Daily Debate: Why Is Zelda Glowing When She Falls In The Latest Tears Of The Kingdom Trailer?
Posted on April 16 2023 by Alexandria Weber
It might take Zelda fans more than a month to decipher all the details given in the latest Tears of the Kingdom trailer and, by then, the game will be released into our impatient hands. Regardless, we still enjoy this insatiable period of theorizing, screen-shotting, debating, and marveling at how fast fan artists are. It’s times like this that the Zelda fanbase surges with passion, creativity, and intellect. We pride ourselves on our eagle-eyes when picking apart what Nintendo has offered us, like a pre-emptive puzzle before the game even starts.
I’m among the many who has watched the trailer multiple times at varying speeds, and I noticed that in this version of Zelda falling to what was once theorized to be her death, she is glowing with a golden magic. It starts at the every center of her being, but also starts to glow very strongly amidst her left hand. Is she being transported somewhere to avoid falling to her demise? Is she doing it or is it another powerful being saving her? Is it her sealing power manifesting from her fear of being separated from Link? Is her sealing power activated because Link has jumped off the ledge to save her and, for all she knows, he too will fall? Is this Link’s memory of Zelda falling? Is this the first instance of the new “recall” ability, in which time is reversed on a single object/being?
I wish I could give a cemented answer to all of these questions, but the tragic moment between the two is definitely the emotional heart of the game as a whole, threading the needle of destiny. I personally think it’s her sealing power activating out of instinct, but with no real use. It’s more of an emotional detail than a practical one. She sees Link falling as well as her and wants the both of them safe. Regardless of her powers, there’s nothing she or Link can do in the moment. As far as the recall ability coming into play, I think that’s the real tragedy of it, that he learns how to do that afterwards, and has to grapple with that every time he uses it.
What do you think? What is the significance of the golden shimmer that begins to ensconce Zelda? Is she being transported elsewhere? Or is it indicative of her worry for Link? Let us know in the comments below!
Alexandria Weber is a Senior Editor and an aspiring creative writer. Her favorite food is apple pie and she loves her cat Galadriel. Ask her for pictures!
