Unveiling the Mythical Enigma: Unlocking the Secrets of Zelda's Submerged Statue

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How to Solve The 'Trapped Under the Water Behind the Stone Gate' Puzzle

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom offers an abundance of shrines and puzzles for Link to navigate. While most of these challenges pose no difficulty for Link, there are a few puzzles that prove to be more intricate. One particular encounter involves Link locating a trapped statue on the Great Plateau, leaving both the Hero and the player perplexed.

Early on in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Link comes across this puzzle, which can be initiated in various ways. Regardless of the chosen path, a statue always recites the same enigmatic message: "I am trapped under the water behind the stone gate on the Great Plateau." This guide will provide a detailed explanation of the message's meaning and how to successfully solve the puzzle it sets in motion.

Updated August 28th, 2023: In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, there is a plethora of side quests and adventures, each varying in complexity. One such quest, titled "Trapped Under Water Behind the Stone Gate," presents a mystifying statue puzzle that may leave players puzzled. Fortunately, locating and activating this statue and subsequent side quest becomes relatively uncomplicated when players are aware of the correct path and destination. To furnish players with the necessary assistance in completing the Trapped Under Water Behind the Stone Gate Side Quest within Tears of the Kingdom, an updated guide featuring an accompanying video has been provided.

How to Start the 'Trapped Under the Water Behind the Stone Gate' Puzzle

How to Find the Temple of Time Ruins:

The cryptic message can be heard in two locations known to Link: the Temple of Time ruins where the Goddess Statue stands, and the Great Abandoned Central Mine where the large Bargainer's statue is situated. Both of these places are connected to the Great Plateau, with the Surface housing the Temple of Time and directly below it lies the Depths where the mine is located.

To venture into the Great Plateau for the first time in Tears of the Kingdom, the most convenient approach is to utilize the Hyrule Field Skyview Tower as a launching point for gliding. Another option is to descend from the majestic Great Sky Island.

The Goddess statue that Link must find is situated in the central part of the Temple of Time, precisely at coordinates -0822, -2027, 0119. Engaging with the statue will trigger a message concerning the statue's captivity.

How to Find the Great Abandoned Central Mine:

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In order to reach the mine, Link has the ability to enter the Depths from any chasm. However, the most efficient method - and the one that is most logical considering the puzzle's location - is to descend into the Great Plateau North Chasm (-0661, -1521, 0067). Positioned right on the edge of the plateau, this chasm is situated approximately between the Forest of Time and the Forest of Spirits on the map of Hyrule. Utilize Link's paraglider to safely descend to the bottom, and then direct your gaze slightly southward to locate the Nogukoyk Lightroot.

The mine can be reached with just a short walk south from the Nogukoyk Lightroot (-0708, -1551, -0517). To find the correct entrance, Link should proceed to the southern side of the mine. Navigating to coordinates -0855, -1965, -0543 will lead to the desired spot. Upon entering through this entrance, the imposing Bargainer Statue becomes visible. Engaging in conversation with it is crucial, and it is essential to remember this location, as it plays a significant role in triggering a puzzle later in the quest.

How to Solve The 'Trapped Under the Water Behind the Stone Gate' Puzzle

The riddle makes it evident that the body of water which Link must locate can be found somewhere on the Great Plateau. However, the challenge that most players are likely to encounter is the absence of a clearly recognizable stone gate. In this particular instance, the stone gate mentioned by the statue actually refers to the extensive stone wall that encircles the entire plateau.

With that information, the only body of water that rests against the wall is found just southeast of the Great Plateau North Chasm. Look for the coordinates -0604, -1591, 0667.

In the riddle, it is mentioned that an object is confined underwater. Therefore, Link is required to discover a means to drain this miniature pond before proceeding to the subsequent phase. For achieving this, Link needs to venture towards the deepest part of the wall, precisely at the location where it obstructs the water flow.

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Located at the bottom (Coordinates -0561, -1506, 0018), there is a small section of the wall that is blocked by rocks. To clear the way, you can use a bomb flower or the powerful Tears of the Kingdom's fused rock hammer. Once the rocks are removed, a brief cutscene will be triggered, causing all the water in the pond to drain.

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Upon clearing the channel, Link will stumble upon a small statue in the form of a pointed head. If Link has recently received the message from the colossal statue within the mine, this peculiar finding will immediately spark recognition. Engaging in conversation with the talking head will transport Link back to the sacred Goddess Statue, thus commencing the captivating "A Call From the Depths" side quest.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is available now on Nintendo Switch.