The recent gameplay showcased forThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdommight have focused on Link’s new abilities, but background details revealing the return ofBreath of the Wild’sdragons has restarted speculation that the Golden Goddesses might also return for the latestZeldasequel. While the names of people and places were variouseaster eggs from acrossZeldagames, the three dragons' names being named after three Golden Goddesses led some fans to theorize beyond mere references. Introduced toZeldalore as early asA Link to the Past, their last appearance was in Skyward Swordwhich means they’re overdue a reprisal.
SinceBreath of the Wildomitted key staples of theZeldaseries, there had been fervent speculation following the sequel’s announcement that anything previously missing would now be reintroduced. Some of these have already been confirmed to appear inThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomwith an obvious example being Ganondorf’s revival, while others are still only theorized but highly anticipated like the Triforce’s return. But just as Ganondorf is connected to the Triforce, so too are the Golden Goddesses, which means that his and the dragons' return has set the stage forTears of the Kingdomto bring back Din, Farore, and Nayru.
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Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is Returning to the Series' Roots
As much asBreath of the Wildwas celebrated among players when it launched and has since become of the series' favorites, it had received some criticism for how much it departed fromZeldalore if only at the surface level. For example, though they served as an important mechanic for Link’s health and stamina, the statues of Goddess Hylia which were scattered throughoutBreath of the Wildhad no bearing on its story. Consequently, fans have since been anticipating thatHylia’s role is improved forTears of the Kingdom, and the same could be considered for the Golden Goddesses.
Already, information surroundingTears of the Kingdomhas revealed that many classicZeldaelements will be returning, with potential examples including enemies such as ReDeads and even Gleeoks. While this has prompted further speculation about otherclassic enemies returning toTears of the Kingdom, the implication seems to be that the upcomingZeldasequel is a clear effort to deepen its roots in the series beyond the extentBreath of the Wildhad. With this in mind and the possibility that Ganondorf will bring with him the Triforce,Tears of the Kingdomhas both the opportunity and the incentive to bring back the Golden Goddesses.
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Benefits From The Golden Goddesses' Return
But whileTears of the Kingdommight have the opportunity, it would need to justify the Golden Goddesses' return even if they are a key part ofZeldalore. Since there’s still a great deal unknown about how the likes of Ganondorf orLink’s new abilitiesfactor intoTears of the Kingdom, it’s even more unclear where the Golden Goddesses might also return. However, recognizing thatBreath of the Wildtook great effort hinting towards the Golden Goddesses, from the namesakes of regions and dragons to springs connecting to Wisdom, Power, and Courage, its sequel has plenty to expand upon.
Though it’s not yet been confirmed, theTriforce’s return inZelda: Tears of the Kingdomcould be the ideal route through which the game reintroduces the Golden Goddesses. Just as each part of the Triforce is connected to Din, Farore, and Nayru respectively, so too are these similarly connected to Link, Ganondorf, and Zelda. As a result, the Golden Goddesses can serve as the linchpin inTears of the Kingdom’s plot through whichBreath of the Wild’smissing Triforce can have both its prior absence and subsequent return explained away, all while Link and Zelda hastily fight to rediscover its power in order to defeat Ganondorf.
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Ways The Golden Goddesses Could Return in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
If the Golden Goddesses were to return inTears of the Kingdom, whether it served a greater purpose to its story or not, then there are several different options for their reintroduction. One immediate possibility would be to giveBreath of the Wild’sdragons expanded rolesforTears of the Kingdom, and part of this could be to take advantage of their ties to the Golden Goddesses. With their return confirmed, the dragons' new roles inTears of the Kingdomcould involve quest lines that seek to test Link’s worthiness by the Golden Goddesses similar to the Malice Naydra event inBreath of the Wild.
Alternative options for reintroducing the Golden Goddesses, however, could involve the anticipation thatTears of the Kingdommight amplify religious themesseen across theZeldaseries. Though Nintendo goes to great efforts to avoid real-world religion,Zeldahas a long history with ideas of faith, the supernatural, and deities, which includes not just Ganon as the Demon King but also the Golden Goddesses. Though the titular kingdom may still be uncertain inTears of the Kingdom, it is likely that the game will explore Hyrule’s past and could therefore open the door to religious history around the Golden Goddesses buried prior toBreath of the Wild.
Another route for the Golden Goddesses has more questionable potential, but if fan theories aboutTears of the Kingdomconnecting toTwilight PrincessandSkyward Swordare true, then their return would be all but inevitable. For instance, the Golden Goddesses were significantly involved in the story ofTwilight Princessprior to the game’s events. Therefore, with speculation aroundBreath of the Wildfeaturing the Arbiter’s Grounds, the game’s titular kingdom potentially being the Twilight Realm, and the green magic uncannily similar to the Twili, the Golden Goddesses might be reprised forTears of the Kingdomif its events are directly inspired byTwilight Princess.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis set to release onMay 12, 2023, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
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