It’s been a few days since the announcement of Echoes of Wisdom, and we can’t be more excited. Our first look at the game was less than five minutes long, but we already learned a lot about the new Hyrule that Zelda will be exploring in her new title. We’ve compiled a list of all of the familiar races and enemies that are confirmed to be returning so far, along with some fan speculation about their role in the game.
Hylians
Zelda and Link’s own race, the Hylians, have been a staple of the Legend of Zelda series since its inception. In Echoes of Wisdom, the Hylians are shown in a state of turmoil, losing land and their loved ones to Ganon’s rifts that threaten the kingdom. Interestingly, it is surmised that some Hylian soldiers have turned on Zelda in this game because we see her locked up in the Castle’s dungeon. Some fans have speculated they could be under the influence of Ganon like in A Link to the Past, or taking orders from a false leader as in The Minish Cap.
Fairies
Another mainstay of the Zelda series, fairies are making their return. The only fairy we’ve seen so far is the new character Tri, Zelda’s companion character who gives her the ability to use her Tri Rod. Tri looks very different from the fairies we’ve seen before, however. Some fans have speculated that Tri is a manifestation of Zelda’s Triforce of Wisdom. Our first look at the game showed no signs of the traditional fairy, but it is still likely they will make their return. Perhaps we can catch fairies in bottles, but how would our new fairy companion feel about that?
Gerudo
The Gerudo, the desert dwelling race of women, make their second-ever appearance in a 2D Zelda game (the first time was Four Swords Adventures in 2004). As Ganon appears to have a role in Echoes of Wisdom (albeit in his boar form), perhaps we will learn some backstory about Ganondorf when we visit their village.
Sheikah
Sheikah are returning in their second-ever 2D appearance, the first being in A Link Between Worlds. In one part of the trailer we see Zelda visiting a new character with white hair and Sheikah artifacts commonly shown in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, such as a lamp and straw hat. In the next clip we see an old Sheikan woman, possibly Impa, take on some Hylian soldiers to help Zelda escape the castle dungeon.
Zoras
In one of the more intriguing parts of the trailer, we see two different Zora variations who seem to be in the midst of some sort of conflict. The older variation of Zoras, sometimes referred to as River Zoras, most commonly appear as fire-breathing enemies in the 2D games. Zora in the 3D games, sometimes differentiated as Sea Zora, are more peaceful. The only other game to include both Zora races was Oracle of Ages, where a Zora says, “don’t think us noble Sea Zoras are the same as those savage, vulgar River Zoras!”
Deku Scrubs
Deku Scrubs are making their return for Echoes of Wisdom. In this shot, we see a Business Scrub selling potions. This marks a Business Scrub’s first appearance since 2005’s The Minish Cap, and their designs are more reminiscent of the Business Scrubs from Majora’s Mask. We also see the Great Deku Tree in his first 2D appearance, with a similar design to his original look in Ocarina of Time.
Enemies
Many old enemies make a return, and Zelda notably will be able to create echoes out of most of them. Enemies confirmed as echoes are marked in bold. Here is a list of all enemies which appear in the trailer, in order of appearance:
- Darknut
- Ganon
- Moblin
- Zol
- Sand Crab
- Blade Trap
- Sea Urchin
- Bombfish (second-ever appearance after Twilight Princess)
- Angler Fry (second-ever appearance after Link’s Awakening)
- Crow
- Deku Baba (first 2D appearance)
- Soldier
- Bari
- Lizalfos (first 2D appearance)
- Skulltula
- Peahat
- Fire Zol (new enemy)
- Rope
- ReDead
- Octorok
We’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available.
