zeldaandfairies

The Garo are robed Figures that appear in The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask’s Ikana Canyon. They are ninja like figures that mistake you for their master when you wear the Garo Mask. When they figure out Lin’s true identity, they surround him with fire and begin to attack him. After defeating the Garo, they will divulge information to Link before dying.

But Who Are the Garo?

Pamela’s father reveals that the Garo, in life, were once spies from an enemy nation of Ikana. The two forces were in a great war and Ikana ultimately lost. The souls of those who perished still walk the land, and many of them are of the Garo.

We know Igos du Ikana ruled Ikana’s Kingdom during this time. One of the most famous generals of their military was Captain Keeta who we find in Ikana graveyard. All the soldiers of Ikana remain in that graveyard defending their land though they lost the war, awaiting further orders from their long asleep captain. The Garo are very much the same, except they are still trying to infiltrate Ikana’s land.

Where Do the Garo Come From?

We know them to be ninja spies with two long swords and fighting patterns that resemble those of the Gerudo.

However, the Gerudo are pirates in Majora’s Mask and have no mention of a war. They are solely known as pirates, so they’re not likely to have ties to the Garo. Who does this leave as a race that could be hidden under those robes?

I believe that the Garo are a branch off of the mysterious Sheikah.

The Theory:

Though they exist amongst two different games, the Sheikah were the only race from Ocarina of Time who did not reappear in Majora’s Mask. Therefore, it can be inferred that the Garo represent them in this universe.

Common Goals and Abilities:
The Sheikah have aimed to protect the Hyrule Royal Family for many years. The Garo may have been the offensive line for their clan during times of battle. While the Sheikah stayed behind to hide the homeland, the Garo went to war in Ikana. Their skills are only the slightest bit different; though they are both focused in martial arts, the Sheikah are able to use magic. Perhaps this lead the Garo to be the inferior branch, giving the Sheikah the most power.

Clothing:
The mask the Garo Master wears is very similar to the statue in the first room of the Shadow Temple as well as the head of the ferry. The figure seems to be that of a bird with a large beak. Though the top of the head differs, the outline of the shape of the horns makes them appear very similar.

In Ocarina of Time 3DS, the ferry, however, wears a hood like the spirit guard in Ikana.

Their wardrobe also features significant patterns on them that may mark the different branches of the clan. The Sheikah are known for their lighter blue tones while the Garo are darker colors. Their insignias, though different, contain similar themes of curved lines and an eye.

The Lens of Truth has its red iris that represents the Sheikah. The Garo masks all portray glowing green eyes. Sheik wears a turban like covering while the Garo’s clothing are similar to that of a hijab or hood. The Garo wear bandages around their hands and feet like Sheik wears around his arms.

Small Population:
The Garo are known to di by their own hands when captured, meaning that many of them never come home. Their race suffers because of this and only leaves behind so many people. The Sheikah clan has a smaller population in and of itself. This war caused them to meet with their virtual extinction.

What do you think?

Do you believe the Sheikah and the Garo are related? What are your theories about the Garo? I’d love to read them in the comments!