Although Link is clearly leading the fight against evil in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it is much less clear what role Zelda herself will play in the title. Zelda took a leading role in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity, fighting alongside the Champions and other warriors in an impressive display of martial skill. However, it may be that TOTK will place her in a very different role, quite possibly to the game’s detriment.
Although Zelda was a relatively distant figure in Breath of the Wild, spending most of the game holding back Calamity Ganon, her displays of power were remarkable, making it clear that she is one of the best versions of The Legend of Zelda’s princess to date. In Age of Calamity, fans saw her fight with both her technological prowess in the form of the Sheikah Slate and her divine power. This Zelda is strong and confident, but Tears of the Kingdom may be about to do her a disservice in this regard.
Zelda Could Be Captured Once Again In Tears Of The Kingdom
Although the trailers released for Tears of the Kingdom naturally depict Link in a starring role, Zelda is more notable for her absence. So far, Zelda has only appeared briefly in trailers as she and Link explore an underground cavern. This leads to what seems to be the inciting incident for TOTK, a mummified Ganondorf awakening underneath Zelda’s iconic Hyrule Castle. The last that fans see of Zelda herself are shots of the cavern collapsing beneath her feet and her falling away. Separated from Link and clearly in danger, it could be that she is about to fall directly into the clutches of this new threat.
Zelda Becoming TOTK's Damsel In Distress Again Would Be A Disappointment
If Zelda does indeed end up being captured by Ganondorf, requiring Link to save her, this would simply be repeating an old trope that has been repeated time and time again - Zelda being a damsel in distress. With her being so active in Age of Calamity, this would be quite disappointing for fans eager to see more of her in the new game. It is a role held by many Princess Zeldas before her, although technically, Zelda will not be a princess in TOTK. Regardless, by relegating her to the role of captive, Tears of the Kingdom would ignore all of the incredible development Zelda has recently gained.
Although this is all simply speculation at this point, the fact that Link once again appears to be adventuring alone in Hyrule does bring the question of Zelda’s own whereabouts to mind. If she is indeed imprisoned, then this would almost certainly be a misstep for the story; this incarnation of Zelda has already more than proved herself to be an excellent fighter in Age of Calamity, and failing to capitalize on that would be a huge mistake that Tears of the Kingdom should avoid if at all possible. With players now used to Zelda being a strong character, taking away her agency now would be a very dissatisfying development.
Source: Nintendo of America/YouTube
