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Description
Twice upon a lunar year, when the shadows grow their longest,
the Sheikah, guardians of the dead, light their lanterns and play their instruments,
Beckoning to the lost souls and spirits wandering aimlessly throughout Hyrule,
Offering them solace in eternal slumber, 'else be confined to the darkness they so desperately cling to.

My entry for 's calendar contest themed "Zelda Music Festival". After much brainstorming and art block, I was able to settle on this concept. It goes something like this:

Twice a year in correlation with the seasons, the Sheikah hold the Shadow Soulstice: a festival in which they light poe lanterns and play instruments to draw the attention of the spirits wandering throughout Hyrule. They hold a procession throughout the land, playing the Song of Healing, offering the lost souls a chance at peace. The procession eventually leads back to their village of Kakariko, where any remaining evil spirits or those that refuse to rest are lured into the Bottom of the Well. While it might be considered a rather somber event, I imagine the Sheikah would take great joy in it (hence why the Sheikah woman and the green poe spirit are smiling at each other).

A couple other things I want to mention about the artwork: the Well represents the pupil in the Eye of Truth symbol, perhaps to signify how the Sheikah perceive the world of the restless spirits around them. Restless or evil souls (colored blue as a little tribute to Twilight Princess) who cannot heal enter the well. You might wonder what happens to them down there, but think about it: there's a Green Bubble down in the bottom of the well. Ever wonder why the skull of a Bubble is flaming, or why in Zelda games they seem "possessed", can spring to life suddenly, and even curse you? ...Well, now you know! I think that sounds rather like a restless spirit, don't you? The lyre is also based off Sheik's lyre and the male Sheikah wears the symbol of the Sage of Shadow/Shadow Temple. The three Sheikah in the background wear the Mask of Truth.

But that aside, I spent a lot of time on this artwork, so I hope it shows! I learned a lot from it.

Enjoy!

Do not use or redistribute without permission.

Description
Twice upon a lunar year, when the shadows grow their longest,
the Sheikah, guardians of the dead, light their lanterns and play their instruments,
Beckoning to the lost souls and spirits wandering aimlessly throughout Hyrule,
Offering them solace in eternal slumber, 'else be confined to the darkness they so desperately cling to.

My entry for 's calendar contest themed "Zelda Music Festival". After much brainstorming and art block, I was able to settle on this concept. It goes something like this:

Twice a year in correlation with the seasons, the Sheikah hold the Shadow Soulstice: a festival in which they light poe lanterns and play instruments to draw the attention of the spirits wandering throughout Hyrule. They hold a procession throughout the land, playing the Song of Healing, offering the lost souls a chance at peace. The procession eventually leads back to their village of Kakariko, where any remaining evil spirits or those that refuse to rest are lured into the Bottom of the Well. While it might be considered a rather somber event, I imagine the Sheikah would take great joy in it (hence why the Sheikah woman and the green poe spirit are smiling at each other).

A couple other things I want to mention about the artwork: the Well represents the pupil in the Eye of Truth symbol, perhaps to signify how the Sheikah perceive the world of the restless spirits around them. Restless or evil souls (colored blue as a little tribute to Twilight Princess) who cannot heal enter the well. You might wonder what happens to them down there, but think about it: there's a Green Bubble down in the bottom of the well. Ever wonder why the skull of a Bubble is flaming, or why in Zelda games they seem "possessed", can spring to life suddenly, and even curse you? ...Well, now you know! I think that sounds rather like a restless spirit, don't you? The lyre is also based off Sheik's lyre and the male Sheikah wears the symbol of the Sage of Shadow/Shadow Temple. The three Sheikah in the background wear the Mask of Truth.

But that aside, I spent a lot of time on this artwork, so I hope it shows! I learned a lot from it.

Enjoy!

Do not use or redistribute without permission.