The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom takes us back to the very foundation of Hyrule, where a new race, the Zonai, emerges. Wrapped in mystery, the Zonai's history is closely tied to that of the kingdom of Hyrule. Although there is still much we don't know about them, we can gather some insights from the scattered Zonai ruins found throughout Hyrule, particularly in the Faron region. These ruins may have been built either by the Zonai themselves or by the people of Hyrule to honor them.
The Enigmatic Zonai
The Zonai race has only been briefly mentioned throughout the series, mainly in relation to the founding of Hyrule. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom provides us with the first real glimpse into their history and culture. Their presence is evident from the ruins scattered across Hyrule, but it remains uncertain whether these ruins were the Zonai's creation or built in homage to them by the people of Hyrule.
The Zonai were believed to reside in the sky, utilizing Zonaite technology that fell from above. Their advanced civilization is showcased through their architecture and technology, which reflects their deep faith in the Goddess Hylia. They possessed powerful Secret Stones that amplified the abilities of the Sworn Sages of Hyrule, and these stones also had the ability to transform their holders into immortal dragons through Draconification.
As we delve deeper into the story, the mythical status of the Zonai diminishes, making their existence more tangible. The Dragon's Tears provide glimpses into the Zonai's history and their influence on the expansion of Hyrule. However, the fate of the Zonai race remains a mystery, with only the spirit of Mineru, one of the known Zonai members, remaining.
The Depths and the Zonai
The Depths, a hidden layer of Hyrule, adds an intriguing dimension to the world. It is unclear when and why the people of Hyrule began mining this layer, but the presence of Zonai structures suggests their involvement. The tools found in the Depths, similar to those discovered in Zonai ruins, indicate a connection between the Zonai and the mining activities.
Zonai technology, crafted with Zonaite, is remarkably well-preserved and can be found in giant Gacha machines. These machines bear resemblance to the Zonai machines found in the Depths. The technology includes emitters for elemental control, mirrors to redirect light, and gravity stones for safety. Zonai clothing incorporates this technology, enabling wearers to harness the elements and improve efficiency. Rauru, a Zonai member, showcases his technical prowess by creating a floating platform in the Skyview Temple.
The Zonai and the Goddess Hylia
The Zonai's connection to the Goddess Hylia is evident through their revered artifacts, the Secret Stones. These stones were entrusted to the Sworn Sages of Hyrule, enhancing their abilities and allowing them to undergo Draconification. The Zonai's influence can also be seen in the dragons Dinraal, Naydra, and Farosh, who are believed to be their descendants and patrons of the wellsprings dedicated to Hylia.
These are the key details we know about the enigmatic Zonai in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. If you still have unanswered questions about this elusive race, be sure to check out our Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom walkthrough for a deeper understanding of the latest game in the series. And if you're craving more adventures, don't miss our picks for the best Zelda games.
