Is Majora’s Mask About the 5 Stages of Grief?
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is a game that deals with themes of mortality, tragedy, and the process of coping with loss. The game’s story focuses on the character of Link, who is tasked with preventing the moon from colliding with the earth by reliving the same three days over and over. This repetitive cycle allows players to explore the world and characters of Termina in a unique way, creating a sense of urgency and intimacy with the story and its characters.
One interesting aspect of Majora’s Mask is its exploration of the 5 stages of grief, a psychological process first identified by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross. The 5 stages – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance – are often seen in people who are dealing with the loss of a loved one, and Majora’s Mask uses these themes to explore the emotional reactions of its characters to a catastrophic event.
What are the 5 stages of grief?
According to Kübler-Ross, the 5 stages of grief are:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Denial | Refusal to accept that a loss has occurred; may be accompanied by fantasy or disconnection from the reality of the situation |
| Anger | Feeling of resentment or frustration towards others, and sometimes towards oneself, for what has happened |
| Bargaining | Attempting to negotiate a better outcome or find an alternative to the loss through prayer, promises, or other means |
| Depression | Profound sadness, hopelessness, and despair; loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed |
| Acceptance | Coming to terms with the loss; accepting the new reality; may be accompanied by guilt, regret, or reflection |
How does Majora’s Mask relate to the 5 stages of grief?
Throughout Majora’s Mask, several characters exhibit behaviors that conform to the 5 stages of grief. For example:
- Denial: The Deku Butlers, who are desperately trying to save their lost son, exhibit denial-like behavior. They are trying to hold onto the fact that their son is gone, and are unable to accept the reality of their situation.
- Anger: The people of Clock Town, who have lost loved ones in the disaster, often exhibit angry behavior. They are blaming others for what has happened, and are struggling to come to terms with the loss.
- Bargaining: The High Priestess, who believes that the moon’s imminent collision is a punishment, tries to bargain with God to save the world by making sacrifices.
- Depression: The NPCs in the game, like the people of Clock Town, often exhibit depression-like behavior. They are walking around in a daze, unable to cope with the loss of their world and their loved ones.
Conclusion
Majora’s Mask is a deeply emotional and psychological game that explores the 5 stages of grief in a very unique and powerful way. The game’s use of the 5 stages can help players understand and come to terms with their own emotional reactions to loss, just as the characters in the game are trying to cope with their own losses.
In conclusion, majora’s mask is significantly related to the 5 stages of grief in that it explores the behaviors and emotions that people commonly experience when dealing with significant loss. The game presents a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of how humans cope with tragedy and mortality, and can have a profound impact on anyone who plays it.