Zelda: TOTK’s Regional Phenomena Quests Are Actually Shockingly Dark

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The four Regional Phenomena quests form a large part of ’s main storyline, but on close examination, these quests actually tell some incredibly dark stories. Although there are other main quests in to focus on alongside them, these quests directly lead Link to meeting four of the game’s sages, who each grant him a sage summon and ability like ’s Champion powers. Pursuing them leads Link into direct conflict with Ganondorf’s forces, confronting him with just how monstrous the Demon King’s plans are.

is no stranger to dark themes. There are a multitude of dark theories surrounding the classic , which commonly touch on clear themes of death and despair. is another example of a game focused on dark subject matter, where Twilight blankets Hyrule and reduces those trapped within to helpless spirits. Similarly, the game also features memorable sequences such as Wolf Link desperately racing to find help as Midna lies dying on his back. At first glance, the more cartoonish and brightly-colored suggests a far lighter game, but nothing could be further from the truth.

It can be easy to gloss over in the heat of the moment, but the Regional Phenomena all have nightmarish consequences for those affected. However, with people actively working to resolve these problems as soon as they are encountered, many may not think about the deeper implications of each. For example, due to Colgera’s blizzard, Rito Village is low on supplies and has been mostly abandoned by its adult inhabitants, leaving their children to keep the village running on their own. Naturally, it is extremely harsh to place such a burden on children, but the Rito have no real choice in the matter if they are to survive.

Related: The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom