In the last episode of Tandem Legends we explored the volcanic region of Eldin. We encountered the Mogma, an intelligent mole species that, once won over, gifted us with the Digging Mitts. After digging our way through the region, eventually we were confronted by a figure dressed in black who demanded that we hurry ahead if we wished to save a captured Zelda.
As we made our way through the labyrinthine passageways in and around the Eldin Volcano, we finally reconstructed the temple key and gained access to the Earth Temple.
This Episode – Earth Temple
During this next section of gameplay we discuss, we enter into the Earth Temple. Surrounded by pools of lava and a bevy of fire themed baddies, we carefully explore. We quickly encountered a new and powerful enemy, the Lizalfos, though ultimately they prove no match for us.
Eventually we run into Ledd, who graciously allows Link to keep his Bomb Bag, enabling us to move further into the temple. Carefully balancing on an enormous stone sphere, we navigate over the pools of lava and around and on a few unfortunate Magma Spumes.
Finally reaching the end of the Temple we find a broken chain which Fi assumes had just moments before tethered a captured Zelda. We proceed a bit further and encounter Ghirahim, who, no longer pulling his punches, conjures an enemy called Scaldera to destroy us.
After deftly incapacitating this pyroclastic fiend, Link enters the Earth Spring and finally sees Zelda! But the reunion is cut short by a tall Sheikah guardian who ushers Zelda into a portal and scolds Link on his inability to protect “her Grace” from the evil assailants. Before following Zelda into the portal, the Sheikah gives Link a new mission: find the courage to face the coming trials in order to grow into a worthy protector of Zelda.
Enemies:
Fire Keese
Fire ChuChu
Red Bokoblin
Lizalfos
Magma Spume
Most of our discussion about enemies encountered in the Earth Temple revolves around the Lizalfos. These lizard bullies are a refreshed version of the Lizalfos encountered in Ocarina of Time who manically jump around and caw at you in an annoying screech. We enjoyed the fluid movement of the Lizalfos as they dodge and weave your attacks. But, most of all, we appreciated the new charm and humor brought to these creatures who taunt you by wagging their tongue mid-battle.
Next, we review the Magma Spumes who hide in the lava and pop out to throw fireballs at Link. These adorable “lava frogs” provide interesting components to the area as long-range enemies. But, to be honest, mostly we just really enjoy rolling over them to hear that quintessential sad death croak.
Look and Feel of Earth Temple
From the moment you enter the Earth Temple there’s a certain amount of energy that we didn’t get at the Skyview Temple. The music is kickin’ and the the scenery is, by all definitions of the term, lit.
The whole place is intensely bright. And at times even colorful. The stonework blends a lot of figures and symbols we might associate with Southeast Asia and the Hindu and Buddhist traditions we might find there.
Notably, we see images that resemble dvarapala: gate guardians seen outside many Hindu and Buddhist temples that protect the sanctuary within.
The iconography of dvarapala and use of animal motifs greatly enriches the playthrough experience and deepens our understanding of the Earth Temple in Skyward Sword. We are able to make connections about the purpose of this spiritual place and it’s role in the greater canon of Zelda’s journey.
This iconography though brings to mind a question about the Lizalfos. We see images of Lizalfos on a few doors:
Could this mean that the Lizalfos helped create the temple? Or, is it a warning to Earth Spring pilgirms to not to enter that particular room?
Overall, we feel that the Earth Temple is all about a building momentum of fun achievements as you navigate the obstacle course that is this dangerous and vibrant environment. A great experience!
Boss Battle – Scaldera
After chatting briefly with Ghirahim – who we do not have to fight – we face off with Scaldera.
We’re somewhat dubious about the design of this rock Pacman with lava-legs. But, the battle with Scaldera is very dynamic with a fun ebb and flow as the monster moves up and down the ramp.
Earth Spring
We finally see Zelda! But, there’s a Sheikah guardian in the way who scolds Link harshly for not being there to protect Zelda from her enemies. We feel that, while the Sheikah’s words are a little rude, this is a great opportunity to see the character development in Link from a kid to a hero. Similarly, it also seems that Zelda is going through a big transformation. We’re anxious to head to Lanayru to learn more about her journey.
Music
Earth Temple Theme
This theme feels exotic, mysterious, and intriguing. Initially it felt more like a song we’d hear in a desert – the tone and characteristics bring to mind a very hot environment. Which, makes sense – we’re in a volcano!
The percussive and reedy sound in this theme implies a stereotypical far-east characteristic. This theme seems to be an expansion on the generic battle theme featured elsewhere in the game.
This is the song that plays during the first Indiana Jones moment where Link is running away from the large boulder. The large drums pounding bring to mind the sound the boulder would make as it slams into the floor and crashes into the pillars. We again sense that the music in Zelda is heavily used to describe the characteristics of the environment.
We like to imagine that the Scaldera battle music would be accompanying a “B” monster movie. This also echoes the manic menagerie theme from Ghirahim’s music.
After you throw a bomb into Scaldera’s mouth and it becomes stunned this heroic march plays. This is a much underrated piece of music in this section of the game as it can be easily overlooked. This sweeping song feels very similar to a classic Bolero theme.
No large complaints from Joe about the Earth Temple, aside from the weird cartoony legs on Scaldera and the lack of Gorons. Overall, he loves the Lizalfos and the final boss battle with Scaldera, especially the “critical” battle theme music. Despite this being the 2nd playthrough for him of Skyward Sword he’s greatly enjoying the game.
Shannon
After conquering her 2nd temple Shannon feels on top of the world. The momentum building in the game overall is helping her quickly learn and adapt to the various challenges that arise. While she still feels skeptical about upcoming games in the timeline order, Shannon is still engaged and excited to be on this journey.
We have reached the end of our discussion this week on Tandem Legends. Thanks for joining us! We encourage you to play along and talk to us about your thoughts on Legend of Zelda. What do you think about this game so far? You can let us know by sending us a tweet @tandemlegends or commenting on this episode’s post below.
And if you like what you hear, leave us a 5 star rating and review on iTunes and Stitcher to help spread the word!
Please tune in to our next episode where we embark to the Lanayru Desert region.
The theme music for this podcast, Overworld, was created by Kevin Macleod of incomepetech.com, licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Dvarapala picture:By The original uploader was Sim100 at French Wikipedia (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
