11 Breath Of The Wild Locations That Reference Past Zelda Games

Every Zelda game has connections to the ones that came before it. Breath of the Wild is no different, but there is a subtle way it takes the ongoing legacy of the series a little further. Be warned that while you won't find any major story spoilers for Breath of the Wild below, you will find the names of, and see a few locations that have not yet been shown. Here's a big picture of Link you will have to scroll past in case you've made the decision to not explore this article any further.

Perhaps as a nod to the way names are shared through history, there are many examples on Breath of the Wild's map of slightly misspelled names referencing specific past characters and locations.

Tingel island for example, is likely a reference to Tingle.

Minshi Woods could very well be a take on the word, Minish.

There's also a small island off the east coast with a Toronbo Beach (a play on Toronbo Shores) and a Koholit Rock (a play on Koholint Island) which are both from The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.

Along with the misspelled locations, there are also plenty that are completely accurate.

Linebeck was Link's reluctant assistant in the Wind Waker sequel, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass.

He wasn't a crucial character, but Mido did appear in Ocarina of Time's Kokiri Forest.

Saria, a more crucial character from Ocarina of Time, is also referenced in the game's world.

You will also find the Rauru Hillside and...

...Ruto Lake. But those are not the only direct ties to Ocarina of Time.

One of the first locations you find in the game's opening moments is a dilapidated version of the Temple of Time. It's not identical to the temple that appeared in Ocarina of Time, but they do have the same name, and many similar features.

Finally, on page two of this feature, you will find two of the most surprising references to a past Zelda game – one of which raises questions about Breath of the Wild's place on the Zelda timeline.

Just southeast of Hyrule Castle is a place on the map called the Ranch Ruins. Inspecting it up close showcases many ties to Ocarina of Time's Lon Lon Ranch.

The former entrance to the Ranch Ruins is similar to Lon Lon Ranch, and even has a collection of vases in the same place.

Here's a view from the entrance's opposite perspective.

There is even a similar brick structure in a geographically similar location on the opposite side of the track. They appear to be the same ranch.

Jest east of Tabantha Thundra, at the north end of a heavily guarded valley, you will find a shrine. But you will also find an overt reference to one of Skyward Swords most memorable landmarks.

Miniature version of the Goddess Statue, seen in Skyward Sword above looming over Link's Skyloft home, can be found throughout Breath of the Wild's Hyrule. You pray to them to expand your health and stamina.

In the valley, though, you will find the biggest one on in the game. It looks exactly like the one in Skyward Sword, and even has the platform you leap from early in Skyward Sword when Zelda gives you your sail cloth. We're still not certain exactly where Breath of the Wild takes place in the Zelda timeline, but if this is the goddess statue from Skyloft, we can safely assume it is very, very, very old.

For more on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you can find our review here.