The Triforce (トライフォース Toraifōsu?) is a triangular sacred relic that represents the essences of the Golden Goddesses. It is made up of three smaller triangles known as the Triforce of Wisdom, Triforce of Power and Triforce of Courage. Each of these embody the essence of their respective goddess, and bestow certain boons on their bearers. In most of its appearances, the Triforce or its pieces manifest as a crest on the hands of their bearers. These crests resonate when near each other, and the Triforce pieces can emerge from their bearers.
When united, the Triforce allows one who touches it to make a wish that lasts until he dies or the wish is fulfilled. However, if the one who finds it does not possess a balance of the three virtues it represents, the pieces split into its three components and the finder is left with the one which represents the characteristic he values most; the other two pieces do likewise with two other characters "chosen by destiny". Ganon makes it his goal to obtain the Triforce in various games, often having a single piece himself that he uses to further his goals.
The Triforce of Power holds the presence of Din, the goddess of Power, and radiates the physical, and magical power of its bearer. It is usually associated with Ganon, who is power-hungry. The Triforce of Wisdom embodies the essence of Nayru, the goddess of Wisdom, and amplifies the wisdom and mystical powers of its bearer. It is usually associated with Princess Zelda, who's great wisdom brings peace and prosperity to Hyrule. The Triforce of Courage embodies the essence of Farore, the goddess of Courage, and seems to amplify the courage and adventuring skills of its bearer. It is usually associated with Link, the main protagonist of the series, who bravely defends Hyrule from Ganon.
This ancient relic in A Link To The Past was sealed away and protected in the sacred realm by the seven wise men.
