While it was already expected to return, the growing strength and mounting threat of the Blood Moon inThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis a solid indicator that the antagonistic force behind it could be Link’s greatest foe in all the series. Many players will remember theBlood Moon fromBreath of the Wild,whether it’s from the discordant music announcing its arrival to the visceral red moonlight bathing Hyrule. But beyond the stylistic horror the Blood Moon added, it also served as a core mechanic by reviving fallen enemies to ensure players never ran out of foes to fight.
As a result, it seemed inevitable that the Blood Moon would return inThe Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomfor this same purpose, but the latest trailer has demonstrated that the moon will have a far bigger role. Likely reflecting Ganondorf’s resurrection after his defeat as Calamity Ganon inBreath of the Wild, it seems his influence over the Blood Moon inTears of the Kingdomwill be stronger than ever. However, his new Blood Moon could be the key to understandingTears of the Kingdom’supcoming story, how Ganondorf, Link, and Zelda factor into it, and what it means for the overall series.
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A New Blood Moon For a New Hyrule
Early intoTears of the Kingdom’s marketing, it was revealed that the kingdom of Hyrule as seen inBreath of the Wildwould be radically reshaped. Following the latest trailer, this no longer only applies to the physical landscape of Hyrule but to the monsters that roam it, with Ganondorf’s army appearing to be stronger and more advanced, with new enemy varieties and unique combinations. But specifically, it’s this same trailer that could have revealed an explanation as to how and whyBreath of the Wild’senemieswill suddenly become more formidable as players return to Hyrule inTears of the Kingdom.
Featured prominently in the recent trailer, the Blood Moon seems to be worsening underthe effects of more aggressive Malice. Previously,Breath of the Wild’sBlood Moon had a canonical explanation of Calamity Ganon’s power becoming temporarily and periodically stronger, escaping just enough from Princess Zelda’s hold to exert control over the moon. Therefore, since Zelda is no longer holding him back and her role is unclear forTears of the Kingdom, the trailer demonstrates Ganondorf’s raw, unhindered power through his dominion over the Blood Moon.
The Blood Moon Could Be Hiding Other Clues
Listening carefully to Ganondorf’s dialogue from the trailer and noting how closely it contrasts with the Blood Moon, it’s easy to see the parallels of Ganondorf calling for his armies to rise just as they had every Blood Moon. Similarly, this could also be extended to how the blood moon and Malice appear to be connected to how Hyrule Castle – and presumably other floating islands – can “rise” into the sky. Followed thereafter by Ganondorf calling for the death of the kingdom, it seems implied thatthis version of Ganondorfhas no intention of merely ruling as king, but instead wants to obliterate Hyrule completely.
Considering that previous versions of Ganondorf sought to either rule over or reshape Hyrule in his image, as seen inOcarina of TimeorWind Waker, the shift in tone is interesting. It prompts deeper exploration, leading back to how the Blood Moon and Malice appear critical toTears of the Kingdom’sstory. With a more nuanced context taking into account Malice being new toBreath of the Wild, the increased threat it seems to pose, and that Ganondorf is its source or even its host, then using the Blood Moon to symbolically present this abnormal, absolute evil could be a sign of something more.
Ganondorf’s ability to take even more control of the Blood Moon through Malicecould hint at another power or entity inTears of the Kingdomas a second secret antagonist.Tears of the Kingdom’sstory will likely explore the history behind Ganondorf in order to defeat him, leading back to his imprisonment and how it connects to sealing Malice inside him. This backstory could explain why Malice is new to theZeldaSwitch games, how Ganondorf became its host, and reveal another more dangerous threat behind Malice and the Blood Moon, possibly including the ancient demon Demise.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdomis set to release onMay 12, 2023, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
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