Zelda Wiki

Want to contribute to this wiki?
Sign up for an account, and get started!

Come join the Zelda Wiki community Discord server!

READ MORE

Zelda Wiki
Register
(almontrocb)
 
 
Line 1: Line 1:
  +
{{Enemy| name = Darknut
licage
 
[[Image:Rod_of_Seasons.gif|left]]
+
|image = [[Image:Darknut_TP.png|250px]]
  +
|game =<nowiki></nowiki>
The '''Rod of Seasons''' is a mythical tool (from the game ''[[Oracle of Seasons]]'') that resides in the [[Temple of Seasons]]. After an unfortunate series of events, the [[Season Spirits]] in the [[Temple of Seasons]] give the '''Rod''' to [[Link]].
 
  +
''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]''<br>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening|Link's Awakening]]''<br>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons|Oracle of Seasons]]''<br>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages| Oracle of Ages]]''<br>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords|Four Swords]]''<br>''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker| The Wind Waker]]''<br>''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap| The Minish Cap]]''<br>''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess| Twilight Princess]]''<br>''[[Link's Crossbow Training]]''
  +
|habitat = Dungeons
  +
|weapon = Sword and Shield (necessities); [[Bombs]]/[[Bomb Arrow|Bomb Arrows]]
  +
|Spoils = varies
  +
}}
   
  +
'''Darknuts''' are recurring enemies in [[the Legend of Zelda series]]. They premièred in the first ''[[The Legend of Zelda (Game)|The Legend of Zelda]]''. They resemble a large knight, equipped with heavy armor and a large sword. Darknuts are notoriously difficult to defeat, and are considered the hardest non-boss/non-miniboss enemy in the game. Darknut may be a mistranslation of "Dark Knight".
The '''Rod of Seasons''' has the power to change the seasons when the bearer gives it a swing while standing on a tree stump. To change the seasons, however, each [[Season Spirits|Season Spirit]] must be visited to obtain each of the Season Powers. The [[Power of Winter]] is the first Season Power obtained. The [[Power of Summer]] is second, the [[Power of Spring]], third, and the [[Power of Autumn]], last.
 
  +
[[category:Items]]
 
  +
They are very similar to the [[Iron Knuckle]]. The only discernible difference is the name, and that the two have never appeared in a game together. Additionally, since Ocarina of Time, Iron Knuckles have wielded two-handed axes while Darknuts prefer swords or maces. Early [[Armos Knights]] also mimic the behavior of the Darknut.
  +
  +
==''The Legend of Zelda''==
  +
[[Image:18b-darknut.png|left|frame|<small>Concept art of an original Darknut</small>]][[Image:loz-darknut.gif|left]]In the Legend of Zelda, these enemies looked like knights with a cape and a horned helmet.<ref> Darknuts are tough little soldiers who carry a shield, so you can't attack them from the front. (http://www.legendofzeldaseries.com/main.php?page=z1bestiary.html)</ref>They come in red and blue types, with blue being the stronger of the two. They move slowly and were only a danger when Link came in direct contact with them. They are considered one of the most difficult enemies in the game, especially when in groups. Only attacking them from behind could hurt them, and touching them caused a lot of damage. A good way to hurt them was to position yourself where one would walk by you, and then fight when they walked near you. In the instruction manual, the description was:The knight who lives in the labyrinths. He has lots of attacking power. He repels Link's attacks from the front with his shield. <ref>The Instruction Manual says: The knight who lives in the labyrinths. He has lots of attacking power. He repels Link's attacks from the front with his shield. (http://www.legendofzeldaseries.com/main.php?page=z1bestiary.html)</ref>
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
  +
==''The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening''==
  +
{{sectstub}}
  +
[[Image:KanaSoldier.gif|frame|left]] Called "soldiers" in the English version, but "Darknuts" in the Japanese version. They retain much of their original appearance, and reside in [[Kanalet Castle]]. Their shields make a frontal assault difficult.
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
  +
==''The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Ages''==
  +
{{sectstub}}
  +
[[Image:KanaSoldier.gif|frame|left]] Darknuts reappeared in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages]]''. They act the same as in Link's Awakening, but some carry projectiles. Like the first game, they come in red or blue.
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
  +
  +
==''The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords''==
  +
{{sectstub}}
  +
[[Image:Darknut_FS.gif|left]] Like its predecessors, the Darknut is only vulnerable on its side or back.
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
<BR>
  +
  +
== ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker'' ==
  +
[[Image:DarknutWW.gif|thumb|200px|left|Darknut in ''Wind Waker'']] In its first appearance in a 3-D Zelda, the Darknut's lethality increased tenfold. Wielding a long serrated blade, and wearing strong armor, they are one of the the most difficult non-boss enemies in the game. The Darknut is also resourceful. If it drops its sword, it can pick up fallen weapons, such as a [[moblin]]'s polearm, or engage in hand-to-hand combat. They will also perform the great spin attack if they see you charging said attack. Their martial arts skills are formidable; unarmed Darknuts attack with either a flurry of quick karate chops or a spinning jump kick that can send Link reeling. Underneath their helmet, the resemble a humanoid jackal. Finding a Darknut normally means the presence of the [[Puzzle Scenario#Enemy_Scenario|enemy scenario]].
  +
  +
Its only vulnerable spot is the back, where a seam in its armor leaves it vulnerable. The best way to deal with these powerful enemies is the [[Parry|Parry Attack]], which avoids the sword, and allows easy removal of the helmet or armor. Depending on where the hit landed, either its body armor or helmet will fall off, leaving either their head vulnerable to a boomerang, or their body open to sword hits. Darknut armor can also be destroyed by repeated sword strikes, but this strategy is time-consuming and hazardous.
  +
  +
They first appear in the [[Tower of Gods]], after it has been unsealed. Darknuts start off appearing singularly, or far apart from each other. Later they appear in groups, culminating in a pack of four in the [[Savage Labyrinth]] on Outset Island.
  +
  +
Darknuts in this game have varying armour, which may denote ranks. The armour colours are silver, gold, black and red. Most Darknuts use round bucklers, although there are some that don't. Highly ranked black and red armoured Darknuts sometimes wear differently shaped helmets. It will also be revealed that they have a beard if Link removes the helmet with a parry technique.
  +
  +
There is a variety of Darknut in this game called a [[Mighty Darknut]]. According to the [[Nintendo Gallery]], they are Darknut captains. They wear capes that must be cut off or burned.
  +
  +
==''The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap''==
  +
The Dark Nuts (as the name is spelled in this game) and [[Mighty Darknut|Red Dark Nut]] return from ''Wind Waker''. Its only vulnerable spot is the cape on its back, which much be struck while it recovers from a sword swing (the Red Dark Nut also has a powerful sword thrust attack). They can also be stunned by a bomb. You cannot remove their armor, but it is not necessary to defeat them.
  +
  +
A Dark Nut in completely black armor, known as a [[Black Knight]], appears as the mini-boss of the final dungeon in the game, [[Dark Hyrule Castle]].
  +
  +
[[Image:Dark_Nut_Figurine.gif|left]]Quote from [[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap]] '''Dark Nut''' figurine:
  +
''"Appears in [[Dark Hyrule Castle]]. These armor-clad soldiers are tough. Use your [[shield]] and rolling skills to find an opening in their defenses!"''
  +
  +
[[Image:Red_Dark_Nut_Figurine.gif|left]]Quote from [[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap]] '''Red Dark Nut''' figurine:
  +
''"Appears in [[Dark Hyrule Castle]]. These Dark Nut commanders are strong but if you relax and find an opening you can still defeat them."''
  +
  +
== ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'' ==
  +
[[Image:Link_Darknuts.jpg|thumb|200px|Link facing two [[Darknuts]] in the Cave of Ordeals]]
  +
Again, one of the most powerful enemy in the game, Darknuts are even harder than their ''Wind Waker'' counterparts. They still retain some of their characteristics like removable armor and high defense, but now have increased speed and more sword techniques. Its armor has become less bulky and more streamlined like a medieval knight. They still use a large [[sword]] and [[shield]].
  +
  +
Darknuts come in two phases, the first being armored. The best strategy is to draw it toward you, backflip when they plunge their sword down, and then land a [[jump strike]]. The [[back slice]], [[helm splitter]] and [[mortal draw]] are also effective. [[Bomb]] [[arrows]] can be used to remove a Darknut's armor from afar, but the Darknut's shield will soak up any arrows aimed at it directly; one must instead target the ground immediately next to or behind the Darknut. When Link lands a hit on it, some of its armor strips off, though not as quickly or in as large amounts as in [[Wind Waker]].
  +
  +
Eventually, when all its armor is off, revealing its under-armor chain mail, it will jump back and throw its weapon at you. It then pulls out a smaller sword (a rapier), granting it different attacks, and becomes much more agile, having shed its bulky armor. An unarmored Darknut will attack with two cuts in succession, which give Link a split-second opening to counterattack, a thrust, or a kick which can briefly throw Link off balance. The Darknut will also become far more adept at blocking Link's attacks and will dodge explosions effortlessly. Jump attacks, jump strikes, and back slices can send a Darknut reeling just long enough to attack.
  +
  +
One Darknut with a different helmet, sword and shield is the mini-boss in the [[Temple of Time]], while others commonly guard items such as keys or new areas. They appear either solo or with another in the main game, and as a trio in the final level of the [[Cave of Ordeals]](4 if you've already completed it once). Darknuts come in several different colors, but have no discernible differences in behavior or difficulty, although some believe that Gold Darknuts are slight stronger.
  +
  +
==Link's Crossbow Training==
  +
In the spin-off title ''Link's Crossbow Training,'' a Darknut appears as the boss of stage 8-3. His appearance is identical to the Temple of Time Darknut in ''Twilight Princess,'' but he attacks by unleashing a swarm of bats in addition to sword swings. His shield is invulnerable, so Link must wait until the Darknut attacks to shoot his armor off with the crossbow. The armor appears to be enchanted, as each piece turns into a larger bat that attacks Link after it has been shot off the Darknut. When all of the Darknut's armor is gone, he will attack with his shortsword, similar to his attacks in ''Twilight Princess,'' but he also gains a teleportation move, in which he turns into a swarm of bats in order to move closer to Link and attack. When Link lands several consecutive hits on him, he will use this move, only with one or more white bats that are worth 100-300 points. By shooting these white bats, Link can whittle down Darknut's health and defeat him.
  +
  +
  +
==Other Appearances==
  +
*A very similar looking enemy appears in [[Adventure of Link]], but is called an [[Iron Knuckle]].
  +
*Some of the tougher Hylian [[Soldier]]s encountered in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'' retain shields and swords, but not the same level of difficulty.
  +
*The [[Zora Warrior]]s in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass|Phantom Hourglass]]'' are very similar to Darknuts in terms of appearance and fighting style, the biggest differences being their aquatic nature and lack of armour.
  +
*It is not stated nor are there any other obvious appearances, but the final stage of the boss in [[Phantom Hourglass]], where [[Bellum]] takes control of [[Linebeck]], has a very striking resemblance to the Darknuts in other games, mostly to those in [[Twilight Princess]]. The [[Phantom]] enemies also look similar to a Darknut.
  +
*The [[Gomess]] enemy from ''Majora's Mask'' shares an affinity for bats with the Darknut from [[Link's Crossbow Training]].
  +
  +
== See also ==
  +
*[[Mighty Darknut]]
  +
*[[Royal Darknut]]
  +
*[[Black Knight]]
  +
*[[Iron Knuckle]]
  +
*[[Soldier]]
  +
*[[Armos Knight]]
  +
*[[Phantom]]
  +
  +
{{Template:Enemies}}
  +
[[Category:Enemies in The Legend of Zelda]]
  +
[[Category:Enemies in The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening]]
  +
[[Category:Enemies in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons]]
  +
[[Category:Enemies in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages]]
  +
[[Category:Enemies in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker]]
  +
[[Category:Enemies in The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap]]
  +
[[Category:Enemies in The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess]]
  +
[[Category:Mini-Bosses]]

Revision as of 22:20, 6 April 2008

Template:Enemy

Darknuts are recurring enemies in the Legend of Zelda series. They premièred in the first The Legend of Zelda. They resemble a large knight, equipped with heavy armor and a large sword. Darknuts are notoriously difficult to defeat, and are considered the hardest non-boss/non-miniboss enemy in the game. Darknut may be a mistranslation of "Dark Knight".

They are very similar to the Iron Knuckle. The only discernible difference is the name, and that the two have never appeared in a game together. Additionally, since Ocarina of Time, Iron Knuckles have wielded two-handed axes while Darknuts prefer swords or maces. Early Armos Knights also mimic the behavior of the Darknut.

The Legend of Zelda

File:18b-darknut.png

Concept art of an original Darknut

In the Legend of Zelda, these enemies looked like knights with a cape and a horned helmet.[1]They come in red and blue types, with blue being the stronger of the two. They move slowly and were only a danger when Link came in direct contact with them. They are considered one of the most difficult enemies in the game, especially when in groups. Only attacking them from behind could hurt them, and touching them caused a lot of damage. A good way to hurt them was to position yourself where one would walk by you, and then fight when they walked near you. In the instruction manual, the description was:The knight who lives in the labyrinths. He has lots of attacking power. He repels Link's attacks from the front with his shield. [2]








The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening

Template:Sectstub

File:KanaSoldier.gif

Called "soldiers" in the English version, but "Darknuts" in the Japanese version. They retain much of their original appearance, and reside in Kanalet Castle. Their shields make a frontal assault difficult.




The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Ages

Template:Sectstub

File:KanaSoldier.gif

Darknuts reappeared in The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages. They act the same as in Link's Awakening, but some carry projectiles. Like the first game, they come in red or blue.





The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords

Template:Sectstub

Like its predecessors, the Darknut is only vulnerable on its side or back.






The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker

File:DarknutWW.gif

Darknut in Wind Waker

In its first appearance in a 3-D Zelda, the Darknut's lethality increased tenfold. Wielding a long serrated blade, and wearing strong armor, they are one of the the most difficult non-boss enemies in the game. The Darknut is also resourceful. If it drops its sword, it can pick up fallen weapons, such as a moblin's polearm, or engage in hand-to-hand combat. They will also perform the great spin attack if they see you charging said attack. Their martial arts skills are formidable; unarmed Darknuts attack with either a flurry of quick karate chops or a spinning jump kick that can send Link reeling. Underneath their helmet, the resemble a humanoid jackal. Finding a Darknut normally means the presence of the enemy scenario.

Its only vulnerable spot is the back, where a seam in its armor leaves it vulnerable. The best way to deal with these powerful enemies is the Parry Attack, which avoids the sword, and allows easy removal of the helmet or armor. Depending on where the hit landed, either its body armor or helmet will fall off, leaving either their head vulnerable to a boomerang, or their body open to sword hits. Darknut armor can also be destroyed by repeated sword strikes, but this strategy is time-consuming and hazardous.

They first appear in the Tower of Gods, after it has been unsealed. Darknuts start off appearing singularly, or far apart from each other. Later they appear in groups, culminating in a pack of four in the Savage Labyrinth on Outset Island.

Darknuts in this game have varying armour, which may denote ranks. The armour colours are silver, gold, black and red. Most Darknuts use round bucklers, although there are some that don't. Highly ranked black and red armoured Darknuts sometimes wear differently shaped helmets. It will also be revealed that they have a beard if Link removes the helmet with a parry technique.

There is a variety of Darknut in this game called a Mighty Darknut. According to the Nintendo Gallery, they are Darknut captains. They wear capes that must be cut off or burned.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

The Dark Nuts (as the name is spelled in this game) and Red Dark Nut return from Wind Waker. Its only vulnerable spot is the cape on its back, which much be struck while it recovers from a sword swing (the Red Dark Nut also has a powerful sword thrust attack). They can also be stunned by a bomb. You cannot remove their armor, but it is not necessary to defeat them.

A Dark Nut in completely black armor, known as a Black Knight, appears as the mini-boss of the final dungeon in the game, Dark Hyrule Castle.

Quote from The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Dark Nut figurine:

"Appears in Dark Hyrule Castle. These armor-clad soldiers are tough. Use your shield and rolling skills to find an opening in their defenses!"

Quote from The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap Red Dark Nut figurine:

"Appears in Dark Hyrule Castle. These Dark Nut commanders are strong but if you relax and find an opening you can still defeat them."

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

Link Darknuts

Link facing two Darknuts in the Cave of Ordeals

Again, one of the most powerful enemy in the game, Darknuts are even harder than their Wind Waker counterparts. They still retain some of their characteristics like removable armor and high defense, but now have increased speed and more sword techniques. Its armor has become less bulky and more streamlined like a medieval knight. They still use a large sword and shield.

Darknuts come in two phases, the first being armored. The best strategy is to draw it toward you, backflip when they plunge their sword down, and then land a jump strike. The back slice, helm splitter and mortal draw are also effective. Bomb arrows can be used to remove a Darknut's armor from afar, but the Darknut's shield will soak up any arrows aimed at it directly; one must instead target the ground immediately next to or behind the Darknut. When Link lands a hit on it, some of its armor strips off, though not as quickly or in as large amounts as in Wind Waker.

Eventually, when all its armor is off, revealing its under-armor chain mail, it will jump back and throw its weapon at you. It then pulls out a smaller sword (a rapier), granting it different attacks, and becomes much more agile, having shed its bulky armor. An unarmored Darknut will attack with two cuts in succession, which give Link a split-second opening to counterattack, a thrust, or a kick which can briefly throw Link off balance. The Darknut will also become far more adept at blocking Link's attacks and will dodge explosions effortlessly. Jump attacks, jump strikes, and back slices can send a Darknut reeling just long enough to attack.

One Darknut with a different helmet, sword and shield is the mini-boss in the Temple of Time, while others commonly guard items such as keys or new areas. They appear either solo or with another in the main game, and as a trio in the final level of the Cave of Ordeals(4 if you've already completed it once). Darknuts come in several different colors, but have no discernible differences in behavior or difficulty, although some believe that Gold Darknuts are slight stronger.

Link's Crossbow Training

In the spin-off title Link's Crossbow Training, a Darknut appears as the boss of stage 8-3. His appearance is identical to the Temple of Time Darknut in Twilight Princess, but he attacks by unleashing a swarm of bats in addition to sword swings. His shield is invulnerable, so Link must wait until the Darknut attacks to shoot his armor off with the crossbow. The armor appears to be enchanted, as each piece turns into a larger bat that attacks Link after it has been shot off the Darknut. When all of the Darknut's armor is gone, he will attack with his shortsword, similar to his attacks in Twilight Princess, but he also gains a teleportation move, in which he turns into a swarm of bats in order to move closer to Link and attack. When Link lands several consecutive hits on him, he will use this move, only with one or more white bats that are worth 100-300 points. By shooting these white bats, Link can whittle down Darknut's health and defeat him.


Other Appearances

See also

  1. Darknuts are tough little soldiers who carry a shield, so you can't attack them from the front. (http://www.legendofzeldaseries.com/main.php?page=z1bestiary.html)
  2. The Instruction Manual says: The knight who lives in the labyrinths. He has lots of attacking power. He repels Link's attacks from the front with his shield. (http://www.legendofzeldaseries.com/main.php?page=z1bestiary.html)