QuestWithAaronIn this video, we dive into the Japanese versions of the Legend of Zelda franchise and examine the profound influence of Japanese culture on the series' narrative and Link's character.
We examine the contrast between the Western and Japanese interpretations of the concept of a "hero" and uncover the true definition of the "spirit of the hero", as described by Demise in Skyward Sword. We also explore the Silent Realms' objective and character, how they help Link in his journey towards becoming a hero, and much more.
All translations in the video have been completed by me.
I'd like to give a special shoutout to Monster Maze for discussing various concepts with me. If you're intrigued by what I cover in this video, I highly recommend checking out his content, especially his video about the Triforce.
What is Link? The Legend of Zeldas Eternal HeroQuestWithAaron2023-03-19 | In this video, we dive into the Japanese versions of the Legend of Zelda franchise and examine the profound influence of Japanese culture on the series' narrative and Link's character.
We examine the contrast between the Western and Japanese interpretations of the concept of a "hero" and uncover the true definition of the "spirit of the hero", as described by Demise in Skyward Sword. We also explore the Silent Realms' objective and character, how they help Link in his journey towards becoming a hero, and much more.
All translations in the video have been completed by me.
I'd like to give a special shoutout to Monster Maze for discussing various concepts with me. If you're intrigued by what I cover in this video, I highly recommend checking out his content, especially his video about the Triforce.
youtube.com/@UCKX-Widxmokt8VyIblzdN3w20 MORE Tears of the Kingdom Master Works New Lore & Story SecretsQuestWithAaron2024-09-23 | Here are 20 more new Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom lore and story secrets from the comprehensive 464-page Master Works book!
Currently available only in Japanese, this book offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look into Nintendo’s design process. There's a ton of stuff to look at and details to explore that have largely remained unseen by the gaming community.
This video explores the untold story arcs and cut content from Tears of the Kingdom that are examined in depth within Master Works. It covers deleted cutscenes and story elements surrounding key parts of the game, including Rauru, Ganondorf, and the Imprisoning War. These details, in my opinion, add significant depth to the game’s narrative, enriching the story beyond what was shown in the final release.
All Japanese-to-English translations featured in this video have been completed by me. As always, remember that translations can be subject to interpretation, and others may choose to translate the text differently. These translations are not intended to be definitive but represent my interpretation of the original text.
Here's 25 more Secrets and Lore from Master Works if you're looking for more:
Many pages from the history section of the book is written in a speculative manner in Japanese. My purpose with this video is to include and share those details.25 NEW Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Master Works Lore and SecretsQuestWithAaron2024-09-05 | We have 464-pages to look at within the Tears of the Kingdom Master Works book! Let's begin by uncovering 25 brand new pieces of lore and hidden secrets that have never been revealed before!
From details about Ganondorf’s demon dragon form to hints about how Zelda returns to her human form, and even a secret Hyrule festival planned to honour the Champions from Breath of the Wild, there’s so much to explore.
The book also reveals insights into the origins of the Secret Stones, the mysterious history of the Zonai, and their connection to Hylia.
As always, all translations in this video were done by me. Translation is often subjective, so others may interpret things differently—that’s the beauty of translation!
For more on Yomi no Kuni, I highly recommend Monster Maze’s video here:
Please note that the non-designer sections of the book are often written in a speculative manner in Japanese. My goal in this video is to share some of the most fascinating details from the book.The Greatest Mystery of Zeldas Creation: Sacred Realm Lore & SecretsQuestWithAaron2024-07-28 | The Sacred Realm and its mysterious connection to the Triforce, Hyrule and the Creation of the world in The Legend of Zelda!
This is a video I’ve been eager to finish before the release of the Tears of the Kingdom’s Master Works book this year. It covers the perplexing and intricate history of the Hyrule Kingdom's founding, specifically focusing on the Sacred Realm as depicted in Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, A Link to the Past, and Skyward Sword (although there are mentions of Tears of the Kingdom as well!). One of the key points I explore is how the broad interpretation of the Japanese term for "sacred realm" might be contributing to the convolution. So let’s see if we can solve that!
All Japanese translations in the video have been completed by me. As always, translations can be subjective and another may choose to translate differently. No translation I’ve provided in the video should be considered definite and the only way to interpret the Japanese text, but rather as another source to help understand the main essence of the language.
Special thanks to PixelFusion, The Bread Pirate and Lady Cucco for discussing the timeline and properties of the Triforce and Sacred Realm with me.
Some more info on “seichi”: kotobank.jp/word/聖地-86211The Rifts in Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Might Be Deeper Than We Think...QuestWithAaron2024-06-20 | What exactly are these rifts causing rips in space that have appeared across Hyrule in Echoes of Wisdom? Why have they appeared and what is in them?
This video analyses the Japanese version of the reveal trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom and examines a unique Japanese term that could potentially shed some light on the significance of the rifts and the fate of Link, who has been swallowed by one.
As always, any translations and research has been conducted by me, and as in the nature of translation, another may choose to translate words differently.
Here are some related references for those curious about some more details about what I discussed in the video:
ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/常世What Actually Happens to Demise at the End of Skyward Sword ExplainedQuestWithAaron2024-06-15 | In "The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword," the fate of the entity known as Demise holds profound significance, particularly due to the abundance of Japanese terms with deep underlying nuances and meanings used by the Demon King during the game's climax. Following a fierce battle with Link, Demise appears to be sealed away by the Master Sword. However, the nature of this sealing is far more complex and intriguing, adding depth to both the game's narrative and the broader series' lore.
At the heart of the discussion lies an analysis of the Japanese word that encapsulates the concept of Demise's "residual consciousness." This term explores the residual essence of Demise's being that remains even after his apparent defeat. We also examine the title used to describe Demise himself, "終焉の者" (shuuen no mono), which carries profound connotations of finality and closure.
This video serves as an introductory exploration of a much larger and more complex topic, laying the groundwork for a sequel that discusses a bunch of new Japanese terms I have never covered on the channel before.
As usual, all Japanese translations presented in the video have been researched and provided by me. Different translators may offer alternative interpretations, especially given the complexities inherent in translating such nuanced text!
For those interested in further reading, I've included some references that informed my research and analysis for this video:
This video analyses Tears of the Kingdom's original Japanese narrative to expose the profound depths of Ganondorf' character and some secrets of the Secret Stones that play a pivotal role in his transformation into the Demon King.
All translations of the Japanese text within this video have been completed by me. Please remember that language is extremely complex and no one single translation should be considered final. I endeavour to explain the nuances of important Japanese words when necessary in the video to facilitate a better understanding of the story that the writers had intended to tell.
It also goes without saying that culture plays an extremely important role here too, the depth of which goes way beyond of what I discuss in the video.
Some of the sources I've used for this video can be found below. They are in Japanese.
I have an evergrowing language compendium of the Japanese words used in the Zelda series available on my Patreon, as well! patreon.com/QuestWithAaron
Gloom VS Malice: youtu.be/pKonNP9SG94?si=fMVcGw4Jcfbg7JF4Gloom VS Malice: The Untold Secrets of Gloom in Tears of the KingdomQuestWithAaron2023-11-18 | Let's delve into the depths of Malice and Gloom in Tears of the Kingdom, particularly in relation to their Japanese terminology and cultural context!
All translations in the video have been completed by me. Like with any language, there are multiple ways to interpret and localise Japanese into English. Another may choose to translate differently!
youtu.be/-qajE_9sCj8?si=dPyAKGgy98Wshc32The Adventure Log & Links Secret Diary in Tears of the KingdomQuestWithAaron2023-08-10 | Let's dive into the complexity of the Japanese version of the Adventure Log in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom!
Full re-translation of the Japanese text of Breath of the Wild's Adventure Log: patreon.com/QuestWithAaron
All translations in the video have been completed by me. As in the nature of translation, another may opt to translate differently.Why The Legend of Zelda Isnt The Legend of LinkQuestWithAaron2023-05-03 | Let's discover what it is that makes Zelda a legend!
In this video, we delve into the Japanese text of the Zelda games to uncover fascinating details that explain why the series is titled The Legend of Zelda. One such detail is the term "Miko" that the Japanese versions of the series use to refer to Zelda. One of the roles of a Miko involves serving as a bridge between the divine and mortal worlds - this helps us understand the nature of Zelda's connection to Hylia.
This video highlights and explains various religious Japanese words in the Zelda games, each with untranslatable nuances that, once understood, contributes to a deeper understanding of the series' mythology.
All translations in the video have been completed by me. As always, due to the complex nature of language, another may choose to translate differently!The Cycle of Demise: Ganondorf & Reincarnation in Zelda ExplainedQuestWithAaron2023-02-01 | Let's discover the mysteries surrounding Ganondorf's power and his return in Tears of the Kingdom.
With a focus on the Japanese versions of Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild, this video delves into the two central concepts of 妄念 "mounen" and 輪廻 "rinne", as used in Buddhism, to shed light on the motivations behind Ganondorf's actions.
輪廻 "rinne" is the word Demise uses in Japanese to refer to the cycle that the spirit of the hero and the blood of the Goddess are bound to. 妄念 "mounen" is the word that Zelda uses to describe Ganons/Ganondorf's obsessions.
Judging by the way Demise speaks in Skyward Sword, it's also possible that he was already aware of the concept of "rinne" , the cycle of reincarnation, prior to the events of the game.
All translations in this video were completed by me. As in the complex nature of translations, there is no perfect one to one direct equivalent. There are multiple ways to translate (and interpret) text. This video showcases my translations and interpretations. Another may choose to translate differently!The Fascinating Origins of Names in The Legend of ZeldaQuestWithAaron2022-12-29 | This video looks at the origins, meanings and references behind the names of characters, races and locations in the Legend of Zelda by analysing the original Japanese versions of multiple games in the franchise.
How do characters in the Legend of Zelda get their names? Ever wondered why Jabu Jabu in Ocarina is time is called Jabu Jabu? Or why the Gorons are called Gorons? Why is Breath of the Wild's Hateno Village called how it is?
Let's discover the meaning of the name "Hateno Village", the meaning of the word "Zonai", the origins of the name "Goron" and "Rito", the origins behind the name "Bokoblin", the deeper implications hidden behind the Japanese name for the Lost Woods and much more.
All Japanese translations in this video have been completed by me. Translation and localisation is extremely complex. Many subtleties and phrases with specific cultural implications are often unable to be 100% accurately translated into a target language without losing some of their meaning. This video attempts to restore those elements lost in translation. As in the nature of localisation, another may choose to translate text a different way.
Let me know how you'd choose to translate something and propose an alternative!How Revalis Original Character was Changed in Breath of the WildQuestWithAaron2022-08-06 | The Japanese version of Breath of the Wild introduces us to a different version of Revali's character compared to who we know in English. Revali certainly has a prideful personality and a degree of arrogance in both versions. However, there are some nuances and disparities between versions that portray him differently.
This video compares the differences between Revali's character in the original Japanese version and the English version of Breath of the Wild. We analyse Revali's Japanese and English diary, and how he is ultimately depicted in both the Japanese and English versions of Breath of the Wild and Age of Calamity.
All translations in this video were completed by me. I have tried to keep the translations as literal as possible while making sure they still make sense and feel logical to understand. Translating (& localising) text and dialogue from one language to another and ensuring this balance is a very complex process. Therefore it's only natural that another person may choose to translate differently to the way I or Nintendo have.
The last cutscene in the video plays during the Champion's Ballad DLC. Revali performs his unique skill/technique, Revali's Ferocity (Revali's Gale) in front of Zelda just moments before.
How do you interpret Revali’s Japanese character? Has the Japanese translation given you a new perspective on him? Which version of him do you prefer?Majoras Mask in Japanese: The Fierce Deitys Connection to MajoraQuestWithAaron2022-03-04 | Analysing the Japanese version of Majora's Mask reveals several secret connections between Majora and the Fierce Deity, adding an entirely new layer of depth to the already sheer volume of complexity prevalent in the game's story.
This video looks at the Japanese and English versions of Majora's Mask and unveils unique story details that didn't make it into the English version of the game.
We discover more about the tribe from the legend that used Majora's Mask for their hexing rituals exclusively in the Japanese version, as well as how the inhabitants of Termina may have directly influenced their fate more than we imagined.
We conclude by exploring how all of this ties into Majora's orchestrated fate and what it means for the events on the moon, the final battle with Majora, and the mask itself.
It's important to remember that localising content is a very difficult process. It is not always the case that words with cultural connotations and meanings can be accurately translated into another language.
The incredible thing about the Zelda series, and especially Majora's Mask, is that it's up to you, the player, how you interpret the story. For me, the Japanese version of the game simply enriches that experience. The purpose of this video is to share that extra bit of underlying mystery that exists in the Japanese text.
Special thanks to these wonderful people for their incredible music!
Hyrule Orchestra - youtu.be/IpZU99rcHugThe Legend of Zeldas TRUE Origin Story: Twilight Realm Mystery SOLVEDQuestWithAaron2021-11-01 | The hidden full truth of Hyrule’s Creation and the purpose of the Twilight Realm’s existence are a few of many mysteries that have answers waiting to be found in the original Japanese version of Twilight Princess.
What exactly is the Twilight Realm? How does it differ from the Twilight that envelops Hyrule and why does the Twilight in the Twilight Realm, not force Link to transform into a wolf the way it does in Hyrule? In this video, we dive into the Japanese version of Twilight princess to reveal the answers to all of these mysteries, discover hidden secrets lost in localisation and uncover the truth of the Twilight Realm’s Connection to Hyrule.
As in the nature of language and localisation, many intricacies and cultural nuances can be lost during the translation process. This video is dedicated to reviving those lost elements through immersive explanations that would otherwise be difficult to achieve in the limited space of the dialogue text boxes in Twilight Princess. All translations have been completed by me.
With that said, another may decide on different translations for words or phrases. I’ve endeavoured to remain as faithful to the original Japanese text as possible while ensuring a balance of accuracy and clarity.
A massive thanks to:
- DarklordIIID from DeviantArt for providing me with a piece of art for the thumbnail.
- MIDZELINK for some of the textless cutscenes - This really did make the editing process so much smoother. The link can be found here: tinyurl.com/45t9b5zj
The TERRIFYING Unrevealed Truth of Ganondorf’s Malice in Breath of the Wild 2: youtu.be/-qajE_9sCj8The TERRIFYING Reality of Ganondorfs Malice in Breath of the Wild 2QuestWithAaron2021-08-23 | Where does Ganondorf’s unreal malicious power in Breath of the Wild’s sequel originate from? Exclusive to the Japanese text, the ultimate truth as to what Malice is, its origins and the hidden energy that grants Ganondorf the ability to corrupt Gods are just a few of so many dark secrets that await to be discovered.
Ganondorf’s Malice is so much more than a simple feeling of hatred. This video is dedicated to showcasing the truth of Malice in its entirety through an in-depth analysis of the Japanese version of the Zelda games. A revival of the true richness of the lore!
While there is an abundance of lore that has been lost through the translations, this is not always the fault of the localisation team. Sometimes, it’s just impossible to secure an accurate translation of a word while retaining the source language’s cultural meaning. With that said, many translation choices are certainly questionable. Some completely alter the true story of the Zelda series.
All translations have been completed by me, and while I strive to retain the balance between accuracy and clarity, sometimes deeper explanations of words are required, so I’ve included them in the video. Of course, as in the nature of translations, another may opt to translate words or phrases differently from mine.
I truly appreciate all of the tremendous support you’ve blessed me with, thank you so much!How Demises Secret Origin Connects Skyward Sword & Breath of the WildQuestWithAaron2021-07-19 | Appearing as the final boss to The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword's story, the Demon King Demise hides so many secrets that reveal hidden connections to Breath of the Wild's sequel. All of these secrets are exclusive to the Japanese version of Skyward Sword. In Japanese, there is just so much more to Demise's character, details which have been lost in the English version.
In this video, we reveal the origin of Demise, explore his true name, identity, and much more! I am most excited to share an interesting connection between Skyward Sword's Demise and Breath of the Wild 2! This connection gives us deeper insight into the identity of Ganon and Ganondorf whom we see in the trailer.
By analysing the truth of Demise’s origin, we are also able to delve deeper into Ghirahim’s character and discover significant elements that have been cut from the English version of Skyward Sword.
Music for intro composed by Bultitude from Blue Crow band. For enquires contact: blackbeltbultitude@gmail.com
All translations have been completed by me, and, as in the nature of translations, another person may choose to translate slightly differently. Even so, I have completed these translations based on what I personally feel is the most accurate way to demonstrate what exactly we've missed out on from Skyward Sword's story.Links True Thoughts on Mipha REVEALED|Zelda BoTWQuestWithAaron2021-06-05 | It's time to look at exactly what Link thinks of Mipha in Zelda Breath of the Wild. We very quickly learn that Mipha loves Link and keeps him close in her heart. But... what about Link? What does he truly think of his childhood friend? Thanks to the discovery of Link's diary in Breath of the Wild, we can now explore his relationship with Mipha more in-depth than ever before.
We also look at some of the other secrets hidden within the Japanese version of Breath of the Wild, that reveals some immensely fascinating things about Mipha, including her dying wish. There's so much to look at, I've been super excited to share this one with you all.
In this video, we look at Link's secret diary, the differences between the Japanese and English text for Link's responses, and the disparities between the Japanese and English version of the cutscenes and more. With all this, we can now discover as much as possible about Mipha.
I also want to point out that the translations I've produced for this video have all been completed by me. As in the nature of translation with any language, it's entirely possible that another person may choose to translate differently.Links Secret Diary Reveals His True Personality in Breath of the WildQuestWithAaron2021-05-09 | After waking from his 100 year slumber, Link is even more expressive than ever. How has this destiny changed him?
Beath of the Wild's adventure log functions as Link's personal diary in Japanese, allowing us to truly explore Link's personality and character.
If Link were able to escape the bounds of his destiny, what kind of life would he choose to live? In this video, we dive into Link's personality to answer that very question.
From looking at Link's diary, we learn about what his favourite things are, what he enjoys, and ultimately explore what his ideal life may look like.
Link is so expressive in his diary! It's so exciting to learn more about him, and I can't wait for you to see a new side to Link too! I truly hope some element of a diary is implemented in the sequel to Breath of the Wild, only time will tell!
I believe that a diary is a really effective way to allow us to see more of Link's character while retaining the traits that make him special. What do you think?
I want to point out that Japanese can be a difficult language to translate, and at times the author of the text can sometimes be ambiguous as the Japanese language often omits pronouns.
However, there is no doubt that Link has recorded his thoughts and feelings in the adventure log. The localised English version removes so much of this, so I want to show you what you may have missed if you didn't play (and understand) the original Japanese version of the game.
Disclaimer: The possibility of the adventure log being Link's diary was first brought to my attention by @Evaix. Upon later research, the original discovery seems to have been made by Chinese Gamer @AtomaruU. Props to them! This is amazing.Links Secret Diary in Zelda BotW Part 2 - Thoughts of a Failed HeroQuestWithAaron2021-03-21 | Link's secret diary in Breath of the Wild reveals how both failing to become Hyrule’s Hero and as Zelda’s personal knight has affected him. We can discover how Link truly views himself after these events!
Being chosen by the Master Sword and being appointed as Zelda’s personal Knight is a weighty responsibility. He was supposed to be the land’s Hero. But, despite his efforts before the events of Breath of the Wild, he fell in battle.
Link gradually recovers more of his memories throughout Breath of the Wild, including those where Zelda doubts him. With these thoughts in mind, and you ever wondered what Link might be thinking? Does he despise himself after these failures, or does he have the courage to try again?
In Breath of the Wild, Link has recorded all of his thoughts in the adventure log, which is actually his diary in the Japanese version.
With Link’s diary in our hands, we can really dive deep into his feelings and thought processes.
All translations in this video have been produced, revised and edited by me. I have tried to keep the translations as accurate to the original Japanese version as possible to ensure authenticity.
I’m interested in hearing your opinions on this discovery. Is there anything that stands out to you the most, or something you’d like to see more of? Let me know!
Disclaimer: The possibility of the adventure log being Link's diary was first brought to my attention by @Evaix. Upon later research, the original discovery seems to have been made by Chinese Gamer @AtomaruU. Props to them! This is amazing.Link Has a Secret Diary in Zelda Breath of the WildQuestWithAaron2021-02-25 | With all of the main characters in Zelda: Breath of the Wild having their own diaries, it didn't sit right with me thinking that Link didn't have one. Well, it's finally time that our mysterious silent knight gets the character description that he deserves!
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. An incredible game that's full of many incredible things.
Do you know what else is incredible? The adventure log in Zelda: Breath of the Wild! Have you ever wondered what it is? Who's writing and updating it? In this video, which I am very excited to share with you all, we explore the foundations of the adventure log, and the secrets it's been hiding from us this whole time.
As you're probably aware, the adventure log in Breath of the Wild is very extensive and contains far too much information for this video alone. If you're interested in seeing what other mysteries are hidden away, definitely let me know! I'd really like to share with you more of what we all missed out on in BoTW, so I'm planning on making this video into a series that discusses everything in detail. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think! I respond to all of them.
All of the translations that you see in this video have been produced and edited by me. Although I can understand and speak Japanese, I have not used it to translate video games before like this. But I will definitely be doing it again, I really enjoyed learning more about my favourite character. I can't wait to share future findings with you all.
Disclaimer: The possibility of the adventure log being Link's diary was first brought to my attention by @Evaix. Upon later research, the original discovery seems to have been made by Chinese Gamer @AtomaruU. Props to them! This is amazing.