I've always interpreted "Kokiri die when they leave the forest" to mean that so long as they remain in the forest, they're immortal; when outside of the forest, they'll age like any other humanoid
I interpreted that as a white lie by the Deku Tree. Kokiri Forest is the safest place in Hyrule because the Deku Tree was actively using magic to keep it safe. It's like a parent making up a story about a monster to teach kids about danger without directly telling them something they're not ready to learn
I've always liked how Fae the forest seems. Like an old school fairy story. Children given to the tree spirit become immortal forever children as long as they stay, but children who get lost and are not accepted by the spirits become skull kids. The adults that trespass become stalphos, all of them, stalphos.
@@ProperBird If a door to door sales woman has the name "I just kicked you in the dick while you read this" on the card they just handed me, I am not going to forgive them for it. I say woman, because men go to jail when they SA people in broad daylight for fun.
Fun fact about the Milk Bar, what they are likely selling is Kumis, a fermented beverage made from raw milk along side regular raw milk. There is a lot that can be covered in Majora's Mask that I feel cannot be contained within a mere 2 hours. Especially when there is a lot you can do to either spruce up your replay of the game or even strategies to end bosses faster and get rupees much quicker. I also like that there's a chance after finishing Cremia's quest and doing any repeats, you can get either some money or a hug. Something I imagine must have been the world to Link who hasn't been comforted in who knows how long. The Hero of Time has it rough man... I don't think a lot of people realize what that poor kid's been through.
@@ProperBird Same. Did you know you can take out Goht by using a bow and arrow? He'll behave quite differently if you try to snipe him out. I really like the freedom the game gives you when it comes to how you want to progress. The same however couldn't be said for Majora's Mask HD even if there are some improvements it hurts itself real hard with how they restrict things a certain way. That and being forced to wrestle with the Giant's Mask but also not letting the player fight the bosses however you'd like as was in the original. It was a weird correction that didn't need changing. Worse yet for the Zora mechanics where your top speed is only usable when USING your limited magic.
Fun fact: all the major bosses' names are descriptive of them. Odolwa - From Japanese "odoru wa" ("I dance") Goht - Pronounced like "goat" Gyorg - From Japanese "gyo" ("fish") Twinmold - Twin Moldorm (longstanding Zelda enemy)
That doesn't quite work. It's not ギョーグ, it's グヨーグ Gu Yo - Gu. But it is probably still supposed to evoke the sound of a fish monster one might see in a kaiju movie. And the localizers who changed it to 'gyorg' might have had the word 'gyo' in mind too, not realizing this isn't written that way.
Twin Moldorn? I don't remember that from older Zelda games, but I know there are similar bosses in older Zelda games such as in a Link to the Past and the boss is just called "Twinmold". I think it might be in the original Zelda as well, but I've always heard it called Twinmold and never Twin Moldorm. I don't really know how it's descriptive of the boss itself other than the "twin" part since there are two similar giant worm things.
@@billdicklechips Just Moldorm. Which is a longterm older enemy (not necessarily a boss though.) from other zelda games. Theyre saying it's called "Twin Mold" because the Mold comes from "Moldorm". The Moldorm is usually a centipede, I think it's been like, just a worm at least once? But I'm not positive on that part.
@@WhereIsMySock03 i believe its usally a worm. A link to the past, windwaker, and Twilight Princess being what has it as boss, normal enemies, or both.
1:29:00 Actually the Song of Time _does_ have time traveling powers in OOT. It's hard to notice in normal gameplay, but the Song of Time blocks that appear or disappear are actually moving through time. When you make one disappear as an adult, it will be present when you visit that location as a child. Due to either an oversight or engine limitations though, this doesn't appear to work as intended within dungeons, where the majority of the blocks are located. However, you _can_ observe this in Goron city, near the lava pool with a hookshot target and a business scrub grotto on the far side
Yes. The Blocks, Ocarina of Time, and the Master Sword's handle are made of Time Stone, the stuff mined in Skyward Sword. So, it is an inherent property of the artifacts themselves to be able to time travel. And Zelda as a Time Sage, can activate them. So, too, those who know the Song of Time and have a Time Stone crafted device.
Great Video, I very much agree that the game is about acceptance, though I'd a bit more to that. Its about acceptance, but its also about healing, Link healing from his previous adventure in Ocarina of Time. At the end of Ocarina of Time, Link had grown through a bunch of messed up stuff at the mental age of 10 years old, lost all the people he had a connection with, lost Navi, and was no longer known in the world as a hero. So, he goes off looking for Navi, to find the one person who knows what he went through, but then gets swept up in Termina. I think that the relationship between the Giants and Skull kid is supposed to mirror Navis and Links, about moving on. My favorite moment of this is after the Stone Tower Temple, when the giant says "Forgive your Friend", while defintely talking about the skull kid, I dont think its too far of a stretch to think hes also talking to Link to forgive Navi for leaving him. I think the whole the game is about coming to terms with things, and finding hope and purpose in dark times. By the end, I think Link has come to terms with what happend with his adventure in Hyrule, and is ready to move on with his life, as he enters a "Dawn of a New Day". After this, knowing the Hero of Time is the Hero's shade, I think after serving as a knight in a war, he settles down for a simplier life and has a family. In times of peace, he does not want to force his kids to go through what he had to has the hero, and lets them live simplier lives. He senses, however, that ganondorf will return, and after dying of old age, returns as a ghost/spirit in order to ensure the next hero, Twilight Princess Link, his descendent, is ready to take on whatever comes at him. After his descendent has fullfilled his destiny, only then can he rest and move on. Sorry for the ramble, just wanted to express my theory about the Hero of Time, idk if you plan on taking about his life after MM, but none the less, great job on this video, keep it up : )
I always thought I was crazy for thinking that Link's experiences in Termina were akin to therapy. The game feels incredibly introspective. Not to say Termina itself doesn't matter, but it feels as though it serves as the vehicle for Link to move on from what he's gone through. There's just too many parallels. Also, I had never seen the forgive your friend bit that way, that's really cool actually
1:26:30 regarding the happy mask salesman, the clocktower interior is the only place where time doesn't move forwards. It's almost like the salesman has seperated it from the rest of Termina and building off of what you already said about him, can somehow know what Link has accomplished before MM starts and follow his progress through the game. P.S. I know time kinda stops after you beat any of the 4 bosses, wich makes me think Happy Salesman is a being similar to the 4 giants, in that they don't really get affected by the passage of time the same way the ppl of Termina do and Link having the power to go back, granted by the Godess of time, when he needs to says to me that he,The happy mask salesman, was similarily blessed so that he could undertake his responsibilities. (The Giants are blessed, so that they may protect the lands, Link is blessed because he was called on to be a champion, and the salesman was blessed to ensure the souls of the dead could pass peacfully to the afterlife. The song of healing does just that, for the most part.
@@Sirfinchyyy I did but I like that theory too! It's like he drew the Clock Tower's interior into a small pocket of the sacred realm to keep time from moving.
I think I've watched every Majora's Mask analysis video with a decent number of views over the years and this was the best one. Such rich and thoughtful analysis. I loved the way you integrated historical Japanese cultural context + very specific details from the game's environment and dialogue that I had never thought of before. Thank you for taking the time to make this video and for approaching this story like a piece of art. You've helped me appreciate one of my favorite games even more.
I just wanna say, I listened/watched this while drawing, and it's such an amazing video! ❤ your voice is super nice to listen to and very calming and relaxing! This is my first video of yours and I absolutely enjoy your explaining of everything about MM! :D
It seems this is the first time I've seen something from your channel, and it just randomly appeared in my feed. That said, many people in the comments seem happy to see you make a video, and after watching this in it's entirety, I see where that comes from. Thank you for making what is probably one of my new most favorite videos on this platform about one of my favorite games of all time. You've more than done it justice and I'm officially excited to see what else your channel has in store!
Like the concept behind the boss monsters. Not just random creatures, but warped representations of what their people saw them as. Perhaps I'm reading too much into it, but I could see it as the skull kid lashing out at them specifically using that. "You chose them over me! Well look what they did to you."
Majora’s Mask has been one of my favorite video games since the moment I first rented it in late 2000. I still have the copy I got as a birthday present in 2001. Over the past few days I’ve been playing it again, and of course started digging into the characters and themes of the game again. Your theory about Link’s fruitless search for Navi made me realize some things about my own life. I know this is unsolicited, but here’s why I say that: Over the course of my 20s in the 2010s, I built a life. I got married relatively young, bought a house, and found what I believed would be lifelong friends. At the end of 2019, my marriage fell apart. It was amicable. We essentially realized we weren’t so similar anymore and wanted different things. We parted ways quietly, sold the house, vowed to remain friends, all that jazz. Needless to say, when Covid hit a few months later, we both encountered major life changes. She found comfort in an old friend who she wound up marrying a year later, and I entered a very dark period of profound solitude that would last over two years. Everyone I believed I’d never lose, all my friends, moved on, and I was left clinging to whatever pieces of that old life I could. And cling I did, as hard as possible. Gradually everything fell away, and my life stalled out. With no one to care for but myself, I had no idea what to do. I couldn’t understand why things couldn’t just be steady and remain the same. With all the people and places that once framed my life gone, I was forced to look at all that was left: Myself. I finally began to try and move forward a couple years ago. Still in my hometown, I found some new friends and pushed myself through toward the light. Recently, though, I discovered I was still searching for the perceived stability of that old life and had never accepted that it was simply gone. In 6 months, I will be leaving my hometown for the first time in my life in an attempt to start completely fresh and build a new life. This video helped me to finally understand that the only constant is change and I must accept it in order to continue on. The life I built in my 20s is gone. I am here now, and it’s up to me to go forward with the understanding that change is inevitable and I must ride each wave of change in order to keep going. Perhaps the time I spent in total solitude was similar to Link’s time in Termina, struggling to accept change and continue on. This game, released when I was 7 years old, means more to me now at 31 than it ever has. It’s taught me more about life than I could have ever imagined. I realize I’m thinking awful deep about a Nintendo 64 game, but I reckon we’ve all thought pretty deeply about this one. I’m glad you did this. Thank you.
Great vid, ive watched a dozen majoras mask vids and am pretty tired of hearing the same "mysteries/theories" such as the comic with the dragon that had magic armor to make majoras mask, the dead link theory, ben drowned, the deku nightmare that made its way into the game, and so many more repeated theories but after the section where you went over the game other tgab the religious aspect all were brand new to me, very fresh take glad i watched
Not only are you talking about zelda. You have one of the most lovely voices I have ever come across. I am subscribing and watching all your content can't wait for more.
Simply astounding! Along with my current playthrough of MM, this and many other videos like it just help solidify my love for Majora's Mask as my all time favorite in the series. The entire Elegy of Emptiness section just opened my eyes so much more as I, for the most part, would always hear it tie into the "Link is dead" theory to something a bit deeper and really goes to show how this Link truly embodies the spirit and essence of Courage! Every Link has the courage within them to become their own legend, from the Hero of Time who saved Hyrule, to the savior of Termina and cleansing Majora's Mask, to persisting on in spirit to pass on his teachings as the Hero's Shade and to provide the same courage for future generations like the Hero of Twilight, this Link, above all else, will put his duty to others before duty to himself. Long ramblings aside, Zelda lore and the land of Hyrule will never cease to pique my interest, can't wait to rewatch in my longform vids playlist!!
6:10 The hide & seek minigame isn't really that bad. You can stun the boys with bubbles as Deku Link and you only have to do the game once after you learn the code.
Ohh this takes me back❤. Fun fact about the bomber gang hide an seek, if you go straight to the one blocking the tunnel to the clock tower with passcode you get, u can bypass the 2nd round of hide and seek
The second round of hide and seek is purely for the book, but you're the second one to mention it so maybe I never knew they give you the book the moment you put in the passcode? 😅
@@ProperBird If you remember the passcode and go into the hideout as Hylian Link, then come out, you'll get a cutscene where Jim gives you the Notebook. I believe you have to come out through the entrance to trigger it. It's also one of the many changes in the 3D remake, where the Happy Mask Salesman gives you the Notebook after teaching you the Song of Healing - the 3D version of the Notebook doesn't give you people's full schedules when you add them to the book, but it also comes with a second page, with a full quest list, tracking completed quests, in-progress quests, and "rumours" - when you're in Clock Town, the bomber kids will approach to give you hints about sidequests you've got the gear for, but haven't started yet (one rumour per quest).
I love Majora's Mask and the interesting concepts it has. I also love long-form videos and theories on this game. Thank you for the fun video and sharing your thoughts!
First time finding your channel thanks to the algorithm. Thank you for the detailed video about one of my fave Zelda titles! Also your voice is so soothing to listen to. Take my sub❤
I never played Majora's Mask... which given my track record of starting, and then, not finishing Zelda games, is probably a good thing for the people Link has to save.
one thing i do love about the game is how the 3 day cycle allows you to tackle the game how ever you want, whether if its doing a side quest, buying a specific item, getting a new mask, doing one of the four dungeons, etc, and if for whatever reason think you can't make it on time, just play the song of time and try again with a different approach the game has a freedom factor and a certain vibe that I can never get tired of, which is why this game is my favorite zelda game!
I think MM is a representation of what will happen if link keeps traversing the Lost Woods in his quest. Me thinks that Skull Kid IS Link and I'll say that Epona isn't dumb enough to let "anyone" ride her let alone the luigi clone reject. But epona accepts the ride and keeps riding until she realizes it isn't link. Somehow I think Termina is a place where Skull kid created to befriend Link and play with him in a shitfy way.
What a joy of a video. You had me captivated the entire way through, and despite retelling the entire story, you actually have made me want to play Majora's Mask again. What a thing. Hard sub from me.
I don't really know enough about this game to properly evaluate your theories. I only know that they were fascinating and made sense to me! Thanks for a thoughtful and thought-provoking video!
Only 10 minutes in and I'm already delighted with your editing and script. So glad to see a Majora's mask breakdown from you. One of my favourites. Edit: I really loved your approach to this. It felt like you were telling a story, rather than just talking about theories or lore. Well done.
I finished and I'm floored! I really don't know how you even began connecting all these pieces, let alone building a cohesive whole! Fantastic work as ever Jinzee!
Great video ! The Fierce Deity mask and the meaning behind Link becoming a wrathful deity that destroys obstacles to enlightenment, to moving on and accetance is really touching when taken into the wider context of the game and his story of searching for his friend. It's made a little tragic when he inevitably becomes the Hero's Shade, but I guess he de-enlightened in the meantime. Loved the reading of Termina as a type of afterlife too ! It really is a weird and compelling world
An incredible video, the Navi theory really breaks me thinking about it because knowing that the person with you through all of this won't make it past the end of the journey and having to come to terms with that but losing yourself in the process is so...hurtful to think about. Link saves the whole world and the only person beside him who remembers it all just...dies and instead of coming to terms with it, he scours the land looking for them only to fall into this twisted tale and essentially do it all again. Tragic but beautiful.
6:11 FUN FACT: Actually, once you receive the Bombers code the 1st time, you can just give the guard the code as Link. The guard will let you in. Jim will be amazed that you have the code and will leave you with you with some hilarious dialog.
I'm glad I stumbled upon this video! After all these years, it seems there're still lectures about this game that can surprise me. Got me interested in your channel!
My next scheduled donation day is a few days away. I like taking my oled switch because you can prop it up and watch videos pretty easily. Works with bluetooth headphones. (minor lag, consider wired.) I don't try games, its a hassle one handed but youtube is fine. Can't wait till I get something that will do netflix or other.
I really like your take on the many aspects of Majora's Mask. I've never heard before about the theories you propose here, such as the mask salesman being a collector of souls or the Ikana rituals to create a false god, but it all makes a lot of sense and gives deeper meaning to Link's journey through Termina.
Thank you. I normally hate when people do the same vids but the retrospective are different. I'll listen to anyone talk about my favorite game over and over. Your voice is very nice too I normally don't like female narrators but you tone and cadence are like super soothing idk I'm high lol
Cool thing about the bombers chase game, if you happen to remember the code while being regular link and put in the code and go back you can skip doing the chase again and you’ll get the bombers notebook
Watching this after beating Majoras Mask so many years ago, you forget how absolutely insane this game truly was. They had to be on *everything* when they made this one.
The Happy Mask Salesman has a mask just over his right shoulder with the same exact face as seen on the mirror shield. It strengthens that Ikana connection further.
Your voice is so smooth and steady that I actually thought for a few minutes that you might be using some hyper advanced text to speech program, genuinely impressed with how crisp you can make a summary sound. ❤
I always find it enjoyable to listen to others opinions about my favorite series, even when I don't always agree with them. It is their view on the game and it is just as valid as mine. Keep up the good work. I have always entered Pamela's house without the stone mask. Just wait for her to be far enough away to slip in from around the corner. I always considered the stone mask to be optional. Although it is damn useful in the Gerudo Pirates hideout. It actually trivializes the hideout. That is probably, why the 3D remake moved the soldier from Ikana Valley entrance to the inside the Pirate Hideout. Fun fact about the masks in Ocarina of Time. The mask of truth isn't the only mask that has a mysterious power. The bunny mask wards of the stallchilds that come up at night and the skull mask prevents Keese from attacking you.
Had to wait until I got home from work to watch this. I never played MM, but enjoyed the video. I hope you got the closure you needed from the game. And now, to watch more video essays!
@@ProperBird Yes Jinzee, sorry Jinzee... I'll rectify my oversight ASAP. I've only just discovered this whole "Pokémon" thing people are always talking about.
Also, another fun fact: Some cultures irl actually ferment milk a certain way to turn it into alcohol, so that's kind of what Romani Ranch is insinuated to do with the 'special' chateau romani milk they deliver to the bar! I learned that after reading the game of thrones books and researching it further!
In like 2012 or 2015 I got this game for my ds cause it was my birthday. and I played it until the 3rd boss fight but by then it was way too late to be awake so I went to bed. And I had the most horrible nightmare about running away from skull kid but it didn’t matter how much I ran as he would always be in arms reach. And then after running from him for what felt like a eternity I fell into a pit and heard the mask sales man say “you’ve met a terrible fate haven’t you” and woke up in a sweat. I haven’t touched the game since and I don’t plan on
You don't have to play Hide and Seek twice, you can get the Bomber's Notebook by using the same code as the first time (it doesn't change between cycles, only between save files) and walking in and back out of the Hideout. Jim will be waiting for you and gives you the book for 'figuring out the code without being told'.
16:03 - I always assumed that Darmani's "scar" was actually a gruesome injury that led to his death, as a result of falling down the valley. That's why I never expected the other Gorons to notice its absence - They had never seen it in the first place. (Except maybe for those who recovered his corpse)
6:10 I just realized that I'm re-dead tired; I'll have to watch this tomorrow. I found you through your Witcher videos, and I'm glad to see you covering this work of art! Va fail!
Theory. Link isn’t dead he’s death, Majora is also death and Termina is Purgatory. Link resolves the peoples woes, grievances and unfinished business allowing them to finally pass on whereas Majora aims to perpetuate their woes, grievances and unfinished business to punish and damn them. The Happy Mask Salesman acts as the guide and judge that takes the souls able to pass on to their destinations and the reason he says the “evil has left the mask” is because it was all a trial to determine whether the souls can receive salvation or face damnation. Kind of a far fetched idea I know but an interesting one I believe.
I had the unique privilige of watching video games go from sprites to polygons and see Zelda grow up in real time. Going from OoT to Majora's Mask where so many of the characters were familiar but...off...was a special sort of unnerving. It was a genius way of reusing assets but making a whole new mpact.
6:13 small correction and mention of hidden mechanics. If you write down the code after playing tag for the first time, then use it to open the secret path to the observatory after returning to your human form, the bomber leader will come over and be like „woah, how did you find out our code! You‘re pretty cool! You know what, have a notebook, you‘re one of us now!“ So yeah, you don‘t *have* to play the game of hide and tag twice. But most people end up doing so anyways, because the way I mentioned is a secret way to get the notebook.
Two other people mentioned I didn't have to do the mini game a second and I honestly never knew this was a mechanic until now. I've ruined my life with a second run for no reason. 🥹
I've always liked the subtle note that Majoras mask doesn't have eyeholes. You won't need them. The transformation masks dont either because they turn you into that body, but the rest do have eyeholes.
I have to say this was a great video and these theory’s are some of the most interesting and original ones I’ve heard. Also you really touched upon interesting things I’ve never seen people bring up or knew about like the postman’s letter to himself
I like to think that the Mask salesman is Links' father, and the "fires of Hyrule" before it was unified by the King had something to do with the Salesmans "Birthright of Death", and that losing his wife and seeing his son defy his birthright motivated him to finally make up for past sins and eventually moved on with his son's help at the end of the game. The generational curse is now broken.
Happy mask salesman is Link's father. I never heard that one. Props for originality! I've heard the one that the happy mask salesman is actually Malon's real father (or possibly some other near relation).
I've always interpreted "Kokiri die when they leave the forest" to mean that so long as they remain in the forest, they're immortal; when outside of the forest, they'll age like any other humanoid
technically the truth
I interpreted that as a white lie by the Deku Tree. Kokiri Forest is the safest place in Hyrule because the Deku Tree was actively using magic to keep it safe. It's like a parent making up a story about a monster to teach kids about danger without directly telling them something they're not ready to learn
I've always liked how Fae the forest seems. Like an old school fairy story. Children given to the tree spirit become immortal forever children as long as they stay, but children who get lost and are not accepted by the spirits become skull kids. The adults that trespass become stalphos, all of them, stalphos.
@@aatired7307 Nah it's a clear Peter Pan reference, including their dress.
I mean, I've always assumed Kokiri and the Koroks kinda "worked" with the same rules, and Koroks for sure can just leave the forest.
"Did you get all that? -> No Yes" *Click* Damnit... now I have to watch this entire thing again
Bore is in his name so I think he does it on purpose 😤
@@ProperBird If a door to door sales woman has the name "I just kicked you in the dick while you read this" on the card they just handed me, I am not going to forgive them for it. I say woman, because men go to jail when they SA people in broad daylight for fun.
Fun fact about the Milk Bar, what they are likely selling is Kumis, a fermented beverage made from raw milk along side regular raw milk. There is a lot that can be covered in Majora's Mask that I feel cannot be contained within a mere 2 hours. Especially when there is a lot you can do to either spruce up your replay of the game or even strategies to end bosses faster and get rupees much quicker. I also like that there's a chance after finishing Cremia's quest and doing any repeats, you can get either some money or a hug. Something I imagine must have been the world to Link who hasn't been comforted in who knows how long. The Hero of Time has it rough man... I don't think a lot of people realize what that poor kid's been through.
The hug is honestly such a cute scene, I'm very fond of Cremia and Romani. ❤️
@@ProperBird Same. Did you know you can take out Goht by using a bow and arrow? He'll behave quite differently if you try to snipe him out. I really like the freedom the game gives you when it comes to how you want to progress. The same however couldn't be said for Majora's Mask HD even if there are some improvements it hurts itself real hard with how they restrict things a certain way. That and being forced to wrestle with the Giant's Mask but also not letting the player fight the bosses however you'd like as was in the original. It was a weird correction that didn't need changing. Worse yet for the Zora mechanics where your top speed is only usable when USING your limited magic.
Fun fact: all the major bosses' names are descriptive of them.
Odolwa - From Japanese "odoru wa" ("I dance")
Goht - Pronounced like "goat"
Gyorg - From Japanese "gyo" ("fish")
Twinmold - Twin Moldorm (longstanding Zelda enemy)
That doesn't quite work. It's not ギョーグ, it's グヨーグ Gu Yo - Gu. But it is probably still supposed to evoke the sound of a fish monster one might see in a kaiju movie. And the localizers who changed it to 'gyorg' might have had the word 'gyo' in mind too, not realizing this isn't written that way.
Twin Moldorn? I don't remember that from older Zelda games, but I know there are similar bosses in older Zelda games such as in a Link to the Past and the boss is just called "Twinmold". I think it might be in the original Zelda as well, but I've always heard it called Twinmold and never Twin Moldorm. I don't really know how it's descriptive of the boss itself other than the "twin" part since there are two similar giant worm things.
@@billdicklechips Just Moldorm. Which is a longterm older enemy (not necessarily a boss though.) from other zelda games. Theyre saying it's called "Twin Mold" because the Mold comes from "Moldorm". The Moldorm is usually a centipede, I think it's been like, just a worm at least once? But I'm not positive on that part.
@@WhereIsMySock03 i believe its usally a worm. A link to the past, windwaker, and Twilight Princess being what has it as boss, normal enemies, or both.
@@KairuHakubiグヨーグ could be a play on of 魚／ぎょ(fish) and 泳ぐ／およぐ (to swim)
I'm a simple man. I see a Proper Bird longform video on a classic video game, I like.
❤️🥹
@@ProperBird I see Proper Bird put out anything, I like.
1:29:00 Actually the Song of Time _does_ have time traveling powers in OOT. It's hard to notice in normal gameplay, but the Song of Time blocks that appear or disappear are actually moving through time. When you make one disappear as an adult, it will be present when you visit that location as a child. Due to either an oversight or engine limitations though, this doesn't appear to work as intended within dungeons, where the majority of the blocks are located. However, you _can_ observe this in Goron city, near the lava pool with a hookshot target and a business scrub grotto on the far side
No way, I never knew that - that's so cool!
@@ProperBird I always thought they were Goddess Cubes from Skyward Sword.
That's so cool!
Interesting facts 👏
Yes. The Blocks, Ocarina of Time, and the Master Sword's handle are made of Time Stone, the stuff mined in Skyward Sword. So, it is an inherent property of the artifacts themselves to be able to time travel. And Zelda as a Time Sage, can activate them. So, too, those who know the Song of Time and have a Time Stone crafted device.
Great Video, I very much agree that the game is about acceptance, though I'd a bit more to that. Its about acceptance, but its also about healing, Link healing from his previous adventure in Ocarina of Time. At the end of Ocarina of Time, Link had grown through a bunch of messed up stuff at the mental age of 10 years old, lost all the people he had a connection with, lost Navi, and was no longer known in the world as a hero. So, he goes off looking for Navi, to find the one person who knows what he went through, but then gets swept up in Termina. I think that the relationship between the Giants and Skull kid is supposed to mirror Navis and Links, about moving on. My favorite moment of this is after the Stone Tower Temple, when the giant says "Forgive your Friend", while defintely talking about the skull kid, I dont think its too far of a stretch to think hes also talking to Link to forgive Navi for leaving him. I think the whole the game is about coming to terms with things, and finding hope and purpose in dark times. By the end, I think Link has come to terms with what happend with his adventure in Hyrule, and is ready to move on with his life, as he enters a "Dawn of a New Day". After this, knowing the Hero of Time is the Hero's shade, I think after serving as a knight in a war, he settles down for a simplier life and has a family. In times of peace, he does not want to force his kids to go through what he had to has the hero, and lets them live simplier lives. He senses, however, that ganondorf will return, and after dying of old age, returns as a ghost/spirit in order to ensure the next hero, Twilight Princess Link, his descendent, is ready to take on whatever comes at him. After his descendent has fullfilled his destiny, only then can he rest and move on. Sorry for the ramble, just wanted to express my theory about the Hero of Time, idk if you plan on taking about his life after MM, but none the less, great job on this video, keep it up : )
Oh I love the "Forgive your friend" observation here, I hadn't read it that way but that makes a lot of sense!
I always thought I was crazy for thinking that Link's experiences in Termina were akin to therapy. The game feels incredibly introspective. Not to say Termina itself doesn't matter, but it feels as though it serves as the vehicle for Link to move on from what he's gone through. There's just too many parallels. Also, I had never seen the forgive your friend bit that way, that's really cool actually
1:26:30 regarding the happy mask salesman, the clocktower interior is the only place where time doesn't move forwards. It's almost like the salesman has seperated it from the rest of Termina and building off of what you already said about him, can somehow know what Link has accomplished before MM starts and follow his progress through the game.
P.S. I know time kinda stops after you beat any of the 4 bosses, wich makes me think Happy Salesman is a being similar to the 4 giants, in that they don't really get affected by the passage of time the same way the ppl of Termina do and Link having the power to go back, granted by the Godess of time, when he needs to says to me that he,The happy mask salesman, was similarily blessed so that he could undertake his responsibilities. (The Giants are blessed, so that they may protect the lands, Link is blessed because he was called on to be a champion, and the salesman was blessed to ensure the souls of the dead could pass peacfully to the afterlife. The song of healing does just that, for the most part.
Ok, you took that in a different direction.
@@Sirfinchyyy I did but I like that theory too! It's like he drew the Clock Tower's interior into a small pocket of the sacred realm to keep time from moving.
I think I've watched every Majora's Mask analysis video with a decent number of views over the years and this was the best one. Such rich and thoughtful analysis. I loved the way you integrated historical Japanese cultural context + very specific details from the game's environment and dialogue that I had never thought of before. Thank you for taking the time to make this video and for approaching this story like a piece of art. You've helped me appreciate one of my favorite games even more.
Finally something from Proper Bird
A very long video on my favorite Zelda game, from Proper Bird too! Awesome.
I just wanna say, I listened/watched this while drawing, and it's such an amazing video! ❤ your voice is super nice to listen to and very calming and relaxing!
This is my first video of yours and I absolutely enjoy your explaining of everything about MM! :D
Much respect I love these games and every thing Zelda so thanks for giving us this
Holy heck, I can't wait to re watch this all again in a few hours once I'm done with my errands!! Hey yeah let's goo!!
proper bird doing a long video on my favourite game?! HECK YEAH!
It seems this is the first time I've seen something from your channel, and it just randomly appeared in my feed. That said, many people in the comments seem happy to see you make a video, and after watching this in it's entirety, I see where that comes from. Thank you for making what is probably one of my new most favorite videos on this platform about one of my favorite games of all time. You've more than done it justice and I'm officially excited to see what else your channel has in store!
This actually the best majoras mask interpretation ive ever seen it answered all those things that were left unanswered but were hinted at
Like the concept behind the boss monsters. Not just random creatures, but warped representations of what their people saw them as.
Perhaps I'm reading too much into it, but I could see it as the skull kid lashing out at them specifically using that.
"You chose them over me! Well look what they did to you."
"You'll find Guru Guru late at night, playing his organ furiously...
Sometimes I have to make those jokes that the kids won't get but the parents will, you know?
@@ProperBird It's appreciated
@@ProperBird It's good to include as many people as possible.
"this mini-game sucks. and you have to do it twice" gave me a hearty chuckle.
I'm glad you took your time to make good points in this video
It took me a while to get all these points together 🥹
@@ProperBird An hour and 43 minutes definitely proves that! How much did you have to cut out?
@@sebastianevangelista4921 Mostly tangent theories that didn't have a conclusive end, I wanted to make sure they all had a definitive end. 😅
@@ProperBird That makes sense. Maybe those tangents could become their own videos one day once you've figured out their endings.
Majora’s Mask has been one of my favorite video games since the moment I first rented it in late 2000. I still have the copy I got as a birthday present in 2001. Over the past few days I’ve been playing it again, and of course started digging into the characters and themes of the game again. Your theory about Link’s fruitless search for Navi made me realize some things about my own life. I know this is unsolicited, but here’s why I say that:
Over the course of my 20s in the 2010s, I built a life. I got married relatively young, bought a house, and found what I believed would be lifelong friends. At the end of 2019, my marriage fell apart. It was amicable. We essentially realized we weren’t so similar anymore and wanted different things. We parted ways quietly, sold the house, vowed to remain friends, all that jazz. Needless to say, when Covid hit a few months later, we both encountered major life changes. She found comfort in an old friend who she wound up marrying a year later, and I entered a very dark period of profound solitude that would last over two years. Everyone I believed I’d never lose, all my friends, moved on, and I was left clinging to whatever pieces of that old life I could. And cling I did, as hard as possible. Gradually everything fell away, and my life stalled out. With no one to care for but myself, I had no idea what to do. I couldn’t understand why things couldn’t just be steady and remain the same.
With all the people and places that once framed my life gone, I was forced to look at all that was left: Myself. I finally began to try and move forward a couple years ago. Still in my hometown, I found some new friends and pushed myself through toward the light. Recently, though, I discovered I was still searching for the perceived stability of that old life and had never accepted that it was simply gone.
In 6 months, I will be leaving my hometown for the first time in my life in an attempt to start completely fresh and build a new life. This video helped me to finally understand that the only constant is change and I must accept it in order to continue on. The life I built in my 20s is gone. I am here now, and it’s up to me to go forward with the understanding that change is inevitable and I must ride each wave of change in order to keep going. Perhaps the time I spent in total solitude was similar to Link’s time in Termina, struggling to accept change and continue on. This game, released when I was 7 years old, means more to me now at 31 than it ever has. It’s taught me more about life than I could have ever imagined.
I realize I’m thinking awful deep about a Nintendo 64 game, but I reckon we’ve all thought pretty deeply about this one. I’m glad you did this. Thank you.
The menacing giggle at the beginning must be how you felt publishing this piece of ART! SLAYYYY!
Great vid, ive watched a dozen majoras mask vids and am pretty tired of hearing the same "mysteries/theories" such as the comic with the dragon that had magic armor to make majoras mask, the dead link theory, ben drowned, the deku nightmare that made its way into the game, and so many more repeated theories but after the section where you went over the game other tgab the religious aspect all were brand new to me, very fresh take glad i watched
Thank you! ❤️
Not only are you talking about zelda. You have one of the most lovely voices I have ever come across. I am subscribing and watching all your content can't wait for more.
I am sleeping well tonight, looooove the long videos. I adore MM.
Good night when you go! 😁
@@ProperBird Sleep is good 👍
Simply astounding! Along with my current playthrough of MM, this and many other videos like it just help solidify my love for Majora's Mask as my all time favorite in the series. The entire Elegy of Emptiness section just opened my eyes so much more as I, for the most part, would always hear it tie into the "Link is dead" theory to something a bit deeper and really goes to show how this Link truly embodies the spirit and essence of Courage! Every Link has the courage within them to become their own legend, from the Hero of Time who saved Hyrule, to the savior of Termina and cleansing Majora's Mask, to persisting on in spirit to pass on his teachings as the Hero's Shade and to provide the same courage for future generations like the Hero of Twilight, this Link, above all else, will put his duty to others before duty to himself. Long ramblings aside, Zelda lore and the land of Hyrule will never cease to pique my interest, can't wait to rewatch in my longform vids playlist!!
6:10 The hide & seek minigame isn't really that bad. You can stun the boys with bubbles as Deku Link and you only have to do the game once after you learn the code.
Ohh this takes me back❤.
Fun fact about the bomber gang hide an seek, if you go straight to the one blocking the tunnel to the clock tower with passcode you get, u can bypass the 2nd round of hide and seek
The second round of hide and seek is purely for the book, but you're the second one to mention it so maybe I never knew they give you the book the moment you put in the passcode? 😅
@@ProperBird If you remember the passcode and go into the hideout as Hylian Link, then come out, you'll get a cutscene where Jim gives you the Notebook. I believe you have to come out through the entrance to trigger it.
It's also one of the many changes in the 3D remake, where the Happy Mask Salesman gives you the Notebook after teaching you the Song of Healing - the 3D version of the Notebook doesn't give you people's full schedules when you add them to the book, but it also comes with a second page, with a full quest list, tracking completed quests, in-progress quests, and "rumours" - when you're in Clock Town, the bomber kids will approach to give you hints about sidequests you've got the gear for, but haven't started yet (one rumour per quest).
I love Majora's Mask and the interesting concepts it has. I also love long-form videos and theories on this game. Thank you for the fun video and sharing your thoughts!
This video has offered the sense escapism that I've definitely needed today. The playthrough footage, editing & humor kept my attention. Thank you!
First time finding your channel thanks to the algorithm. Thank you for the detailed video about one of my fave Zelda titles!
Also your voice is so soothing to listen to. Take my sub❤
I never played Majora's Mask... which given my track record of starting, and then, not finishing Zelda games, is probably a good thing for the people Link has to save.
That's ok I saved them several times over and that makes up for it.
one thing i do love about the game is how the 3 day cycle allows you to tackle the game how ever you want, whether if its doing a side quest, buying a specific item, getting a new mask, doing one of the four dungeons, etc, and if for whatever reason think you can't make it on time, just play the song of time and try again with a different approach
the game has a freedom factor and a certain vibe that I can never get tired of, which is why this game is my favorite zelda game!
Hell yeah! Not only is it a Majora's Mask video, but it's also almost two hours long as well. Glad you're back.
I had a lot to say about Majora's Mask. 🥹
OMG SHE'S BACK!!! YOUR WITCHER VIDEOS ARE THE BEST!!
Thank you! 😊
This is the first time in years I’ve heard a fresh take on Majora’s Mask!! Such cool analysis!
Almost two hours of Zelda comprehensively covering every detail of Majora's Mask
I think MM is a representation of what will happen if link keeps traversing the Lost Woods in his quest. Me thinks that Skull Kid IS Link and I'll say that Epona isn't dumb enough to let "anyone" ride her let alone the luigi clone reject. But epona accepts the ride and keeps riding until she realizes it isn't link. Somehow I think Termina is a place where Skull kid created to befriend Link and play with him in a shitfy way.
What a joy of a video. You had me captivated the entire way through, and despite retelling the entire story, you actually have made me want to play Majora's Mask again. What a thing. Hard sub from me.
I rewatched your FFX & FFX-2 retrospective yesterday and then this appears today. What a lovely happy coincidence!
You willed it into existence. 😤
I don't really know enough about this game to properly evaluate your theories. I only know that they were fascinating and made sense to me! Thanks for a thoughtful and thought-provoking video!
As long as the stories were enjoyable, that's all I need. ❤️
@@ProperBird 👍
Only 10 minutes in and I'm already delighted with your editing and script. So glad to see a Majora's mask breakdown from you. One of my favourites.
Edit: I really loved your approach to this. It felt like you were telling a story, rather than just talking about theories or lore. Well done.
I just recently subed to the channel, and you are already making a video about my fav game
The return of the queen !
See y'all in 2 hours
I finished and I'm floored! I really don't know how you even began connecting all these pieces, let alone building a cohesive whole! Fantastic work as ever Jinzee!
Thank you so much! 🥹
Great video ! The Fierce Deity mask and the meaning behind Link becoming a wrathful deity that destroys obstacles to enlightenment, to moving on and accetance is really touching when taken into the wider context of the game and his story of searching for his friend. It's made a little tragic when he inevitably becomes the Hero's Shade, but I guess he de-enlightened in the meantime. Loved the reading of Termina as a type of afterlife too ! It really is a weird and compelling world
Probably the absolute best theories and analysis i've heard on any game ever. Good stuff hahaha
This has quickly become my favorite Majora's Mask interpretation and video! I'm already back to watch it again and it's only been a day!
This was such a fascinating deep dive with deeply intriguing theories and excellent voice work, I'll be thinking about this video for weeks!
Workday background noise. I love this game and this video was so well done!!
An incredible video, the Navi theory really breaks me thinking about it because knowing that the person with you through all of this won't make it past the end of the journey and having to come to terms with that but losing yourself in the process is so...hurtful to think about.
Link saves the whole world and the only person beside him who remembers it all just...dies and instead of coming to terms with it, he scours the land looking for them only to fall into this twisted tale and essentially do it all again.
Tragic but beautiful.
6:11 FUN FACT: Actually, once you receive the Bombers code the 1st time, you can just give the guard the code as Link. The guard will let you in. Jim will be amazed that you have the code and will leave you with you with some hilarious dialog.
I... how did I never notice that connection between Saria's song and the song of healing?
I thought it was a very cute detail. ❤️
I have watched so many long videos about Majoras Mask and listened to so many theories.
I LOVE this interpretation!!!!!!!!
Great video. Thank you.
It was a long due essay, I can't imagine just how much time this took.... thank you, that was a trip to memory lane
I'm glad I stumbled upon this video! After all these years, it seems there're still lectures about this game that can surprise me. Got me interested in your channel!
A bird video while I'm donating plasma? Hack yeah!
Thank you for donating! ❤️
@ProperBird
My next scheduled donation day is a few days away. I like taking my oled switch because you can prop it up and watch videos pretty easily. Works with bluetooth headphones. (minor lag, consider wired.) I don't try games, its a hassle one handed but youtube is fine. Can't wait till I get something that will do netflix or other.
@@DarkKnightBatman420 that sounds amazing
@@leoleon5521 There are actually adhesive kickstands you can stick on any device. Never bought one but probably will. Kickstands are important.
I really like your take on the many aspects of Majora's Mask. I've never heard before about the theories you propose here, such as the mask salesman being a collector of souls or the Ikana rituals to create a false god, but it all makes a lot of sense and gives deeper meaning to Link's journey through Termina.
Thank you. I normally hate when people do the same vids but the retrospective are different. I'll listen to anyone talk about my favorite game over and over. Your voice is very nice too I normally don't like female narrators but you tone and cadence are like super soothing idk I'm high lol
Cool thing about the bombers chase game, if you happen to remember the code while being regular link and put in the code and go back you can skip doing the chase again and you’ll get the bombers notebook
Watching this after beating Majoras Mask so many years ago, you forget how absolutely insane this game truly was.
They had to be on *everything* when they made this one.
''the camera was a pain actor'' lol
The Happy Mask Salesman has a mask just over his right shoulder with the same exact face as seen on the mirror shield.
It strengthens that Ikana connection further.
Your voice is so smooth and steady that I actually thought for a few minutes that you might be using some hyper advanced text to speech program, genuinely impressed with how crisp you can make a summary sound. ❤
I always find it enjoyable to listen to others opinions about my favorite series, even when I don't always agree with them. It is their view on the game and it is just as valid as mine. Keep up the good work.
I have always entered Pamela's house without the stone mask. Just wait for her to be far enough away to slip in from around the corner. I always considered the stone mask to be optional. Although it is damn useful in the Gerudo Pirates hideout. It actually trivializes the hideout. That is probably, why the 3D remake moved the soldier from Ikana Valley entrance to the inside the Pirate Hideout.
Fun fact about the masks in Ocarina of Time. The mask of truth isn't the only mask that has a mysterious power. The bunny mask wards of the stallchilds that come up at night and the skull mask prevents Keese from attacking you.
Awesome video! Haven't seen this sophisticated level of Majora's Mask theory crafting for a long time.
That's honestly one of the best compliments. 🥹
Saw an hour long video about Majora's Mask, immediately subscribed.
Had to wait until I got home from work to watch this. I never played MM, but enjoyed the video. I hope you got the closure you needed from the game.
And now, to watch more video essays!
One of the best videos on the game I've ever clicked on. Great job!
Y'know, I've got to the ripe old age of [REDACTED] and I've never played more than an hour of a Zelda game in my life.
This is your sign to get in on this 😤
@@ProperBird
Yes Jinzee, sorry Jinzee... I'll rectify my oversight ASAP.
I've only just discovered this whole "Pokémon" thing people are always talking about.
Also, another fun fact: Some cultures irl actually ferment milk a certain way to turn it into alcohol, so that's kind of what Romani Ranch is insinuated to do with the 'special' chateau romani milk they deliver to the bar! I learned that after reading the game of thrones books and researching it further!
Good video I enjoyed you’re theories
Thanks for this neat long video Bird Channel!
I do love a good essay, especially long ones. well worth the wait ^^
I'm very glad to hear it. 🥹
👍👍 this was super interesting and very well presented!
Also, Tingle, Tingle! Kooloo-Limpah 😃!
You stole his magic words! 😤
In like 2012 or 2015 I got this game for my ds cause it was my birthday. and I played it until the 3rd boss fight but by then it was way too late to be awake so I went to bed.
And I had the most horrible nightmare about running away from skull kid but it didn’t matter how much I ran as he would always be in arms reach.
And then after running from him for what felt like a eternity I fell into a pit and heard the mask sales man say “you’ve met a terrible fate haven’t you” and woke up in a sweat. I haven’t touched the game since and I don’t plan on
You don't have to play Hide and Seek twice, you can get the Bomber's Notebook by using the same code as the first time (it doesn't change between cycles, only between save files) and walking in and back out of the Hideout. Jim will be waiting for you and gives you the book for 'figuring out the code without being told'.
Yeah I didn't find out until people started commenting about it on this video, I fought the camera twice for no reason. 🥲
16:03 - I always assumed that Darmani's "scar" was actually a gruesome injury that led to his death, as a result of falling down the valley.
That's why I never expected the other Gorons to notice its absence - They had never seen it in the first place.
(Except maybe for those who recovered his corpse)
I love these theories! I hadn't considered a lot of them at all 😅
6:10 I just realized that I'm re-dead tired; I'll have to watch this tomorrow. I found you through your Witcher videos, and I'm glad to see you covering this work of art! Va fail!
Sleep well!
Majora's Mask is a great Legend of Zelda game!
It absolutely is ❤️
Theory.
Link isn’t dead he’s death, Majora is also death and Termina is Purgatory. Link resolves the peoples woes, grievances and unfinished business allowing them to finally pass on whereas Majora aims to perpetuate their woes, grievances and unfinished business to punish and damn them.
The Happy Mask Salesman acts as the guide and judge that takes the souls able to pass on to their destinations and the reason he says the “evil has left the mask” is because it was all a trial to determine whether the souls can receive salvation or face damnation.
Kind of a far fetched idea I know but an interesting one I believe.
I actually really love that theory! ❤️
Probably a bit less Christianity based than that I'd wager
Proper Bird! That's good news!
a very long video about majoras mask? what a coincidence, I currently have a properly allotted time space for a very long video about majoras mask!
I made the video exactly long enough to fit your schedule. 😌
I had the unique privilige of watching video games go from sprites to polygons and see Zelda grow up in real time. Going from OoT to Majora's Mask where so many of the characters were familiar but...off...was a special sort of unnerving. It was a genius way of reusing assets but making a whole new mpact.
with your voice you should totally do audiobooks
your narration is top notch
6:13 small correction and mention of hidden mechanics.
If you write down the code after playing tag for the first time, then use it to open the secret path to the observatory after returning to your human form, the bomber leader will come over and be like „woah, how did you find out our code! You‘re pretty cool! You know what, have a notebook, you‘re one of us now!“
So yeah, you don‘t *have* to play the game of hide and tag twice. But most people end up doing so anyways, because the way I mentioned is a secret way to get the notebook.
Two other people mentioned I didn't have to do the mini game a second and I honestly never knew this was a mechanic until now. I've ruined my life with a second run for no reason. 🥹
"navi is gone" is the conclusion of the whole majora ordeal for link. what a somber ending.
This is a grand video! And y'know, I like the theories. Not the most farfetched things I've ever heard regarding Zelda.
Anyway. A worthwhile watch.
Thank you, I appreciate that!
I've always liked the subtle note that Majoras mask doesn't have eyeholes. You won't need them.
The transformation masks dont either because they turn you into that body, but the rest do have eyeholes.
i love how mm keep on giving even after all that time
Hell yeah, love this game. Probably my favourite of the series, maybe tied with Twilight Princess.
I have to say this was a great video and these theory’s are some of the most interesting and original ones I’ve heard. Also you really touched upon interesting things I’ve never seen people bring up or knew about like the postman’s letter to himself
Thank you! The postman's letter was such a sad touch, I felt terrible for him. 🥹
A beautiful and perfect title, I'm sold
I like to think that the Mask salesman is Links' father, and the "fires of Hyrule" before it was unified by the King had something to do with the Salesmans "Birthright of Death", and that losing his wife and seeing his son defy his birthright motivated him to finally make up for past sins and eventually moved on with his son's help at the end of the game. The generational curse is now broken.
Happy mask salesman is Link's father. I never heard that one. Props for originality! I've heard the one that the happy mask salesman is actually Malon's real father (or possibly some other near relation).
"The camera was a paid actor"
my sides
I would love more Zelda videos this was fantastic.
Fun fact! If you remember the Bomber's Code from the first time you complete their challenge, you can use it the next time, as it stays the same. 😁