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Gaepora is a character in Skyward Sword.[4] He is the father of Zelda, the headmaster of the Knight Academy,[5] and the owner of Mia.[6] He is knowledgeable of the history and legends of Skyloft, and proves to be of invaluable help to Link during his quest to save Zelda.[7][1][8]

Biography[]

Fi's Comment
Fi says:

This is Gaepora, the kind and gentle headmaster of the Knight Academy.

He has a great knowledge of traditions and is also the father of Zelda.

When Link visits Zelda, Gaepora interrupts their meeting to greet both of them.[9] When Zelda expresses concern that Link might not win the race for the Wing Ceremony, Gaepora reassures her and mentions the profound bond between Link and his Loftwing.[10] He also makes note of how rare Link's Loftwing is, as it is a Crimson Loftwing, long thought to have been extinct.[11] Afterwards, Zelda takes Link to the nearest platform and pushes him off to force him into practicing for the race.[12] However, when Link's Loftwing does not appear, Gaepora takes notice and Zelda rushes to rescue him.[13]

After Zelda retrieves Link and returns him to the grounds of Skyloft, the Knight Academy bells ring, signaling the start of the Wing Ceremony. Gaepora suggests that Link speak to Horwell about delaying the race so that he may find his bird,[14] but reconsiders speaking to Horwell himself after Zelda tells him that the instructor will likely go to Gaepora to discuss it regardless.[15] Gaepora can later be seen in his office with Horwell discussing the delay of the race. If Link speaks to Gaepora after confronting Groose, the young hero will inform him that Groose is the cause of his Loftwing's disappearance.[16] Horwell will also speak in, saying that it is much easier to delay the race, knowing who the culprit is.[17] Gaepora agrees and tells Link to take as much time as he needs to find his bird.[18]

After Link finds his Loftwing, Gaepora attends the Wing Ceremony and emphasizes the rules to Groose.[19] Once Owlan has sanctioned the start of the race, Link can stay behind to speak with Gaepora, and he will scold the young hero for not participating in the race.[20]

After Zelda falls below the Cloud Barrier and Link falls unconscious, Gaepora greets the young hero when he awakens and asks him to relay what had happened.[21] When Link tells him of the dark tornado that knocked Gaepora's daughter from the sky, he contemplates the nature of the storm.[22] As Link tries to leave, Gaepora warns him to not push himself and further interrogates the young hero for any oddities surrounding Zelda.[23] Link tells Gaepora that Zelda was talking about the Surface and that he has been having strange dreams.[24] Upon hearing this, Gaepora affirms that the incidents are strange, but doubts any connection between them and the tornado, prompting the young hero to go back to sleep.[25][26]

Once Link follows Fi into the Statue of the Goddess and retrieves the Goddess Sword, Gaepora finds him and expresses surprise to find him in the Chamber of the Sword.[27] He goes on to explain that he is the sworn guardian of the Chamber and noticed that the sword was behaving oddly.[28] Upon hearing Fi's request for Link to go to the Surface, Gaepora warns the young hero that this will be a difficult task.[29] However, once Link places the Emerald Tablet into the altar and pierced the Cloud Barrier, Gaepora acknowledges Link and Zelda's role in the ancient legend and asks the young hero to fulfill the legend and bring his daughter home.[30]

Link has the option to give three answers to his request: one of uncertainty, one of assurance and one of denial. If Link gives a negative answer, Gaepora will stress the importance of his mission,[31][32] before escorting the young hero to his dorm in the Knight Academy to receive his new outfit.[33]

Once back in Link's room, Gaepora compliments on Link's new attire, claiming that it fits him.[34] Afterwards, Gaepora bids farewell to Link wishing him luck on his journey as he leaves to investigate more of the ancient legends in his books.[35] If Link speaks to Gaepora once more, he will suggest that the young hero visits Eagus before he leaves to the land below.[36]

Since Gaepora is the guardian of Skyloft's legends, Link returns to the headmaster many times through his adventure to acquire the necessary knowledge to complete his quest. With the Goddess's Harp in hand, Link asks Gaepora about the lyrics of the "Ballad of the Goddess" and learns from the headmaster a clue on how to gain access to the Isle of Songs.[37] Later on, Link returns to Gaepora once more to inquire about the Triforce, and although the headmaster does not have much knowledge about it,[38] he guides the young hero to Instructor Owlan to ask him about the Sky Spirit Levias.[39]

After Link defeats Demise, Gaepora is finally reunited with his daughter in the Sealed Temple.

Other Appearances[]

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[]

In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Gaepora appears as a Trophy.

Trophy Information[]

# Trophy Appears in Description How to unlock
3DS Logo WiiU
218 N/A SSBfWU Gaepora Trophy Model Skyward Sword Gaepora is Zelda's father and headmaster of the Knight Academy. He may look a bit impsoing, but he's actually quite kind to his students and pets. During Link's adventures, he offers advice and information on Skyloft's history. That haircut looks really familiar... It's almost owl-like, wouldn't you say? Random
Gaepora

Trivia[]

  • Gaepora's name bears resemblance to the owl Kaepora Gaebora. He even laughs with an owl-like "Hoo, hoo, hoo."[40] He also shares some physical similarities; his eyebrows and triangular beard correlate with some of Kaepora Gaebora's characteristics. His golden pendant also resembles Kaepora Gaebora's forehead mark upside down. Gaepora also bears a strong resemblance to Kaepora Gaebora's true form Rauru.
  • The book he is holding in his official artwork bears a striking resemblance to the Book of Mudora from A Link to the Past.
    • The Hylian text on the book's cover reads "Theology".
  • By entering Zelda's room via the chimney at night, Link can find Gaepora taking a bath.

Nomenclature[]

TMC Forest Minish Artwork Names in other regions TMC Jabber Nut Sprite
LanguageName
FranceFrenchEUGaepora (SS)[41]
This table was generated using translation pages.
To request an addition, please contact a staff member with a reference.

Gallery[]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Now you must speak to the great giant who swims above the clouds. If you wish to know more, you should talk to the headmaster of the Knight Academy." — N/A (Skyward Sword)
  2. "I asked Father about it, and he says iti's called a harp." — Zelda (Skyward Sword HD)
  3. "He has a great knowledge of traditions and is also the father of Zelda." — Fi (Skyward Sword)
  4. Art & Artifacts, Dark Horse Books, pg. 337 (SS)
  5. "But, Father, you're the headmaster of the academy! If Link asks Instructor Horwell, he'll probably just come talk to you about it." — Zelda (Skyward Sword)
  6. "You see, Zelda's father—Headmaster Gaepora—has a pet named Mia, and, well...she's scampered off again." — Horwell (Skyward Sword)
  7. "The headmaster told me there's land beneath the clouds... Do you know anything about that?" — Owlan (Skyward Sword)
  8. "What?! The Triforce?! Yeah, never heard of it... Have you tried asking the Knight Academy headmaster about it?" — N/A (Skyward Sword)
  9. "Ah, there you are, Zelda. Are you all prepared for today's ceremony? [...] Ah, Link, you're here too. Outstanding. It's encouraging to see you up so early, given your capacity for sleep. No doubt today's ceremony had you too excited to close your eyes for once! If you win today's ceremonial race, you'll get to participate in the postrace ritual with Zelda, so give it your best out there." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  10. "No need to worry yourself, Zelda. Though you may have a point. Today's Wing Ceremony tests the skill of the rider as well as his bond to his bird. Victory will not come easily. And, as you pointed out, I haven't seen him practicing as hard as some of the other students. But you've known him since you were both very little. You should know better than to fret about him! You see, Link and his Loftwing share a special connection. I've never seen anything quite like it. As you know, each of us in Skyloft is but one half of a pair. We are only made whole by our Loftwings, the guardian birds that the goddess bestows upon each of us as a symbol of her divine protection. When we are young, every one of us meets our Loftwing under the great Statue of the Goddess. It's quite a big moment, as I'm sure you recall. Ahh, but that first meeting between Link and his Loftwing was extraordinary. [...] Yes, and the boy and his bird seemed to share a profound connection from the moment they met. Do you recall seeing Link and that Loftwing of his when they first met? What a sight! The little boy just hopped up on that bird and gracefully flew away, without even a moment of instruction! They were meant for each other. And judging by how jealous you were that day, I'd say the friendship he shared with his bird didn't go unnoticed by you, my dear. Ah, but who can blame you? I'm sure you weren't the only one envious of the powerful bond shared by Link and his bird. Anyone who is a part of something special is bound to catch some nasty looks sooner or later, hoo hoo." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  11. "The bird that came to him was a Crimson Loftwing. It is a breed so rare we were sure for some time that it had vanished from the line." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  12. "Here we are. Go on now. Jump off the edge and call your Loftwing. It's almost time for the ceremony, so try to practice seriously for once! Hmm? Oh yeah? You can't "sense" your bird out there? Oh, I get it. You're trying to weasel out of having to practice! Nice try, but you're not fooling me." — Zelda (Skyward Sword)
  13. "Hmm... His bird sure is taking a long time to get here..." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  14. "My, how did it get to be so late? If I recall correctly, this year Instructor Horwell is presiding over the ceremony. Link, you should go explain the situation to him and see if he's willing to delay the race a little so that you can find your bird." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  15. "Ah, quite true. As usual, you make an excellent point, my dear. Very well, I'll explain the situation to him myself. Link, run along and tell Instructor Horwell to come see me in my quarters." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  16. "Ah, hello, Link. Have you managed to find your Loftwing yet? You suspect that Groose had a hand in your bird's disappearance? I tell you, that boy is always up to trouble." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  17. "...Headmaster, if that is true, then all the better. Groose has made it that much easier to delay the start of the race. I doubt even Groose will have the gall to complain openly, considering it's his fault we had to delay in the first place." — Horwell (Skyward Sword)
  18. "I see. Yes, he has painted himself into a bit of a corner, hasn't he? Well, it's settled then. Link, don't worry about the race starting without you. Take the time you need to find your Loftwing." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  19. "That goes double for you, Groose!" — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  20. "What are you standing around for? Everyone's already in the sky! Jump off the edge and call your bird!" — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  21. "...Ah, you're awake. When your Loftwing carried you back, you were limp and unconscious. I feared the worst. Fortunately, you don't appear to have any serious injuries. For that much we can be grateful. But, Link...where's Zelda? She was with you, was she not? ...What's happened to my daughter?" — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  22. "A black tornado, you say? Hmm. That was no ordinary storm." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  23. "You must not push yourself. You're still recovering. Tell me, when you saw Zelda today, did anything about her seem...off?" — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  24. "I see. She was talking about the surface then? And you've been having dreams about a "great mission"? How interesting..." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  25. "I'm sorry. I was lost in thought there for a moment. It's all very strange, but I doubt there's much of a connection between these things. I'm concerned for Zelda, but so long as she's with her Loftwing, I'm sure she'll be fine. Either way, daybreak has yet to arrive. It would be very difficult to spot one girl and her bird in the dark of night. It would also be very dangerous." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  26. "Rest now, Link. Zelda's going to be fine. She's out there alive. I know it." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  27. "Link! I've had my suspicions, but until now I wasn't sure. Yet here we are in the Chamber of the Sword, the very place where it was foretold the youth of legend would one day appear." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  28. "It is said that this place was left to our people by the goddess herself. The very knowledge of this room's existence is a secret passed down to a select few each generation, along with a handful of words...
    When the light of the goddess's sword shines bright, the great apocalypse will wake from its long slumber. Do not fear, for it is then that a youth, guided by my hand, shall reveal himself in a place most sacred.
    It started days ago. The sword that I've kept secret all these years... It began to give off a faint, otherworldly light. At first I was sure I was seeing things, here alone with the sword. There was simply no other explanation. I never dreamed the prophecy of legend would come to pass in my lifetime. The words I have sworn to keep secret are coming true before my very eyes.
    The youth will be guided by one born of the blade—one who is also youthful in likeness yet wise with knowledge immeasurable.
    " — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  29. "This is no easy task, Link. The world below is a forsaken place, and to reach it you must pierce the cloud barrier below. In living memory, no one has ever done this." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  30. "Link, listen a moment. The nature of the great apocalypse mentioned in the old texts is a complete mystery to me. But whatever it turns out to be, it seems that both you and Zelda have big roles to play in the destiny of this land. Just think--if what this Fi says is true, Zelda is alive! Alive and no doubt coming to terms with whatever it is the goddess has in store for her. Should you heed the call of destiny, I don't know what dangers you may have to face, Link. Especially down there... But if you've decided to brave the unknown, please find my daughter and bring her back to me. What we've seen here today defies explanation, but it is only the start of your journey. Please, see it through and prove the legends true." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  31. "I understand how you feel, but this is destiny itself calling for you. You must not run from it, Link!" — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  32. "Ah... I'm sorry, Link. I know it's a heavy load to shoulder, but you're the only one who can bear its weight." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  33. "Dawn is drawing near. It has been a long night for the both of us, hasn't it? You have a great journey before you, Link, and those clothes... They don't look up to the task. The uniform you were to receive for winning the race should be ready by now. A sturdy uniform like that will prove much more suitable for a long journey. You'd better change before you go." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  34. "That green uniform is what our knights will be wearing this year. To be honest, I've had my doubts about the color. But oddly enough, seeing you wear this uniform, I can't imagine a more fitting color for you. It's as though you were born to wear it." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  35. "Take care on your journey, and be sure to stop by some of the shops at the bazaar here in town to equip yourself properly for the travels ahead. I will return to my quarters and see if I can glean more useful information from the ancient texts. You are always welcome to stop by if you have questions. You and Zelda shall be in my prayers. May the goddess watch over and guide you both." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  36. "I hear your sparring instructor, the Knight Commander, also knows that you will set out from Skyloft. He's concerned for you. Why don't you consider stopping by the Sparring Hall and speaking with him before you go?" — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  37. "What? You want to know the lyrics to the song Zelda sang on the day of the Wing Ceremony? You know, I'm not much of a singer... [...] The Light Tower mentioned in the song is a real place; I'm sure you've seen the tower in the plaza. I don't know a thing about two whirling sails though... It sounds like the song is suggesting that if one shows these whirling sail the way to the tower, something will happen? But how do you go about doing that, and what does it mean? Two whirling sails. Hmm..." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  38. "Sorry, Link. It shames me to say it, but my knowledge is of little use on this subject." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  39. "If you wish to know more about Levias's current location, speak with Instructor Owlan. He should be in his chambers next door." — Gaepora (Skyward Sword)
  40. "[O]ddly enough, Gaepora tends to laugh with an owl-like "hoo, hoo, hoo."" (Nintendo Power no. 272, October 2011, pg. 60)
  41. Hyrule Historia (Les Éditions Soleil) pg. 22(SS)
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