In the world of comics, cartoons and games, the characters used have a great influence on the lives of the viewers or the gamers respectively. Many a times, these characters become heroes for many and role models for others. This not only is a marketing strategy to increase viewers and fan base but also to increase the sales of merchandise of these all so popular characters. What we talk about in this article are two characters from the ‘The Legend of Zelda series’ by Nintendo. Ganon and Ganondorf are, according to some, exactly the same, whereas others point out some differences between the two. Ganon, or anglicized Ganon, as in early materials, is also known as Ganondorf. In the series of ‘The Legend of Zelda’, Ganon is the boss in most of the games. What makes him more important is that he is the final boss!

Ganondorf, as portrayed in the game, is an archenemy of ‘Link’ as well as the leader of Gerudo, which is a race of desert brigands. Later, he departs for an evil quest. His aim was to take over the kingdom of ‘Hyrule’. He also seeks unmatched power, or godlike power as termed in the series so as to facilitate this quest. The motives of Ganondorf vary between different games, but usually it is of taking Princess Zelda into captivity and hence planning to achieve a dominion in Hyrule. (He also hopes to later take over the entire world.) To facilitate his mission, he seeks the entire Triforce, which is a magical relic and will grant any wish that its bearer makes. Ganondorf is portrayed as a mastermind villain who not only embarks on his evil quest of conquering the world, but also manipulates many other villains so as to accomplish his plans. In some games, Ganondorf already has the Triforce but still seeks more power; his lust for more and more power is never ending. The character of Ganondorf is one of the most popular as well as recognizable in the world of gaming and has been praised by viewers and critics alike.

As mentioned above, many people believe that the names Ganon and Ganondorf are interchangeable. However, in the eyes of others, there are certain considerable differences between the two. In accordance to many viewers, Ganon and Ganondorf is the same character; the only difference is that Ganondorf is the character initially that becomes Ganon when he is using the Triforce’s power. Yet others believe, with respect to other games, that the two are different characters but share a consciousness and Ganondorf channels the dark spirit of Ganon. An important difference as many people understand with respect to acquiring the Triforce of power is that Ganondorf, before acquiring it is a man; he later becomes Ganon on acquiring it who is not a man but a beast. This, however, is not true; as the word Ganon has been used to refer to a beast on some occasions as well as a man on others.
Summing this up, Ganon and Ganondorf is actually the same character. Ganondorf is a humanoid and a member and leader of Gerudo. Ganon, on the other hand, is the same character but refers to the bestial form Ganondorf’s body takes when he is possessed by evil thoughts. In a nutshell, Ganondorf is indeed Ganon when he is corrupted, be it intentionally or unintentionally, by any of the Triforce of Power, Fused shadow in the TP or Trident of Power as in FSA.

Summary of differences expressed in points

• Ganon is the boss in most of the games. What makes him more important is that he is the final boss; Ganondorf is an archenemy of ‘Link’, the leader of Gerudo, later he departs for an evil quest, his aim was to take over the kingdom of ‘Hyrule’, he seeks unmatched power, or godlike power as termed in the series so as to facilitate this quest

• Ganondorf is the character initially that becomes Ganon when he is using the Triforce’s power

• Another difference that some believe: the two are different characters but share a consciousness and Ganondorf channels the dark spirit of Ganon

• Ganondorf is indeed Ganon when he is corrupted, be it intentionally or unintentionally, by any of the Triforce of Power, Fused shadow in the TP or Trident of Power as in FSA

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