Summary
Across theLegend of Zeldafranchise, plenty of iconic locations have delighted and challenged players. The kingdom of Hyrule reuses a consistent set of themed environments, and it tends to label said environments with similar names. For example, the Lost Woods, Zora’s Domain, and Hyrule Castle Town make frequent appearances throughout theLegend of Zeldaseries, each respectively hosting a significant force of good that must be hidden away, the Zora civilization, and the central Hylian seat of power. If one of these locations shows up, players can expect it to mirror those that have come before it.
Standing with the other recognizableZeldalocales is Death Mountain. Often portrayed as an active volcano, this frequent stop on Link’s adventures is named for the immense danger its environment presents to normal humans. Only the hardy Gorons and assorted monsters can bear living on it, and they’re able to thrive if left in peace. Having been withThe Legend of Zeldasince its first entry, Death Mountain is a recognizable part of the series’ legacy. With all of that said, however, the manyZeldatitles tend to portray Death Mountain in one of two dramatically different ways.
Death Mountain is 2D Zelda’s Domain Of Treachery and Evil
InThe Legend of Zelda’s younger days, Death Mountain used to not only be associated with danger, but threats to Hyrule itself. The original NESLegend of Zeldaintroduced Death Mountain as an accursed location guarded by theZeldafranchise’s frustrating Lynel enemies, and a space-warping place called the Lost Hills, acting similarly to the Lost Woods. However, they and the Level 5 dungeon they concealed were not Death Mountain’s only secrets, as Ganon actually built his Level 9 base inside the mountain. This portrayal went on to define how Death Mountain appeared throughout the 2DZeldaentries.
Common traits of a Death Mountain gripped by evil are late-game dungeons, sometimes belonging to Ganon himself, and places where the geography is almost impossible to navigate. The former is found in theoverworld of the originalZeldaandA Link to the Past, while the latter is represented by a maze of tunnels inThe Adventure of Link, andFour Swords Adventures’ Hebra’s Hill calling back to the Lost Hills.Four Swords’ Death Mountain is a more generic dungeon location, butALBW’s Death Mountain commands player respect with both its Light and Dark World dungeons, and the Treacherous Tower battle gauntlet.
The Legend of Zelda’s Gorons Call 3D Death Mountains Their Home
Fortunately, 3DZeldaDeath Mountains are a little more hospitable thanks to the presence of Gorons. Since the tribe’s introduction inOcarina of Time, almost everyZeldagame with a Goron societyplaced it on Death Mountain. Befitting the active volcano’s name, it’s still not a place most other tribes venture, as lava flows and either boulders or outright molten rock can cascade down the mountain alongside the occasional rolling Goron. Still, for those able to make the trip, it’s a very inviting place in times of peace.
Games with a Goron-inhabited Death Mountain have, so far, all followed thetemplate set byOcarina of Time’s Death Mountain. One or two dungeons in Death Mountain are causing trouble for the Gorons, and they need Link’s help to restore peace. After that, the underground or open-air Goron City becomes a lively place of trade. Death Mountain will always be a treacherous climb in anyLegend of Zelda, but Link will need to brave it sooner or later, and any friendly inhabitants will be more than happy to see him root out the evil that’s taken hold of the region.
