The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom trailer analysis and theories

On Tuesday, Nintendo revealed the name of the next Zelda mainline game to fans. Tears of the Kingdom: Zelda’s Legend. On Nintendo Switch, it will debut on May 12, 2023.

In 2019, Nintendo teased the game with a trailer that showed what looked like a dehydrated Ganondorf. In summer of 2021, we got a deeper look at the game which showed us Link’s new powers and his luscious locks. The most recent trailer from Tuesday’s was largely cinematic and showed a lot of ancient carvings. Fans are now putting the pieces together to create theories about the game.

It’s just fun to speculate and pick the trailer apart for possible connections to previous Legend of Zelda games. So, we decided to round up some of the biggest and most thought-provoking fan theories we’ve found so far. Again, none of this is confirmed news, but it’s a great way to see what fans are getting excited about. As we get closer to release, we’ll continue to update this list with all the cool stuff we see as more information comes out and fans formulate new ideas.

There’s a connection to the Zonai from The Wild Breath

The Legend of Zelda – Breath of the WildWe find scattered remains of an extinct people who once lived in the Hyrule lands. They are referred to as the Zonai, but we don’t know much about them other than that they made some of the landmarks seen in the game, like the dragon carvings and some of the ancient architecture.

A Nintendo game demo, which was shown on March 28, made any speculations about Zonai much more likely. That’s because one of the main theories, that the new game would have some connection to the Zonai, was confirmed. In the footage of the game, we see Link pick up an item called a “Zonai Charge.” Prior to this footage, players speculated that the Zonai would return because the logo and dragons in the new box art strongly resembled some of the Zonai carvings in The Wild Breath.

Now, it seems plausible that the Zonai are somehow connected to the floating islands, and it’s entirely possible that the ruins on said islands are of Zonai origin.

The Korok Forest was destroyed

Some fans speculate that the Korok Forest may have been destroyed or burned since the march 28 demonstration. The support for this theory isn’t all that robust, though. Most people have pointed toward a blurry shot during Link’s Skyward Sword-esque skydive, which supposedly points toward the forest’s previous location in The Wild Breath. However, it’s not a clear shot, so we can’t say for sure.

It’s still not entirely out of the realm of possibility that this could have happened, since mainland Hyrule appears to be in turmoil in the upcoming game. It’s entirely possible that the Great Deku Tree and the forest around it met some sort of terrible fate.

Zelda has a huge time loop.

Online theories have been suggested by some. Tears from the KingdomIt is part of the Zelda timeline’s time loop. The best support for this theory comes from the game’s logo, which prominently features an ouroboros in it. It is the symbol of infinity and looks like a snake eating its tail. There’s more to it — like possible connections to Skyward SwordYou can see below the dive for more details.

Underground will have a large area

This in-depth analysis will examine all trailers Nintendo released. Tears from the KingdomMonster Maze on YouTube points out evidence pointing to the existence of an underground world. Tears from the Kingdom. In this video, YouTuber suggests that Zelda’s special demon-world might actually exist.

The Master Sword will need to be repaired

We don’t know the details, but this theory is very likely because we now know the Master Sword is broken and/or in a state of decay. Nintendo shared an image of Link’s infamous sword in which its tip is completely gone and its edges are eroded. It’s in a sorry state, so fans are guessing we will have to restore its power somehow.

In the game, Hylia, the goddess of Hylia, will be a key player

Many are speculating that Hylia the goddess will appear in the forthcoming game. Hylia, a divinity who takes on mortal form via Zelda later in life, is Hylia. In one of the trailers, Zelda asks someone for their power, and some fans are theorizing that she’s making that request of the goddess. Some also believe that many of the cave carvings so far show the goddess. This suggests her involvement in the game’s next installment.

There’s a connection to the Zonai from The Wild Breath

The Legend of Zelda: The Breath of WildWe find scattered remains of an extinct people who once lived in the Hyrule lands. They are referred to as the Zonai, but we don’t know much about them other than that they made some of the Hylian landmarks seen in the game, like the dragon carvings and some of the ancient architecture.

Some fans pointed out the similarities between the Zonai carvings and the logo in the new box art. It is implied that more will be revealed about the Zonai, and how they were grouped in the next game.

Are we playing as Ganon in Breath of the Wild 2.?

Probably the most prevalent unconfirmed theory is that we won’t play Breath of the Wild 2.As Link. Instead, in a series first, we’ll actually play the game as Ganondorf. Although this bold hypothesis would mark one of Zelda’s biggest departures, it is gaining a lot more traction from a wide range of Zelda fan.

The basic gist of the theory is that the “Link” we see in the trailer isn’t actually Link, and that it’s actually the shriveled Ganon we see in the beginning of the trailer. It is supported principally by the similarities that Ganon has with the character seen in the trailer. Ganon, wearing a one-shoulder tunic similar to Ganon. Also, we don’t ever see this character’s face.

Besides those visual similarities, there’s a also bit of lore in The Wild BreathThese tapestries may also support the theory. A tapestry shows a heroic figure who saves the country from calamity, 10,000 years prior to the events that took place. BOTW. The hero saving the world looks like the zombie Ganon in the dark and the new “Link.” Once again, this has led some people to think there’s some kind of connection.

These are just the basics of the theory. However, if you’re looking for more information, this Kinda Funny Games video will explain the theory fully.

We can play Zelda as Zelda! Breath of the Wild 2.?

The trailer begins with Princess Zelda falling into a pit. Although this might seem like a sign that we won’t get to play as her, some fans are speculating otherwise.

Once again, this theory sort of hinges on the fact that we don’t know with 100 percent certainty that we play as Link, since we don’t see his face. However, from the character’s design — they wear a tunic that covers half their chest — we can assume that the character we see isn’t Zelda. Why? Because she probably is not flying through Hyrule’s skies with one tiddy free.

However, some people are still holding out hope that we can play as her, and that we’ll get to choose who falls into the deep dark pit at some point in the game.

Skyloft: Can we go back?

The most striking connection between the The Wild Breath This trailer and sequel are It Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. Link’s trailer opens with the exact same scene as the movie’s trailer. Link is seen falling through clouds. Skyward Sword. What’s more, the trailer shows floating islands just like in Skyward Sword. The description under the official Nintendo YouTube account literally says, “Return to Hyrule — and the skies above,” which is a pretty clear connection to floating island of Skyloft.

It is obvious that there are cinematic parallels to the Nintendo announcement. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward SwordSome people speculate Link may be returning to Skyloft with the HD Remaster that is being released for Nintendo Switch.

Tears from the Kingdom Skyward SwordEnjoy an old relic

Amber Relics, a valuable resource that can be found on the Surface of Earth, are available. Skyward Sword. In the game, the description of the item tells us that we don’t know where the strange shape comes from, but then in the latest trailer we see a similarly shaped item surround a deity-like figure in a carving, thus further hinting at some sort of connection between the two games.

It is Breath of the Wild 2.Connected to The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess?

Many people also noted visual links between the two. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight PrincessThe new trailer. The portals share a common color scheme. Twilight Princess and the shots with Link’s arms in the trailer. People have also pointed out the similarities between the Midna design, which accompanies Link through Twilight Princess and the one we see in this trailer, as well as the stone monster.

Link Time Travel in the The Wild Breath sequel?

Link seems to be able to pull a spiked ball uphill using some kind of time travel power in the trailer. In addition to that, connections between Link’s new design, and the hero depicted in the tapestry about the Calamity from 10,000 years before BOTWThey have been a leader some people to thinkThere could also be some kind of time travel.

Ah, there’s one more Easter Egg! Breath of the Wild 2. trailer…

This tidbit, like everything on the list, hasn’t been verified as intentional or significant. One fan claims that the trailer’s music is an abridged version of the original song. The Wild BreathClip about the prophecy-related tapestry

Needless to say, there’s still so much we don’t know about the The Wild Breath Following. As we get more information, we’ll continue to collect all the biggest theories we see.

Updated (Sept. 13th)The trailer shown during the Nintendo Direct in September 2013 has been added to this article.

Update February 23, 2009 The trailer shown during Nintendo Direct, February 8th has been added to this article.

Updated (March 29th) Based on information from the Nintendo Direct trailer, this article has been updated with additional theories and information.