Master Sword

The Master Sword (マスターソード, Masutā Sōdo?) is a fictional longsword from Nintendo's Legend of Zelda video game series. It was first introduced as the Master Sword in the game The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past in 1992, although some debate exists as to whether the Magical Sword from The Legend of Zelda (1986) is the same sword, even though it is stated on Nintendo's official Zelda website that it is, indeed, the same sword. The sword traditionally rests in sacrosanct locations indigenous to Hyrule, such as the "Temple of Time" or the "Lost Woods". It is known as "The Blade of Evil's Bane". In general, it acts as the ultimate weapon for the chief protagonist, Link. It has a tendency to either decrease in power between games, as in The Wind Waker and the Oracle series and need to be "recharged" in some way, or increase in power during the games beyond its standard level, as in Twilight Princess and A Link to the Past.

The sword also doubles as a key to the Sacred Realm. While it impedes evil's ability to act, its seal is not inviolable. A Link to the Past, Ocarina of Time, and The Wind Waker all begin just as Ganon is finding a way around the sword's power. In the latter two games, drawing the sword from its pedestal releases the seal completely, allowing evil to act. However, it also anoints the hero, and with the sword in hand, he is ultimately able to defeat Ganon.

The Master Sword does not allow just anyone to hold it. Only those pure of heart are able to use the Master Sword. This is because it has the ability to repel evil. To be more precise, evil and those that are such cannot come in contact with it. In every instance, the wielder of the Master Sword is Link.