In the final stages of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, the sought-after Prime Energy splits apart. While this does quickly lead into the final boss battle, those who are newer to the franchise may need help understanding the full significance behind this event. In truth, what happens to the Prime Energy is directly tied to some core Legend of Zelda lore from the wider franchise, although Echoes of Wisdom alone does not provide all the context for this.

[Warning: Spoilers for The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom.]

As stated by the Echoes of Wisdom’s Null to want it for itself. However, despite never being referred to by a different name, the King’s description alone makes it clear that this divine artifact is actually the iconic Triforce, which has long-established lore regarding its use.

The Prime Energy Splitting Follows Triforce Lore

An Unbalanced Heart Shatters It Into Three

The Prime Energy is The Legend of Zelda’s iconic Triforce, and follows a long-established rule of the Triforce in splitting when Null’s Zelda Echo attempts to claim it. When somebody attempts to wield the Triforce with an unbalanced heart (meaning that they do not place equal value in its three aspects of Power, Wisdom, and Courage), it will split into lesser Triforces, one for each of these same aspects. These then distribute themselves to suitable bearers, leaving the would-be wielder with only one part of three.

Previous Legend of Zelda games have shown the Triforce being split on many occasions, usually to prevent Ganon from wielding its full might. On these occasions, Ganon (or Ganondorf, as the case may be) retains the Triforce of Power, as Power is the attribute his heart aligns with. Meanwhile, the Triforces of Wisdom and Courage also go to bearers who best embody their traits, who are always Zelda and Link respectively. This same scenario plays out in Echoes of Wisdom, albeit with the Zelda Echo (and by extension, Null) in place of Ganon.

Each section of the Triforce is consistent in which attribute it represents; as demonstrated when the Prime Energy splits apart in EoW, the top triangle is Power, the bottom left is Wisdom and the bottom right is Courage.

It can be frustrating that not all of this is directly explained in-game, although the Zelda Echo and Great Deku Tree do at least make it clear that the former has failed a test set by the Goddesses. But on the other hand, this too can be considered a form of worldbuilding; Zelda knows nothing of the Prime Energy except for what she is told, and that is comparatively little. The situation may confuse the player, but rather fittingly, Zelda herself is equally unsure of the reasons behind this event.

Null’s Judgment Reflects Its True Nature

The Triforce Of Power Underlines Its Destructive Desires

This test of character is the “divine judgment” mentioned by the Great Deku Tree as Zelda rushes to confront her Echo in the Eternal Forest. Crucially, for all the Echo’s claims of being a perfect copy of Zelda, who has earned the three Goddesses’ Sanctions, she is still essentially an extension of Null’s will and its loyal servant. And just as Null aims to destroy the world, the Zelda Echo likewise wishes to enable this destruction. As a result, both clearly value Power over all else, and so the Prime Energy splits.

While not a version of Ganon itself, Null does still easily create an Echo of the franchise’s famous villain. This alone is something that strengthens its association with the Triforce of Power, if only symbolically. And, just like Ganon, Null is left in a position where it must defeat the other Triforce bearers and claim their own portions of the artifact in order to achieve its aims. Naturally, this provides the perfect opportunity for Link and Zelda to regroup, which in turn leads to Null’s ultimate defeat.

The Triforce Splitting Is The Perfect Failsafe

Evil’s Own Inherent Nature Triggers It

Although the Triforce will grant any wish made by its , regardless of actual morality, this test of character is still instrumental in preventing Null’s victory. Without this failsafe, Null would undoubtedly have obtained the Prime Energy and used it to destroy Hyrule. Instead, this desire proves to be its downfall; the Triforce may not necessarily distinguish between good and evil, but Null’s lust for power is still the greatest hurdle to it using the Triforce. Ultimately, Null fails to accomplish its goals due to its own inherent nature.

Of course, this can just as easily be said of any evil figure; it is all but inevitable that such a person would be drawn to the Triforce precisely because of its power. This in turn predisposes them towards the Power aspect of the Triforce, causing it to split and hamper their plans. Moreover, it seems far less likely for a courageous or wise individual to be similarly immoral, suggesting at least one righteous opponent to the Power wielder would then be positioned to rise up against them in response.

Zelda And Link Are Worthy Of The Triforce

They Constantly Prove Themselves With Their Actions

While Link and Zelda are the traditional bearers of the Triforces of Courage and Wisdom, Echoes of Wisdom still shows them demonstrating these qualities perfectly. Although Link does not talk in EoW, the courageous core of his character still shines through in his unwavering fight against Null’s forces. Even when sinking into a rift at the start of the game, something which would surely be terrifying without his prior experiences as a child, he still retains the presence of mind to fire his bow and free Zelda, even at his own expense.

Zelda, meanwhile, is equally demonstrative of her wisdom throughout the game. As befitting the title Echoes of Wisdom, the game’s constant emphasis on the strategic use of Echoes in both puzzle-solving and combat ensures that the player is constantly considering the best course of action. Naturally, this is a mindset that Zelda’s in-game actions then reflect, making the gameplay a perfect demonstration of her characteristic wisdom. When Zelda earns a part of the Triforce, it undoubtedly symbolizes the Wisdom both she and the player have exhibited throughout the game.

The three Sanctions Zelda earns throughout the second half of the game also indicate that she has a balanced heart worthy of using the Triforce.

The Prime Energy splits apart because, as the Triforce, that is what it is designed to do; something that inevitably proves to be far more of a barrier to the villains of a Zelda game than the heroes. Null’s attempt to claim the Prime Energy in The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom is a perfect example of how the Goddesses’ failsafe is perfectly designed to foil evil ambitions. Although little of the established Triforce lore is explicitly stated in this game, it is nevertheless visibly in effect, much to Zelda and Link’s benefit.