Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Should Atone for Tears of the Kingdom’s Biggest Sin

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Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Should Atone for Tears of the Kingdom's Biggest Sin

As a long-time fan of The Legend of Zelda series, I’ve seen Link and Zelda’s stories unfold across multiple generations, each with its unique twists and turns. But there’s one element that has remained a constant in this epic saga: the Triforce. This iconic symbol of power, wisdom, and courage has been a staple of the series since its inception, and it’s been sorely missed in recent installments, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

Recent Zelda games have made every effort to feel different and fresh, and The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is already showing off how it plans to continue this trend. Aspects such as the Echo system seem to completely redefine how Zelda is played. However, there’s one major series mainstay which could finally return in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom despite its absence in recent predecessors.

An unintended consequence of Zelda‘s progression towards creativity is that some long-standing series features seem to have been overlooked. Notably, the dungeons in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom underwent significant changes, as the conventional linear design clashed with an open world. Nevertheless, these games neglected a crucial narrative aspect that has been a hallmark of the series. Consequently, Echoes of Wisdom could provide the ideal opportunity for the Triforce to resurface and reintroduce this essential story element.

The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Could Finally Bring Back the Triforce

The Legend of Zelda’s Iconic Trio

Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf.

In the legend of “Skyward Sword,” it’s believed that Ganon or Ganondorf represents an enduring hatred passed down through generations. Simultaneously, Link and Zelda are fated to be reborn numerous times throughout history. At times, Ganon may emerge anew alongside them, but he is also often portrayed as the same adversary encountered in past games.

The Triforce Represents the Importance of Zelda’s History

However, the curse of reincarnation is not the only thing that unites this trio. Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf are also united by the Triforce, an unimaginable power that is split between three parts. The Triforce of Courage belongs to the heroic protagonist, Link. The Triforce of Wisdom corresponds to the revered princess, Zelda. Finally, the villainous Ganondorf wields the Triforce of Power.

In various games within “The Legend of Zelda” series, the symbol of the Triforce remains recognizable and serves similar purposes. It holds great significance as the franchise’s most famous emblem. Primarily, the Triforce is coveted by characters who aim to either contain evil or rule tyrannically. Notably, “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time” significantly contributed to the Triforce’s iconic status within the series.

In more modern Zelda titles like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, the significance of the Triforce has been noticeably scaled down. While traces of this emblem can still be found, the actual relic itself is barely present in these games. Neither title makes a direct reference to the Triforce nor uses it as prominently as in earlier Zelda installments.

The Triforce Could Make its Big Comeback in Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom

Despite Zelda being a character who hasn’t been playable herself before, Echoes of Wisdom introduces some fresh elements in various ways. However, it’s worth noting that this installment pays tribute to an essential aspect of the Zelda series: its classic 2D gameplay layout. This resurrection of the 2D format raises questions about whether other long-standing traditions from earlier games might be reintroduced as well.

In “Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom,” the story took a more lightweight approach compared to previous “Legend of Zelda” games. A shift in the other direction, with a more complex narrative in “Echoes of Wisdom,” would be an exciting change of pace. If this were to happen, it seems fitting that the Triforce reappears in “The Legend of Zelda.”

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2024-07-20 16:35