Free the Trapped Statue in Temple of Time

In The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, players often encounter enigmatic riddles that lead to hidden secrets across Hyrule. One of the earliest and most intriguing puzzles revolves around a distressed voice from a Goddess Statue in the Temple of Time ruins. This voice laments being “trapped under the water behind the stone gate on the Great Plateau,” setting players on a path to uncover a small statue submerged in a pond. Solving this not only resolves the immediate mystery but also kicks off the side adventure “A Call from the Depths,” which offers substantial rewards like expanded heart and stamina options.

Understanding the Riddle’s Origins

The puzzle begins when Link interacts with specific statues that deliver the cryptic message. This can happen in two primary locations tied to the Great Plateau: the surface-level Temple of Time ruins and the subterranean Great Abandoned Central Mine. Both sites are vertically aligned, with the mine directly beneath the temple in the Depths layer of the game world.

The Temple of Time ruins, located at coordinates -0822, -2027, 0119, serve as a familiar landmark from previous Zelda titles. Here, praying to the Goddess Statue triggers the plea for help, hinting at the adventure ahead. Alternatively, descending into the Depths via the Great Plateau North Chasm at -0661, -1521, 0067 leads to the Nogukoyk Lightroot (-0708, -1551, -0517). From there, a short journey south to -0855, -1965, -0543 reveals the imposing Bargainer Statue, which echoes the same message.

These starting points emphasize the game’s layered exploration mechanics, encouraging players to navigate between Surface, Sky, and Depths seamlessly.

Navigating to the Great Plateau

Accessing the Great Plateau early in Tears of the Kingdom requires strategic gliding or chasm dives. For surface arrival, activate the Hyrule Field Skyview Tower and glide northwest toward the plateau’s edge. This method avoids early-game barriers and positions Link near the Temple of Time.

Those already familiar with the Great Sky Island can drop down directly, but watch for wind currents to control descent. Once on the plateau, scan for the ruined temple structure amid sparse forests and rocky outcrops.

• Key Landmarks: Forest of Time to the west, Forest of Spirits to the east, and the North Chasm as a Depths entry point.
• Preparation Tips: Stock Bomb Flowers or craft a rock-breaking fuse weapon for the puzzle ahead. Ensure stamina for climbing and gliding.

Locating the Hidden Pond

The riddle points to a body of water against a “stone gate” on the Great Plateau. This refers not to a traditional door but the massive encircling wall that defines the plateau’s boundary. Head southeast from the North Chasm to coordinates -0604, -1591, 0667, where a small pond hugs the wall’s base.

This secluded pool stands out due to its position against the sheer cliff wall, with no other significant water bodies matching the description nearby. Players might overlook it initially amid the plateau’s open terrain, but precise coordinates ensure quick discovery.

Draining the Pond: Step-by-Step

Emptying the water reveals the trapped statue, but it demands precise destruction of a rock barrier at the pond’s lowest point.

1. Descend to the Base: Rappel or glide to -0561, -1506, 0018, directly below the pond where the wall acts as a dam.
2. Spot the Weak Point: A cluster of breakable rocks plugs a crevice in the stone wall.
3. Break the Rocks: Fuse a Bomb Flower to an arrow, use Ultrahand with a hammer, or deploy Yunobo’s Charge ability. A single well-placed explosion suffices.
4. Watch the Cutscene: Water rushes out through the new channel, draining the pond instantly.

Post-drainage, a pointed-head statue emerges in the dry basin. Interact with it to hear a response that directs you back to the originating Goddess or Bargainer Statue, officially starting “A Call from the Depths.”

Embarking on A Call from the Depths

This side adventure expands the puzzle into a multi-stage quest involving four additional statues across Hyrule’s chasms. Activating the quest marker after rescuing the first statue reveals pins at major chasms: Great Plateau North, Hyrule Field, Eldin Canyon, and Gerudo Highlands equivalents.

Each requires Depths descent, Lightroot activation for visibility, and statue location amid cavernous mines. The Bargainer Statue in the Central Mine becomes central, trading Poes for armor upgrades once all brethren are freed.

Completing the quest restores full functionality to the Temple of Time Goddess Statue, allowing Light of Blessing exchanges for hearts or stamina. It also counts toward the “seven” statues for advanced Bargainer interactions.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

Players frequently struggle with the “stone gate” interpretation, mistaking it for man-made doors rather than the natural wall. Visibility in the Depths demands Lightroots; unlit areas spawn dangerous enemies.

• Bug Awareness: Early patches fixed quest progression glitches; ensure game updates.
• Inventory Must-Haves: Arrows, Bomb Flowers, brightbloom seeds for Depths.
• Korok Synergies: Nearby seeds in Temple ruins (e.g., stump glider, rock lift) boost exploration.

For efficiency, tackle this post-Paraglider acquisition but pre-major shrines, as it introduces Depths without overwhelming complexity.

Why This Puzzle Matters in TOTK

Beyond rewards, this quest exemplifies Tears of the Kingdom‘s design philosophy: interconnected regions rewarding vertical and creative problem-solving. Freeing the statue bridges Surface lore with Depths mysteries, hinting at Hyrule’s upturned world.

It also unlocks Poe trading, vital for endgame armor like the Miner’s Set, enhancing Depths viability. Early completion maximizes adventure progression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if the pond doesn’t drain?

Ensure you’re targeting the exact rock plug at -0561, -1506, 0018. Stronger explosives or hammer fuses resolve stubborn blocks.

Can I do this without Depths access?

Yes, the initial rescue is Surface-only, but full quest needs chasms.

What’s the reward for all statues?

Full Goddess Statue functionality and Bargainer upgrades.

Are there similar puzzles elsewhere?

Yes, other Goddess Statues offer regional riddles leading to bargains.

Advanced Strategies for Speedrunners

Glide directly from Skyview Tower to pond, pre-fuse bomb arrows. Sequence chasms post-Lightroot chain for minimal backtracking. This shave minutes in any% runs.