Summary
Nintendo recently unveiledThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomat their June 2024 Direct, a game that many had no idea was even in the works. With a release date set for September of this year, it’s amazing that the historic company was able to keep the game under wraps in an era where leaks are as common as day-one patches. While the presentation did an excellent job of explaining the game’s backstory and how the titular Princess Zelda will be traversing the lands of Hyrule, there is still so much yet to learn about the anticipated adventure title.
There was much to unpack withtheEchoes of Wisdomtrailer, and the internet quickly went to work reading the tea leaves for what Nintendo may have in store. For example, many wonder whereEoWwill sit in the increasingly nebulousZeldatimeline. Quick glimpses show what looks likeRiver Zora (green) meeting Sea Zora (blue), as well as many hints that seem to indicate that the game will take place in thesame timeline asA Link to the PastandA Link Between Worlds. What’s also up in the air iswho will be the game’s central villain.
10 Overlooked Zelda Games To Play While Waiting For Echoes Of Wisdom
Echoes of Wisdom is still pretty far away, but there are plenty of Zelda games that are less popular that deserve a chance to help you pass the time.
Ganon May Not Be The Villain In Echoes Of Wisdom
Link Is Shown Defeating Ganon Before Vanishing Into The Rift
At the beginning of the trailer, it shows Link defeating Ganon, freeing Princess Zelda in the process with his bow. Just after slaying Ganon, a strange rift opens in the floor, swallowing up Link andsetting up Zelda for her own solo adventure. This mayimply that Ganon is not the ultimate antagonist inEoW.Of course, Ganon has resurrected countless times, and it’s very possible he could still be the game’s bad guy. Yet, to show his defeat so plainly seems to imply that something else is afoot.
Few installments have been asimpactful toZeldacanon asBreath of the Wild.
As theZeldaseries entered its “Era of The Wilds” inBreath of the Wild, it introduced Calamity Ganon, a swirling cloud of malice and destruction. Many believed this swirly cloud of hatred was the spiritual manifestation of Ganon’s evil. That said, a compelling alternative theory has long been making the rounds that Calamity Ganon is not really Ganon at allbut the demonic force known as Demise.Demise was introduced in 2011’sThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. When defeated, he curses Link and Zelda, promising to resurrect again and again through the ages as a plague on Hyrule.
The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom Release Date, Characters, & Gameplay Details
Here’s everything to know about The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, an upcoming game that gives Zelda the starring role for a change of pace.
The Real Villain May Be One Seen Before
Calamity Ganon Could Actually Be Demise
Many of those familiar withZeldalore understandably assumed that Ganon/Ganondorf were the manifestations of this cyclical evil. Ganondorf even shares Demise’s fiery red hair, which many consider an obvious clue linking the two characters. However, a growing number of believes that Calamity Ganon may actually be a spectral manifestation of Demise’s consciousness. A flashback inBOTWshows the Master Sword in a damaged state as Link enters the Sleep of Restoration. Demise was sealed away in the Master Sword at the end ofSkyward Sword,and it may be that Demise escaped when the Master Sword was damaged.
If such a theory turns out to be true, it may be inEchoes of Wisdomwhere we learn the true nature of the destructive force known as Calamity Ganon. It is also very possible that an entirely new villain will be introduced, as theZeldaseries has done so many times. It would certainly be refreshing to see Zelda combat Ganon on her own, but introducing a new villain that could potentially be Zelda’s own personal nemesis is an intriguing idea. As the release ofThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomnears, much of it remains a mystery.
