Are you excited for Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment? As the countdown is underway towards the game’s release day on November 6, it’s a great time to get reacquainted with the new playable characters that Nintendo and Koei Tecmo have revealed thus far for the newest installment of the Hyrule Warriors franchise. A user on X by the name of HUNK_0203 pointed out that the Japanese names of the Sages could be based on the names of the oldest known species or object. What do these names mean? Let’s take a closer look.
Qia, Zora Sage of Water
Let’s start off with the Zora Sage, Qia, who is the Queen of the Zoras in the ancient Hyrulean era. She inspires her people with her bravery and fighting spirit! Seeing as she is Zora royalty, one could wonder what her exact relation to Sidon and Mipha is. Qia, or Kia in Japanese, is based on the scientific genus name Myllokunmingia, also known to be a fossil of the world’s oldest fish.
Argaston, Goron Sage of Fire
Next is the Goron Sage, Agraston! He is described to be extremely generous and intelligent. He is loyal, but also tough when the need arises. Interestingly enough, he is considered to be a close friend of Rauru’s. Agraston, or Agasta in Japanese, is based upon the scientific name Acasta Gneiss, the world’s oldest rock.
Raphica, Rito Sage of Wind
The Rito Sage is known as Raphica, described to be a quick-witted leader of the Rito tribe. His actions and words can be difficult for others to understand at times, but he cares deeply for his colleagues. Raphica, or Krafika in Japanese, is based upon the scientific genus Archaeopteryx Lithographica, the world’s oldest known birds.
Ardi, (Future) Gerudo Sage of Lightning
The Gerudo Sage, Ardi, is kind-hearted and compassionate, bound to her duty in serving the Gerudo tribe. Ardi, or Aldi in Japanese, is based on the ardipithecus ramidus, the world’s first and oldest human ancestor. It’s particularly interesting that she is the only one to be featured unmasked in comparison to the other Sages. This may have to do with her involvement with Ganondorf and the other members of her tribe. Could she have a redemption arc within the story, leading to her joining Princess Zelda and the others later?
Lenalia, Princess Zelda’s Chamberlain
Princess Zelda’s chamberlain, Lenalia, is a wonderful surprise character to be introduced. She tends to Zelda’s needs and has an interest in the mystical presence around her, all while carrying around her trusty notebook. Additionally, her alternate names Lenalia, or Lanaria could be based upon the linaria, a snapdragon-like flower. Seems like a fitting name to go along with the dragon theming of Tears of the Kingdom! Could she be the one who is referred to as the High Maiden who helps Mineru engrave the 13 stone tablets in Tears of the Kingdom? Seeing as she was given artwork and revealed alongside the Sages, she must be important to the story.
Calamo, the adventurous Korok
The name of the daring Robin Hood-like Korok, Calamo, was revealed! Calamo is described to be a boisterous Korok who has been searching around Hyrule in order for a place to lay down his roots. There was previous speculation that this was a younger version of Hestu, but based on this new information that no longer seems to be the case. Seeing as he is searching for some place new, does that mean that there is a similar situation going on within the Korok Forest just like in Tears of the Kingdom? Or is he looking for the place that will be known as the Korok Forest? Some fans are speculating he could even be a young Great Deku Tree.
The Mysterious Construct
We now have a little more information concerning the construct that many have speculated to have some connection to Link. Nintendo and Tecmo Koei have named this character as a Mysterious Construct. The official description claims that it can transform and take to the skies, all things that have been seen before within the trailers. This mysterious character must have some large reveal for Nintendo to keep it under wraps for so long, but luckily this mystery will be solved once the game releases!
Warriors of Different Races
The difference between the two Hylians in the front is interesting. Could they represent different classes due to one being equipped with different types of Zonai garb?
Lastly, the newest character additions come in the form of the different races of Hyrule. This is the first key artwork that is being shown of the everyday people in Hyrule during the Imprisoning War. Deemed as simply the “Warriors” for now, these characters represent parts of the armies fighting along Zelda and the others. Whether or not these characters will be given names and additional stories is unknown, but the artwork does highlight them well. Interestingly enough, this artwork does not include the other Gerudo woman who was seen in earlier trailers, so perhaps she will be revealed on her own in a later time.
Which Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment character are you most excited for? If you haven’t gotten a chance to watch the trailer or wish to rewatch it to your heart’s content, here it is below.
And here are some additional trailer and in-game screenshots of these new characters in action to feast your eyes on:
