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Death Mountain is a recurring location in The Legend of Zelda series.(TLoZ | TP)[1] It is a tall, often volcanic mountain that can be found in Hyrule, the Dark World, and Lorule.

Features and Overview[]

The Legend of Zelda[]

In The Legend of Zelda, Death Mountain is the northern region of Hyrule. It is a large sprawling expanse of rock covering the northern border of the map. The mountain range is usually home to some of the stronger enemies, such as Lynels, who are said to be the guardians of the Mountain. Occasionally, Boulders will fall from the hills. The Mountain also has a few streams and ponds that are home to Zoras.

Death Mountain also has two distinctive landmarks. The first being Lost Hills, a mountainous counterpart of the maze-like Lost Woods. Beyond this maze is the fifth Labyrinth, Level 5, in the First Quest. The mountain also contains Spectacle Rock, which houses Level-9 and the location of Ganon. This Dungeon is a huge labyrinth found underneath the Mountain itself. It is the largest Dungeon in the game and is filled with lava pools and a large number of enemies such as Lanmola and Wizzrobes. Princess Zelda is held captive deep inside until Link rescues her.

The Adventure of Link[]

In The Adventure of Link, Death Mountain can be found south of Western Hyrule. This area, located south of the Water Town of Saria, is comprised of many different tunnels that house many enemies, such as Dairas, several of which lead to dead ends if the wrong paths are taken. A few tunnels also have pools of lava, usually with a bridge suspended above them. Only a few paths lead to the southern region of Hyrule, where Link can find the Hammer hidden in a cave beneath Spectacle Rock.

A Link to the Past[]

In A Link to the Past, Death Mountain can be found on the northern border of Hyrule. It is home to many Deadrocks and numerous caves filled with Keese and Mini-Moldorms among other enemies. At the very peak of mountain, the Tower of Hera can be found beyond Spectacle Rock. Without traveling to the Dark World, Link cannot scale this peak to reach the dungeon and the final Pendant of Virtue. Here, the hero also meets the Lost Old Man, and by saving him, he is able to start the game from his hideout in the Mountain Cave. Later on in his quest, he is able to obtain the Ether Medallion and gain access to the Death Mountain Shop. Death Mountain is covered by constantly tumbling boulders.

Its Dark World counterpart is home to Turtle Rock and Ganon's Tower, found where the Tower of Hera is in the Light World. Ganon's Tower itself is guarded by Lynels. The Dark World counterpart is volcanic, with rocks constantly dripping with magma. The Cane of Byrna can also be found hidden in its caves.

Ocarina of Time[]

In Ocarina of Time, Death Mountain is home to the Gorons, a peaceful race who eat rocks and are exceptionally good at forging blades.[2] It can only be reached via a gate in Kakariko Village. Anyone wishing to travel up to Death Mountain needs the King's permission.[3] It is said that the state of the mountain is reflected by the clouds surrounding the peak: if they look normal, then Death Mountain is at peace.[4]

The ancient dragon Volvagia was, in essence, the spirit of the Mountain.[5]

Four Swords[]

In Four Swords, Death Mountain appears as one of the four initial stages. By clearing the stage and defeating the boss, the Links receive a Key from the Great Fairy. The key received depends on how many Rupees were collected. The boss of Death Mountain is a flame monster called Gouen, and the symbol is the Fire Element.

Four Swords Adventures[]

In Four Swords Adventures, Death Mountain appears as an area of Hyrule and as the third Level. It consists of three Stages: Death Mountain Foothills, The Mountain Path, and Tower of Flames.

Twilight Princess[]

Death Mountain Trail TP

Death Mountain from Twilight Princess

In Twilight Princess, Death Mountain is also home to the Goron tribe. Due to its volcanic nature, the mountain also boasts steam jets and mineral-rich Hot Springs. Death Mountain experiences frequent eruptions early in the game due to events related to the Twilight.

Sticking to the Gorons' reputation as skilled metalsmiths, metal structures have been erected around the face of the mountain to provide access to areas which are otherwise unreachable. The Gorons themselves can give each other and Link a leg-up to unscalable surfaces. The Gorons also have a mine inside the volcanic interior of the mountain, where materials are mined and transported with the assistance of magnetic cranes. The mine is also home to Torch Slugs and Dodongos.

When Link first tries to climb up Death Mountain, the Gorons attack him on sight due to an order from the Goron Elder, Gor Coron.[6] To successfully ascend the mountain, Link must use the Iron Boots to avoid being knocked down by the Gorons' roll attack and thus be able to stop them in their tracks. Link eventually reaches the main area of Death Mountain, where a giant rock from the mountain's volcano falls. After successfully evading the Gorons and using them to launch himself higher up the mountain, Link enters the Gorons' home. There, he is informed by Gor Coron that he will not allow him to enter the Goron Mines, which are sacred to the Gorons, unless he beats him in a match of sumo.[7] Successfully defeating the Goron Elder allows Link to enter the mines and obtain the second Fused Shadow, saving Darbus and obtaining the Gorons' respect along the way.

A Link Between Worlds[]

Weather Vane Death Mountain ALBW

Hyrule's Death Mountain from A Link Between Worlds

In A Link Between Worlds, the volcano upon Death Mountain, Spectacle Rock, is active, which causes boulders to fall across the lower areas of the mountain. Spectacle Rock is now near the Tower of Hera. As the Dark World is not present in A Link Between Worlds, going through it is not necessary to reach the Tower of Hera. The cave system on the eastern side of Death Mountain is complex, containing several moving platforms that Link must fall on in order to reach the exits. One of the exits leads to Rosso's Ore Mine, which contains a portal to Lorule.

Lorule has its own Death Mountain that is not an active volcano. It is covered in snow, thus many of the enemies adapted ice-themed powers. The cave system of Lorule's Death Mountain contains similar jumping puzzles in the eastern section. This version is split in half, with one half containing the Treacherous Tower, and the other half containing the Ice Ruins.

Breath of the Wild[]

In Breath of the Wild, Death Mountain is a an enormous volcanic mountain in eastern Eldin. It is surrounded by a large moat of lava known as Death Caldera, which flows into other parts of Eldin as rivers and forms smaller bodies of lava. The Bridge of Eldin is the only means of crossing the moat.

Death Mountain has a higher temperature than the rest of Eldin, requiring Link to possess two levels of Flame Guard in order to explore the Mountain without being lit aflame and taking damage. Link can acquire enough Flame Guard either by wearing at least two pieces of Flamebreaker Armor or wearing one piece and using a Fireproof Elixir.

The Divine Beast Vah Rudania walks along the side of Death Mountain, causing its eruptions to worsen.[8] Bludo of the Gorons, along with Yunobo's help, use Cannons stationed at the mountain to drive away Vah Rudania, but it always returns.[9] Bludo had also raised the Bridge of Eldin to prevent Vah Rudania from crossing over, thereby making the Bridge and Death Mountain inaccessible until Link progresses in the "Divine Beast Vah Rudania" Main Quest.[10] After Link defeats Fireblight Ganon and frees Vah Rudania, the Divine Beast climbs to the Death Mountain Summit, where it takes aim at Hyrule Castle.

Tears of the Kingdom[]

Death Mountain reappears in Tears of the Kingdom in the same location as it was before, located in the eastern Eldin region. It is a massive, now dormant volcanic mountain where Gorons reside. The ambient temperature on the surface of the mountain is much cooler compared to before, being traversable without Heat Resistance or Flame Guard.

The caverns inside Death Mountain are much hotter due to the flow of magma, requiring the use of Flame Guard to prevent being set on fire.

The very top crater of Death Mountain is covered in Gloom and after you defeat Moragia it reveals massive chasm that drops into the Depths, where the Fire Temple is located.



Other Appearances[]

Ancient Stone Tablets[]

Death Mountain AST

Death Mountain from Ancient Stone Tablets



Link's Crossbow Training[]

In Link's Crossbow Training, Death Mountain appears in Stage 2 as the Goron Target Practice. The central area of the Goron's lair is the first two screens of the stage. There, Gorons stand in various formations, roll in place, then spring up with either regular, gold, or false targets. The screen changes every 20 seconds, all with different formations of Gorons.

Cadence of Hyrule[]

CoH Death Mountain map

Death Mountain from Cadence of Hyrule

Death Mountain appears as part of the overworld map in Cadence of Hyrule. Though its exact location varies between save files, it is always on the top edge of the map, and is where the Temple of Storms is located. Its music is a remix of the Death Mountain theme from A Link to the Past.

Symphony of the Mask[]

Death Mountain is smaller in the Kingdom of Hyrule's future. The Temple of Brainstorms can be found there.

A Link to the Past (Ishinomori)[]

Death Mountain (ALttP comic)

Death Mountain from the A Link to the Past comic

In the A Link to the Past comic by Shotaro Ishinomori, Death Mountain is on the borders of the Desert of Mystery.

While in the Desert of Mystery, Link is guided by Sahasrahla's telepathy to Death Mountain.[11] Link arrives to the mountain and stumbles upon a portal, which activates itself and shows a vision of two people standing with his uncle.[12] Believing them to be his parents,[13] Link reaches for his mother's hand when she extends hers out to the him, but Link's hand turns into a claw when it passes the portal's boundary. Sahasrahla warns that the power of the Dark World turns the inhabitants into a reflection of their heart, and Link's hatred of Agahnim would turn him into a beast if he were to enter.[14] Shortly afterwards, Zelda appears to Link and explains that they are in a dream, for if two people dream the same thing, they will meet.[15] After waking up from the dream, Link finds himself standing in front of the Tower of Hera, where he eventually retrieves the Pendant of Wisdom from Moldorm.

Mario Kart 8 & Mario Kart 8 Deluxe[]

Death Mountain appears in the background of the Hyrule Circuit track.

Ocarina of Time (Himekawa)[]



Hyrule Warriors[]

HW Death Mountain

Death Mountain from Hyrule Warriors

In Hyrule Warriors, Death Mountain appears as a stage part of Impa and Sheik's quest. Here, they must fight against the Gorons and their chieftain, Darunia, who is being controlled by Cia's Dark Forces.

Trivia[]

  • In Freshly-Picked Tingle's Rosy Rupeeland, a mountain called Mount Desma might be a reference to Death Mountain, as it is written that Mount Desma is "the Mountain of Death" in one of the Yamatami tribe's ancient books. Comparison of the Japanese names further suggests this. "Yama" is the Japanese word for "mountain," whereas "Desuma" differs only one Japanese letter from "Desu," or death.
  • Perhaps a mistranslation, but the Light World version in the Japanese version (known as Mount Hebra) was labeled as Death Mountain during the end credits. This could explain why the localization accepted the location as Death Mountain despite being referred to the Dark World counterpart.
  • The music played at Death Mountain in Breath of the Wild has the same melody as the music that plays in Level 9 in the original The Legend of Zelda.

Nomenclature[]

In the Japanese version of A Link to the Past and A Link Between Worlds, the mountain is only named Death Mountain in the Dark World. In the Light World, it is known as ヘブラ山 (Mount Hebra).

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in other regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
LanguageNameMeaning
JapanJapaneseデスマウンテン (Desu Maunten) (TLoZ | TAoL | ALttP | OoT | BotW)[16][17][18][19]
ヘブラ山(デスマウンテン) (Hebura Yama (Desu Maunten)) (ALttP)[20]
デスマウンテン (Desu Maunten) Triforce piece (ALBW)[21]
ヘブラ山 (Hebura Yama) Triforce piece (ALBW)[22]
Same as English.
Hebra Mountain (Death Mountain)
Death Mountain
Mount Hebra
NetherlandsDutchDeath Mountain (TLoZ)[23]
Berg des Doods (HWAoC)
Mountain of Death
CanadaFrenchCAMont de la Mort (ALBW | HWDE)[24]
FranceFrenchEUMontagne de la Mort (TLoZ)[25]
Montagne de la mort Triforce piece (ALBW)[26]
Mont Hébra Triforce piece (ALBW)[27]
Mont du péril (HWDE)[28]
Death Mountain
Mount of peril
GermanyGermanTodesberg (ALBW | HWDE)[29]
ItalyItalianMonte Hebra Triforce piece (ALBW)[30]
Monte Morte Triforce piece (ALBW)[31]
Monte Morte (HWDE)
Death Mountain
South KoreaKorean헤브라 산 (Hebeula San) Triforce piece (ALBW)[32]
데스마운틴 (Deseumauntin) (ALBW)[33]
Mount Hebra
Death Mountain
SpainSpanishEUMontaña de la Muerte (ALBW | HWDE)[34]
Latin AmericaSpanishLAMontaña de la Muerte (ALBW | BotW | HWDE)[35][36]
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery[]

References

  1. Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 220 (TLoZ) & 112 (TP)
  2. "I am one of the Gorons, the stone-eating people who live on Death Mountain." — Goron (Ocarina of Time)
  3. "Climb up the stairs at the north end of the village to find the trail that leads up Death Mountain. But you need the King's permission to actually go up the mountain." — Soldier (Ocarina of Time)
  4. "It is said that the clouds surrounding this peak reflect the condition of Death Mountain. When they look normal, it is at peace." — Kaepora Gaebora (Ocarina of Time)
  5. "Residing within the Fire Temple in Ocarina of Time, Volvagia was a wicked dragon defeated by Link; in essence, it was the spirit of Death Mountain." (Encyclopedia, Dark Horse Books, pg. 22)
  6. "These lands ahead belong to the Goron tribe! The elder said no humans may pass!" — Goron (Twilight Princess)
  7. "The mines beyond here are sacred to my tribe. Outsiders are not allowed. Unless... I could make an exception...but you would have to beat me in a contest of power. Are you willing to try that, little human?" — Gor Coron (Twilight Princess)
  8. "With Rudania runnin' wild recently, Death Mountain's eruptions have gotten real bad." — Bludo (Breath of the Wild)
  9. "He uses it to protect himself when he fire him at Rudania. That's the only way we can chase that blasted beast away." — Bludo (Breath of the Wild)
  10. "The problem is...good ol' Boss raised the Bridge of Eldin to make sure that mean Divine Beast couldn't get over here." — Yunobo (Breath of the Wild)
  11. "Link! Your priority should be finding the next pendant... Go to the Tower of Hera atop Death Mountain...." (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 4)
  12. "Link... Link... We are here with our brother...in the world of darkness...." (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 6)
  13. "Uncle?! Are you my father and mother?! It can't be!!" (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 7)
  14. "You penetrated the gate to the Dark World... That wicked realm has the power to change your body to reflect your heart. The emotions now in your heart are negative and evil! You nearly became a beast! [...] Yes, Link, but you can never win with hatred alone... Even if you were victorious, darkness would consume you!" (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 7)
  15. "We are in our dream... If two people dream the same thing, they will meet..." (A Link to the Past manga, VIZ Media, pg. 8)
  16. Hyrule Encyclopedia, Ambit Ltd., pg. 218
  17. The Adventure of Link manual, pg. 16
  18. Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past Vol. 1, Shogakukan, pg. 3
  19. Nintendo Official Guidebook—The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Shogakukan) pg. 155
  20. A Link to the Past manual, pg. 2, 3
  21. "そこはデスマウンテン
    永遠の冬が支配する山……
    " — Princess Hilda (A Link Between Worlds)
  22. "Up Arrow ロッソの鉱石屋
    Right Arrow ヘブラ山登山道
    " — Sign (A Link Between Worlds)
  23. The Legend of Zelda manual, pg. 34
  24. "Cet endroit s'appelle la mont de la Mort. Un hiver sans fin règne sur ses versants." — Princess Hilda (A Link Between Worlds)
  25. Encyclopedia, Les Éditions Soleil, pg. 220
  26. "Cet endroit s'appelle la montagne de la mort. Un hiver sans fin règne sur ses versants." — Princess Hilda (A Link Between Worlds)
  27. "Up Arrow Chez le livreur de minerai
    Right Arrow Vers le mont Hébra
    " — Sign (A Link Between Worlds)
  28. "Mont du péril" — Select Scenario (Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition)
  29. "Der Todesberg in dieser Welt ist von ewigem Winter umgeben..." — Princess Hilda (A Link Between Worlds)
  30. "Up Arrow Bottega di Rosso
    Right Arrow Sentiero per il Monte Hebra
    " — Sign (A Link Between Worlds)
  31. "Questo è il Monte Morte. Una montagna serrata nel ghiaccio..." — Princess Hilda (A Link Between Worlds)
  32. "Up Arrow 롯소의 광석 가게
    Right Arrow 헤브라 산 등산로
    " — Sign (A Link Between Worlds)
  33. "그곳은 데스마운틴
    영원한 겨울이 시배하는 산
    " — Princess Hilda (A Link Between Worlds)
  34. "Te encuentras en la Montaña de la Muerte, la cumbre del invierno eterno..." — Princess Hilda (A Link Between Worlds)
  35. "Te encuentras en la Montaña de la Muerte, la cumbre del invierno eterno..." — Princess Hilda (A Link Between Worlds)
  36. "Montaña de la Muerte" — Map (Breath of the Wild)
Major locations in The Adventure of Link
Tantari DesertParapa PalaceParapa DesertRuto TownNorth CastleRauru TownMidoro PalaceMoruge SwampMidoro SwampMido TownSaria TownDeath MountainDeath MountainKing's TombIsland PalaceDarunia TownNabooru TownOld Kasuto TownThree-Eye RockMaze IslandNew Kasuto TownTAoL Hyrule Map 2

Click on a location

Locations in A Link to the Past
Locations in the Light World Locations in the Dark World
Waterfall of WishingEastern PalaceGraveyardLost WoodsKakariko VillageDesert PalaceDesert of MysteryHyrule CastleGreat SwampTower of HeraPond of HappinessLake HyliaLink's HouseZora's WaterfallHaunted GroveSanctuaryWitch's HutDeath MountainHyrule Light World map

Click on a location

Skull WoodsSkeleton ForestGhostly GardenThieves' TownVillage of OutcastsMisery MireSwamp of EvilSwamp PalaceGanon's TowerPalace of DarknessPyramid of PowerIce PalaceIce LakeLake of Ill OmenBomb ShopTurtle RockDark World Map

Click on a location

Regions in Ocarina of Time
Lon Lon RanchLakeside LaboratoryFishing HoleLake HyliaKokiri ForestInside the Deku TreeLost WoodsSacred Forest MeadowMarketHyrule CastleGerudo ValleyGerudo's FortressHaunted WastelandDesert ColossusKakariko VillageKakariko GraveyardDeath MountainGoron CityDeath Mountain TrailZora's RiverZora's DomainZora's FountainHyrule FieldHyrule Image Map

Click on a location

Hyrule in Twilight Princess
Click on a location
The Legend of ZeldaThe Adventure of LinkA Link to the PastLink's AwakeningOcarina of TimeMajora's MaskOracle of AgesOracle of SeasonsFour SwordsThe Wind WakerFour Swords AdventuresThe Minish CapTwilight PrincessPhantom HourglassSpirit TracksSkyward SwordA Link Between WorldsTri Force HeroesBreath of the WildTears of the KingdomLink's Crossbow TrainingHyrule Warriors

Breath of the Wild


Main Dungeons

Divine Beast Vah Ruta  · Divine Beast Vah Rudania  · Divine Beast Vah Medoh  · Divine Beast Vah Naboris  · Hyrule Castle  · Final TrialTriforce piece (TCB)

Mini-Dungeons

Trial of the Sword (TMT ) · Yiga Clan Hideout

Ancient Shrines

Akh Va'quot · Bosh Kala · Chaas Qeta · Daag Chokah · Dagah Keek · Dah Kaso · Dah Hesho · Daka Tuss · Dako Tah · Daqa Koh ·
Daqo Chisay · Dila Maag · Dow Na'eh  · Dunba Taag · Gee Ha'rah · Gorae Torr · Ha Dahamar · Hawa Koth · Hia Miu · Hila Rao · Ishto Soh ·
Ja Baij · Jee Noh · Jitan Sa'mi · Joloo Nah · Ka'o Makagh · Kaam Ya'tak · Kah Mael Shrine · Kah Okeo Shrine · Kah Yah Shrine · Kam Urog Shrine · Katah Chuki · Katosa Aug  · Kay Noh · Kaya Wan · Kayra Mah · Ke'nai Shakah · Keeha Yoog · Keh Namut · Kema Kosassa ·
Kema Zoos · Keo Ruug · Ketoh Wawai · Korgu Chideh · Korsh O'hu · Kuh Takkar · Kuhn Sidajj · Lakna Rokee · Lanno Kooh · Maag Halan · Maag No'rah · Maka Rah · Mezza Lo · Mijah Rokee · Mirro Shaz · Misae Suma · Mo'a Keet · Mogg Latan · Monya Toma · Mozo Shenno ·
Muwo Jeem · Myahm Agana · Namika Ozz · Ne'ez Yohma · Noya Neha · Oman Au · Owa Daim · Pumaag Nitae · Qua Raym · Qaza Tokki · Qukah Nata · Raqa Zunzo · Ree Dahee · Rin Oyaa · Ritaag Zumo · Rok Uwog · Rona Kachta · Rota Ooh · Rucco Maag · Saas Ko'sah ·
Sah Dahaj · Sasa Kai · Sha Gehma · Sha Warvo · Shada Naw · Shae Katha · Shae Loya · Shae Mo'sah · Shai Utoh · Shai Yota · Shee Vaneer · Shee Venath · Sheem Dagoze · Sheh Rata · Sho Dantu · Shoda Sah · Shoqa Tatone · Shora Hah · Soh Kofi · Suma Sahma · Ta'loh Naeg ·
Tah Muhl · Tahno O'ah · Tawa Jinn · Tena Ko'sah · Tho Kayu · To Quomo · Toh Yahsa · Toto Sah · Tu Ka'loh · Tutsuwa Nima · Voo Lota ·
Wahgo Katta · Ya Naga · Yah Rin · Zalta Wa · Ze Kahso · Zuna Kai

Ancient Shrines (TCB)

Etsu Korima · Kamia Omuna · Kee Dafunia · Keive Tala · Kiah Toza · Kihiro Moh · Mah Eliya · Noe Rajee · Rinu Honika · Rohta Chigah · Ruvo Korbah · Sato Koda · Sharo Lun · Shira Gomar · Takama Shiri · Yowaka Ita


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