There is a tragedy hidden in plain sight in the ending ofThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, which puts a very different spin on the supposedly happy conclusion. On the surface, the game’s final moments seem to be nothing more than a collection of positive scenes from across Hyrule, showing the final results of Zelda’s efforts to protect her kingdom. However, closer examination reveals a much darker side to one of these moments.
There are plenty of darker details inThe Legend of Zelda, many of which only reveal their full depth on close examination or reflection. For example,Tears of the Kingdom’s regional phenomenaall have terrifying implications for the people of Hyrule. Of course, the pervasively dour atmosphere ofMajora’s Maskoften sees it labeled as the darkest entry in the franchise, but ultimately it is far from the onlyZeldagame to include such elements.The ending ofEchoes of Wisdomis merely the most recent example of this trend.
Condé’s Brother Returning Isn’t Just A Happy Reunion
The Yeti Will Soon Learn About The Death Of His Father
Zelda engages with thestories of many NPCs inEchoes of Wisdom, many of whom can then be seen depicted living happy lives in the game’s ending credits. One of the scenes shown during this sequence is Condé the Yeti jumping for joy at the sight of his brother’s hot air balloon. On the surface, this is a heartwarming moment, promising that the pair will soon be together again at last. However, this impending happy reunion is overshadowed by the fact thatCondé’s brother is also about to learn that their father has diedduring his absence.
In many ways,this will be one of the worst ways possible for Condé’s brother to end his journey. Condé himself has been left alone for a long time, sadly waiting and hoping for his brother’s return. Furthermore, the trouble brought by the Rifts has only compounded Condé’s circumstances. Condé’s isolation is a prevalent theme for the Yeti; any possible neighboringraces have been cut fromEchoes of Wisdomentirely, meaning his mountaintop home is devoid of companionship without his family. As such,it is easy to see his brother feeling responsible for Condé’s emotional distressupon learning the truth.
Echoes Of Wisdom Glosses Over Condé’s Tragic News
Reminding Players About It Would Darken The Game’s Happy Ending
Of course, it is not hard to see whyEchoes of Wisdomchooses to ignore the logical fallout of this event. The credits are clearly intended to depict Hyrule recovering after the events of the game, but reminding people about Condé’s father would introduce a much more depressing element to this sequence. Although doing so could provide closure, it would also badly affect the otherwise positive mood. Meanwhile, by only depicting Condé’s joy,the game allows people to focus more on the more positive aspects of the reunion.
Echoes Of Wisdom’s Placement In The Legend Of Zelda Timeline Has Exciting Implications For The Future Of The Franchise
Nintendo recently revealed where Echoes Of Wisdom falls on the Zelda timeline, at it hints at an exciting future for the iconic franchise.
The death of Condé’s father is a tragedy that gives the normally-upbeat Yeti a deeper history than many otherEchoes of WisdomNPCs, but it will also be the worst possible news for his brother to receive when he returns home. It is likely that Condé’s brother will be fully expecting to be greeted by both of his family members, with no way of knowing the truth. It is understandable whyThe Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdomdoes not acknowledge this inevitability, but the looming tragedy does paint this part of its happy ending in a very different light.
