Majora's Mask Symbolism! Moon and Skull kid explained

[War Penguin]

And you don't have your own show on The Escapist because... ?

Seriously, when/if The Escapist does their film festival thing, you should seriously consider entering. You'd be a great addition to the site!

Well, I'd certainly love to join at some point, and a lot of people (even admins) have said it's good idea.

The crew is easy to contact and I guess I don't even have to wait for the festival. They made it clear anyone can submit content via email. Scheduling is a little hard since my stuff is longer and takes longer to make than the weekly shows. Not sure if I can get around that, but...I'll contact them soon, I guess. No point in waiting much longer. XD I've heard so many people demand I ask I kind of have to soon.

Well, it's something to definitely consider. Maybe take some time to think about, prepare for how to schedule and all that, but consider nonetheless.

I must say though, seeing your earlier videos and then this? I must say, you are quickly moving towards the professional level of video making!

 

[vasiD]

No wonder this was my favorite game as a child, it heavily focuses on my favorite theme.

 

[Overusedname]

Excellent work again dude. I can tell you spent quite some time on this one.

I'd really like to know more about your process for both this and Modestly ProphItic. Do a FAQ at some point, yo.

I'll do one soon actually. Corey and I might even work on that today.

I certainly get A LOT of questions and requests, so I should do that soon. I'll probably post it on Modestly ProphItic.

 

[Overusedname]

You sneaky bastard! I almost went to bed and missed this!

*Watching now will edit soon*

This was one of your funniest... I almost missed the point I was laughing too hard XD

The Orange Happy Mask Salesman jump scene killed me.

I always interpreted the atmosphere as one of Fear rather than specifically dealing with death (Though fear of death would necessarily be there). The Skull was afraid of losing his friends, Link was afraid of... whatever fancy psychological problems the deku scrub represented etc.

I think this played well off link's defining trait of courage. Shit's messed up in Termina, really messed up. Link could honestly leave at any time (I think? How does one get in or out of Termina exactly?). He could leave as a scrub. He could leave after the Happy mask salesman heals him. Any time during those three days really.

He would even be semi-justified in doing so (think Mutoh-Viscen argument on Viscen's side).

But he doesn't, and it's because of Courage. Courage in the aristotelian sense of doing the right thing in spite of Fear (or because of it).

It's not merely facing your fears like Mutoh the carpenter does.

The skull kid does the opposite of this. When he couldn't "have" his friends and was afraid of losing them he lashed out and started messing things up. He did the wrong thing because of Fear.

This sense of fear I think is how the song of healing ties into it. It doesn't heal you in the sense of making your problems go away, rather it brings peace and the courage to face them.

TL;DR

This video was awesome. I'm looking forward to the rest

I can talk more now, so~...

It's left kind of ambiguous, but the implication is that Link is doing this because he wants to. Once he get's the Ocarina (and arguably Epona) he could pretty much flee. The player can't just abandon the mission in any way so...I guess it's pretty vague. The way Link interacts with the characters he's helping implies dedication to doing the right thing.

There is however a darker theory. Think of how the door is locked, in that room the Happy Mask Salesmen is in. The Salesmen has magical powers, clearly, knows powerful songs, and seems dissapointed when he finds out the mask has lost it's power. The children in the moon also physically resemble the salesmen (same hair, ears, and skin tone). And more importantly, the guy audibly laughs at you and appears to reset time for you.

In other words

Spoiler

He's laughing at your attempt to escape your fate. He is essentially an all powerful god-figure performing a cruel experiment.

Just a theory~

 

[Random Argument Man]

Damn...I have never thought about the shape of the mask. That was great! Although, I'm wondering if you'll talk about the five areas in Majora's Mask and how they represent the stages of death since you've mentioned...well...death. Clocktown=deniance, Swamp=anger, etc. If not, then have a freebie.

Looking forward to your next video!

Thanks for the comment!

I actually have written out how each of the cultures deal with death/fear of loss differently, and now I've noticed that what your saying is almost perfectly conisistant with the order you visit the areas as well. With one problem: The Gorons don't seem to be bargaining, where as everyone else seem to fit a stage in order of when you go there. That step is missing.

That being said, it might just be a cryptic execution of it. We're replaying that part to get footage today, so I'll keep my eyes open. Thanks for pointing that out, I might notice something.

The gorons were hoping that their hero would come back and save them from the Winter. They often beg for favours. Most people during the bargaining phase often act out of desparation and will even start begging at some point. Although, I'll admit that it's even less more direct than the other areas of Termina.

 

[Overusedname]

Damn...I have never thought about the shape of the mask. That was great! Although, I'm wondering if you'll talk about the five areas in Majora's Mask and how they represent the stages of death since you've mentioned...well...death. Clocktown=deniance, Swamp=anger, etc. If not, then have a freebie.

Looking forward to your next video!

Thanks for the comment!

I actually have written out how each of the cultures deal with death/fear of loss differently, and now I've noticed that what your saying is almost perfectly conisistant with the order you visit the areas as well. With one problem: The Gorons don't seem to be bargaining, where as everyone else seem to fit a stage in order of when you go there. That step is missing.

That being said, it might just be a cryptic execution of it. We're replaying that part to get footage today, so I'll keep my eyes open. Thanks for pointing that out, I might notice something.

The gorons were hoping that their hero would come back and save them from the Winter. They often beg for favours. Most people during the bargaining phase often act out of desparation and will even start begging at some point. Although, I'll admit that it's even less more direct than the other areas of Termina.

Hmm, I suppose they beg for help, but several Gorons actively try to do something. And they're all sticking together despite all the chaos, thus coping with it better than some.

 

[Lunar Templar]

HA!!

I never played Majora's mask, so my childhood remains unaffected!!

That said, this one felt kinda 'weaker' then other videos, can't place my finger on why though, and it didn't stop me from enjoying the video and I'll still be waiting like every one else for prt2, 3 and 4, if it goes that far (OOT did)

 

[Euryalus]

I can talk more now, so~...

It's left kind of ambiguous, but the implication is that Link is doing this because he wants to. Once he get's the Ocarina (and arguably Epona) he could pretty much flee. The player can't just abandon the mission in any way so...I guess it's pretty vague. The way Link interacts with the characters he's helping implies dedication to doing the right thing.

There is however a darker theory. Think of how the door is locked, in that room the Happy Mask Salesmen is in. The Salesmen has magical powers, clearly, knows powerful songs, and seems dissapointed when he finds out the mask has lost it's power. The children in the moon also physically resemble the salesmen (same hair, ears, and skin tone). And more importantly, the guy audibly laughs at you and appears to reset time for you.

In other words

Spoiler

He's laughing at your attempt to escape your fate. He is essentially an all powerful god-figure performing a cruel experiment.

Just a theory~

So... then Link would be doing the right thing because of fear and the Aristotelian idea of Courage still holds up! I win XD

Fear as an emotion isn't inherently bad. It is merely a catalyst for action. It can allow you to make decisions quickly (Fighting or running away from danger).

What's bad is when it leads you to make bad decisions, like phobias. A fear of heights for example can stop you from being able to cross a bridge, or escape from something by climbing higher, or be able to climb safely down something. These can all negatively (and illogically) impact the accomplishment of your goals (things you have deemed to be good/worth accomplishing at some level).

Doing the right/correct/good thing that you would logically conclude is the best option without Fear, in spite of, or because of Fear, is courage.

Emotions (and especially appetites) are important because they're "movers." They get you to act. How you act is generally down to the logical/critical thinking part of the brain

As for the Happy Mask salesman, I always wondered if he was the same guy from Ocarina of time or just impersonating him. It's hard to tell because you're the only one in OoT that really ever interacted with him, and in MM he's the only one who isn't clearly just a look alike (apart from the skull kid).

-snip-

How does Ikana Canyon personify acceptance though? They seem to be in denial of the fact that ikana is a dead kingdom.

 

[Olas]

You're getting better at this, I can tell, but still you need to find a way to make these videos more concise and organized. Not saying you should crunch a whole game into 10 minutes, I think we'd all hate that, but sometimes cutting out the fat and being more to the point makes it more enjoyable for everyone.

Maybe show a little less of yourself in the videos, not saying you're ugly, but the focus should be on the game not necessarily you.

 

[Euryalus]

HA!!

I never played Majora's mask, so my childhood remains unaffected!!

I did... and it remains corrupted! And I love it XD

Majora's Mask was dark and terrifying as a kid and it only gets more so when you grow up.

 

[Random Argument Man]

Snip

The ghost mostly seems in deniance until you *free* them from their curse. They finally accept that it's time to move on when you cleared the Stonetalon temple. Although, I've heard theories that it's Link who needs to pass the acceptance phase. Since he has no mask to transform into, he must accept the idea that his "friend he was looking for" is not coming back. Although, I prefer my theory than the latter since it makes more sense.

 

[Euryalus]

Snip

The ghost mostly seems in deniance until you *free* them from their curse. They finally accept that it's time to move on when you cleared the Stonetalon temple. Although, I've heard theories that it's Link who needs to pass the acceptance phase. Since he has no mask to transform into, he must accept the idea that his "friend he was looking for" is not coming back. Although, I prefer my theory than the latter since it makes more sense.

Maybe it could tie into Emcee's (Overusedname's? @Overusedname What the hell do I call you here XD)Death theme! Everyone needs to accept death, Link, the ghosts, Igos du ikana, etc... Otherwise you end up with the wrongness of Stone Tower/Ikana.

Dampe (or whatever his name here is) Was terrified of death, Igos du Ikana desperately tried to avoid it (making a deal with the devil), and The mummy researcher was unhealthily obsessed with it.

None of them accepted death for what it was and let it consume them in some way.

 

[Overusedname]

You're getting better at this, I can tell, but still you need to find a way to make these videos more concise and organized. Not saying you should crunch a whole game into 10 minutes, I think we'd all hate that, but sometimes cutting out the fat and being more to the point makes it more enjoyable for everyone.

Maybe show a little less of yourself in the videos, not saying you're ugly, but the focus should be on the game not necessarily you.

YOU CALLIN' ME FAT?

*ahem* I used to think the same thing, but my feedback actually screams NO DON'T whenever I propose cutting huge things out, or eliminating/reducing the comedy. People initially worried that the length would dissuade people, but over time people seem to like the bulky videos.

As odd as this sounds, despite the subject of my vids, comments and messages suggest that most people are here for both the humor and the analysis, and a lot of people care more about the comedy then anything else. Also, to be blunt, I'm not the type of person who could not mentally survive making just straightforward analysis with no jokes, skits or snarky remarks. Reducing that stuff would make some people happy, but it would be the minority. Not dismissing the advice, but I guess I just want to make as many people happy as possible.

I could try doing straight-faced analysis at some point and see how that gets received. It'd be good to get the feedback of that one. If enough people ask for one I'll try it. Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Smolderin]

Just watched your video. I liked and subscribed! It was pretty cool, keep up the good work my friend. I await your next video, and I honestly do hope you gain more popularity, after watching this video I pretty much knew that given time, and you keep gaining knowledge on how to better your vids, you'll definitely get on up there as a major Youtube persona.

 

[Overusedname]

Just watched your video. I liked and subscribed! It was pretty cool, keep up the good work my friend. I await your next video, and I honestly do hope you gain more popularity, after watching this video I pretty much knew that given time, and you keep gaining knowledge on how to better your vids, you'll definitely get on up there as a major Youtube persona.

Thanks yo! I'm flattered.

I hope to keep improving too.

 

[Lugbzurg]

That was awesome! And if you end up getting a show here, we'll, you've gotta remember that you'll need something new every week or so. Just keep that in mind.

Anyway, something I'd like to bring up.

I can't seem to find it now, but I remember reading an article that brought up some of the vaguely-implied backstory in the game, and what really stood out to me the most was what it said about the Stone Tower and the parallels it draws with the biblical Tower of Babel.

To sum it up, it stated that it seemed the Stone Tower was created in opposition to the three goddesses and in the name of the four giants, as the people worshiped those giants as if they were gods (which is explicitly-stated in the game itself, when you have that grandmother read you a story). Indeed, there are things in the area such as giant hands pointing at the sky, with their index fingers lit on fire. Plus, have you noticed the design on those cubes that are floating around? They're naked dudes with their tongue and the Triforce covering up their genitals. Both of these things, the hands and the cubes, show to be insults to the three goddesses, with the tower itself as an attempt to eventually reach them and attempt to cast them out (similar to the aforementioned Tower of Babel).

It also tried to explain things about The Happy Mask Salesman, and how he may have gotten Majora's Mask and that he might also be the owl that follows you around, but I don't remember much of that. The Stone Tower theory is what really stood out to me.

One other thing I should mention. You can look into more detail on it, but you may have noticed that the number "4" holds significance in Majora's Mask.

4 Days (including the new day at the end)
4 Transformation masks (including the Fierce Deity)
4 Temples
4 sublands of Termina
4 sides of Clock Town
4 Giants

I could go on. Doubtless, you've noticed these things. Well, it's a lot more significant than Left 4 Dead. I've read that, in Japanese, the word "Four" is either spoken or written (or both) the same way as the word "Death". Just like how we have our own words with double meanings, such as "Trunk", "Fry", and "Second".

Hmm, I've never seen this guy before. *decides to watch the first 3 minutes to see how good it is*

... 20 minutes later, and I now really want to play Majora's Mask. I was sadly too young, and had no idea it even existed when I still owned an N64. That was an awesome vid, keep up the good work!

You were too young to play an E-rated game?

 

[Spectral Dragon]

Hmm, I've never seen this guy before. *decides to watch the first 3 minutes to see how good it is*

... 20 minutes later, and I now really want to play Majora's Mask. I was sadly too young, and had no idea it even existed when I still owned an N64. That was an awesome vid, keep up the good work!

You were too young to play an E-rated game?

I was too young to look up and buy N64 games when I still had my console. Little access to internet, and the closest store (I didn't know existed at the time) was half an hour by car away. Besides, I live in Sweden, it wasn't even marketed much here. People still get surprised over how little I have seemingly experienced.

I have never had: Silent Hill games, bacon, an atari console, yorkies, beer, big macs, Street Fighter, Die Hard, Superman comics... The list goes on.

 

[Overusedname]

That was awesome! And if you end up getting a show here, we'll, you've gotta remember that you'll need something new every week or so. Just keep that in mind.

Anyway, something I'd like to bring up.

I can't seem to find it now, but I remember reading an article that brought up some of the vaguely-implied backstory in the game, and what really stood out to me the most was what it said about the Stone Tower and the parallels it draws with the biblical Tower of Babel.

To sum it up, it stated that it seemed the Stone Tower was created in opposition to the three goddesses and in the name of the four giants, as the people worshiped those giants as if they were gods (which is explicitly-stated in the game itself, when you have that grandmother read you a story). Indeed, there are things in the area such as giant hands pointing at the sky, with their index fingers lit on fire. Plus, have you noticed the design on those cubes that are floating around? They're naked dudes with their tongue and the Triforce covering up their genitals. Both of these things, the hands and the cubes, show to be insults to the three goddesses, with the tower itself as an attempt to eventually reach them and attempt to cast them out (similar to the aforementioned Tower of Babel).

It also tried to explain things about The Happy Mask Salesman, and how he may have gotten Majora's Mask and that he might also be the owl that follows you around, but I don't remember much of that. The Stone Tower theory is what really stood out to me.

One other thing I should mention. You can look into more detail on it, but you may have noticed that the number "4" holds significance in Majora's Mask.

4 Days (including the new day at the end)
4 Transformation masks (including the Fierce Deity)
4 Temples
4 sublands of Termina
4 sides of Clock Town
4 Giants

I could go on. Doubtless, you've noticed these things. Well, it's a lot more significant than Left 4 Dead. I've read that, in Japanese, the word "Four" is either spoken or written (or both) the same way as the word "Death". Just like how we have our own words with double meanings, such as "Trunk", "Fry", and "Second".

Hmm, I've never seen this guy before. *decides to watch the first 3 minutes to see how good it is*

... 20 minutes later, and I now really want to play Majora's Mask. I was sadly too young, and had no idea it even existed when I still owned an N64. That was an awesome vid, keep up the good work!

You were too young to play an E-rated game?

I already knew about the stone tower, but didn't know about the 'four = death' stuff. That really interesting...would you mind if I credit you in one the next parts and talk about that?

 

[Torrasque]

I have never seen your videos (nor knew they existed) until now, and seeing as how I am playing through Majora's Mask right now, I figured I'd give your vid a look.
Really well done! Pretty corny at times, but I can deal with it. Really great analysis as well, I didn't really think too deeply about the game before.
Can't wait for part 2, the really interesting part

I see you have a Metroid Prime 3 analysis vid. I'd love to check that out, but then I'd have to beat MP3 again, and I already have enough games on my play, lol... I'll make sure to check it out sometime later D:

 

[Lugbzurg]

I already knew about the stone tower, but didn't know about the 'four = death' stuff. That really interesting...would you mind if I credit you in one the next parts and talk about that?

Seriously!? Please do. You might wanna double-check somehow to confirm it completely. Especially since, as I said, I can't recall if it said that "Four" and "Death" are spelled the same in Japanese, spoken/pronounced the same, or both.
A "Left 4 Dead" joke would probably be very appropriate.
Captcha: "Make my day". Yes... Please do. Being an aspiring game designer myself, I've found these videos very interesting. The Ocarina of Time analysis made me want to do more with one of my concepts, especially as "uniting multiple races" was already an important theme in the story.