this other village and threatening the lives of its inhabitants, and this marshland over here is straight up poisonous now... but it’s fine! It’s fine! Carry on with the carnival, everything is fine!” 😬
And the fact that evacuation is useless and any drastic action at this point would be completely futile and would only result in everyone spending their last days in misery and fear goes largely unaddressed...
@NotAGoodUsername
Not true. Link faced the root of evil in his vision of the tree "inside" the moon and became his greates self, or the image of his full potential (aka Fierce Deity), destroyed the evil and restored balence to the world. I think this points to some archaic, tribal instinct (hence Majora's mask's tribal origin) of problem solving with dreams, intuitions and visions, which was how we problem solved before logic and science came to be.
Imagine if everyone thought that something was their impending doom but in reality it was something entirely different? Imagine instead of trying to stop the moon from
Hitting termina the insane characters in the game had you try and help it hit cause the it Had feelings or something like that? Lol!
Now that would be a crazy silly fantasy world for a game to take place in!
45:20 I think at this point he was unwilling to let the thought of his friend's departure go due to his posible inability to reconnect to society. If you think about it Link though he is physically still a child, he was forced to grow into an adult both physically and more importantly, mentally.
I think it's safe to say Link isn't in the right head space as once again he was forced to change his life by departing from the one person that was physically with him from start to the end of his ever changing journey.
Radical changes to ones lifestyle mentality can cause issues such as depression, so personally I believe this story is about Link finding solace of sort because there really isn't anything else out there for him. He has changed so much that he can't go home and wouldn't even fit in with his old friends thus his new purpose of helping other and in turn helping himself.
What else is there for him but to wander and search in hope that he reunites with the one person that held so much importance in his life?
I have always had this question for folks who say that Link lost everything when he was returned to his childhood: why do fans believe that Link would even want to return to the forest? As Saria said at the very beginning: Link was always bound to leave the forest, and he was always different from all the Kokiri. Why do people think that Link would truly want to return to the forest? I get that that is where he grew up, but those drawings at the base of Link’s treehouse, assumingely drawn by Link, showed that he always longed to be a hero and for bigger things. I very much doubt that even at the end of OoT that he would be willing to settle back in the place that he previously was bound to leave. Why are fans so set on this interpretation?
At the end when you say there’s no direct sequel, we do still technically get to learn of this Link’s fate in Twilight Princess as the Hero’s Shade and experience the end of his story. Very fittingly, they are filled with regret and like many of the characters in Majora’s Mask, they’re dead but still unable to properly pass on/find peace until their regrets are resolved by the player. There’s so many details between the end of MM and the events of TP we’ll never get to know, but we do get a conclusion of sorts.
I've watched so many MM videos, and this is such an amazing, in depth and unique perspective that I've never thought of. MM is one of my favorites games and this video was a joy to watch. I don't know how you don't have more subscribers but I hope you gain the recognition you deserve!
I love whenever the algorithm recommends me fantastic videos from small channels.
I love these sorts of videos, and this one is no exception. It was done very well. Great job!
This is a surprisingly wonderful video, Majora's Mask has an immense amount to offer both in standard game design study as well as its narrative and themes and I appreciate you really attempting to get at *not* the same main points everyone has already brought up.
If I may offer an alternative to your theory about Link's lack of resolution even by the end of the game, I think that Link's journey actually mirrors the Skull Kids in a way. Maybe I'm being a bit too charitable to the writing and reading what I want out of it. But Link starts the game looking for Navi, and the game frames the way Navi leaves (vaguely) in a manner very similar to the Giants leaving Skull Kid, in that both Link/Skull Kid were the ones who had been left behind. As the game progresses Friendship is a common thematic element that shows up, especially right at the beginning as Link gets so much help to return to his human form. So when Skull Kid has his speech of acceptance, that even though the Giants left, their bonds would not simply disappear, it's not too hard to imagine that same speech applying to Link and Navi as well. It's merely my interpretation and can definitely be otherwise written off as the game just attempting to have a satisfying and upbeat ending for the "villain"; but I think the ambiguous ending really allows one to read into Link's personal thoughts and beliefs without too much stretching.
i don't feel like this is a stretch at all, this is what i always thought was the intended take away tbh.
majora's mask is a game loaded with parallels to link's experience in ocarina of time; from link and skull kid as the protagonist/antagonist foils both going through a similar tragedy (abandonment) and dealing with it in opposite ways (skull kid lashes out, link picks up the pieces), to kafei mirroring link as a child having been trapped in an adult body, or even the bomber's drawing a parallel to link being othered by the kokiri (swapping the roles of hylian/terminan and kokiri/deku and all that.)
healing is a major theme in majora's mask, and it's a process. so i've always appreciated the game ending on an ambigious note rather than telling us what link does with the lessons he's learned. just like healing, that journey is your own to take.
There are definitely parallels between Link and the Skull Kid; just take a look at how their actions and goals impacted Termina, the masks each one received, and even the contrasting musical elements throughout the game.
@@TheEggoEffect In the GameCube Zelda collection, the art they use to display Majora’s Mask shows Link and Skull Kid, but both are a bright single color, their main color. Link is a bright green and Skull Kid a bright red, both colors direct opposites, yet they stand at the same height and come from the same forest. Plus
Saria was the first friend they ever had
I really love how you put things in perspective not many people see through. Yet again another shade of Majora’s Mask I’ve seen for the first time
To this day I’m still heartbroken that after all of that, no one invited him to stay and enjoy the carnival.
Blast that tsundere fairy. He did play one last show as Mikau though so he kind of got to attend.
true, but tbh, i was happy the curse was over... besides you see him aoronud town still
Unfortunately, nobody remembers to 😢
Finally, a majoras mask video with an original concept.
There's a scene of the monkey being tortured, you spend too much time talking and re-enter the throne room and you'll see him get boiled unconscious
I DONT REMEMBER THAT
Wow no kidding. Though I think he's a little more than unconscious...
ruclips.net/video/hwR-udaP4tU/видео.html
This amazing video is a year old today.
And it's still aged like fine wine!
What struck me the most about this video, the similarity to so many events in real life right now. The aptness of the theory. Really great video!
Great video!
agree'd, ty analysis bros
Oh my god, I was so sure you would have at least a hundred thousand subscribers. Criminally underrated content, and exactly the kind I've been looking for. I love how you look at the themes and ideas from a slightly different point of view than most reviews - and I would add a response to some of your claims, but all has been said by other commenters. Off to binge the rest of your videos I guess, keep on making them!
Brilliant analysis of this classic game! Just subscribed to your channel. Majora's is my favorite game, never ceases to amaze me how 20 years later I still learn more about this masterpiece. This game gets better as you get older and accumulate life experience. Some of the themes you discussed like failure of leadership, over reliance on individuals and seeking out relationships are elements I felt, but you perfectly explained. Look forward to your other videos.
P.S. Excellent editing and sound mixing, I was instantly hooked by that sick intro.
When I was younger Majora's mask was an extrodnairly intimidating game
And it still is.
The Mayor conflict is a faithful representation of our current pandemic issue.
I live in Brazil, where the term Carnival (Carnaval originally) came from, and it happens from february to march. In 2020 things were already getting strange around the world but politicians decided to ignore it and let Carnival happen as scheduled. Coincidence or not, from that point on there was a massive increase of infected and death. In 2021 they forbid the festival, but so far it has already been stated by some Mayors that Carnival will happen with full glory next year. Hope the Moon doesn't fall again over our heads.
Uauuuu pensei a mesma coisa aqui. Representa total a nossa realidade.. não só no Brasil, mas no mundo todo. Com todo o problema da pandemia e a ignorância, mesmo com evidências claras sobre o que fazer e o que não fazer para amenizar o problema.
Mas no Brasil temos essa representação do Carnaval e o que significa para muitos brasileiros, mesmo em tempos de crise.
Realmente. A mesma galera que falou para a gente não se preocupar com a COVID, estavam falando semanas depois para a gente ficar em casa
@@KingArthur39 You guys should try to reply in English so the rest of the world can read and understand. =)
Bom ver mais compatriotas assistindo ao conteúdo.
They can answer in whatever language they feel like. English isn’t the official language of the world! RUclips has a translation feature anyway, so people can still read it.
@@RealmW I'm not complaining, just a suggestion. Let's say English might be the closest thing to a "common language" from Tolkien-like stories. And google translations usually suck. xD
I have to bring up, on the closing statement of Link's lack of closure, we DO actually know how his story ends, what with the Swordmaster in TP, as well as the parting statements by the Happy Mask Salesman, that a parting need not be forever. We know that Link eventually returned to Hyrule and settled into his place and role, and while he never fully healed from his hurt, he did inevitably pass on knowledge to the next Hero, that connection ultimately healing the pain he had never fully healed before.
I have the theory that by MM's develooment, they actually decided that Link would become a Skull Kid instead of a stalfos (because he was a kid by then) and the game itself was Link's purgatory into accepting his fate as a lost soul without a fairy to guide him out of the woods. In this sense, MM was just a dream that Link had that displayed themes regarding this lonely death in relation to the only thing he lived: the hero's journey.
I honestly never really liked the whole Hero’s Shade being the Hero of Time thing. The Hero of Time never really came across as someone who would care about legacy. MM’s time loop essentially trivialized the whole concept of lasting legacy and whether or not people knew if your heroism, so it seemed weird that he would be so regretful that he wasn’t able to pass on his knowledge to the next generation that his spirit would be unable to rest for a hundred years.
@@andredelacerdasantos4439 What kind of purgatory has a happy ending where an impossible love blossoms, two opposing political sides come together, a Band that lost much plays the most important and awesome gig they’ll have, a kid who put the lives of many into danger is forgiven easily, two struggling dancers find inspiration from the departed, a boy reunites with his lost horse and death itself is overcome. Sounds more like a Heaven to me
@@akward4210 In the Hyrule Historia they say that he is and since that’s an official book I guess it’s canon
So how about we just ignore the timeline and appreciate each game on its own instead
@@GameboyFanatic Eh, Hyrule Historia contradicts a lot of what's in the games, and I believe it also mentions somewhere that the details in the book are subject to change if Nintendo wills it, so I have a really hard time accepting it as official canon. Hell, even Nintendo currently recognizes Encyclopedia's version of the timeline over Hyrule Historia's if you check the official website, and nobody likes Encyclopedia.
However, I 100% agree with you that we should ignore the timeline altogether and enjoy the games on their own. The games are rich enough for that.
Commenting to say: I think its hella cool someones finally covering the more Real part of games' worlds like Zelda, especially in the context of our politics overlapping with the games', its a super unexplored but really interesting category, especially since its not the screaming internet demagogue politics that were prevelant in 2016. And with this good of editing
Hope your channel grows and you can cover more games! I'm currently working on doing similar to start my channel, rn its on Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War. Fandom could use some insightful analysis and info like this; and those games got a lot to work with.
I need to play this again now.
Thank you! I do a lot of political and philosophy study myself as I'm sure you do and i'm a big fan of this game (as my username may imply) but I had not thought about looking at it in a political context with this level of interpretation until now. This was very well made and I hope it gets a lot more attention because it's a fantastic way to start a conversation with people about the nature of power structures, morality, narrative, and social relationships and their implications. (Not to mention autonomy and it's extent and limitations)
Very nice video
I’m going to come back and comment something of more substance at a later date. I just wanted to express how much love I have for this video. It tackles such complex themes and says something so powerful about human nature.
Every night for the last week, before bedtime, Ive been consuming Majora’s Mask content. This by far is the most thoughtful and well constructed video of them all. Thank you so much for this.
Thank you so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed!
This has always been my #1 favorite game, but these themes of obligation, failure of leadership, and the breakdowns of relationships are even more stunning to me as an adult. You summed up most of the emotional impact of the game without getting stuck on the (still very canon) deeply personal tragedies of the characters. Examining their social context elevates this even past politics into some very interesting philosophy.
IMO the obvious counter to "social problems caused by failure of individual leadership now fall to a single individual to fix them, and that seems weird," is that Link hardly qualifies as a "single individual" by the end. He's become so much more powerful with the help of others (and fantastical items he's acquired after said help). The final mask he acquires is literally a god's mask.
So the people of Termina have in some ways made their own social disasters, but also have been cursed by a malevolent Majora. At the end they're saved by a near-godlike Link, who undoes the supernatural curses with supernatural powers, which is very fun gameplay. But the game also has Link and his various mask-incarnations making very mortal gestures to encourage people, or help people with their social problems.
And I think the game does a good job of showing what went wrong between its characters, so maybe fixing a whole world doesn't have to fall down to one Chosen Hero. Maybe each of us can fix one injustice or tragedy in our own backyards. Maybe once someone helps us, we become more available to help others. We'd be less likely to bicker and prove we're The Best, less likely to stick it out alone and have our individualism fail us, or find an outsider scapegoat to blame. A lot of the time, all these characters needed was just somebody help them, and the courage to ask for help.
When I was a child, my Aunty used to love Nintendo games, so I use to visit her every couple days a week and play with her. She played Ocarina of time and Majoras mask more than anything
As I got older, her mental health got incredibly bad to the point where she had to live on her own away from her family. We still hear how she's doing but we don't see her anymore because of her mental health. I always watch these videos and play Zelda practically everyday because they were the best memories I could of asked for. My life feels strange sometimes but I feel right at home whenever I play Zelda or hearing people talking about facts about these games. I am so happy youtube exists
this game was released before my birth and i swear that this video is the that this is the first worthy analysis I've seen
This was honestly incredible!! I really loved this deep dive into Majorca’s Mask, as I loved Majora’s Mask’s themes and overall message when I first played it! It just has so many parallels to the modern world and our responses to disaster. Really great work on this! I’m for sure going to have to watch some of your other videos because the effort put into this was amazing!!
This video is just what I’ve unknowingly been looking for as inspiration when I’m writing my novel and running out of ideas. I could listen to these types of in depth Zelda videos all day.
I must not be smart enough to understand your explanations because my brain just can’t process everything you’re saying. Although, I will say that this video is quite entertaining and very well put together.
Too murderous, actually.
Probably too busy thinking about killing your wife.
Not smart enough indeed.
@@kodyhale random as hell
@@IDoABitOfTrollin jinnkid murdered his wife fyi
Man you need more followers, this is some top tier quality stuff. I don’t normally watch videos this long but you kept me wanting to hear more. Well done sir. 👏👏
Interesting video. I'm glad the algorithm decided to show it to me
I’m gonna have to sit and rewatch this over and over to fully understand it all. Such a good video.
This was a fantastic video. Majora’s Mask never ceases to amaze me with how many layers it has and with how many ways it can be analyzed, and you did an incredible job thoroughly explaining the ideas presented. The description of the different examples of irresponsible leadership were fascinating, and I adored your take on the Song of Healing.
The circus committee gives echoes of a certain American political party circa January of 2020. 🤔 This video is remarkably thorough and deserves far more views! A wonderful introspective into an uncommon topic in video games!
Heh. Yeah, a circus indeed where some *genuinely* believe that someone can raise from the dead just to run for VP. Just goes to show how certifiably nuts they can be.
Yeah the Democrats! Good point, friendo!
Their biggest mistake was making political football game out of the pandemic (Which is still here)
And hindsight has shown us running to a little ranch in response to the moon falling was as futile as all countries' pandemic responses with the difference between the most draconic and the most permissive being both within the initial 3.4% death rate prognostic.
I'm curious your take on the Romani Ranch and the 'aliens" who come every year of the carnival. And the overall struggle the Romani family has gone throughout, losing their father, the Gorman brothers robbing them, Anju's mom accusing Crimea of taking off with Kafei, etc. Their story fascinated me. Great video brother, this was awesome 👍
I chose your video to eat my well deserved lunch to.
I wish more people would do the same.
This is amazing!
It's wild how many parallels there are between the politics in Majora's Mask and what is going on in our reality right now.
Like what?
@@zionfreedom9149 I think they were speaking about how leadership defaulted to sentimentality over action when it came to the pandemic. And about how many people just lived their lives, total faith in the systems of whatever guides them (such as religion or patriotism) instead of taking COVID seriously. The ones most at risk are the ones with the least amount of power to change their circumstances, aka the public servants and "necessary workers" having to risk COVID and go to work, like the guards and the postman in Majora's Mask not being allowed to evacuate.
There are also smaller parallels, but the thing about stories is that you get out of them what you put into them. Your life circumstances will change how you view a piece of work. It's impossible to tell where someone lives based on a youtube comment, but the pandemic effected some places much harsher than others. I'm guessing OP lives in a place where the pandemic was largely ignored last year and is now worse than before. So it's natural to interpret Majora's Mask as the same. If you didn't see the parallels yourself, it's likely because you live in a different sort of place and you might get something different from this game.
@@seqka711 *Religion, patriotism, ideology, or political alignment of any side. Fixed.
@@LOP4795 Anything can blind you to the truth and make you eager to accept the status quo. I would also add love, apathy, greed, power. Really anything. You could add a thousand examples if you had all day.
I chose religion and patriotism because those are the things that directly parallel Majora's Mask. The Festival of Time is a religious festival and pride for Termina and Clock Town seem to be involved in Mayor Dotour and the craftsmans' motivation for continuing the tradition.
@@seqka711 Totally agree. And I've never seen anyone use apathy as a potential blinder towards potential truths so major points for that as I didn't think of that myself. I'll be sure to use that from now on though!
I'm here to start shit and drive impressions. Incidentally this video essay is shockingly good for how little exposure it's gotten.
This is wondrous. I adore the narrative complexities and psychological depth and you you covered so many themes so well
ONLY 1K?? NAH YALL BUGGIN GET THIS MAN TO 10K NOW!!😡
You're extremely underrated. Like, seriously dude, this is some good stuff. Very well done, I can't wait to binge the rest of the series of videos.
I just gotta point out the visuals for this video ❤️🔥 I love the panning of rooms and different locations as well as the sound of the clock 🕰️ turning at the beginning of each segment in sync with the lunar childrens' quotes!
I disagree about the political motives of the Deku King.
That guy was taking it personally. A man enraged at the loss of his daughter... oh yeah, he’s torturing that monkey for catharsis.
Majora's Mask is one of my favorite games of all time, and I feel you definitely did it justice with this video and your opinions on the game. Good work :)
8:50 at most the mayor could have made an announcement that they were all going to die. That might be the most appropriate decision, but the one he comes to makes sense. It’s a global catastrophe, there is nothing anyone but Link can do. It’s like blaming the president for Galactus coming to consume the earth in marvel. Nothing would be accomplished.
Hey, this is a great video, man!! I love deep dives into Zelda lore - I don’t think most people realize how deep it is, but videos like this will help!! Earned a new subscription and hope to see more “Politics of Zelda” on other games in the series. Good luck :)
im not a native english speaker, but im so glad to find out this video on my youtube suggestions. thank u so much, keep doing things like this
I enjoyed this video and was glad to have it recommended to me! I liked using the giants questions from the end game to frame the differing thematic explorations of selfish sentimentality, the harmfulness of individualist systems, the security of friendship, and the importance of overcoming regret. It did well to help give a more cohesive feeling to a lot the disparate and often contradicting themes you chose to explore in an already eclectic and self contradictory game. Plus the visuals of the panning hd landscapes were a nice touch. I’m glad to see some more political pondering and questioning of the contradictory elements of the story on top of videos others have done on the symbolism of grief and unifying theme of time. Majora’s Mask really has so much to be explored!
The effort, the quality and the production of this video are noticeable in every second, the whole video is constantly and increasingly enjoyable, I am surprised that it does not have more comments and visits since videos like this show me that there are people who make an effort to unstoppable as if it were a force of nature and that without a doubt manage to convey a feeling of curiosity about what the author has to say, I can only say, wonderful video
There's a lot of good points you brought up, and this video was a blast to listen to. That said, I agree with several comments that disagreed with several points; I personally think that the Mayor's compromise was not a failure on his part (for lack of a better option, at least), and that the Deku King wasn't doing what he did out of public pressure.
There was quite literally nothing anyone on Termina could've done to actually stop the moon from crashing-- the giants were initially sealed away, even if anyone thought about it, they couldn't be called upon until freed. Him giving the order that everyone ought to choose for themselves in the end can be construed as him handing off his responsibility onto others, but seen in another way, isn't end of life choice something that ought to be personal responsibility? We cannot hand over the choice for our contentment to our leaders; they can't define what is right for us, for us. The other option is him choosing either to force everyone to stay or to leave-- based on his personal choice. With the terrifying *finality* of the end of the world, the least he could do was allow everyone the dignity to choose.
The Deku King was also doing what he did because he was personally taking the disappearance of his daughter badly; this is yet another failure in a ruler, but I think it was more that his personal beliefs and actions affected the views and feelings of his subjects. The righteous fervor they display is more to mirror his anger than the other way around. Once the monkey fails in his role as a satisfying scapegoat, he most likely will seek another. It'll turn back to his own people if not stopped.
There seems to be a lack of any collective drive in most of the communities in the game. But I think the overreliance on singular leaders and heroes also stemmed from society. Leaders cannot be removed from the society they lead; it's a feedback loop. That they have so much "power" and is seen as the only savior only works because the group gives them that power. In that, the individuals of the group also deprive themselves of both power *and* responsibility.
Something cool to add to this is when you complete the great bay skulltula house, the guy who gives you the Giants Wallet mentions something about underground being a good refuge.
I disagree that the Major’s compromise is actually unreasonable. Allowing personal freedom isn’t a bad thing, especially since the ones fleeing Clock Town are in a different kind of denial- that by simply going to Romani Ranch they’ll survive the whole freaking Moon crashing into Termina. It’s the equivalent to the rats on the Titanic running from the rising water. It seems smart and it’s all anyone can do, but it’s no way to spend life in the face of CERTAIN doom. Also the idea that the Mayor feels the need to leave but won’t order that of others isn’t hypocrisy, that’s respect for the fact that he doesn’t have an actual real answer. It’s either totalitarian or juvenile to think that you can just avert doom with an order for even to assume state action is any better than not.
this is an interesting reading. not totally sure I agree about the personal freedom vs collective safety, and i’m not sure it entirely negates what there is to say about the mayor, but I think the point that there is a certain futility to both options is a good one. somewhat re-contextualizes parts of the story in general - what is the value of any action in the face of inevitable end? what happens to the conflict between different ideologies when they will all be inconsequential? interesting stuff, i appreciate the comment
@@RealmW The value of acting in the face of an inevitable end comes from the act itself. Ultimately, even without any disasters, everyone will eventually die, and everything in our world will eventually end. What's important is to simply live in a way that you can feel proud of. In the situation, everyone involved was taking the correct course of action in standing up for what they believed in to the end.
The only way for everyone to walk away proud of their life is to do exactly what happened. Let people choose for themselves what they want to do. Forcing people to either stay or go would have either escalated the situation to outright physical fighting, or a side begrudgingly giving up and feeling miserable during their last days.
In a sense, this video still links with the TP one (outside of the obvious heros shade). I can't help but feel that the start of this game mirrors that of the end of Twilight Princess, other than that there's no chance for Midna to be found (presumably, unless Rusl's words at the beginning of the game can be taken literally).
Link maintains his position of helping others, but never getting the desired outcome for himself. Another friend lost
What a great analysis. Great job! I should be doing homework, but I simply couldn't put this video down.
I’m late in saying this, but this is a fucking incredible video dude. Love the editing, you deserve so many more views
Wow! This is an impressive first video I watched by you. It makes me imagine how a 3rd game in that Link's journey would go.
First of all. Great video, between today and yesterday I watched the two Zelda and politics videos and deeply enjoy them. I like the way you present facts, I like your arguments. and, as good politics, I had different conclusion and would love to share them.
For example, towards the end of this video, you mentioned that Link's regrets are not solved. And you point to fairy's final words. But, I really thing there are two more things to take into account:
I) the fairy always had an acid sense of humor.
II) the final scene is one of a picture of Link with the giants, the fairys and skull kid.
(Some people also mentioned link performance as a Zora and other end credits events where, somehow, everything that Link did towards other prevails whether or not it was done in the last cycle).
Indeed, we don't know what Link will do next. But he did made new and honest relationships. He abandoned Hyrule because there was nothing there (although Zelda was his friend he was blind by grief to notice) and finishing leaving Termina because he doesn't belongs there, although he has connections with it.
I honestly believe that Link continue to travel without the "sorrow", "grief", "regret" or "sadness" that he started it. Although we are not sure of his immediate direction.
Now, this might only be half canonical, but the golden wolf from Twilight Princess is that same link and he mentioned he had a family. So we know that he went back to Hyrule eventually.
I have heard a lot of videos pointing at how Link is invisible to other (or himself) since he is acting with the mask and towards others. But he does make some stories as Link (Anju's one, the dancer one, Ramoni's one). Being Majora's mask a game about relationships, Link learn about himself through his new relationship and the relationships between others.
So, the obstacle that Termina was at first, ended up as a travel of self-knowledge for Link (the four questions from the kids you used in the video). I argue that he gets heal through that, and that is why he eventually returns to Hyrule.
Thanks for making this video, I really enjoyed it!
Omg, we experienced so many people like Muto during the pandemic...
This shit was so good
glad you enjoyed it!!
Awesome video dude, really glad that I came across it
so glad the algorithm was kind to me and suggested this today
I just discovered your channel and I love your videos, keep it up! :D
By Fans, For Fans... Amazing Video Man!!!
This video is truly a masterpiece, I will definetely look into your channel when I have time. Though I was surprised to hear that song in the endcard (my first language was german).
This was an amazingly crafted vid, well thought out and it makes me want to dive back into one of my favorite games. Keep up the amazing work, and hope you have a great 2023
Not even 6 minutes in and I just realized that the modern Horton Hears a Who! movie, shares a lot of overlap with the Mayor's perspective. That being that the plot features a Mayor experiancing conflict over potentially cancelling a major celebration for an entire town )something that the people look forwards to and are fricking amped about), once they realize some major revelation surrounding celestial bodies. You would THINK that they would go with an obvious choice, but they actually have to delicately balance their duties and responsibilities of being a person imbued with massive power and the people's trust (and favor, and ability to live life without fear or anxiety, and economy) hanging in the balance.
Your video quality is so gooooood. Loved it. You deserve so much many subs! I totally subscribed
Genius..deserve more subs...I will be watching.
I came across this channel today and have just been binge watching your content, they are super interesting and all around great videos!
It’s baffling to me that you don’t have nearly as much recognition as you deserve, but I’m sure that it will all come in due course.
Seriously though, keep up the great stuff - can’t wait to see whatever you’ll put out next :)
Great, now I'm going to need to dig up my 3DS and play this again. Anyways,
As a person whose life derailed even before the pandemic, due to circumstance and personal failings, usually of not paying enough attention, I am left with very few personal connections anymore and regret is a constant part of life. There's nothing to be done about the regret but nothing to push forward to either, especially with pandemic instability still muddying the waters. One of the reasons I always played Majora's Mask more than Ocarina of Time was because it felt like you were able to help more people. You save the Kingdom of Hyrule, sure, but other than Market Town, Hyrule is nearly lifeless. That's more because of technology, budget, and timetables though. But it doesn't change the fact that it feels like you directly impact more people in MM than in OoT, especially at a personal level. This is a failing of myself than anything else, but I had to stop playing games or watching anything that tried to make you connect with a character as I always fell for it. I used to play Fire Emblem all the time but cannot anymore because if someone is killed, I just restart anyways. I mean, I even bought Three Houses years ago and still haven't touched it because I know I'll enjoy it too much.
As for the Happy Mask Salesman, I don't believe him to be a malevolent force in their world or universe. While the initial deal that is struck is rather mercenary, he does teach you the Song of Healing and subsequently implores you to stop a tangible force of evil. And since there was no follow up chapters or stories, I'm kind of forced to conclude that he was either a benevolent or neutral force. Regardless of his intentions, which we will now never know, in absence of sinister actions later on, I don't think we can label him as a sinister or malevolent force.
In regards to the Song of Healing, it is cheesy to say and incredibly flimsy and only really works in extreme, do or die situations, but false hope is still hope. It can sometimes be the thing that stops a person from being paralyzed into inaction. Someone may freeze or give up if almost certain death creeps towards them from all directions. But there are many fictional and historical examples of people really only needing the ability to put their back against a wall, know that it is "secure" behind them, and then they can act. If presented with too many options or choices, especially of a mortal or existential nature, fight/flight/freeze kicks in. And while freeze gives time to think, it also robs someone of time to act. And never underestimate the power to soothe someone's pain. Pain can be a quality of life ruining experience and is such a feared feeling that every culture that has been discovered has had some sort of mythology evolve to help deal with the concept of inevitable pain. Plus, the Song of Healing directly de-cursed that father, so that's another point in its favor. Even more points if you count the fact that the song soothing spirits is what allowed Link to collect the masks to save the kingdom.
Status quo is a powerful thing, and while it is often characterized by dull, lifeless, or stagnation, it is often the foundation on which people build their lives. Even medical science has realized that the status quo can be so powerful that people can die actually die from a broken heart, though usually it's listed as a major contributing factor, usually age or stress. It's called cardiomyopathy. There are also records of incidents where people die for seemingly no reason. They didn't have any large medical issues or injuries, yet they just never wake up. And its only been noted as happening during sleep. It doesn't take much effort to reason the cause being that their status quo was ruined in unimaginable or horrible ways. People who survive disasters but don't have any family or possessions left to tie them to their former life, die in their sleep. There hasn't been an actual study yet because no one has come across someone in such a situation in a state that can also be tested, and I do believe the ethics and law would like to have a word with you if you try to invoke that kind of situation on a person to see. But it is thought that the person becomes so depressed, so hopeless, that their body gives up. It is already well understood that being depressed also physically depresses and mutes the nervous system which also has health effects. It may be a case of hopelessness so vast and deep that the physically depressed nervous system doesn't re-kickstart itself like it usually does when a minor issue occurs like someone holds their breath while asleep or someone's heart skips a beat in their sleep. They never cough or wake up nor does the brainstem or pacemaker correct the arrhythmia.
All of that to say that there may be a reason why the status quo in Majora's Mask is such a powerful theme and the desperation many people clung to their delusions that the moon wasn't really falling. Same thing with the false hope, the swordsman ended up wasting his time, but he wasn't paralyzed with inaction like say, the mayor or postman, but because he had false hope and thus had his back against a wall, one that did not exist, he was able to press on without falling to despair for a few more days.
I also wonder if the Mayor's decision in itself to let the people decide their own fate can truly be called bad or selfish. The fact he didn't announce it to the townspeople at large, yeah, very poor call to make. But sometimes the selfish decision is the correct decision. There are cases of people who over-extended themselves or lost everything trying to save everyone during a disaster instead of the people they already had safe. I don't think selfish and altruistic can be looked at in a black and white sense all the time. We may wrestle with the morality of a selfish decision while applauding the altruistic ones but if the altruistic decision leads to situational blindness or more deaths, it is the wrong call to make, weird as that makes us feel. Altruism may actually be encoded into our DNA, as the altruistic person may have had more allies or people to support them in a bad time or scenario than a selfish one. As much as we are taught and wired to dislike the notion or idea, the selfish call can sometimes be the correct one, if it gets people moving in the right direction, such as freeing up the town servants and guards to decide their own course of action.
Link's tragedy may even be greater that initially realized. Not only did Navi leave without a single word after the final trip back the river of time to Link's childhood, but in Termina, very few people are going to realized who saved them and how. Doubtful that Link would want recognition or glory, but since all of his deeds are miss-atributed to the wrong people, people who are dead, it may reinforce the same behavior that initially doomed the kingdom. After all, the giants appeared and stopped the moon, who is to say that something just a miraculous may not happen again? And if that is indeed what happens, then the subsequent stop in Termina may have ruined his chance to re-connect with Navi. But now I'm getting into the foggy area of thoughts and actions that may never have occurred or will never occur.
But, if ya can't tell, I liked your vid. Was thought provoking and well made. Good job! And I'm glad you made it. And I know I write about as well as someone rolling their face on their keyboard while having a seizure in an earthquake, do your reasonable best to avoid regret. It resonates hard in MM and can be nearly debilitating in life as well. Or at least try to control what type of regret you have. Regretting that something didn't work out is much, much better than regretting not taking action when necessary because you were worried about repercussions from something else or making the situation somehow worse. You can move on a lot easier from regret that something didn't work out in the end than the other kind.
This deserves so much more attention!
Awesome video, I’ve always been fascinated by the hidden meaning in between the lines of Zelda games
And what's the next logical step for the Hero of Time once he's done in Termina? Especially since what's going on in Hyrule at that time, which he ultimately caused? To concoct his master plan, with the goal being to put an end to Ganondorf for good. He, with help from the Sheikah, set up the howling stones. He trusted his friend skull kid to guide his successor to the blade of evil's bane should the time come to pass. He entrusted his allies (and sworn brothers) the Goron tribe with the very bow he acquired and used in Termina. He married Malon and continued the bloodline. And finally, he took part in quite a lot of sword combat and mastered the very sword skills he would go on to teach his biological descendent as the Hero's Shade. One in particular was absolutely required in order to kill Ganondorf for good, namely the ending blow.
Came here from reddit, gorgeous, suscribed
One of the best majora's mask videos I watched, you deserve more views. Keep up the great work!
Something that always made me sad in Majora's Mask was the fact that you can defeat majora without helping anyone else
This looks like a genuinely good video made by someone who looks very interesting, I really hope you blow up.
sick video essay my dude. touched on a lot of the deep themes within majora's. one thing to analyze deeper, perhaps in a sequal, would be the true "root of all evil," or what those implications are. It's obviously not the mask salesman, and something linked with the tribe that created Majora's Mask in the first place. Majora itself seems to be a force of destruction and chaos, but why exactly does it act with and impose upon others such malice? Why is the center of the moon and the moon children clash so much with the rest of the game? There is a sense of the theme of "the loss of innocence" within their cryptic dialouge and the way it clashes with the final boss room. Anyway, great video.
So relevant to recent times. Great video!
Awesome job man I loved every detail of it, maybe when I played I did not notice all the grim things at first glance but it was a great experience and also very dangerous as it will take everything you have to save the world in just 3 days or go inside in the process.
Why does this video have so low stats (views, likes dislikes)? This video is incredible!
this is a phenomenal essay. great work dude.
Thank you for this gift.
Amazing analysis and really interesting conclusion! I wonder about if/how Nintendo could make a third and final installment in this story with the consideration of the Hero's Shade from Twilight Princess. Talk about a character with seeming regrets. Could be one of the more interesting games in the series to have a game take place with adult link years after Majora's Mask--addressing what seems like at best a bittersweet demise. (Although he does seem to finally find peace via the Twilight Princess plotline).
Very well edited and narrated. I enjoyed it very much. You have a new subscriber. 😉
Got this recommendation just as i booted up Majora's Mask to do a run after many years of not playing it. Awesome
Very well done video. A lot of things to think about.
Tatl and Tael = tattle-tail. Blew my mind a little when I figured it out.
He sounds like Ben Shapiro and Chills had a kid. I fuck with it despite that though
I’ll take it lmao
He sounds like ItsAGundam.
So no one’s gonna talk about how well the music syncs with the dialogue at 9:18?
Soooo many thumbs up and subscribes. I like this inspection on the game. Thank you
>50 minute Majora’s Mask video
Mr. Incredible voice: Yeah, I’ve got time.
Great video 😊 very well spoken and thought out