Willow (NES)/Text transcript

The text in each section was organized by subject, in order to give a sense of the plot progress. Typos and minor errors in the localized text (the original game is in Japanese) were also corrected, as they were obviously accidental.

Introduction
Tales of dreams and imagination.

There are two spirits watching over the world. One, the spirit of the skies, gives light and power to all beings. The other is the spirit of the earth, who gives courage and hope. The two spirits each sent a messenger in order to bring peace to the world. The beautiful messengers were given special power to protect the people's future. That special power was... magic!

The people were living peacefully, protected by a great magic. Bavmorda, the messenger from the skies, became greedy for power. In arrogance, she decided to conquer the world with her magic. Fin Raziel, the messenger of the earth, realized her plot and tried to persuade Bavmorda to return to the skies, but her magic was sealed and she was turned into an opossum by Bavmorda's wicked magic. Bavmorda declared herself queen of the world, and started to build up her strength to rule the world.

Nelwyn village
Oh, my dear Willow. If you get tired during your trip come back here. You will be able to regain your strength. Before you begin your trip, you should talk to your neighbor, the High Aldwin. Be careful.
 * Welcome home, Willow. Please relax and rest your body here... Be careful, Willow.

Ah, Willow, Nelwyn's man of prophecy. Take these magic acorns with you. They can turn anything to stone so it cannot move. (You have the magic acorns!) If you come back here during your trip I will recharge your magical powers.
 * Welcome back, Willow. I will recharge your magical powers.

You must be Willow. Weapons and magic items must be in hand in order to use them, so be careful.

Did you meet Vohnkar, the best swordsman in the village? He should be preparing the finest weapons for you.

Welcome, Willow. My name is Vohnkar. Please take this long sword. (You have the long sword!) It may be heavy and hard to use at first, but you should get used to it after a few fights.
 * Great, Willow. You seem competent with the long sword now.

(It looks like nobody is around.)

Willow, to stop Bavmorda's magic you must dispel the curse she put on Fin Raziel.

I have heard rumors that a demon is in the village of Dew, just north of here, and has been terrifying the villagers.

To get to the village of Dew, you must go through the Rugged Forest just north of Nelwyn.

You should be able to get to the village of Dew if you keep going north on this road.

Dew village
So, you have come from Nelwyn. Please rest as long as you need to. (Magic & health restored)

I have heard that Bogarda is the father of the chief of this village, and he was changed into a demon by the wicked magic of Bavmorda. Hey, it looks like you could use this shield! (You have the wood shield!) You should hear the story from the village chief.

The demon Bogarda takes all of the fruit grown in our village, and our gold and silver, too!

The story of Bogarda is true. My father was a courageous and just person before being put under such wicked magic. The villagers have been put through such misery... I will give you this magic healmace. This is a valued treasure of this village and is a symbol of a spirit protecting us. When you are tired from fighting, just clutch the healmace tightly and say the magic word, and you will regain your strength. (You have the healmace.)
 * You are the only one who can transform Dew back into a peaceful village.

I think that Bogarda lives in the forest north of this village.

Please bring peace back to this village of Dew!

If you go west from here, you will se a road that goes through the rock mountain. As you go further, you will find the entrance to the cave. Sometimes you can hear a weird voice from inside.

Bogarda's forest
You want to see Bogarda! If that is the case, find and bring back the gold statue that the villagers hid in this forest. Ha ha ha!

(You have the gold statue. It is a golden image of a human face. You have the light of life.)

Bogarda is in this cave. As soon as you hand over the gold statue, you must return here. Ha ha ha!

Bogarda's cave
(You have the battle sword! It is a solid and fairly heavy sword. You have the light of life.)

(You have the ring! When you wear it, your strength increases.)

So it is you, the youngster with the gold statue. What?!? You will not give me the statue? Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!! Do you intend to oppose me? You pitiful creature!!!

Oh! Where am I? Oh yes, I remember now. Please fight for peace. I will teach you the magic of flowing fire. It should be of help to you. (You have the magic of flowing fire.) If you want to know more about queen Bavmorda, go and talk to Cherlindrea, the fairy who lives west of the village fo Dew in legendary lake Cheef.

Dew Village (re-visited)
Oh, what a courageous young man! Thank you very much.

Thank you, Willow!

Please rest here. By the way... Have you heard about the dragon scales? It is said that they are proof of the fight between an adventurer and a vicious dragon called Matanda. I used to be a blacksmith in this village. Just once I would like to make a magnificent sword with those scales. If you find them, please bring them to me.

Rugged forest (west)
(You have the small shield! It is a strong shield made of metal.)

I am Kchil of the Nail clan. Our village is in the forest near lake Cheef. When we went to the village of Dew looking for food, Bogarda put a strange spell on the bridge so we could not get out, but thanks to you it looks like we can finally return to our village. Thank you!

Death forest
We are Franjean and Rool of the Brownies clan! Franjean: Who are you? Rool: Who are you? Franjean: Did you come to see the faerie Cherlindrea? Ha ha ha! Cherlindrea is the faerie of beautiful lake Cheef. Rool: She is. Franjean: If you do what we say, we can tell you how to get to lake Cheef. Rool: We can. Franjean: If you go north from here through Death Forest, there is a cave where a dragon called Matanda lives. Defeat Matanda and bring the crystal ball of life back to us. Ha ha ha! Rool: Ha ha ha!

......, What is this? Storming into someone's house unannounced? Wait! You are just in time. My darling pet has run off somewhere. Will you please find him? His name is Po. He is really cute. You will like him for sure. Hold on, take these medicinal herbs in case he is hurt. (You have obtained the medicinal herbs.) Take care.
 * I am so worrier about Po...

Rock mountain cave
(You have obtained the gold shield. The name of a swordsman is written on the inside, but it is too old to read. You have the light of life.)

(You have the flame sword. What a sword: the whole sword is red with flames.)

(You have the dragon scale. It is a beautiful green scale.)

Oh, thank you! Yes, my name is Po. That forest of death gives me the creeps. Sometimes I just have to get out of there. Anyway, the senile old dragon back there, Matanda, got really huffy, waving his big tail around just because I played with the crystal ball a little bit. He damaged my prize feathers, but thanks to you, I have been saved. Hey, I know! I will give you this ocarina which I picked up in the forest. (You have the magic ocarina) If you ever need me, just call me with this ocarina.
 * Oh, Willow! I will take you anywhere you need to go. Nelwyn? Dew? Po's house? Alright then, hang on tight!

You are back again, you thief! Cough, cough... I will never give you the crystal ball of life. Cough, cough... Although I cannot fight, in fact I cannot even fly, I will give you a bracelet that a thief left here, if you let me be. Cough, cough... (You have obtained the thieves' bracelet) Are you going to leave me alone? What a kind hearted young man.
 * Do you still need something from me?

Dew village (3rd visit)
Please rest and take it easy. Oh, this is really a dragon scale! I will make you a magnificent sword and shield. (You have the dragon sword. You have the dragon shield.)

Lake Cheef
Welcome to beautiful lake Cheef. I am the protector of this lake, the faerie Cherlindrea. Take this cane with you. It is a legendary magic cane. Only those who are pure in heart may use it. During this coming adventure you must put your all into using this cane to its utmost. When this cane reaches its true potential, it will be the beginning of the end for all wicked beings. (You have the magic cane.) Now, Willow, go north. Fin Raziel, the messenger of earth, is waiting for you. Willow, you ae the only one who can save her. She was turned into an opossum by the evil magic of queen Bavmorda. Now go! Go north.

Daikini crossroads
(You have the Devil Eye. You have the light of life.)

My name is Madmartigan. I am a warrior of the Daikini clan. Please release me. There is a key to the handcuffs hidden in the forest. Please, go find it.
 * Oh, fantastic! I am in your debt. Here, take my necklace. Just my way of saying thanks. (You have the necklace. It is made of poor quality glass.) The name is Madmartigan. Remember it. So long.

(You have the key. It is old and quite rusty.)

Daikini tavern
Welcome. This is an oasis for all brave adventurers. This is the tavern of the traveler. Please relax and take it easy.
 * I have not seen you around here before. Are you planning on going to the cave over there? According to rumor, there is a ghost that protects a treasure and kills anyone that goes near it. It is said that her lover went on a dangerous journey to find the treasure for her and then misteriously disappeared the night he returned. MADMARTIGAN: Oh... So she guards it forever, waiting for his return? What a tragic story. Hey Willow, thanks for helping me out of that jam. There I was, minding my own business, when all of a sudden Sorsha came charging up and took me prisoner. Anyway, thanks. You know, you cannot go any further without crossing the lake. About the only way you can do that is if you have a wakka seed in your mouth so you can breathe water. Ha. Of course, the only ones who have wakka seeds are the mythical creatures of the Nail clan. Supposed to be white, small... sort of like a rabbit with antlers. I have never seen one. Probably just a legend.
 * Welcome! This is an oasis for brave adventurers. This is the tavern of the traveler. Take a load off. Madmartigan? Oh yeah, the brave Daikini warrior, right? He mumbled something about defeating Bavmorda and left.

There are two red towers standing side by side on the other side of the lake. Bavmorda has closed the road that leads to the towers so no one can go near them! There must be some kind of secret there. I am sure Bavmorda is afraid of it!

So we meet again, Willow. Seed of wakka? I have it right here. (You have obtained the seed of wakka.) Take care.

../The lake of Fin Raziel/
I am the messenger of earth, Fin Raziel. You must be Willow. I am glad you made it all this way. Now please change me to my normal self with Cherlindrea's magic cane. (Willow clutched the cane tightly and said the magic words.) Oh, no! Willow, you do not have enough experience to change me back yet.
 * (Willow clutched the cane tightly and said the magic words.) Thank you, Willow. I knew you could do it. I had better put all of my energy into using this cane. I can help out in the battle, but you are the one prophecy says will finally defeat Bavmorda.

I am Sorsha, daughter of the great queen Bavmorda. Have you seen a man by the name of Madmartigan around here? He was a suspicious man, so we caught him, but he got away somehow.

Confusing cave
(You have the magic of fleet.) The slate says that there is a way to get out of the confusing cave.

I am Zhena, the spirit that roams around looking for her love. Please help me. My love must be nearby, but he will not show himself to me. Please find him for me. (You have Zhena's cross flute.)

(You have the book of magic. The book talks about the magic word "Renew", but I do not know what kind of magic it is.)

(You have the metal shield. It is translucent purple and very beautiful.)

(You have the demon's feather. It is said that if you wave this feather you invoke the magic of Terstorm which creates a gust of wind.)

The hard shell of the monster split in two and a man appeared from inside. However, he was already half dead... Right at that moment, Zhena's cross flute began to play. Zhena: Muzh! It is me! It is Zhena!!! Muzh: Zhena! Zhena: We finally meet! Muzh: Zhena, I was turned into an ugly monster by the wicked magic of Bavmorda and was ordered to guard this door the rest of my life. I could not go home because I could not let you see my ugly state. Zhena: But now we can be together. Muzh: Yes, forever and ever. The two came together and disappeared. Muzh had left a note behind: "I thought this time would come, so I wrote this note to leave behind. Bavmorda is afraid of the power of the spirits and she fears just people like you. You must have both of these strengths to defeat her. I am sure that the spirits will help you if they can. I will write down the magic word of Bombard here. Iam sure there will be a time when it is needed." (You have the magic of bombard!)

The sacred towers
The predictions were really true! I believed that you would come. Elora Danan is the sacred future queen of Fin Raziel's prophecy. Willow! You must now, as Fin Raziel has predicted, call down the Spirit of Earth to this sacred tower. When the strength of the two spirits comes together, that is when change will truly begin. Now, the two spirits are waiting for you on top of the tower.
 * The red crystal is needed.
 * The two lights that rule the skies and earth come together and are reborn into this world, through your diligence, as Elora Danan. She will overthrow all of evil entities and turn their existence into nothing. (You have obtained the crest of the spirits.) This crest is priceless and will protect the whole world. If this ever gets in the hands of Bavmorda and is destroyed, the power of the spirits will disappear and Bavmorda will be able to live forever.
 * Willow, hurry and find Bavmorda's castle, Nockmaar, and with the strength of this crest abolish the evil magic.

Greetings, Willow. I am the Spirit of the Skies. I have borrowed this being's body to talk to you for a while. Bavmorda, who I placed in this world, has made my voice inaudible and she is trying to conquer the world. Now I will put my strength into this blue crystal. Take this and go climb the west tower. (You have the blue crystal.)

I am glad you came, Willow. I am the Spirit of the Earth... I am borrowing this being's body to talk to you for a short while. Bavmorda has confined the strength of Fin Raziel, whom I placed on this world. Now I will put my strength into this red crystal. Take this and go down and meet Elora Danan. (You have the red crystal.)

North bank
(You have a monster's bone! Put this on your head and utter specter's magic word. This turns you into a monster.)

Nockmaar castle... Huh, I have never heard of it. I can teach you the strongest magic word in the world. (You have the magic word of thunder.)
 * Please stay and make yourself at home.

(You have a heal ball. A magic ball that returns your strength.)

(You have the tail shield. A shield that is made from the tail of a demon.)

River cave
You do not look like a person from Tir Asleen, but... What? You do not knwo Tir Asleen! It is the name of a small country a little ways from here. According to an old legend, the Tir Asleen castle is supposed to be the future castle of the peace-loving Elora Danan. It has been said that a brave man would appear and save this world. I await that day.
 * Are you going to Tir Asleen? Then you should wear these witch's shoes that I used when I ran from the village. (You have the witch's shoes.)
 * Do you need something more from me?

Bridge cave
That bridge is cursed. No one can go near Tir Asleen.

I am Adik from the Eagle clan. I have a favor to ask of you. Eagle clan country was burned by Bavmorda's magic. Our people scattered and we have no place to go back to. My brother Abang and I ran away, but we got separated. If you happen to meet up with him, please give him this wing sword. (You have the wing sword.)

Farmsteads
I do not know anything! If Bavmorda knew that someone still lives here, she would surely attack again. If you want to know about Tir Asleen, go to the rocky mountain east of the castle. There should be an old woman there. She was taken from Tir Asleen to Nockmaar castle by Bavmorda, but was saved by Airk, a warrior of this country.

So, you have come to overthrow Bavmorda. Please rest here.

Rocky mountain
Nockmaar castle? Are you going to go to the castle where that with lives? Forget it... Instead believe in the spirit's propecy and wait! I have waited many years on this rocky mountain for the day the brave man of prophecy appears at Nockmaar castle and stops the witch's magic.

Tir Asleen castle
(You have the battle shield.)

(You have the wonder sword. You have the light of life.)

I am Airk of Tir Asleen. There is a monster calld Eborsisk in the next room, but I am too weak to fight it. Please take my kaiser sword. Willow, you can defeat that monster! (You have the kaiser sword.)

Ha ha ha! I am Kael, the general of Nockmaar! You have fallen right into our trap. I have taken the crest of the spirits. Now our queen Bavmorda can destroy it and receive everlasting life. To show my thanks, I will let you stay here to die. Ha ha ha!

Hey, Willow! We meet again. On the way here I met a guy called Airk who told me that somewhere in Tir Asleen there is a secret cave connecting to Nockmaar castle... But there is nothing that can be done now.
 * Struggling is useless.

Franjean: Willow! We have come to help! Rool: Yeah, to help! Franjean: Leave this castle and find the secret cave to Nockmaar castle. Rool: To Nockmaar! Franjean: Take this powder of unrequited love! It is said that anyone who touches this powder will have a heart of justice. It is magical. It should be of help to you. Rool: It should! (You have the powder of unrequited love!) Franjean: Madmartigan has gone ahead. Follow him! Rool: Follow him!

Secret cave
Franjean: This looks like the secret cave. Rool: Looks like it. Franjean: Be careful, Willow! Rool: Careful, careful!

(You have the fury shield. The shield that is cursed by anger and hatred.)

Nockmaar path
You are no doubt the chosen one who can save the world. I thought so the first time I met you, so I taught you the special magic word called Thunder. You should rest here. According to rumor, the crest of the spirits is in the hands of Sorsha, Bavmorda's daughter.

Nockmaar outer castle
What are you doing here? This is not a place for the likes of you.
 * Oh, no! A monster!!!

I am Abang, a warrior of the Eagle clan. Why do you have my wing sword? Oh, Adik must have given it to you. Now I can put my strength behind my sword! ...But it looks like the door to Nockmaar castle cannot be opened without a key. I think Airk was saying that the old woman he rescued from this castle has the key. I have not seen her, though.

Tir Asleen (re-visited)
Is it you again? The key to Nockmaar castle? I know nothing of such things. Please leave now!
 * I do not know anything. Please leave!

What? You have met Airk! I have cautiously kept the key to Nockmaar castle for him. Could you hand this over to Airk? (You have the key to Nockmaar castle.)
 * Airk will, without fail, save this world.

Nockmaar inner castle
I am Sorsha, daughter of the great queen Bavmorda. You can no longer escape. Go to blazes with this man. (Willow threw the powder of unrequited love at Sorsha... but Sorsha dodged it and the powder got on Madmartigan.) MADMARTIGAN: Sorsha. Ah, dearest Sorsha! I love you. You are my moon and my sun in the clear blue sky. Without you I am in darkness. Sorsha! You are being fooled! Your eyes are overflowing with justice and hope. Sorsha, I do not believe the prophecy. There is no chosen hero. If there is a hero, every living creature in the world is it. All of us of the Daikini clan, the Nelwyn clan, the Eagle clan with the wings, and the rabbit-like Nail clan are it. All are living to their fullest, and the effort put forth into living is the greatest strength in this world. Sorsha, your strength is necessary now. Let us give our strength to Willow! SORSHA: ...Madmartigan... Thank you, Madmartigan. I feel like I have awakened. Willow, the crest of the spirits should be in a treasure chest in a cave below this castle.

(There is nothing in the treasure chest.)

Youngster! It is too late! I have already given the crest of the spirits to Bavmorda. Ha ha ha!

Bavmorda's tower
I did not think you would make it so far, but this is as fas as you go! As soon as I seal the spirits' crest, I will never have to be afraid of higher powers or men. I will be immortal. Ha ha ha!

(You have retrieved the crest of the spirits!) No, Willow, do not... I will be destroyed.

Ending
And so ended Bavmorda, the messenger of the skies, who cut ties entirely with the spirits of the skies. Only through the powerful magic of Fin Raziel, the birth of Elora Danan, and Willow, the man of courage and belief, was Bavmorda's menace thwarted. The Spirit of the Skies brought Bavmorda back to the sky. The people chose Elora Danan as their queen and lived happily, wishing for her wealth and happiness.

Staff:
 * Game design: A.K.
 * Program: David Boøwy, Moe
 * Visual design: Manashi, Yuki, Nagineko
 * Monster design: Tom-Pon, Fish Man, Tall Nob
 * Sound program: Harumi
 * Special thanks: Hearty.J, Makichan
 * Supervision: Lucasfilm, Capcom U.S.A., Capcom