Ancient Technology

Limited quantities of uncommon technology recur in *The Legend of Zelda* series, **Ancient Technology**, also known as **Sheikah technology**, particularly features prominently in *Breath of the Wild*.

## Overview

### *Breath of the Wild*

Ancient Technology was created by the Sheikah Tribe 10,000 years ago. All forms of Ancient Technology are powered by Ancient Energy, a fluid found in Hateno Village, on Tumlea Heights, and underneath Hyrule Castle. When it is active, Ancient Technology glows a pale blue or orange color, but when Malice is infecting it, it glows a hot pink.

Ancient Technology led to Hyrule Kingdom becoming considerably advanced under the guidance of the ancient Sheikah civilization’s blue aura. With the state of their Technology, the people of Hyrule decided to prepare for the return of Calamity Ganon. However, following Calamity Ganon's sealing, the King of Hyrule and the rest of the Royal Family of Hyrule felt threatened by the Sheikah, and so they were forced to abandon their Technology.

100 years ago, when a fortune-teller foretold the resurrection of Calamity Ganon, King Rhoam ordered excavations in search of Ancient Technology. As part of this endeavor, the Ancient Research Institute was founded to study Ancient Technology, led by Purah and Robbie. Since there were concerns about the use of the potentially dangerous Ancient Energy so close to Hyrule Castle and Purah's recklessness, Impa became a royal advisor to oversee the Institute's work. Princess Zelda herself often researched Ancient Technology in her Study. When Calamity Ganon did eventually return, he used his Malice to corrupt Hyrule Kingdom's defenses. This led to the deaths of the Champions and King Rhoam, and Link was mortally wounded while defending Princess Zelda.

During the Great Calamity, the Ancient Research Institute was destroyed, eventually becoming the Royal Ancient Lab Ruins. Two new laboratories were established by Purah and Robbie to continue their research. At the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab, Purah has studied the Runes of the Sheikah Slate. Meanwhile, Robbie has focused his research on creating Weapons that are effective against Guardians. These locations require the Blue Flame from Ancient Furnaces, a source of Ancient Energy, to power their Guidance Stones.

#### Sheikah Slate

Main article: Sheikah Slate

When Link wakes up in the Shrine of Resurrection, he will find the Sheikah Slate located in a Sheikah Slate Pedestal nearby. He hears the voice of Princess Zelda, who tells him to take it and that it will help guide him on his journey. The Slate is able to interface with other pieces of Ancient Technology, such as Sheikah Slate Terminals. This allows Link to activate the Travel Gates on Ancient Shrines, Sheikah Towers, and Divine Beasts.

The primary function of the Sheikah Slate is its Runes. On the Great Plateau, Link can acquire several Runes for his Sheikah Slate. These are the Remote Bombs, Magnesis, Stasis, and Cryonis. At the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab, Purah can use her Guidance Stone to restore the Camera Rune, in addition to unlocking the Album and the Hyrule Compendium. If amiibo compatibility is turned on in the System menu, the amiibo Rune will appear in the Sheikah Slate. Finally, during *The Champions' Ballad* DLC Pack, Link will obtain the Master Cycle Zero Rune after completing the Final Trial.

#### Structures

Main articles: Ancient Shrine, Sheikah Tower and Shrine of Resurrection
A multitude of Ancient Sheikah structures in Hyrule Kingdom were been constructed by their ancient civilization with the use of Ancient Technology. Following the Hylian King of the time banishing such technology, the structures remained dormant underground. Unlike other pieces of Ancient Technology, they have remained untouched by Calamity Ganon, though they are all initially in inactive states.

One such building is the Shrine of Resurrection, a medical facility with the power to induce a long-term stasis in its patients. Following his collapse during the Great Calamity, Link was taken to the Shrine of Resurrection to recover, eventually culminating in his awakening 100 years later. During the "EX The Champions' Ballad" Main Quest, which is exclusive to *The Champions' Ballad* DLC Pack, the Shrine of Resurrection serves as the entrance to the Final Trial.

Sheikah Towers are another type of structure made with Ancient Technology. They are all initially buried beneath the ground, save for the top of the Great Plateau Tower. Once Link activates the Tower's Sheikah Slate Pedestal, it and all other Sheikah Towers will rise from the ground. After a Sheikah Tower has been activated, its Guidance Stone will distill information for Link's Map.

The most common structures made from Ancient Technology are the Ancient Shrines. A total of 120 Ancient Shrines can be found throughout Hyrule Kingdom, with 16 more being added in *The Champions' Ballad* DLC Pack. They were designed by Sheikah Monks to train the hero who would one day fight Calamity Ganon. Following the activation of the Sheikah Towers, all Ancient Shrines will begin to glow orange. At the end of these Shrines, a Monk will award Link a Spirit Orb.

Hyrule Castle features several structures made using Ancient Technology. The five Giant Columns surrounding the Castle were made to store Guardians, only emerging from the ground once they sensed the revival of Calamity Ganon. Unlike other structures, they have been corrupted by Calamity Ganon's Malice, now glowing pink. The same is true of the Astral Observatory, which is located beneath the Sanctum and was once used by the Sheikah to study celestial bodies. When Link confronts Calamity Ganon, the pair will fall through the floor of the Throne Room and into the Astral Observatory, where they will proceed to fight.

#### Enemies

Main article: Guardian
10,000 years ago, the Guardians were created to protect Hyrule Kingdom during the Great Calamity. During the battle against Calamity Ganon, the Guardians defended the Hero of the time. However, along with other forms of Ancient Technology, they were buried when the Sheikah were cast out.

The Guardians were rediscovered during King Rhoam's excavations. However, Calamity Ganon ended up corrupting them and using them against Hyrule upon his return. 100 years later, many Guardians are still under the effects of Malice, and they will attack anyone who draws near. The only exception are the Guardian Scouts found in Ancient Shrines.

#### Divine Beasts

Main article: Divine Beast

The main defense against Calamity Ganon were the four Divine Beasts. They are known as Divine Beast Vah Ruta, Divine Beast Vah Rudania, Divine Beast Vah Medoh, and Divine Beast Vah Naboris. The Divine Beasts were built prior to the first Great Calamity 10,000 years ago. Four Champions were selected to pilot the Divine Beasts during the battle. When Calamity Ganon returned, the Divine Beasts unleashed their attacks upon him. As with other pieces of Ancient Technology, they were buried following the splintering of the Sheikah.

100 years ago, secret records kept by the Sheikah were able to guide King Rhoam's excavations to Gerudo Canyon and Zora's Domain, where Divine Beast Vah Naboris and Divine Beast Vah Ruta were respectively found. Further excavations revealed Divine Beast Vah Rudania within Death Mountain. Four Champions were again chosen to pilot the Divine Beasts. These Champions were Mipha, Daruk, Revali, and Urbosa. At the moment of Calamity Ganon's return, the Champions were not with their Divine Beasts, allowing them to become quickly corrupted by his Malice while they were away. When they finally made it back, they would be greeted by the Blight Ganons, which would eventually lead to their deaths.

During his journey, Link will be given the "Free the Divine Beasts" Main Quest, which tasks him with purging the Malice that has infected the Divine Beasts. If Link frees a Divine Beast, its pilot will aid him during his battle against Calamity Ganon.

#### Weapons and Armor

Main articles: Ancient Set, Ancient Soldier Gear and Guardian Gear
The Weapons made with Ancient Technology, known as Guardian Gear, are effective for use against Guardians. They are most commonly wielded by Guardian Scouts, who can be found in Ancient Shrines and Divine Beasts. As part of his research, Robbie has developed new Weapons and Armor using Ancient Technology. These are the Ancient Set and the Ancient Soldier Gear. They can be forged with the Ancient Oven, his modified Guidance Stone.

Though not made of Ancient Technology themselves, many Weapons and pieces of Armor are made using Ancient Technology. For example, the Stealth Set utilizes noise-suppressing fabrics, which are known to be made Ancient Technology. Weapons from the Royal Guard's Series were forged 100 years ago using Ancient Technology, and they were designed to arm the Royal Guard for the impending Great Calamity. Finally, several pieces of modern Sheikah Gear were made with Ancient Technology.

#### Materials

Main article: Ancient Material
Ancient Materials are a type of Material dropped by Guardians upon their defeat. They are also common rewards from Treasure Chests throughout Hyrule Kingdom. They can be used to enhance pieces of Armor at Great Fairy Fountains, forge Ancient Soldier Gear, and upgrade the Sheikah Slate's Runes.

## Other Appearances

### *Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity*

Non-Canon Information

*This **section** of the page is incomplete. You can help Zelda Wiki by expanding it.*

## See Also

* Ancient Energy
* Monk
* Sheikah

## References

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "*Ancient Technology*" (*Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 404)
2. ↑ "*Ancient energy gives off a pale blue glow that can be seen in operational **Sheikah technology**.*" (*Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 404)
3. ↑ "*they made their way to the Ancient Tech Lab*" — Rhoam (*Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity*)
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 *Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 362
5. ↑ "*Long ago, a highly advanced tribe known as the Sheikah inhabited these lands. The great power of their wisdom saved this kingdom time and time again.*" — Old Man (*Breath of the Wild*)
6. ↑ "*Hyrule was then blossoming as a highly advanced civilization. Even the most powerful monsters posed little threat to the denizens of the realm.*" — Impa (*Breath of the Wild*)
7. ↑ "*The kingdom of Hyrule was once a land of lasting peace / A culture of such strength and wit, that suffering did cease.*" — Kass (*Breath of the Wild*)
8. ↑ *"The Sheikah Tribe's blue aura breathed through the land and this mutual prosperity continued until a cataclysmic disaster struck."* — The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Backstory Revealed by Special Edition Map, IGN.
9. ↑ "*The people thought it wise to utilize their technological prowess to ensure the safety of the land, should Calamity Ganon ever return.*" — Impa (*Breath of the Wild*)
10. ↑ "*But Ganon lurked beneath the surface, strengthening its jaws / So the ancient people of Hyrule set out to help the cause.*" — Kass (*Breath of the Wild*)
11. ↑ "*But their ancient technology disappeared long ago... Or so it is said.*" — Old Man (*Breath of the Wild*)
12. ↑ "*We of the Sheikah tribe have long been heralded as a people of great wisdom. Our technology became the key to sealing Ganon away during the Great Calamity, some ten thousand years ago. At one point, our technology was praised as the power of the gods...but eventually the people turned on it. Turned on us. Our creations came to be viewed as a threat to the kingdom. The Sheikah became outcasts, forced into exile.*" — Cado (*Breath of the Wild*)
13. ↑ *Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 368
14. ↑ "*Stories of Ganon were passed from generation to generation in the form of legends and fairy tales. But there was also...a prophecy. "The signs of a resurrection of Calamity Ganon are clear. And the power to oppose it lies dormant beneath the ground." We decided to heed the prophecy and began excavating large areas of land. It wasn't long before we discovered several ancient relics made by the hands of our distant ancestors.*" — King Rhoam (*Breath of the Wild*)
15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 *Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 374
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 *Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 396
17. ↑ *Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 251
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 "*He appeared from deep below Hyrule Castle, seized control of the Guardians and the Divine Beasts, and turned them against us.*" — King Rhoam (*Breath of the Wild*)
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 "*The Champions lost their lives. Those residing in the castle as well. The appointed knight, gravely wounded, collapsed while defending the princess...*" — King Rhoam (*Breath of the Wild*)
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 *Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 398
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "*You know the unlit furnace on the wall just outside this laboratory? Could you please bring the blue flame from the ancient furnace in town? Oh, and also use it to light our furnace? This sweet little Guidance Stone will start working once you do that, allowing us to restore your missing runes!*" — Purah (*Breath of the Wild*)
22. ↑ "*That is a Sheikah Slate. Take it. It will help guide you after your long slumber.*" — Princess Zelda (*Breath of the Wild*)
23. ↑ "*Hold the Sheikah Slate up to the pedestal. That will show you the way.*" — Princess Zelda (*Breath of the Wild*)
24. ↑ "*Sheikah Slate confirmed. Travel Gate registered to map. Access granted.*" — Sheikah Slate Terminal (*Breath of the Wild*)
25. ↑ "*Sheikah Slate authenticated. Distilling rune...*" — Guidance Stone (*Breath of the Wild*)
26. ↑ "*Sheikah Slate authenticated. Camera, Hyrule Compendium, and album missing files confirmed. Starting repair.*" — Guidance Stone (*Breath of the Wild*)
27. ↑ "*I spoke with Purah about the Shrine of Resurrection we discovered earlier. As we speculated, this particular shrine is, in fact, a medical facility with the power to heal. It also has a long-term stasis function that can be activated and maintained until healing is complete.*" — *Zelda's Research Notes* (*Breath of the Wild*)
28. ↑ "*Take Link to the Shrine of Resurrection. If you don't get him there immediately, we are going to lose him forever! Is that clear?! So make haste and go! His life is now in your hands!*" — Princess Zelda (*Breath of the Wild*)
29. ↑ "*And the courageous knight who protected her right up to the very end... That knight was none other than you, Link. You fought valiantly when your fate took an unfortunate turn. And then, you were taken to the Shrine of Resurrection. Here you now stand revitalized, 100 years later.*" — King Rhoam (*Breath of the Wild*)
30. ↑ "*I am Maz Koshia. I must commend you for conquering the trial thus far. The door to the final trial is now open at the Shrine of Resurrection. Go, and face your destiny.*" — Monk Maz Koshia (*Breath of the Wild*)
31. ↑ "*To the brave soul who wishes to master a Divine Beast... You have done well to return to this place of beginnings. You have overcome many challenges thus far. Now, allow me to bestow upon you one final trial. Return the Sheikah Slate to the terminal you first obtained it from. Do so, and the final passageway will reveal itself...*" — Monk Maz Koshia (*Breath of the Wild*)
32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 *Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 216
33. ↑ "*My, my... It would seem we have quite the enigma here. This tower and others just like it have erupted across the land, one after another. It is almost as though...a long-dormant power has awoken quite suddenly.*" — Old Man (*Breath of the Wild*)
34. ↑ "*Distilling local information...*" — Guidance Stone (*Breath of the Wild*)
35. ↑ "*Regional map extracted.*" — Guidance Stone (*Breath of the Wild*)
36. ↑ "*I am a humble monk, blessed with the sight of Goddess Hylia and dedicated to helping those who seek to defeat Ganon. With your arrival, my duty is now fulfilled.*" — Monk (*Breath of the Wild*)
37. ↑ "*Your resourcefulness in overcoming this trial speaks to the promise of a hero...*" — Monk (*Breath of the Wild*)
38. ↑ "*Your triumph over the test of strength subverts a prophecy of ruin. From the ashes of Hyrule, a hero rises.*" — Monk (*Breath of the Wild*)
39. ↑ "*Countless ancient structures are being discovered across Hyrule...but all attempts to enter them have failed. Records indicate that these are facilities designed to train the hero who is fated to combat the Calamity.*" — *Zelda's Research Notes* (*Breath of the Wild*)
40. ↑ "*Do you see that structure there? The one shining with a strange light? It began glowing at the exact moment those towers rose up from the ground.*" — Old Man (*Breath of the Wild*)
41. ↑ "*In the name of Goddess Hylia, allow me to bestow this gift upon you... Please accept this Spirit Orb.*" — Monk (*Breath of the Wild*)
42. ↑ "*In the name of Goddess Hylia, I bestow upon you this Spirit Orb.*" — Monk (*Breath of the Wild*)
43. ↑ "*Robbie has restored mobility to many of the Guardians we've excavated. ...But we have still yet to find all of the Guardians. Records mention a greater number of them–and even other types. They are said to be stored in five giant columns that rest beneath Hyrule Castle. The thing is... No matter how I search beneath the castle, I can't seem to locate these columns. They must be buried deep. Were they perhaps designed to sense the appearance of Calamity Ganon and to only activate upon his return?*" — *Zelda's Research Notes* (*Breath of the Wild*)
44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 *Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 235
45. ↑ *Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 255
46. ↑ "*They also built a legion of autonomous weapons called Guardians.*" — Impa (*Breath of the Wild*)
47. ↑ "*And free-willed machines that hunted down their prey / These Guardians were built to last so they could join the fray.*" — Kass (*Breath of the Wild*)
48. ↑ 48.0 48.1 "*The Guardians were tasked with protecting the hero as the Divine Beasts unleashed a furious attack upon their terrible foe.*" — Impa (*Breath of the Wild*)
49. ↑ "*The Guardians kept the heroes safe through every hour...*" — Kass (*Breath of the Wild*)
50. ↑ "*We also found the Guardians, an army of mechanical soldiers who fought autonomously.*" — King Rhoam (*Breath of the Wild*)
51. ↑ "*They constructed four mechanical wonders that came to be known as the Divine Beasts.*" — Impa (*Breath of the Wild*)
52. ↑ "*Their efforts bore fruit in an automated force,
To help avert Calamity by sealing it at its source.
Four giant behemoths for which power never ceased,
Each of these titans was called a "Divine Beast."*" — Kass (*Breath of the Wild*)
53. ↑ "*The Divine Beasts were piloted by four individuals of exceptional skill from across the land.*" — Impa (*Breath of the Wild*)
54. ↑ "*To guide the beasts in battle, warriors were needed,
So four Champions pledged to see Ganon defeated.*" — Kass (*Breath of the Wild*)
55. ↑ "*The Divine Beasts unleashed attacks that weakened Ganon's power.*" — Kass (*Breath of the Wild*)
56. ↑ *Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 375
57. ↑ "*Reminds me of when those tiny Sheikah came to Death Mountain a few years ago to dig up that Divine Beast or whatever. The Hylians were sayin' that beast thing is a weapon someone will need to learn how to control.*" — Daruk's Training Journal (*Breath of the Wild*)
58. ↑ "*We selected four skilled individuals from across Hyrule and tasked them with the duty of piloting the Divine Beasts. With the princess as their commander, we dubbed these pilots Champions–a name that would solidify their unique bond.*" — King Rhoam (*Breath of the Wild*)
59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 *Creating a Champion*, Dark Horse Books, pg. 383
60. ↑ "*In order to avoid ever making that grave mistake again, the princess left you these words... Free the four Divine Beasts. That is what she said.*" — Impa (*Breath of the Wild*)
61. ↑ "*Now my moment has finally come. Brace yourself, Ganon, for the sting of my revenge!*" — Revali (*Breath of the Wild*)
62. ↑ "*This will be our final opportunity. We will not fail!*" — Mipha (*Breath of the Wild*)
63. ↑ "*Let's go, little guy! Now! Open up wide, Ganon!*" — Daruk (*Breath of the Wild*)
64. ↑ "*A hundred years in the making... Hold on, Princess. Our moment has arrived!*" — Urbosa (*Breath of the Wild*)
65. ↑ 65.0 65.1 "*In addition to ancient arrows, Cherry can make all kinds of ancient soldier gear. If you're looking to acquire some, give your ancient materials... and rupees... to Cherry.*" — Robbie (*Breath of the Wild*)
66. ↑ "*Stealth Mask
It may look like a regular cloth mask, but it was made using Sheikah crafting techniques to suppress the noisy rustling of clothes. Perfect for sneaking about.*" — Inventory (*Breath of the Wild*)
67. ↑ "*Stealth Chest Guard
Armor designed for stealth, passed down through the Sheikah tribe. The special fabrics suppress the rustling of clothes even when moving quickly.*" — Inventory (*Breath of the Wild*)
68. ↑ "*Stealth Tights
Members of the Sheikah tribe wear these tights when they need to move stealthily. They're made from noise-suppressing cloth, a hallmark of ancient Sheikah technology.*" — Inventory (*Breath of the Wild*)
69. ↑ "*Royal Guard's Sword
A Sheikah-made replica of the sword that seals the darkness. It was made with ancient technology to oppose the Great Calamity, but its low durability made it inefficient.*" — Inventory (*Breath of the Wild*)
70. ↑ "*Royal Guard's Claymore
The Sheikah used the very essence of ancient technology to forge this greatsword. It was designed to oppose the Calamity, but its low durability made it impractical in battle.*" — Inventory (*Breath of the Wild*)
71. ↑ "*Royal Guard's Spear
This Sheikah-made spear was created using ancient technology to combat the Calamity. Its attack power is very high, but a critical design flaw left it with poor durability.*" — Inventory (*Breath of the Wild*)
72. ↑ "*Royal Guard's Bow
This prototype Sheikah-made bow was designed to fight the Great Calamity. Made with ancient technology, it boasts a high rate of fire and firepower but has low durability.*" — Inventory (*Breath of the Wild*)
73. ↑ "*Royal Guard's Shield
This shield was forged using ancient Sheikah technology. It boasts extremely high stopping power, but its structural weakness made its low durability impractical for combat.*" — Inventory (*Breath of the Wild*)
74. ↑ "*Eightfold Blade
A single-edged sword traditional to the Sheikah tribe. Forged using ancient technology, it's said to be among the sharpest conventional weapons ever made.*" — Inventory (*Breath of the Wild*)
75. ↑ "*Eightfold Longblade
A single-edged sword seldom seen in Hyrule. This weapon is passed down through the Sheikah tribe and has an astonishingly sharp edge ideal for slicing.*" — Inventory (*Breath of the Wild*)
76. ↑ "*Edge of Duality
A curious double-edged sword crafted using Sheikah technology. It was originally made for Hyrulean knights unfamiliar with single-edged blades.*" — Inventory (*Breath of the Wild*)
77. ↑ "*If you bring me some ancient materials, I'll power up your runes!*" — Purah (*Breath of the Wild*)