You’re probably used to the routine by now. You find a Goddess Statue, you trade four Spirit Orbs, and you get a heart or a stamina boost. It’s the standard Hyrule tax. But the Goddess Statue of Wisdom in Tears of the Kingdom isn't interested in your standard orbs. She’s got much bigger problems.
If you’ve wandered up to the Spring of Wisdom on top of Mount Lanayru, you’ve likely heard her voice. She sounds distressed. Honestly, it’s a bit eerie because she’s not talking about your journey; she’s talking about a "Mother Goddess Statue" she can no longer feel. Most players just pray, see the quest pop up, and then forget about it while chasing a stray Korok or a shiny piece of Zonaite.
That is a mistake. This isn't just a "fetch quest" for a shiny rock. It’s part of a massive, multi-step tribute to Skyward Sword that ends with one of the most nostalgic weapons in the game.
Finding the Statue (and why she's upset)
The Goddess Statue of Wisdom is located at the Spring of Wisdom (3919, -1332, 0466), tucked right behind the Mount Lanayru Skyview Tower. In Breath of the Wild, this was where you saved the dragon Naydra from the Malice. Now, the statue there is worried about her "mother."
Basically, the Mother Goddess Statue—the giant one you probably remember from the Forgotten Temple in the last game—has been toppled. It’s literally face-down in the dirt. To start this properly, you have to go see the wreckage yourself.
- Head to the Forgotten Temple in the Tanagar Canyon.
- Fly to the back where the Maya Usi Shrine is.
- Look for the massive, knocked-over statue.
- Interact with it.
Once Link sees the fallen statue, you have to trek back to the cold peaks of Mount Lanayru. The statue at the spring will be heartbroken, but she has a plan. She needs the "strength" of the dragon Naydra to help restore her mother.
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How to actually get Naydra’s Claw
This is the part where people usually mess up. The statue asks for Naydra’s Claw. Not a scale. Not a horn. A claw.
If you just land on Naydra’s back and start whacking away at her spikes, you’re going to get Shards of Naydra’s Fang or Scales. Those won't work. You have to be specific. You need to shoot the dragon’s actual feet.
Naydra follows a pretty set path. She emerges from the Naydra Snowfield Chasm and circles Mount Lanayru before dipping back into the Depths. The best way to catch her is to launch from the Mount Lanayru Skyview Tower and glide toward her. Use your bow in mid-air to trigger the slow-motion effect, aim for the sharp toenails on her feet, and let it fly.
The claw will glow and fall toward the ground. Chase it. Grab it. Don't let it fall into a bottomless pit or get lost in the snow.
Offering the Gift
Once you have the claw, go back to the Spring of Wisdom. Do not try to "talk" to the statue while holding it. You literally have to go into your inventory, select the claw, "hold" it, and then drop it into the water in front of the statue.
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If you did it right, the water glows. The statue gets all sparkly. She’ll thank you and hand over a Sapphire.
The Bigger Picture: The White Sword of the Sky
If you think a single Sapphire is a lame reward for climbing a mountain and shooting a dragon, you’re right. But the Goddess Statue of Wisdom is only one-third of the puzzle.
There are two other sisters:
- Goddess Statue of Power (Spring of Power, Akkala) – Wants a claw from Dinraal.
- Goddess Statue of Courage (Spring of Courage, Faron) – Wants a claw from Farosh.
You have to do the exact same thing for all of them. Once all three springs have been "restored," you can head back to the Forgotten Temple. The Mother Goddess Statue won't be on the floor anymore. She’ll be standing tall, and she’ll grant you the White Sword of the Sky.
This sword is a direct reference to the Goddess Sword from Skyward Sword. It’s got a base attack of 24, which is decent, but let's be real—you're doing this for the look and the lore.
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A Quick Warning on Durability
Hyrule is a cruel place for weapons. The White Sword of the Sky will break. If it does, don't panic. You can actually get it back by visiting the Mother Goddess Statue again, though she usually wants more dragon parts in exchange.
Alternatively, if you’re a collector, just hang it on a weapon rack in your house in Tarrey Town so you can look at it without worrying about it shattering on a Bokoblin’s head.
Actionable Next Steps for Completionists
If you want to knock this out quickly, here is the most efficient way to handle the Wisdom leg of the journey:
- Dress for the weather: Mount Lanayru is freezing. Wear the Snowquill Set or cook some spicy peppers. You don't want to lose health while waiting for a dragon.
- Timing the Dragon: Naydra takes about 28 minutes (real-time) to complete her full loop. If she’s not at the mountain, check the Naydra Snowfield Chasm nearby.
- Multitask: While you’re at the Forgotten Temple to check the fallen statue, make sure you unlock the Maya Usi Shrine. It’s a permanent fast-travel point right next to the quest objective.
- Don't sell the claw: It’s tempting to sell dragon parts for Rupees, but keep that claw until you’ve physically dropped it in the spring.
Restoring the Mother Goddess Statue is one of the more "classic Zelda" feeling quests in Tears of the Kingdom. It links the past and the present together in a way that feels meaningful. Plus, seeing that giant statue stand back up after being stuck in the dirt for years is pretty satisfying.