None of these theories are my own, and I take no credit for the genius discoveries of other theorists. I am only compiling all the data for your enjoyment.
This is a famous quote by the one and only Happy Mask Salesman. And the most debated and reviewed theories in the Zelda community is what it actually means.
Of course, like all Sheikah Stones, there is a Spoiler Alert, but this one especially so...
If you know anything about Zelda theories, you know that we will be discussing the possibility of Link from Majora's Mask being DEAD. Many elements of the game point to it, and as I said in a previous Stone, the whole game feels unreal and mystical. But instead of a dream or mystical vision, it appears to be more of a waiting area for the dead to accept their fate, and move on to the afterlife. But let's back up, back WAY up to the beginning of the game. When Skull Kid turns you into a Deku Scrub, you and Tatl make your may to the inside of the Clock Tower and meet the famous Mask Salesman. The smile, the skipping animations, the mood swings, all create this creepy character that makes you feel uneasy just looking at him. When you enter he says the famous line, "You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you?"
At first, it looks like he's talking about the transformation, and that makes sense. But on the third day, as the clocks strike midnight for the third time, and the fiery inferno blasts Link into the air, those same words are repeated with the salesman's creepy laugh. That turns a remark about the doings of Skull kid into a possible revelation about the true fate of our beloved hero.
Next clue is found in an entirely different game. In Twilight Princess, the Stalfos-like swordsman teaches you his skills. It is fact (Hyrule Historia) that this sword master, The Hero's Shade is Young Link from OOT and Majora's Mask. The only way to become a Stalfos is to be lost in the Woods of Mystery or the Lost Woods. So that means Young Link died or lost his way looking for Navi and never made it back to Hyrule. And his spirit wandered to Termina where he learned to accept his fate and move on. And the story of Majora's Mask is only his and other's spirits fighting against death. The moon is crashing down and all these people are scared to die, but in reality, they are already dead, but can't move on from what they left behind. As pointed out by many game theorists (MatPat especially), Termina is one letter short of being called Terminal, a waiting place for the dead.
The final clue is the actual layout of the game. With five areas in the game, with grieving in each one, we find the five stages of grief.
With Clock Town and their Denial of their impending doom. They try to put on the carnival even though they see the moon towering above them. They fight with each other as their mixed feeling push them to the brink. And finally, when the clock stops, they still deny that it really is the end.
With the Deku Palace and the king's Anger toward the monkey. He has no proof that the monkey was responsible for his daughter's disappearance, but his Anger wouldn't let logic power his actions. In his mourning, he blames the first suspect because he turns to Anger instead of sadness or fear.
With Darmani of Snowhead. He was held up as a hero but failed when his people needed him the most. He can't rest because he knows his people are dying because of his failure. And when Link finds him, he is desperate, and Bargains with him to try and give Snowhead a hero that can save them. And when they see Darmani save them, he is seen as the hero he was, and can finally rest.
With Zora's Domain, and a mother who lost her eggs. The Depression takes a hold of her, and she can't-do anything but weep for her lost children.
And finally with Ikana, the land of the dead. Where the dead and lost of Termina have gone to Accept their death. And after their transformation, they realize there is no going back, and move on.
And as Link goes through these stages, he finally accepts his death and finds another hero who needs his help. And in the end he battles against Death, (Skull Kid) but instead of killing it, he befriend it. And destroys his grief (Majora) and Death leads him to the afterlife. And the name says it all, the story of a lost hero who tries to cover his grief and sadness, but destroyed it in the end and finds peace.
This theory may be a little far-fetched, but it is fun to think about. Whatever you think about it, let me know with a comment or discussion. Happy Adventuring! :)
~Stalfos
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