The Message of Majora's Mask

Originally Posted by sage_of_fire

Yes it is speculation, but so is pretty much every zelda theory or any scientific theory at first. Speculation eventual gives way to either fact or fiction, the problem is finding out which one it will be as soon as possible.

Speculation is usually backed by solid evidence, which the basis of this theory sadly lacks. And if this theory has been in the works for so long and still lacks any proof of actual value that says something about it.
Anyway this doesn't contradict my point that the hand could easily only have been included as decoration.

Originally Posted by Magic-Tech

Speculation is usually backed by solid evidence, which the basis of this theory sadly lacks. And if this theory has been in the works for so long and still lacks any proof of actual value that says something about it.
Anyway this doesn't contradict my point that the hand could easily only have been included as decoration.

Thank you. That's why I've never liked this theory. It's too much "This could mean this, and if THAT'S the case, it could mean this, and if THAT'S the case--", and not enough evidence. Just him saying "man, that looks like a penis. IT MUST MEAN SOMETHING."

And I never saw penis until you made this theory, so thank you for ruining the Stone Tower Temple entrance for me. D:< Gotta say, though, the crotch-licking blocks are trippy and scary.

edit: Just thought I'd clarify, I have nothing against Hylian Dan himself; any man who loves Majora's Mask like I do is alright with me. I just don't like the theory.
There. Cleared up.

Of course it won't have solid evidence, that is what a theory is.

Well if solid evidence is needed for every zelda theory, then the vast majority of them are pointless. We seriously need some Nintedo reps to read some of this stuff lol.

^Yes but the evidence is not meant to be "solid"

Originally Posted by MDS13

Of course it won't have solid evidence, that is what a theory is.

In scientific parlance, "theory" does not mean "wild guess", or even "educated guess" for that matter, though it certainly errs closer to the latter; the former falls within the purview of popular usage. Stated simply, a scientific theory is a predictive model developed to explain a given phenomenon and backed by large amounts of hard data consistent with its forecasts. Nothing that has ever been posted in this section comes anywhere close to that level of rigor, for the obvious reason that it is fiction and the developers have not made everything internally consistent.

As for me, I think the message of Majora's Mask is fairly clear: Try not to get hit by a falling moon.

Of course this is all interpretation.

And there are limits to how much evidence I can find to prove it, given that Termina is an artificial world. If the creators didn't want to leave solid proof of this, then there won't be any. After all, they could potentially get in trouble for the phallus thing if it had been as obvious as the Muslim references in OoT.

Majora's Mask differs from other Zeldas in that it was designed as a mystery, not as a straightforward adventure story/game. The faith theme is probably the central mystery at the heart of the game; players are meant to put together the variety of clues spread throughout the game to arrive at that message. In addition to that, the game is comprised of many other mysteries of varying significance. In some cases, the player needs to solve the mystery in order to progress in the game or gain material rewards (Ex. Finding the missing Goron Elder, discovering Pamela's secret, finding Kafei). These sorts of mysteries are common in videogames, though Majora's Mask emphasizes them a bit more than usual.

Then there are the mysteries surrounding the backstory of the game. The Stone Tower is one of these mysteries, but given how dark, complex, and perhaps inappropriate it is, the game doesn't go out of its way to draw attention to it. There are a few other backstory mysteries similar to the Stone Tower one. One of these is the mystery of Skull Kid and his relationship with Termina and the Giants. The answer to this mystery is presented pretty clearly in the game: there's the secret cut-scene in which Anju's Grandmother tells the story of the imp, and during the conclusion of the game we find out that the Skull Kid and the Giants were friends.

There's also the mystery of the Deku Butler's son. The answer to this mystery is a bit darker, so the game presents the answer a bit more obtusely. Skull Kid/Majora killed the Deku Butler's son and trapped Link in the form of the departed soul. The cut-scene at the end of the game, showing the butler shaking by the dead tree, alludes to this answer. And, luckily, Nintendo Power explicitly confirmed that the dead tree is the butler's son in response to a fan's letter.

Then there's the mystery involving Anju's mother and Tortus. When you wear Kafei's Mask in front of Anju's mother, she becomes outraged, but to understand her reaction you need to do some digging. There's the secret cut-scene in the inn, revealing Anju's conversation with her mother. The answer to the mystery is alluded to during this conversation, but another bit of hidden dialogue reveals the answer more explicitly. If you talk to Anju's mother at Romani Ranch while Anju is waiting at the inn for Kafei, Anju's mother reveals that her husband, Tortus, ran off long ago. She believed he would return, but he never did and her heart was broken. She becomes outraged when she sees Kafei's Mask because it is a reminder that her daughter is now facing this same tragedy.

This is the sort of game Majora's Mask is (this is why I feel comfortable exploring this theory even though plenty of people say I'm looking too deeply). Nintendo designed MM so that the gameplay involves playing the role of a detective. The Babel theory is the result of my personal detective work. First of all, during the many times I played the game, I had many questions about Stone Tower. Why does the Triforce appear in the game? I came up with this answer while I was still new to this forum, but it wasn't a very satisfying or complete answer. There were other specific questions I had: Why is there a giant pointing hand at the top of the tower? Why is there part of an emblem painted at the top of the statue of the face?

Any number of possible answers could be proposed. Magic-Tech provided a bunch of alternatives, for instance. But they don't really help with the detective work. Maybe the Triforce was really being respected by those gargoyles. But if we consider this solution, what answers does it lead us to? Why would Nintendo slip in the Triforce here when it doesn't appear anywhere else in Termina? Why would they expect their audience of teenagers to see a gargoyle licking a known holy relic, displayed next to a pair of buttcheeks, and think "Hey, that's a sign of respect"? You're free to form your own theory regarding this, but to me this interpretation seems like a dead end.

Even though I can't actually prove my interpretation, the connections I made provided answers to most of the questions I already had regarding Stone Tower. A bunch of subtleties became apparent that I wouldn't have noticed otherwise (for instance, when the Goddesses indirectly flip the tower, the Triforce is displayed much more prominently). Not only that, this interpretation even led me to the answer as to why the moon is falling, which is the central conflict on the story's surface. This revelation is so dark and significant that it seems appropriate that Nintendo alluded to it very cryptically, as opposed to explaining it through hidden exposition as they did with some other mysteries. If you're looking for scientific proof of this, there isn't any, but the game focuses on the task of doing detective world to arrive at an understanding of the strange world around you, and I find the Babel theory to be a satisfying and plausible explanation.

*clap clap. Well done sir. I must say that this theory in particular has become my favorite zelda theory.

This theory is actually pretty good it. I read in a old post some time ago about how when you first turn into the deku shrub (a little before it?) you see a triforce that is off somewhat, and the person said they believed it symbolized how the terminia people gave up hope/faith on the goddesses.

Originally Posted by warriorccc0

This theory is actually pretty good it. I read in a old post some time ago about how when you first turn into the deku shrub (a little before it?) you see a triforce that is off somewhat, and the person said they believed it symbolized how the terminia people gave up hope/faith on the goddesses.

Yeah, the lights in the chamber where this happens. There are three triangles formed where the light hits the ground. If you took the three parts of the triangle, and turned them upside down, that's what it would look like.

Yes I noticed that too. A sort of inverted triforce.

This is great! ^^ Very interesting--I'll never look at Termina the same way again!

Originally Posted by Hylian Dan

lots of words about things

Okay, see, this answer makes all of it make more sense. I'm totally cool with the idea of coming up with all of these ideas as a probable explanation for everything; thinking "Huh, wonder why that's there? Hmm... this would make sense..." is something I do sometimes. My only issue when it's passed off as fact (I realize that this isn't what you're trying to do, at least not to that extent).

But I've said it before and I'll say it again: This seems much less to be a "theory" and more "fan fiction".

Originally Posted by Ando

Okay, see, this answer makes all of it make more sense. I'm totally cool with the idea of coming up with all of these ideas as a probable explanation for everything; thinking "Huh, wonder why that's there? Hmm... this would make sense..." is something I do sometimes. My only issue when it's passed off as fact (I realize that this isn't what you're trying to do, at least not to that extent).

But I've said it before and I'll say it again: This seems much less to be a "theory" and more "fan fiction".

I tried not to let myself veer off into fan fiction with this. That's why I don't really try to explore the backstory of the Garo tribe, for example. There seem to be a number of interesting connections involving the tribe--for instance, the Garo Master appears in the room that holds the Light Arrows and leads to Twinmold's lair, and the design of his mask reminds me of the Giant's Mask. The Garo Ninjas are described in the game as shells of their former selves, which to me definitely seems to be hinting at a connection to the Elegy of Emptiness, or some dark fate that befell the tribe. But there isn't enough information for me to arrive at any clear conclusions that I can logically defend, so I feel like if I try to come up with theories about them I end up writing fan fiction.

Same deal with the storyline about the masked one thrusting open the gates of Stone Tower, cursing Ikana. The details of that storyline are difficult to sort out.

There even seems to be a connection between Ikana and the Clock Tower. The emblem of Ikana seems to be an image of a man with two faces: a normal one on his head and another appearing over his stomach. I assume this is a reference to the line: "The face under the mask...is that your true face?" Anyways, this image appears on the walls of the Ancient Castle of Ikana, the brooches of Igos du Ikana, his servants, and Captain Keeta, the robes of the spirits with one red eye, and on the walls of Clock Tower. There seems to be a connection, but I think it's too much of a leap to claim that the people of Ikana founded Clock Town or something.

I like discussing the Babel stuff more than those things because the connections are clearer and I feel like the conclusions I've reached aren't ideas I've fabricated, but specific things the designers of the game were alluding to.

For the record, someone commenting on the article pointed out that the Japanese word "ikan" means regret. Another person claimed to have read an old interview that said that Ganon's Tower in OoT was inspired by the Tower of Babel, but I have no idea if that's true. (There's also the Babel-like Black Tower in Oracle of Ages.)

I want to say that this is a very good theory. Who would have thought that there was a Biblical reference in MM? I, for one, dind't put much thought onto the surroundings of MM. Then again, I played it long ago. I am also biased with the fact that Nintendo or, particularly, Zelda is not big on allusions like Final Fantasy and other RPGs. Though maybe I've overlooked some of the possible meanings in Zelda.

But, anyway, it does make a lot of sense, and the connections really seem to be there. Very plausible theory. And you also did a good job-- the theory didn't go as far as making it a work of fiction like someone here mentioned. It's clearly just a theory. But, unfortunately, I can't help it to be a little skeptical. Correct me if I'm wrong, but Aonuma directed MM, right? If you were to meet him and tell him of the theory, he is likely claim that he never meant any of that. It may all be overanalyzation or misinterpretation. But who knows?

In your theorie I thinkm it said the triforce can only be seen by flipping stone tower, but i'm almost sure the piillars in termina feild bear it to.

Ooo, nicely done. It makes me go into a deep philosophical mood, which is nice.

Originally Posted by Hylian Dan

still a lot of words but that's cool because i read them all

Aye, now that you point it out, many of the connections you mentioned (Garo and the Elegy of Emptiness, amongst others) do make some sense. Again, not in the definite fact or even really a solid theory sense, but in the "Well, they never say it, but it certainly would make a lot of sense if this were the case" sort of way.

I think that a lot of the similarities between things around Termina (such as the symbols found in various seemingly un-related places, e.g. the Ikana symbol on the Clock Tower) are really just the developers' way of showing that this is, or used to be, one unified world. Anju's Grandmother did state in "The Four Giants" that all people used to live together before spreading across to the four sides of the world. So maybe it is possible that the people of Ikana built (or at least had a hand in building) the Clock Tower before leaving for Ikana Canyon? Ah, but this isn't the place for theorizing, now is it?

Also, just to say, I consider the "ikan = regret in Japanese" point a little moot, considering that in the Japanese version of Majora's Mask, the area is called Rockvale, not Ikana. The translators might have had "ikan" in thought while translating, though. (Also, another definition of "ikan" [depending on the kanji] is "a wondrous or great sight", another definition being "a curious sight", which Ikana certainly is, wouldn't you say?)

Originally Posted by IGNIS

It may all be overanalyzation or misinterpretation.

Heh, I've always thought that. Seems that we fans think about the games more deeply than the creators do.

This is one of the best theories I have ever read. It was fun to read, and eveything made sense. Everything was based off of some sort of fact, interperated by the overall feeling of the characters and what mood they gave Termina as a whole. Everything was supported by the simple phrase "Have faith." Faith is the key, and those who do not have it are doomed. Those who do are saved, in some way. It's brilliant.

Originally Posted by Ando

Ah, but this isn't the place for theorizing, now is it?

Sure it is.

Also, just to say, I consider the "ikan = regret in Japanese" point a little moot, considering that in the Japanese version of Majora's Mask, the area is called Rockvale, not Ikana. The translators might have had "ikan" in thought while translating, though. (Also, another definition of "ikan" [depending on the kanji] is "a wondrous or great sight", another definition being "a curious sight", which Ikana certainly is, wouldn't you say?)

Interesting. But then again, it would be awkward if the Japanese version kept the name Ikana, like if the English version named the valley "Regret." And the name "Rockvale" is consistent with the naming style of the other regions--Woodfall, Snowhead, Great Bay.

But while we're on the subject of localization, I've scanned an excellent old Nintendo Power article that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the localization process for MM:

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4

If I were to overanalyze this article, I would draw attention to the part where Jason mentions that the dungeons are connected to the falling moon.

I think it's a very interesting article, especially since there's been a lot of discussion here and elsewhere about whether the Zelda team could really pull off the depth I attribute to MM. I didn't really read into this while writing my article, but I'd like to point out how many of the people on the team missed their families, and expressed that through the game.

My article covers what is the answer to the mystery at the heart of Majora's Mask, but I didn't explicitly point out what exactly is the mystery at the heart of the game. The central mystery of Majora's Mask is the question, "How do I cope when a loved one is missing?"

Link has lost Navi and Epona.
Zelda has lost Link.
Skull Kid has lost the Giants.
Tatl and Tael have lost each other and Skull Kid.
Kafei is missing, leaving behind his family and Anju.
Anju's mother has lost her husband, Tortus.
Cremia is worried about losing her friend Anju.
Romani doesn't want to lose Link.
Gorman is separated from his brothers.
The Clock Town Business Scrub is away from his wife.
The Deku King has lost his daughter.
The monkeys have lost one of their own.
Koume has gone missing.
The Deku Butler has lost his son.
The Goron Elder's son is away from his father.
The Goron Tribe has lost Darmani.
Lulu and the Zoras have lost Mikau.
The two seahorse friends have been separated.
The composer Flat has been betrayed by his brother Sharp.
Pamela is losing her father.

And then there's the problem that everyone is going to lose everyone and everything in a few days.

The answer to this mystery is to have faith and don't succumb to the doubts that threaten to eat away at you and break the bonds of friendship. After all, whenever there is a meeting, a parting is sure to follow.

The story of Tortus does bring up an interesting counterpoint to this message, which is why I included that quote from Anju's mother in my article. She had faith in her husband, but it was misplaced. His betrayal devastated her. It made her life unhappy, and she no longer believes in faith.

That's why there is also the message of forgiveness included in the game. Betrayals happen, but you can't let them destroy you. You need to believe in your friends enough to forgive their failures. But in the case of Tortus, nothing Anju's mother could do would change the fact that Tortus would be gone forever.

And this is why the game also emphasizes the importance of having a strong heart and believing in yourself, because sometimes you will be all alone and have no one but yourself. Notice that the great showdown between the Fierce Deity and Majora, faith and doubt, takes place after everyone has gone away. Also note how the statue in Stone Tower Temple is, literally, a broken heart. Considering the variety of masks that appear in the game, it's interesting that Majora's Mask has the shape of a corrupted heart. (You also hear a heartbeat as Majora's Wrath appears.)

All of this is why there's the reference to the story of the Tower of Babel, which is a famous myth about the division of mankind. MM's story is about bridging the gaps between people. Notice how much significance the game attributes to the Couple's Mask, which symbolizes the happy union of two people.

Jason Leung points out that "Working with strangers and missing loved ones can be the basis for an adventure." It sounds like he was in tune with the game's central message. He also mentions how his translation was carefully reviewed to make sure it preserved the intent of the original.

Yeah, Twilight Princess's story was shallow as hell. But the impression I got from that NP article was that this Zelda team was trying to tell a much more personal story with Majora's Mask. They were riding off the strength of Ocarina of Time, which poked at many of the deeper themes of MM. Link leaving Saria, Sheik's speeches about friendship and time, the Happy Mask Salesman's advice, even Ganon's Tower of Babel (if that person was telling the truth). Majora's Mask is in many ways a more fleshed out version of OoT. TP was an imitation of OoT seeking mass appeal. It's feasible that the same general group could be responsible for both games and have one be substantially deeper than the other.

I kind of regret not being more explicit about this in my article, but some of this stuff I've only thought of just now. I also deliberately made the last two sections of the article a bit ambiguous. I hoped that as readers reached the end of the article, they'd come to rely less on me interpreting the game for them and start thinking more deeply about the story on their own.

And just as another note, I wrote the second half of the article just after the end of finals. I was staying at my college an extra week for job training but almost all my friends were gone and I was sitting in an empty dorm.