Whirlpools, also named Vortexes,[1](OoT) are recurring elements in The Legend of Zelda series.[2][3][4][name reference needed]
Location and uses[]
A Link to the Past[]
Whirlpools are first seen in A Link to the Past, known as Whirlpool Waterways and are scattered throughout Hyrule. Link may use certain Whirlpools to Warp to different areas in Hyrule. Whirlpools also indicate the surfacing of Zoras from bodies of water.
Ocarina of Time[]
In Ocarina of Time, Vortexes appear in some rooms of the Water Temple, and they can draw in Link and return him to the start of the room if he gets caught. The infamous "serpent-shaped" room contained a maze of these vortexes, although the Ocarina of Time version adds Hookshot targets to make the room a lot easier to navigate.
Majora's Mask[]
Oracle of Ages[]
Whirlpools appear in the Sea of Storms in Oracle of Ages. They are impassible barriers that will swallow Link whole if he attempts to cross them. The only means of passing them is through an underwater entrance in the past.
Four Swords[]
Whirlpools appear in the Sea of Trees in Four Swords. If Link falls into one, he will drown and receive two Hearts of damage before resurfacing on dry land.
The Wind Waker[]
Whirlpools are found all over the Great Sea in The Wind Waker. Whirlpools form around various obstacles, such as the barrier to Jabun's cave on Outset Island or when water is displaced from Big Octos surfacing. Whenever they appear, Link must complete the task at hand within a timely manner or he will be swallowed by the Whirlpool. Entering a Whirlpool in The Wind Waker causes the weather to become stormy until the Whirlpool disappears.
Four Swords Adventures[]
Whirlpools appear in Four Swords Adventures, where they suck the Links down into small, underwater caverns.
Phantom Hourglass[]
In Phantom Hourglass, there are only small Whirlpools, and they can damage the SS Linebeck. Once Link obtains the Cannon, he can destroy the Whirlpools with the cannonballs.
Tears of the Kingdom[]
In Tears of the Kingdom, following the Upheaval, a whirlpool is in Lake Hylia, east of the Bridge of Hylia. When Link is sucked in, it leads to the Lake Hylia Whirlpool Cave, containing En-oma Shrine.
During the quest Sidon of the Zora, Sidon creates a whirlpool in the East Reservoir Lake that leads to the Ancient Zora Waterworks.
During Whirly Swirly Things, Kula requests Link to find a phenomenon that matches a "whirly swirly thing,"[citation needed] where Link must show Kula a picture of a whirlpool using the camera function.
Nomenclature[]
 Names in Other Regions 
| ||
|---|---|---|
| Language | Name | |
 |
FrenchCA | Tourbillons (FSAE) |
 |
SpanishLA | Remolino (FSAE) |
References
- ↑ "Link! Be careful! Don't get swallowed by the vortexes!" — Navi (Ocarina of Time)
- ↑ "Passing the Whirlpool, Part I" — Vision (Majora's Mask 3D)
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords — Prima's Official Strategy Guide, Prima Games, pg. 177 (FS)
- ↑ The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker — Prima's Official Strategy Guide, Prima Games, pg. 11