Ganon has to be by far the most entertaining character in The Legend of Zelda TV series. Despite being the main antagonist and plotting out evil schemes in almost every episode, he takes the Skeletor-style role wherein he is never taken too seriously for long and his goofy personality outshines his nefarious proclivities.
I’ve already discussed one of my personal humorous highlights of the cartoon, with Ganon delivering the silliest line of dialogue with the utmost seriousness. As it turns out, this animated interpretation of the Demon King is the gift that keeps on giving.
Towards the end of the first episode, “The Ringer,” Ganon has stolen the Triforce of Wisdom and is attempting to make his way back to the Underworld. Link and Zelda stop him in his tracks, forcing the villain to summon an army of Stalfos in a last-ditch effort to escape.
It’s immediately clear that the Stalfos are no match for Link and Zelda’s co-operative combat skills, and when one of the skeletal creatures is knocked back at the feet of its master, Ganon decides to offer some advice.
“Get them like this!” he screeches, before performing a boxing demonstration.
At no point does Ganon show any physical combat abilities throughout the cartoon, relying instead on his magic when fighting Link and Zelda. Despite this, he still believes himself to be the next Muhammad Ali and chooses an opportune time to teach his dumbfounded minion the ropes.
It’s the insane and hysterical laughter while Ganon throws punches in the air that gets me every time. In an instant, he goes from an evil tyrant to an excited child. I can recall many great Ganon moments in the TV series, but this was the first truly funny moment for me. It was during this scene that I knew this series was going to be special.
