Long ago, in the times of legend...

There was a Goddess.

The Goddess Hylia made the land, the sea, the sky, and the depths.

She created life to inhabit this place, and love to fill their hearts.

To ease the pains of Her children, the Goddess Hylia gave them three servants:

Nayru, wise frost maiden; Farore, brave thunder diva; Din, strong burning queen

To grant the wishes of Her children, the Goddess Hylia gave them an artifact.

When all three pieces were combined, it would grant every wish of the one who held it.

But there was one who coveted the power of the artifact.

The Demon King, an ancient evil born of hatred and greed.

The Goddess Hylia let herself fall to mortality.

Her artifact could not be used by the divine.

Alongside her,

was the Hero.

Together, the Goddess and the Hero sealed away the ancient evil inside a magical sword.

On the ashes of the site of their battle, they founded Hyrule.

Three hundred and thirty-five years ago, this ancient evil reared its head once more.

It took the form of the Calamity, a terrible beast formed from malice bent on destroying the light.

A new hero rose to face this threat.

Sir Link of Hateno, wielding the ancient sword that seals the darkness, destroyed the Calamity.

Much time has passed since then.

Legends have evolved. Locations have shifted.

Modern Hyrule is the land of evil no longer.

The Kingdom of Hyrule has enjoyed a long era of prosperity.

A statistician might credit the flourishing relationships between the five largest cultural groups.

The Gorons mine gemstones from Death Mountain, which is traded with the Gerudo, who craft them into fine jewelry for the Zora,

whose aquatic cuisine is beloved by the Rito, whose bows are a staple among Hylian knights, who protect the lands from monsters.

But recently...

Something in Hyrule has begun to shift.

A great evil stirs beneath the ground.

Its blood boils as it is forced to wait.

Tamed animals are going feral. Wild animals ram travelers. Horses spook as though seeing ghosts.

Arguments break out between those who were once peaceful. Monsters that were once sparse now dot the landside.

These signs are recognized by the old masters of Hyrule.

"An ancient evil is preparing to return," they say. Things heard of only in fairy tales.

But cursed bloodlines and sacred swords hold no sway over your life.

You are a humble traveler, visiting the centerpiece of the kingdom, Hyrule Castle.

Soon will mark five years since Princess Zelda III disappeared from society.

A ceremony will commence on that day to mark Princess Forie as the next-in-line for the crown.

His Highness, King Rospheous Bartholomew Hyrule, is holding a public meet in the castle today.

Those who have concerns are to come forward and voice them. Not only for the new princess, but for the kingdom as a whole.

You are a concerned citizen.

About what? This is for you to decide. Hyrule is a troubled place. There are many things to be worried about.

Trade routes are disrupted by monster encampments. Ordon Village was burned to the ground mere days ago, and word has just now spread to the public.

Dark rumors are abound. A solemn air hangs over the castle town. Are we safe? Who will keep us safe? Who was keeping them safe?

The only thing an average citizen can do is ask the king for help.

The world does not know help will come. It will not be from him.

You will witness the side effects of heroism as it ripples through Hyrule.

You will watch Hyrule fall to evil seen only once before.

And at the end of it all...

You will survive.