Great Sea

Lore & Background

According to legend, when evil threatened the land one last time, the Goddess Hylia intervened by raising the sea levels. This Great Flood submerged the entire continent of Hyrule, turning cities into coral reefs and castles into underwater tombs. The water acted as a divine barrier, ensuring that no one could easily reach the sealed realm where Ganondorf was imprisoned deep below. Despite the catastrophe, life persisted on the surface. Survivors settled upon islands that rose from the depths, each holding fragments of Hyrule's history. These locations often correspond to ancient regions like Eldin or Faron, now transformed into tropical outposts. The sea became a place of both danger and discovery, where pirates roamed freely while spirits guarded the secrets of the old world. The ocean itself holds memory. Those who dive deep can see the ghostly outlines of towers and walls that once housed kings and heroes. This setting reinforces the theme that history is never truly lost, only covered over until someone brave enough to sail returns it to the light.

In Their Own Story

The wind fills the canvas with a steady pull as the vessel cuts through calm turquoise waters. Link stands at the prow, eyes fixed on the silhouette of an island emerging from the mist. Below the surface, shadows of ancient stone drift silently past the hull, reminders of the world that once stood tall before the flood. A seagull cries overhead, its call echoing across the empty expanse where a kingdom now sleeps beneath the waves.

Reader's Guide

The Great Sea serves as the primary setting for one of the most beloved entries in the series. It is not merely a body of water, but a transformed version of the ancient kingdom of Hyrule. Following the sealing of Ganondorf deep beneath the waves, the Goddess Hylia raised the ocean levels to protect the land from corruption. This vast expanse forces travelers to rely on sailing and wind currents rather than traditional paths. For the protagonist, this environment dictates every aspect of adventure. Progression is tied to mastering the boat and unlocking new islands scattered across the horizon. Each island represents a fragment of the old world, holding dungeons or secrets that tie back to Hyrule's history. The sea itself acts as both a barrier and a bridge, connecting isolated communities while hiding the truth beneath its surface. Ultimately, this setting matters because it emphasizes themes of legacy and moving forward. While the land is gone, civilization persists on floating islands and ships. It challenges players to explore vertically through diving and horizontally across open waters. The Great Sea stands as a testament to resilience, proving that even when kingdoms fall, hope can sail onward toward a new dawn.

Did You Know?

• The islands visible in the ocean map correspond directly to regions of the original Hyrule landmass.
• The King of Red Lions resides within the boat used for travel across the waters.
• Ancient ruins of Hyrule Castle can be seen underwater near the end of the journey.
• The Tower of the Gods rises from the sea floor when specific conditions are met.