Epic quests often involve the champion seeking out a reputable recluse (often of the crotchety variety) to acquire something needed to fulfill their destiny. So, it’s no surprise in Phantom Hourglass when Link must seek out a hermit blacksmith who is the only one adept enough to provide Link with the weapon capable of sending evil back to the depths. This hero, although estranged from society, plays a crucial role in saving the World of the Ocean King.
At the northern edge of the Northwestern Sea, Link finds Zauz on an uncharted island. This guy really does live “off the grid.” Zauz’s appearance makes for a striking first impression. His fiery orange-red hair and Abraham Lincoln-style of beard help him resemble Ganondorf from the Wind Waker, and his eyebrows reach an epic level rivaling Kaepora Gaebora’s. If Link and Ciela visit Zauz before needed in the quest, Zauz (seemingly) ignores them at first, tinkering silently at his work table. After being pressed, Zauz responds, “Humans always think that unless they say something, others won’t hear them. Truth is, people talk just as loudly with their hearts… But because people have mouths, they don’t pay attention to their hearts.”
Whoa. This guy just stared straight into the depths of Link’s soul. Link must feel as if he is wearing only the Hero’s New Clothes, even though Zauz is the one who is half-naked, his tattoo snaking across his shoulders and down his left pectoral. With this exchange, Zauz hints that he is not human and establishes himself as a wise being who both cares for and is exasperated by the other inhabitants of the world. He is bound to serve an important role on Link’s journey and says as much as he dismisses Link, directing him to return later.
It wouldn’t be long before Link needs Zauz’s help. In order to progress further into the Temple of the Ocean King and retrieve the remaining sea charts, Link must discover what symbol to draw on the door blocking passage deeper into the dungeon. Zauz gives Link the answer he seeks, pointing to a picture hanging on his wall: a picture of none other than the Triforce. Zauz’s is already proving himself to be useful by helping Link access the other half of the sea, but the blacksmith is just getting warmed up.
With the eastern seas now accessible, Zauz’s role becomes even more critical. He tells Link that he is a member of a race whose civilization used to guard the Ocean King in a time of great evil. “My people forged our own weapons and fought in epic battles,” he explains. Zauz is referring to the Cobble, whose kingdom’s remains lie below the water on the Isle of Ruins. The weapon Link needs to have forged, Zauz reveals, is the Phantom Sword. This sword can only be created using Pure Metals that are scattered in the eastern seas. Link’s next mission is set.
After Link returns with the three Pure Metals, Zauz puts his skills to the test. He admits he has never seen materials like these, but he is undaunted by the magnitude of the task before him. He sets to work right away, asking Link to afford him some time to create the magical weapon.
In time, Zauz forges the Phantom Sword and bestows it upon Link (minus a handle, but come on, let’s give the guy who created the only weapon capable of saving the world a break). Zauz, knowing he has fulfilled his role, gives Link a final confidence boost, sends him on his way to confront the monstrous Bellum, and returns to his peaceful solitude.
Link (and Linebeck) may get the credit for saving the World of the Ocean King, but they could not have done it without Zauz. The lone-dweller may not see the impact his deeds have on others, but he, like his ancestors before him, answered the call of destiny and provided the necessary weapon Link needed in order to defend against evil in the time of greatest need. His kind may fade, but the consequences of Zauz’s actions shall forever echo throughout history.
