Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf

Learn about Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf's history, role, voice actor, design & other useful information.

Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf is a notorious antagonist who now steps into the light after six years of game development. The game delves into his complex backstory, teases a possible redemption arc, and presents a transformative perspective on his character, challenging his traditional portrayal as a pure embodiment of evil.

Key Takeaways
  • Ganondorf is the infamous antagonist in the Legend of Zelda series, known for his cunning, strength, and complex backstory as the rare male Gerudo and King of Thieves.
  • In Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, the game emphasizes Ganondorf’s history, exploring his transformation into Ganon and a potential redemption arc, challenging his traditional villainous portrayal.
    1. The plot of Tears of the Kingdom suggests Ganondorf might be a reluctant vessel for corruption, potentially shifting his character from a feared villain to a tragic hero.
    2. Fan theories propose a paradigm shift in Ganondorf’s role, suggesting he might be the legendary hero in this rendition of Hyrule’s history, rather than Link.
  • Ganondorf’s design in Tears of the Kingdom represents a more nuanced image of the character, showcasing his Gerudo origins, warrior status, and potential connections to the mysterious Zonai tribe.
  • Matthew Mercer, known for his versatile vocal range and ability to bring characters to life, is the voice actor for Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf, marking his first role in the series.

Who Is Ganondorf?

Ganondorf official art

Ganondorf, the notorious antagonist of the Legend of Zelda franchise, is a character shrouded in darkness and mystery. Known for his cunning and strength, he is often portrayed as the personification of pure malevolence. However, he is far more than a mere villain.

  • Ganondorf is a multi-dimensional character with a complex backstory that intertwines his fate with those of Link and Zelda, the other principal characters in the series.
  • Born as the rare male Gerudo once every hundred years, Ganondorf is destined to be the King of Thieves, a title that reveals his cunning and resourcefulness.
  • He is a formidable figure, draped in ostentatious garments and adorned with intricate jewelry, a reflection of his Gerudo origins and his status as a king.

This unique identity of Ganondorf provides a rich tapestry for the narrative to unfold and leaves the audience questioning his true nature and motives.

Ganondorf’s Role In Legend of Zelda Tears of Kingdom

Link and Ganondorf’s fan theories

In the upcoming Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom, Ganondorf steps into the spotlight, promising an intriguing exploration of his backstory. Unlike previous games, where Ganon’s origin was often left unexplored, Tears of the Kingdom places emphasis on Ganondorf’s history, hinting at the significance of his past in the game’s plot. The artwork released for the game suggests a return to the Gerudo King of Thieves narrative, igniting anticipation among the fanbase.

  • While Ganondorf’s villainous persona remains intact, evidenced by his command over a crimson army of deadly monsters, there is an underlying sense that more is happening behind the scenes.
  • The narrative suggests a potential time leap, hinting at the exploration of Ganondorf’s transformation into Ganon, a narrative thread that adds depth to his character and the overall storyline.

The Potential Redemption Arc of Ganondorf

One of the most fascinating aspects of Ganondorf’s character in Tears of the Kingdom is the potential redemption arc. The game hints at the possibility of Ganondorf being misunderstood and used as a vessel to combat an evil that eventually overwhelmed him.

  • This theory subverts the traditional narrative of Ganondorf as a pure embodiment of evil, offering a fresh perspective on his character.
  • Based on what I’ve learned so far, Ganondorf seems to be a hesitant adjudicator for corruption, which might slow its spread like the century of misery Zelda endured in the last game.
  • This theory, if proven true, could present Ganondorf in a different light, transforming him from a feared villain to a tragic hero.

Fan Theories About Ganondorf In Tears of Kingdom

The Tales of the Kingdom introduces a potentially transformative perspective on the Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf character, suggesting a redemptive arc long overdue. Far from the embodiment of evil, Ganondorf may have been a misunderstood hero, his actions misconstrued over centuries of cyclical battles and legends passed down through generations.

  • The latest trailers, as well as intricate murals peppered throughout the game, hint at a potential paradigm shift.
  • They depict a robust Gerudo male, bearing a striking resemblance to Ganondorf, wielding Master Sword alongside a Zelda-like figure.
  • This unexpected portrayal sparks a question that challenges the very bedrock of the Zelda series: could Ganondorf, rather than Link, be the legendary hero in this rendition of Hyrule’s history?

Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf Design

Ganondorf design

Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf design marks a significant departure from his previous iterations, presenting a more nuanced and perhaps sympathetic image of the character that aligns with the potential redemptive narrative arc.

CategoryDescription
Physical Appearance
  • Different look in Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom.
  • Leaner, worn.
  • Emphasizes Gerudo’s origins.
  • Long red hair.
  • Adorned attire.
  • The Gerudo symbol on the forehead. 
Master SwordGanondorf wields Master Sword, entailing a major shift in role.
Armor
  • Ganondorf wears weathered armor.
  • Battle-scarred.
  • Seasoned warrior.
  • Practical gear implies he is still in a warrior’s life.

Connection To The Zonai

Ganondorf’s design also includes elements that hint at a connection to the Zonai, a mysterious tribe known for their powerful magic, whose history remains largely untold. He wears a bracelet bearing the same swirling pattern seen in Zonai ruins, which could suggest a potential link between Ganondorf and the tribe, opening up new avenues for exploration in the game’s storyline.

Ganondorf Voice Actor

Matthew Mercer, voice actor of Ganondorf

Matthew Mercer, known for his versatile vocal range and ability to imbue characters with depth and complexity, was revealed to be the Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom Ganondorf voice actor. This is the first time Mercer has lent his voice to a character in the Legend of Zelda series, marking an exciting development for both the actor and the game series.

Mercer has an extensive background in voice acting, with roles in popular animations and video games. Notable roles include the following:

  • McCree in Overwatch
  • Levi Ackerman in Attack on Titan
  • Jotaro Kujo in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.

Mercer is also recognized for his role as Dungeon Master in the popular Dungeons & Dragons web series Critical Role. In Critical Role, he showcases his ability to bring a diverse range of unique characters to life.

Final Remarks

As the narrative of Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom unfolds, Ganondorf’s character is set to undergo a significant transformation. His possible redemption arc, coupled with Matthew Mercer’s voice acting, promises to add new depths to his persona, offering players a fresh perspective on this iconic character of the series. If you’re eager to play the game on day one, then you must consider reading Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom All Editions, and Games Like Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom guides before moving on. 

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Moiz Banoori.


Having worked at various Video Game sites, coupled with 7 years of Content Writing Experience. I presently monitor teams, create strategies, and publish qualified pieces through my aptitude.

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