The Library -> Theories -> Akira ->
Temples (from OoT and tWW, people!)*
When I say the word "temple", what's the first thing that jumps to your mind? A place of worship? Dungeon? (That would mean you like Zelda...a lot.) Place on the side of your head?
How about when I say " Fire Temple"? "Water Temple"? I hope your broader view didn't just slim down to a map, compass, key, and boss. To do such a thing si to really slide by the wonder that these majestic works of art bring to the Zelda table.
- Do you remember the broken staircase at the foot of the OoT Forest Temple? If not, feel free to let your mind wander. If you do remember, take a second to imagine what that would look like if it were rebuilt. Pretty big, eh? Yeah, and perhaps you'll notice that there are only a few areas where trees and other shrubs were actually planted, everything else seems to have grown naturally. You'll also notice high walls and other large, stone stairways, all overgrown by the forest. If you can't understand what I'm hinting at, I'll tell you: the Forest Temple was designed and used (at one time) as a fortress. Maybe even a castle. After all, there was a time when Hyrule was at war with itself and neighboring lands/tribes, and the Forest Temple is right on the border of Hyrule.
- While I don't know exactly who crafted the Forest temple (most likely some random tribe, such as the ancient Sheikah), it seeems obvious that Gorons constructed the Fire Temple. Why? Well, if you've read the Lord of the Rings or have seen the movies, you might remember the Mines of Moria. There the dwarfs (not dwarves) delved "too greedily and too deep", looking for mithril, and subsequently awoke an ancient evil: a Balrog. How 'bout this: the Gorons delve for tasty rock or a precious metal/gem, building what would eventually become the Fire Temple as they go. Soon they delve too deep and awaken Volvagia, terrible subterranean dragon who proceeds to terrorize the Gorons into fleeing their temple. Then their leader, the Hero of the Gorons, crafts the Megaton Hammer and smites the beast a fatal blow. That is, until Ganondorf resurrects Volvagia and Link kills both master and beast.
- As Link stares skyward from the base of the Water Temple, he sees a monolith, a pillar a size beyond all comprehension. Crafted in smooth stone with many doors leading to its beautiful interior, it is both magnificent and deadly. Who could have built such a daazling, gargantuan temple that harnesses with ease the power of water? The Zora. Not a tribe of Zora, not a clan, but an empire. A fortress and castle that displays the might of the Zora. Located at the bottom of a lake, it is impenetrable. If you were to get inside you would either fall to your death or drown. Only the Zora (and the usual exception, Link) can access their fortress.
- The Shadow Temple: A place of evil, darkness, and death built on the outskirts of the village of the ancient, mysterious tribe, the Sheikah. Soaked in the blood of their past, its history is long. It was most likely built long before the Sheikah swore allegiance to any but themselves. Was it used in worship to evil gods and blood-bent spirits? Perhaps...But now it is the land where the evil of Hyrule must dwell, all the people's lies and suffering make their lair here. To become a shadow one must first experience darkness and doubt. Such was the Temple of Shadow.
- A colossal structure that stretches high into the desert sky, the Spirit Temple is old, very old, built long before the sand swallowed that which was offered. The Desert Colossus, some might call her, the Goddess of the Sand, others. Her face evil, her eyes dark, her outstretched hands the gates to hell. A temple to appease her, that she might not swallow all the lands in her chaos. The Sand Goddess is not easily ignored.
- The Temple of Time, most high and holy place in Hyrule, the very entrance to the Sacred Realm. Herein lies the Altar of Time, to open the Door of Time, to witness to beauty of the Master Sword. It is the parallel to the holiest of places you will ever find in your travels...
- The Temple of Light, a place of everlasting, pristine beauty, the Realm of the Triforce and the Chamber of Sages. A last outpost of good facing an onslaught of evil. Its holiness is now surrounded by everlasting dark, to fall in would be to fall forever. The darkest of hearts has penetrated the light, and doom seems nigh at hand...
- What became of the great temple? None remain who know...the Evil Realm was born and the Palace of Darkness erected. A world of mutilation, the land tortured and groaning. How does so much evil come from that which is so pure? Where now will good stand?
- The Earth Temple was once true to its name, a place of good smells and life. But then that same darkness that all the worlds already knew came again and the temple was filled with the horrible stench of death. The beauty of the Zora sage was lost forever...who know shall protect the Master Sword?
- The Wind Temple was once a joyous place, filled with the sounds of the forest and a gentle breeze. Once the darkness came, however, the breeze became a gale and drowned out the sounds of the wood. The happiness of the Kokiri sage was gone forever...where now shall the prayers to the Goddesses be held?
Perhaps there is one who knows...
* I must admit, this theory borders upon some sort of story, and, like the rest of the RotT theories, needs more evidence. I'll work on that, I swear, but this theory, at any rate, is in it's final form.