The Legend of Zelda is a storied franchise with innumerable characters, from mainstays like Link and Zelda, to smaller on-off parts only present in a single game. Some characters, like Rauru from Tears of the Kingdom, manage to make the jump from small-time Legend of Zelda inclusion to become important characters in Hyrule’s history, and one character from an iconic game is long overdue for more time in the spotlight.
Because of the way the Legend of Zelda games skip around the universe’s timeline, it’s too easy for even the most important characters from some games not to come back in future titles. The likes of Link, Zelda, Ganon, and others who frequently return have been explained as being the reincarnated spirit of the same character, giving them the ability to transcend time in a way, as they are reborn just in time for each new installment. While this explanation is usually reserved for major characters, a number of Zelda’s recurring side characters are also believed to be reborn when they appear in different games at distant points in the timeline. Tears of the Kingdom used this technique to give new life to Ocarina of Time’s Sage of Light, Rauru, but he isn’t the only Ocarina of Time sage that deserves a rebirth.
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Rauru’s Return shouldn’t be a One-Off for the Zelda Series
Fans of the earlier Zelda games might remember Rauru as the sometimes-man-sometimes-owl who turns out to be the Sage of Light in Ocarina of Time, but recent games have given the name to a much different character. In Tears of the Kingdom, players were introduced to the king of the zonai, Rauru, who married Queen Sonia and founded the kingdom of Hyrule. Throughout the game, players will learn more about Rauru, Sonia, and Hyrule’s past as Link reawakens the sages of Rauru’s time. As it turns out, this version of Rauru also holds the title of Sage of Light, leading many fans to believe that Rauru has been reincarnated, allowing his spirit to play the same role in both games.
This revelation has fans wondering what the two characters’ other connections might be. Other than their names and roles as Sage of Light, there’s nothing directly tying the two together, but the importance of the Sage of Light shouldn’t be overlooked. The idea of sages being reincarnated in Zelda games is old news, as this plot line has been used in many of the series’ titles. However, though the sages are often present, they don’t usually share names with their previous era’s counterparts. This could mean that Rauru’s spirit plays a much larger role in the story of Hyrule than fans might have thought.
Another Important Sage has been Overlooked for Too Long
Rauru’s connection to Ocarina of Time hardly went unnoticed by longtime players, who were left somewhat puzzled by his inclusion. After all, he is generally thought to be one of the weaker characters in Ocarina’s sage lineup. Another sage, who many players feel a much greater connection to, is Saria, the Sage of the Forest and Link’s childhood best friend. So far, Saria has only appeared in Ocarina of Time, but if Rauru can become a major player in Hyrule’s history, then she deserves a similar role in a future title. With her strong ties to Link and heartfelt scenes at the beginning of the game, Saria easily won over many players, but has been left in the past. As a sage though, her return could easily be explained if she were to appear like Rauru in Tears of the Kingdom, and help Link or Zelda through another quest.
Ocarina of Time is one of the most beloved and acclaimed Legend of Zelda games, and Rauru’s inclusion in Tears of the Kingdom shows that Nintendo knows that. As a fan-favorite character, Saria’s rebirth might be even better received than Rauru’s, and would be the perfect way to honor Ocarina of Time’s legacy. She and Link should get a chance to rekindle their friendship across generations as she finally gains the reputation she deserves.
- Released
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May 12, 2023
- ESRB
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Rated E for Everyone 10+ for Fantasy Violence and Mild Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
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Nintendo
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo