The sword is the signature weapon of Link, the series protagonist, and has become an integral part of the character's visual identity and also a core element of Zelda iconography.

In the narrative of the series, it is a powerful, sacred weapon that Link repeatedly uses to defeat the main antagonist, Ganon and other forces of evil.

Throughout the Zelda series, it is shown to have various magical powers, including the capability to repel evil, alter the flow of time, and emit light beams to attack surrounding enemies.

In addition to The Legend of Zelda series, the Master Sword has also appeared in various other video games, media, and merchandise.

[1][2] The majority of The Legend of Zelda video games follow a similar story arc that involves Link embarking on a journey that eventually leads him to recovering the Master Sword.

[7] In Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, it emits light beams that deal high damage to surrounding enemies.

[13] In Tears of the Kingdom, it possesses similar characteristics and emits higher powered attacks in proximity to enemies associated with Ganondorf.

The scene established the mythological importance of the blade within the series as the only sword with the power to repel evil, but also emphasised its symbolic significance.

Producer Eiji Aonuma said that the premise was built around the game's motion controls: "This time, the theme is the sword which makes use of the Wii MotionPlus accessory..." The plot suffered from inconsistencies in the pre-existing timeline.

[17] In the original The Legend of Zelda (1986), a fantasy weapon appears without any defining features, but was the precursor for future iterations of the Master Sword.

The game involves Link setting out to rescue Princess Zelda by retrieving the blade from its pedestal in the Lost Woods and using it to defeat the main antagonists, the evil wizard Agahnim and finally, Ganon.

[7][20] When Link seeks out the Master Sword in Twilight Princess, it is located on its pedestal deep in the woods in the Sacred Grove within the ruined Temple of Time.

[22] In the finale, a humanoid spirit named Fi, who acts as Link's companion throughout the game, is placed in an eternal slumber within the Master Sword.

[28] In Tears of the Kingdom (2023), the sequel to Breath of the Wild, Link begins the game wielding the Master Sword, only for it to be shattered by Ganondorf's power.

To defeat Ganondorf, Zelda chooses to consume a secret stone to transform into a dragon, allowing the Master Sword to regain its sacred energy over millennia.

In the present day, Link finds Zelda in her draconified form and pulls the Master Sword from her skull.

Ultimate, Link also appears as a playable character in eight different costumes that include the Master Sword and Hylian Shield.

[33][34] In Nintendo Land, players can wield the Master Sword as part of The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest.

[41] In the hack and slash video game Hyrule Warriors (2014), the Master Sword appears as a prominent weapon.

[21] In Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity (2020), Link is able to use the Master Sword throughout the game after defeating an antagonist named Astor and retrieving the blade from its pedestal.

[43][44] The Master Sword features in the lyrics of a single inspired by The Legend of Zelda series titled "Power of the Triforce" by British metal band DragonForce.

[55][56][57] Critics have observed that the Master Sword and other Zelda plot elements have been heavily influenced by Celtic mythology.

He also noted that the sword's role as an integral part of the storyline means that finding its location provides a "special melancholic twist".

[65] Matthew Byrd, writing for Den of Geek, considered the Master Sword to be "the most important weapon in gaming history", due to the way it is obtained in A Link to the Past.

[69] Destin Legarie from IGN wrote: "This beautiful sword is an icon to gamers everywhere, as well as an instantly recognizable item of central importance in the Zelda franchise.

Sure, there have been plenty of great weapons and items in The Legend of Zelda series, but only the Master Sword has endured since the days of A Link to the Past.