Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Entry 16: Zora’s Domain
In the morning, I saddle up Phoenix for the long journey to Wetland Stable. As I approach the familiar fork in the road at the Breach of Demise—the one I’d normally take south to avoid Hyrule Castle—I make a bold decision: to take a shortcut… directly past the castle.
Before crossing Carok Bridge, I pause to survey the area. Skywatcher Guardians patrol the skies, their ominous red beams sweeping the landscape. Unnerved but determined, I equip my ancient armor and cross the bridge. Once I find a safe spot, I leave Phoenix behind and continue on foot.
The closer I get to Castletown, the clearer it becomes why people avoid this place. The ruins are a haunting sight—devastated, choked with festering blight, and crawling with relentless Guardians. Using the broken terrain and crumbling ruins to my advantage, I carefully take down any Guardians that cross my path.
Exploring west of Castletown, I come across the Water Reservoir and the eerie remains of the Castle Town Prison Ruins. I also discover two shrines hidden amidst the wreckage and spot what looks like a possible entry point into the castle, just across the moat from the prison ruins.
From there, I press eastward, skirting the castle through Hyrule Forest Park. Armed with powerful arrows from Robbie’s tech lab, I dispatch the Guardians swiftly, clearing the path with precision. Eventually, I reach Woodland Stable, the shadow of the castle fading behind me as I prepare for the journey to Zora's Domain.
The next morning, I set out along the winding road that leads to Zora’s Domain. The air is thick with mist, and a steady rain falls, turning the path slick and shimmering under the gray sky. As I approach the graceful arches of Inogo Bridge, I’m greeted by none other than Prince Sidon. His radiant smile and confident demeanor stand out against the dreary weather. He explains that he’s been searching for a Hylian warrior to aid in saving Zora’s Domain, though he promises to share more details once I arrive. His expression grows serious as he warns me—the road ahead is crawling with monsters wielding deadly electric weapons, a grave threat to the Zora. To make matters worse, the relentless rainfall has left the cliffs slick, making any attempt to climb treacherous.
Undeterred, I don my rubber armor for protection against electric attacks, its sleek surface glistening as raindrops bead and roll off. I continue along the winding road, dispatching Lizalfos with ease as they ambush from rocky outcrops and riverbanks, their crackling weapons powerless against my gear.
Every so often, Sidon appears in the river below, effortlessly cutting through the current with powerful strokes. His voice carries over the roar of the water, offering words of encouragement and warnings about monster camps ahead. Despite the dangers, I can’t help but admire the breathtaking landscape—the road weaving gracefully along the river’s edge and climbing the cliffs, illuminated by elegant Zora-crafted lanterns that glow softly even through the rain.
As I draw closer to the city, the rocky cliffs begin to shimmer with a faint bluish glow, as if the very stones are infused with the essence of Zora’s ancient magic. Eventually, I reach Luto’s Crossing, an intricately designed bridge that arches gracefully over the roaring waters below. From its center, I catch my first glimpse of Zora’s Domain in the distance—a luminous, cascading city carved into the cliffs, its spires gleaming like crystals against the rain-drenched sky.
Continuing onward, I notice intricate carvings etched into the stone walls along the path, depicting key moments from Zora’s rich history—tales of heroism, ancient battles, and the lineage of their royal family. After a fierce battle with an electric Wizzrobe, whose crackling bolts light up the darkened path, I finally reach the majestic Great Zora Bridge. Its elegant design stretches across the final divide, leading me straight to the grand entrance of Zora’s Domain.
Waiting for me at the entrance was Prince Sidon. He greeted me and asked me to meet him in the throne room, where he wanted to discuss matters with the King of the Zora. As I walked through the city, I spoke with some of the guards stationed along the way. Surprisingly, many of them recognized me—at least those who were over a hundred years old. They seemed shocked that I had no memory of them or the events of the Calamity, especially regarding the Zora princess, Mipha.
Some of the Zora elders appeared to harbor resentment toward Hylians, particularly me, because of what happened during that time. When I finally entered the throne room, I met King Dorephan. The King was both astonished and delighted to see me—the Hylian his son had spoken of, the Champion of the Hylians. However, his joy quickly turned to surprise when he realized I had no memory of him or his daughter, Mipha.
The King then explained the dire situation facing the Zora—and all of Hyrule—due to the Divine Beast Vah Ruta. Vah Ruta was causing the constant rain that plagued the region, and the Zora were growing increasingly concerned that the East Reservoir Lake, where Vah Ruta was rampaging, was at risk of overflowing. If the dam were to break, it could flood all of Hyrule.
Almost on cue, we heard Vah Ruta roar and rise from the lake, its massive form looming in the distance. Unfortunately, Vah Ruta’s weakness was electricity, particularly shock arrows—an element the Zora could not wield. This explained Prince Sidon’s search for a Hylian who could help.
The King then presented me with special Zora armor crafted by Lady Mipha herself. This armor would allow me, as a Hylian, to swim up waterfalls—an ability that would be essential in the battle against Vah Ruta. The King then turned to his elder advisor, Muzu, asking where I could find shock arrows. However, Muzu openly expressed his disdain for me, refusing to assist and storming out of the throne room. Prince Sidon quickly followed after him.
The King apologized for Muzu’s behavior, explaining that Muzu had been Mipha’s mentor and was deeply affected by her loss. Determined to resolve the situation, I left the throne room to find Muzu and Prince Sidon.
I found Muzu and Prince Sidon standing by Lady Mipha’s statue, locked in a heated argument. As I approached, I paused, letting my gaze settle on the statue. While waiting for the right moment to chime in, a memory suddenly surged through me—vivid and undeniable.
I remembered a tender moment with Mipha, as clear as if it had just happened. We were sitting together atop Vah Ruta, her gentle hands healing the wounds on my arm. I could feel the warmth of her touch, the quiet comfort we shared, and the deep connection—the special feelings we had for one another. The memory left me breathless.
When I came back to the present, I noticed both Muzu and Sidon staring at me, their argument forgotten. I told them what had happened—that I remembered. Muzu scoffed, clearly skeptical. “How convenient,” he muttered, dismissing my revelation as if it were nothing more than a ploy.
Before I could respond, Sidon spoke up. “Put on the Zora armor,” he suggested with quiet insistence. He explained that in Zora tradition, women craft and present armor as a profession of love, much like a proposal of marriage. I slipped into the armor, and to Muzu’s astonishment, it fit me perfectly—as if it had been made for me.
Realization dawned on Muzu. The truth was undeniable. Mipha had crafted this armor for me. His skepticism faded, replaced by reluctant acceptance. With a heavy sigh, he agreed to help. He told me that a Lynel atop Ploymus Mountain carried the shock arrows I would need to face Vah Ruta.
Prince Sidon then turned to me with his ever-confident smile. “I will meet you at East Reservoir Lake when you’re ready to confront the Divine Beast,” he said.
With the memory of Mipha burning bright in my heart, and the looming threat of the dam’s collapse threatening to flood all of Hyrule, I agreed to help without hesitation. But before I could face Vah Ruta, there was one more thing I needed to find—a sword from that memory.
