Hidden well within Faron, the Malanya Springs ripples softly, humming with undying power. Deep inside, a god waits, watching over the creatures of its name. Whether galloping fiercely or resting at an inn, Malanya watched every horse. He knows when they’re loved. He knows when they’re killed. And he will harm any who dare to lay a finger on the four-legged creatures. Fear not, Malanya would never truly strike harm. Instead, he will give you a second chance to be reunited with your friend. But beware, strike your horse again and you will incur his wrath.
I jest, of course. Malanya’s heart for horses is great and his anger is justified when he sees them in harm’s way. Luckily for you, the God of Horses is quite happy to revive any horses lost in battle, no matter who struck the killing blow. It will, however, cost you a small price. Fortunately, you no longer have to pay 1,000 rupees to witness the appearance of Malanya, the God of Horses. Australian cosplayer, Sparkdoscosplay, has gathered odds and ends to bring Malanya to our world, capturing the spirit of the horse and giving old things a new purpose in the process.
Created for the Reverse Garbage Queensland Upcycle Cosplay Competition, Sparkdoscosplay salvaged old pieces of upholstery, scrap fabrics, cork, and leather to create the magnificent outfit seen in Malanya’s design. Each component is well crafted, showing off Sparkdoscosplay’s wide range of sewing and crafting skills. The skirt, in particular, fits the theme of upcycling well with patches of fabrics sewn together to make a patchwork pattern. Sparkdoscosplay claims that the skirt was no easy feat, confident that, in the process of making the skirt, she broke two sewing machine needles.
No Malanya cosplay would be complete without a mask. Safe from her sewing machine, Sparkdoscosplay’s mask was made via papier-mâché, painted with the details found in the character’s design. Simple pieces of elastic attached the mask to the wig, ensuring it wouldn’t fall off nor interfere with the integrity of the design. The wig itself was a wig from an old cosplay, repurposed with old wefts and other accessories to give the desired look of a horse’s mane. Altogether, Sparkdoscosplay manages to embody the God of the Horses, ready to protect horses all across Hyrule.
Some of the magic today would not have been possible if it weren’t for the work of Sparkdoscosplay’s fantastic photographers, from their portraits that show off every piece of work that went into this cosplay to the magical shoot shimmering in pink water. Born from a spring, it makes sense to bring Malanya to the element of water and embrace the ethereal side of the god. While we don’t get to see Sparkdoscosplay towering over Link, she needs no aid showing off the power within.
Not only did Sparkdoscosplay create a fabulous cosplay, but she also repurposed old pieces of fabric and leather to re-create the underrated design of Malanya. Her various sewing and craft skills came together to embrace the nature of horses and will have us all thinking twice before taking our horses into danger. Next time your horse ends up in peril, watch where you strike. If there’s one thing for sure, Malanya will defend all horses and look stylish while doing so.
