So after dicking around with texture packs on Ocarina of Time, I've realized something odd again. Something I never got any clarification on.

What is with the Hero of Time's (Ocarina of Time) incarnation of the Master Sword's scabbard? Why is it bandaged in basically all of the official artwork for it? Even in Smash Melee, where it is noted to be the Hero of Time, the scabbard is noticeably bandaged about 3/4th of the way down. It is not connecting it to his belt, nor is it present in ANY other game. Any theories? (especially why it's only for Hero of Time; Link?)