10. Armor Sets From Previous Zelda Games
Over the years, Link’s classic looks underwent many changes. From his three-colored tunics in Ocarina of Time to the train conductor outfit in Spirit Tracks, the hero of time, wind, or whatever he’s called in each title, Link’s fashion sense varies a lot. One of the best aspects of Tears of the Kingdom is the hero's ability to equip armor from his past adventures. Tunics from games such as Twilight Princess, Link’s Awakening, and many more make a fashionable comeback, each bringing a dose of nostalgia.
Obtaining the sets is quite fun, as Link can't throw rupees away to get them and instead are tied to a quest or an old map. Of course, Amiibo’s also makes obtaining them more straightforward. Still, it's nice to know that for those who don’t want to spend more money on the game, they’re still obtainable.
9. Demon King Demise
At the beginning of the game, when Zelda is scanning the ancient murals depicting past conflicts, the princess mentions that the antagonistic force is known as the ‘Demon King.’ Besides Ganondorf, there is another antagonist in the game who owns the same title, as Demise, from Skyward Sword, was the original owner. Fans theorize that, due to the mural’s age, it could refer to the first big bad (chronologically) of The Legend of Zelda.
In Skyward Sword, Demise battles the Goddess Hylia after the world’s creation and ends up sealed inside the Master Sword at the end of the game. But before he’s sealed away forever, Demise curses Link and Zelda’s descendants to suffer his wrath until the end of times. A lot of hardcore fans (including me) theorize that said curse manifests itself as Ganondorf, and for that reason, there might be a double meaning behind the mural.
8. Midna’s Theme
One of the most beloved aspects of Twilight Princess, the Leader of the Twili, stole the hearts of the players. During the event known as the Interloper War, the goddesses Din, Nayru, and Farore banished Midna and her subjects to the Twilight Realm, where they could only exist as shadows.
Many fans were excited at the prospect of Midna returning in Tears of the Kingdom, and although she doesn’t make a comeback, there’s a slight nod to the Twili Leader. When Link touches a Zonai shrine, the first three notes of Midna’s Theme chime. It might be easy to miss, but it's a beautiful detail and a nod to one of Link’s best companions, unlike Navi, who no one misses.
7. Saria’s Song
A recurring song in the franchise, Saria’s song serves as background music for places related to forests or woods. In Ocarina of Time, Link’s long-time friend and Sage of the Forest, Saria, teaches this tune to the Hero of Time as a symbol of their friendship. With it, both besties can communicate at any time if Link plays the song on his Ocarina.
Saria’s Song makes a return in Tears of the Kingdom whenever Link decides to whip up a nice dish. The hero, while cooking, will start to hum this tune. Also, at times, while exploring Hyrule, Link might hum Saria’s Song.
6. Queen Sonia’s Grave
One of the founders of Hyrule, along with King Rauru, Queen Sonia is one of the most important characters in the game. If players have found the respective Dragon’s Tear, it’s possible to watch the cutscene where Ganondorf murders the Queen and takes her Secret Stone. After this, King Rauru places some Sundelions on her grave.
One of the most interesting Easter Eggs in the game is if Link travels to the Forgotten Temple, where it's possible to find a small stone toward the back of the temple. It’s here where the player can find a stone that looks identical to Queen Sonia’s grave. Of course, Link can disrespect her memory and steal the Sundelions, channeling his meanie spirit seen in earlier games whenever he vandalizes properties by breaking pots.
5. Divine Beast Helms Match Their Sages
The Divine Beast, massive mechanical beasts, were some of the most important elements in Breath of the Wild. Built by the Sheikah to help the princess and the hero seal the Calamity away some 10,000 years before the events of the game. Although they don’t appear in Tears of the Kingdom, they make a cameo as helmets for Link to wear.
After Link beats a dungeon, one of the sages will accompany him. I.e., after Link saves the Rito from their blizzard and awakens the new Sage of Wind, Tulin’s avatar accompanies the hero. If Link wears Vah Medoh’s helm, Tulin's avatar wears the same helm. The same applies to the other sages.
