Divine Beast Vah Rudania

The Divine Beast Vah Rudania is a Divine Beast and dungeon featured in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Like every other Divine Beasts, Rudania was created by the ancient Sheikah to weaken Calamity Ganon. It was piloted by the hero of the Goron, Daruk, until his death at the hands of the Fireblight Ganon.

10000 years before Breath of the Wild
The Divine Beast Vah Rudania was created over 10,000 years before the events of Breath of the Wild by the Sheikah, along with the other Divine Beasts and the Guardians, to fight Calamity Ganon. At the time, four Champions were chosen to pilot the Divine Beasts, who directly attacked Ganon to held the princess of Hyrule and the chosen hero wielding the Master Sword. They succeeded and Ganon was sealed away for more than 10000 years.

Rediscovering the Divine Beasts
110 years before the events of Breath of the Wild, the Royal Family of Hyrule was warned by a fortune teller of the return of Ganon. In preparation of his return, the Divine Beasts were rediscovered after being excavated and like in the old legend, four Champions were chosen to pilot them. The Goron Champion, Daruk, was chosen to pilot the Divine Beast Vah Rudania.

100 years before Breath of the Wild
However, despite the efforts of the Royal Family, Calamity Ganon surprised them by corrupting and taking control of the ancient Sheikah technology. Fireblight Ganon, a being created by Calamity Ganon was sent to kill Daruk and take control of the Divine Beast. Princess Zelda used her power to contain Ganon in Hyrule Castle and his influence on the Divine Beasts was weakened.

During Breath of the Wild
A century later, Calamity Ganon's power grew strong enough to remotely control the Divine Beasts once more even if he was still imprisoned in the castle. Vah Rudania started to wander around Death Mountain, causing eruptions and threatening the Gorons. With the help of Yunobo, Link manage to drive back the beast inside Death Mountain where the hero can board it. There he destroy Fireblight Ganon and free the soul of Daruk who assume control over the Divine Beast and place it in firing position with Ganon as target. For freeing the Goron, Link is rewarded with Daruk's Protection, which allow him to summon a reflective shield around himself when guarding.

Trivia

 * Vah Rudania's name is likely based on Darunia, a Goron Sage and leader who lived around The Era of the Hero of Time.