Did Grosse plant the Deku Tree?

The Deku Tree is an iconic character in the Legend of Zelda series. It is a giant, magical tree that serves as a protector and guide for the player. It is also the first dungeon of the game, and it is where players learn the basics of combat and puzzle-solving. But did Grosse, the creator of the Legend of Zelda, plant the Deku Tree?

Grosse's Inspiration for the Deku Tree

According to Grosse himself, the inspiration for the Deku Tree came from a real-life tree that he saw while hiking in the mountains of Kyoto. The tree was a Japanese cedar that had grown around a rock, creating a unique and fascinating shape. Grosse was so taken with the tree that he decided to create his own version of it in the Legend of Zelda.

Grosse has also said that he was inspired by the talking trees in the Japanese mythology of the Jukai forest. These trees were said to have spirits within them, and they often spoke to passersby. The Deku Tree shares some similarities with these talking trees, as it is a sentient being that communicates with the player.

Grosse's Role in the Creation of the Deku Tree

While Grosse is credited as the creator of the Legend of Zelda series, he did not create every aspect of the games himself. The Deku Tree was designed by Takumi Kawagoe, one of Grosse's collaborators at Nintendo. Kawagoe also designed other iconic elements of the Legend of Zelda, such as the rupees and the Triforce.

Grosse's role in the creation of the Deku Tree was likely more from a conceptual standpoint. He was the one who came up with the idea of a magical tree that would serve as the player's guide and protector. He also gave direction to his team on how the tree should look and behave within the game.

Conclusion

So, did Grosse plant the Deku Tree? Technically, no. The real-life inspiration for the tree came from a Japanese cedar that was already growing when Grosse discovered it. The tree in the game was designed by Takumi Kawagoe, with input and direction from Grosse. However, Grosse's concept for the tree and his role in shaping its appearance and behavior make him an essential part of the tree's creation.

Regardless of who created the Deku Tree, it has become an iconic figure in the Legend of Zelda series. It serves as a symbol of guidance and protection, and it is a reminder of Grosse's visionary creativity.