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kaialone · 4 years

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Spirit Tracks Translation Comparison: The Bow of Light

This will be a comparison of the original Japanese version and the US English localized version.

Specifically, this will cover the scenes following the resurrection of Demon King Malladus.

You can also watch these scenes for yourself in English and Japanese. If you want, you can check out the EU English version, too.

For the comparison, the usual points apply:

Bolded is the original Japanese text, for the reference.

Bolded and italicized is my translation.

Italicized is the official NOA translation.

A (number) indicates that I have a specific comment to make on that part in the translation notes.

As you read this, please keep in mind that with translations like these, it’s important not to focus on the exact literal wordings, since there is no single “correct answer” when it comes to translations.

Rather than that, consider the actual information that is being conveyed, in which way, and why.

Characters in this part who had their names changed between versions:

Dego = Byrne, Sharin = Anjean, Mallador = Malladus, Kimaroki = Cole

Aftermath of the Resurrection:

Zelda:

…そうだったのですか

...So that is what happened.

Oh, no...

Anjean:

うむワシはこやつに敗れた

Indeed, I lost against this one.

I...I couldn't best Byrne.

Anjean:

なんのかんのと言っても大した奴よ

Say what you want, he's quite good.

I have to admit, he has grown very strong.

Anjean:

たかが百年やそこらの修行でワシに勝つのじゃからな

I mean, it only took him about a century of training to beat me.

Of course, he's had a century to train.

Anjean:

こやつなりの努力は尽くしておったのじゃろう…

Knowing this guy, he must have been busting his back, for sure...

And he's always had the drive to succeed.

Zelda:

…シャリン様マラドーが復活してしまいました

...Lady Sharin, Mallador has been resurrected after all...

And now Malladus has been resurrected...

Anjean:

うむ奴がおぬしの体に完全になじんでしまえば…

かつての神であっても封印することはかなわぬやもしれん

Indeed, and if he becomes fully accustomed to your body...

Even the God of old might not be able to seal him away.

Yes. And once he adapts to your body, my dear,

even the spirits of good would be nothing to him.

They would be unable to seal him away again.

Anjean:

それ程のものじゃよおぬしの体に宿る力は…

That's how immense the power dwelling inside your body is...

Such is the extent of your body's sacred power.

Zelda:

…何か打つ手立てはないのでしょうか?

...Is there nothing we can do?

Is there no way to force him out for good?

Anjean:

ないこともないが…

伝説の戦いで神がお使いになった武具…光の弓矢…

There might be something...

A weapon which was used by God in the legendary battle... The Bow of Light...

In the battle between the Demon King and the spirits,

there was a weapon called the Bow of Light...

Anjean:

あれならばマラドーの魂をおぬしの体から追い出せよう

With that, Mallador's soul could be driven out of your body.

Perhaps it can drive his spirit from your body.

Anjean:

魂に戻ったマラドーに残された時間はいくばくもない

Reduced to a soul, Mallador doesn't have much time left.

There's not much time to rid your body of his spirit.

Anjean:

放っておいてもすぐに命が尽きるはずじゃ…

He should soon perish, even if left alone...

Resting even a moment could cost you your life.

Anjean:

…しかし…

...However...

However...

Zelda:

しかし?

However?

Anjean:

マラドーの魂をムリヤリ引きはがすのじゃ

We would be tearing out Mallador's soul by force.

If we force out the spirit of Malladus, my dear,

Anjean:

その時おぬしの体はどうなってしまうか…下手をすれば…

I'm not sure what would happen to your body then... If things go badly...

I don't know what will happen to your body.

If things go wrong...

Anjean:

おぬしの魂を受け入れる事はもう出来んかもしれん…

It might no longer be able to take in your soul...

Your spirit might not be able to reenter.

Zelda:

そんな…

Oh no...

No... It can't be!

Zelda:

リンクわたしがもしもずっとこのままだったら…

Link, if I would have to stay like this forever...

Could I really be trapped like this...forever?

Zelda:

一生こんな姿のままだったら..

If I would have to stay like this my entire life...

What will I do if I can't return, Link?

Zelda:

わたし…どうすれば…

What... should I do...?

What will I do?

Link:

もど��るよ / ずっと一緒

We'll turn you back. / We'll always be together.

Relax! / It'll be OK.

Zelda:

…ありがとうリンク

...Thank you, Link.

Zelda:

シャリン様その弓矢はどこにあるのですか？

Where is this bow, Lady Sharin?

Where can we find that bow, Anjean?

Anjean:

おぬしたちが足をふみ入れておらぬ最後の神殿…

砂の神殿深くに安置されておる

It's enshrined deep within the final temple...

The Sand Temple, which you two have never set foot in.

Go to the final temple, the Sand Temple.

The Bow of Light is located deep inside.

Anjean:

じゃが…かの神殿は今まで以上に手強い

But... That temple is more formidable than all the previous ones.

It will be the most difficult place you've visited yet.

Anjean:

光の弓矢をあずかる場所だけあってな

After all, it's there to keep the Bow of Light safe.

It was built only to protect the Bow of Light,

Anjean:

大がかりなしかけが多くそして謎も深い…

There's many large-scale mechanisms, and the puzzles are tricky, too...

so it's full of the trickiest of traps and surprises.

Anjean:

おぬしらの知恵が試されることになるじゃろう

It might prove to be a real challenge for your wisdom.

The temple will test all of your abilities.

Zelda:

でも恐れている時間はありません

But there is no time to be afraid.

We have to go now. There's no time to be scared.

Zelda:

行きましょうリンク

マラドー達が再び動き出す前に

We should go, Link.

Before Mallador and Kimaroki make their next move. (1)

We must return before Malladus fulfills his plan.

Zelda:

…シャリン様この方をよろしくお願いします

...Lady Sharin, would you please look after this man?

Please make sure Byrne remains unharmed, Anjean.

Anjean:

良いのか？おぬしの体をうばった相手じゃぞ？

Are you sure? He did steal your body, you know.

Are you sure, my dear?

He is the one who stole your body, after all.

Zelda:

ええですからわたしの体を取り戻したら…

Yes, and that is why, once I regain my body...

Yes, but once I reclaim it...

Zelda:

たっぷりお小言を言わせてもらいますわ

I would like to have a few choice words with him.

I would like to have words with him!

Obtaining New Tracks:

Zelda:

さあでは光の弓矢を取りに砂漠に向かいましょう！

Alright then, let us head for the desert, and take that Bow of Light!

Let's go find the Sand Temple and the Bow of Light now!

Zelda:

とはいっても砂漠までの線路はつながっているのでしょうか？

Well, that being said, do the tracks reach all the way to the desert?

But do the Spirit Tracks even go to the desert?

Anjean:

案ずるなこのフォースが砂漠の奥へと行ける線路を出現させるじゃろう

Do not worry. This Force will make tracks appear that reach far into the desert.

This Force Gem will serve that very purpose. It will open tracks into the desert.

Zelda:

シャリン様…？

Lady Sharin...?

What? Anjean...

Anjean:

知ってるかと思うがフォースは人が人を思う感謝のしるしじゃ

I believe you're already aware, but Force is a sign of the gratitude that people feel for one another.

As I am sure you know, happiness and gratitude create energy.

Anjean:

わしも心のそこからおぬしたちに感謝しておる

And I also feel grateful to you, from the bottom of my heart.

Well, I am deeply grateful to both of you for all of your help.

Anjean:

わしらは何も手伝ってやれんが頼んだぞ！

We can't help you out, but we're counting on you!

I cannot help you directly, but I can at least give you this Force Gem.

Zelda:

はい！必ず光の弓矢を取ってきます！シャリン様！！

Right! We will make sure to get the Bow of Light, Lady Sharin!!

OK, thank you, Anjean!

Text Box:

感謝の気持ちであるフォースをもらった！海の大地の石版が輝き出す！

You received a Force of gratitude! The lithograph of the Ocean Land is glowing!

You got a Force Gem! The Ocean rail map has started glowing!

Text Box:

新たな線路が現れた！

New tracks have appeared!

This Force Gem has energized the rail map. New tracks have appeared!

Zelda:

さあ海の大地から砂漠に向かいましょう！リンク！！

Alright, let us head for the desert from the Ocean Land, Link!

Let's head for the Ocean Realm, and from there, to the desert!

Translation Note:

In Japanese, Zelda actually says マラドー達/Maradō-tachi here, with the suffix 達/-tachi essentially meaning “that person as well as one or more additional people”. Given the context, she would most likely just be referring to Malladus and Cole here, which is why I adapted it the way I did.

Comparisons & Thoughts:

The main cutscene here mostly acts as a set-up for the rest of the story, and there is one major aspect of it that has seemingly been mistranslated in the English version, but there are other, smaller differences as well.

I also included the minor scene afterwards as a little bonus.

When the main cutscene begins, we get the implication that Anjean explained the outcome of her battle with Byrne to Link and Zelda off-screen.

Zelda:

…So that is what happened.

Oh, no…

Anjean:

Indeed, I lost against this one.

I…I couldn’t best Byrne.

The English version appears to go for a slightly different approach at conveying this, from what I can tell.

I’m guessing they might have wanted it to sound more natural, which is understandable.

Though, in English, both Zelda and Anjean end up sounding a bit more discouraged by the fact that Anjean lost to Byrne, which is a light departure from the original tone.

Anjean’s comment on Byrne’s progress is notably different between versions, too:

I mean, it only took him about a century of training to beat me.

Knowing this guy, he must have been busting his back, for sure…

Of course, he’s had a century to train.

And he’s always had the drive to succeed.

The major point to note here is that in English, Anjean says it makes sense Byrne got so strong, since he had one hundred years to train.

But in the Japanese version, she is actually impressed that it took him only about one hundred years to get this strong.

So in Japanese, not only is Anjean implying one hundred years aren’t all that much, at least not to her, she’s also saying Byrne’s progress in that time was more than she would have expected.

In turn, these differences change the implication of this dialogue’s latter half.

The English version has Anjean note Byrne’s drive to succeed, which further solidifies the idea that Byrne getting this strong was simply to be expected.

Meanwhile, the Japanese version has her note said quality of Byrne more like it’s the only explanation of how he managed to get so much stronger so much faster than she would have imagined.

There’s a few minor details as Anjean starts to talk about Malladus and eventually brings up the Bow of Light.

In the Japanese version, Anjean merely states that "the God of old might not be able to” seal away Malladus again, but the English version goes as far as having her say that “even the spirits of good would be nothing to him.”

So, slightly more pessimistic in English there. This is another choice of words that might be there to make Malladus seem like a more intimidating foe?

And curiously, the English version actually has a mention of “sacred power“ here, whereas it was just “power” in Japanese.

A funny reversal of how this usually goes.

The Japanese version also has Anjean explicitly mention that the God used the Bow of Light as a weapon, while the English version doesn’t have Anjean specify if the spirits themselves used the bow or not.

Next up is the major difference I mentioned before, which I think is probably a result of mistranslations.

I am referring to this bit of dialogue from Anjean:

Reduced to a soul, Mallador doesn’t have much time left.

He should soon perish, even if left alone…

There’s not much time to rid your body of his spirit.

Resting even a moment could cost you your life.

In the Japanese version, Anjean is explaining that since Malladus is nothing but a soul now, he can’t keep persisting for much longer, unless he’s possessing a proper vessel.

This is a spot of hope for our heroes, since it means that the mere act of expelling Malladus from Zelda’s body should already be almost enough to finish him for good.

Once he’s outside of a body, it’d essentially just be a matter of outlasting him.

And this foreshadows exactly what happens at the end of the game. Without a body, Malladus starts to run out of time and grows desperate.

In the English version, Anjean instead suggests that Zelda is the one running out of time here, implying they will have to expel Malladus before he gets completely used to her body.

I believe the English translators simply misunderstood the first part here, and as a result misinterpreted the second one as well.

Because I can’t imagine them changing this situation to be even more potentially fatal for Zelda otherwise, considering how they usually avoid the more deathly topics.

In any case, as a result of the differences here, we don’t get this first explanation for the events that will happen during the final battle.

The implied idea that Zelda would be doomed if Malladus gets used to her body turns out to be wrong too, since they can still force him out of her body afterwards, he just puts up a bit more of a fight.

When Link is trying to cheer up Zelda, the first dialogue option for him in Japanese is “We’ll turn you back”, which the English translation adapted as “Relax!”

A problem with adapting these dialogue options for Link in English is that there is very little text space for them. So for the rare moments where Link has slightly longer sentences as options, the English localization has to find some way to express them with much fewer words.

In this case, “Relax!” is probably meant to reflect how the Japanese version of this line has Link be reassuring and confident in their success.

Working with such restrictions is difficult, so I appreciate how they managed to boil down the basic sentiment, even if they couldn’t have him say the same line.

The second dialogue option is a bit different.

In the Japanese version, Link has the option to say “We’ll always be together”, which appears to be Link suggesting that even if Zelda does end up being a spirit forever, he would still always be with her.

The English version adapts this as ”It’ll be OK“, which could read as reflecting that same sentiment, mostly if you already know the original wording.

Part of me feels that maybe they didn’t want to have Link’s reply bring up the possibility of Zelda really getting stuck as spirit, but maybe they just found no alternate way to word this.

I’m not sure if something like “We’ll be together” or “I’ll still be there” could’ve fit or worked.

I think the “We’ll always be together” dialogue option for Link does make Zelda’s response to it feel a bit different though.

Since in this case, it makes it seem as though with his reassurance, she decides to keep going, even if she really has to face this possibility of remaining a spirit.

In the English version, Anjean says that the Sand Temple will test all of Link and Zelda’s “abilities”, but in the Japanese version, she only says it will test their “wisdom”.

I don’t know if the English version made an intentional change here, or if this is just a result of the wording they happened to pick.

Now, I’m not sure, but I think the Japanese version’s choice of the word “wisdom” might not have been arbitrary though, considering how Wisdom is a quality of the Triforce that is also associated with incarnations of Zelda.

Compare this to how, in the scene in which the children first met Anjean, Zelda used the word “courage” when urgently trying to get Link to get going.

While those mentions of these words are pretty quick and don’t seem that notable in the grand scheme of things, they might have been intended as subtle references to these qualities generally associated with incarnations of Link and Zelda respectively.

In the smaller scene after the main cutscene, we got an appearance of “Force Gems”, simply called “Force” in Japanese.

I already explained Force in general in an earlier part, but here we see it as an obtainable item, too.

Specifically, this kind of Force that you can obtain in this game is crystalized Force created from emotions of gratitude.

I can understand calling these specific items “Force Gems”, and past English Zelda localizations have used that same term to refer to crystalized Force, too.

Ironically, this term could work nicely to distinguish this crystalized kind of Force and the general concept of Force better, but the latter term is mostly omitted in English Zelda games.

And finally, the Japanese version unambiguously has Anjean say: “We can’t help you out, but we’re counting on you!”

I can only assume that by “We” she means herself and her fellow Lokomo, but I can’t say for certain.

The English version changes this to: “I cannot help you directly, but I can at least give you this Force Gem.”

I’m not sure why they went for “I” rather than “We” here, because this is actually one of the rare instances where the Japanese line specifies the subject clearly. It’s just わしら/washi-ra, simply meaning “we”.

Changing “counting on you” to “can at least give you” might have been a translation issue, since the phrase Anjean uses is 頼んだぞ/tanonda zo, which can be translated as “I’m counting on you”, but it can also be translated as “I’m entrusting this to you” when you’re giving something important to someone.

But I’m confident that the latter meaning is probably not intended here, since Zelda’s reply makes more sense with the former.

Overall these scenes are a bit of a mixed bag for me.

I’d say roughly half of the text here is translated accurately in the English localization, while the rest varies more.

I think Anjean’s tone at the beginning of this scene works more in the Japanese version. She sounds more confident about her own power, which is cool to see, and it also makes her sound more impressed with Byrne’s progress.

Just overall stronger characterization there, in my opinion.

The big one for me is that one mistranslation, though.

The one where the Japanese version has Anjean explain that Malladus would soon perish without a body, while the English version instead says that Zelda will soon perish.

It makes us lose out on some foreshadowing for the climax, which makes the story progression of the game slightly less cohesive.

But more than that, it has an impact on Zelda’s implied motivations here.

With Malladus out and about, lots of lives are in danger, and he needs to be stopped quickly. Anjean reveals that a method to make fairly quick work of Malladus does exist - but it would put Zelda’s own life at risk.

Up until this point, Zelda arguably could come off as slightly self-centered occasionally, even if she meant no harm and it was often for comedic effect. Moments like her rant towards Link, or her putting her body’s retrieval above all else.

Again, there is no doubt Zelda means well for everyone, but when it came to fighting Malladus, it was always something she was doing at least partially for herself, obviously.

And now we get another challenge for her.

Malladus can be defeated soon, likely saving the lives of almost everyone in the kingdom, but in turn Zelda can’t ensure her own safety anymore.

So, the idea of fighting Malladus would now change into an almost entirely selfless act on her part.

It’s not spoken out directly, but the implication from Anjean voicing her concerns, as well as Zelda’s hesitation, seems to be that technically, Zelda could make the choice to not seek the Bow of Light.

She could make the choice to look for a different method instead, one that would be safer for her body, but would take longer, and thus endanger the lives of her people.

This seems like the main conflict for Zelda in this scene here.

In the English version, there is less of a choice for Zelda here, implied or otherwise.

Since Zelda is stated to be the one running out of time in this version, getting the Bow of Light as soon as possible is just going to be in her best interest either way.

So her main conflict here is more that she needs to overcome her fear of what could happen, so she doesn’t get scared into inaction.

It’s not a bad lesson to learn, but it feels a bit incomplete when you compare it to the Japanese version, which I think is a more direct natural progression from Zelda’s attitude when she and Link truly began their adventure together back at the tower.

I am very glad though that the English version retained Zelda’s comments about wanting to have “words” with Byrne.

That was just a nice way to close out that cutscene, and it’s one that works perfectly well in English, too.

And with that, we close out this part as well. Feel free to check out the next one!

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#legend of zelda #the legend of zelda #tloz #spirit tracks #legend of zelda spirit tracks #legend of zelda translations #spirit tracks translations #my translations #spirit tracks comparisons

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kaialone · 4 years

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Spirit Tracks Translation Comparison: Before the Final Battle

This will be a comparison of the original Japanese version and the US English localized version.

Specifically, this will cover the cutscene after the Demon Train is defeated, during which Princess Zelda and Link prepare for the final battle.

You can also watch this cutscene for yourself in English and Japanese. If you want, you can check out the EU English version, too.

For the comparison, the usual points apply:

Bolded is the original Japanese text, for the reference.

Bolded and italicized is my translation.

Italicized is the official NOA translation.

A (number) indicates that I have a specific comment to make on that part in the translation notes.

Rather than that, consider the actual information that is being conveyed, in which way, and why.

Characters in this part who had their names changed between versions:

Sharin = Anjean, Mallador = Malladus, Dego = Byrne, Kimaroki = Cole

Final Preparations:

Anjean:

いよいよ大詰めじゃな

This is it.

Anjean:

マラドー達を倒せば全てが終わる

Once you beat Mallador and the other one, it will all be over. (1)

Once we defeat Malladus, all of this can end.

Anjean:

ここはワシも共に行こうおぬしらだけでは危険すぎる

This time I'm also coming with you. It’s too dangerous for you two to go alone.

I shall accompany you from here on out.

It's too dangerous for just the two of you.

Byrne:

師匠は私と戦った傷がいえていないでしょう

Master, I know your wounds from our battle haven't healed yet.

But your wounds from our battle are still fresh.

Byrne:

それに奴らの気配を探るため多くの気も使ったはずです

And you must have used up a lot of energy just trying to find those guys.

And what's to come will be very demanding.

Byrne:

ここは私が…

This time, I will... (2)

It's my turn now, Master. It's...the least I can do.

Zelda:

シャリン様休んでいてください

Lady Sharin, please rest.

Yes, Anjean, it's time for you to rest.

Zelda:

たかだか魔王と子分一人です

リンクとわたしだけで充分ですよ

It is only a demon king and one henchman.

Link and I will suffice.

Link and I can take care of them.

After all, it's just Malladus and Cole.

It'll be a piece of cake.

Zelda:

あなたもです

The same goes for you.

You should stay behind too, Byrne.

Zelda:

怪我人はおとなしくしていてくださいな

You are injured, so you should keep resting for now, alright?

You're both too injured to help us now.

Byrne:

…

...

Anjean:

分かった…

Alright...

As you wish, my dear.

Anjean:

おぬしたちに全て任せよう…

よろしく頼むゼルダリンク

We'll leave everything to you...

I'm counting on you, Zelda. Link.

It's up to you two, then, Link and Zelda.

May the spirits be with you.

Anjean:

今のワシにはこれくらいしかしてやれん…後を頼む

This is all I can do for you now... the rest is up to you.

I can do no more. You must go forth on your own.

Zelda:

シャリン様ありがとうございます

Thank you so much, Lady Sharin.

Thank you for everything, Anjean.

Zelda:

リンク …参りましょう

Link. ...Let us depart.

It's time for us to go, Link.

Zelda:

…ねリンク…

...Say, Link...

Oh, but one last thing before we go.

Zelda:

一つ聞かせてくださいあなたは戦いが終わったら…

There is one thing I would like to ask you. Once we finish this battle...

Once we put all this ugliness behind us,

we'll both resume our normal lives.

When that happens, what are you going to do?

Zelda:

その後は…どうするのですか？

What will you do... after that?

What will you become?

Link:

機関士になる / 剣士になる / わからない

Become an engineer. / Become a swordsman. / I don't know.

Engineer. / Warrior. / Dunno.

Zelda:

そうですか…ではいきましょうリンク

I see... Well then, we should go, Link.

I see... Well, I think we can go now, Link.

Anjean:

さすがはあのばあ様の血筋…ということかの

She really does take after that old grannie... Wouldn't you say so? (3)

Her ancestors would be proud of her.

Byrne:

……

...

Translation Notes:

In Japanese, マラドー達/Maradō-tachi is used again here. Since Anjean probably doesn’t really know Cole’s name, I went for “Mallador and the other one“. Given the context, leaving Cole out entirely like the English version did would make sense as well.

Since Byrne doesn’t finish his line in Japanese, the exact details of what he meant to say are up to interpretation. So I tried to make my translation not too specific.

The line I adapted as “She really does take after that old grannie“ would more literally translate to something like “Just like I’d expect from that old gannie’s lineage”. But this is the sort of phrase that generally carries the basic sentiment of the former, so I went for that in my adaptation, because I felt it sounded more natural in English.

Comparisons & Thoughts:

This is a rather short cutscene, but it’s the proverbial calm before the storm, the last moment of rest before the final battle.

As such, there are a few important moments in it that I want to go over in more detail, so this section won’t be as short.

We will start with this bit of dialogue from Byrne:

And you must have used up a lot of energy just trying to find those guys.

And what’s to come will be very demanding.

In the Japanese version, Byrne is referring to earlier, where Anjean tried to find Malladus and Cole by sensing their energy. This process has apparently cost her a lot of her own energy as well, according to Byrne.

So, Anjean is not just injured and drained from her battle with Byrne, she hasn’t even really rested since then, and used up more of her power, too.

In the English version, Byrne instead points out that the coming battle will be demanding.

I’m assuming they changed the mention of Anjean’s search since they already changed so many details about that. Another possibility is that they just mistranslated the Japanese line here.

Either way, this means that in the English version it’s less clear just how bad a shape Anjean is in.

Like I mentioned in the translation notes, Byrne’s next line is technically not complete in Japanese.

He literally says ここは私が/koko wa watashi ga, which in this context can be pretty safely be adapted as something like “This time, I will” or “It’s my turn now”, but there is some room for the imagination when it comes to the exact details of what he might’ve wanted to say.

The fact that he trails off doesn’t seem arbitrary to me, though.

My personal interpretation is that it’s a combination of Byrne just being almost too injured to speak so much himself, and possibly him not wanting to fully express his feelings, trying not to seem vulnerable. It’s likely that he does feel somewhat guilty about what he did, and wants to make up for it.

But that’s just me.

In the English version, Byrne’s line is completed, and they add “It’s…the least I can do” to it.

This spells out what was one possible interpretation in the original Japanese, and in turn gives Byrne a direct admission of guilt here.

I think this was probably another change made to make Byrne seem a bit more openly sympathetic, though it also could’ve just been to make his line less vague and thus easier to understand.

In both the Japanese and English versions, Zelda expresses her confidence that Malladus and Cole will be easy to beat for her and Link.

But each version does it slightly differently.

In Japanese, she says it’s “only a demon king and one henchman.”

This one works in a slightly ironic manner. Zelda is clearly dismissing the two as a threat, saying she and Link could easily handle them, but at the same time, a literal demon king is not something you would normally dismiss so easily.

So, in one sense, Zelda is also showing her confidence here by acting like a demon king is not something to be taken as a serious threat.

Similarly, Cole is dismissed by just being called “one henchman”. Notice also how Zelda doesn’t refer to either of them by name in this line, disregarding the two even further.

In English, she says it’s “just Malladus and Cole.“

The way Zelda is simply referring to these two by their given names here also comes across as dismissive, just in a different manner.

Just using their names can work to downplay them, treating them like they’re just some guys, rather than the dangerous demons they are.

But, if that was the intent, it’s a bit weakened by the fact that characters usually just refer to these two by their given names anyway, so there isn’t much of a contrast to how they normally talk about them.

In any case, the English version also adds the line “It’ll be a piece of cake”, making Zelda’s tone more clear.

This next point might be a bit long, but I wanted to talk about it.

When asking Anjean and Byrne to rest, Zelda says this:

You are injured, so you should keep resting for now, alright?

You’re both too injured to help us now.

There isn’t actually any problem with the English version here. It’s a logical way to adapt the Japanese line.

At most, you could argue that Zelda comes across as slightly more caring in Japanese, but her intent is clear either way, I feel.

But there is something else here that I noticed.

While it could be a coincidence, I think this line from Zelda might be a parallel to a previous line Cole said, earlier in the Japanese version of the game.

Specifically, this line he said when he first revealed his true nature:

“You brat should’ve just kept playing pretend-monarch at the castle like a good girl!!”

Because of that, I tried to adapt both lines in a way that gets across their similarities, but they’re more apparent in Japanese, so let me break them down for you.

Zelda’s line in this cutscene here is “怪我人はおとなしくしていてくださいな”, which reads as “kega-nin wa otonashiku shiteite kudasai na“.

One could translate it slightly more literally as: “You injured ones should stay here quietly, alright?”

Cole’s line was “ガキはおとなしく城で王様ごっこしてりゃいいんだよ!!“, which reads as “gaki wa otonashiku shiro de ōsama-gokko shiterya iinda yo!!”.

One could translate this one slightly more literally as: “You brat should've just stayed at the castle quietly, playing pretend-monarch!!”

As you can see, the two lines have a notably similar structure in Japanese.

In particular, they both make use of the adjective おとなしく/otonashiku, which literally means “quiet”, but can also have more specific meanings depending on the context.

In Zelda’s line, she is using “quiet” in a manner that means “to rest”, “to take it easy”, etc.

In Cole’s line, he’s using “quiet” in a manner that means “well-behaved”, “like a good child”, etc.

Again, the similarities could be a coincidence, but I can’t help but feel this was an intentional parallel.

If you interpret it that way, it shows the contrast between the two, specifically the way they talk to those whom they are responsible for.

Adding to that, it also shows the contrast between Cole referring to Zelda as just a brat, and the reliable and caring way Zelda acts in reality, now that she has had to take up responsibility.

In any case, this is still a big moment for Zelda, since her actions and words in this scene seem to prove her merit and growth to both Anjean and Byrne.

With that said, even if we do assume this is an intentional parallel, it’s also very subtle. Because of that, the fact that the English version didn’t also include a possible parallel like that isn’t much of a loss for a casual audience.

I wasn’t too happy with how the English version adapted Cole’s line back then, but Zelda’s English line in this scene right here is completely fine.

When Anjean says that she will leave it to Zelda and Link, the English version adds the line “May the spirits be with you” to her dialogue.

I’m guessing this was supposed to give more weight to her words here, to make them sound more important or the like?

But I don’t think it works that well here, since the point that the game ends up making is that Zelda and Link manage to protect the land without divine protection.

“May the spirits be with you” sounds nice as a phrase, but it’s at odds with the game’s story when you actually stop and think about it.

The next bit I want to go over is the question that Zelda asks Link, and the answers he can give.

In the Japanese version, Zelda asks Link what he will do after their battle is over, to which Link can either reply “Become an engineer”, “Become a swordsman”, or “I don’t know”.

The English version once again has the problem of dealing with the limited space in Link’s replies, so they have to rephrase this section to make it fit.

As a result, they have Zelda ask what Link will become once they resume their normal lives, to which Link can either reply “Engineer”, “Warrior”, or “I dunno”.

There isn’t really much you can do about text space like that, so I understand why the English version adapted it this way.

But I also think some small details are lost because of this.

In Japanese, Link’s answers get to be slightly more elaborate, with Link himself being the one who uses the wording “become”. This makes it feel more like Link does want to make a choice here, one that he has thought about himself.

In English, Zelda is the one to bring up the idea of what to “become”, so it leans a bit more towards this being mostly Zelda’s concern, which isn’t helped by Link’s answers being so brief.

Again, the English version couldn’t really have done much else here, but the effect is still worth mentioning.

While this is just a short moment, it’s also something kind of unique to Spirit Tracks. I’ve briefly touched upon it before, but I want to take this moment to talk about it in more detail.

In general Zelda games, it’s somewhat common to have Link start out as a regular boy with a normal life, which is then interrupted by the game’s respective main plot.

And occasionally, the games will address the idea of how Link will resume a normal life afterwards, if he will at all. Though Link’s actual fate is usually not explored.

In that sense, Spirit Tracks is unique for directly asking the player this question, in a way that actually affects the game’s ending. After the credits, there is a brief epilogue scene, which will show Link having made the choice that the player has selected in this cutscene here.

But it’s also not that random for Spirit Tracks of all Zelda games being the one that allows one to choose directly.

While Link’s regular life is interrupted by this game’s plot, Link also doesn’t really have to quit being his regular self in order to be the hero Hyrule needs.

Yes, he has to learn how to be a swordfighter, but he never has to stop being an engineer. And Link doesn’t just continue being an engineer throughout this adventure, he actually needs to be one in order to succeed.

The game continues to put a lot of emphasis on Link’s profession as an engineer, especially gameplay-wise, but also in some story aspects.

This goes so far that there is even an option to unlock Link’s engineer outfit and wear it instead, with no obligation to wear the green tunic ever again. And you unlock it by collecting stamps across stations, which is a common promotional activity for railway travelling in Japan.

Basically, Link being an engineer is given a similar amount of importance as him being a swordfighter, and it’s ultimately up to each individual player to decide which they consider more fitting.

This is an aspect that makes Spirit Tracks stand out among other Zelda games. In comparison, think about how relevant Link being a goat shepherd ends up being during his adventure in Twilight Princess, or him being an apprentice smith in A Link Between Worlds, etc.

And this is not me saying those examples are bad, they’re just notably different in the way they approach this idea.

Going back to the translation comparison, I think the Japanese version does a slightly better job with this whole idea, for the reasons I’ve gone over.

But, the English version still works perfectly fine, especially in this cutscene here. The differences are just minute.

And finally, we have Anjean’s last line in this cutscene:

She really does take after that old grannie... Wouldn't you say so?

Her ancestors would be proud of her.

In the Japanese version, this is notably the second time Anjean directly refers to Tetra with the term ばあ様/baa-sama, which will still display Tetra’s name if you tap it.

You can see that little easter egg in the image at the very top of this post.

In the English version, they once again adapt a mention of Tetra with the more general “ancestors” here.

But this time, one can’t even chalk it up to a translation error, since Anjean is unquestionably referring to Tetra here.

The only thing I can think of is the fact that the original Japanese version includes the term 血筋/chisuji here, meaning “lineage” or “bloodline”, and that perhaps this made them decide to go for “ancestors” in English.

Even then, it’s still glossing over Tetra.

Once again, this really is a shame, I personally feel.

In Anjean’s very first scene, the English version retained the fact that she was talking about Tetra specifically, but pretty much every other mention of Tetra since then has been adapted as just “ancestors” instead.

And I really don’t know why they did this, especially in this particular moment.

It seems like such a strange thing to do, intentionally weakening the connection Anjean has to Tetra, as well as Anjean comparing her with Zelda?

I mentioned before that I think the English version may have wanted to imply that Tetra was Zelda’s grandmother, rather than a more distant ancestor.

But they already acknowledged that Anjean knew Tetra personally, so even that wouldn’t explain the change here.

So, I can only assume that, for some reason or another, they really did just feel that Anjean referring to Zelda’s ancestors in general worked better?

Before we move on, one last thing I want to go over is Anjean referring to Tetra as ばあ様/baa-sama for the second time here.

There will actually soon be a bit of a pay-off to Anjean referring to Tetra like that. But aside from setting that up, I think it reappearing here is also to emphasize how this is a personal moment for Anjean.

After all, this is her own personal way of referring to Tetra, in contrast to just saying “your ancestor” as she does most of the time when telling Zelda about her.

And for the audience, it serves as another direct reminder of Tetra’s indirect presence in this story.

On the the term itself, during Anjean’s first appearance I talked about how you can’t really adapt the easter egg of tapping the word to display Tetra’s name, like you can in Japanese.

So the options you’re left with is either just adapting ばあ様/baa-sama alone, or just going for “Tetra” instead.

I personally think that one compromise one could go for is to pick one specific moment where you have Anjean say “Tetra” out loud.

And for me, this cutscene here is probably the moment where I would do it.

Like I said back when Anjean used it the first time, Tetra’s literal name being hidden in an easter egg like that probably reflects Anjean, and potentially the audience, having a deeper personal connection to Tetra.

In the sense that Tetra is someone Anjean, and potentially the audience, actually knew in the past. In contrast, Zelda may be her descendant, but never met her personally.

That’s why I think this cutscene right here would be the best opportunity for a non-Japanese adaptation to have Anjean literally say “Tetra”, since it’s a similarly private moment. Just Anjean reminiscing about Tetra to Byrne, while Zelda and Link have already left, and thus don’t hear what she says.

In that way, this could reflect the vibe of the original easter egg, so to speak.

But at the same time, Anjean referring to Tetra as ばあ様/baa-sama is also important for the pay-off that’s to come, which is why I ultimately decided to stick with “grannie” in my adaptation here, too.

I just wanted to think about where I would put a single literal mention of the name “Tetra”, if I wanted to include it somehow.

Ultimately, the English version opted to omit Anjean having a special way of referring to Tetra entirely, so this is all hypothetical talk anyway.

Though I think the fact that I talked about this as much as I did should make it obvious that I don’t think omitting it was a good call on their part.

Looking at this cutscene as a whole, I do think it was localized alright in English.

There are a few details that bother me, sometimes as a result of prior localization changes, but everything besides those is just fine.

Overall, this cutscene ended up being another mixed bag this way, but I don’t think there is anything here that would stand out as odd if the English version was all you knew.

While I went on a lot about particularly small differences during this part, I think the only difference that significantly hurts the scene is the English version glossing over a direct mention of Tetra. But that’s not an issue specific to this scene alone, either.

It’s just a strange choice that this localization started going with for some reason I can’t really figure out. If it even was a conscious choice, that is.

And that’s the end of this part right here. Feel free to check out the next one!

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#legend of zelda #the legend of zelda #tloz #spirit tracks #legend of zelda spirit tracks #legend of zelda translations #spirit tracks translations #my translations #spirit tracks comparisons

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