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Although Rauru has an important part to play in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, being the first king of Hyrule and the Source of the Right Arm, little else is known about him. The Dragon’s Tears memories show us a glimpse of what Hyrule was like during its founding, but in some ways, they open up even more mysteries about Rauru.
The name Rauru has also appeared in other titles in the series, leading fans to question the connection between the character and these references. It first showed up in Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link as a location known as Rauru Town, and then more prominently as Rauru in Ocarina of Time. Now, Tears of the Kingdom’s Rauru is also a mystery.
Who Is Rauru In Tears Of The Kingdom?
The first mention of Rauru in Tears of the Kingdom is made when Zelda and Link happen across Ganondorf’s skeletal body beneath Hyrule Castle.
Ganondorf chastises “Rauru” for placing “his faith” in Link, as his gloom was able to destroy Link’s arm and render the Master Sword useless.
Similar to how Link is guided by King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule after awakening in the Shrine of Resurrection in Breath of the Wild, Link is guided by the first king of Hyrule in the Tears Of The Kingdom's opening section.
Rauru first appears to Link as a spirit, acting as a guide as he completes the Shrines of Light on the Great Sky Island. Each Shrine of Light was made by Rauru and is filled with a sacred light that alleviates some of the gloom that tainted Link’s body.
Speaking with Rauru’s spirit on the Great Sky Island gives an insight into the founding of Hyrule in the past, as he says they created the Constructs as well as the structures on the islands. Link also learns that his new right arm once belonged to Rauru.
What Happened To Rauru?
Through the Dragon’s Tears, Link is able to see Zelda’s memories of the Imprisoning War, giving further insight into Rauru’s character.
Prior to the Imprisoning War, Rauru founded Hyrule alongside his wife Sonia. The world’s people pledged allegiance to him, but unfortunately, Ganondorf, hoping to usurp Rauru, pledged false fealty.
Ganondorf murdered Sonia, stealing her Secret Stone to amplify his strength. Hoping to stop Ganondorf, Rauru gathered each of Hyrule’s leaders, his sister Mineru, and Zelda, awakening them as Sages by giving them Secret Stones.
However, Ganondorf’s power was too strong. In a last attempt to protect Hyrule, Rauru sacrificed himself to save his kingdom and seal away Ganondorf, knowing that Link would continue to fight for Hyrule in the future.
Was Rauru The Last Zonai?
Rauru and Mineru are the only two Zonai present in Tears of the Kingdom; however, through various dialogue, it’s suggested that there were previously more Zonai.
In one of the Dragon’s Tears memories, Ganondorf says that Rauru’s “Zonai ancestors first descended upon these lands long, long, ago,” confirming that more Zonai existed before Rauru and Mineru, and that they came from above Hyrule.
Ganondorf also says the Zonai “no longer grace this world with their presence,” meaning that Rauru and Mineru are the only two Zonai who remain. Tears of the Kingdom offers no explanation for what happened to them, though.
Considering that Zelda is a descendant of both Rauru and Sonia, it suggests that the couple had a child that was part Zonai.
Fans have also speculated that the ancient hero in the Sheikah tapestry was a Zonai, with the Hero’s Aspect adding to this theory because it has Zonai characteristics and clothing.
The Zonai have been obscured in Hyrule’s history since then, and none are present during the current era, though mentions of Rauru remain in locations such as Rauru Hillside and Rauru Settlement Ruins.
Once Ganondorf has been defeated by Link, Rauru and Mineru’s spirits depart to the afterlife, meaning no Zonai remain, even in spirit form.
Is Rauru From Ocarina Of Time The Same As Tears Of The Kingdom?
Rauru in Ocarina of Time isn’t related to his namesake in Tears of the Kingdom. The two are completely different characters, though they do share multiple similarities.
Both characters are known as the Sage of Light in their respective games, and they both act as knowledgeable mentors for Link and guide him on his journey.
They also both have connections to owls. In Ocarina of Time, Rauru is also seen in his owl form, Kaepora Gaebora, and in Tears of the Kingdom, Rauru wears clothing bearing an owl motif, which appears to be common in Zonai culture, most likely representing wisdom.
Nintendo likely used the name Rauru to reference Ocarina of Time as they fulfil similar roles, but it’s unlikely the characters have any connection beyond this.