The sages are men and women who have inherited a sacred mandate to provide their assitence to the legendary hero when the time arose. They were usually old and wise, however, when a replacement was needed, theyr were always picked from young stock, so as to provide their service longer. The sages known as the seven sages are one of many sage groups. They represent the cardinal elements of Hyrule: Forest, Fire, and Water, as well as the inner elements of Hyrule: Light, Shadow, and Spirit. Their first and most important mandate was to gaurd the Sacred Realm. However, they were later also comissioned to watch over Hyrule in the Hero's absence and Guard the Mirror of Twilight. there are several other known Sages, such as the two sages who pray continually to keep the Master Sword powered, Earth and Wind.