He is tall. He is bright red. He has a smile that literally sparkles.
Honestly, when The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild first dropped in 2017, nobody really expected a fish-man to become a global heartthrob. But Prince Sidon of the Zora didn’t just show up; he dominated the conversation. He’s the heir to the Zora throne, the son of King Dorephan, and the younger brother of the tragic Champion Mipha. While most characters in Hyrule are busy being depressed about the literal apocalypse, Sidon is out here being your #1 hype man.
He's a vibe.
If you’ve played Tears of the Kingdom, you know his role evolved significantly. He went from being the enthusiastic prince to the Sage of Water and, eventually, the King of the Zora. It’s a massive character arc that most people overlook because they’re too busy looking at his biceps or trying to trigger his "nice!" pose. But there is a lot of depth to Sidon that goes beyond his relentless optimism. He is a character built on the tension between public duty and private grief.
The Weight of the Crown and Mipha’s Shadow
Sidon’s childhood was basically defined by loss. He grew up in the shadow of his sister, Mipha, who was not only the Zora Champion but also the girl Link was arguably supposed to marry. When Calamity Ganon struck, Mipha died. Sidon had to grow up in a domain that was essentially stuck in a state of perpetual mourning for a century.
That’s heavy.
Most of the elder Zora in the domain actually blamed Link for Mipha’s death. You see this tension immediately when you arrive at Zora's Domain in Breath of the Wild. While Muzu and the other elders are being prickly and xenophobic, Sidon chooses a different path. He chooses radical positivity. It’s not just a personality trait; it’s a political strategy. He knew that the Zora were stagnating in their grief and that they needed an outside force—Link—to fix the Divine Beast Vah Ruta.
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He stood up to his elders because he knew they were wrong. That takes guts, especially in a culture as steeped in tradition as the Zora.
The Shift from Breath of the Wild to Tears of the Kingdom
In the sequel, we see a much more restrained Sidon. The sludge falling from the sky is poisoning his people, and he’s literally spending every waking second using his water manipulation powers to keep the Domain clean. He looks exhausted. This is where we see the "expert" side of Sidon—his mastery over the element of water isn't just for show.
There's a specific nuance here that many players missed: his hesitation.
In Tears of the Kingdom, Sidon is engaged to Yona, a childhood friend from another Zora domain. This introduced a bit of a "scandal" in the fanbase (people really wanted him to stay single for Link, apparently), but narratively, it serves a huge purpose. Yona is the one who points out that Sidon is holding himself back. He’s terrified of losing someone he loves again, just like he lost Mipha. His "pomp and circumstance" act is a shield.
What Most People Get Wrong About Sidon’s Power
A lot of gamers think Sidon is just "the swimming guy." That’s a massive understatement. If you look at the lore and the combat mechanics, Sidon’s ability to generate a protective water bubble is actually one of the most unique defensive spells in the Zelda series.
- He can manipulate the purity of water.
- He can create physical shields that negate a single hit of any damage.
- His "Power of Water" allows Link to execute a ranged water-slash that deals massive damage to fiery enemies like Gleeoks or Igneo Taluses.
It’s easy to forget that Sidon is a literal giant. He’s nearly double Link’s height. In the fight against Mucktorok, Sidon isn't just a sidekick; he's the engine. Without his ability to clear the sludge, Link would be dead in seconds. He isn't just a cheerleader; he's a frontline tank.
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The Fan Reception: More Than a Meme
You cannot talk about Sidon of the Zora without talking about the internet's obsession with him. Within days of Breath of the Wild’s release, fan art exploded. Why? Because Sidon represents a type of masculinity we rarely see in video games. He’s hyper-masculine in physique—strong, athletic, a warrior—but he is also incredibly emotionally supportive. He doesn't see Link as a rival. He sees him as a "best friend" (his words, constantly).
This "Himbo" energy—kind, strong, and perhaps a bit too loud—is what made him a breakout star.
But if you dig into the Zora stone monuments scattered around the domain, you find the real history. These monuments, written by King Dorephan, detail Sidon’s bravery long before Link woke up. One story describes Sidon defeating a massive Octorok from the inside out after being swallowed whole. He didn’t wait for a hero. He was the hero. This context changes how you see him when he’s cheering for you from the sidelines. He isn't cheering because he can't do it himself; he's cheering because he believes in you.
The Cultural Significance of Zora's Domain
The Zora have always been the "graceful" race of Hyrule, but under Sidon's eventual leadership, they become something more: resilient. In Tears of the Kingdom, the domain is literally being choked by filth. The architecture is covered in brown muck. Yet, the music—a remix of the classic Zora’s Domain theme—remains hopeful.
Sidon’s growth mirrors the Zora’s evolution. They moved from a people obsessed with the past (Mipha) to a people focused on the future (Sidon’s marriage and kingship). When he finally accepts the crown from his father, it isn't just a promotion. It's the moment he finally steps out of his sister's shadow. He stops being "Mipha’s little brother" and becomes King Sidon.
How to Actually Use Sidon in Combat (Pro Tips)
Most players find Sidon's Sage avatar a bit clunky in Tears of the Kingdom. He runs away when you need him, or he stands right in front of your bow. It’s annoying. I get it. But there are ways to maximize him that make the late-game much easier.
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First off, his water shield isn't just for defense. If you have a weapon with the "Symin" or Zora trait (like the Lightscale Trident or a Zora Longsword), your attack power doubles when you are wet. Activating Sidon’s bubble makes Link "wet" for about 30 seconds, even after the bubble pops or is fired away. This effectively lets you deal 2x damage in the middle of a desert. It’s broken.
Secondly, use him for the "Sludge" cleanup. You don't need to waste your precious Splash Fruit. Just whistle to bring him close, grab the shield, and swing. It clears a massive path.
Why He Matters for the Future of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda is moving away from the "Link is a lone wolf" trope. Tears of the Kingdom proved that the series wants a recurring cast of Sages. Sidon is the face of that movement. He represents the link (pun intended) between the old world of the Champions and the new world of the Sages.
He’s the only character who spans both eras so effectively. Riju was too young in the first game, Yunobo was too cowardly, and Teba was replaced by his son, Tulin. Sidon is the constant. He is the bridge.
What You Should Do Next
If you want to really experience the full Sidon arc, don't just rush the main quest. There is a lot of missable content that adds layers to his character.
- Find the Zora Monuments: There are 10 of them in Breath of the Wild. They provide the backstory of his fight with the Octorok and his relationship with his father.
- Talk to Yona after the Water Temple: Her dialogue in the infirmary reveals a lot about Sidon’s private fears and how hard he worked while Link was asleep.
- The Lightscale Trident: Craft this weapon. It was Mipha’s, but in Sidon’s era, it becomes a symbol of the Zora’s strength. Using it while Sidon’s water power is active is the ultimate "thematic" way to play.
- Visit the statue: In Tears of the Kingdom, look at the statue in the center of the Domain. In the first game, it was Mipha. Now? It’s Link and Sidon together.
Sidon is more than just a meme or a handsome face. He’s a study in how to handle grief without letting it turn you bitter. He’s a reminder that even when the sky is literally falling and the world is covered in sludge, you can still choose to be the person who flashes a bright smile and tells your friends, "I believe in you!"
That’s why he’s the king. That’s why we love him. Basically, we should all try to be a bit more like Sidon. Honestly.
To truly master the Zora region, focus on upgrading the Zora Armor set to its second level. This unlocks the "Swim Dash Stamina Up" set bonus, which, when combined with Sidon's Sage ability, makes underwater and waterfall navigation significantly more efficient. Also, keep an eye out for the ancient Zora greaves hidden in the Whirlpool near the bridge—they are essential for the full set's defense boost. After completing the main regional quest, return to the throne room frequently; the NPCs provide updated lore that reflects Sidon's new role as King, offering a sense of closure to his century-long journey.