Few scientific concepts fascinate me more than the study of entropy. Described as the level of randomness in a given set of physical properties, entropy introduces a degree of uncertainty into the universe. Like many uncertainties in nature, humanity is often unable to comprehend an entropic occurrence, let alone control it. As a result, unpredictability gives way to natural feelings of trepidation, anxiety, and fear. Renowned American writer H.P. Lovecraft best described the mortal’s psychological reaction in his short essay Supernatural Horror in Literature.
“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.”
H.P. Lovecraft
Amid such turmoil, those who can push back against their humanity and embrace uncertainty are truly the rarest of beings. One of the most unlikely characters from the darkest game in the Zelda universe embodies this exact phenomenon: Grog.
On the surface, Grog in Majora’s Mask appears to be similar to his physical counterpart in Ocarina of Time, the Master Craftsman’s Son: a character filled with an insurmountable amount of cognitive dissonance and a strong dislike of other people. Also like the Ocarina character, Grog is found sitting beneath a similar tree, sporting the same distinct mohawk hairstyle, and surrounded by baby Cuccos.
Expecting the same degree of resentment, Link is pleasantly surprised when he stumbles upon Grog’s humble abode and strikes up a conversation. Instead of being met with animosity, Link meets a man who is quite solemn and reserved. He mentions that his grandfather believes the moon is going to crash into Termina and that Romani Ranch will likely not withstand such a travesty. The mere fact that Grog had a civil conversation with a relative was shocking enough, but what he says is even more surprising.
Surrounded by an entire town of people who were either delusional or scared of the impending doom, Grog has every reason to join the masses. To many, the natural human reaction to impending death should be chaotic, and no one would blame Grog for embracing a similar demeanor to his doppelganger from Ocarina of Time.
Despite a multitude of reasons to become consumed by fear, Grog instead chooses a calm and poised perspective. He fully understands that life hangs in the balance, but accepts his demise with poise and stoicism. His word choice is that of someone who does not want death but also recognizes that he has lived a good life. Surrounded by his flock of baby Cuccos, Grog placidly relays his lone regret.
Almost every resident of Clock Town reacts selfishly to the imminent danger. Not Grog. While he did not appear to have many deep-seated regrets, Grog recognizes the cruel impact that entropy can have on innocent creatures. So, his thoughts are instead reserved for the baby animals under his watch. Grog’s lone wish is that the Cuccos could live a full and healthy life. No longer able to keep pace with the flock, Grog cannot perform the march necessary to aid in the Cuccos’ growth process.
Wielding the power of the Bremen Mask, Link performs the necessary ritual in Grog’s stead. The baby Cuccos are enticed by the Breman Mask and begin parading around the Cucco Shack. One by one, each member of the flock lets out a hearty rooster call and slowly transitions into a grown adult.
As the final Cucco evolves, Grog is overcome with joy. Link had eased the one final burden that kept Grog from enjoying the twilight hours of his existence in full contentment. His condition was now truly balanced and whole.
As a gift for his kindness, Grog presents Link with one of the most useful masks in the game: the Bunny Hood.
Although Grog is perhaps an overlooked character in the Zelda series, his story is one to emulate. As our world continues to be filled with circumstances beyond our control, it is easy to succumb to the fear of uncertainty. But in the midst of such chaos, we can always maintain supremacy over our individual perspectives. The next time Murphy’s Law arrives at my doorstep, I can only hope that my response is as stoic and peaceful as Grog’s.
