Zelda After Skyward Sword: The Genesis of a Kingdom and a Legacy
After the final clash in Skyward Sword, Zelda, no longer the naive student from the Knight Academy, remains in the Surface world alongside Link. Their primary mission: to establish the Kingdom of Hyrule. This isn’t just a symbolic act; it’s the tangible beginning of the world we’ve come to know and love across the entire Legend of Zelda series. Zelda’s role transitions from a protector and survivor to a foundational figure, shaping the culture, laws, and very essence of the burgeoning kingdom. She works alongside Link to guide the first Hylians, teaching them about the goddess Hylia and the importance of the Triforce, ensuring that the knowledge of the past is not lost. This is where Zelda’s journey from Skyloft to Hyrule reaches its crescendo, marking the start of her enduring legacy.
Establishing Hyrule: More Than Just a Kingdom
The establishment of Hyrule isn’t merely a political act; it’s a spiritual and cultural one. Zelda, as a direct descendant and reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia, holds a unique position. She’s not just a princess or a queen, but a living embodiment of the goddess’s will. This influences the very fabric of Hylian society, weaving in themes of courage, wisdom, and power—the core tenets represented by the Triforce.
- Defining Hylian Culture: Zelda plays a pivotal role in shaping Hylian traditions, rituals, and beliefs. Her stories of Skyloft and the goddess Hylia become foundational myths, passed down through generations.
- Creating the Royal Family: As the first Zelda in this new world, she lays the groundwork for the Hylian royal family. The bloodline’s connection to Hylia becomes a symbol of leadership and responsibility, passed down to future incarnations.
- Protecting the Triforce’s Legacy: Ensuring the Triforce’s safety is paramount. Zelda establishes safeguards and guardians, laying the groundwork for the constant struggle against those who would seek to misuse its power.
Beyond the Founding: The Long-Term Impact
Zelda’s actions in the aftermath of Skyward Sword reverberate throughout the entire Zelda timeline. Her choices and decisions become the bedrock upon which subsequent Zeldas and Links operate. The constant cycle of reincarnation, the struggle against evil, and the unwavering defense of Hyrule all stem from this pivotal moment.
- The Seed of Reincarnation: Skyward Sword establishes the concept of the eternal cycle of Link, Zelda, and Ganon (or Demise’s hatred). Zelda’s very existence sparks this cycle, forever intertwining her fate with the hero and the embodiment of evil.
- The Burden of Lineage: Every subsequent Zelda inherits the weight of her predecessor’s actions. They are born into a legacy of responsibility, destined to protect Hyrule and combat the darkness.
- The Enduring Hope: Despite the constant threat of evil, Zelda represents hope. Her unwavering commitment to justice and her connection to the goddess serve as a beacon for the people of Hyrule, inspiring them to persevere.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Zelda’s Post-Skyward Sword Journey
1. Are all Zeldas reincarnations of Hylia?
While the supplemental lore suggests the goddess Hylia gets reincarnated eternally, not all Zeldas explicitly demonstrate this connection. Some Zeldas possess innate magical abilities and wisdom that seem to stem directly from Hylia, while others appear to be more ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
2. Why isn’t Zelda a princess in Skyward Sword?
The designers deliberately portrayed Zelda as a “typical village girl” and a student at the Knight Academy to “establish her as a heroine.” This subversion of the traditional princess role allowed players to connect with her on a more personal level and witness her transformation into a powerful and capable leader.
3. How does Skyward Sword set the stage for other Zelda games?
Skyward Sword establishes the origin story of Hyrule, the eternal cycle of reincarnation for Link, Zelda, and Ganon, and the importance of the Master Sword. These elements become recurring themes throughout the entire Legend of Zelda series. The conflict between Hylia and Demise is also a basis for future conflicts in the series.
4. What happens to the Master Sword after Skyward Sword?
After defeating Demise, Link leaves the Master Sword on a pedestal in the Sealed Temple in the past. This act seals away the remaining power of Demise and ensures that the sword is ready for future battles against evil.
5. Is Ganondorf present in Skyward Sword?
Ganondorf does not appear in Skyward Sword. Series producer Eiji Aonuma explained that it “didn’t really make sense” to include him in the game, as it was intended to be the earliest story in the Zelda timeline.
6. Why is there always a Link, Zelda, and Ganon?
The fundamental evils of life, like greed and hatred, are represented by Ganon. Link represents the different generations of people in a constant battle against these evils. The cycle is perpetuated by Demise’s curse, ensuring that his hatred will be reborn in a never-ending struggle against the spirit of the hero and the blood of the goddess.
7. How is Zelda alive after 100 years in Breath of the Wild?
Zelda created a magical barrier between Hyrule Castle and BOTW’s Great Plateau to prevent Calamity Ganon from hurting the outside world. This barrier may have separated Hyrule Castle from the BOTW universe’s fabric of spacetime, effectively suspending Zelda in time.
8. Do Link and Zelda ever end up together romantically?
While a romantic relationship is often implied, Link and Zelda rarely end up together. In most instances, their relationship is strictly platonic or professional. Any romantic connections are exceptions to the rule.
9. What is Zelda a reincarnation of?
Zelda is the reincarnation of the Goddess Hylia, a divine being entrusted with protecting the Triforce by the higher Goddesses.
10. Is the Ganondorf in Tears of the Kingdom a reincarnation?
The Ganondorf in Tears of the Kingdom is not a reincarnation. He is the original Ganondorf who was sealed away long ago. This is a common misconception about the Zelda series.
11. Why does Link always help Zelda?
Link is tied to Zelda and is always a hero because he is the reincarnation of the spirit of the hero. This spirit compels him to protect Zelda and Hyrule from evil.
12. How does Zelda become a dragon in Tears of the Kingdom?
Unable to find another solution to reach the future and give Link the Master Sword, Zelda swallows her Secret Stone and becomes the Light Dragon.
13. Does Zelda turn back into a human in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, after Link defeats Ganondorf, Zelda is able to become human again. Rauru and Sonia’s spirits amplify the power of Link’s Zonai arm, allowing him to reverse the effects of draconification.
14. How does Zelda influence the Master Sword?
Zelda’s sacred power is often crucial in strengthening the Master Sword and allowing it to vanquish evil. Her ability to purify and imbue the sword with her light is a recurring theme throughout the series.
15. What impact does Zelda have on Hylian society after Skyward Sword?
Zelda’s presence has a profound impact on Hylian society. She helps establish the core values of courage, wisdom, and power, which become cornerstones of Hylian culture. She is also instrumental in establishing the royal family and ensuring the protection of the Triforce. She makes Hyrule what we know and love today. By learning more about the creation of Hyrule, people who enjoy video games may consider learning more through Games Learning Society. To find out more, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.