Skyloft appears to be the epitome of an atmospheric civilization in the Zelda series, and honestly, it probably is. Twilight Princess is home to the City in the Sky where the Ooccoo reside, and The Minish Cap features the Wind Tribe who live in a sky society called Cloud Tops. While these cloud civilizations are compelling, I wanted to take the time to focus on a less exciting but still magical sky location: the beanstalks in The Minish Cap.
The beanstalks in The Minish Cap are accessed via Kinstones. Kinstones are magical puzzle-like relics that create good fortune when properly put together. For example, fusing one half of a Kinstone piece with its mate will lead to a chest, a golden enemy, or a beanstalk appearing. The reintroduction of Kinstones into the Zelda series would be greatly appreciated because they are such a fun way to both talk to NPCs and find hidden treasures.
Five Kinstone puzzles lead to a patch of grass that quickly spawns a giant beanstalk, which you are able to climb. There are a total of five beanstalks scattered throughout the map: Four become available by fusing Kinstones with Forest Minish, and the last one is accessed by fusing a Kinstone piece with Melari, the chief of the Mt. Crenel Minish.
The climb up to the cloud showcases the Hyrule landscape: It features a mountain range, a river, and endless lush green valleys. Once at the top, there is a single fluffy cloud that houses rupees, a Piece of Heart, a Mysterious Shell, the Large Quiver, or more Kinstones. The cloud itself is simplistic in the sense that there are no puzzles or enemies, only prizes and peace.
To me, the most exciting Kinstone fusions were those that gave access to the beanstalks, because they just seemed so whimsical and carefree. The cloud top treasures were always great and there was never any threat of enemies.
I imagine that Link feels a sense of tranquility while making his way up the beanstalks to these five cloud locations. He is about 12 or 13 years old in The Minish Cap, so he must have a feeling of calmness and security while high up in the sky atop a single white cloud away from enemies. When you’re a young hero, sometimes that’s just what you need.
