As soon asThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomrevealed that it would feature floating islands to revamp its predecessor’s world, fans immediately speculated that this could imply possible connections toThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Swordsuch as its familiar hub Skyloft. Already several theories exist aboutTears of the Kingdom’srelationship toSkyward Swordspurred on by details like those found inBreath of the Wildor fromTears of the Kingdom’strailers. But between these details and other possible connections, what fans are hoping for most is Skyloft’s return inTears of the Kingdom.
Given thatThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomcould be the series' most influential addition to date thanks to its position asBreath of the Wild’sdirect sequel and Nintendo’s framing of the game, expectations are high. Due to the uncanny similarities, multiple references, and even the timing ofSkyward Sword HD’srelease precedingTears of the Kingdom, fans suspect that whatever has been planned for the sequel will connect the two. But beyond beingSkyward Sword’smost well-known location, Skyloft’s role inZeldacanon could also factor intoTears of the Kingdom’sstory.
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Skyloft: Between Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild
Following the end ofSkyward Sword,among the many revelations that serve as a prelude to theZeldaseries is the discovery of how Hylians returned to the surface and formed what would becomethe kingdom of Hyruleseen throughout other games. Brought about by Link wishing for Demise’s destruction, part of Skyloft referred to as the Isle of the Goddess descended and landed atop the Sealed Grounds. Neither the floating nor descended portions of Skyloft have been referenced in other games, leaving fans to speculate on their current canonical whereabouts.
In terms of release dates and not in-universe continuity, onlyA Link Between WorldsandBreath of the Wildcame afterSkyward Sword, so speculation has been broadly fan-driven. However,Breath of the Wildhas possible hints as to the whereabouts of the Isle of the Goddess after its descent. Specifically, theories have centered around the mysterious Forgotten Temple due to various unique details, from it housing thelargest and oldest Goddess Hylia statueto the Temple teeming with active Guardians. It’s even the location where the player receives the Hero of the Wild set.
The theory argues that The Forgotten Temple is what became of the Sealed Grounds over time, as its Goddess statue is believed to be the same one that descended from Skyloft. As a result, the temple was built around this location in reverence of its history and symbolism within Hyrule canon, but as with everything inBreath of the Wild, it has been abandoned and decayed over time. Though it had no immediate significance inBreath of the Wild’sstory, ifTears of the Kingdomis diving intoGanondorf’s revival with possibleSkyward Swordconnections, then this location could become far more important.
Skyloft in Tears of the Kindom
With the additional context thatTears of the Kingdomwill seeBreath of the Wild’sworld reshaped by the floating islands lifted from its surface, fans are predicting that the Forgotten Temple will be among these. Not only is this due to its minor role inBreath of the Wild, but it is also reflective of its possible ties to Skyloft. But as the Isle of the Goddess had descended onto the Sealed Grounds to stop Demise, reversing this could bean early indication of Demise’s returneither as the Imprisoned or Ganondorf, ultimately bringing theZeldaseries and its timelines full circle.
Though this is still just speculative and therefore likely not going to happen, there’s still the possibility thatTears of the Kingdommight referenceSkyward Swordin recognition of the pair’s similarity. Just asBreath of the Wildincluded locations referencing otherZeldagames such as Lon Lon Ranch or the Temple of Time, so too could “Skyloft” easily return as a recreated floating island inTears of the Kingdom. While it likely wouldn’t serve any grand narrative purpose, it would at least give players a dose of nostalgia and could prompt a new wave of fan theories to boot.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis set to release onMay 12, 2023, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
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