Unveiling the Hidden Secrets: 6 Epic Nods to Skyward Sword in Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Discover the enchanting world of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as it pays homage to the beloved Skyward Sword Brace yourself for thrilling minecart adventures, iconic outfits, the majestic White Sword of the Sky, the presence of Fi within the Master Sword, exhilarating moments soaring through the skies, and an intricate storyline that will captivate your heart
Since its release in 2011, Skyward Sword has undergone a significant shift in perception among the Legend of Zelda fanbase. Initially dividing opinions, the game has garnered a more favorable reception over time, leading to a high-definition remaster for the Nintendo Switch a decade later.
Despite often being overshadowed by its predecessors and the subsequent success of Breath of the Wild, Skyward Sword's impact remains undeniable. Its influence can even be observed in the latest installment of the series, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo has incorporated subtle nods and references to Link's exploration of Skyloft and the floating islands, showcasing the enduring significance of the game.
6 Thrilling Minecart Sections
Although the sheer size of the Hyrule map in Tears of the Kingdom makes it highly improbable for players to discover these references in just one playthrough, they range from cleverly concealed easter eggs awaiting discovery to intentional connections entwined within the game's design, visual appeal, and narrative.
The unforgettable experience of playing through Skyward Sword includes tackling the exhilarating Rickety Coaster and navigating numerous minecart sections throughout the game. These sections test the player's mastery of the Wii motion controls and the in-game time mechanics.
5 Skyward Sword Outfit
The new physics-based gameplay in Tears of the Kingdom has taken minecart usage to a whole new level of enjoyment. However, it's evident that their design draws heavy inspiration from the mechanics seen in Skyward Sword, particularly in regard to the challenging cart rides. One prime example is the Mine-Cart Land, which bears a striking resemblance to the visually impressive minecart minigames that played a significant role in Skyward Sword.
In Breath of the Wild, players could only obtain Link's Skyward Sword outfit by purchasing an Amiibo. However, Tears of the Kingdom offers a different approach which allows players to acquire it in-game. By searching for a few chests scattered across three different areas, players can now obtain the iconic Sky clothes. It's important to note that this task is quite challenging as all the parts are hidden in the treacherous Depths filled with menacing monsters.
The first chest is situated in Retsam Grove, right next to a colossal tree stump located directly below Hateno Village. Moving forward, the subsequent part can be discovered in Minshi Grove, beneath the pathway leading to the Korok Forest. Lastly, the third piece awaits at the Crenel Canyon Mine. Acquiring all three components without sustaining significant damage may prove to be quite challenging, but nonetheless, it serves as a remarkable homage to Link's prominent role in the game which influenced various aspects of this newest installment.
4 White Sword Of The Sky
To complete the Skyward Sword look, players can acquire the outfit by obtaining the White Sword of the Sky. This can be achieved either by scanning the Link Skyward Sword Amiibo or by successfully completing the Mother Goddess Statue side quest. While undertaking this quest, players will need to navigate through various locations and engage in a few combat situations. However, with adequate weaponry and armor sets, the task can be relatively manageable.
3 Fi Residing In The Master Sword
In this extensive side quest, players are tasked with obtaining several Dragon Claws. These Claws are then offered to the Statues of Courage, Wisdom, and Power in exchange for the Sword of the Sky. Interestingly, this sword closely resembles the original Goddess Sword used by Link in Skyward Sword. The quest becomes even more captivating when Link finally acquires the sword in the Forgotten Temple, which many believe to be the same location as the Sealed Temple from Skyward Sword.
Throughout the various Legend of Zelda games, Link is typically accompanied by a helpful companion who aids him on his mission to rescue and reunite with Princess Zelda. In the game Skyward Sword, this role is fulfilled by Fi, a sentient spirit resembling a humanoid. Fi was brought into existence by the goddess Hylia, alongside the creation of the Goddess Sword, which serves as her dwelling place. Eventually, Link discovers this powerful weapon and it becomes the iconic Master Sword that he wields.
Interestingly, Fi's presence is subtly alluded to in Breath of the Wild through Zelda's mention of a legend that spoke of a voice emanating from the Master Sword. This becomes more evident upon completing the Trial of the Sword, as the sound effect associated with Fi would play and the sword would begin to emit a glowing light. Fi is once again acknowledged in Tears of the Kingdom, where Zelda starts referring to the sword as "she" instead of "it", and when she addresses the sword, it emits a vibrant blue glow reminiscent of Fi's form of communication with Link in Skyward Sword.
2 Taking To The Skies
Skyward Sword, a game that dedicated fans noticed upon seeing early trailers, took its biggest inspiration from exploring the skies. In this game, Link's adventure primarily revolves around journeying across multiple floating islands. The Skyloft and Pumpkin Island are two of the most renowned islands, deeply intertwined with the plot and the story of the Skyloftians. Moreover, these islands house numerous hidden items and side quests, making exploration all the more rewarding.
What makes this particularly fascinating is that the concept of exploring a vast expanse that was not on land was actually influenced by Wind Waker and how Link had to navigate the open seas throughout the game. Nintendo has continued to expand on this concept, with the inspiration transitioning from Wind Waker to Skyward Sword, and now reaching Tears of the Kingdom, where it once again plays a major role.
1 Story Influences
The focus of Skyward Sword revolves around Link and Zelda's mission to cleanse the surface, allowing the inhabitants of Skyloft to settle and establish the Kingdom of Hyrule. Although the specific details differ, one can easily draw numerous parallels between the storyline of Tears of the Kingdom and Skyward Sword. This similarity is reinforced by the fact that Rauru and Sonia were dispatched by the gods in Tears of the Kingdom to initiate the narrative, while Zelda herself, in Skyward Sword, was the reincarnation of the goddess Hylia. Her pivotal role involved expelling evil and triumphing over Demise, the precursor to Ganon.
The obvious inspiration of Tears of the Kingdom has sparked a massive discussion among Zelda fans. Some speculate it could be a direct sequel to Skyward Sword, with theories even suggesting that Hylians like Groose could evolve into the Zonai. Currently, the placement of Tears of the Kingdom in the timeline remains unclear. However, both games share a common sentiment of ridding the surface of evil and receiving help from divine-like beings. Experience The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Nintendo Switch.
