As the sun begins to rise above the blades of an ancient windmill, the Cucco’s greet the day with a crow and cluck while the locals prepare to start another day just the same as the day before. With a cozy yet humble feel, Kakariko Village seems like a perfect corner of Hyrule’s map, but every corner has its shadows, and nestled in the far east of the quaint village, under a stone archway, is the Kakariko Graveyard.
Replacing the busy Cucco chirps with the hoarse caws of a crow, Kakariko Graveyard has an eerie and unnerving atmosphere that feels as though it has been taken right out of a piece by Edgar Allen Poe. Home to the fallen souls of Hyruleans, the Hylian Royal Family, and Sheikah tribe members, the area is naturally filled with many tombstones, some of which can be pulled back to reveal secrets, treasure, and Poes (so long as Graveyard Boy isn’t around during the day).
Kakariko Graveyard is home to one living Hylian named Dampé. He sleeps during the day and patrols at night as a Gravekeeper, offering a “Heart-pounding Gravedigging Tour” to those who dare venture into the site after dusk. When Link awakens as an adult, it becomes apparent that Dampé has passed to the other side and is awaiting someone to come and find him in his grave to obtain a special item. Found in the north side of the graveyard, Dampé’s grave is marked with fresh flowers, and beneath the ground Link finds Dampé’s spirit, who challenges him to a race through the tomb. When Link succeeds, Dampé gifts him with a Hookshot.
At the back of the graveyard lies the Royal Family’s Tomb, where Link can learn the Sun’s Song from the spirits of the Composer Brothers, Flat and Sharp. Situated above the gravestone of the Composer Brothers is a ledge that can only be reached by playing the song “Nocturne of Shadow.” It is here where Link can find the entrance to one of the darkest and scariest dungeons, the Shadow Temple.
