The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom was one of 2023’s landmark Nintendo Switch releases, amassing critical acclaim and millions of sales globally.
Helmed by series director Hidemaro Fujibayashi, the ambitious sequel to Breath of the Wild deepened the lore surrounding Hyrule and introduced fans to significant new characters, including the enigmatic Imprisoning War Sages.
Yet, despite their crucial role—Ardi of the Gerudo, Qia of the Zora, Raphica of the Rito, and Agraston of the Goron—the game offered few details about their pasts or personalities, leaving much to player imagination. In a recent interview with 4Gamer, director Hidemaro Fujibayashi provided new insight into this creative choice.
According to Fujibayashi, the decision to shroud the Imprisoning War Sages in mystery was intentional and closely tied to Tears of the Kingdom’s narrative focus.
"We structured the main story around a central theme, and so the Sages appeared masked and unnamed.
If their identities and personalities had been fully revealed, the story would have naturally expanded in unexpected directions.
To maintain the intended narrative scope, we deliberately withheld certain details about their backgrounds," Fujibayashi explained to 4Gamer.
He went on to express his satisfaction that these Sages now receive greater attention in more recent releases focused on the Imprisoning War. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, designed for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, aims to flesh out the mythology left largely untouched in Tears of the Kingdom.
The spin-off title revisits the era of the Imprisoning War, giving Ardi, Qia, Raphica, and Agraston more presence and narrative depth than in their initial, fleeting appearances.
This increased focus not only expands The Legend of Zelda series’ lore, but also provides long-time fans new context for some of Hyrule's most mysterious champions. Since launching in May 2023, Tears of the Kingdom has continued to resonate with both new and returning players—thanks in part to its expansive world and tightly woven story.
Meanwhile, the Zelda franchise remains a cornerstone of Nintendo’s first-party portfolio, with history-making entries dating back to the original Nintendo Entertainment System.
Eiji Aonuma, long-time Zelda producer, recently hinted in other interviews at exciting future developments for the series, ensuring that the adventures in Hyrule are far from over. With the expanding universe unveiled by Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and continued engagement from key creative leads like Fujibayashi and Aonuma, The Legend of Zelda’s future—and its mysterious past—remain as compelling as ever for Nintendo Switch players worldwide.
Helmed by series director Hidemaro Fujibayashi, the ambitious sequel to Breath of the Wild deepened the lore surrounding Hyrule and introduced fans to significant new characters, including the enigmatic Imprisoning War Sages.
Yet, despite their crucial role—Ardi of the Gerudo, Qia of the Zora, Raphica of the Rito, and Agraston of the Goron—the game offered few details about their pasts or personalities, leaving much to player imagination. In a recent interview with 4Gamer, director Hidemaro Fujibayashi provided new insight into this creative choice.
According to Fujibayashi, the decision to shroud the Imprisoning War Sages in mystery was intentional and closely tied to Tears of the Kingdom’s narrative focus.
"We structured the main story around a central theme, and so the Sages appeared masked and unnamed.
If their identities and personalities had been fully revealed, the story would have naturally expanded in unexpected directions.
To maintain the intended narrative scope, we deliberately withheld certain details about their backgrounds," Fujibayashi explained to 4Gamer.
He went on to express his satisfaction that these Sages now receive greater attention in more recent releases focused on the Imprisoning War. Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, designed for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, aims to flesh out the mythology left largely untouched in Tears of the Kingdom.
The spin-off title revisits the era of the Imprisoning War, giving Ardi, Qia, Raphica, and Agraston more presence and narrative depth than in their initial, fleeting appearances.
This increased focus not only expands The Legend of Zelda series’ lore, but also provides long-time fans new context for some of Hyrule's most mysterious champions. Since launching in May 2023, Tears of the Kingdom has continued to resonate with both new and returning players—thanks in part to its expansive world and tightly woven story.
Meanwhile, the Zelda franchise remains a cornerstone of Nintendo’s first-party portfolio, with history-making entries dating back to the original Nintendo Entertainment System.
Eiji Aonuma, long-time Zelda producer, recently hinted in other interviews at exciting future developments for the series, ensuring that the adventures in Hyrule are far from over. With the expanding universe unveiled by Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment and continued engagement from key creative leads like Fujibayashi and Aonuma, The Legend of Zelda’s future—and its mysterious past—remain as compelling as ever for Nintendo Switch players worldwide.
