He smiles. The teeth glint. That signature "fighting spirit" pose. If you’ve spent any time in Hyrule lately, you know exactly who I’m talking about. Sidon of the Zora isn't just a side character in Tears of the Kingdom (TotK); he’s basically the emotional lighthouse of the entire Lanayru region.
People love him. Like, really love him.
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But while Breath of the Wild gave us a charming cheerleader, TotK does something much heavier. It forces this 8-foot-tall shark man to grow up. Honestly, his arc in this game is probably the most "human" story in a world filled with floating islands and ancient robots.
The Weight of the Crown (and a Lot of Sludge)
When you first roll into Zora's Domain in TotK, things are... bad. The water is choked with "Sludge," a gross, purple oil that's making the Zora sick. And Sidon? He’s literally holding back the tide. You find him at Mipha’s Court, using his hydrokinesis to filter the water manually.
He’s exhausted.
In the previous game, Sidon was all about that boundless, almost toxic positivity. In Tears of the Kingdom, that mask is slipping. He’s terrified. He lost his sister, Mipha, a century ago, and now he’s watching his father, King Dorephan, get poisoned by the Sludge. The fear of loss is paralyzing him.
Why the Engagement Changed Everything
Then there's Yona.
If you want to see a fandom go into a full-blown meltdown, just mention that Sidon is engaged. Yona, a childhood friend from another Zora domain, is introduced as his fiancée. Some fans were devastated (the "Sidlink" shippers are still in recovery), but narratively, she’s essential.
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She sees through his bravado. While Link is busy being the silent hero, Yona is the one telling Sidon, "Hey, you can't carry the whole world on your back." It’s her encouragement that finally allows him to stop protecting the Domain from a distance and actually go into the Water Temple with Link.
Becoming the Sage of Water
The actual questline for Sidon of the Zora is a bit of a trip. You’ve got to solve the "Clues to the Sky" riddle, find the Land of the Sky Fish, and eventually make your way up to the Water Temple.
It's beautiful. The low gravity makes jumping feel like you're moving through a dream.
Once you take down the Mucktorok—which, let's be real, is more annoying than difficult—Sidon finally meets the Ancient Sage of Water. This is the moment where he stops being "the Prince" and starts being "the King." He accepts his Secret Stone, and you get the Vow of Sidon.
The Ability: Is It Actually Any Good?
Okay, let's be honest for a second. Sidon’s Sage ability is... controversial.
- The Shield: He wraps Link in a bubble of water. It blocks one hit.
- The Wave: If you swing your weapon while the bubble is up, you launch a water projectile.
Is it as useful as Tulin’s gust? Probably not. Does it feel clunky to chase him down in the middle of a fight just to activate it? Absolutely. But it has one niche use that most people overlook: Wetness.
Many Zora weapons, like the Lightscale Trident or a Zora Longsword, have the "Water Warrior" trait. This doubles their attack power when Link is wet. Sidon’s bubble applies this status instantly. If you're running a Zora weapon build, Sidon turns Link into a literal blender of destruction.
A Legacy Over a Century in the Making
What makes Sidon of the Zora work as a character is his connection to the past. He’s one of the few characters who actually remembers the world before the Calamity. He was just a baby when Mipha died.
In the Zora monuments scattered around the Lanayru region, you can find snippets of his history. There's a famous story about him slaying a giant Octorok by getting swallowed and then cutting his way out from the inside. He’s always been a hero, but in TotK, he finally learns that being a hero doesn't mean you have to be alone.
By the end of the Zora questline, King Dorephan steps down. He hands the crown to Sidon.
It’s a massive moment. We’ve watched this guy go from a goofy prince with a "nice teeth" glint to a legitimate monarch who has moved past his grief. He isn't just Mipha's little brother anymore. He’s the King of the Zora.
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How to Get the Most Out of Sidon in Your Playthrough
If you want to actually enjoy having Sidon’s avatar around, you've gotta play to his strengths. Don't just treat him like a meat shield.
- Fuse Zora Weapons: Grab a Silver Lynel Saber Horn and stick it on a Zora Sword. Activate Sidon's bubble. Watch the damage numbers skyrocket.
- Heat Protection: Standing in his bubble actually provides a brief window of heat protection in the desert or volcanic areas. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’s a life-saver in a pinch.
- Clean the World: If you see Sludge on the ground or a chest, don't waste an Opal or a Splash Fruit. Just use Sidon's wave to wash it away.
Honestly, even if you hate his ability mechanics, it's hard to stay mad at the guy. He’s the only one in Hyrule who seems genuinely stoked to see Link every single time. In a world that literally fell apart, that kind of loyalty is rare.
What to Do Next in Zora's Domain
Once you've finished the main quest with Sidon, don't just warp away. Go talk to the NPCs. The dialogue changes significantly after he’s crowned. You can also start the quest to get the Lightscale Trident, which is easily one of the best spears in the game if you have the diamonds to spare.
Check the throne room. Look at the new statue. It isn't just Sidon anymore—it's Sidon and Link. It’s a testament to a friendship that survived a hundred years of ice, sludge, and literal demons.
Go find the Zora Greaves too. They’re hidden in the Ancient Zora Waterworks, and they make swimming a lot less of a chore. If you're going to be a friend of the King, you might as well look the part.
Practical Next Steps:
To fully optimize your Zora experience, head to the Soggy Cave near the Domain to stock up on Zora-series weapons. Ensure you have at least three Diamonds and a Flint in your inventory; you'll need them to speak with Dento if you want him to craft the Lightscale Trident, the definitive weapon for any Sidon ally. Once crafted, use Sidon’s ability to maintain the "Wet" status and maintain a constant 2x damage multiplier during combat.