The masks of Majora’s Mask provided our hero Link with some truly outlandish powers that had never been seen before in the Zelda series — and with those powers came some equally outlandish designs. Chief among them is, in my opinion, the Fierce Deity Mask. Granting Link immense strength and speed, eyes brimming with ethereal white light, and a long double-helix sword that fires magical beams, the Fierce Deity Mask is among the most powerful and mysterious items in all of Zelda lore. The story behind its origin continues to elude us to this very day, and its ability to vanquish reality-bending entities like Majora is downright chilling. There’s no telling what terrible fate would befall the world if such a mask were to be misused.
The mask’s design is quite striking and contributes to the awe one feels when Link uses its near-limitless power. But I can’t help but wonder: what would happen if other characters donned the mask? What painted-face, helix-wielding monstrosities would be created? That’s a question that artist Stoic Seraphim dared to answer with their series “If the Fierce Deity Mask was an Item in Smash”, which places various members of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate roster in the enigmatic being’s fearsome boots.
First up is Samus, with an intimidating new arm cannon and sleek gold trim around the cerulean plating of her Power Suit. The Fierce Deity’s distinct face paint is represented well with the blue-and-red frame around her visor.
Sheik would likely do some serious damage with those helix-shaped needles. Her grace and agility are captured perfectly through her pose and the elegant motion of her scarf.
King Dedede comes out swinging with his mammoth Jet Hammer, a weapon that looks like it could crack open the falling moon like a walnut. And he looks angry enough to try it, too.
The Fierce Deity enters the Flat Zone with this rendition of Mr. Game & Watch, who poses a new threat entirely with his Megaton Hammer. His Judge ability is no longer limited to numbers one through nine. What kind of devastating effect would the infinity symbol have on opponents?
This is one of Stoic Seraphim’s most decadent designs yet. Bayonetta brandishes incredibly ornate pistols and lets her steely hair flow freely. Without a doubt, she’s the best-dressed witch in all of Termina.
There’s not much I have to say about Dr. Mario’s design. I just enjoy how serious yet absurd he looks.
This was just a small selection of Stoic Seraphim’s work on the project. There are plenty more “Fierce-Deified” characters where these came from (there are over 80 fighters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, after all!), so go check out their Twitter page for the full cast.
