The Tragic End of Zelda's Triforce Legacy

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom builds upon the successful formula of its predecessor, Breath of the Wild, and takes it to new heights. As Nintendo plans to continue producing open-world Zelda titles, it sets them apart from previous entries in the franchise. However, it's not just the gameplay that's changed. Both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom feature a unique storyline, unlike any other game in the series. What's particularly noteworthy is the absence of the Triforce, a significant element of the Zelda iconography and lore, in both games. The Triforce has been present in every Zelda title since the original on NES, often symbolizing ultimate power and appearing as a coveted object for Ganon, the series' antagonist. Its absence in the latest games suggests a departure from the series' traditional themes and a new direction for future titles.

The History of the Triforce in The Legend of Zelda's Canon

The history of the Triforce is a fascinating one that straddles the line between reality and imagination. Its design, consisting of three smaller triangles forming a larger one, is actually based on a 13th Century Japanese symbol known as the Mitsuuroko or "three scales." Initially associated with the Hojo clan of 12th and 13th-century Japan, the symbol eventually became widely used by various Japanese entities, including the one that inspired Shigeru Miyamoto to incorporate it into The Legend of Zelda as the emblem of the three goddesses.

In the fictional world of Hyrule, the Triforce represents the three powers associated with the three goddesses who created the world. These powers are Wisdom, Power, and Courage - the attributes embodied by Hyrule's deities. While the original Legend of Zelda game divided the Triforce into eight separate pieces for Link to find, every subsequent Zelda game has depicted the Triforce as three triangles, symbolizing both Ganon's coveted object and the good that can overcome evil when wielded by a pure-hearted hero - The Hero of Time.

What the Triforce's Absence in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom May Indicate

The Triforce symbol, a long-standing icon in the Legend of Zelda franchise, was noticeably absent in Tears of the Kingdom despite initial speculation. Its absence in two consecutive titles suggests a deliberate omission by Nintendo, possibly indicating a new direction for the Zelda timeline. Although some fans may be disappointed with the series' move towards open-world gameplay, the financial success of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, along with producer Eiji Aonuma's promise of more open-world Zelda titles, ensures the franchise's longevity for years to come.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is out now for the Nintendo Switch.