Template:Character-infobox Template:Quote2 Ganon, also referred to as Beast Ganon or Ganon, The Demon King, is the beast form of Ganondorf and the primary antagonist of the The Legend of Zelda series. He first debuted in the original NES The Legend of Zelda. Ganon is the archenemy of Princess Zelda and Link, and is the king of darkness. Ganon's beast form has seen many visual changes throughout the series, but is always resembling some kind of boar or warthog. The beast form of Ganondorf has appeared in more installments of The Legend of Zelda series than his Gerudo form, and is frequently fought as the final boss.
History
DIC cartoons
The Legend of Zelda
In the original The Legend of Zelda television series produced by DIC Entertainment, Ganon starred as the primary antagonist. His goal was to steal the Triforce of Wisdom from Link and Princess Zelda. He was portrayed by the late Len Carlson.
Captain N: The Game Master
Ganon appeared in the episode "Quest for the Potion of Power" of Captain N: The Game Master. He borrows his appearance and personality from The Legend of Zelda TV series, and is also portrayed by Len Carlson.
Super Smash Bros. series
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Ganon appears as Ganondorf's Final Smash in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, where he is called "Beast Ganon." He is based on his beast form from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS / Wii U
Ganon returns as Ganondorf's Final Smash in both Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, with the same look and name as the previous installment.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Though Ganon returns as Ganondorf's Final Smash in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, this time he is based on his appearance from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. He is also called "Ganon, The Demon King" in this installment, and functions slightly differently from Ganondorf's previous Final Smash. In addition, Ganon appears as a boss in both Classic Mode and in the Adventure Mode: World of Light. For Classic Mode, he is fought as the final boss for Link, Young Link, Toon Link, and Zelda. Sephiroth also fights Ganon in his Classic Mode route as a non-final boss.
Nintendo Land
Ganon is fought as a boss in Nintendo Land, in the The Legend of Zelda: Battle Quest attraction.
Gallery
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS
Trophy information
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
| Name | Image | Game | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beast Ganon | 
|
Wii Super Smash Bros. Brawl | Ganondorf's Final Smash. When he grabs a Smash Ball, he transforms into a repulsive, evil beast. He'll vanish momentarily from the screen, then rampage from one side to the other in a straight, headlong rush. When he begins the move, any character before his eyes will flinch, so try to start the move near other characters. |
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
| Name | Image | American English description | British English description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beast Ganon | 
|
For Ganondorf's Final Smash, he morphs into a beast and attacks. As soon as he's transformed, he buries nearby fighters in the ground and then stuns them with his roar. Finally, he charges forward, dealing heavy damage and launching anyone in his way. Any foes buried by the first strike are doomed to be hit by the rest. | For Ganondorf's Final Smash, he morphs into a beast and attacks. As soon as he's transformed, he buries fighters nearby in the ground, then stuns them with his roar. Finally, he charges forward, dealing heavy damage and launching anyone in his way. Any foes who are buried by the first strike are guaranteed to be hit by the rest. |
Trivia
- Coincidentally, both Ganon and Bowser had their designs partially derived from the Chinese folk tale Journey to the West (with Ganon being based on Zhu Bajie, the humanoid pig character, while Bowser was partly based on the Ox King Gyū-Maō).
Names in other languages
| Language | Name | Meaning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese | ガノン[?] Ganon |
Ganon | |
| Chinese (simplified) | 盖侬[?] Gàinóng |
Ganon | |
| Chinese (traditional) | 加儂[?] Jiānóng |
Ganon |