Triforce

The Triforce, also known as the Golden Power, is the ultimate power of The Legend of Zelda. It is a magical artifact created when the three golden goddesses left the land that would become Hyrule. It is capable of granting the wish of those who lay hands on it, but only the first person to touch it will have their wish granted. The three triangles of the Triforce, which represent wisdom, courage, and power, have at times been split into pieces and scattered for fear of misuse.

The Triforce does not discriminate between good and evil desires, but a balance of power, wisdom, and courage is required to unlock its full force, and one must demonstrate these qualities through sacred trials. If someone unworthy touches it, the three parts will separate, with only the piece best representing the one who touched it remaining. The remaining two pieces will reside in chosen people, and a triangular mark will appear on the back of their hand. To obtain its supreme power, one must acquire all three pieces of the Triforce. As the separate pieces of the Triforce draw near each other, they will resonate as they try to become one.

The Triforce has demonstrated some degree of sentience on occasion, and rarely communicates telepathically with a voice that refers to itself as the Essence of the Triforce.

In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Ganondorf touches it, and it splits apart. All that remains in him is the Triforce of Power, while the Triforce of Wisdom resides within Princess Zelda and the Triforce of Courage within Link, a boy who will become the Hero of Time.

The Battle over the Triforce has waged war since its creation, and shall continue without end for all of eternity.

The Legend of Zelda
The Triforce of Power is stolen by Ganon, and the Triforce of Wisdom is divided into eight units and hidden by Princess Zelda. Link defeats him, reclaims it, and rescues Zelda.

Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
A great king once used the Triforce and makes the kingdom prosperous. After his death, a spell is cast so that a triangular mark resembling the crest of Hyrule would appear on the back of the hand of one worthy of the Triforce. Seeking the Triforce of Courage, Link takes on the challenge and eventually arrives at the Great Palace. He awakens Zelda with the power of the Triforce.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Ganon is sealed away by the seven sages in the Sacred Realm. Ganon, conquering it as the Dark World, possesses the Triforce and aims to conquer the Light World through his alter ego, Agahnim. However, he is defeated by Link. Link touches it and undoes the damage Ganon has done.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Triforce splits into three after Ganondorf touches it. Ganondorf is defeated and sealed away.

The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons/Ages
Link, who has the qualities of a hero, is bestowed with a set of trials by the Triforce. Once both are completed, the Triforce ascends into the sky, transforms into birds, and flies away, split.

Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
The Hero of Time returns to his original era, and the Triforce of Courage splits into eight fragments and scatters. Later, Ganon revives, and Hyrule is sunk under the Great Sea. The Triforce is united. Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule wishes for Ganondorf to be submerged with Hyrule under the Great Sea. The Triforce vanishes, its whereabouts unknown.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
Three individuals chosen by fate come to possess the three pieces of the Triforce. It dwells within one possessing the necessary qualities, bringing forth various powers. Ganondorf seeks its complete form but loses to Link, and his mark fades.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
To eliminate the source of evil, Zelda and the hero gain the capability to wield the Triforce. They wish for the elimination of Demise.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds
The Triforce is desired by Lorule, after their own Triforce was destroyed. The hero and Princess Zelda touch Hyrule's Triforce, wishing for Lorule's to return.