Who is this figure? Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Theory

[@MJTRadio]

Perhaps the more animalistic figure is the Zonai depiction of Hylia. That is something we haven't really seen on this scale yet- another culture, indeed another religion's take on the same deity. That could be interesting.

[@TheThirdPrice]

Wow, I hope that's the case - that'd be really fascinating

[@verdrang5614]

Seems likely to me, really. Honestly, those two being depicted this similarily, maybe the creators of those murals knew that Zelda is Hylia incarnate?

[@GuukanKitsune]

That would make sense if the Zonai didn't have a statue of Hylia at the Sacred Spring of Farore to influence their depiction of Hylia.

[@ablur5129]

Yeah that was my first thought. Its most likely Hylia

[@megaforte84]

@@GuukanKitsune We don't know how old this depiction is though. And there's a long human history of depicting the same spiritual figure different ways based on context. 'Hylia on high among the spirits' and 'Hylia who comes to protect/use the Triforce' (associated with the 3 creator goddesses, thus the springs) could be depicted differently.

[@thomaswebber1435]

I love going back to these lore theory / prediction videos. Turns out it's Rauru! And the other figure (same as the geoglyph) is Sonia. The first King and Queen of Hyrule. But we were so obsessed with the unknown back then 😁

[@BanditGames]

This came out so well man, love all the unique animations too! Thanks for having me on - always an absolute honor 😁

[@Cliffordlonghead]

Hi

[@playboyeightseven]

Subbed! 👏👏

[@josiahtheobald689]

I think that Zelda saw Fi in her dream just like Link did in skyward sword, something for y'all to think about

[@Shabaan]

My two favourite youtubers. Thank u for another mega vid.

[@seanacuswilliams4166]

Just want to point out that our lanky new friend appears to have a 3rd eye 👁 @Zeltik @BanditGames

[@Buyo200]

My theory is that the figure is Link's deity counterpart. Zelda has Hylia, Ganondorf has Demise... Link as the last piece of the triforce may have one as well. The deity has bunny ears, which often represents Link, and all the green energy is very symbolic of him too. Link's deity and Hylia being the ones depicted making a circle with their hands also makes sense in that case, as they're always side by side in their reincarnation cycles. The cherry on cake would be if the Zonai were the civilization that knew and worshipped this rabbit deity, and built the dungeons as a test for Link to reconnect with it, just like the springs for Zelda and Hylia.

[@atziriselenne]

Omg this theory is actually cool

[@scmontgomery]

well you have my vote

[@tracyhess3373]

If the deity does have rabbit ears. It could be an Easter egg from link to the past. Link transfers into a rabbit. When he doesn’t have the moon pearl or when a rabbit beam hits him. It’s probably it’s deity that going help link. Restore the master sword and give him power to stop Calmity Ganondorf. I’m calling him that cause the malice is possessing his corpse. Which is probably the reason why the castle going to the sky. Is either to get triforce those likely it won’t. But it’s the malice is probably trying to get revenge. After what happen 10,000 years ago. But this my speculation. This deity might have stop the cycle of ganon or ganondorf. Resurrection time and time again. It could on stop this cycle. The other cycle being a new hero and princess appearing. Probably it will be this deity. That could stop this complete cycle completely.

[@RandoPassingBy]

That actually makes sense

[@andrewb5870]

hylia- Nayru demise- din so then all we have left is farore. you are spot on!

[@WillardWright1986]

Probably depictic the first contact between ancient Zonai leader and Hylians. Honestly looking forward to seeing more theories.

[@brandonnguyen6718]

Maybe the "Zelda" carving is Hylia? And the other one could just be new deity? Although that could mess up the timeline even more than it is.

[@brandonnguyen6718]

Or, as MJTRadio said, it might just be a depiction of Hylia, as the Zonai might have interpreted her in their own culture.

[@sinteleon]

@@brandonnguyen6718 New, or possibly old. There're 3 deities which existed before Hylia: Din, Nayru and Farore.

[@kaz7886]

In my opinion, Zonai have nothing to do with this game as they would never have a connection to Hylia, Ganon.. or ASTOR which is the red-haired figure we see in the first trailer with the eye on his head. I wonder what connection this game has to Hyrule Warrior, not to the game itself but maybe to it's characters.

[@brandonnguyen6718]

​@@sinteleon Yeah, but those guys have the triforce thing going on, so it would kind of be weird seeing them not together. Remember, we only see one of the "deity" carvings, with no evidence that there's more.

[@SHARPSPEED]

I love how everyone's just all like "ahh, that's just Rauru." Like we're all seeing an old friend.

[@joshuamumm3965]

I feel like it may be a reference to the twilight kingdom Minda specifically since she and Zelda were treated as counterparts in that game and I think the title is a hint towards that since it was Minda's tear that shattered the mirror. The neon glow also reminds me of noncorrupted twilight technology. This might just be wishful thinking but the Zonai may have a connection to twilight?

[@circephoenixx7496]

Yeah i think its midna too

[@DerekAkunne]

I was waiting to see this comment and was super surprised they didn’t mention it in the video.

[@Morning_Starr]

I don’t know if it’s Midna specifically, but I’m thinking it may be a descendant.

[@saraross8396]

I'm still going with bunny Link. I may of course be wrong, but I think it is the "spirit of the hero", which in the games is often described as the other half which complements Zelda. If it were some form of Hylia, I feel that their hands would be touching differently. They'd be flat, as if touching a mirror, and not in what might be described as an embrace. Link has been known to turn into a rabbit when entering the Golden Land after all.

[@jaredponder4149]

Plus the blupees are bunny like too. What is all the lore on those again? I had forgotten about the bloopers, but they are the spitting image of the deity's "face" which I also assume is a mask that is part of its headdress.

[@netweed09]

It's not going to be ''bunny link'' come on, lol. The figure is clearly feminine; but I wouldn't rule out some direct involvement with the Zonai - they're the 'race' this game is seemingly pushing.

[@quintonhoffert6526]

Just a quick thought: the two really long "ears" on the mysterious figure are probably actually a headdress. Not only are they too elongated to look like ears (at least compared to other Hylian characters), they're also ornamented in ways that don't really look right for ears. The two circles and numerous stone markings behind them, along with the three protrusions on each side, suggest to me that it is not part of the figure's body. I think the whole thing is more like a mask or helmet and not a face. I could be wrong about this, since it's heavily stylized and we don't know who the figure represents, but it looks a lot more like a headdress to me than an extension of the figure's face and ears. Just a thought.

[@LordSusaga]

Yeah, I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought "hat". Like, Zant isn't actually a fish man with a pointy head, he just has a weird helmet.

[@DoctorBatmanMD]

The whole time I was looking at it, all I could see was a tribal mask. Like Mononoke’s mask in Princess Mononoke.

[@不動-l1u]

Yes, I think it's the goddess Helia in Zonai style clothing

[@GuukanKitsune]

She has the face of a Blupee.

[@michaelleone838]

@@DoctorBatmanMD looks like majora’s mask 👀

[@ice2599]

On the glowing runes on the ground, what you guys were calling the in-between form of Zelda and hylia, there's a triforce on the outstretched hand. We usually only see the mark of the triforce appear: If all three holders are Nearby, or if they are using their abilitys (ie Zelda erasing Gannon in the last game, or Gannon preventing his death against the sages in TP). What if the reason we see the triforce on the rune, is this is a new ability for this Zelda, a "Goddess mode" if you will. I also noticed something about the oroborus symbol that I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed, with the markings of the two dragons, they look very similar but not exactly the same. To me the left dragon's markings look almost like mountains and the right's markings look almost like clouds. What if another meaning of the oroboros is the relationship between the earth and the sky. I also wanted to mention the figure shown with Zelda, the one being theorized as being a deity, it has a very strong resemblance to a blupee, the face and the ears are almost a complete match.

[@andrewb5870]

I think you were on the right track. zelda seems to have the triforce of wisdom reincarnate with her and Ganon has had his since OOT, so the green one has to be farore's power.

[@TheRawrnstuff]

Since the "in-between form" has only two notches on their ear compared to the dragon-like figure on the mural's three, I wouldn't be surprized if the in-between is actually a depiction of Din, Farore, or Nayru.

[@MaddesG1]

As above so bellow type thing. Some have mentioned its relation to the lord of the Mountain too with how it looks. Really great observation for the oroboros.

[@tylerherr4288]

i call it a dragon yes it does look like a woman but if you rotate the image to where the woman is lying on her back it looks like a dragon

[@iolesen]

The markings of the two halves of the Oroborus, could be a reference to the old Oriental tale of the Earth and Sky Dragons who had warred between each other, but later ruled together as friends. I was also reminded that some of the green energy was similar to the Twili magic/energy from “Twilight Princess”, where Midna’s adult form had long flowing hair, and also acting as a counterpart to Zelda in the shadow realm.

[@steve112285]

5:53 If you rotate it differently, it looks like a dragon head. I think the pictures are intended to have two appearances - as human females and as dragon heads, depending on how you look.

[@gigaman6]

You're totally right! Mythology often has Dragons taking humanoid forms. Could it be that the original 3 dragons in BotW are actually the creator goddesses from OoT and the mysterious NEW dragon seen in clips from the trailer is actually one half of Hylia who shares this form with Zelda?

[@yanipheonu]

Y'know. Some Dragons do have a strong connection with Hylia. What if Hylia was literally part dragon?

[@MKzing]

There *is* a new dragon spotted behind one of the sky islands in the new trailer. Hmmmmmmm...

[@nidavellir314]

This!

[@pinkcupcake4717]

Props to the art team for an incredible design! That's not easy to pull off, and they do it perfectly. The woman's hand turns into a dragon's horns/antlers.

[@Otterit1]

@Zeltik I think we're ignoring one big thing here: that figure must be Link's divine representation. To explain: we have the Ouroboros, which represents the cycle of life and death, the eternal struggle of Link and Zelda against Ganon. This game has two timelines that show the exact moment the end of the timeline becomes the beginning (which is why we have a prehistoric Link and a "modern" (i.e. "end of time") Link. I think you nailed it and we will get Zelda transforming into Hylia, but that's all on the right-hand side of the figure. We also have Ganon turning into Demise on the left-hand side. There are three pieces of the Trforce and two are already accounted for. In the middle is the depiction of the divine being that represents Link and his courage in this eternal struggle.

[@jaredponder4149]

I follow you and am mostly already in agreement except for the "ganon becoming demise on the left side of the figure part"

[@snakechu]

My instinctive thought when I saw this figure for the first time was that it was some depiction of Hylia herself. Glad to know I'm not the only one to have had this thought. Perhaps this depiction shows her primitive power before she was depicted as a more motherly figure. It would be cool to see Hylia as a more otherworldly, alien figure rather than the presumably Hylian form she's most popularly interpreted in not only in universe, but also in the fandom.

[@bradoliver9324]

This passes my smell test as well. Also, the streaks coming down around her seem like stars or rays of light falling through the heavens, as depicted at the start of OoT. However, I might also think that this is some Zonai God who Zelda must go through to return to divinity and reset the cycle, or end the cycle for good. It could also be about some broader scale cycle. SS was about forging the sword into its full glory, and Hylia's incarnation. TotK could be about re-forging the sword, or just returning it to its original state and Zelda returning to divinity. Whoever it is, and whoever the Zonai were, they're definitely familiar with the cycle, and all its iconography.

[@Ericshadowblade]

A god was my immedite conclusion give its icongraphy and its promit place in the mural above the main scene if this is a zonia carving then hylia being animalistic in depictation fits well with their culture

[@chromeshellking]

And I just thought of this but what if Hylia helps her mortal form regain her powers? We know that she is still pretty much drained and has not yet fully recovered her own strength.

[@Ericshadowblade]

@@chromeshellking seeing as breath of the wild is ment to be the end and the final breaking of the cycle. Hylia regaining godhood is certainly a possibility

[@BonnoJ17]

The outfit reminds me of Zant. The shoes and tabard stood out first, for me. They're identical. I definitely think it has something to do with the Twili, if only the esthetics. Perhaps the producers drew inspiration from the Twili for their design of the Zonai tribe or maybe they're actually related. I mean, just look at the sword in the logo, it just screams Twilight Princess design/symbolism.

[@netweed09]

Yes, I definitely can see this. I'm expecting a lot from TotK but if they can integrate _two_ of those main races into this plot, that would be _very_ impressive. (Plot - and gameplay of course. I really don't want Breaths ''carvings, paintings, books and memories are your only story while you fight blobby Ganon clones and 120 shrines'' again.)

[@captin3149]

The face reminds me of the cat things from Skyward Sword

[@snowmanO07]

Maybe I’m crazy, but one of the first things I thought of when I saw this Goddess Hylia figure was Blupees. Beady eyes, pointed nose, ears with leaf-like shapes attached…..what do you think about that?

[@saraross8396]

My first thought were Blupees as well.

[@bunnylop9713]

Me too! I want a blupee goddess lol

[@nibbledrake14]

yaknow, this isnt related to the content of the video per say, but can i just say that i love these counterpart collabs? they're just lovely.

[@chandlerrowland9989]

It actually really reminds me of the Twili for whatever reason. The pointed shoes, the flowing tassels in the clothing, the headset. It also really reminds me of Kaepora Gaebora. Also, there are seven symbols surrounding the figure. Perhaps something related to the Sages? They have depictions like they glow…….

[@Dragoryu3000]

My first thought was that it looked owl-like. Could have some connection to wisdom and/or Nayru?

[@Myzelfa]

Do we know if the Twili might be related to Hylians?

[@DerekAkunne]

@@Myzelfa yup the twili were a ancient race of powerful Hylian sorcerers that were banished from hyrule by Hylia for trying to use magic to gain the power of the triforce. Maybe I’m crazy but everything about the Zonai is screaming Twili to me. And that figure has got to Midna or the Twilight/Zonai Princess.

[@Myzelfa]

@@DerekAkunne Considering one of their ruins are shrouded in permanent darkness, I can see the Zonai being related to the Twili. But was it specifically said they were descended from Hylians?

[@theboochiestore]

@@Myzelfa yeah the interlopers were Hylian

[@gyromurphy]

Seriously nothing gets me more pumped to play the new BOTW than these videos. I'm 38 years old. I still remember the first time I saw The Legend of Zelda way back in the late 80s. I must've been 4 or 5 at the time. I distinctly recall watching my brother playing the flute and the tornado whisking him away to a dungeon. Zelda is quite literally one of my first memories. I would say you don't understand how influential this series is on shaping the magical imagination of a small child, but you're here watching this... so you understand exactly what I'm talking about. The fact that it's been DECADES LATER and Zelda is still captivating me is absolutely incredible. No other story, video game or book or movie... no other story brings about that magic that I felt as a young kid. Running around the woods behind my house with a stick, slashing at bushes and trees I imagined as monsters. Finding rocks and pretending they were triforce pieces... I'm truly mesmerized even to this day. Without everyone here having such passion for this game...we wouldn't have a video analysis of the newest Zelda game releasing in 2023. You keep this story alive. People like Zeltic and all of you reading this. I'm so glad other people have found the magic in Zelda like I have....otherwise it would be lost to time. I know I went on a tangent there...but really it blows my mind that a video game story has garnered such a strong following almost 40 years after its inception. Keep playing, my friends

[@jaredponder4149]

Your story sounds almost identical to mine, right down to your current age (i'm 37) & LOZ being one of your first memories, specifically the recorder and tornado. Wild stuff. Reading this, your enthusiasm even reminded me of my own prose when excited about something (usually Zelda lol) Pretty cool to meet such a kindred spirit here.

[@3rdDimensionFox]

The image or “projection” is most likely a Geoglyph. It’s got a lot of similarities to the ancient Nazca lines in its stylisation. I agree it looks a lot like the hybrid zelda and new figure, there’s also some aspects that remind me of Midna’s true form.

[@amf198]

Ya that's what I'm thinking. It kinda resembles midna. They have allot of symbolism that matches the twlight, and it looks like they had the same twilight wyvern bird thing in the trailer. Aonuma said while making BOTW, that we should play through Twilight Princess in order to understand BOTW. But I saw very little to do with it, and most of it was just small references. Hopefully, the twilight will play more of a role in this, it seems to be hinting at it.. unless its something dissapointingly diffrent lol. I'd like if they implement things of both Majoras mask, and Twilight princess. Like playing various instruments again, Mask transformations, playing song of storms to make it stop raining so you can climb, running while swinging ur sword, and learning fight skills!

[@hammeredouthomebrew626]

Glad I'm not the only one thinking of midna. That plus the visuals of the floating runes makes me think twilight.

[@higurashikai09]

I thought I was crazy for seeing Midna, haha. Glad to see other people share the same opinion

[@RomanHoltwick1]

I think there are a lot of similarities between the new figure and the fused shadow in particular. But it's also kinda hard to tell because green glowing lines always make me think of Twilight Princess 😅

[@GrimReaperAngelWolf]

Oh seeing people who went through the same thought process makes me happy. TP for life

[@lamceddo2275]

Man, I love Zeltik's work. Everytime I think I know everything there is to know about a topic, he shows me some new perspective or nugget of info I wasn't aware of, and he always justifies it with solid elements. It's never just fanfiction or baseless speculation. That's without mentioning his firm grip on the english language his apt vocabulary is only a part of, or the professional and innovative editing that illustrates perfectly what he describes. I know that sounds like a review lol but I had to say it at some point. Love the content and leave satisfied everytime. 5 stars!

[@Ironlion4492]

She is. And this figure is the goddess of courage Farore. Take it to the bank.

[@StonedHunter]

Whatever the case may be, I hope that this game continues giving us a more active Zelda and doesn't keep her locked away somewhere the whole time. Especially if these images are about Hylia then it'd make sense to have her more directly involved.

[@spenserfarman3045]

My guess is that at least part of the games main plot is going to revolve around needing to either rescue Zelda or help her on certain missions around the kingdom until she’s recovered or prepared to accompany Link. If this is the case, then later parts of the story might involve Zelda needing to merge her spirit with this Zonai deity or this games version of Hylia to help figure out how to repair the master sword by using methods that neither the Hylians or Sheikah descendants understand.

[@Ironlion4492]

The Zonai worshipped Farore the goddess of courage because they were a tribe of warriors that depended solely on their courage to thrive in society and become the greatest warriors Hyrule had ever seen. Alongside the Shieka tribe, who worshiped Nayru, the goddess of wisdom which helped them study and research all of their technology. Somewhere down the line Gerudo worshipped Din, the goddess of power to achieve great strength. Then they birthed the king of evil Ganondorf. Pay attention to the details people. They literally color code this stuff for us to make it easier.

[@jaredponder4149]

I agree with you. Plus, if Aonuma and Fujibayashi want to take the story in new directions using existing lore, Zelda and Ganondorf already have deity counterparts, so focusing on Link and establishing that he has Farore as his deity, which enables him to wield the Triforce of Courage and the Master Sword then it works perfectly. Also, as I said up above, Farore's wind connects the Goddess to the sky too. EDIT: fixed Hidemaro Fujibayashi san's name.

[@thearcanian5921]

Interestingly this would give us three human races connected to the goddesses (Zonai, Shikah, Garudo), and three humanoid races that could be connected to the goddesses (Ruto, Zora, Goron). You might think that a Ruto connection to Farore is a stretch, but wind has often had an association with Farore, like Farore's Wind in OOT.

[@ShadyMcKnight]

@@thearcanian5921 or you know, korok/kokiri

[@thearcanian5921]

@@ShadyMcKnight I guess, but they have become more spirit than humanoid.

[@wolfiemuse]

Yeah. I wrote a long long comment about this on a video from a week or so ago when this trailer first came out saying basically the same thing. I think the deity is one that will represent courage and be most connected to Link specifically

[@Shoeknight]

You said "only one godlike counterpart to Zelda" but there's an important one not mentioned What about Midna? She fits as a counterpart to Zelda, especially with the ouroborus cycle and the worlds of Twilight and Light The creature's strange face could be a mask like the fused shadow, and the similarities match the twinned princesses. The fused shadow in particular also features similar eye shapes to the stone murals as well as its own snake iconography with the twin snakes depicted on its forehead. Could this being be a callback to Twilight Princess and the Dark/Twilight realms?

[@klervia9696]

Oh thanks Hylia I'm not the only one to think that :') That's the first thing that came into my mind when I saw the figure, and...The sword's pattern on the logo kinda reminds me of her tatoos ??

[@Shoeknight]

@@klervia9696 the style of the carvings in general are imo VERY similar to the etchings on the fused shadow. In another comment, someone else also mentioned the similarities between the figure and Zant, with the long arms, robes, and mask. Zant even has similar green colored runes on his cloak as well.

[@TwilightPrincess-rp9ud]

Oh thank hylia. I thought I was the only one thinking about TP when seeing the trailer. When I saw the stone carving I instantly thought of zant. I don't know how it could fit in the lore tho. The shadow mirror got distroid at the end of the game. So if this is form the zonai... How do they know about him? And think of him as a god.? ... Damn I can't wait for the game

[@Shoeknight]

@@TwilightPrincess-rp9ud the mirror was destroyed, but depending on the twilight realms connection to the dark world/sacred realm, there's always been ways to drift between. LttP had open portals just hanging out in the overworld, and the Magic Mirror is unaccounted for. That and with Shiekah tech in BotW, it wouldn't be unreasonable for them to have built their own door/mirror Zeltik also did a vid on the connection between the Zonai and the Sheikah that could explain that, since the BotW Labyrinths seems to be a combination of Shiekah Shrines and Zonai ruins

[@plentyofpaper]

I agree. I think a descendant of Midna's makes more sense than Hylia.

[@hunterotte9555]

Yooooo my 2 favorite lore-tubers collabing. Also a rather interesting interpretation.

[@col.sambers9033]

This is really out there, but what if its Midna? There is the theory that when Midna stayed behind to stall Ganondorf that he killed her, and that she reappeared with the other Light Spirits because she was one now. Zelda and Midna are analogous characters and they have shared the same spirit before when zelda sacrificed herself to save Midna. The only question is why so alien looking, but all the twilight creatures Zant used had odd shield like faces? coverings? Zant himself however always went around with a very ornate and odd looking helm and this could be something similar. It seems vaguely birdlike so maybe some kind of stylized loftwing headdress? Probably none of this and its just me desperatley wanting to see Midna again, but I don't think its entirely impossible.

[@yoshilink9756]

Its possible that if the Zonai and the Twili really are the same tribe wouldn't the greatest compliment to the queen of the zonai be to draw her as animalistically as possible since the zonai viewed animals as sacred? I think this could explain how alien it looks

[@lucashummel5952]

This would be so cool

[@daikawa1196]

EXACTLY MY IDEA

[@HyruleGamer]

Awesome collab you two, loved watching both of your videos! :D

[@bluecat3338]

My theory is that the new being is either a depiction of the leader of the Zonai or the deity over the Zonai which would put Zelda as either herself or being used to portray Hylia, respectively. The handshake picture is of an alliance between the two where they planned to separate Ganondorf from his malice. Zelda and the Hylians would handle the malice (we know it was just the malice because of the tapestry of the battle 10,000 yrs ago) and the Zonai handed Ganondorf’s physical form. It’s not a perfect theory (no idea what’s up with the levitating/falling scene) but I like it.

[@Ironsidesengineergaming]

I subscribe to this theory completely because it makes just a ton of sense and it gives me a image of what the Sinai somewhat look like

[@Ironsidesengineergaming]

Zonai gah

[@thecoach3577]

I have a crazy theory. What if Link has gone back in time in this game, and he’s actually the original hero spoken of before Skyward Sword. There was a hero before SS Link who is not named. What if BotW Link is him. What if that new outfit is the outfit of the original hero, who helped stop the original calamity alongside Hylia. This Link would be the first and last hero, the perfect manifestation of the ouroboros, and the eternal cycle. It ends with him, who is the first and last hero of time. There are so many connections to Skyward Sword, the original story. If this story is truly a cycle of history, why would it not end where it began?

[@bokoblinprincess7391]

I've thought something similar to this before too. While i don't see it playing out exactly like SS; a new cycle would probably have slight differences compared to the previous, I've still been saying since the very beginning of the trailers for TotK that i think this game is going to serve as a catalyst that perpetuates, and results in, a new cycle of the timeline. It would explain a LOT about most of the stuff we've seen so far. And i am sticking hard to this theory until proven otherwise.

[@generalgarchomp333]

This would also fit into Zelda becoming Hylia.

[@winterlogical]

​@@bokoblinprincess7391 I'm so into this idea too. Whether the cycle is altered or if it ends up being 'fulfilled' and the Zelda timeline repeats itself - there are such cool avenues for them to go down with lore from here. It could explain why the devs have avoided talking much about BotW's placement in the timeline, since they could have had TotK's storyline in mind already. Why else would Hyrule Historia have such a definitive placement for every other game, but suddenly BotW comes around and they decide "nah we aren't saying where it is."

[@bokoblinprincess7391]

@@winterlogical Actually that reminds me of something they said once in an interiew, about the story of BotW. I'm pretty sure they did have the story planned out, because if i remember correctly, it was mentioned that a lot of the ideas for the sequel were originally going to be DLC. But they had so many ideas that they became the basis for an entire sequel instead. At least im pretty sure.

[@pinkcupcake4717]

I'm absolutely in this camp. Hyrule feels like it's in this eternal stasis already, why not have time be a circle?

[@lepandadelapocalypse9628]

I don't know if anybody noticed it, but the platform our mysterious person is standing on has a bird head which makes it look really similar to the glider we see Link use in the trailer... I don't know if it has a meaning, it could just be me overthinking things but I felt like it was worth sharing

[@naturesfinest2408]

This whole video is for overthinking. Youre good haha Also i didnt notice that. Ill have to look again

[@orryip]

This was my first thought too. I commented on it a bit after you, but I see you already made the comment before me now.

[@elli_senfsaat]

I don't deem this overthinking since we do have that flying bird platform in the trailer. There IS a visible counterpart to your thought. Other than the theory the figure is Hylia f.e. There's nothing backing it up.

[@bruce9222]

We've heard of the Dark Interlopers being the ancestors of the Twili. When I saw the image of the creature it kind of reminded me of Midna. Just a thought but if we're going back to the time of the zonai, whos to say there isn't also another ancient tribe of people. The twili were able to use dark magic just like their ancestors and we don't know much about them.

[@Ixb3rs3rkxI]

The way the Zelda figure is levitating in the one carving is very reminiscent of the position Zelda was in at the end of Skyward Sword when Ghirahim was using her for his ritual to summon Demise...

[@goblez5900]

I haven't seem anyone bring this up yet. But the platform the figure is standing on looks a lot like the giant glider thing Link stands on at the end of the trailer.

[@massman316]

Just commented the same - makes more sense than just a floating island, and it’s so prominent.

[@goblez5900]

@@massman316 looking at the little upturned edges and the v shape at the front it's clear the platform is the one we saw link on.

[@Lanter25green]

Honestly the depiction is giving me Twilight Princess vibes. A variation of the Fused Shadows, along with Midna and Zelda before the separation of the two realms, or perhaps the refusing of the two realms to finally close the loop of Demises' curse. Could just be going out on a few limbs, but I just can't help but wonder if the Twili were the Zonai before they crossed over? I know it is said they were of an ancient Hylian tribe. Then when looking at the Fused Shadow there is a double serpent running along the brow.

[@Ericshadowblade]

The twili being the zonia is an intresting concept and the evidence shown to use seems to be highlighting that. This of course changes the previous theory of the twili being shika exiled by hylians however i think it makes more sense if the tribe that the hylians exiled was the zonia rather then a subsect of the shika

[@michaelriley2361]

I was also thinking that the clothing the figure is wearing in the carvings reminds me of the clothing Zant wears in Twilight Princess. A sort of a royal Twili garb… could add to this theory!

[@circephoenixx7496]

shadow and light are two sides of the same coin" and cannot exist without the other never forget that there's another world bound to this one." shadow and light are two sides of the same coin" and cannot exist without the other.

[@evh1734]

I just want my Midna back :(

[@chickbowdrie4750]

Stop it, Zeltic, STOP MAKING ME DELVE IN TO FREAKING AWESOME THEORIES!!! You're too good at this, man. Stop it plz lol

[@kennyholmes5196]

I honestly got vibes more akin to it being Picori (AKA Minish) in origin. After all, we've been getting a whole lot of references to Minish Cap, Four Swords, and Four Swords: Adventures. The automaton with the eye looks a lot like a teched-up version of an Eyegor, the Eyegor's eye looks alarmingly like Vaati's Eye once he transforms, the strange figure in the carving that we don't know the identity of just yet has proportions that are _startlingly_ similar to those of the Minish/Picori, and the race in question is highly notable for having a close association with the sky, which is where an entire third or more of Tears of the Kingdom will take place.

[@yupperzsonson]

That was my first thought when I saw the ears and the face!

[@jaredponder4149]

Interesting that you say that because there is an old BOTW interview from Aonuma or the producer (forget his name, but he was the lead for Minish Cap and the Oracle games) and they said they almost put the Minish into BOTW, but decided against it.

[@artisanjames182]

the hieroglyphic of the new being that is on the rock surface that Link is gliding towards is the indication of a new cave-like dungeon/puzzle there... and there is another one that is seen near the pithole that the castle rose from... so these hieroglyphics will likely be scattered all over the world on different rock surfaces, etc... just like shrines were and will be the shrine replacements.. indicating there is a cavern entrance/ mini-dungeon there? And we will be able to pinpoint them from the sky on the glider or while skydiving down... We even saw Link in trailer #2 fighting a new enemy with a new weapon in a cave with the the same markings inside the cave... that is seen on sky structures...

[@bryandetweiler6684]

Honestly my favorite part about the trailer being released is that we get more of your content. Love it, man!!!

[@picklenx7]

Yoooo combination zelda theory videos are back! Feels good

[@thelordofdreamland3720]

Man, I love Ancient-styled artwork in Zelda games. Gotta love the wind Walter intro

[@merijnvandenhout4558]

The figure could be standing on the mechanical looking bird that link rides in the trailer. The platform seems to have a bird-like face and wing tips.

[@michaelkolman8313]

I love the idea of Link helping Zelda ascend into godhood, that would be a really interesting plot for a game

[@game-enjoyer13]

Plot twist: the REAL reason this game kept getting delayed and is taking forever to be truly revealed is because the team is working hard on making a legit good story. Almost a 180 from BotW’s “story.”

[@game-enjoyer13]

@@sionnachrealta5534 That’s backstory and worldbuilding. The actual plot of BotW is this: Link wakes up, finds the dead kings ghost, then………well does whatever the player wants. No defined plot. Shit just kind of happens. And even if you do 100% the game, the only plot that happens is meeting the champions descendants, freeing the beasts, and then killing Ganon. So that’s about 5 things that happen in the game. And I won’t even go into how you’re calling peoples’ experiences and opinions “wrong”

[@RandoPassingBy]

@@game-enjoyer13 The backstory is part of a story itself. The main gameplay’s story is simple, but the story itself for BotW includes world-build and backstories. The way they tackle the interaction between players and those pieces of backstories is interesting, it makes the whole story itself a small puzzle too. BotW story isn’t bad, especially since the main focus is on Link’s lonesome journey instead of his old memories.

[@UltimateTobi]

Intriguing theory. The only issue I have with it is if Zelda reincarnates back into a Goddess (Goddess Hylia), then she can't posess and use the Triforce Of Wisdom. Who would gain it? Would it fall onto Link? The whole reason she reincarnated as a mortal was to be able to use the Triforce. Reincarnating back into Godhood would undo it (of course, there might be events that demand divine intervention, which would justify giving up the power of the Triforce). From what we've seen in BOTW, it seemed Zelda was in possession of the whole Triforce, not just the Wisdom piece. Which means she'd give up that power as a whole. And that has various other ramifications down the line. We'll see how this plays out.

[@-romanpl01-27]

Something I noticed about the figure projection displayed on the ground of Hyrule: When rotated, if you look closely at the ears and the two side parts of them, you can see Triforce shaped earings attatched to the bottom of them.

[@Hiryu7809]

Hey guys remember how in the first teaser trailer of zelda there was this weird gaurdian type thing with egg shapes, yeah those egg shapes are something common in italy called pumi(pumo for one) and they are sighns of luck and fend off bad spirits, this is also strengthened by the fact that you also see them in front of the temple places, perhaps to fend off the malice, making them malice free places

[@blazingunicorns5873]

I have a feeling that this could also be one of the elder goddesses Farore weren’t the Zonai an ancient race from the Faron region Faron is one of the Great light spirits representing Farore shes also actually the goddess of Life which would also explain the depiction of her animal like nature

[@solgaleo3533]

Maybe the figure on the ground is Farore and the other one is Hylia?

[@acarolinalobato]

I do love to think it’s Zelda who’s embraced her “true” self as Hylia, and that is an old depiction of her. Also, and that may be just me, I always thought Ourobouros to be a single snake biting its own tail. When I think of two great god-like powers that come back again and again, I think of Hylia and the Demise, who come and continually destroy one another, in a long-lasting cycle of life and death, idk. I may just be overthinking. lol

[@kymberleekimball2984]

or what if Zelda breaks away from the part of her that is Hylia.

[@solgaleo3533]

Right. I also think it might be more accurate, or that neither are, as Hylia is described as being otherworldly but still humanoid, but the depictions in Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild are just straight up normal looking Hylians.

[@ConceptsCool4993]

It could be a depiction of hylia. Gods are really just abstract concepts with faces and names and are beyond morality because they simply are. Therefore if there's what we would deem a "good" version of hylia, there's also probably a "bad" one as well. This is because good vs evil is really just the perfection and the imperfection, the fulfilment vs the hole in things.

[@ConceptsCool4993]

@@jeffcarroll1990shock well the eyes are a thing yes, but depictions are all perspectives of an abstract concept that is beyond comprehensive abilities and therefore any real "definition" of a concepts appearance is really just someone thinking they know it when really no one besides the concept or other concepts know it. Even then only the concept knows itself best and therefore only it truly knows itself.

[@charmer129]

That was my first guess too

[@jeffcarroll1990shock]

@@charmer129 then you can obviously see through the shadows and illusions. Isn't it funny how the darkest places in Hyrule hold the most sacred items?

[@aliegan2109]

I don’t think it’s Hylia but who knows. The first incarnation of zelda is Hylia herself. Every other zelda is her descendant. It seems more likely that Zelda is making an alliance with the figure.

[@Hellooutthewindow]

Personally I believe we have seen this character before! Let me explain: Everyone says that this is probably the character with the green glowing hand, WELL, in the very first trailer we got (E3 2019) we get a glimpse of the character with the green hand gripping what we are assuming is Ganondorf. Around 45 seconds into the video, when the racing flashbacks are flashing. Slow it down, watch the scene where the hand reaching for Ganondorf casts a shadow on the cave wall. Zoom in on the figure. It surely looks like something with a white, sleek, sharp head and two ear-like things on the top of its head. The hand is not to be mistaken of. I wish i could share the picture. I’m not sure of this but it’s a fun theory!

[@Broofthewild]

This content is fantastic dude You and Bandit are definitely some of my favorite creators here on KZbin and In my opinion have some of the most quality videos on anything Zelda related

[@FirstLast-sg1cn]

Kinda wondering if the Zonai and Twili are related. Maybe the Twili were originally called Zonai before being banished to the Twilight Realm and adopting the name? (Doesn't really work timeline wise...) Maybe the Zonai are Twili that managed to escape the Twilight realm and had to live underground due to the light harming them? There's way too many similarities between the two races, the symbols, colours, etc.

[@MaxRobertoErikson]

"It's like nothing we've seen before in the Zelda series." ...It looks like an owl. We've seen owls in the Zelda series before; mainly Gaebora Kaepora.

[@RangerDOS]

I think this figure is a Twili, and there are several reasons why. If you look at the sleave of Twili Midna at the end of Twilight Princess, you will see the design and color is similar to the Master Sword remake in the title. Another thing is voluminous costume and tall proportions, the arms are elongated, along with the fingers and neck. Zelda had given her soul to Midna in the game, so there is the connection, and perhaps just as the BOTW/TOTK Zelda is the Goddess Hylia reincarnated over and over for many millennia, then maybe there is a reincarnation of the Twilight Princess. All confusing, but still working on it.

[@weirdguy59]

I was thinking the same thing and there are 2 things that make me feel certain about it. 1. The bottom part of the broken Master Sword on the logo. Doesn't that look similar to Twili markings from TP? 2. Nintendo said that they didn't want to release the name of the game too soon because they were worried that it would give away too much. Tell me, what game in the series makes someone's tears (or tear) a plot point...

[@amog8202]

@@weirdguy59 there's also skyward sword, with a lot of comparisons already. This could mean a lot of things

[@Ericshadowblade]

So this reveal has lead me and many others to consider the possibilite that the zonia are the precursors to twili so it would certianly fit

[@Ryxenru]

Definitely seems plausible. Looking at the ears of the figure they are quite long just like imp Midna's

[@workinghands1805]

I love how we as “Zelda historians” dive deep into the story and signs we find in the games.

[@penprp]

The top figure is almost certainly a humanoid, standing facing the viewer, with a long cloth hanging down hiding the division between the two legs, with the feet pointing outward, a pretty normal stylization. The ridges and frill are probably part of the pants/dress. The ears may be part of a headdress, possibly stylized eyebrows from an owl like Kaepora Gaebora.

[@pumpkin7446]

This is what I thought too! As soon as I saw the trailer I just assumed it was a humanoid in very ornate ceremonial clothing. I can see why people would think they're a strange creature though because Zonai art is very abstract

[@jamesmullins3064]

On the topic of duality, my personal theory has been that the essence of Demise will escape the damaged master sword and fuse with Ganondorf. Ether to make one or the other of them whole again, or possibly even create a God of evil more powerful than both. It would make alot of sense if Princess Zelda's journey were to mirror that.

[@Payitb_tch]

I feel like it's a being from the Zonai. All of the kingdoms originally came together to defeat Ganon, however the Zonai being gave their life to protect the rest, which created this infinite loop of calamity Ganon. It seems like link and zelda decide to investigate zonai ruins and come across the being holding Ganondorf in place. They also discover the prophecy of what is going to happen in the game. I think parts of it will be destroyed but we'll discover it over the course of the game. Also, when the being sacrificed themselves, I think the rest of the zonai dedicated their lives to preparing for a way to end the cycle and defeat Ganon once and for all, sorta in the way the Sheikah did. Idk, I'm just so excited for this game lol. I can't wait to see more.

[@thatguydownthestreet101]

Hello everyone who is coming back to old videos after release! How right were we?

[@Greyfather991]

Absolute loving the new theory videos! I’m so hyped for Totk! Here’s hoping for more theories to come!

[@orryip]

I didn't pick up on it before but after looking a little more closely in this video I think its not an island that the figure is standing on, but the new glider. Ancient artwork like this wouldn't be able to accurately portray it from a front on perspective, so it was drawn from a top down perspective with the figure standing above it to appear as though its riding it. The shape and design are kind of similar. Maybe not the exact same glider but made from the same tech? Not that this really changes or explains anything, but I thought it would be interesting if that were the case.

[@NellyPearly]

I agree with everything in this theory except for the Hylia part. I think It's a new female character, based on the similar hair and dress it has with Zelda. A Zonai princess that is some sort of mirroring of Zelda, a bit like Midna was the Twilight Princess. Probably the hand holding Ganondorf, our new compagnon, like Midna or Fi before her.

[@nillynush4899]

Link leaves (potentially) to find Midna in TP's ending. Judging by the trailer figure having pointy ears, regal, and is taller than the Zelda-esque figure... that seems like BOTW's interpretation of Midna. I think Link found a way to reconnect with the Twili (Zonai) and their cultures shared in great co-operation. Midna and 7 Hyrule sages would create a more permanent "seal" for Ganondorf by implanting the hand in his chest wound. A conceit of Twilight Princess itself was collecting tears of light, AND Midna cries to destroy the mirror in the end. Zelda mentioning that Light and Shadow are "Two sides of the same coin", like the two dragons forming a circle. Millenia after this, though sealed in body, the Malice of demise starts leaking out of Ganondorf's long dead corpse, leading to the new games calamity plot.

[@dragondracen511]

this idea might be a bit far off but hear me out, what if the god like being on the wall is actually some form of Twiligh Midna, cause I have multiple reasons to back it up 1. there are pieces of the twilight mirror found in breath of the wild 2. in this theory they bassicly talk about ying and yang, Midna was the in a way the Twilight version of Zelda 3. Tears could be somehow be a reference to Tears of Light, a story item you had to collect to help sages in Twilight princess 4. Midna and Zelda had a good friendship for as far as they knew eachother 5. the Zonai runes look similar to the Twiligh runes 6. at the end with the logo, the lower part of the master sword is gone, but the painting of it is in the same main colours as the Twili

[@raskolnikov6443]

Maybe a descendant

[@elpoderdelmostacho]

@@raskolnikov6443 Im pretty sure its Midna. The Zonai Arm (links) its similar to Midna True Form MIDNA True form has 2 dragons serpent on her head and 2 hears as an accesory. Check it out. Midna true form outfit, make references to skyward sword time machine portal, she can travel in time and between time lines (the fall of the heroe) in Botw and Totk

[@megamannt125]

Interesting that you don't take this theory of the cycle of death and rebirth and Zelda becoming Hylia to its natural conclusion: That while Zelda becomes Hylia, Ganondorf becomes Demise, and as a last resort at the end of the game she'll have no choice but to send the remaining hylians skyward out of his reach........

[@court3818]

What if they're trying to break the endless cycle of rebirth and destruction? Zelda's main motivation before unlocking her Goddess powers was that she just wanted to be a scholar and in the process to end the cycle once and for all, she ends up sacrificing her human form? I would also love the mural to be a reference instead to Twilight princess. The two Magatanas are mirrored which could be a reference to the mirror of twilight. Zelda did sacrifice her power to save Midna and maybe that's why this version of "Hylia" looks so different than we've ever seen her depicted. I dunno, the Zonai kind of look like the Twili to me on top of what the goddess figure wearing. It looks very much like Zant's garb in TP. Midna is by far my favorite companion in the series and I would love a call back to her and that world!

[@TheRawrnstuff]

I think it's more likely they're setting up the "very first" fight between Hylia and Demise rather than trying to break the cycle. To loop it back to the very beginning, to start it all again. If so, can't wait to learn more about the Dark Interlopers. Maybe even Majora.

[@RomanHoltwick1]

Okay, so let's assume the time-loop theory is right. TotK is the End of the loop, SS is the beginning. We have Hylia becoming Zelda in the beginning of SS and in the middle of TotK Zelda dies and is reborn as the goddess and starts to lift up parts of the land to save it? That could work, I like the idea. Also I really hope that more metaphysical stuff is brought in: Something like "The three forces reside in everyone of us, we have to balance our power wisdom & courage..."

[@calvingehring7873]

I'm wondering if the main figure is just a new God of the zonai, and maybe the zonai looked like that or like the depiction seen on the ground. We don’t know what the zonai were, so for all we know they could be a new race. The other figure could be zelda or hylia, and the carving could represent an alliance between the two.

[@JosephACKelly]

My initial reaction was, "Hey, that's Doug from down the road". I quickly realized it was his brother Larry though. Simple mistake.

[@jadengabuya8027]

I really think that if this is a depiction of the Goddess Hylia in the presumedly Zonai stone carving, her head/face really looks more like an owl, particularly a Great Horned Owl. You can see that the lines that curve over its eyes and then come down to meet together at a point on its head looks is similar to the angular forehead of an owl that comes forward a bit over their eyes and has its beak right bellow the tip of it. The fact that its face is small and round is also very similar to an owl. Finally, the long appendages, supposedly ears, that branch out on either side of her head remind me of the two feathers that stick out from the head of a great horned owl. It's still possible they could be ears, or perhaps ears just made to look like feathers, but we really don't know. I feel like the theory that it is meant to depict an owl would make sense, since Zelda, the incarnation of the Goddess Hylia, is always associated with the Tri-force of Wisdom. Wisdom being associated with the owl, which is very apparent in Zonai architecture in BOTW. Another idea besides this is that what if this is just a mask? This situation could be similar Malanya, the Horse Goddess, whose head appears to be a horse mask. Whether this owl-like mask is just over her head or her actual head, like Malanya, I'm not sure. It is very likely though that the Zonai did not know what Hylia actually looks like, since she has only appeared as Zelda for tens of thousands of years. The Zonai also seem to really capitalize on the symbolism of each piece of the Tri--force, Power, Wisdom, and Courage, with their corresponding animal, the Boar, Owl, and Dragon, especially in their architecture and carvings. So everything seems to line up.

[@AdmiralAwsm]

I noted this on the other video, but I think two green dragons linked together, so to speak, are more likely to be associated with Link. Green is always the color of Courage in Zelda, and Courage seems to be linked to the Zonai, who love their dragon imagery. No doubt time shenanigans will be at play, but I think it might have more to do with that ancient hero that we don't learn much about.

[@Pichuscute]

I was already suspecting it was Hylia, but this makes me pretty certain. You guys found more than even I suspected was there. Unless they're going really out there with a new character, which, I'll be honest, would be incredibly lame, I don't see any real other options now. Very interested to see how this all plays out, but I think it has very interesting implications on this game's story. It's quite possible we'll see the inevitable end of the timeline/timelines here, and, considering the cyclical imagery, it's possible the timeline itself could be a cycle.

[@Logicalleaping]

Well there's plenty of options for who all these figures are and most of the evidence presented in this video can be countered with other points. Like say the twin dragons which don't represent Hylia at all but rather Link which would imply 2 Hero's rather than Zelda and Hylia. I also find it weird how everyone's assuming the figure that looks like Zelda is Zelda rather than Hylia as so far we can assume they look similar. Other points in the video, The figure on the floor with different 'ears' if they are ears could easily just be one of the 7 (8) heroines or a sage that guards the 'tears' (collectables) I personally thought the ear structure was more head gear than actual ears anyway. Also I think everyone can agree that the new figure shown is the same one that was sealing Ganondorf and possesses Links arm seems a bit weird to do that to Link rather than Zelda if it was Hylia. With the 'she exists outside of time thing' there's another Goddess that does that as well and she doesn't even have a name yet but was introduced in Oot and MM as the Goddess of Time (though it could be Naryu). Well I was just playing devils advocate as I don't think we've seen enough either way to conclude it Hylia anyway.

[@akiradkcn]

Its not her

[@Pichuscute]

@@Logicalleaping To be clear, we don't know enough to conclude pretty much anything yet definitively. I just am theorizing pre-launch, like we all are. Anyway, I'm not sure I agree that there are plenty of options for these figures. If the figures are Link, why is his hair depicted entirely unlike him (and instead in a particularly feminine way)? Where are his bangs? Why is he wearing the same style of clothes as the other figure if it's just another Hero from the past? And why are those clothes depicted so ornate when Hero's don't normally wear clothes like that? Not to mention, if this is two Hero's instead of Zelda and Hylia, the cyclical symbolism means far less than it otherwise would, which seems unlikely when it's being used as the logo. The primary reasons we assume this is Zelda are: 1) The carving seems to be a prophecy directly referencing the scene of Zelda in a trailer we've already seen (her falling into the pit underground) and 2) this design simply fits her, and specifically her design from the first game, better than Hylia, who has always been too abstract to know for sure. As for the other other figure, it very well may be head gear either way. That said, if this is meant to signify sages, why would it depict only one of them? What would be the significance to seeing a carving of a guard? It might explain gameplay, but story-wise, this doesn't really make sense to put into a carving to begin with. Now, the tears could (in part) be referring to sages still and could also be in part referring to a collectable. But the figure in the center more likely is there to explain what the reason for seeing those tears in this carving is, which is why it is surrounded by them. That would make this person far more important than a simple guard. We may be collecting these tears for Hylia or may be collecting them to do something to Hylia, for example. Remember, this is a carving and carving are depicting important events, posibly a prophecy, to the story, both directly and symbolically. I'm not sure I can agree that the figure is the same as the seal arm. We don't really have evidence for that, other than similarly designed arms. And while that design is a bit odd, it is also just generally Zonai, rather than something specific to this figure. We see both figures have this arm design in the carving, for example. Also, remember that this is the end of the timeline and that we are seeing a dying world and weakening seal. If that seal hand does represent Hylia (which it doesn't need to), then her motivation could just be that the seal has gotten weak enough that an "end of the timeline" plan is being set into motion. As far as this other reference to a "Goddess of Time". I was unfamiliar, but I don't see anything that says they couldn't be referring to an earlier concept for Hylia here.

[@Pichuscute]

@@akiradkcn ...great argument? Lmfao.

[@Logicalleaping]

@@Pichuscute Well for myself I'm pretty confident this isn't Hylia and I'm about 70% sure its the same thing holding Ganondorf at bay in the first trailer. At the current time I'm thinking its a new character anyway. I just don't think we've seen any evidence that Hylia would ever help in a Hero's quest. Hylia doesn't really exist anymore that was kinda the whole plot of Skyward Sword. She chose to forsake her godly form and reincarnate to a Hylian. For hair and model, there's nothing to say a previous hero wasn't a female. But yeah pretty sure it isn't an incarnation of Link anyway. The image of the mural holding hands against who is presumably Zelda (could be Hylia) shows the figure wearing something more akin to a mask than long ears. Could be part of the group that made the Majora's Mask. I dunno there are so many possiblities of who it could be I'd say the most likely contender currently is a twilight princess or Lorulean princess someone seen as another half of Zelda as the image of the hands being next to each other is reminiscent of looking in a mirror. Also not sure the images are a prophecy of what we've seen so far anyway. Zelda falling into malice could be an historical interpretation of any Zelda game where she's imprisoned by ganon. Malice is a new visual concept we see in Botw but it was probably in previous games just not shown the same way. I agree that the image is of Zelda though (or Hylia I guess). Feel like that might of become rambling but oh well, thanks if you read it all though haha.

[@WhoElseButZane]

Idk what people would be avle to draw from this, but one thing i noticed about the symbol behind the logo, the two snakes in a circle, isn't actually an ora boros (idk how it's spelled) because that symbol depicts ONE snake eating its OWN tail. Whereas the zelda symbol features two snakes/dragons. So i think we should take that fact into consideration before making theories about its meaning

[@X0mbieJesus]

I'm just gonna say this: It's Midna, or some incarnation of her. An equal and opposite to Zelda, trapped in the same type of cycle as Link, Zelda, and Gannon. The cycle of the two princesses represented by two snakes the same color as every portal you warp through in TP, and reminiscent of the general astetic of the palace of twilight. When Gannon possesses Zelda in TP she floats up in that same pose depicted on the left. The tendrils are Gannon's influence taking her over. That weird armadillo thing is the only part that threw me off, but let's think about it for a second. Midna definitely had 4 or 5 arms when she broke the barrier to the castle. Ceremonial headwear is known to be at least one source of the Twili's powers, so that might be a mask we are looking at and not a face. The build of the figure looks similar to Zants armor in some ways as well. So let me pose a question: how do you massively expand an open world game, without adding tedious sea travel? (Sky Islands alone don't merit a sequel's worth of content) Answer: You tear open a hole to another dimension, or multiple holes, as the name would imply. We have seen 2 different worlds in a lot of Zelda games. The Twilight, the Dark World, Lowrule, Termina, and Koholint Island. There is no reason they couldn't be the same dark world at different points in time. I didn't play BOW yet, so maybe I'm missing some lore here. Feel free to tell me how wrong I am, and Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.

[@monkeybird69]

I completely agree. It seems the corpse that everyone thought to be Ganon was in fact Midna all along. Perhaps she is being used as a vessel for the malice to inhabit... and the green hand is an ancient ancestor of Zelda that imbues Link with the power to rival the malice which is Ganon. I suspect that it isn't just sky islands but also deep caverns we will explore as well as your before mentioned tears into the dark world. With all these new locations it'll be the largest Zelda map ever created... again.

[@agradepodcast2602]

I can't find it now, but I remember years ago reading an Eiji Aonuma interview where he was basically asked if he would ever bring Midna back in a Zelda sequel and he was open to the idea since fans were so in love with her character

[@bubby9175]

I don’t know if anyone else has noticed this so I’m just going to add it if you look at the stone depiction of Zelda or Hylia Her eyes kinda look like the Yiga clan symbol which kind of gives me a theory on what Gannon’s going to do

[@Blucham]

The Ouroboros probably represents Link, Triforce of Courage, looping Time. In Zonai, Dragons symbolize courage, so I wouldn’t put much weight on it for Hylia or Zelda. But we have seen 2 distinct designs for Link in these teasers. The original from BotW, plus the long-haired, green-armed caveman-looking version. Could be some kind of time traveling, or even previous incarnation Link, like the ancient hero depicted in the hieroglyphs.

[@lukeebsworthy785]

Kinda gives me similar vibes as the spirit on Satori mountain, which also emits an eerie blue-green light. Most likely not it, but its got a sumilar look imo

[@marketchison4127]

I think there's a fair chance that the figure is Farore, considering Farore symbolizes courage, and the color for courage in the Zelda series is green. We see so many things in this game, including the figure glow green.

[@COOP_89]

YES I agree with you. We never see a true depiction of Farore, save for the creation myth from OOT.

[@COOP_89]

I dont think it's Hylia at least. She has NEVER been depicted this way, even going back to Skyward Sword.

[@harrylane4]

Hear me out: This game's plot is presumably going to be about resurrecting Ganondorf. BotW was a thematic retelling of the story of Zelda 1. What if that figure floating on the side is a previous Zelda from thousands of years ago, who you need to wake up, and this takes its thematic cues from Zelda 2?

[@StatusLARPing]

I have this idea that, taking time travel and your theory into consideration, the floating islands are Zelda/Hylia's doing. They're the pre-Skyloft, saving important holy structures and people from the monster-flooded lands below. I really hope there'll also be settlements on the floating islands, where we can explore the hylians that were saved from the downfall of the kingdom below. :D

[@shadowtheshadowlord]

So could Ganon have evolved into what we later in ss know as demise and then kicks of SS going full circle? 😅

[@seychb4275]

Reminds me of Yuga for some reason?also, could be Twilight princess midna type person?? Twili are tall and ornate and they have Sheika symbolism/tech in their designs. "Ying yang"= light /shadow? The fused shadow has dragons (farore) and swirls depicted the same way. Swirls around the figure could rep the Sages? This could be a mask too with its "majora" eyes and ears, the Twili had those high set masks that made their proportions look odd. Could be zonai Hylia, could even be the lost goddess Termina, goddess of time?? Every mystery alluded to and all dialogue/charcters/events in all the Zelda games are deliberate and consistent even if they've been left unanswered so far- the developers are champion story tellers, can only guess how this will all tie into the lore and timelines

[@L1nk2002]

I don't know what the story will actually be about, but sure the premises makes this game look absolutely incredible.

[@liammcclain7826]

Someone’s probably already said this, I’m also commenting only a couple minutes into the video, but I think the mystery figure is the Goddess Hylia, for the fact that they’re joining hands, as Zelda is Hylias mortal form reincarnated, so

[@stormstrider]

Are we finally going to get a story of Zelda, Link, and Ganondorf collaborating to break the cycle of fate placed on them by the gods? Thatt'd be pretty sick

[@angelsalgado226]

Guyyys the loop is demises curse that’s what the oroborus symbol is referring too

[@tigerofdoom]

We've seen Hylia, we've seen Demise, but we haven't ever seen a deity with close ties to courage. Power is red, wisdom is blue, and courage is green. We're missing that third deity. I also think the lines on the ground looked more like Urbosa or a Gerudo than a hybrid of the carvings we've already seen. The mysterious deity reminds me of the pokemon Armaldo, though i doubt there's any relation there

[@derrickdaniels3955]

I figured the 3rd Deity would be The Fierce Deity

[@AxelTheAussie]

@@derrickdaniels3955 the Fierce Deity is described as a dark god as powerful as Majora, so I honestly don’t think that’s the direction they were going for. Imo Majora & Fierce Deity are counterparts of eachother but nothing more

[@olivertheforgottenhunter2976]

No one is saying it so I'll do, I think the woman that Zelda saw on her dream is actually Fi, since the way she describes the dream is similar to the dream Link had in SS, and Fi was trying to warn her about Ganon return next day, this is reforced by the fact that when she awakens her power and Link is about to die she hears Fi.

[@EnchantedSmellyWolf]

Imagine if this is the goddess. All I recall is the legend foretold in Skyward Sword. Perhaps this wall tells that story when people returned to the surface after defeating Demise and reclaiming the land that was once theirs. 🤔

[@samdunkley6989]

I believe the figure you discussed first is in fact Zelda, but in the scene in which she is depicted horizontal she is floating upwards rather than falling - her hair, dress and legs are all hanging down, which wouldn't be the case if she was moving downwards. And we've definitely seen Zelda float upwards in a handful of games, SS and Demises revival come to mind mainly, does this image depict a ritual in which Zelda is used alongside malice to revive Ganondorf? To me, the deity like figure also looks like it is wearing a mask/helmet to me personally, with the area between the eyes coming down to a sharp point, and seemingly connected to what you've referred to as ears.

[@NoMoreNever]

"Shadow and Light are two sides of the same coin...One cannot exist without the other." My thoughts upon seeing the trailer and the figure on the platform in particular reminded me of Zant from Twilight Princess. Not that the figure is Zant but more accurately that it could be a member of the Twili race. Now it has been a while since I last played Twilight Princess but there always seemed like there was a special connection between Zelda and Midna, partly due to the ordeal they had just been through, but also seeing as both are rulers of their respective realms. What this might mean for the Tears of the Kingdom, if anything, is all up in the air but consider me excited if the Twilight Realm plays a part in it in some way!

[@RiverChaos]

If that figure is Zelda, then the 'ears with ridges' could be an elaborate headdress or ornate mask (covering up the true face of a deity?). The artistic style reminds me of Maya/Aztec paintings and carvings.

[@foamie467]

I think that the more popular theory of Hylia could be correct or being a different deity all together, I think it could be Nayru, Goddess of Wisdom, she has long hair, pointed ears, as well as Zelda having the Triforce of wisdom, and while, sure, the dragons are with the courage, Link and Zelda fight together against Ganon. I think that Zelda discovers these runes of the weird pictures when she fall and realizes its Nayru and that she can use the Triforce of wisdom to escape and find Link. The shoes on the deity are also similar to Nayrus, it shows storms in the background, as if it were the flooding of Hyrule which the gods did. There are as well 7 swirls around it, and 7 sages exist, meant to serve the gods and Hyrule. Even though this theory is probably unlikely, I still think it could be Nayru or maybe someone like Din/Farore.

[@robertorobles240]

Not much but A bit of support for my favorite Zelda you tubers

[@mylesno9]

I think it might have to do with satori mountain. The blupees and being on satori mountain have similar designs.

[@robo107]

THIS! Not enough people are talking about this! The fact they look so similar and were only introduced in the last game, (with no concrete connection to the story of the game they appear in) has HUGE implications. The lord of the mountain is confirmed to be a reincarnated sage, so the blupees are 100% connected to spirits, which also connects them to the luminous stones. (Which we see A LOT of in the first trailer!) The fact that this carving bears resemblance to them is a HUGE deal. (Plus the dragons in BOTW don't just disappear. We are told that when dragons vanish, they are actually returning to a place called... the SPIRIT REALM.) I rest my case...

[@alygator6128]

This theory actually gave me chills. What an epic storyline that would make and what an incredible theory,it feels like everything ties up so well... Great job guys really

[@mercy3758]

I believe the figure is Farore and because of her shedding of tears for the land and people. Also, she produced all life forms and she is surrounded by a greenish aura like the color throughout all of the scenes in the videos

[@Ironlion4492]

You’re the first person I’ve seen that takes the same stance as me and I actually think for Zelda nerds that live and breathe this stuff like me, it’s quite obvious. I’m annoyed that nobody else references the three other goddesses Din, Farore, and Nayru. Yes goddess Hylia will play an important role but she already had a game all about her in Skyward Sword. The Zonai, being a tribe of great warriors, most likely worshipped Farore. They needed all the courage they could get to have achieved what they did. The Shieka tribe worshipped Nayru for wisdom to develop their technology, and the Gerudo worshipped Din to obtain great power. This game is going to be all about the triforce of courage and how our most current version of Link, the Hero of the Wild, will be obtaining it.

[@alexanderackerman3807]

I agree that if it's a previously mentioned character it's probably Farore. The figure looks rather primitive, animalistic and seems to be associated with the color green which doesn't fit Hylia very well. It makes sense that people from the land named after Farore would probably worship her.

[@jaredponder4149]

@@Ironlion4492 Farore is associated with courage and also the sky (Farore's wind) and of course the color green which is everywhere and also, the hand that fuses with Link's arm when he is corrupted with malice, is on his triforce hand, right? Why would Hylia's arm fuse with Link? They inherit separate parts of the triforce. I also had the same thought. It would be really cool if Link finally gets a deity counterpart.

[@jaredponder4149]

@@Ironlion4492 bruh.. if you're correct and the game is about this iteration of Link obtaining the Triforce of courage, this will be the first time in the series history that it isn't automatic. Now you're making me think that Link already had possession of it like always, but when his arm gets corrupted with malice aka, Demise's power, the consequence isn't just losing his arm, but actually losing his triforce piece. That would set the game up perfectly for having to reobtain it.

[@mercy3758]

@@Ironlion4492 Yes, and Farore is associated with regions that flourish with life, namely forests, such as the Lost Woods and the Faron Woods. The Zonai Ruins are situated in the depths of the Faron Woods

[@blazingphoenix1000]

I still can’t believe it’s been 10 years since skyward sword came out I remember playing it and the number one thing I loved about it is the fact that it gave us answers to so many questions us Zelda fans have had for years as well as the origins of several things!!!!

[@CZsWorld]

I think it's safe to assume this figure is Korodai.

[@EnchantedSmellyWolf]

Isn't that an Island full of mountains with temple? Also faces of Evil?? Also, it's Koridai.

[@Seekmire]

Squadallah!

[@calebklauzer3171]

Could be another parallel princess like we had in Link between Worlds and Twilight Princess

[@Hellooutthewindow]

Personally I believe we have seen this character before! Let me explain: Everyone says that this is probably the character with the green glowing hand, WELL, in the very first trailer we got (E3 2019) we get a glimpse of the character with the green hand gripping what we are assuming is Ganondorf. Around 45 seconds into the video, when the racing flashbacks are flashing. Slow it down, watch the scene where the hand reaching for Ganondorf casts a shadow on the cave wall. Zoom in on the figure. It surely looks like something with a white, sleek, sharp head and two ear-like things on the top of its head. The hand is not to be mistaken of. I wish i could share the picture. I’m not sure of this but it’s a fun theory!

[@jamesredline1352]

What if we are losing Zelda? What if Hylia is coming back and “ending” her mortal self.

[@Wiwiw1995]

Perhaps its the first king of hyrule.

[@plaidhatter1674]

Just a hunch.

[@nenasana623]

I have a couple theories about these magamata symbols. First, in the illustration at 8:18, there are seven magamatas depicted, with the mysterious figure standing in the middle. The seven magamatas could represent the seven sages (including Zelda), and perhaps the creature is harnessing their power? Additionally, I can't help but think that the eighth discarded statue in Breath of the Wild may have to do with all of this. Secondly, this is not the first time magamatas appear in the series. They made an appearance twice, first in Tri Force Heroes, as Mystery Jades, and then in Skyward Sword, as Amber Relics, which were commonly found, as well as Dusk Relics, Which could only be found in the Silent Realm. If so, could the Silent Realm make an appearance in Tears of the Kingdom? Did Zelda go there when she disappeared?