Unleashing the Hidden Secrets: Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Unveils its Skyward Sword Connections
Tears of the Kingdom: A Missed Opportunity to Connect with Skyward Sword's Legacy, Disappointing Fans Expecting a Link Between the Two Games
The release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has garnered an impressive amount of praise. Both critics and fans have eagerly delved back into the world of Hyrule, relishing in the refreshed surface of Hyrule as well as the addition of traversable sky islands and an expansive underground map. Link's journey across the three elevations provides an epic storyline that allows players to fully immerse themselves in all that Tears of the Kingdom has to offer.
The game is rich with secrets and Easter eggs, incorporating items from Breath of the Wild's DLC as special treasures and weaving them into the landscape. Alongside story events and flashbacks scattered throughout the map, there is an abundance of lore and references to past Zelda games, adding depth and nostalgia to Tears of the Kingdom. However, the challenge lies in placing the game within the Zelda timeline. Despite the expectation that the sky islands would connect Tears of the Kingdom to Skyward Sword, it becomes apparent that each game possesses its own distinctiveness.
This article contains spoilers for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Skyward Sword Seemed Like An Obvious Precursor to Tears of the Kingdom
When the teaser trailer for Breath of the Wild 2 unveiled Hyrule Castle emerging from the earth, the entire Zelda fandom was reminded of the sky islands featured in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Known as the earliest canonical entry in the series, Skyward Sword holds significant importance in the Zelda lore. It provides context for crucial events such as Hylia's mortal reincarnation, the initial gathering of the Triforce, the forging of the Master Sword, and, depending on individual interpretation, the commencement of Link and Zelda's unending battle against evil.
Tears of the Kingdom References Zelda Lore Without Relying On It
: Fans were initially hopeful that Tears of the Kingdom would complete the trilogy, given its shared writer and director with both Skyward Sword and BotW. The early confirmation came with the ascent of Hyrule Castle in Skyward Sword. Now that Tears of the Kingdom has been released, theories have been validated, suggesting that the game partially takes place in the sky, similar to Skyward Sword. Some even consider it as the final installment in Zelda's known timeline. However, it is important to note that Tears of the Kingdom does not heavily rely on the story of its predecessor and, in some instances, may even contradict it.
Every major plot point in Skyward Sword is mirrored in TotK, but instead of connecting them, it only complicates their relationship. Both games explore the creation of the Kingdom of Hyrule and the eternal battle between Link and Ganondorf. However, in TotK, a separate Hyrule is haunted by the Demon King Ganondorf, rather than the Demon King Demise. Skyward Sword reveals that Hyrule was founded by Hylians from the sky, while TotK introduces the Zonai, who also play a role in establishing Hyrule alongside the surface-dwelling Hylians.
Not to mention the smaller coincidences, like Zelda being in stasis until the present and the existence of sky islands. Many overlooked details, such as Fi showing signs of awakening within the Master Sword, make it difficult to determine if they hold any real significance. Almost every potential link to Skyward Sword seems accidental or only a simple tribute, which is surprising considering the sheer number of them. Nevertheless, Tears of the Kingdom stands on its own without relying on the franchise and offers a fresh interpretation of Skyward Sword's concepts, highlighting the strength of the newer game.
You can now play The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch.
