Who is the Guy in Gerudo Jail? Unraveling the Mystery of Wabbin in Tears of the Kingdom
The stoic figure confined within the stark, sun-baked walls of Gerudo Town’s jail is not a criminal mastermind, nor a fearsome enemy. He’s Wabbin, a Hylian man and a loving husband and father caught in a peculiar predicament. His story, though brief, adds a layer of subtle depth to the world of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. But who is Wabbin, really, and why is he imprisoned? Let’s delve into the details surrounding this intriguing character and explore some frequently asked questions that often arise.
Understanding Wabbin’s Situation
Wabbin is a Hylian who made the fateful mistake of entering Gerudo Town, a location strictly reserved for women in Hyrule. This transgression led to his immediate capture and subsequent imprisonment. While his situation might seem dire, Wabbin’s primary concern isn’t his own freedom, but rather the well-being of his family. He’s the husband of Perda, who owns the secret clothing shop discreetly tucked away within Gerudo Town, and the father of Aaqlet, a young girl often found near the town’s entrance. Wabbin accepts his confinement with a surprising level of calm, content to remain behind bars as long as he knows that Perda and Aaqlet are safe and thriving.
His story serves as a quiet commentary on the rigid laws of Gerudo society and the sacrifices individuals make for their loved ones. Despite the potential for a dramatic escape or rebellion, Wabbin’s narrative is one of quiet resilience and unwavering devotion. He embodies a father’s love, prioritizing his family’s happiness above his own.
What Can You Do About Wabbin?
While you might be inclined to launch a rescue operation, the truth is that you cannot free Wabbin. The game does not offer any quest or mechanism to secure his release from Gerudo jail. His role is more about adding depth to the narrative and showcasing the complexities of the Gerudo society.
Your interactions with Wabbin and his family primarily serve as a way to explore and understand their story:
- Aaqlet: Speaking with Aaqlet near the Gerudo Town entrance provides your first clue that Wabbin has a family and that his wife runs a shop in the town.
- Perda: After learning about Perda’s connection to Wabbin, you can locate her hidden shop and converse with her about her situation.
- Wabbin: Finally, a conversation with Wabbin in jail reveals his stoic acceptance of his imprisonment and his heartfelt concern for his wife and daughter.
This small questline is an example of the subtle world-building and storytelling that Tears of the Kingdom is renowned for. It’s a simple, yet poignant, story that adds a layer of humanity to the game’s often fantastical world. There is no reward for talking to Wabbin and his family.
Wabbin and the Gerudo Society
Wabbin’s imprisonment highlights the strict and unwavering laws of Gerudo society, which is explicitly built around a female-only principle. This isn’t a simple arbitrary rule, but a deeply rooted cultural practice that stems from historical events and beliefs. The rejection of men by the Gerudo is rooted in the treachery of Ganondorf, a Gerudo male who eventually turned into the monstrous Calamity Ganon. This betrayal cemented the Gerudo’s mistrust of men and led to the complete segregation of their society. This is why Wabbin’s presence in their jail is not an unusual, if sad, occurrence.
The Absence of Male Gerudo
While Gerudo society is comprised primarily of women, males are exceptionally rare. The few that are born are not accepted into their society, due to the dark history surrounding Ganondorf. This adds to Wabbin’s uniqueness, as he is not even of Gerudo origin, which makes his presence in Gerudo Town even more taboo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wabbin and Gerudo Culture
To provide a comprehensive understanding, here are some frequently asked questions related to Wabbin, Gerudo society, and other related themes within The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom:
1. How old is Riju in Tears of the Kingdom?
Riju is roughly around twelve years old in Tears of the Kingdom. Although she appears more mature due to the Gerudo’s faster maturation rate, she is still a child. She is the chieftain of Gerudo Town, having inherited the position from her mother.
2. What is the significance of the ring flower garland in Kakariko Village?
The ring flower garland is needed by Deltan, who is a student in Gerudo Town. She wants to fuse it to one of your weapons and will then pass you in class if you bring it to her.
3. What is the Gerudo word for “granny”?
The Gerudo word for “granny” is vaba.
4. Why is Mattison learning the Gerudo language?
Mattison, Hudson’s daughter, is learning Gerudo because she is moving to Gerudo Town to live with Granny Monari. She is also learning the language so that her mother, Rhondson, won’t be lonely in Tarrey Town.
5. Can you build a house in Tears of the Kingdom?
Yes, in Tears of the Kingdom, you can build your own house in Tarrey Town. You will use a modular customization system.
6. How old is Mattison in Tears of the Kingdom?
Mattison is seven years old in Tears of the Kingdom. Her age confirms that approximately seven years have passed since the events of Breath of the Wild.
7. How do Gerudo give birth?
It is believed the Gerudo reproduce through asexual reproduction. A cell splits during meiosis, and one of the two cells produces a clone offspring.
8. Can Gerudo mate with Gorons?
It’s not officially confirmed how Gerudo reproduce with other races. According to one theory, if a Goron mates with a Gerudo, a female child will be born looking like a Gerudo, and a male child will be born looking like a Goron.
9. Why do the Gerudo not accept men?
The Gerudo’s mistrust of men stems from Ganondorf’s betrayal and his transformation into Calamity Ganon, not from any fundamental opposition to men.
10. Is there any DLC planned for Tears of the Kingdom?
No, there will be no DLC for Tears of the Kingdom. The developers have stated that they implemented everything they wanted in the game.
11. How many rooms can you build in your house?
You can build up to 15 rooms in your house in Tears of the Kingdom, however there are 18 different rooms to choose from.
12. How many shrines are there in Tears of the Kingdom?
There are a total of 152 shrines in Tears of the Kingdom. 120 are on the surface of Hyrule, and 32 are located in the sky.
13. Is Riju Urbosa’s daughter?
Riju is not Urbosa’s daughter. Riju is Urbosa’s descendant and inherited her role as chieftess of the Gerudo through the line of succession.
14. What happens if you are caught trying to enter Gerudo Town as a male?
If you are caught trying to enter Gerudo Town as a male, you will be imprisoned in the Gerudo jail, similar to Wabbin’s situation.
15. Is Mipha Link’s love interest and the mother of Sidon?
Mipha is not Sidon’s mother. Though Mipha and Link were lovers, Sidon is not their son in the official Zelda canon.
Conclusion
Wabbin’s story in Tears of the Kingdom, though seemingly minor, provides a poignant look at the societal structures of Gerudo Town and the deep familial love that transcends even imprisonment. While you cannot alter his fate, understanding his story adds depth to your experience of the game and highlights the dedication and sacrifices characters make. Wabbin remains a memorable part of the rich tapestry that makes up The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. His situation is an important reminder that sometimes, the most impactful stories are not about grand quests, but the everyday lives of the people living in Hyrule.