In Kirby: Triple Deluxe, who kidnaps King Dedede?

Taranza kidnaps King Dedede in Kirby: Triple Deluxe.

The kidnapping occurs after a giant Dreamstalk lifts Castle Dedede from Dream Land. Kirby sees the arachnid-like Taranza entering the castle, defeating its Waddle Dee guards, and carrying Dedede away up the Dreamstalk. Kirby then follows him through the game’s skyborne regions and battles Taranza’s forces.

Taranza is acting on behalf of Queen Sectonia, the ruler of Floralia. The Floralians planted the Dreamstalk to summon Dream Land’s hero, but Taranza mistakenly identifies King Dedede as that hero. Sectonia wants to use the situation to expand her power, and she orders Taranza to capture Dedede.

A common mix-up is remembering Taranza only as a boss. He is also the story’s initial kidnapper and later controls Dedede during the confrontation. After realizing Kirby is the true hero, Taranza changes sides and helps Kirby and Dedede oppose Queen Sectonia.