The highlight of the recent Nintendo Direct for many was the new trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom which showcased the state of Hyrule in the upcoming title, while teasing some new mechanics players can look forward to. One aspect of the game that still eludes fans is the plot that sees Hyrule fall once again and seemingly destroys the Master Sword in the process. While this latest trailer only offered tidbits of information about the story for The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, it may have hinted at the return of the Spirit of the Master Sword, Fi.
First appearing the 2011 Wii title The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Fi is the humanoid spirit created by the goddess Hylia to reside within the Master Sword and aid the chosen hero on their quest to seal away Demise. After the game's finale, Fi parts with Link as the Master Sword is returned to the Temple of Hylia to await the next hero who should need its aid. Although this sequence implies Fi has been with every incarnation of Link on their journey via the Master Sword, she has yet to appear in another title since her original game.
Fi Might Finally Return in Tears of the Kingdom
After Fi was introduced in The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, it seemed as though Nintendo was set on making her a recurring character just as the Master Sword has been a staple in the series. However, while she was not directly featured in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the game makes several references to her existence within the Master Sword. Zelda herself mentions a voice in the Master Sword and asks Link if he can hear it. On a few occasions, such as following the completion of the Trial of the Sword, the sword will glow and Fi's signature sound effect can be heard.
These hints at her presence throughout the game might finally be leading up to her appearance in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, additional clues provided by the recent trailer support this theory. The Master Sword appears to have been destroyed as it's shown to be withered down to the hilt. Combine this fact with the sound of Zelda telling someone to lend Link their strength during the Nintendo Direct trailer, and it's very possible Fi has been released from the Master Sword and may now be infused with Link's arm, as its unnatural design suggests.
Skyward Sword HD's Release May Have Been Preparing Players for Fi's Return
To fill the gap in time between new mainline Zelda releases, Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD for the Switch in 2021. Although this remaster seemed like the logical next step for the series after The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD and The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD had been released on the Wii U, its timing might have been more than a coincidence. Nintendo might have been preparing players for Fi's prominence in the franchise's upcoming entry by allowing players to revisit her original game on the Switch.
While this could have just been a means to fill the gap in releases, Nintendo has a habit of re-releasing relevant titles for fans to experience prior to the launch of a related game. Given the other hints to Fi's Tears of the Kingdom role, it isn't too much of a stretch to imagine this was an intentionally-timed re-release. With the major plot elements still left up in the air, fans will likely have to wait a while longer to see if Fi really will play an important role in the upcoming title.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom releases May 12, 2023 on Nintendo Switch.