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The Lanayru Desert is a location from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. It is a region inhabited by the Ancient Robot race. Long ago, these creatures performed tasks in the Lanayru Desert, but have since fallen into decay. It is also the location of the Lanayru Mining Facility and the Temple of Time. In certain parts of the desert, Link must utilize Mine Carts, Clawshot targets, and Timeshift Stones to reach locations that otherwise cannot be accessed.

Story[]

Spoiler warning: Plot or ending details follow.

Lanayru Desert Aerial View

Lanayru Desert seen through the opening in the Cloud Barrier

After having searched for Zelda in the Faron Woods and Eldin Volcano regions of The Surface, and having placed the Amber Tablet in the chamber Inside the Statue of the Goddess, Link lands in the Lanayru Mine and travel through it in order to reach the entrance to the main portion of Lanayru Desert, learn about how Timeshift Stones and the Mine Carts work in the process. He eventually manages to make his way through the desert to the Temple of Time where Zelda's aura is emanating, but finds the entrance to the Temple blocked off by rubble and is forced to use an alternative route through the Lanayru Mining Facility.

While trying to reach the Lanayru Mining Facility, Link must activate three generators situated across the main desert area, in order to activate a larger Timeshift generator. The time-field then resurrects the door to the Facility: a large ziggurat-style pyramid which rises up from the large circular sinksand pit in the middle of the desert. The Lanayru Mining Facility leads to the Temple of Time, where a Gate of Time is located. After defeat Moldarach, Link arrives at the Temple of Time just in time to defend Zelda and Impa from Ghirahim, allowing them to escape through the Gate of Time which is destroyed by Impa as they leave. Link receives the Goddess's Harp from Zelda before she departs.

He returns later during his hunt for Nayru's Flame, to find the Trial Gate leading to the desert's Silent Realm where he obtains the Clawshots which allow him to reach areas of the desert he couldn't before such as the Lanayru Caves and Lanayru Sand Sea.

Spoiler warning: Spoilers end here.

Theory[]

Theory warning: This section contains theoretical information based on the research of one or several other users. It has not been officially verified by Nintendo and its factual accuracy is disputed.

Given Lanayru Desert's environment and approximate position relative to the only volcano and forest shown in the game, it is possible that part of it later becomes Gerudo Valley from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and/or Gerudo Desert from The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.

Theory warning: Theories end here.

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