Hey Max, Goddess Lakshmi is associated with rice crops and is offered one during prayer this connects her and Lord Vishnu as preserver or what he is called in India as 'palankarta' meaning he is the one who raises a being and wealth is also associated with healthy as it is a common saying here that health is the biggest wealth, with prosperity being the progression of the being.
And, Goddess Durga is more representation of power than Goddess Parvati. But there is no problem with associating power with goddess Parvati as Goddess Durga, Kali are in the end, manifestation of power or Shakti (especially to put forward the women as someone who can be gentle and caring but also has the ability to dominate the one who wrongs her).
I love how you design your videos but as a Muslim I see more symbolic parallels with Simite religion in the lore of the Legend of Zelda. Especially the stories have a surprising parallel : Adam and Eve, The ark nova, the holy trinity, Muslim jyins and traditional in general, churches and synagogues and most importentlie the story of Gog and Magog...
I would love to see you do a video on attack on Titan I know it not your type of usual video analysis but it still be interesting to see your thoughts on the show
What’s also interesting about the Triforce, and this is relevant to the latest game, is that it reflects the tale of the Dragon’s Pearl: a relic that can grant any wish and when it is eaten the consumer becomes a dragon.
Should look into Taoism, Neidan and Waidan, about the yellow jade becoming a yellow dragon! Sounds quite... familiar if you played Tears. Same with The 3 Treasures in Traditional Chinese Medicine. basically the magic in the Zelda world is a form of alchemy in the Zelda universe.
So that explains why the Zelda from Tears of the Kingdom became the "Light Dragon"...? She had the Triforce _inside_ her all along? Now that is one huge discovery well done!
@@javiervasquez625 The only instance of triforce appearing in Botw/Totk beside being depicted on hylian shield and sculpture above hylian king throne, was during brief flash when Zelda used her sealing power, first time when she saved Link and second, dealing final blow to Calamity Ganon. From this alone i think it was rather certain that in Botw/Totk timeline triforce is with her in form of power of light, possibly Rauru had it before his death too.
@@mholic486 Exactly plus she also used it to reforge the shattered Master Sword with her "Light" as it came from her _right arm_ just as when she used her Sealing Power to defeat Calamity Ganon twice in Breath of the Wild. As a matter of fact a Zeldatuber recently used an asset editor to _remove_ the light coming out of Zelda's hand and to their surprise they found none other than the _symbol_ of the Triforce marked on the back of Zelda's hand. It's likely Zelda is indeed the current bearer of the Triforce.
@@javiervasquez625 This also makes me think of something. We know that in TotK Zelda has both time and light power, according to Sonia and Rauru. We also know that sacred stone amplified just her time power, and in other cases sacred stones also gave/amplified one type of power to its weilder. Maybe Rauru made a mistake when he sensed this light counterpart inside of her, thinking it was the same as his, when in reality this was Triforce.
I was aware of this connection at least since 1999, and have been telling people about it for quite some time (other even more clear references to Shakti Hinduism in Zelda include the Sages - derived from the Saptarishi, their symbols - derived from the chakra, and the name "Sahasrahlah", maybe things you would like to look at in a follow-up sometime?). However what I was totally missing was the origin of the 3-scales symbol in a legend about Benzaiten. That's actually really huge in my view, because it seemed like background noise before. I figured well, it's just a symbol they really liked which happens to be auspicious for a number of reasons. But no, now it has a solid connection to the ancient Goddess tradition in its form as the Japanese clan symbol. Thanks so much for doing that deep research and managing to drag up a gem of this magnitude!
I covered this exact thing 2 years ago. I find it curious why Max wouldn't credit me for this, but he credited me for my Silent Hill work in the past. Proof: th-cam.com/video/wkbnVsaWfPI/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
Welcome to the Zelda fanbase! We're happy to have a scholar of your caliber. I wanted to share the prevailing theory of the inspiration of the golden goddesses amongst Zelda fans. It is believed they are derived from the Three Pure Ones of Daoism. They bring the three types of "chi" to Hyrule. Nayru brings the heavenly chi which contains the celestial law of the universe and gods. Farore brings the human chi which resides in all the beings who live on the earth. And Din brings the earth chi which exists within the planet itself. Of course this is not to say that your theory is wrong. After all, eastern mythology is quite intermingled. And I definitely appreciate hearing a new perspective. My intent with this comment is simply to add another dimension to your own personal research. Can't wait to see more Zelda theories from you!
What I think it interesting about the Zelda series is that it’s lore seems to be based loosely on Shintoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judeo-Christianity. I would absolutely love more videos exploring this game series connection to the 4.
Very cool. I always saw the triforce as the manifestation of Mind, Body, Soul represented by Wisdom, Power, Courage respectively. Or Spirit, Body, Soul in alchemic terms.
Really interesting stuff. I always knew there had to be some spiritual/religious connection in these games. They just always hit different than other games.
Would love to see a part 2. My theory on the Triforce goes a completely different direction. I believe that the Triforce is basically the top half of a Merkaba. I first thought of this when looking for a Merkaba poster on Displate and found one that looked like a Triforce. The way it was taught to me is with 6 "attributes" for a different part of the field. Heart - Love Right shoulder - Wisdom Left shoulder - Will Root (bottom of the spine)- Energy Right knee - Vibration Left knee - Matter Now, only the shoulders and the crown (above the head) are important. I later learned that the crown represents Truth. True power is what the Triforce of Power is all about. The right shoulder fits perfectly with the Triforce of Wisdom and the left shoulder, which represents will, fits perfectly with the Triforce of Courage. Those are just my thoughts. I'm curious to know whether anyone resonates with that idea 😊 As an Alchemist yourself Max, do you do any Merkaba activations? Anyways, can't wait for your next video 😁
I think there is indeed a connection with The Merkaba, it's an interesting connection you've made. Unfortunately some of the claims Max is making here, such as he doesn't think anyone has picked up on the significance of the Triforce before. Well, I'm someone he has credited before for my SH work, but it seems I've not been given the same credit this time for some reason for my Zelda series I did 2 years ago. th-cam.com/video/wkbnVsaWfPI/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
@@TheJack2459 Having been around for most of The Internet, let me assure you that these kinds of ads are by far the least obtrusive and annoying of them all. And given that the deals are directly between creators and advertisers, we have finally grown past the pyramid scheme of "ad hosting". If in-video ads read by creators is the price we have to pay to stop seeing pop-ups and pop-overs, it is a prize won most cheaply indeed.
@@TheJack2459you gotta think about the content creator. Not everyone does that as a hobby and they need to get paid. + an ad in a video won't take that much of your time.
I always associated the courage triforce with plants/wood over wind. I think since ocarina of time, I considered it to be part of the forest people and din with gorgons and the Zora with water and wisdom. I think it fits your metaphor better as well.
Hey Max! Fantastic video on the Triforce! In regards to Farore and wealth I think there is one potential connection you can make: Rupees. There are some Zelda games where Link can get a form of protection from damage by literally sacrificing his wealth. One example is an armor you can purchase in Hyrule Castle Town in Twilight Princess. Get hit, lose Rupees. There are other examples though I cannot think of them off the top of my head. Even more recently, Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild have given indications that Rupees may be more magical than first thought. For that you'd have to look into Blupees, Satori (Lord of the Mountain), and now the Bubblefrogs (can't remember how to spell them).
As an art history major, this series has been some of my favorite you've done! Something I've learned during my education is that the key to understanding art is seeing it through the lense of its culture and that is what I see you doing here! There's always a connection! Great video, great research! Keep up the great work dude!
Would going into why Link, Zelda, and Ganon(dorf), always have one aspect of the Triforce each be a thing? In context: Ganon: Power (Din) Zelda: Wisdom (Nayru) Link: Courage (Farore)
It’s simply awesome hearing your explanations on religion and alchemy inspirations for the games and animes/mangas that I love the most. The Full Metal Alchemist videos came out when I was in the middle of my studies of alchemy, and now I started playing Zelda again after a long time, and you start videos explaining the lore and the deities… it’s simply too perfect to not being a synchronicity. So PLEASE keep making more videos about Zelda! The references of the Gerudo and Ganon, the references of the different races of Hyrule, the diverging timelines… there’s just too much to dive into, and your researches are the best!
I love the lessons on Hindu deities in here. I had prior but loose knowledge of most of the ones mentioned, but it was very interesting to get a more detailed look into them. I'll be interested to see you continue with this look into LoZ.
I wonder, what do you think is the significance of the triforce being divided into three parts (wisdom, power and courage) and each part's association with one of the major characters (Zelda, Ganondorf and Link)?
It might sound like something out of the subject, but I would very much appreciate a future series on the prophetic works of William Blake. I am sure that his poems and his engravings have a lot to do with alchemy, kabalah, gnosticism and archetypical imagery in general. A balm of inspiration for everyone who seeks the path to the human Self. I appreciate your content!
I'd love to hear more about what you researched for the Legend of Zelda games. I feel like it adds a lot to the lore of the games but also learning about real life beliefs.
I love hearing the lore of different religions. This channel gives me not only new religious info but let's me learn new ways to see video games. I would love a part 2.
It's currently hidden _inside_ Zelda as confirmed recently by a Zeldatuber who using an asset editor edited out the light coming from Zelda's right hand during the scene where she reforges the shattered Master Sword revealing the _symbol_ of the full Triforce in the back of her hand. Wether this means the Triforce has been passed down throughout the goddess Hylia's bloodline or Zelda just "happens" to have it the evidence is very staggering for this not been the case.
Honestly as a lifelong Zelda lover in their 30’s, I haven’t looked up any articles on the triforce in many years. Last I searched, the internet was still young and this information about the Hōjō clan was entirely new to me. Thank you. Thank you so much for this video.
Back when I got a Triforce tattoo, my mind would spend time thinking of different things it could mean and represent other than just a reference to a videogame, both generally and personally. My train of thought kinda went like: Some concepts are dichotomies, like on/off, ying/yang, day/night, peace/war, etc.. The Triforce has to somehow model the world and/or human experience through a trichotomy. One example of a trichotomy is the theological tripartite: body/mind/soul. That kinda maps on to power/wisdom/courage. So does disorder/order/balance. In the characters that correspond to the Triforce parts in these games, you’ve got Ganon/Ganondorf as someone who wants to satisfy his material desires, then Zelda as the heir to the seat of order and the custodian of vast ancient knowledge and practices (often represented not just by the Royal Family but by the Shiekah tribe which are kinda like the CIA of Hyrule), and then Link as the embodiment of initiative and mediation. He’s not too concerned with amassing wealth and power, or understanding and controlling the world, but more with facing challenges, resolving conflicts, and living in the moment. He navigates the tensions between these two processes of order and disorder in order to bring balance to the world, and himself. Other trichotomies I can see there: matter/mind/agency (or instinct). Raw material and energy/information and relationships/action, conscious experience. If you wanna get a bit meta and look at it as the order of Zelda as a videogame, then maybe you can also see it as content assets/logic, code, and design/player input and experience. Personally, I sometimes see it as the things in life I have no control over/my knowledge about these things/how I react to it all.
I know this is off topic but I would like to see max do a video on the saga of tanya the evil. anime series 😊 and a video on parasyte the maxim or attack on Titan and or death note
i came to a similar conclusion in an Zelda alchemy video i did! and this was before Tears came out. Glad to see im not insane lmao Also working on a part 2 due to the Shinto related stuff all in the game. And yeah this is basically what i was working on. But some keyndifferences with Shinto deities but similiar roles. Demise is based on Susano no mikoto etc Great video!
Well, that's just one piece in a sea of undiscovered secrets from these series I really hope you keep up these types of videos, they are really interesting and engaging!
The next step is to realize that the Hindu pantheon (among many others) ultimately stems from the PIE pantheon of ancestor-gods: Manu, Yemo, and Trito. Manu is the Priest-king (ie, the primordial source of authority). Yemo is the Herder (like how Hindu brahmas are linked to cows). Trito is the Warrior. In the case of LoZ, the roles are a bit different, but it's essentially the same thing. Zelda (Hylia) is the Priestess Queen; Yemo would be Ganondorf (Din), representing political power; and Link is the Warrior (Farore). It could also be interpreted as Link being Yemo (who is Manu's twin, as is the case in Ocarina of Time), and Ganondorf being Trito.
yes part two!! and in regards to Farore and wealth - well, one of the primary ways to find currency in the games is to cut grass, which is a reference to Japan's three sacred treasures of which the sword symbolizes courage. so it very much fits imho. ;)
Finally, we know the reason every incarnation of Link goes around destroying pots for rupees: he has the Triforce of -Courage- Wealth! Also, their currency is named after the Indian Rupee. Coincidence? I think not!
Funny how the prophecy delivered by Benzaiten also has 3 parts to it: Mentioning effort (courage), reward (power) and a warning (wisdom) to keep the effort so to not lose what has been achieved. But each one is also related to past, present and future respectively. Furthermore, these 3 scales might be considered the 3 gifts or pieces of knowledgeable information or realisations delivered to the head of the family. I also wanna add that, as it is told in the legend, the man spent 37 days praying. 3 and 7 being the numbers more prominent in the tale. It all just lets me wondering the possible relations that the number 66 might have, besides 66 twice adding up to 132.
This is awesome! Most Zelda theories are barely held together by thinly related game content. This is interesting on an anthropological level! The development of culture and it's effect on video games/stories
Should look into Neidan and Waidan, about the yellow jade becoming a yellow dragon! Sounds quite... familiar if you played Tears. Same with The 3 Treasures in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Same with Taoism. basically the magic in the Zelda world is a form of alchemy in the Zelda universe.
It’s pretty interesting to learn more about Miyamoto’s inspiration of these religious lores from across the world, and how it links between the Triforce.
This was a great video. I had always wondered what the influences for the three goddesses were. Concerning the Hyrule creation myth, I'd like to add that the original version of the creation myth in the ALttP manual, written by Yoshiaki Koizumi, was inspired by the creation account in Genesis 1. In the Japanese version of the manual it even states that the creation account is from an in-universe text called "Genesis," though the reference was taken out of the English version. I would even argue that the original creation account in the manual even follows a similar overall literary structure to the account in Genesis 1: with a prologue, three creation "events" (Rather than six. One for each goddess), and an outro/epilogue. "A very very long time ago, before people appeared, nothing existed but chaos. In that world the gods came down and with their respective power, order and life was built. The "god of power" dyed the mountains red with fire and built the solid earth. The "god of wisdom" made science and magic, and nature was given order. And from the gentle and stalwart heart of the "god of courage," earth crawling, air flying, and all living creatures were made. At the time the gods left this world, after having created everything, a golden holy triangle "Triforce," constituting the symbol of the gods' personal power, was left behind and was to rule the entire world. -(From Genesis)" www.zeldalegends.net/files/text/z3translation/z3_manual_story.html In addition to some of the attributes you listed, it looks like Din is associated with both earth and mountains, and Nayru with both science and magic. I think this could be related to how the Sheikah technology is blue colored, and how information is dripped like water onto your Sheikah slate in BotW. Lastly, as a suggestion for a related video, I think you should talk about all of the times you collect scales within the Zelda franchise in relation to this myth and other myths.
Glad I'm not the only one who sees that the Legend of Zelda series is based on other religions and how they present their characters and stories within legends as well as their symbolisms that they use, and how they're used to tell a story, and you are right on the fact that nobody else has ever explored the details behind the Triforce symbol used in The Legend of Zelda, and yes while some theorists did make the Hojo Clan connection to that particular symbol, they didn't really go beyond that and what it meant. Plus the goddesses connection to buddhism goes pretty deep than the surface of what's shown. The elemental connections of Fire, Wind and Water are explained in broad simple terms from the story standpoint of things. Ocarina of Time said Din cultivated the red earth with arms of fire, as for Farore they said she created life not Nayru, that she merely presented them with the wisdom to uphold that life. It gets a bit complicated to explain it in such a story like this without having a deeper analysis, as some parts do seem to change a little every time they're explained, especially if you cross examine Ocarina of Time's explanation with Twilight Princess's explanation as told by the Lanayru Light Spirit of Lake Hylia.
Should look into Neidan and Waidan, about the yellow jade becoming a yellow dragon! Sounds quite... familiar if you played Tears. Same with The 3 Treasures in Traditional Chinese Medicine. basically the magic in the Zelda world is a form of alchemy in the Zelda universe.
"Wati (Vati) she who possesses" make me think of Vaati, the antagonist of 'The Legend of Zelda - The Minish Cap' and a few other games. His original japanese name is Gufu (=Tornado) so the link is weak, but it's interesting. Vaati is a minish/koropokkuru whose plan is to seize for himself the power that is inside Princess Zelda to become a greater being. This power is distinct from the Triforce. He become a sorcerer with wind abilities, then a demon, losing his mind, consumed by his desire for more power.
Interesting analysis, would love to see you go deeper with the subject! And knowing that for example Super Mario 64 contains loads of references to secret societies, I can't help thinking that there could also be a connectionss between Triforce and the Triple-Tau symbol.
Before listening to your reasoning, my idea of the reason for 3 scales, is that 3 reflects the stages of life, where the fourth is death. This would be why the "4th scale" is inverted and upside down. Among other explanations. This is also common in Japanese belief that 4 is a bad number as it represents death.
I’m really enjoying the Hinduism exploration part. I’d say maybe consider doing more vids on other games with it aswell if you run out of it in Zelda. Plus the added benefit of laying off the Carl Jung alchemy stuff a bit, tho I love’em lol.
Well, apparently, there *hasn't* been enough Zelda analysis yet. (Kinda figured tho... ) I think these are pretty solid connections. Excellent work. I only really know 4 of the games, but I'm fascinated by all the lore and analysis from any angle. It's such a deep and well made series that it doesn't just deserve it, it requires it. I'm not saying stick to Zelda, but more videos would be welcome if you're into it.
its interesting that lakshmi represents wealth and prosperity. farore could represent both courage and wealth - specifically, the wealth and prosperity of life, which was her gift to the world. but the reason that farore being connected to wealth is interesting to me is because of ravio, links lorulian equivalent. he would be connected to farore, as link is, but he doesnt represent the courage of farore - conversely, he seems to represent wealth, as a crude salesman who values money above most everything. he says it himself; when interacting with his rupee bag, he tells you to be careful, because theres something “more important than life itself” in it. so, if farore is connected to lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, it would make sense for links opposing counterpart to take on that as his primary characteristic. makes me wonder if there are other traits the other goddesses represent that are present in hilda and yuga…
I knew about the symbol’s connection to the Hojo clan, but I had NO CLUE about the history of the 3 scales myth and it’s connection to Hinduism! Hinduism (and eastern culture in general) is a huge blind spot for me, so it’s awesome to learn about another part of the world through something I love. HARD YES to a part 2, but I’d love to see the other video you were talking about making too.
This is an intriguing hypothesis on the original of the three Goddesses of Hyrule. What's more intriguing is how Nintendo actually is located in the religious capital of Japan of Kyoto. Where both Shinto and Buddhism firmly are established from a historical, spiritual, cultural, traditional and finally locational with both Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples resides in Kyoto. It's common knowledge on how the Hyrule map is based closely with the landscape of Kyoto from the natural formation like rivers, mountains and lakes. So incorporating the religious and mythological backbone of said region into Hyrule may come naturally to citizens of Kyoto. If you look into the shrine location from both BotW and TotK, it closely resembles the real world location of Shrines and Temples within Kyoto. Which may also be an interesting trail of bread crumbs to follow.
No matter how much you uncover, there are always more. The triangle goes way back. But secrets there are which must not be disclosed. Many myths you may think came from the land of their creators, but it goes back further and further still
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Hey Max, Goddess Lakshmi is associated with rice crops and is offered one during prayer this connects her and Lord Vishnu as preserver or what he is called in India as 'palankarta' meaning he is the one who raises a being and wealth is also associated with healthy as it is a common saying here that health is the biggest wealth, with prosperity being the progression of the being.
And, Goddess Durga is more representation of power than Goddess Parvati. But there is no problem with associating power with goddess Parvati as Goddess Durga, Kali are in the end, manifestation of power or Shakti (especially to put forward the women as someone who can be gentle and caring but also has the ability to dominate the one who wrongs her).
I love how you design your videos but as a Muslim I see more symbolic parallels with Simite religion in the lore of the Legend of Zelda.
Especially the stories have a surprising parallel : Adam and Eve,
The ark nova, the holy trinity, Muslim jyins and traditional in general, churches and synagogues and most importentlie the story of Gog and Magog...
I would love to see you do a video on attack on Titan I know it not your type of usual video analysis but it still be interesting to see your thoughts on the show
Another anime series I would like to se you do a video on is parasyte the maxim
I can't believe I've never seen anyone make these connections before, they make so much sense!
I made these connections 2 years ago: th-cam.com/video/wkbnVsaWfPI/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
I hope you make a part 2, anytime you talk about mythology and esotericism I am always enthraled. Thansk for your hard work, Max!
I made an 11 part series 2 years ago and Max seems to have not credited my work this time:
th-cam.com/video/wkbnVsaWfPI/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
What’s also interesting about the Triforce, and this is relevant to the latest game, is that it reflects the tale of the Dragon’s Pearl: a relic that can grant any wish and when it is eaten the consumer becomes a dragon.
Should look into Taoism, Neidan and Waidan, about the yellow jade becoming a yellow dragon! Sounds quite... familiar if you played Tears.
Same with The 3 Treasures in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
basically the magic in the Zelda world is a form of alchemy in the Zelda universe.
So that explains why the Zelda from Tears of the Kingdom became the "Light Dragon"...? She had the Triforce _inside_ her all along? Now that is one huge discovery well done!
@@javiervasquez625 The only instance of triforce appearing in Botw/Totk beside being depicted on hylian shield and sculpture above hylian king throne, was during brief flash when Zelda used her sealing power, first time when she saved Link and second, dealing final blow to Calamity Ganon. From this alone i think it was rather certain that in Botw/Totk timeline triforce is with her in form of power of light, possibly Rauru had it before his death too.
@@mholic486 Exactly plus she also used it to reforge the shattered Master Sword with her "Light" as it came from her _right arm_ just as when she used her Sealing Power to defeat Calamity Ganon twice in Breath of the Wild. As a matter of fact a Zeldatuber recently used an asset editor to _remove_ the light coming out of Zelda's hand and to their surprise they found none other than the _symbol_ of the Triforce marked on the back of Zelda's hand. It's likely Zelda is indeed the current bearer of the Triforce.
@@javiervasquez625 This also makes me think of something. We know that in TotK Zelda has both time and light power, according to Sonia and Rauru. We also know that sacred stone amplified just her time power, and in other cases sacred stones also gave/amplified one type of power to its weilder. Maybe Rauru made a mistake when he sensed this light counterpart inside of her, thinking it was the same as his, when in reality this was Triforce.
I was aware of this connection at least since 1999, and have been telling people about it for quite some time (other even more clear references to Shakti Hinduism in Zelda include the Sages - derived from the Saptarishi, their symbols - derived from the chakra, and the name "Sahasrahlah", maybe things you would like to look at in a follow-up sometime?). However what I was totally missing was the origin of the 3-scales symbol in a legend about Benzaiten. That's actually really huge in my view, because it seemed like background noise before. I figured well, it's just a symbol they really liked which happens to be auspicious for a number of reasons. But no, now it has a solid connection to the ancient Goddess tradition in its form as the Japanese clan symbol. Thanks so much for doing that deep research and managing to drag up a gem of this magnitude!
I covered this exact thing 2 years ago. I find it curious why Max wouldn't credit me for this, but he credited me for my Silent Hill work in the past. Proof: th-cam.com/video/wkbnVsaWfPI/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
Hi Max.
Keep up these Triforce videos.
There are diehard fans that have been wanting to learn this stuff for literal decades.
Phenomenal work.
Welcome to the Zelda fanbase! We're happy to have a scholar of your caliber. I wanted to share the prevailing theory of the inspiration of the golden goddesses amongst Zelda fans. It is believed they are derived from the Three Pure Ones of Daoism. They bring the three types of "chi" to Hyrule.
Nayru brings the heavenly chi which contains the celestial law of the universe and gods. Farore brings the human chi which resides in all the beings who live on the earth. And Din brings the earth chi which exists within the planet itself.
Of course this is not to say that your theory is wrong. After all, eastern mythology is quite intermingled. And I definitely appreciate hearing a new perspective. My intent with this comment is simply to add another dimension to your own personal research. Can't wait to see more Zelda theories from you!
What I think it interesting about the Zelda series is that it’s lore seems to be based loosely on Shintoism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judeo-Christianity. I would absolutely love more videos exploring this game series connection to the 4.
Very cool. I always saw the triforce as the manifestation of Mind, Body, Soul represented by Wisdom, Power, Courage respectively. Or Spirit, Body, Soul in alchemic terms.
Really interesting stuff. I always knew there had to be some spiritual/religious connection in these games. They just always hit different than other games.
Would love to see a part 2. My theory on the Triforce goes a completely different direction. I believe that the Triforce is basically the top half of a Merkaba. I first thought of this when looking for a Merkaba poster on Displate and found one that looked like a Triforce. The way it was taught to me is with 6 "attributes" for a different part of the field.
Heart - Love
Right shoulder - Wisdom
Left shoulder - Will
Root (bottom of the spine)- Energy
Right knee - Vibration
Left knee - Matter
Now, only the shoulders and the crown (above the head) are important. I later learned that the crown represents Truth. True power is what the Triforce of Power is all about. The right shoulder fits perfectly with the Triforce of Wisdom and the left shoulder, which represents will, fits perfectly with the Triforce of Courage.
Those are just my thoughts. I'm curious to know whether anyone resonates with that idea 😊
As an Alchemist yourself Max, do you do any Merkaba activations? Anyways, can't wait for your next video 😁
Interesting 🤔
I think there is indeed a connection with The Merkaba, it's an interesting connection you've made. Unfortunately some of the claims Max is making here, such as he doesn't think anyone has picked up on the significance of the Triforce before. Well, I'm someone he has credited before for my SH work, but it seems I've not been given the same credit this time for some reason for my Zelda series I did 2 years ago. th-cam.com/video/wkbnVsaWfPI/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
In Lowrule the Hero Ravio Mirror of Link is a merchant and works through money and worldly posession.
WE GOT A SPONSOR!!! WE MADE IT
Yeah great… now everything is basically an advert. Yay.
@@TheJack2459 Having been around for most of The Internet, let me assure you that these kinds of ads are by far the least obtrusive and annoying of them all. And given that the deals are directly between creators and advertisers, we have finally grown past the pyramid scheme of "ad hosting".
If in-video ads read by creators is the price we have to pay to stop seeing pop-ups and pop-overs, it is a prize won most cheaply indeed.
Now we can get more regular awesome content because he's getting more support**
There, I fixed your crappy reply bro
Shut up sock puppet. @@generalwoe359
@@TheJack2459you gotta think about the content creator. Not everyone does that as a hobby and they need to get paid.
+ an ad in a video won't take that much of your time.
I always associated the courage triforce with plants/wood over wind. I think since ocarina of time, I considered it to be part of the forest people and din with gorgons and the Zora with water and wisdom. I think it fits your metaphor better as well.
Hey Max! Fantastic video on the Triforce! In regards to Farore and wealth I think there is one potential connection you can make: Rupees. There are some Zelda games where Link can get a form of protection from damage by literally sacrificing his wealth. One example is an armor you can purchase in Hyrule Castle Town in Twilight Princess. Get hit, lose Rupees. There are other examples though I cannot think of them off the top of my head. Even more recently, Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild have given indications that Rupees may be more magical than first thought. For that you'd have to look into Blupees, Satori (Lord of the Mountain), and now the Bubblefrogs (can't remember how to spell them).
part 2 would be interesting to see
New max video? Today is a good day
As an art history major, this series has been some of my favorite you've done! Something I've learned during my education is that the key to understanding art is seeing it through the lense of its culture and that is what I see you doing here! There's always a connection! Great video, great research! Keep up the great work dude!
PLEASE PLEASE share a part two!
As someone whose religion is centered around the Triforce, I loved this video and want to learn more!
Would going into why Link, Zelda, and Ganon(dorf), always have one aspect of the Triforce each be a thing?
In context:
Ganon: Power (Din)
Zelda: Wisdom (Nayru)
Link: Courage (Farore)
I can't tell you how many majors mask videos I've watched. I see Zelda theory video, I click. I like your style of analysis
It’s simply awesome hearing your explanations on religion and alchemy inspirations for the games and animes/mangas that I love the most. The Full Metal Alchemist videos came out when I was in the middle of my studies of alchemy, and now I started playing Zelda again after a long time, and you start videos explaining the lore and the deities… it’s simply too perfect to not being a synchronicity. So PLEASE keep making more videos about Zelda! The references of the Gerudo and Ganon, the references of the different races of Hyrule, the diverging timelines… there’s just too much to dive into, and your researches are the best!
Part 2 would be neat! Always love learning about mythology.
Please make a part 2! I loved this!
I love the lessons on Hindu deities in here. I had prior but loose knowledge of most of the ones mentioned, but it was very interesting to get a more detailed look into them. I'll be interested to see you continue with this look into LoZ.
I wonder, what do you think is the significance of the triforce being divided into three parts (wisdom, power and courage) and each part's association with one of the major characters (Zelda, Ganondorf and Link)?
It might sound like something out of the subject, but I would very much appreciate a future series on the prophetic works of William Blake. I am sure that his poems and his engravings have a lot to do with alchemy, kabalah, gnosticism and archetypical imagery in general. A balm of inspiration for everyone who seeks the path to the human Self.
I appreciate your content!
O can't wait to see more anime videos from max derrat
I'm trying to figure that out at the moment. I want to do something on Evangelion, but I'm struggling on making it work exactly the way I want.
@@maxderrat I would also like to see you do a video on ex machina the movie. god the machine deus Ex machina in Latin for God from the machine.
Found you on Fullmetal and now you came over to my favourite Zelda with a fresh take. Really enjoy your content!
I'd love to hear more about what you researched for the Legend of Zelda games. I feel like it adds a lot to the lore of the games but also learning about real life beliefs.
This brings depth to the plot I've never even thought about.
The Triforce also appears on religious robes on Vulcan, as noted at the end of Star Trek III, thus proving that Hyrule is Vulcan.
I love hearing the lore of different religions. This channel gives me not only new religious info but let's me learn new ways to see video games. I would love a part 2.
I would love to see this series continue. There are a lot of unanswered questions in the later games about what happened to the triforce.
It's currently hidden _inside_ Zelda as confirmed recently by a Zeldatuber who using an asset editor edited out the light coming from Zelda's right hand during the scene where she reforges the shattered Master Sword revealing the _symbol_ of the full Triforce in the back of her hand. Wether this means the Triforce has been passed down throughout the goddess Hylia's bloodline or Zelda just "happens" to have it the evidence is very staggering for this not been the case.
So excited to see you diving deep into the Zelda franchise. It is my first gaming love.
Honestly as a lifelong Zelda lover in their 30’s, I haven’t looked up any articles on the triforce in many years. Last I searched, the internet was still young and this information about the Hōjō clan was entirely new to me. Thank you. Thank you so much for this video.
Great stuff. Will wait for a part 2. In the meantime will watch whatever you post.
Back when I got a Triforce tattoo, my mind would spend time thinking of different things it could mean and represent other than just a reference to a videogame, both generally and personally. My train of thought kinda went like:
Some concepts are dichotomies, like on/off, ying/yang, day/night, peace/war, etc.. The Triforce has to somehow model the world and/or human experience through a trichotomy. One example of a trichotomy is the theological tripartite: body/mind/soul. That kinda maps on to power/wisdom/courage. So does disorder/order/balance.
In the characters that correspond to the Triforce parts in these games, you’ve got Ganon/Ganondorf as someone who wants to satisfy his material desires, then Zelda as the heir to the seat of order and the custodian of vast ancient knowledge and practices (often represented not just by the Royal Family but by the Shiekah tribe which are kinda like the CIA of Hyrule), and then Link as the embodiment of initiative and mediation. He’s not too concerned with amassing wealth and power, or understanding and controlling the world, but more with facing challenges, resolving conflicts, and living in the moment. He navigates the tensions between these two processes of order and disorder in order to bring balance to the world, and himself.
Other trichotomies I can see there: matter/mind/agency (or instinct). Raw material and energy/information and relationships/action, conscious experience. If you wanna get a bit meta and look at it as the order of Zelda as a videogame, then maybe you can also see it as content assets/logic, code, and design/player input and experience.
Personally, I sometimes see it as the things in life I have no control over/my knowledge about these things/how I react to it all.
this is so awesome! im so so happy you're diving real history! its so fascinating to learn how these events influence us today.
I know this is off topic but I would like to see max do a video on the saga of tanya the evil. anime series 😊 and a video on parasyte the maxim or attack on Titan and or death note
i came to a similar conclusion in an Zelda alchemy video i did! and this was before Tears came out.
Glad to see im not insane lmao
Also working on a part 2 due to the Shinto related stuff all in the game. And yeah this is basically what i was working on. But some keyndifferences with Shinto deities but similiar roles.
Demise is based on Susano no mikoto etc
Great video!
Yes, a part 2 please! 🙂
Well, that's just one piece in a sea of undiscovered secrets from these series
I really hope you keep up these types of videos, they are really interesting and engaging!
This is so well thought out. Incredible work!
The next step is to realize that the Hindu pantheon (among many others) ultimately stems from the PIE pantheon of ancestor-gods: Manu, Yemo, and Trito.
Manu is the Priest-king (ie, the primordial source of authority). Yemo is the Herder (like how Hindu brahmas are linked to cows). Trito is the Warrior.
In the case of LoZ, the roles are a bit different, but it's essentially the same thing. Zelda (Hylia) is the Priestess Queen; Yemo would be Ganondorf (Din), representing political power; and Link is the Warrior (Farore). It could also be interpreted as Link being Yemo (who is Manu's twin, as is the case in Ocarina of Time), and Ganondorf being Trito.
yes part two!! and in regards to Farore and wealth - well, one of the primary ways to find currency in the games is to cut grass, which is a reference to Japan's three sacred treasures of which the sword symbolizes courage. so it very much fits imho. ;)
Finally, we know the reason every incarnation of Link goes around destroying pots for rupees: he has the Triforce of -Courage- Wealth!
Also, their currency is named after the Indian Rupee. Coincidence? I think not!
Can't wait for part two! Maybe this will help explain what the powers of the individual pieces of the triforce do or help to explain it.
It's so good to see a sponsor, definitely gonna check out the link
I would like to see a part 2. I am usually interested in videos about the Triforce!
Part two, please! This was interesting!
Funny how the prophecy delivered by Benzaiten also has 3 parts to it:
Mentioning effort (courage), reward (power) and a warning (wisdom) to keep the effort so to not lose what has been achieved.
But each one is also related to past, present and future respectively.
Furthermore, these 3 scales might be considered the 3 gifts or pieces of knowledgeable information or realisations delivered to the head of the family.
I also wanna add that, as it is told in the legend, the man spent 37 days praying. 3 and 7 being the numbers more prominent in the tale.
It all just lets me wondering the possible relations that the number 66 might have, besides 66 twice adding up to 132.
This is awesome! Most Zelda theories are barely held together by thinly related game content. This is interesting on an anthropological level! The development of culture and it's effect on video games/stories
Max Derrat making more Zelda content!? Hell yeah! I’ll always hop straight to it when I see it!
This was a brilliant series of connections. Thank you for your hard work.
I would appreciate a part 2, eventually
Should look into Neidan and Waidan, about the yellow jade becoming a yellow dragon! Sounds quite... familiar if you played Tears.
Same with The 3 Treasures in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Same with Taoism.
basically the magic in the Zelda world is a form of alchemy in the Zelda universe.
I had no idea about the origin of the triforce. Beautiful job on this Max. I love all your videos but the Zelda ones are a treat for me!
Definitely needs a part two or just more on other aspects of Zelda that have real world connections.
It’s pretty interesting to learn more about Miyamoto’s inspiration of these religious lores from across the world, and how it links between the Triforce.
Part 2? My dude I would watch a part 12!
This was a great video. I had always wondered what the influences for the three goddesses were. Concerning the Hyrule creation myth, I'd like to add that the original version of the creation myth in the ALttP manual, written by Yoshiaki Koizumi, was inspired by the creation account in Genesis 1. In the Japanese version of the manual it even states that the creation account is from an in-universe text called "Genesis," though the reference was taken out of the English version. I would even argue that the original creation account in the manual even follows a similar overall literary structure to the account in Genesis 1: with a prologue, three creation "events" (Rather than six. One for each goddess), and an outro/epilogue.
"A very very long time ago, before people appeared, nothing existed but chaos. In that world the gods came down and with their respective power, order and life was built.
The "god of power" dyed the mountains red with fire and built the solid earth.
The "god of wisdom" made science and magic, and nature was given order.
And from the gentle and stalwart heart of the "god of courage," earth crawling, air flying, and all living creatures were made.
At the time the gods left this world, after having created everything, a golden holy triangle "Triforce," constituting the symbol of the gods' personal power, was left behind and was to rule the entire world.
-(From Genesis)"
www.zeldalegends.net/files/text/z3translation/z3_manual_story.html
In addition to some of the attributes you listed, it looks like Din is associated with both earth and mountains, and Nayru with both science and magic. I think this could be related to how the Sheikah technology is blue colored, and how information is dripped like water onto your Sheikah slate in BotW.
Lastly, as a suggestion for a related video, I think you should talk about all of the times you collect scales within the Zelda franchise in relation to this myth and other myths.
I would love to see a part 2!
Love this. Would love a part 2
pretty cool to see new theories and perspectives, seems you're having fun as well, go all out man!
I love you see a breakdown armored Core 6 lot of the themes are Free Will and choice is compelling
Glad I'm not the only one who sees that the Legend of Zelda series is based on other religions and how they present their characters and stories within legends as well as their symbolisms that they use, and how they're used to tell a story, and you are right on the fact that nobody else has ever explored the details behind the Triforce symbol used in The Legend of Zelda, and yes while some theorists did make the Hojo Clan connection to that particular symbol, they didn't really go beyond that and what it meant. Plus the goddesses connection to buddhism goes pretty deep than the surface of what's shown.
The elemental connections of Fire, Wind and Water are explained in broad simple terms from the story standpoint of things. Ocarina of Time said Din cultivated the red earth with arms of fire, as for Farore they said she created life not Nayru, that she merely presented them with the wisdom to uphold that life. It gets a bit complicated to explain it in such a story like this without having a deeper analysis, as some parts do seem to change a little every time they're explained, especially if you cross examine Ocarina of Time's explanation with Twilight Princess's explanation as told by the Lanayru Light Spirit of Lake Hylia.
Should look into Neidan and Waidan, about the yellow jade becoming a yellow dragon! Sounds quite... familiar if you played Tears.
Same with The 3 Treasures in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
basically the magic in the Zelda world is a form of alchemy in the Zelda universe.
I think one of the weirdest things is that link is canonically Christian, according to official Zelda 2 art of him kneeling to the Christian cross
Fascinating. Part 2, please!
Excellent video! Can't wait for a part 2.
Thanks for the video! I'll be looking forward for part 2. Awesome content!
Looking forward to part 2!
"Wati (Vati) she who possesses" make me think of Vaati, the antagonist of 'The Legend of Zelda - The Minish Cap' and a few other games. His original japanese name is Gufu (=Tornado) so the link is weak, but it's interesting.
Vaati is a minish/koropokkuru whose plan is to seize for himself the power that is inside Princess Zelda to become a greater being. This power is distinct from the Triforce.
He become a sorcerer with wind abilities, then a demon, losing his mind, consumed by his desire for more power.
Interesting analysis, would love to see you go deeper with the subject! And knowing that for example Super Mario 64 contains loads of references to secret societies, I can't help thinking that there could also be a connectionss between Triforce and the Triple-Tau symbol.
Excelent video Max, planning on doing the Zelda timeline next?
As usual, your brilliant mind illuminates fascinating game lore and real world history.
Yup. There's no return: You're a Zelda theorist now. And we, the Zelda community, welcome you warmly
Love your style of breaking down philosophical/religious ideas and relating them to media. I’d give any video you create a chance!
Before listening to your reasoning, my idea of the reason for 3 scales, is that 3 reflects the stages of life, where the fourth is death. This would be why the "4th scale" is inverted and upside down. Among other explanations. This is also common in Japanese belief that 4 is a bad number as it represents death.
I’m really enjoying the Hinduism exploration part.
I’d say maybe consider doing more vids on other games with it aswell if you run out of it in Zelda.
Plus the added benefit of laying off the Carl Jung alchemy stuff a bit, tho I love’em lol.
You keep making videos on Zelda I'll keep watching them.
This is me expressing interest in more parts of this series
We want a second part!
Would love a part two, and even beyond if you’re still enjoying making Zelda content.
As always, you've given me more to ponder. Thank you!
Yeah! Let’s hope the algorithm gets Max’s videos some more spotlight!
Informative as always.
Yessss, please part 2
Great video! I'm a huge Zelda fan, and I've really enjoyed your two Zelda videos. I would love to see more! Keep it up man!
Well, apparently, there *hasn't* been enough Zelda analysis yet. (Kinda figured tho... ) I think these are pretty solid connections. Excellent work. I only really know 4 of the games, but I'm fascinated by all the lore and analysis from any angle. It's such a deep and well made series that it doesn't just deserve it, it requires it. I'm not saying stick to Zelda, but more videos would be welcome if you're into it.
its interesting that lakshmi represents wealth and prosperity. farore could represent both courage and wealth - specifically, the wealth and prosperity of life, which was her gift to the world.
but the reason that farore being connected to wealth is interesting to me is because of ravio, links lorulian equivalent. he would be connected to farore, as link is, but he doesnt represent the courage of farore - conversely, he seems to represent wealth, as a crude salesman who values money above most everything. he says it himself; when interacting with his rupee bag, he tells you to be careful, because theres something “more important than life itself” in it.
so, if farore is connected to lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, it would make sense for links opposing counterpart to take on that as his primary characteristic. makes me wonder if there are other traits the other goddesses represent that are present in hilda and yuga…
Keep the train rolling. We want more Zelda from you.
First video ive seen of your but keep up this quality and youll have another sub
I knew about the symbol’s connection to the Hojo clan, but I had NO CLUE about the history of the 3 scales myth and it’s connection to Hinduism! Hinduism (and eastern culture in general) is a huge blind spot for me, so it’s awesome to learn about another part of the world through something I love.
HARD YES to a part 2, but I’d love to see the other video you were talking about making too.
Does anyone know the music around 4:30 ? I know i should know but can't put my figer on it😅
I would love to watch some analysis on TwinPeaks!😮😊
This is an intriguing hypothesis on the original of the three Goddesses of Hyrule. What's more intriguing is how Nintendo actually is located in the religious capital of Japan of Kyoto. Where both Shinto and Buddhism firmly are established from a historical, spiritual, cultural, traditional and finally locational with both Shinto Shrines and Buddhist Temples resides in Kyoto.
It's common knowledge on how the Hyrule map is based closely with the landscape of Kyoto from the natural formation like rivers, mountains and lakes. So incorporating the religious and mythological backbone of said region into Hyrule may come naturally to citizens of Kyoto.
If you look into the shrine location from both BotW and TotK, it closely resembles the real world location of Shrines and Temples within Kyoto. Which may also be an interesting trail of bread crumbs to follow.
I’m going to be travelling to Japan next month, so I’ll definitely keep an eye out for this type of symbolism 😉
Can’t wait for part 2
This video was awesome I’ve never seen someone talk about this before!
Yes yes yes, part 2 please!
No matter how much you uncover, there are always more.
The triangle goes way back.
But secrets there are which must not be disclosed.
Many myths you may think came from the land of their creators, but it goes back further and further still