The Source of Hyrule's Suffering - The Temple of Light

The disastrous consequences of one man's insatiable greed in an era long forgotten can still be felt to this day. As we attempt to traverse Hyrule's buried history, the complex mystery of the wicked world beneath our feet begins to unravel...
Watch my previous video this one was based on!
• Hyrule's DEEPEST Secre...
Watch my video that mentions the Bargainer Statues!
• Discovering the Zonai'...
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Check out this VERY much related video that he made!
• Why did the Zonai buil...
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#zelda #theory #tearsofthekingdom #totk #ocarinaoftime #nintendo

[@GossipGeist]

Can't wait to find out how close to the truth (or far from it) our theories have gotten when Tears of the Kingdom's Masterworks book finally releases at the end of this month! Fingers crossed! For even more evidence backing up this theory, check out this awesome Short made by SwaggMasta! kzbin.infoVx7zRxuu7L8?si=_YqOCKCdoIypjosS

[@celestialmon539]

There is one thing I want to know: How did the Master Sword get back up to surface? Rauru & Sonia didn’t seem to be aware of the Master Sword within the various cutscenes; not unless Zelda didn’t think to mention it. The Master Sword was sealed with Ganondorf at the end of Wind Waker, so how was it taken out of Ganondorf’s head and brought back to the surface?

[@GossipGeist]

@celestialmon539 Ah, I'm glad you asked! That previous video of mine that was referenced at the beginning of this one holds the answers that you seek and more!

[@celestialmon539]

@@GossipGeist I remember watching that video. I’ll go ahead and rewatch it to see what I missed/forgot.

[@celestialmon539]

@@GossipGeist Just rewatched the video, and I sort of see what you meant. Even though the video explains how no one from Rauru & Sonia’s time of ruling knew of the Master Sword, I didn’t see how the Master Sword could’ve gotten to the Great Deku Tree in BotW & TotK. The only thing I could think of is that maybe some of the Ancient Hylians that were involved in the exploration of The Depths with the Zonai found it sometime after Ganondorf was sealed away. I noticed that the video made sense on how Rauru and Sonia assumed they were the “first” rulers of Hyrule, and why certain locations have changed. Also, when I looked at the trees planted by the Koroks in Wind Waker, I believe that the tree that is just south west of Dragon Roost Island is most likely the Great Deku Tree we see in BotW & TotK since it seems to be in the perfect spot for them to be. This could explain why the Great Deku Tree is in a different area compared to the south east area that the previous ones have been located.

[@Ganondorf77]

Bravo! 👏👏👏👏👏 It all makes complete sense, I didn't truly understand the tie-in to Windwaker, but now it is undeniable in my mind. Bravo 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@rgentum_201]

The point about the four bosses and the four shrines that are missing from the Great Plateau blew my mind.

[@Cadialvaro]

Perhaps he targeted the Great Plateau as pathways for chasms, he knew what he was doing from far away below. What I wonder, however, is how did he know exactly the demons to free to attack Hyrule’s different regions? Did his secret stone teach him which light roots to attack?

[@aidanhammans9337]

@@CadialvaroA good guess perhaps.

[@zomfragger]

The chases line up with shiekah shrines from breath of the wild.

[@Fullmetal_Gacha]

@@CadialvaroWe know that Ganondorf leaked Malice while he was sealed, eventually building up and bursting in the form of Calamity Ganons, but some of that malice must have escaped into the Depths as well. I think this malice that spread across the depths was what allowed Ganondorf to know what demons were sealed where, and eventually which ones to set free given that malice did seem to carry some piece of his consciousness.

[@markanthony7191]

​@@Fullmetal_Gachayall dont think he created the four bosses when he first turned into the demon king , so just just revieved the ones he made back then?

[@GoodNintentions]

This is probably the most narratively satisfying theory I’ve seen. And there are no timeline shenanigans needed, just interpretation of environmental storytelling. fantastic work.

[@GossipGeist]

Thank you very much!

[@sophitiaofhyrule]

Yes, these are the best theories! The ones that tell a good story

[@lundylow]

There's something disquieting about what effectively has always felt like another dimension, a dream state, or even the afterlife, being accessable by just jumpin' in a hole in the ground. "Oh yeah, heaven and hell? It's right down thur."

[@Solrex_the_Sun_King]

"Abandon all hope all ye who enter here." Being able to jump in a hole to enter the afterlife is super far from a new concept.

[@Fullmetal_Gacha]

In a sense the depths do seem to be some form of other dimension. They mimic the layout of the surface world and are filled with ghosts and monsters, almost exactly like the dark world from Link to the Past.

[@OctagonalSquare]

@@Solrex_the_Sun_Kingjust because it’s not the first time doesn’t mean it’s not an unsettling concept. And I don’t know of another GAME that does it

[@burger_kinghorn]

Why not, it worked for the Greeks?

[@burger_kinghorn]

​@@Fullmetal_Gacha then what were the zonai doing down there in the first place when they discovered zonaite? There is another theory about gloom leaked out of its lair all the way down below because the zonai dug too deep. They crossed into the realm of the dead for materials and unearthed the source of evil. It's like in Lord of the Rings when Gandalf said the dwarves became too greedy and dug too deep only to awaken an ancient balrog (fiery demon at the bridge in Moria).

[@GameTrekker]

The Depths being Old Hyrule after a long and slow corruption by ancient evil while the surface is a new continent formed by the efforts of the Deku Tree and Koroks (that started in Wind Waker) is just the best and coolest theory. Regarding the video in general, I'll just say this: You have a true talent for bringing a ton of disparate details together to create a sensical and satisfying narrative.

[@GossipGeist]

I really do love this theory, there's just way too many details and evidence surrounding it for it to not hold any weight. I'm so curious to find out if TotK's Masterworks book divulges any of this information. Also, thank you very much GameTrekker, you're an absolute legend!

[@darkdagger5237]

@@GossipGeist The Sacred realm is altered when someone attempts to bind the full Triforce to themselves. If that person is good then the Sacred realm becomes a paradise to reflect that but if that person is evil then the Sacred realm will become a land of demons to reflect that. Since king Daphnes was the last user of the Triforce in the Adult timeline the Sacred realm was purified which goes against your theory.

[@GossipGeist]

@darkdagger5237 Actually, although both the Triforce and the Sacred Realm are affected by the heart of people, the Triforce has no impact on the Sacred Realm and neither does the Sacred Realm have any impact on the Triforce. When attempting to lay claim to the full Triforce, if that person's heart is not in alignment, meaning their ambitions aligns a little too heavily with one particular attribute, such as Power, the Triforce will grant that person only that single piece, while the other two pieces seek refuge in those whom they deem to be the most suitable, such as Link and Zelda. Only after reclaiming the other two pieces by physically reuniting them is the Triforce wielder of Power able to make use of the Triforce. The Sacred Realm is a location that alters itself to reflect the inner workings of the heart of the person who enters it. Taking on the appearance of a heavenly paradise amongst the clouds if the person is pure of heart, or a demonic world of darkness if the person has a wicked heart. King Daphnes' wish upon the Triforce had no affect on the state of the Evil Realm, thus, the theory still stands.

[@darkdagger5237]

@@GossipGeist That's actually not true by the interactions shown in the games and manuals. If that was true then in A link to the past when Ganon entered the Sacred realm with his band of thieves then that would have been the moment the Sacred realm was corrupted not when Ganon touched the Triforce. The change happened when Ganon touched the Triforce not before and in Ocarina of time the Sacred realm was once again corrupted when Ganon touched the Triforce and if it was based on who enters the realm then the presence of Link and the sages would have purified the Sacred realm. In Ocarina of time the Sacred realm stayed corrupted through the entire game after Ganon touched the Triforce. In A link to the past the Sacred realm was purified not by the removal of Ganon but by Link touching the Triforce. In A link between worlds the Sacred realm of Lorule was not corrupted even though Yuga entered it which means that the act of entering the Sacred realm is irrelevant to the state of the Sacred realm. The action of trying to bind the Triforce to a user has always been connected to the state of the Sacred realm.

[@unturned6066]

I just saw a video of some cave spelunkers finding an old fossilised tree that basically seemed to grow into the ceiling above... so maybe it's not so crazy. I wonder if the Koroks are how this world extends. Did it start with a single seed, maybe?

[@Neximus2]

The zelda timeline is so vast and convoluted it could be any act of sealing Gannon that caused the damage to the depths.

[@nigeladams8321]

Or one that we haven't seen, there's the whole aspect of the hero hero that we haven't seen anything about besides him fighting a version of Ganon

[@Echo81Rumple83]

I'm just surprised that all of those diverging timelines haven't caused a time paradox that could rip the fabric of the universe. I wonder if time-blindness is a contributing factor for that stabilization, in which you can pick and choose which timeline to travel. Kind of like save scumming.

[@nigeladams8321]

@@Echo81Rumple83 ripping the fabric of the universe seems a lot like what's happening in echoes of wisdom

[@JMac413410]

​@@Echo81Rumple83 i had a thought about that... that Calamity Ganon is that paradox, in a manner of speaking. Here is my reasoning: throughout the three timelines we have multiple iterations of Link and Zelda. They grow old, die, and a new set come along. But Ganon is the same, when he died in the games he was resurrected in later games except in Twilight Princess and Wind Waker where he died permanently. We don't actually see a "new" Ganondorf like we do with Link and Zelda until TotK, its just the Ganondorf from OoT. When the timelines merged, so to did Ganon. His powers across the timelines merged, and his memories merged... and the sudden surge of power along with the memories of his constant losses caused him to go insane and become Calamity Ganon.

[@geoffreyrichards6079]

@@JMac413410 I dunno… The Ganondorf in “Four Swords Adventures” isn’t the same Ganondorf seen in OoT/WW/TP, and is mentioned to be another incarnation of the entity that is Denise’s hatred.

[@thegreenthunder5416]

My theory is that the Depths were created by Demise long before the games existed. It says in the opening crawl of SS that Demise came up through a fissure in the earth, leading me to believe that the Depths are the source of all demons and monsters. This is also how all of the wellspring locations appear directly under all of the springs, since the springs likely wouldn’t have moved prior or after SS. It would make sense that the Depths have been there since the beginning versus before WW due to various locations beneath the depths. The Depths being the source of all demons also mimics religious ideology, that angels and gods come from above and demons come forth from fiery pits below, and pretty much all of SS is a creation myth so it’d probably fit better as the realm of Demise

[@fallatiuso]

Imagine tho if there was a depth _below_ the depths, and that's where the demons originally originated from.

[@thegreenthunder5416]

@@fallatiuso no I think Gloom’s Origin is perhaps the old throne room of Demise, or his birthplace…the birthplace of all evil. It’s not certain if Ganondorf creates the “Dark Roots” around Hyrule or not, but you could theorize and extrapolate that Demise was born at the root and heart of Gloom’s Origin, making it one of the oldest places in Hyrule. And this is just speculation, the giant dark tree at the heart of Gloom’s Lair could be a polar opposite to the Faron Tree in SS, but instead of a symbol of life is a symbol of death and malice. Of course, this would mean the Faron Tree used to be where the castle is standing now, far away from the actual Faron region but then it is a stones throw away from the Breach of Demise. I personally wouldn’t place SS happening around those areas, but it’s definitely fun to think about

[@speedude0164]

​@@thegreenthunder5416You can find several Gloom roots in the Forgotten Foundation that weren't there when we first visited with Zelda. That implies to me that Ganondorf did create the Gloom tree, or at least spread its roots across the Depths (that's probably how he created the rest of the chasms too).

[@thelavinator6343]

This is what I think as well.

[@thegreenthunder5416]

@@speedude0164 possibly! It certainly feels like old magic, though, like something Demise could conjure. It could be that Gloom’s Origin is a nexus of darkness and that just gives Ganondorf a power up to cast the dark root spell throughout the Depths. I’ve seen in other videos that claims Link is the one that’s naming the locations in the Depths since the Depths weren’t fully explored by anyone before and many locations (like Abandoned Tarrey Mine) are named after locations that didn’t exist until recently or couldn’t possibly have existed that long ago. The robots even named the mines different things than what Link calls them, so it’s possible the location is called “Gloom’s Origin” purely as name given by Link in reference to Ganondorf

[@victoriaslugworth]

I would like to add that the very aquatic looking plants native to the depths would certainly add credence to the idea that the Depths were once buried beneath the Great Sea; especially since we know they are Old Hyrule, this just confirms it was once flooded, making you correct on all counts.

[@avon_c6199]

Don't we also find rock salt in 'The Depths' aswell? I mean, what is usually one of the leftover byproducts of a dried out sea? Take a guess.

[@hyper_lynx]

I do wonder where all the water went

[@ChuckSploder]

@@hyper_lynx evaporated out of the depths through the ground, helping to form the new ocean that rises 800+m over the old one

[@CZsWorld]

This is such a good theory. It makes the end of TotK feel even more terrifying, Link literally ventured down into an evil realm. However hard it may be to believe that Muktorok is a feared demon.

[@GossipGeist]

Mucktorok is as goofy as can be, but man, that little guy has some pretty powerful defenses and abilities. Would have been the perfect boss to appear in a sequel to Super Mario Sunshine if they ever made one.

[@graenovember]

muktorokwas hard for me 😂 i was playing it while lining up in immigration and i had difficulty wearing it down with water. probably the longest most tedious fight i had among all the bosses

[@hangeer4029]

​@@GossipGeist well the Muktorok is already really damn similar to a boss fight in Splatoon 3 that already had a reference to a Mario Sunshine boss lol-

[@pancakes8670]

With other major Zelda Tubers choosing to ignore Totk, I'm so happy that you still make theory videos on it. There is a lot more in this game to disect than a lot of the fandom cares to look for. When the Zelda fandom circles back around to Totk in the future, I'm sure some of your theories will be at the forefront!

[@GossipGeist]

I totally agree, there's plenty of things still left in TotK just waiting to be talked about, which is why I never gave up on it in the first place. My hope is that by making videos like these, some day, I'll inspire those creators to make their grand return to theorizing about the game. I'm sure that the community, as well as myself would love to have them all back and in on the action once more. I'm fairly certain that the Masterworks book for TotK will reignite a lot of passion in people for making TotK videos, so we'll have to wait and see how that goes. Thank you very much for your comment, it means a lot to me to hear those words!

[@thebluerodriguez4085]

They ignore it bc there's isn't anything of value in this game to talk about. All you can do is fill the gaps like this guy on the video with, while fun and entertaining, still unfounded ideas, like, you can say old Hyrule is the depths, but then there's nothing there to prove it or even hint it, bc you have Rauru literally saying he built everything and mined the depths bc there was zonnaite or whatever, also he built the chamber down the castle, so it's just this goat god doing it all and leaving nothing to theorize. Also Botw and Totk having a 10,000+ years separation from the rest of Zeldas just make all efforts of making connections worthless.

[@R.A.M_Games]

Most Zelda lore is just head canon based on loosely tied theories in the first place. Zelda tubers are just mad that there head canons had been subverted by Nintendo(which is something Nintendo has been doing to us since OOT)

[@R.A.M_Games]

Sorry I meant theories

[@Fabio-gk4xz]

​@@R.A.M_Gameseven before oot, in the first two games the main religion was christianity

[@LegendofKal]

Oh my god, I didn't even realize that Ganondorf's chamber in the Depths was a corrupted Lightroot, and the many branches twisting and winding stem from it! I always found the branches odd, but never actually connected it to something. I guess my brain didn't even consider the possibility of a corrupted Lightroot even existing, especially since there's 120 of the un-corrupted ones, and gloom is everywhere.

[@funnature8679]

With the help of the lightorbs with Link and zelda's light powers it will cleanse, dissolve, and purify that same lightroot will purge and dissolve those negative and the essence of all those Ganondorf's cause.(cleaning the mess) Then the light of the Master sword will increase dramatically in power when it's powered by zelda, Raru and sonia can assist in powering up Fi and the blade itself.

[@Levacque]

I feel like a fool for missing the connection, to be honest

[@hyper_lynx]

I always read it as more of an anti-lightroot, gathering darkness instead of light, but it could be that it was originally a normal light root yeah

[@JMac413410]

i did notice that the red branches all stemmed from the center where Ganondorf was sealed, plus the pulses of red light going down them was like blood going through veins... very eerie and dark.

[@pipedream2556]

The idea that the priginal kingdom became the Depths because of the end of Wind Waker covering it up with more land was just SUCH a fascinating detail! It might have been what totally convinced me, its the only time ive seen any real explanation for why the earth is hollow, and it makes TOTAL sense in this version of history 😅

[@R.A.M_Games]

You are the one of only Zelda tuber that actually makes compelling theories that directly tie into lore. Most zeldatubers nowadays are to caught up with head canons being proven wrong and dismissive towards the lore in tears when there is so much that has yet to be unpacked

[@wert556]

Frl dude. Totk is far more complex and challenging to crack down.

[@DarkwaveMistress]

This is a great theory. I really like how you connected all of Ocarina Rauru's dialogue and the placements to support it. It also makes sense that there's 4 regional phenomena and 4 initial shrines. I always thought that shrines commemorate the places where demons were defeated, and that Rauru worked them later when Zelda arrived with the purpose of aiding Link, and that they stand where a demon destroyed something that connected to the roots. You know, trees. Like the Sakura trees where you can summon Satori. No evidence, just a little headcanon.

[@spudsbuchlaw]

Totk, and botw being in the Adult timeline, thus actually explaining why Hyrule wound be destroyed, thus necessitating a new Hyrule for Rauru to be the "1st king" of, and even why Rito, Koroks, Goron and even Zora are all sharing space

[@he-who-has-too-many-hyphen2210]

It also explains why the Triforce never seems to show up outside of symbolism in BotW/TotK. The last time it was shown in the Adult timeline (that I know of) was at the bottom of the ocean, so it's probably buried somewhere in the depths still. Maybe the Zonai might have found one of the pieces while digging up Zoanite and decided "Y'know what? This triangle is pretty powerful, but would be more useful as multiple objects." and broke it apart to make the Secret Stones. It might explain why Ganondorf had such a massive power boost from his stone compared to other wielders and why he felt such a need to get him one, you could say his soul is attuned to that particular 'Power'. Thats probably my headcanon now: the Secret Stones are fragments of the Triforce of Power. It even makes sense why swallowing one turns you into a dragon, since beastly transformations have always seemed to be in the abilities of Power.

[@Pearl7sp]

@@he-who-has-too-many-hyphen2210 i think that zelda has the triforce inside of her, and is keeping it safe, that seems to be what the sealing power is.

[@antiope-d9780]

​@@he-who-has-too-many-hyphen2210 i thought the triforce was gone gone after being used at the end of WW?

[@triplewario]

I've had the same theory in mind for a while! And to add onto this: The location "Breach of Demise" doesn't seem to indicate anything. But if you go to that exact location in the Depths, you'll see a giant hole covered with boulders. This further indicates that THIS is where Demise breached pre-Skyward Sword, which further proves that the Depths is the old Hyrule.

[@ancientbaltoy8769]

Okay, the idea that there are 120 other bosses stuck inside roots underground, is actually terrifying.

[@albertnortononymous9020]

DLC time!

[@LokkerG]

Maybe some places hold less powerful monsters?

[@robertsmall5168]

My only disagreement is the theory that the depths’ plantlife were originally green. The dephts corruption only refers to all the gloom and monsters around. As for the plants? They only look like that cuz they’re in the dark all the time, being underground and all. Corruption or not The only reason flowers and green plants appear around the Lightroot is simply because that’s what light does to plants biologically, not because that’s what they originally looked like

[@saffo1128]

Where's the water

[@robertsmall5168]

@@saffo1128underground water is also a natural occurrence

[@saffo1128]

@@robertsmall5168 Where's the dirt the ground is stone. Also the water within the depths is replaced with gloom

[@rheokalyke367]

@@saffo1128 there are plenty of lakes in the depths. Especially around the springs. Water within the depths is not replaced with gloom by the way. It's just rocky walls.

[@SmashardGG]

One of the things i love so much about games Are the lore in them, zelda has the perfect lore that everybody likes and never forgets, one thing i also like about theory videos is that they talk about something that happened in the past that affects the future games and its more fun when you know the hero reincarnates the entire time. This theory video was sick! You deserve 100k now🔥

[@GossipGeist]

My love for Zelda games and the lore that can be discovered within them is never ending. I'm always grateful to be able to provide content like this to like-minded Zelda enthusiasts such as yourself, so thank you very much for your kind words and for watching my video!

[@HawkeGaming]

Dude, the production level of these videos is getting insane. Keep up the good work! I can't wait to see what crazy theories you cook up next.

[@GossipGeist]

Thank you! If you thought this one was well edited, wait until you see what I've slowly been working on behind the scenes, it's truly something special and I can't wait until everyone finally gets to watch it!

[@wizcatcheslightning]

He truly jumped right in 🥲

[@GossipGeist]

He will be missed dearly. Poor little fella.

[@CordometerChannal]

I believe that this theory could also explain the reason why the Master Sword was weakened in both Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Rauru didn't exactly seal Ganondorf away for good like the other demons he seals, really he just prolonged the inevitable by slowing down time. Not knowing that, where he decided to "seal" Ganondorf away was right above the heart of the sacred realm which turned into the Evil Realm thanks to the sealing of a previous Ganondorf (Ocarina of Time/The Wind Waker). With time slowed down for Ganondorf, he is able to still harness the darkness from below, strengthening himself thanks to the Secret Stone he still had embedded in his head. When Calamity Ganon/Ganondorf awakened, they were using the darkness they collected over the eons. When Calamity Ganon awakened, it was using the darkness that Ganondorf collected to attack. The Master Sword is used to seal the darkness is too weak to handle it cause all that darkness is all the darkness that Ganondorf saved up. The reason why it may be decaying in Breath of the Wild is cause Calamity Ganon may just have been a puppet, meaning the darkness it brought wasn't as strong as to where it was coming from but still did some heavy damage to the sword due to it's power. Calamity Ganon was a shot in trying to take over Hyrule so, when Ganondorf breaks free, he can just get right to ruling Hyrule with ease. The reason why the Master Sword shatters in the second game is cause Ganondorf is strengthened from the darkness he taken in from the Evil Realm along with that secret Stone that empowered him to be so strong. Ultimately shattering cause the Master Sword absorbed too much of what it could handle along with the properties of gloom that is meant to decay and wither people and objects. A perfect mixer to breaking the blade into pieces

[@BrandonWindsor7]

It's fascinating to know the Sacred Realm/Chamber of Sages/Evil Realm etc.. are all physical locations one can access and not the ethereal realms they initially seem to be. It makes sense since wars for the triforce have taken place there. And whatever state the sacred realm is in would reflect in Hyrule.

[@NintendoBlackCrisis]

One of the best TotK theories I’ve seen! I think you’re spot on about the missing shrines of the plateau and 4 bosses. Brilliant work

[@GossipGeist]

It's awesome to see you here NBC, thank you very much! I'm doing my best to keep the fire burning for some TotK theorizing, so I'm very glad that you enjoyed this one! Still got plenty of ideas left in the old noggin to put into video format, especially now that Master Works is officially out!

[@captaincam331]

this is probably the most cohesive theory I've ever seen

[@SwaggMasta0]

You have once again cooked! Incredibly thorough research, beautifully edited and insanely good research! Definitely worth the wait!

[@GossipGeist]

Couldn't have done it without you! Thanks man!

[@SwaggMasta0]

@@GossipGeist I meant to put writing not research twice 😂 I've been driving all day. My brain is fried

[@TheHaddonfieldRegistry]

Wow I'm only 1 minute in and I'm already sitting back in my chair rethinking the Zelda timeline. BRB watching that vid first

[@ZeroN1neZero]

Gossip Geist swooping down to make my day with some absolutely beautiful storytelling and theorizing. I love to see it every time💖❤️‍🔥

[@CaptBurgerson]

Another point of evidence to support the depths being the evil realm is the visual inspiration for the depths, as stated by the devs themselves: The Dark World of A Link to the Past. Comparing the bleak browns and greys with purple vegetation is pretty revealing, there are a lot of visual parallels, and the Dark World is of course the Golden Land corrupted by Ganon's evil during the events of the Downfall Timeline. Great video Geist!

[@GossipGeist]

Thank you, CB! There's just something that's so mystifying and cool about ALttP's backstory presented during the opening of the game and the lore that's in the manual, even though some of it has become slightly outdated over the years, I still find myself occasionally coming back to it and thinking about the implications of it all. ALttP is such a great game and I'm amazed at how often the game is still able to be referenced and talked about in modern day theories. I really appreciate that you checked out this video, thank you again for watching and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrijor]

This sounds incredibly plausible holy shit

[@simondelisle9310]

Wow ! What an amazing video ! Clearly, this is your best one yet ! This theory just freaking works, the details, the way it's told, I am yet again amazed. It makes it also even sadder for the kingdom of hyrule in the adult timeline because not only the old hyrule got sunk by water but also got fully corrupted by the evil of Ganon. It just shows why Ganondorf is an actual threat and one of the best villain in gaming.

[@GossipGeist]

Thank you very much, Simon! I'm glad you enjoyed it. That's true. Hyrule in general has suffered greatly due to the curse of Demise, but the Adult Timeline's Hyrule has suffered on a completely different level. I agree wholeheartedly about how Ganondorf is one of the best villains out there, and I bet if anyone had any doubts about that, their minds will be changed soon. I'm cooking something up that'll do just that.

[@Aster-zmods]

love the use of Ultracam for cinematics with Rauru in them

[@GossipGeist]

Ultracam is so versatile, it's seriously the best!

[@mattgroth]

Where do I start? You make such a convincing argument….without arguing! I love the fact that you just stick to the raw evidence/facts and don’t wander into speculation. Keep it up! :)

[@aavagourlay8098]

This is one of the best timeline suggestions I’ve seen, I especially adore the wind waker’s koroks being the explanation for there being so much height between where hyrule is now and where it used to be! Incredible theorycrafting

[@miastubbs5371]

this is genuinly one of the best zelda theories i have ever watched and it was made in SUCH a digestable format. 10/10

[@JD-qq8fz]

2:01 hahah man that sound effect makes me laugh whenever it comes up here or there

[@XxsoapywolfxX]

As much as I would like to agree with this theory, unfortunately it would also fit with the "Downfall Timeline" as Ganondorf was able to actually attain victory, which would've resulted in the Sacred Realm becoming the Dark Realm. There's also Ganondorfs victory in Twilight Princess in the Child timeline. And if the heroes in both the Downfall Timeline and the Child Timeline didn't know of the Sacred Realm becoming the Evil Realm and the underground of Hyrule had all this time to fester, then it explains why it would be in all 3 timelines. Coincidentally, it also REALLY explains how Hyrule's geography changes so rapidly within 100 years. If the "Evil Realm" was deteriorating the ground and destroying light roots, creating these vast voids where land once was, then having the geography of Hyrule change so rapidly isn't out of the question. Also, with this concept, Hyrule in the Adult Timeline got flooded, but whose to say that it didn't sink? I mean, these super massive cave systems supporting an entire kingdom and it's mountain ranges. If Ganondorf really did come out of the ground like this theory proposes, then that would be grounds for the entirety of Wind Waker to be viewed in a completely different light as that could possibly have lead to an Earthquake which started sinking the kingdom in the first place.

[@-cosmicrogue-]

This is the most concise and least convoluted TOTK video if yet seen. Good job!

[@GossipGeist]

Thank you, I really appreciate it!

[@HumbleTeller]

Very well put together theory! I'm so excited when TotK Master Works does finally get published. Judging by how much significance the "Temple of Lights ruins" footnote has already ignited some theories I'm hoping Master Works will lead back to a resurgence of theories and conversation around the game. There's such a gold mine of opportunity

[@_quinteros]

Bro is single handedly fixing the poor totk narrative, and is successing

[@Gamemaster6400]

I'll be honest, I'm still not convinced. The biggest thing for me is that the sacred realm, in all other retellings is noted as if it is a different dimension entirely, most notably in the link to the past the dark world is noted to be a corrupted version of the sacred realm and it's a fully different dimension. As well in Twilight Princess we evidently enter the original temple of light (though it is called the temple of time Raru's light symbol is found throughout) which we get to by seemingly traveling back in time and unlocking a path via the master sword through the window, potentially a small hidden portal to the sacred realm protected by the master sword. The architecture would make no sense for it to be anything besides a portal to somewhere else, maybe a location beneath the temple of time I could see but I doubt it personally

[@virusklaxsosaur4054]

Dont forget we go t a different realm(which is separate and mmore than likely is the sacred realm) in ss to pass the trials and eventually get the triforce

[@toninomatalone7323]

As he said later in the video, we don't actively enter the sacred realm, just the edge of, which might've "bleed" into the real world due to the evil corruption.

[@KokiriTheory]

I’m so late to the party but this video 1. Blew my mind and 2. Made me want to fully replay TOTK asap so thank you for that!!! 🎉 great work as always GG!

[@GossipGeist]

Any time, KT! I've found so many interesting new things while capturing the footage for this video that it made me want to replay TotK as well. Thank you for checking out the video!

[@iceneko9170]

Its theories like this that renew my frustration that rauru isnt a companion character outside the great sky island lol. Im not convinced that its the 'evil realm' down there. But I do think theres something down under the 'glooms lair' that we find ganondorf. Its such an ominous structure with little to no explanation. Edit: I really like your speculation on the light roots too. Fantastic video overall.

[@elsiebartlett6808]

I think this might be one of my favorite TotK theories I’ve seen so far. Fantastic work, amazing research, and great footage! Thank you GossipGeist!

[@AccountNia]

Omg those shannel is a definition of a word “epic” Im covered in shivers 🙏🏼

[@robertsmall5168]

That’s actually some pretty fascinating and symbolic world building: The idea that Demons and the Evil Realm can only exist and thrive in the deepest caverns of the earth (like roaches under a brick), only to be used as fertilizer for the Lightroot as they convert their demonic energy into purifying light from the surface shrines. It’s as if to say Good cannot exist naturally without being built upon Evil first, which is definitely the case from a moral insightful perspective. - The Sheikah Tech used converted Malice as fuel, hence why it was easily susceptible to it - While the Zonai Light used straight up Gloom and Demons as fuel, therefore Ganondorf was able to easily corrupt that giant root under the chamber

[@AntonioGalio-yh5zo]

would that mean evil comes first, or evil is more important than good?

[@danielf9251]

This is an amazing theory and makes so much sense. Im glad i found your channel. I appreciate the time and work to theorizing tears of the kingdom lore. I feel like alot of youtubers just gave up theorizing which made me lose alot respect for most zelda youtube channels. Well done. Awesome theory.

[@GossipGeist]

Thank you very much, I appreciate it! I completely understand where you're coming from and I even agree with you. It's a shame that other creators largely moved on from TotK almost immediately, but that just leaves more work for me, so I guess I can't really complain, lol.

[@danielf9251]

@@GossipGeist Very true! There's still a lot of mystery with TOTK and am glad your finding interesting lore .I see alot of potential with more mysteries discovered with the masterwork book coming out. Keep up the good work. I have faith in the Zelda team and do think TOTK is linked to the timeline. There's plenty of evidence.

[@akiranara6404]

Honestly, I think most KZbinrs gave up on TotK because of how it felt like it was ignoring so much of what came before it. I remember constantly wondering when the ancient Sheikah would even be mentioned, and... it never happened, despite how vitally important they were to the previous game. They didn't even get mentioned at all. Plus it felt like the game was retconning the entirety of OoT and how Ganondorf's imprisonment happened... though as noted in this vid, Ganondorf here could just be a reincarnation, wouldn't be the first time. There's definitely a lot of lore in this game, but making it _fit_ with everything that came before it is incredibly frustrating. BotW was difficult on this front too, but at least there the problem was trying to fit it in a single timeline, when it references all of them to some degree. This game is... a lot more challenging on that front, which I think is why so many Zelda-tubers gave up on it so fast. Don't get me wrong, this vid has a neat theory, but like, there's a reason why so many Zelda-tubers gave up.

[@danielf9251]

@@akiranara6404 I get what you are saying regards to the Sheikah Tech. I think if zelda in the opening mentioned the divine beasts or a cutscene showing the upheavel destroying the shrines/beasts would have helped. The whole refounding thing with King Rauru should have been explained a bit better but i do believe it can fit in the timeline. This Ganondorf is either the orginal after Skyward Sword before OOT or a reincarnation of the one from OOT at the end of the timeline. I do think this game does provide plenty of connections being a sequel. Ganondorf and Calamity Ganon are one and the same mentioned by Impa. Calamity Ganon was a puppet and an extension of Ganondorfs Power seeping out from underneath the castle. Sheikah towers showing guardian parts, characters recognizing Link especially the sages. Mipha Statue and Link riding Sidon Statue. Champions weapons in the game used by the sages, Ancient sages wearing masks that resemble the divine beasts, their temples having art of each divine beasts implying the sheikah were inspired by the zonai. Implication that sheikah energy is a more refined version of the green zonai energy when you upgrade the battery. Heavily implies that the sheikah may have been using the energy of Ganondorf/Rauru to power the sheikah tech from underneath Hyrule castle. Ancient Heros Aspect being part Zonai/Hylian Hybrid. Memorial of fallen soldiers throughout Hyrule and their spirits offering weapons in the depths. Master Kohga and the Yiga, The Hateno School talking about the events of Botw, the three dragons heavily implied to be Zonai that ate their stones and became dragons. There are connections but the player has to really track them down and alot are subtle. Kind of reminds me of Dark Souls storytelling. Could some storytelling choices been done a bit better with a bit more information. Yeah I think so but I dont think the game contradicts the timeline or the events of Breath of the Wild.

[@akiranara6404]

@@danielf9251 I feel I must note that Ganondorf never appeared in Skyward Sword. That game had Demise as the villain, whose Curse of Hatred implicitly "created" Ganondorf later on, as an incarnation of Demise's hatred. And yeah, there are many connections, but there are also issues between BotW and TotK. For example, Bolson doesn't recognize you when you meet him in TotK, despite the fact that Tarrey Town exists, and Hudson clearly _does_ recognize Link, implying that he helped build Tarrey Town as he did in BotW... which requires you to buy the house from Bolson as a prereq.

[@ChuckSploder]

This is one of the best theories I've heard in a while. Before this I think the best one I'd heard was Monster Maze's theory about the connection between Hyrule and Termina.

[@theoneslayer8560]

One of the few and best believable ToTK theories out there; well done, dude.

[@Elwood128]

That 10 second intro was too perfect, instant like.

[@AugustUnbr0ken]

Ganon is one heck of a Houdini! There's no sealed location / realm he can't escape from. Extra! Extra-- Read all about it! Step right up to see a Master Escape Artist get out of the Sacred Realm... again! This video was very very interesting, and definitely has me shaking my head at the seemingly final efforts of each of these Rauru's to seal Ganon away only for him to get out later. I need to read more about how it is stated Ganon does escape / break free...

[@misterrabbit9199]

What an an interesting and *engaging* video! I appreciate how well it ties the previous games mentioned to the new games without getting hung up on the surface level appearing founding retcon. Subscribed!

[@StefawnVan]

Imagine if there was even a suggestive, vague sentence in the actual game about this. I don't believe the devs thought about this. I have zero faith in them at this point. Great work as usual.

[@R.A.M_Games]

It’s called show not tell. There’s many ways to tell a story without having to just info dump. Thats the crux of Zelda lore in the first place.

[@Descending-melodies.]

Damn I guess dark souls just sucks because the story is not on your face. The community at the beginning said the same thing about that game, until they went deep into its symbolism

[@hyper_lynx]

The aquatic plants in the Depths seem like a good place to start then. Cool design motif, or meant to actually look like ancient deep ocean?

[@mcfloridaman2192]

I like the theory, except for trying to tie it into the adult timeline. I would accept it if it wasn’t for the geography of the depths. You claim that the depths is the ancient hyrule before the great flood, but that just doesn’t make sense because the depths is the overworld inverted. Death mountain is the highest natural point in hyrule, but in the depths it is the lowest. It is said that the residents of hyrule escaped to the highest mountain points in wind waker, but if ancient hyrule is the depths, there are no mountain point points to escape to, save for tanagar plateau in the depths. Otherwise the theory is really good, the 4 chasms on the great plateau tying into there being 4 big demons in the game is something I never thought of! Thanks for the interesting theory

[@lunyxappocalypse7071]

Are you trying to talk about geography in a Zelda game? Ok, more seriously, its possible the Goddesses interfered before the time of BOTW. They seem to like changing the landscape for reasons only they and the game devs know about.

[@elikenny1075]

This even explains the whole “first king of hyrule” thing, because rauru could have been the first king of the newly formed post-flood hyrule

[@jamesbate3940]

such a great theory, i was sold when you mentioned the 4 bosses/demons from the 4 shrines on the plateau

[@ura4321]

Great work. You just made me enjoy the story of TOTK a thousand times more.

[@rosalbagrace]

Oh my god FINALLY somebody who really delves into the lore of TOTK and actually gives it some thought intstead of shrugging it off cus it didn't match their pre launch hype theories or whatever. Finally somebody gets it.

[@UltimateTobi]

If Rauru and Sonia went around, trying to purge evil emanating from the "Evil Realm" that was created by OoT-Ganondorf when he got sent there, then that'd place TotK's past, at least, after OoT. I am satisfied with that implication (I still think TotK's past plays way, way after any or all timelines).

[@nigeladams8321]

It could even be before hylia sent chosen up. There's a lot of eye symbology with the zonai they could be to hylia what the shika are to zelda

[@nworder4life]

@@nigeladams8321 Hylia wasn't a mortal, she was an actual goddess. The zonai are just mortals with technological advancements. Besides, there's a hylia statue in the past of TOTK.

[@nigeladams8321]

@@nworder4life I didn't say she was mortal, God's often have mortal helpers. And yeah, if they were helpers to goddess hylia I'm sure she would have plenty of statues around

[@Silarias]

I had always wondered why Ganondorf used roots and a tree like structure to absorb power from the depths. The light root theory makes this a bit clearer.

[@OGZelda626]

It’s criminal that I’m just now seeing this video LIKE HUH??? HOW DID I MISS THIS

[@daniebello]

You’re the first KZbinr I’ve seen talk about the missing shrines on the Great Plateau. i’ve wondered about their disappearance and hoped someone would look into their significance. I really like your theory about the four bosses coming from those destroyed light roots

[@Pardoned]

Love that intro man. Hope you find even more success, keep going.

[@mattomanx77]

Holy moly what a theory! This has to have been an insane amount of work for probably one of the best TotK theories out there explaining so much.

[@thefrenchiestfry360]

This is such a badass interpretation, absolutely blew my mind!

[@B-ot2xx]

The cinematography in this video is sick, dude!

[@GossipGeist]

Thank you, I do my best!

[@samdeez3721]

Tbh, this is pretty spot on, this is a very good contender against the convergence theory, but there's just one issue that leaves me confused on it. That being the Mastersword, not that it being in the new land of Hyrule, but that being the specific version of the sword that we see in the game.

[@justsomerandomdudeontheint9859]

As someone who has only played a single Zelda Game (TOTK) this makes perfect sense. Like no joke, you explained this so well

[@cakedo9810]

Oh my god, I love this idea. I’m only worried that I’ll internalize this theory as the lore of ToTK instead of the dogwater that was dished out. Really makes Ganondorf a bit more threatening than his awkward presentation. For a game about the sky and underground, it only explores the surface of the concepts presented. Good work. I look forward to more!

[@angelo8606]

Actually there's two more shrines not on the Great Plateau that are also at the same place as Sheikah shrines that we can see in Rauru's time. One in the Gerudo Canyon Pass, the other where the Outskirt Stable would be. We get a glimpse of them in memory #10. It seems that all the shrines of light in Rauru's time were at the same place as the Sheikah shrine eventually are. It makes me wonder if it's a development oversight. The cutscenes were probably made before the world in TOTK was finalized. But they knew they needed to place shrines. So they placed them where there were already shrines in Breath of the Wild.

[@undeadgentalmen]

Mate, you are a fresh preceptive on subjects itching the back of my mind for while. Greatly appreciate your breakdown of good theories. -_-7

[@Soupremesoup]

12:51 that looks like were the twinvore are fought in oot aswell

[@banziblar6815]

Every time a shrine told me it was designed to 'purify the ancient evil' (and at the end even showed a little bit of gloom/darkness float out of Link's arm as it accepted the light of blessing) I always figured that originally Ganondorf was supposed to 'poison' Link by corrupting his arm with evil (gloom). And so Rauru gave his own arm to Link to 'override' the evil and help him by sending him to all the 152 shrines to completely purify his arm and make it normal again. I thought this was the reason why a lot of shrines refer to Link/his arm as the 'ancient evil', seemingly because they recognize that Link is a little bit evil because of his arm (for example in the shrines that take away Link's clothes, the shrines mention that they 'trap the ancient evil'). But other than in the shrines there are no other signs in the game of Link's arm slowly eating away at him, so I always figured that somewhere along the line TOTK's writers forgot about the corrupt arm and decided to focus solely on Rauru's arm being its replacement. But they didn't factor in that all the shrines still refer to his arm as the 'ancient evil'.

[@Victreegal]

This is an impressively formatted theory. I really found your evidence compelling. Hoping to see more of this quality theorizing in the future!

[@Mudkipper7]

the way u edited this is so crisp im obsessed

[@Cadialvaro]

Well I’m speechless, this theory is genuinely brilliant. I always wondered where these 4 ugly demons originated from. If the Great Plateau truly is where the kingdom of Hyrule was founded, that explains why the 4 temple bosses from TOTK are the most threatening. For instance, although Muctorok is such a pushover in the actual battle, he’s really evil and smart despite his goofy appearance. Let’s not forget he’s a boss technically connected to the triforce element Zora’s are associated with: Wisdom. Plus not a mindless creature like a Bokoblin: he knew exactly what he was doing. Not only seized the secret stone, but also places himself in that same spot to spew poisonous and lethal muck downwards against the Zora. Among the other 3 demons, I’d wager he’s actually the most dangerous one lore-wise despite his weak appearance. What I wonder, though, is how did these demons manage to find their ways to the respective temples. I know they were commanded by the demon king Ganondorf during the Upheaval. But, how did Muctorok even reach the Water Temple that high above?? It’s a mystery.

[@CrystalArtest]

Maybe one of the 2 fly demons gave him a ride to the temple before heading on their respective temple

[@GossipGeist]

Thank you very much! If you've reached the entrance to Gloom's Origin and completed the fight against Ganondorf's army, then you'll have seen how the bosses appear as if spawned in intentionally by the direct will of Ganondorf. My assumption is that Ganondorf did the same thing when those four Demons were released from their imprisonment. He manually spawned them in at those Temples.

[@augustmacdonald9615]

I'm especially fond of this theory, considering how the creation of LoZ was inspired by the want to give kids a more earthly sense of adventure. Of course divinity (The Light Realm) isn't found in the clouds, it's found within Earth itself. No celestial divinity can truly serve the people, and with Skyward Sword playing with the idea of the Great sky being an escape and refuge but not a *home*, it ties together nicely. Thanks for the awesome video and truly excellent theory, I'd put money down on this truly being canon.

[@crabbuckets7506]

Sheesh, man, your videos just get better every time. This theory is very interesting and seems spot on. Also, your editing is outstanding. Love the new video style.

[@GossipGeist]

Haha, thank you very much, I appreciate that and I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@jasonblome5287]

Wow! That was great! Nice work!

[@craigbernhardt1698]

I was ready to give up on totk theories, but you knocked it out of the park! This has to be accurate there's more than enough evidence imo.

[@luisvelarde4694]

Bro!!!! You just blew my mind!!! Hoping this becomes some sort of canon because daaaaaammmmmnnn!!! 😮

[@jayjasespud]

I don't understand why this game gets the hate that it does.

[@johnospina1953]

Keep up the good work!

[@graenovember]

wonderful video omg 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️🎉❤💯 there haven’t been many robust theory videos on totk (apparentlly, only negativity sells 😒) so as someone who absolutely loved her totk-experience and found many odd suggestions in the world, this has truly fulfilled that craving for me. thank you for being a great zelda youtuber 🙇‍♀️🙇‍♀️ honor to your cow and such

[@CrafterAurora]

Damn ggs, you just changed my mind (my previous headcannon was that BOTW and TOTK were between skyward sword and minish cap)

[@wonderingjibril1210]

I really like this one, and I think you can confirm that the depths is in fact the land of Hyrule from wind waker by looking at some of the 3D maps that people were showing of the actual landscape. I think someone was working on a project of it to try to make it a whole map You should see if you can cross reference the map of the depths if you can find one like an actual blown-out portion of it with that blown out portion from wind weaker. They tend to have that really good consistency with their maps and I think it would prove your theory without a doubt. Like everyone said I believe this is one of the most chronically accurate ones I've seen.

[@devonm042690]

Ever since Skyward Sword, I've thought the mention of Ganon 'creeping forth from the depths of the earth' was a parallel to Demise' initial emergence into the surface world.

[@Aladato]

The temple of light was the biggest shrine of light, and Ganondorf's light root was the most massive, and on being corrupted by gloomalice, spread throughout the whole depths and even the surface. I like it.

[@zenith7128]

Awesome and well thought out theory that just feel right! Would be awesome if the actual story had any modicum of effort comparable to this put into it.

[@kurosakibear]

Amazing! so many details, just wondering, when ganondorf escapes in windwaker prologe, where you think was that place? cause it looks like its not from below the castle😮

[@wintersong2266]

Well the original castle was completely destroyed by the end of the game. So it's not far fetch to think they built the new castle in a different place. After all they did the same thing in Twilight Princess and you can find the ruins of the Ocarina of Time Castle Town in the Sacred Grove.

[@Catpuff818]

I'm so glad I'm watching this video on my TV, the production value is so insane to me, very fickin cool video bro❤

[@GossipGeist]

Thank you very much!

[@princesscadance197]

I regularly go on crusades and purges of monsters in the Depths, but I just do it for loot and the gemstones from Taluses to sell for profit. I guess I've been unknowingly doing a great service to Hyrule all this time when in reality, I just wanted money.

[@DoctorWho1963Start]

That's the most convicting theory I heard so far, I actually believe that it's true

[@brianmiller2878]

Welp, time for another playthrough. Bad ass video

[@cocorita777]

Heelps!! He is doing his best to keep the lore!!! 🤧🤧🤧

This theory kind of made everything click for me, since the Zelda team does not want to create a too rigid canon and lets everyone dream up how things fit together I will choose this theory as my explanation.

[@zinky240]

I still haven't finished BOTW. And since TOTK came out all I have been hearing is that zelda lore is ruined. So that discouraged me from ever finishing BOTW let alone TOTK. This video has brought back that fire. The idea that this game could be post flood hyrule is awesome and I really want to play through both games now to see all of this evidence for myself.

[@Ryu_D]

Thank you for the video.

[@benogden3682]

Your videos are so interesting man, the theories are awesome 😦

[@braydenmaine4818]

That makes alot of sense! When I replayed Majoras Mask, before the clock tower, I noticed the area you start in, after the chase with skull kid, looks just like the depths With firefly sprites, dark trees, fog/white haze, and funky plants that dont appear anywhere else. It resembles a light root zone. Also the Giants, could very well be Bargainer Statues. Their full body has a giant face on their back. I dont think Majoras Mask happens in another world, I think Ikana Canyon is connected to Tears of the Kingdom's Gerudo Desert. Snowhead would be connected to Hebra. Tanagar Canyon would of been Gerudo Valley during Ocarina of time, Lake Hylia is no longer connected, but you can see the remnants. the Spirit Temple in Ocarina of time, is the Forgotten Temple and i dont think its a coincidence they both have the statue of Hylia in the entrance. (They dont look the same because it was a developement after thought) Lady Yono could be from Great Bay I assume the flood waters from Wind Waker, were consumed by the light roots, including Ganons giant light root you mentioned as Ganon needed the water gone to get Hyrule back. The Zora unwittingly helped by using the waterworks and various water temples to control it Its a bit of a stretch but that could be why the water temples are designed as massive pumps. Snow Head also has a massive hole in it that would fit alot of water, and the rest of it would be trapped in ice.