Long before Link drew the Master Sword, a prophecy foretold that when evil loomed, a hero would appear, and the sages would awaken. The sages are drawn from different races across Hyrule—Hylians, Kokiri, Gorons, Zora, Gerudo, and the mysterious Sheikah. Each holds a connection to one of six Temples, which have been corrupted by Ganondorf’s evil power.
After Link defeats Ganon (in his monstrous beast form), the six sages (excluding Zelda) extend their power to hold the villain while Zelda and Link use the Ocarina of Time to close the gateway to the Sacred Realm. Their unified light creates a dimensional prison—one that would not break until the events of The Wind Waker centuries later.
When Ganondorf Dragmire tricks Link into opening the Door of Time, he enters the Sacred Realm, claims the Triforce of Power, and launches a surprise attack on the Sages. The trauma of this attack transforms the Sacred Realm into the Dark World and scatters the Sages' spirits across Hyrule, forcing them into hiding or reincarnation.
As Link, you'll embark on a quest to defeat Ganondorf and save Hyrule. Your journey will take you to various temples, where you'll meet the Sages and help them seal their respective powers. With their guidance and assistance, you'll be able to harness the power of the elements and ultimately defeat Ganondorf.
Here are the seven sages, their elements, and their stories.
Rauru is the ancient Hylian who built the Temple of Time and sealed the Sacred Realm. He is the first sage Link meets, greeting him in the Chamber of Sages after his seven-year sleep. As the Sage of Light, he serves as the group’s wise overseer and reveals the truth about the Triforce and the hero’s destiny.