Dampé is a recurring character in the Legend of Zelda series, first appearing in Ocarina of Time as the caretaker of Kakariko Village’s graveyard. He is known for his eccentric personality and love of gravedigging, and his backstory is shrouded in mystery.

Origins and Early Life

Dampé’s origins are unknown, but he is believed to have been born in Kakariko Village. He claims to be a descendant of the Sheikah, a reclusive tribe known for their knowledge and skills, but this claim has never been confirmed. Dampé’s early life is largely unknown, but it is suggested that he may have worked as a grave robber and treasure hunter before becoming a gravedigger.

Role in Ocarina of Time

In Ocarina of Time, Dampé plays a supporting role. He helps Link escape from his cell after he is captured by Ganondorf and provides him with information about the Master Sword. Dampé also introduces Link to the Shadow Temple, a dungeon that he has been exploring.

Personality and Appearance

Dampé is a strange and eccentric character. He is obsessed with gravedigging and often speaks in riddles. He has a cheerful disposition, but he can also be somber and introspective. Dampé’s appearance is unusual. He is tall and thin, with long, white hair and a crooked nose. He wears a black robe and a skullcap.

Later Appearances

Dampé appears in several other Zelda games after Ocarina of Time, including Majora’s Mask, Oracle of Ages, and Oracle of Seasons. In these games, he continues to serve as the caretaker of Kakariko Village’s graveyard and provides Link with assistance in his adventures.

Reception

Dampé is a popular character among Zelda fans. His eccentric personality and unique role in the series have made him a fan favorite. He has been praised for his humor, his tragic backstory, and his role as a mentor to Link.

Trivia

Dampé’s name may be based on the Japanese word "dampi," which means "grave."
Dampé’s skullcap bears the Sheikah symbol, suggesting that he may have some connection to the Sheikah tribe.
Dampé’s character model was originally intended to be used for the Happy Mask Salesman, but the design was scrapped and later reused for Dampé.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is Dampé’s relationship to the Sheikah?
A: Dampé claims to be a descendant of the Sheikah, but this claim has never been confirmed.

Q: What was Dampé’s role in Ocarina of Time?
A: Dampé helps Link escape from his cell, provides him with information about the Master Sword, and introduces him to the Shadow Temple.

Q: What is Dampé’s personality like?
A: Dampé is a strange and eccentric character, obsessed with gravedigging and often speaking in riddles.

Q: Why is Dampé so popular among Zelda fans?
A: Dampé is popular due to his humor, his tragic backstory, and his role as a mentor to Link.

References

Dampé’s Diary: A Ghastly Glimpse of the Zelda Universe

Dampé’s Diary, a relic from the Legend of Zelda series, offers a chilling account of the notorious undertaker’s life and role in the aftermath of Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask.

This eerie journal reveals Dampé’s haunting encounters with the undead, his investigations into the dark powers of the Shadow Temple, and his failed quest to prevent the rise of Ganondorf. Filled with macabre observations, philosophical musings, and ghostly tales, Dampé’s Diary provides a unique perspective on the world of Hyrule and the hidden horrors that lurk beneath its surface.

Dampé’s Role in the Legend of Zelda Series

Dampé is a recurring character in the Legend of Zelda series, primarily serving as a graveyard caretaker. He is known for his eccentric personality and enigmatic dialogue.

Ocarina of Time: Dampé first appears in this game as the caretaker of the Kakariko Village Graveyard. He assists Link in locating Impa and provides guidance on the Shadow Temple.
Majora’s Mask: Dampé returns as a playable character in the Bomber’s Notebook minigame. He also provides cryptic hints and clues related to the game’s side quests.
Oracle of Seasons and Ages: Dampé is a minor character in these games, offering cryptic advice to Link. He is also the leader of the Subrosian Guild, a group of thieves.
Spirit Tracks: In this game, Dampé is a Spirit Train engineer who helps Link explore the Overworld. He provides the player with various upgrades and support during their journey.
Skyward Sword: Dampé is mentioned briefly in this game, appearing as a statue in the graveyard of Lanayru Province. His descendants are also seen as residents of Skyloft.

The Legend of Zelda: Dampé’s Grave

Dampé’s grave is a location featured in various The Legend of Zelda games. It is said to be the final resting place of Dampé, a gravedigger and self-proclaimed "Master of the Dead."

In Ocarina of Time, Dampé’s grave is located in the Graveyard on the outskirts of Kakariko Village. Link can visit the grave to obtain the Hookshot, an item necessary for progressing through the game.

In Majora’s Mask, Dampé’s grave is found in the Southern Swamp. Link can interact with Dampé’s spirit to play a minigame where he must identify the true Dampé among a group of imposters. Completing the minigame rewards Link with a Piece of Heart.

In Oracle of Ages and Seasons, Dampé’s grave is in the Graveyard in the Subrosian village. Link can obtain the shovel from Dampé’s grave, which is needed to access the Goron Graveyard.

Dampé’s Abilities

Dampé, the gravedigger from "The Legend of Zelda" series, possesses a unique set of abilities:

Ghost Summoning: Dampé can summon and control ghosts, using them for various purposes, including attacking enemies and solving puzzles.
Ghostly Form: Dampé can transform into a ghost, allowing him to pass through walls, interact with spirits, and become immune to physical attacks.
Grave Digging: Dampé is a skilled gravedigger who can quickly and efficiently dig graves, unlocking secret areas and uncovering buried treasures.
Grave Hopping: Dampé can leap long distances across graves, accessing otherwise unreachable areas.
Fortune-Telling: Dampé has the ability to tell fortunes, providing players with cryptic guidance and insights.
Magic Bow: In "Ocarina of Time," Dampé wields a magic bow that can fire arrows that track enemies and pierce through obstacles.
Hookshot: In "The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages," Dampé uses a hookshot to grapple onto specific surfaces and reach higher ground.

Dampé’s Character Design

Dampé is a recurring character in The Legend of Zelda series, known as the graveyard caretaker. His design has evolved over the games but retained several key elements:

Pale Skin and Sunken Eyes: Dampé has a sickly appearance with pale skin and prominent sunken eyes, suggesting his undead nature.
Hooded Robe: He wears a long black hooded robe, reminiscent of traditional gravedigger costumes.
Lantern: He carries a lantern to illuminate his way through the dark and guide lost souls.
Cane: In later games, Dampé uses a cane to aid his mobility, which may symbolize his age or decrepitude.
Skeletal Features: Dampé’s face and hands often have skeletal-like features, emphasizing his connection to the dead.

Dampé’s Weapon of Choice

Dampé, the gravedigger from "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," is renowned for his unusual choice of weapon: a shovel. While swords and bows are prevalent in the Zelda series, Dampé’s shovel stands out as a testament to his unique character.

Dampé’s shovel is an effective melee weapon that can wield devastating blows. Its flat blade can crush bones, break through barriers, and dig up hidden treasures. Despite its unorthodox appearance, the shovel proves to be a formidable tool in the hands of the skilled gravedigger.

Beyond its combat capabilities, Dampé’s shovel also serves as a symbol of his profession. As the keeper of the graveyard, Dampé uses his shovel to bury the dead, providing a sense of closure and respect for the departed. The shovel thus embodies the dual nature of Dampé’s character, as both a protector of the living and a guide for the dead.

Dampé’s Relationship with Link

Dampé is a recurring character in the Zelda series who first appears in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. He is a gravedigger who lives in Kakariko Graveyard and is known for his eccentric personality and love of ghost stories.

Dampé’s relationship with Link is one of respect and admiration. He recognizes Link’s bravery and strength, and often provides him with helpful advice and assistance. In Ocarina of Time, Dampé helps Link open the Shadow Temple and defeat Bongo Bongo. In Majora’s Mask, Dampé assists Link in obtaining the Fierce Deity’s Mask.

Despite their age difference, Dampé and Link share a bond as fellow adventurers. They both enjoy exploring dungeons and solving puzzles, and they both have a sense of humor that helps them through difficult times. Dampé’s friendship and support have been invaluable to Link on his many quests, and their relationship is one of the most enduring in the Zelda series.

Dampé’s Voice Actor in ‘The Legend of Zelda’

Dampé is a character who first appeared in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. He is a gravedigger who resides in Kakariko Village. Dampé is known for his eccentric personality and his strange habits, such as sleeping in a coffin and digging graves for the living. He is voiced by the late Dan Castellaneta, who is also known for voicing Homer Simpson in The Simpsons. Castellaneta’s voice acting in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is praised for its humor and charisma, which perfectly captures Dampé’s unique and memorable personality.

Dampé’s Theme Music in ‘The Legend of Zelda’

Dampé’s Theme is a somber and haunting melody that plays in the Graveyard of Kakariko Village in the Nintendo 64 game ‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.’ The theme is associated with Dampé, a deceased gravedigger and the former caretaker of the village cemetery.

Its композитор is Koji Kondo, and the theme is performed on a piano with a low, rumbling bassline. The melody is simple and repetitive, but provides an atmospheric and eerie backdrop to the graveyard setting.

Dampé’s Theme has become a popular and recognizable piece of music among Zelda fans. Its haunting and evocative melody has been used in various Zelda games and spin-offs, as well as in fan-made content and tributes.

Dampé’s Appearances in Other Games

Majora’s Mask: Dampé appears as a ghost wandering around the Graveyard. He gives Link the Occult Mask and teaches him the Song of Time.
Oracle of Seasons: Dampé appears in the Shadow Temple and helps Link find the Lens of Truth.
Oracle of Ages: Dampé appears in the Trap Shrine and helps Link find the Goron Ruby.
The Minish Cap: Dampé appears in the Royal Tomb and helps Link find the Master Sword.
Twilight Princess: Dampé appears as a guest in Link’s house in Ordon Village. He gives Link the Home of Twilight Map and helps him find the Mirror of Twilight.
Skyward Sword: Dampé appears as a ghost in the Sandship. He teaches Link the Ballad of the Goddess and gives him the Bag of Souls.

Dampé’s Fan Following

Dampé, the enigmatic gravedigger from "The Legend of Zelda" series, has amassed a significant fan following. His quirky character, memorable catchphrases, and involvement in obscure side quests have resonated with players.

Dampé’s popularity stems from his eccentric personality and humorous dialogue. His witty remarks and mischievous nature provide comic relief during the often-serious adventures of Link. Additionally, his role as the gravedigger adds a morbid yet charming element to the game world.

Fans appreciate the depth and complexity added to Dampé’s character through optional side quests. His involvement in collecting soul fragments and uncovering secret stories enriches the overall narrative and allows players to connect with him on a deeper level.