The Elusive Princess: What Happens When You Find Zelda in Tears of the Kingdom?
The search for Princess Zelda is the driving force behind much of the adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Initially, players believe Zelda has vanished or worse. The truth, however, is far more complex and intertwined with the very fabric of Hyrule’s past. Finding Zelda isn’t a singular event; it’s a gradual unfolding of revelations that culminates in a powerful reunion and a final battle against ultimate evil.
The initial stages of the game mislead the player into thinking that Zelda is somewhere in Hyrule Castle. While her presence is felt there, the real Zelda is experiencing the events of the distant past, having traveled back in time to prevent Ganondorf’s rise to power and safeguard the Master Sword. When you finally discover the true nature of her temporal journey, the impact is profound.
The first “finding” of Zelda comes early in the game, specifically when you reach Hyrule Castle for the first time during the main quest line. The game directs you there, leading you to believe you’ll find her. However, instead of finding Zelda herself, you find a message indicating her current location – on the south side of the castle. This serves as a starting point for the quest to rescue her.
Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter echoes of Zelda’s presence, often through the geoglyphs scattered across Hyrule. These massive land art pieces unlock memories that reveal fragments of her journey into the past, her transformation into a Light Dragon, and her tireless efforts to protect Hyrule. Each memory acts as a piece of the puzzle, drawing you closer to understanding her fate.
The real reunion happens much later in the game. Zelda’s true form is that of the Light Dragon, a majestic creature soaring through the skies of Hyrule. To truly “find” Zelda, you must locate the Light Dragon and pull the Master Sword from her head. This requires progressing significantly through the main quest and unlocking all of the geoglyph memories, and finding the sword. This act breaks the Dragon’s influence and transforms Zelda back into her Hylian form.
Once Zelda is restored, she plays a critical role in the final confrontation with Ganondorf. She fights alongside Link in a mid-air battle against Ganondorf’s Demon Dragon form. Her wisdom and courage are instrumental in securing victory. After Ganondorf is defeated, Zelda returns to her rightful place on the throne, bringing peace and stability back to Hyrule. The game concludes with everything back where it began, yet forever changed by the trials they have faced.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Finding Zelda in Tears of the Kingdom
Here are some commonly asked questions about finding Zelda in Tears of the Kingdom:
How early in the game can I find Zelda?
You can “find” a trace of Zelda fairly early in the game upon arriving at Hyrule Castle. However, this is a false lead and the real Zelda remains elusive for the majority of the game.
Is Zelda evil in Tears of the Kingdom?
No, Zelda is not evil. Her actions are always motivated by a desire to protect Hyrule from Ganondorf’s evil. Even her transformation into the Light Dragon is a selfless act of sacrifice.
Does Zelda die in Tears of the Kingdom?
While Zelda faces immense danger and undergoes a significant transformation, she does not die. Ultimately, she is restored to her Hylian form and survives the final battle.
What is the significance of the Geoglyphs in finding Zelda?
The geoglyphs are essential for understanding Zelda’s journey. They unlock memories that reveal her time travel, her transformation into the Light Dragon, and her mission to protect Hyrule. Gathering all the memories is essential for triggering the final confrontation with Ganondorf.
Where does Zelda first appear in her dragon form?
The exact location of the Light Dragon varies as it soars through the skies of Hyrule. To reliably find her, focus on unlocking geoglyph memories to pinpoint her movements.
What happens after you pull the Master Sword from Zelda?
After you pull the Master Sword from the Light Dragon, Zelda returns to her human form. She retains the knowledge and experiences gained during her time as a dragon, making her an even wiser and more powerful ruler.
Is there a “true” ending related to finding Zelda?
Yes, there is a “true” ending to Tears of the Kingdom. To unlock it, you must complete all main story quests, obtain the Master Sword, and collect all the memories. This unlocks an additional cutscene after the credits roll.
Does finding all the wells help find Zelda?
Finding all the wells in Hyrule is part of a side quest, but it does not directly lead to finding Zelda. However, exploring the world and completing side quests often provides valuable resources and insights that indirectly aid your journey. If you happen to like completing various side quests and exploring, it can be helpful to discover the Games Learning Society. Games Learning Society is a great place to learn more about video games and learning.
What is Zelda’s role in the final battle?
Zelda plays a vital role in the final battle against Ganondorf. She accompanies Link in a mid-air fight, using her powers to support him and weaken Ganondorf’s Demon Dragon form.
Is Zelda still a dragon at the end of the game?
No, at the end of the game, Zelda is no longer a dragon. After pulling the Master Sword from her, she returns to her human form and reclaims her role as the Princess of Hyrule.
Do Link and Zelda live together after Tears of the Kingdom?
The game implies that Link and Zelda share a close bond and potentially live together in Link’s house in Hateno Village. While not explicitly stated, the subtle hints suggest a deeper relationship between them.
How important is the Master Sword in finding Zelda?
The Master Sword is crucial. Zelda sends the sword back in time for Link to find in the present. Finding the Master Sword leads to you finding the Light Dragon and subsequently, Zelda herself. The sword is a key instrument needed to defeat Ganondorf’s evil presence as well.
What happened to Zelda’s mother?
Zelda’s mother died when she was six years old, as documented in King Rhoam’s journal. Her mother’s death deeply affected Zelda and shaped her commitment to protecting Hyrule.
Can you replay the final boss fight after beating the game?
While there is no post-game or New Game Plus mode, you can reload your last save file before the final boss fight and replay it as many times as you like. The game resets to before the door, but you get world experience for beating Ganondorf, rewarding you.
Will there be DLC to further explore Zelda’s story?
According to Nintendo’s Eiji Aonuma, there are currently no plans for DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. The development team feels that they have implemented all the elements they wanted to achieve in this world and story.
By understanding the complexities of Zelda’s journey and the numerous events surrounding her disappearance and eventual return, players can fully appreciate the rich narrative and emotional depth of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to discover more about the educational aspects and societal impact of gaming.