Who Stole the Heirloom in BOTW? Unraveling the Mystery of the stolen Sacred Relic in Breath of the Wild

It’s a question that might briefly flicker through a player’s mind as they navigate the vast and often chaotic world of Hyrule in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: “Who stole the heirloom in BOTW?” While the game is renowned for its emergent gameplay and open-world exploration, it’s easy to get caught up in the immediate thrill of discovery, the pursuit of Shrines, and the epic battles against Ganon’s forces. However, for those who delve deeper into the lore and quests, certain mysteries might arise. The “heirloom” in question, more accurately described as a sacred relic central to the Zora’s history and identity, is the Divine Beast Vah Ruta’s control unit, which has been corrupted by Calamity Ganon. It wasn’t precisely “stolen” in the conventional sense, but rather taken and subverted by Ganon’s influence, making its recovery a pivotal quest. My own initial playthrough was so focused on survival and combat that I almost missed the nuanced narrative surrounding this crucial artifact. It was only later, revisiting the Zora’s Domain and engaging in more side quests, that the significance of Vah Ruta and its control unit truly dawned on me. This piece aims to illuminate this particular narrative thread, detailing the events surrounding the “theft” and recovery of this vital heirloom, providing clarity for players seeking a deeper understanding of the game’s rich tapestry.

The Sacred Heirloom: Understanding Divine Beast Vah Ruta’s Control Unit

Before we delve into the specifics of who, or rather what, took control of the Zora’s sacred heirloom, it’s imperative to understand what this heirloom actually is and why it holds such profound importance. In Breath of the Wild, the “heirloom” that Link is tasked with reclaiming is not a glittering gem or an ancient weapon in the traditional sense. Instead, it is the core control mechanism of Divine Beast Vah Ruta, the massive, elephant-shaped mechanical leviathan created by the Zora to aid in the battle against Calamity Ganon one hundred years prior to the game’s present. These Divine Beasts, alongside the Champions chosen to pilot them, were Hyrule’s last line of defense. Vah Ruta, in particular, was entrusted to the Zora Champion, Mipha.

The loss of Vah Ruta and its subsequent corruption by Ganon is a foundational element of the Zora’s plight in the game. The Divine Beast, meant to be a weapon of salvation, has become a source of devastation, its internal workings warped by Ganon’s malice. This corruption manifests in Vah Ruta unleashing relentless torrential rain upon the Zora’s Domain, leading to devastating floods that threaten the very existence of the Zora people. Their home, a beautiful and intricate aquatic city, is rendered precarious by the ceaseless downpour, a constant reminder of their helplessness and the lingering power of the Calamity.

The control unit, therefore, represents not just a piece of technology, but the very will and spirit of the Zora people, embodied by Mipha. Its subversion by Ganon symbolizes the subjugation of their hopes and their struggle for survival. Recovering it is not merely a matter of retrieving an object; it is about reclaiming their agency, silencing the instrument of their torment, and restoring balance to their domain. This understanding is crucial because it reframes the quest from a simple retrieval mission to a deeply personal and culturally significant undertaking. The “theft” is not an act of petty larceny but a spiritual and physical act of oppression by the Calamity.

The Role of Mipha and the Zora Champion

Mipha, the Zora’s beloved princess and a skilled warrior, was chosen as one of the Champions by the then-King of Hyrule. Her unique abilities, particularly her power to heal, made her an invaluable asset. She was not only a formidable fighter but also a compassionate leader, deeply loved by her people. Her bond with Link was also a significant aspect of her story, hinting at a romantic past and a deep personal connection that adds emotional weight to his quest. Mipha’s connection to Vah Ruta was profound; she was not just its pilot, but intimately understood its design and purpose. She was the one who imbued it with her unique spirit and her healing power, making it a true guardian for the Zora.

When Calamity Ganon attacked Hyrule a century ago, the Champions, including Mipha, were overwhelmed. Ganon’s malice corrupted the Divine Beasts, turning them into instruments of destruction. Mipha, in her final moments, fought bravely to protect Vah Ruta and her people, but ultimately, she, along with the other Champions, perished. Her spirit, however, lingered within Vah Ruta, trapped and corrupted by Ganon’s influence. The control unit, the nexus of Vah Ruta’s power and Mipha’s spirit, became the focal point of Ganon’s manipulation.

The Zora’s quest for this control unit is thus deeply intertwined with mourning Mipha and seeking to liberate her spirit from Ganon’s hold. It’s a journey of remembrance, of righting past wrongs, and of honoring the sacrifices made by their fallen princess and Champion. My own connection to Mipha’s story grew as I progressed through the game. Her gentle nature and the tragic circumstances of her death resonated deeply, making the recovery of Vah Ruta’s control unit a more emotionally charged objective than I initially anticipated. It felt like a personal mission to avenge her and to fulfill her legacy.

The “Theft”: How Calamity Ganon Corrupted Vah Ruta

The notion of the heirloom being “stolen” is a simplification. In reality, Calamity Ganon, a primordial evil that has plagued Hyrule for millennia, directly infiltrated the Divine Beasts shortly after their activation one hundred years prior. This wasn’t a clandestine act of a single thief; it was a catastrophic act of subjugation by an overwhelming force. Ganon’s malice, a tangible and corrupting energy, seeped into the core of Vah Ruta, twisting its purpose and enslaving its systems.

When Ganon attacked Hyrule Castle, he didn’t just defeat the Champions; he corrupted their Divine Beasts. This corruption turned these magnificent machines of war into monstrous extensions of Ganon’s will. The control unit of Vah Ruta, designed to be guided by Mipha’s gentle hand and powerful spirit, was instead seized by Ganon’s malevolent consciousness. This essentially means Ganon didn’t “steal” it; he hijacked it, turning the Zora’s ultimate weapon against them and the kingdom.

The consequences of this corruption were immediate and devastating for the Zora. Vah Ruta, once their protector, began to act erratically and destructively. Its primary manifestation of this corrupted state was its ability to conjure and control immense storms, specifically torrential rainfall that perpetually inundates the Zora’s Domain. This ceaseless downpour is not a natural phenomenon; it is a deliberate act of sabotage orchestrated by Ganon through the corrupted Vah Ruta. The objective was clear: to weaken the Zora, isolate them, and prevent them from assisting Hyrule in its hour of need. The constant flooding makes it nearly impossible for the Zora to go about their daily lives, let alone mount a coordinated defense.

The Manifestation of Corruption: Unending Rain and Despair

The most prominent and immediately noticeable sign of Vah Ruta’s corruption is the unending rain. For the Zora, who are an aquatic race and generally thrive in wet environments, this might seem counterintuitive. However, the rain that plagues their Domain is not a gentle, life-giving shower; it’s a violent, relentless deluge. It’s a storm of Ganon’s making, a constant barrage that overwhelms their city and their spirits. The water levels rise to dangerous heights, making travel between different parts of the Zora’s Domain difficult and treacherous. Bridges are submerged, walkways are impassable, and the entire landscape becomes a hazardous labyrinth.

This perpetual downpour serves multiple purposes for Ganon. Firstly, it directly harms the Zora, making their lives miserable and incapacitating their ability to function. Secondly, it acts as a constant, visible reminder of Ganon’s power and the Zora’s helplessness. It’s a psychological weapon as much as a physical one. The Zora, a proud and capable people, are reduced to cowering in their homes, waiting for a salvation that seems increasingly unlikely. The once-vibrant Zora’s Domain becomes a gloomy, waterlogged testament to Ganon’s cruelty.

Furthermore, the corrupted Vah Ruta itself is often seen rampaging near the Domain, its massive form spewing forth water and contributing to the unending storm. This visual spectacle reinforces the terror and despair that has gripped the Zora. They are quite literally drowning in their own helplessness, their sacred guardian turned into their tormentor. The control unit, deep within Vah Ruta’s belly, is the source of this destructive power, the lynchpin of Ganon’s reign of aquatic terror.

Link’s Quest to Recover the Heirloom: The Zora’s Trial

Link’s journey to recover the corrupted control unit of Divine Beast Vah Ruta is not a simple fetch quest. It’s a multi-stage trial that tests his combat prowess, his puzzle-solving abilities, and his understanding of the Zora’s culture and history. Upon arriving at Zora’s Domain, Link is met with skepticism and despair. The Zora are initially reluctant to trust an outsider, especially one who seems to have appeared out of nowhere. Their King, Dorephan, is wary, and the Zora people are preoccupied with their own dire circumstances.

However, Prince Sidon, Mipha’s younger brother, sees in Link a glimmer of hope. Sidon is a charismatic and determined Zora prince who believes Link is the chosen hero destined to save Hyrule. He actively seeks Link out, urging him to confront the looming threat of Vah Ruta. Sidon becomes Link’s primary guide and ally in this quest, providing crucial information and encouragement.

The Trial of the Zora’s Domain

To even approach Vah Ruta, Link must first prove his worth to the Zora. This typically involves a series of tasks designed to demonstrate his strength and his understanding of their plight. The most notable of these is the “Zora Armor” quest. The Zora Armor is a special set of armor that allows Link to swim upwards through waterfalls, a crucial ability for navigating the Zora’s vertically oriented domain and for ultimately reaching Vah Ruta. This armor is not readily available; it requires Link to undertake a quest for the Zora elder, Man x 1000, and then finding the Zora Armor.

The quest for the Zora Armor involves helping a Zora named Muzu, an elder who is bitter about the Champions’ deaths and initially distrustful of Link. Muzu was a close advisor to King Dorephan and a mentor to Mipha. He blames Link, as one of the Champions who failed to defeat Ganon, for the current state of affairs. To appease him and earn his trust, Link must demonstrate his bravery and combat skill. This often involves defeating enemies or completing other tasks that Muzu sets forth. Once Muzu’s animosity is overcome, he reveals the location of the Zora Armor, which is a relic of Mipha’s creation, imbued with her essence.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements for obtaining the Zora Armor can vary slightly in how the player might approach it. The key is to gain the trust of the Zora and then obtain the armor. The game mechanics are designed to subtly guide the player toward this goal through dialogue and environmental cues. My own experience involved a bit of trial and error, attempting to swim up waterfalls without the armor and realizing my mistake. The quest for the armor, while seemingly tangential, is a critical step in preparing Link for the challenges ahead.

The Approach to Divine Beast Vah Ruta

Once Link acquires the Zora Armor and the ability to swim up waterfalls, he can begin his ascent towards Vah Ruta. Prince Sidon will often accompany Link, providing guidance and moral support. The journey is not a straightforward one. Vah Ruta is surrounded by treacherous terrain and powerful enemies. Link will need to navigate rain-soaked cliffs, battle formidable monsters like Lizalfos and Moblins that have been drawn to the area, and utilize his climbing and combat skills to their fullest.

The approach also involves overcoming environmental challenges. The area around Vah Ruta is constantly battered by the storms it generates. Link will need to find shelter, manage his stamina, and strategically plan his movements to avoid being swept away by the water or struck by lightning. Sidon’s presence is particularly helpful here, as he can often point out safe paths or offer insights into Vah Ruta’s current patterns of behavior. The sheer scale of Vah Ruta also becomes apparent as Link draws closer, emphasizing the magnitude of the task ahead.

My first glimpse of Vah Ruta from a distance was awe-inspiring, yet also deeply unsettling. Its massive form loomed over the landscape, and the sheer volume of water being expelled from it was staggering. It was a clear visual representation of the Calamity’s destructive power, a stark contrast to the majestic guardian it was meant to be. The journey to reach its entrance was as much a test of endurance as it was a combat gauntlet.

Confronting the Corrupted Guardian: Inside Vah Ruta

Upon successfully reaching the entrance of Divine Beast Vah Ruta, Link is finally able to confront the corrupted guardian directly. This is where the “heirloom” he seeks is located, deep within its mechanical heart. The interior of Vah Ruta is a labyrinthine dungeon filled with puzzles, enemies, and environmental hazards. The corruption by Ganon has warped its inner workings, turning it into a dangerous and unpredictable structure.

Inside, Link will encounter various hostile constructs and machines that have been twisted by Ganon’s malice. These are not standard enemies; they are integrated parts of Vah Ruta’s corrupted systems, posing unique challenges. The puzzles within Vah Ruta are designed to test Link’s ability to manipulate the Divine Beast’s internal mechanisms. This often involves using the Sheikah Slate’s runes, such as Magnesis and Cryonis, to alter water levels, move platforms, and activate dormant machinery. The goal is to reach the central chamber where the control unit resides.

Navigating Vah Ruta’s Puzzles and Challenges

The puzzles within Vah Ruta are a testament to the ingenuity of the Sheikah technology, albeit now twisted by Ganon. Link will need to:

Manipulate Water Levels: Vah Ruta has three main water conduits that can be raised or lowered. Controlling these is crucial for accessing different areas and solving puzzles. Link will often need to strategically flood or drain sections to create pathways or activate mechanisms.
Utilize the Terminal System: Scattered throughout Vah Ruta are terminals that Link must activate. Activating all of them is necessary to access the final boss encounter. These terminals are often hidden or protected by puzzles and enemies.
Master the Sheikah Slate Runes: Magnesis is indispensable for moving heavy metal objects, which are often key components in Vah Ruta’s machinery. Cryonis is vital for creating ice pillars on water surfaces, allowing Link to reach otherwise inaccessible platforms or block water flow.
Combat Corrupted Guardians: Link will face various enemies within Vah Ruta, including Blight Ganons – monstrous manifestations of Ganon’s power. These are the mini-bosses of the Divine Beasts and require specific strategies to defeat.

The layout of Vah Ruta is designed to be disorienting. The player must think strategically about how to reroute water, activate switches, and reach new areas. It’s a complex interplay of environmental interaction and combat. For instance, to reach certain terminals, Link might need to drain a chamber, then use Cryonis to create a platform, and then use Magnesis to move a metal block that acts as a switch. The flow of water is central to almost every puzzle within Vah Ruta.

During my playthrough, I found myself spending a considerable amount of time trying to figure out the water level mechanics. It was a different kind of challenge than the combat-heavy Divine Beasts, requiring more cerebral engagement. The feeling of accomplishment after finally solving a particularly tricky water-flow puzzle was immensely satisfying, knowing I was getting closer to the corrupted heirloom.

The Blight Ganon: Waterblight Ganon

The ultimate guardian of Vah Ruta’s control unit is Waterblight Ganon. This formidable boss is a manifestation of Ganon’s malice specifically tailored to Vah Ruta’s watery environment. Waterblight Ganon is a relentless attacker, wielding a spear and a shield with incredible dexterity. Its attacks are swift and powerful, and its dominion over water makes the arena itself a challenging battlefield.

The battle against Waterblight Ganon typically unfolds in two phases. In the first phase, the fight takes place on a flat surface, where Waterblight Ganon employs a variety of spear attacks, including thrusts, sweeps, and projectile charges. It can also summon orbs of water that it hurls at Link. Link must dodge, parry, and strike strategically, looking for openings to deal damage.

The second phase of the fight begins when Waterblight Ganon raises the water level, leaving only a small platform for Link to stand on. In this phase, Waterblight Ganon will rise from the water and hover, continuing its assault with its spear. Link must then use his bow and arrows, aiming for the boss’s eye. This phase requires precise aiming and quick reflexes, as Link is vulnerable to falling into the water. Additionally, Waterblight Ganon can create spikes of ice that erupt from the water, adding another layer of danger. Successfully defeating Waterblight Ganon is the culmination of Link’s efforts to reclaim the Zora’s sacred heirloom.

The Waterblight Ganon encounter is perhaps the most iconic challenge within Vah Ruta. Its relentless pressure and the shifting arena make it a memorable boss fight. I recall the sheer panic of the second phase, trying to aim accurately while precariously balanced on a small platform. It truly tested my patience and my mastery of the game’s combat mechanics.

The Aftermath: Restoring the Heirloom and Mipha’s Spirit

Upon defeating Waterblight Ganon, Link finally gains access to the corrupted control unit of Vah Ruta. This is the moment of truth, the culmination of the Zora’s trial. As Link interacts with the unit, Mipha’s spirit, finally freed from Ganon’s corrupting influence, appears. She thanks Link for liberating her and for freeing Vah Ruta.

With the control unit purified, Link is able to activate the Divine Beast. This act not only pacifies Vah Ruta but also channels its immense power towards the final battle against Calamity Ganon. The Zora’s powerful heirloom, once a tool of destruction, is now restored to its intended purpose: a weapon of salvation, guided by the spirit of their beloved Champion. The rains over Zora’s Domain cease, replaced by clear skies, symbolizing the restoration of hope and peace to the Zora people.

Mipha’s spirit bestows upon Link her unique ability: Mipha’s Grace. This powerful healing ability allows Link to automatically regenerate his health once every in-game day, providing a vital lifeline during his arduous journey. It’s a tangible symbol of her gratitude and her enduring support for the hero. The restoration of Vah Ruta also has a significant impact on the overall narrative, as each freed Divine Beast weakens Calamity Ganon and brings Hyrule closer to salvation.

The Zora’s Gratitude and a Brighter Future

The Zora people are overjoyed by the liberation of Vah Ruta and the return of clear skies. King Dorephan expresses his profound gratitude to Link, acknowledging his bravery and his role in saving their people. Prince Sidon is ecstatic, his faith in Link fully vindicated. The Zora Elder, Muzu, who was initially so distrustful, is humbled and apologetic, recognizing Link as the true hero.

The restoration of Vah Ruta is not just about defeating a monster; it’s about bringing back prosperity and security to the Zora. The floods receding allows them to rebuild and resume their normal lives. The Zora’s Domain, once shrouded in gloom, is bathed in sunlight, reflecting the renewed hope and optimism of its inhabitants. The Zora become staunch allies of Link, their prayers and support bolstering him in his fight against Ganon.

The recovery of the heirloom signifies a turning point in the game. With one of the Divine Beasts under control, Link gains a significant advantage. The Zora, once threatened by their own corrupted guardian, are now empowered by its restoration and the courage of their Princess. The heirlooms – the Divine Beasts – are slowly being reclaimed, one by one, bringing Hyrule closer to its ultimate liberation. This success serves as a powerful motivator for Link as he continues his quest across the vast expanse of Hyrule.

I personally felt a profound sense of relief and satisfaction after completing the Vah Ruta quest. Seeing the skies clear over Zora’s Domain and hearing the celebratory music was a powerful emotional payoff. Mipha’s Grace became an invaluable tool, and her spirit’s presence felt like a comforting reassurance throughout the rest of my adventure. The Zora’s story is a poignant reminder of the cost of Ganon’s reign and the resilience of the Hyrulean people.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Heirloom and Vah Ruta

Who stole the heirloom in BOTW?

The “heirloom” in Breath of the Wild that you are likely referring to is the control unit of the Divine Beast Vah Ruta. It wasn’t technically “stolen” by a thief in the traditional sense. Instead, Calamity Ganon, a primal force of evil, corrupted the Divine Beast and took control of its systems one hundred years prior to the events of the game. This corruption twisted Vah Ruta’s purpose, turning it from a protector into an instrument of destruction for the Zora people, primarily by causing relentless torrential rain over their domain.

Link’s quest is not to recover a stolen item from a villainous individual, but rather to infiltrate the corrupted Divine Beast, defeat its monstrous guardian (Waterblight Ganon), and purify the control unit, thereby reclaiming it from Ganon’s malevolent influence. The process involves breaking Ganon’s hold, rather than simply taking an object back from a thief.

What is the significance of Vah Ruta’s control unit to the Zora?

The control unit of Divine Beast Vah Ruta holds immense significance for the Zora people. It is not just a piece of technology; it represents their hope, their defense, and the legacy of their cherished Champion, Princess Mipha. Vah Ruta was created by the Zora to be their ultimate protector against Calamity Ganon, and Mipha was its chosen pilot, imbuing it with her unique spirit and her healing powers. When Ganon corrupted Vah Ruta, it was a devastating blow to the Zora, symbolizing their subjugation and helplessness.

The recovery of the control unit means reclaiming their sacred guardian, freeing Mipha’s spirit from Ganon’s influence, and restoring order to their domain. The incessant, destructive rain that plagued Zora’s Domain was a direct consequence of Vah Ruta’s corruption, and its purification brings an end to this torment. The control unit, therefore, is a symbol of their resilience, their history, and their enduring spirit, making its recovery a profoundly important quest for the entire Zora race.

How does Link get the Zora Armor, and why is it important for accessing Vah Ruta?

To obtain the Zora Armor, Link must first earn the trust of the Zora people, particularly the elder Muzu, who is initially bitter about the Champions’ failure. This typically involves completing a side quest for him, which often entails tasks that demonstrate Link’s bravery and combat proficiency. Once Muzu’s animosity is quelled, he reveals that the Zora Armor, a relic of Mipha’s creation, is located at the bottom of Toto Lake and requires a specific set of circumstances to retrieve. This usually involves a water level puzzle that Link must solve with the help of another Zora, named Engineer.

The Zora Armor is crucial for accessing Divine Beast Vah Ruta because it grants Link the ability to swim upwards through waterfalls. The Zora’s Domain is characterized by its many waterfalls, which serve as natural pathways. Without the Zora Armor, Link would be unable to navigate these vertical passages, making it impossible to ascend to Vah Ruta, which is situated high above the Zora’s territory. The armor is essentially the key that unlocks the path to confronting the corrupted Divine Beast and recovering its control unit, thus fulfilling the Zora’s plea for help.

What are the main challenges Link faces inside Vah Ruta?

Inside Divine Beast Vah Ruta, Link faces a multifaceted set of challenges that test his combat skills, puzzle-solving abilities, and his resourcefulness. The primary challenges include:

Navigating a Corrupted Mechanical Labyrinth: Vah Ruta’s interior is a complex, interconnected dungeon filled with shifting pathways, water-filled chambers, and activated defensive mechanisms. Link must use his Sheikah Slate runes, particularly Magnesis and Cryonis, to manipulate the environment, redirect water flow, and create platforms to progress.
Solving Intricate Puzzles: The puzzles are designed around the manipulation of water levels within Vah Ruta. Link must understand how raising and lowering the three main water conduits affects access to different areas and activates various mechanisms, often requiring careful timing and strategic thinking.
Battling Corrupted Guardians: Throughout the dungeon, Link will encounter a variety of hostile enemies, including Moblin, Lizalfos, and corrupted Guardian scouts. These enemies are integrated into the Divine Beast’s systems and pose significant threats.
Defeating Waterblight Ganon: The ultimate challenge within Vah Ruta is the boss battle against Waterblight Ganon. This formidable foe utilizes a spear and shield, and its attacks are amplified by the surrounding water. The fight progresses through distinct phases, including one where Link is confined to a small platform amidst rising waters, demanding precise aiming and quick reflexes to defeat.

These challenges are interwoven, meaning Link often needs to defeat enemies to access puzzle elements, or solve puzzles to open paths to new combat arenas. The entire experience is designed to be a test of his readiness to face the Calamity itself.

What happens after Link recovers the heirloom from Vah Ruta?

After Link successfully defeats Waterblight Ganon and recovers the corrupted control unit from Divine Beast Vah Ruta, a series of significant events unfold. Firstly, Mipha’s spirit, freed from Ganon’s influence, appears and thanks Link for her liberation. She bestows upon him her most sacred gift: Mipha’s Grace, a powerful ability that automatically restores Link’s hearts and grants him temporary extra hearts once every in-game day, providing a crucial safety net during his adventures.

Secondly, with the control unit purified, Link can now activate Vah Ruta. This causes the Divine Beast to move from its position and fly towards Hyrule Castle, where it will unleash its devastating power against Calamity Ganon. The unending rain over Zora’s Domain ceases, and clear skies return, symbolizing the restoration of peace and hope to the Zora people. The Zora, led by King Dorephan and Prince Sidon, express their immense gratitude to Link, solidifying their alliance with him and offering their full support in his quest to defeat Ganon. The recovery of Vah Ruta is a major victory, weakening Ganon and bringing Hyrule closer to salvation.

Is the heirloom an actual “heirloom” in the traditional sense?

No, the term “heirloom” in the context of “Who stole the heirloom in BOTW?” is used more metaphorically or as a simplified way to refer to a sacred and important artifact belonging to the Zora people. The item in question is the control unit of Divine Beast Vah Ruta. While it is a vital piece of technology integral to the Zora’s history and their defense against Ganon, it is not an heirloom passed down through generations in the way one might think of jewelry or ancient artifacts.

The Zora view Vah Ruta and its control unit as a sacred trust, a symbol of their lineage and their commitment to protecting Hyrule. Princess Mipha, as the Zora Champion, had a deep, almost spiritual connection to it. Its corruption by Ganon was a desecration of this sacred trust. Therefore, when players ask “Who stole the heirloom in BOTW?”, they are often thinking about this deeply significant artifact that was taken and misused. The game uses the term “Divine Beast” for these machines, highlighting their divine purpose and their importance as relics of Hyrule’s past.

Why does Vah Ruta cause so much rain?

Vah Ruta causes so much rain because its core programming and systems have been corrupted by Calamity Ganon. Originally, Vah Ruta was designed to be a protector of Hyrule and, more specifically, a guardian for the Zora people. Its immense power was intended to be used for defense. However, when Ganon attacked Hyrule a century before the game’s events, he infiltrated and corrupted the Divine Beasts, including Vah Ruta.

Ganon’s malice twisted Vah Ruta’s functions, turning its water-manipulating capabilities into a weapon of destruction. The unending, torrential rain that floods Zora’s Domain is a direct manifestation of this corruption. It’s Ganon’s way of tormenting the Zora, crippling their society, and preventing them from interfering with his plans. The rain is a symbol of their despair and helplessness, a constant reminder of the Calamity’s power. Link’s task is to purge this corruption and restore Vah Ruta to its intended, benevolent purpose.

Can Link fail to recover the heirloom?

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, players cannot permanently “fail” to recover the heirloom (Vah Ruta’s control unit) in the sense of it being lost forever or the game becoming unbeatable. The game is designed with an open-world structure that allows players to tackle objectives in a non-linear fashion. However, a player might get stuck or find a particular section too challenging, leading to a perceived failure.

If a player is defeated by Waterblight Ganon or other enemies within Vah Ruta, they will respawn at the last activated Shrine or Tower they used as a fast-travel point, or at the entrance of the Divine Beast if they have reached it. They can then attempt the challenge again. The game does not feature “game over” screens in the traditional sense, and all major quests, including reclaiming the Divine Beasts, are essential for progressing the main story and ultimately confronting Calamity Ganon. Therefore, while a player might struggle or die multiple times, the path to recovering Vah Ruta and its control unit remains open until it is successfully completed.

Does Mipha’s spirit help Link inside Vah Ruta?

Mipha’s spirit does not actively assist Link within Divine Beast Vah Ruta during the dungeon exploration or combat. Her spirit is trapped and corrupted by Ganon’s malice throughout this phase. Link’s mission is to overcome this corruption and liberate her spirit. He navigates the puzzles and battles within Vah Ruta independently, relying on his own skills and the Sheikah Slate.

However, after Link defeats Waterblight Ganon, Mipha’s spirit is finally freed. It is at this point that she appears to Link to express her gratitude and to bestow upon him the gift of Mipha’s Grace. So, while her spirit doesn’t directly help Link *during* the trials within Vah Ruta, her ultimate liberation and her gift are direct outcomes of Link’s successful efforts to reclaim the corrupted heirloom and free her from Ganon’s grasp.

What is the connection between the Zora’s heirloom and the other Divine Beasts?

The “heirloom” of the Zora, the control unit of Divine Beast Vah Ruta, shares a fundamental connection with the control units of the other Divine Beasts in Breath of the Wild. All four Divine Beasts—Vah Ruta (Zora), Vah Rudania (Goron), Vah Medoh (Rito), and Vah Naboris (Gerudo)—were ancient Sheikah technology, designed and built to serve as Hyrule’s ultimate defense against Calamity Ganon. Each Divine Beast was piloted by a Champion chosen from the different races of Hyrule.

When Calamity Ganon attacked Hyrule 100 years prior to the game’s events, he corrupted all four Divine Beasts and killed their Champions. The control units of each Divine Beast became the focal point of Ganon’s malicious influence, turning these powerful weapons against Hyrule. Link’s overarching quest in the game involves liberating each of these Divine Beasts by infiltrating them, defeating their respective Blight Ganons, and purifying their control units. Each purified control unit then allows the Divine Beast to be controlled by Link, and its immense power is directed against Calamity Ganon at Hyrule Castle.

Therefore, Vah Ruta’s control unit is one of four vital “heirlooms” or sacred artifacts that Link must reclaim to weaken Ganon and save Hyrule. The core gameplay loop for each of these is similar: receive the quest, gather information, reach the Divine Beast, navigate its interior filled with puzzles and enemies, defeat the Blight Ganon, and purify the control unit. The recovery of each heirloom is a critical step in the game’s narrative progression.

Could other characters have “stolen” the heirloom from Vah Ruta?

In the context of the game’s narrative and established lore, no other characters besides Calamity Ganon could have “stolen” the heirloom (Vah Ruta’s control unit) in a way that would lead to its corruption and the subsequent plight of the Zora. The primary antagonist of Breath of the Wild is Calamity Ganon, a malevolent entity whose sole purpose is to bring about the destruction of Hyrule.

The infiltration and corruption of the Divine Beasts were a direct result of Ganon’s overwhelming power and malice. He possessed the ability to subvert technology and corrupt living beings. The Champions, including Mipha, were powerful warriors, but Ganon’s power was immense. The concept of a regular thief or an individual character stealing the control unit would undermine the narrative’s focus on the existential threat of Calamity Ganon. The game presents Ganon as the singular force responsible for the corruption, making the recovery of the heirloom a battle against this primordial evil, not a petty theft. The Zora themselves are victims, desperate for the return of their sacred guardian.

Who Stole the Heirloom in BOTW? Unraveling the Mystery of the stolen Sacred Relic in Breath of the Wild