The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis already proving to be one of the most popular entries in the long-running Nintendo RPG franchise. With its complex lore, cyclical narratives, and many recurring characters, it’s quite a feat that there are still so many unexplored facets of the franchise. ThoughTears of the Kingdomis a clear evolution of the tried-and-trueLegend of Zeldaformula, it also tackles a lot of new additions to the series.
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Some of these additions come in the form of rich new facets of characters that gamers have seen time and time again; perhaps the best example lies in the titular Princess Zelda. Though she is the same Zelda fromBreath of the WildandAge of Calamity,Tears of the Kingdom’sZelda has plenty of standout features of her own.
This article contains spoilers forThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
7A New Look
It’s not unusual forZelda’s appearance to varybetween games, butTears of the Kingdomtakes this a little further. Zelda retains much of her features from the previous game, but her hair is the biggest difference between the two. And sure, a haircut might not seem like much, but it’s a big departure from the many Zeldas of Hyrule’s past.
Aside from Zelda inTears of the Kingdom, the only other time gamers have seen the princess with such short hair is in the artwork of the original Famicom game. Otherwise, the princess has always been depicted with long flowing hair. Her shorter, more modern hairstyle humanizes Zelda in an interesting way. Instead of untouchably regal and feminine, this Zelda seems to look more like the Hero of Hyrule herself.
6A New Trait
Wisdom has always beenthe Princess of Hyrule’smost defining trait, so much so that she is the possessor of the Triforce of Wisdom.Tears of the Kingdombuilds on this established character trait by introducing a version of Zelda who is obsessed with her nation’s history and legacy.
This trait can be seen primarily in her fascination with the murals found under Hyrule in the game’s opening scenes, but it is also hinted at in other ways. In addition to her in-depth knowledge of centuries-old conflicts, Zelda goes to the trouble of building a hidden room where she can study this history without interruption. She even helps with overseeing a new school in Hateno Village, where she can ensure that her knowledge is passed on.
5A New Home
Players familiar with Hateno Village will also know that, in a side quest in the previous game, Link can become one of Hyrule’s youngest real estate magnates by buying an abandoned house there. InTears of the Kingdom, this house still stands. However, its ownership seems to have undergone some important changes.
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Instead of being known as Link’s primary dwelling, the house has come to be known as Princess Zelda’s. As she worked to restore her kingdom following the great calamity, she used this home as both a residence and a private study. Many fans speculate that this speaks to a romantic relationship between the two heroes. Either way, having a residence somewhere outside Hyrule Castle is certainly a novelty for the princess.
4A New Place In History
One of the biggest mysteries early on in the game is Zelda’s whereabouts. After disappearing in a flash of golden light in the game’s opening scenes, Link’s main task is to find her. It’s not long before he discovers where she went – back in time to some ofHyrule’s earliest days. Here, she encounters her ancient ancestors and witnesses their fight against the Gerudo King Ganondorf.
Now stranded in the past, Zelda witnesses the death of Hyrule’s Queen, Sonia, and takes on the mantle of the Sage of Time. Though she has taken on similar roles in previous games likeA Link to the PastandOcarina of Time, it is the first time the princess is shown to be influential in Hyrule’s founding.
3A New Ability
Though it’s not the first time Princess Zelda has appeared so closely tied to time, it is the first in which she’s seen to be able to command it. After accidentally transporting herself back in time, Zelda becomes close with her ancestor, Queen Sonia. Sonia senses Zelda’s unique abilities – a combination of her power over time and Rauru’s power over light.
Sonia seeks to help Zeldaharness her abilitiesin the hopes that she might be able to return to her own time. After Sonia’s death, Zelda is seen using this power of Recall in her aid of Rauru and the other sages. Though she eventually passes it to Link, Zelda uses this ability in the ongoing battle against Ganon and his forces.
2A New Form
Legend of Zeldafans will know that beastly forms are a staple in this long-running series. Players have seen both Link and Ganon assume non-human forms in various games, most notably inTwilight Princess. But for Zelda,Tears of the Kingdomprovides a twist in the story that shows her in beastly form as well.
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After receivingthe shattered Master Swordin the past, Zelda knows it is her duty to restore it and deliver it to Link in the future. The only way to do this is to consume her Secret Stone to transform into a dragon. Doing so causes her to lose all humanity in the process. However, as it is the only way to ensure the sword is delivered safely, she commits this irreversible act and transforms into the same Light Dragon seen earlier in the game.
1A New Legacy
Princess Zelda is undoubtedly one of the most iconic characters in the franchise and is known for being one ofNintendo’s best princessesas well. But for much of her franchise’s history, she has served as little more than a damsel in distress. Though someLegend of Zeldatitles have certainly sought to amend this,Tears of the Kingdomachieves this goal in quite a unique way.
Throughout the game, Link’s main quest is to find Princess Zelda. Find her, not save her. Because in this game, it is Princess Zelda who does the saving. After being snatched away from her home and stranded in the past, she dedicates her life to thwarting Ganon. She convincesthe other sagesto pledge themselves to Link’s success thousands of years in the future.
When there is no other way, she sacrifices her mind to verify theMaster Swordmakes it to Link safely. She condemns herself to centuries of madness just to save a home she may never see again, and when she is ultimately transformed back to her usual self at the completion of the game, she dedicates herself to bringing eternal peace to Hyrule.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis available now on Nintendo Switch.
