He is tall. He is bright red. He has a smile that literally sparkles in the sunlight. When you first run into Prince Sidon in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, you’re probably just looking for a way to get to Zora’s Domain without getting struck by lightning or mauled by a Lizalfos. What you actually find is arguably the most charismatic character Nintendo has ever penned. Honestly, the sheer impact Sidon had on the Zelda community back in 2017—and continues to have today—is kind of a phenomenon.
You see him standing there on the Inogo Bridge. He doesn't just talk; he poses. He exudes this unrelenting, almost aggressive positivity that feels completely at odds with the "post-apocalyptic" vibe of a ruined Hyrule. While most of the world is mourning what was lost a century ago, Sidon is out there looking for a Hylian who can help him save his people from a giant mechanical elephant that won't stop raining. He is the hype man Link didn't know he needed.
The Design and Personality of Prince Sidon in Breath of the Wild
Nintendo’s designers, led by Art Director Satoru Takizawa, clearly wanted the Zora to feel regal but relatable. Sidon is the son of King Dorephan and the younger brother of the fallen Champion Mipha. Unlike the somewhat stiff and traditional Zora elders like Muzu, Sidon is a breath of fresh air. He’s huge—easily twice Link's height—and his bright crimson scales make him pop against the blues and greys of the Lanayru region.
But it's the personality that stuck. He calls you "the best," "wonderful," and "extraordinary" before you’ve even swung a sword. It’s a smart piece of game design. Breath of the Wild is a lonely game. You spend hours wandering empty fields. Then, suddenly, here is this massive fish-man telling you that you’re the greatest thing since sliced Hylian herb. It builds an immediate emotional bond. You want to help him because he’s the only one who seems genuinely happy to see you.
That Iconic Theme Music
You can't talk about Sidon without mentioning his theme. It’s brassy. It’s bold. It has this driving rhythm that makes you feel like you’re about to do something heroic. Manaka Kataoka and the sound team did something subtle here; the theme incorporates motifs associated with the Zora, but it strips away the melancholy found in Mipha’s theme. It’s all about the present. It’s about action.
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Why the Vah Ruta Questline Is the Game's Best
If you ask a group of Zelda fans which Divine Beast quest is their favorite, a massive chunk will say Vah Ruta. A big part of that is the lead-up. You don't just fast travel to the boss. You trek through the rain. You fight through the Zora River path. And then, you have the actual boarding sequence.
This is where the gameplay and character peak. You’re literally riding on Sidon’s back as he swims through the water at high speeds. He’s shouting encouragement while you’re trying to aim shock arrows at the cryonis blocks launched by the Divine Beast. It’s one of the few times in Breath of the Wild where you feel like you’re part of a genuine duo. Link is usually a solo act, but for those fifteen minutes, you and Sidon are a team.
The stakes are personal, too. You aren't just stopping a machine; you’re helping a brother find closure for his sister. The revelation that Mipha loved Link—and that Sidon has lived his whole life in the shadow of that tragedy—adds a layer of "sad clown" energy to his constant smiling. He’s putting on a brave face because his people need a leader.
Beyond the Meme: The Depth of Sidon's Character
Sure, the internet turned him into a meme. The "Sidon Smile" is legendary. But there is real writing depth here if you look for it.
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Think about the journals. If you read the stone monuments scattered around Lanayru, you learn about Sidon’s history. There’s a specific story about him defeating a giant Octorok by being swallowed whole and then cutting his way out from the inside. He isn't just a cheerleader; he’s a legitimate warrior who has been protecting the Domain while the King stayed on his throne.
The Grief Factor
Sidon was just a baby when Mipha died. He barely remembers her, yet he has spent a century watching his father grieve. He grew up in a city that blamed Link for the calamity. Despite that, Sidon is the one who breaks the cycle of resentment. He sees Link not as a failure from the past, but as the hope for the future. That takes a level of emotional intelligence that most other NPCs in the game simply don't possess.
He’s also one of the few characters who treats Link as an equal. Revali is condescending. Daruk is a bit like a boisterous uncle. Urbosa is protective like a big sister. Sidon? Sidon is your brother-in-arms.
What Most People Get Wrong About Sidon
A common misconception is that Sidon is just "the nice guy." People often overlook his tactical mind. He’s the one who organized the search parties. He’s the one who realized that a Hylian was the only one who could use shock arrows without dying (since Zoras are weak to electricity). He’s a strategist masquerading as a jock.
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Another thing? His height. Fans often argue about exactly how tall he is. Based on Link’s height (generally accepted to be around 5'2" to 5'4" in this game), Sidon towers at roughly 9 to 10 feet tall. He’s an absolute unit. Yet, he never feels threatening. That’s a testament to the animation work. His movements are fluid and open, never hunched or aggressive.
The Legacy of Sidon in the Zelda Franchise
It’s rare for a side character to overshadow the main cast, but Sidon managed it. He paved the way for the "Sage" system we saw in the sequel, Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo clearly saw how much people loved fighting alongside him and leaned into it.
But looking back at Breath of the Wild, Sidon serves a vital narrative purpose. He is the bridge between the old world and the new. He represents the generation that didn't experience the Calamity firsthand but has to live with its consequences. His optimism isn't just a personality trait—it’s a choice. It’s a refusal to let the past dictate the future of the Zora.
How to Make the Most of Your Time with Sidon
If you're jumping back into the game or playing for the first time, don't rush the Zora questline. It’s tempting to just sprint to the boss, but you miss the character beats.
- Talk to him at every bridge: Before you reach the Domain, Sidon appears at various checkpoints. Each conversation adds a little more flavor to his mission.
- Check the Zora Stone Monuments: This is where the lore is hidden. Find all ten to get the full picture of the Royal Family's history.
- Visit the Statue: After clearing Vah Ruta, stand by the statue of Mipha. Sidon often goes there to reflect. It’s one of the few times you see him without the "sparkle" effect.
- Wear the Zora Armor: Exploring the Domain while wearing the armor Mipha made for you triggers different dialogue and a deeper sense of connection to the family.
The beauty of Prince Sidon in Breath of the Wild is that he makes the world feel less heavy. In a land defined by ruins and ghosts, he is vibrantly, stubbornly alive. He reminds the player that even if the world ended a hundred years ago, there is still something worth fighting for today. He isn't just a quest-giver. He’s a friend. And in a game as vast and quiet as this one, that makes all the difference.
If you want to truly master the Lanayru region, start by gathering at least 20 Shock Arrows before you even meet Sidon at the East Reservoir Lake. It saves time and lets you focus on the spectacle of the ride. Also, take a moment to look at the murals in the King's room. They tell the story of the Zora people in a way that words can't quite capture. Once you've finished the Vah Ruta quest, make sure to head back to the Domain periodically; Sidon's dialogue changes as you progress through the rest of the game, acknowledging your growing strength as the true Hero of Hyrule.