Embarking on the Journey: The Forgotten Temple
The quest to uncover the Dragon’s Tears, pools holding fragments of Hyrule’s history, begins with a journey to the Forgotten Temple. This ancient structure is nestled deep within the Tanagar Canyon, a prominent geographical feature of the Tabantha region. To reach this initial destination, travelers can orient themselves using familiar landmarks. For those who recall the events of “Breath of the Wild,” the temple lies north of the circle of trees that once marked the location of the old Serenne Stable. From this vantage point, a descent into the canyon via paragliding will lead directly to the temple’s entrance.
Alternatively, starting from the New Serenne Stable, a path leading northeast towards the Snowfield Stable in the Hebra region will guide adventurers below the canyon, eventually revealing the temple’s location. The entrance itself is situated on the south side of the temple structure, at the base of the valley. A telltale sign of the correct location is the presence of Impa’s hot air balloon and her steadfast bodyguard, Cado, who await near the opening .
The interior of the Forgotten Temple presents a different atmosphere compared to similar ancient sites encountered previously. While the familiar menace of Guardian robots is absent, replaced by more common Bokoblin encampments, the temple remains a significant location. Players can choose to engage these enemies directly or opt for a less confrontational approach by taking a high path along the ruins to the left, allowing them to bypass the monster camps entirely. Continuing through the temple, past the areas occupied by monsters, leads to Impa, who can be found near the Mayausiy Shrine.
Activate this shrine as it serves as a convenient fast travel point for future returns. Following Impa’s guidance leads to a chamber where a toppled Goddess Statue reveals a newly accessible door adorned with Zonai designs. Beyond this door lies a spacious chamber containing a lower room. Here, Impa and Cado will unveil a detailed map of Hyrule, upon which the locations of all the geoglyphs are marked. Significantly, the walls of this room are adorned with a mural depicting the geoglyphs in a specific order, arranged from left to right, corresponding to the sequence in which the memories they contain are revealed .
The prominent role of the Forgotten Temple as the starting point for the Dragon’s Tears quest is evident across numerous accounts. Its designation as the initial destination suggests a deliberate design choice to anchor this significant narrative thread early in the player’s journey. Furthermore, the consistent mention of Impa and Cado at the temple’s entrance acts as a clear indicator for players, signaling the commencement of a pivotal questline.
The temple not only provides the geographical locations of the geoglyphs but also hints at the intended narrative order through the mural, offering a structured approach to uncovering the game’s history. While the game presents this suggested sequence, player experiences indicate that discovering the memories in a different order does not impede the overall enjoyment or understanding of the story. This flexibility suggests a balance between providing a guided narrative experience and allowing for the freedom of open-world exploration.
The First Revelation: Tabantha Great Bridge Geoglyph
Following the initial guidance within the Forgotten Temple, the first geoglyph players often encounter is situated near the Tabantha Great Bridge in the Tabantha region. More precisely, this massive artwork etched into the landscape can be found in the North Hyrule Plain, to the west of the imposing Hyrule Castle. This location is frequently the starting point of the “Impa and the Geoglyphs” quest, a formal introduction to the overarching Dragon’s Tears narrative. The quest itself typically begins near the New Serenne Stable, located northwest of Lookout Landing .
To find the Dragon’s Tear associated with this geoglyph, players must glide towards the expansive image visible on the ground. Within the lines of this artwork, a pool of water will be present [User Query. The specific point of interaction is a glowing spot within this water, often described as a suspicious puddle [User Query. This marks the location of the first Dragon’s Tear. Specifically, the tear resides on the northern side of the glyph, positioned on the right eye of the depicted figure, identified as King Rauru. While exact coordinates may vary slightly across different accounts, the general location remains consistent, around -1412, 0966, 0123.
Interacting with this Dragon’s Tear triggers a memory cutscene, revealing the first piece of the game’s story, titled “Where Am I?” [User Query. The initial focus on King Rauru immediately establishes the significance of ancient Hyrule and its rulers in the unfolding narrative of “Tears of the Kingdom.” The accessible location of this first geoglyph, near a well-known landmark and as part of the introductory quest, ensures players are drawn into the Dragon’s Tears storyline early in their exploration.
Across the Sands: Gerudo Desert Geoglyph
The journey to uncover the memories continues in the vast expanse of the Gerudo Desert, located within the Gerudo region. The second geoglyph in the user’s provided order can be found on the southern slopes of the Gerudo Highlands, offering a commanding view over the arid desert below, in the vicinity of a notable landmark known as Sapphia’s Table. This massive image, often depicting Ganondorf or a Zonai Steward Construct bearing his likeness, is readily visible from both Gerudo Town and the Gerudo Canyon Skyview Tower. The Gerudo Desert, with its challenging environment and unique cultural identity, serves as a fitting location for a memory potentially tied to a significant antagonist.
Within the sprawling design of this geoglyph, the Dragon’s Tear is typically situated in a prominent location. Given its position in the highlands, it can often be found on a patch of snow [User Query. Specifically, the tear is located on Ganondorf’s right shoulder, on the widest area of snow within the depiction. While precise coordinates might show minor variations across different sources, such as around -3178, -1699, 0418 , the general location on the shoulder remains consistent. This geoglyph corresponds to the fifth Dragon Tear in the intended memory sequence, unlocking a memory titled “A Show of Fealty”. The placement of Ganondorf’s image in his ancestral homeland suggests that this memory will likely provide crucial insights into his character, motivations, or significant events from his past.
Shadows of the Mountain: Eldin Region Geoglyph
The quest then leads to the fiery Eldin region, in the shadow of the imposing Death Mountain. The third geoglyph in the user’s specified order is located northeast of the Great Hyrule Forest, along the border of the Eldin Mountains. This particular geoglyph is easily recognizable as it takes the shape of the legendary Master Sword and is conveniently located near the Typhlo Ruins Skyview Tower , offering an advantageous aerial approach. Death Mountain, a historically significant volcanic region, is often associated with powerful artifacts and trials, making it a thematically appropriate location for a memory connected to the Master Sword.
The Dragon’s Tear associated with this iconic geoglyph is found at the very tip of the sword, on its eastern side. Coordinates for this tear are generally around 0891, 2951, 0362 , with slight variations noted in other accounts. This geoglyph corresponds to the eleventh Dragon Tear in the intended memory order, unlocking the memory titled “A Master Sword in Time”. The image of the Master Sword in this perilous region strongly suggests a memory that will delve into the origins, history, or the sword’s connection to the flow of time, a prominent theme in “Tears of the Kingdom.”
Whispers of the Wetlands: Lanayru Wetlands Geoglyph
The journey continues to the Lanayru Wetlands, a region situated between the Eldin Canyon and the Lanayru Great Springs, just east of Central Hyrule, near the area of Zelo Pond. Here, players will find a geoglyph that takes the form of the Purah Pad, a vital technological device in both “Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom”. The Eldin Canyon Skyview Tower offers a useful vantage point for gliding towards this location. The Lanayru Wetlands, known for their unique ecosystem and proximity to areas with ancient technology, provide a fitting backdrop for a memory potentially related to the Purah Pad’s creation or significance.
The Dragon’s Tear within this geoglyph is located in the western part of Lanayru Great Springs, in the central area of the Purah Pad depiction, specifically within one of the three smaller markings at its center. Coordinates for this tear are consistently around 1828, 0737, 0089 , with minor variations noted in other sources. This geoglyph corresponds to the third Dragon Tear in the intended memory order, unlocking the memory titled “Mineru’s Counsel”. The depiction of the Purah Pad in this region suggests a memory that might involve Mineru, one of the ancient Sages, and potentially reveal her connection to this technological marvel or offer guidance relevant to the overarching narrative.
Echoes of the Past: Hyrule Castle Town Ruins Geoglyph
The user’s provided order next directs attention to a geoglyph near the Hyrule Castle Town Ruins in the Central Hyrule region, close to the castle. This likely refers to the very first geoglyph encountered in the quest, located in the North Hyrule Plain, near the New Serenne Stable , which is situated west of Hyrule Castle. As previously established, this geoglyph depicts King Rauru. The presence of a memory tied to the ancient king near the ruins of Hyrule Castle Town serves as a poignant reminder of the kingdom’s past glory and the events that led to its current state.
The Dragon’s Tear associated with this geoglyph is located in King Rauru’s right eye. Coordinates for this tear are approximately -1280, 0920, 0101. As the first Dragon Tear in the intended memory order, it unlocks the “Where Am I?” memory. The initial focus on King Rauru in a memory triggered near the heart of Hyrule underscores the central role of the ancient kingdom and its rulers in the overarching narrative of “Tears of the Kingdom.”
Highland Mystery: Akkala Highlands Geoglyph
The user’s sequence next points towards a geoglyph in the Akkala Highlands. However, the research indicates that the eleventh geoglyph (in the intended discovery and memory order before the secret twelfth) is found on the eastern coast in the Talus Plateau of Lanayru, portraying a Sacred Stone. The twelfth and final Dragon Tear, lacking a traditional geoglyph, is located in the Akkala Highlands on the Rist Peninsula, near the Gemimik Shrine .
The eleventh geoglyph (Sacred Stone) has its tear situated on the right side, atop a small mound , with coordinates around 4467, -0304, 0074. The twelfth Dragon Tear, found in Akkala, is located at the center of the spiral coastline , with coordinates approximately 4530, 2142, 0001. The eleventh memory unlocked is titled “The Sage’s Vow” , while the twelfth and final memory is “Tears of the Dragon”. The placement of the penultimate memory in the Lanayru region, near other historically significant locations, and the final, geoglyph-less tear in the unique Akkala Highlands emphasize the climactic nature of these revelations in the Dragon’s Tears storyline.
The Final Piece: Hebra Mountains Geoglyph
The final geoglyph in the user’s provided order is situated in the Hebra region, specifically within the Hebra Mountains [User Query]. It can be found in the North Tabantha Tundra, beyond the Snowfield Stable. This geoglyph depicts the formidable Demon King and is located in a snowy environment often subject to blizzards. The harsh and cold conditions of the Hebra Mountains serve as a fitting backdrop for the depiction of such a powerful antagonist.
The Dragon’s Tear associated with this geoglyph is located on the far left/western edge of the glyph, often described as being on the “shoulder” or above the left arm of the Demon King. Coordinates for this tear are consistently around -1863, 3621, 0236 , with minor variations in other accounts. This geoglyph corresponds to the eighth Dragon Tear in the intended memory order, unlocking the memory titled “Birth of the Demon King”. This memory is crucial for understanding the origins and transformation of the primary antagonist, providing essential context for the central conflict of the game.
Unraveling the Tapestry: Significance of Dragon’s Tears and Geoglyphs
The collection of Dragon’s Tears and the viewing of their associated memories represent a fundamental aspect of the “Tears of the Kingdom” narrative [User Query. This questline is not merely a collection task but an integral pathway to understanding the rich lore and backstory of the game, contributing significantly to the overall narrative experience and often tied to achieving a high completion rate [User Query]. The memories unlocked provide crucial context for Princess Zelda’s disappearance, the cataclysmic Upheaval, and the ancient history of Hyrule, filling in narrative gaps and adding substantial depth to the main storyline .
Furthermore, the completion of the Dragon’s Tears questline is often linked to a significant in-game reward: the revelation of the Master Sword’s location. While it might be possible for players to discover the legendary weapon through other means, this quest simplifies the process, often marking its location on the game map after the final memory is viewed. This connection between narrative exploration and the acquisition of a powerful gameplay element provides a compelling incentive for players to fully engage with the Dragon’s Tears quest. The geoglyphs themselves, massive artworks etched into the landscape, serve as a unique form of visual storytelling, depicting key events and characters from Hyrule’s history. Their resemblance to real-world Nazca Lines adds an intriguing layer to their mystery.
The Dragon’s Tears quest acts as a primary mechanism for delivering the game’s exposition and lore in an engaging and interactive manner. By exploring the vast landscape of Hyrule and uncovering these hidden memories, players are rewarded with significant narrative insights, fostering a deeper connection to the game’s world and its history.
|
Geoglyph Depiction |
Region |
Memory Unlocked |
Approximate Dragon Tear Coordinates |
|---|---|---|---|
|
King Rauru |
North Hyrule Plain |
Where Am I? |
-1412, 0966, 0123 |
|
Ganondorf (or similar) |
Gerudo Highlands |
A Show of Fealty |
-3178, -1699, 0418 |
|
Master Sword |
Eldin Mountains |
A Master Sword in Time |
0891, 2951, 0362 |
|
Purah Pad |
Lanayru Wetlands |
Mineru’s Counsel |
1828, 0737, 0089 |
|
Sacred Stone |
Talus Plateau, Lanayru |
The Sage’s Vow |
4467, -0304, 0074 |
|
N/A |
Akkala Highlands (Rist) |
Tears of the Dragon |
4530, 2142, 0001 |
|
Demon King |
Hebra Mountains/Tabantha Tundra |
Birth of the Demon King |
-1863, 3621, 0236 |
Conclusion
The quest to locate the Dragon’s Tears and decipher the meaning behind the geoglyphs is a central pillar of the “Tears of the Kingdom” experience. Beginning at the enigmatic Forgotten Temple, players embark on a journey across Hyrule’s diverse regions, from the snowy peaks of the Hebra Mountains to the scorching sands of the Gerudo Desert. Each geoglyph, a monumental testament to the kingdom’s history, holds a Dragon’s Tear that unlocks a crucial memory, gradually revealing the intricate tapestry of events that led to the present day. The intended order of discovery, hinted at by the mural within the Forgotten Temple, provides a structured way to experience the narrative, though the game’s design allows for a more exploratory approach. Ultimately, by collecting all the Dragon’s Tears, players not only gain a comprehensive understanding of the game’s lore and the significance of the Upheaval but are also often rewarded with the means to acquire the legendary Master Sword, solidifying the importance of this questline in the overall gameplay experience.