[TotK] misc Depths and Zonai tech thoughts

Just some scattered things I've been thinking about / theories and speculation I have about the Depths and Zonai tech:

1. ​

I'm willing to bet that the sages of Rauru's time sealed the depths. It's fair to assert that there was activity in the Depths before Ganondorf was sealed, as evidenced by Gordonia and the Zonaite mines, so I don't think it's a stretch to say that they likely weren't overrun with Gloom until the Imprisoning War or after. Once Ganondorf was sealed, it would make sense for the sages to want to close off the entrances to the place he was sealed in to prevent interference and anything (like Gloom) from getting out. It's also possible that the Depths weren't Gloom-infested until closer to present-TotK, preceding or following Ganondorf's revival. At the very least there was likely a large surge in Gloom at his revivial, because that's the mostly likely explanation for why the Chasms reopened to begin with.

2)

The hole at the Yiga hideout is interesting because Koga is either implied or stated (I don't remember which) to have fallen into the Depths through there. It would be odd of the sages to miss a spot, but if they did, this could imply that the gloom in the depths was in fact more recent, because there was none leaking out during BotW. But BotW's champion's ballad indicates that the bottom of the hole just has a sheika pedestal. The implication in this light seems to be that the Chasm simply opened at the bottom of the hole when Ganondorf awakened, instead of it always leading to the depths. But that would mean Koga was just chilling on the Sheika pedestal for years before TotK. So... all-around, a little odd. Regardless of Koga's status though, I could also see the Yiga hideout hole having slowly opened over time or partially opened, before being fully opened when Ganondorf awakened. It could even have something to do with the Yiga themselves trying to revive Ganondorf, maybe the hole was created in relation to Ganondorf's connection to the Depths by the early Yiga and that's why it is regarded with importance in the present (I can't be bothered to check what is actually said about the hole in-game so I'm just going off of memory there. If anyone can fill in the gaps in the comments feel free, this is just some ramblings.). Food for thought.

3)

The Depths being sealed would have the side effect of cutting off Hyrule's supply of Zonaite. If there was Zonai tech commonly in use during this period (theoretically due to Rauru's reign), it would make sense why it eventually fell out of use, as its power source would no longer be available. But then again, the sky islands and the Constructs in the sky are still going strong after tens of thousands of years without a constant supply of Zonaite, what's up with that? A couple of potential answers: a) Zonai tech, or at least the constructs and sky island mechanisms don't have to be recharged by a constant supply of Zonaite, b) The sky islands were not only hidden but also put in a suspended state of animation when they were lifted, or c) Zonaite was still plentiful in the sky until closer to present-TotK and the constructs sustained themselves by mining it. If "a" is the case, I'm not sure why Hyrule didn't keep any Constructs around on the surface, but it would make sense with how the Fuel Cell works (recharges on its own without consuming Zonaite). If "b", that would also make sense but in my subjective opinion, it just doesn't really feel like the intended reading without more context. And "c" would interfere with the common theory that the Zonai descended to Hyrule in the first place because the sky ran out of Zonaite. So I dunno. Again, food for thought.

4)

Speaking of Zonai tech, I wonder if the way Rauru united the land of Hyrule under his rule was through offering tech. With the way the founding is presented and the seeming lack of tension between each group (other than the Gerudo before Ganondorf transformed), I find it unlikely that he did it through force, even though I know some people like that idea. I also find it unlikely that he just showed up and was like "yo, I'm a Zonai, kneel" and everyone did.

We know that the Zora waterworks uses Zonai tech. The Storm Wind Ark also has Zonai origins, but it's implied to predate Rauru and to have been built while the Zonai still primarily lived in the sky. The Lightning Temple has some Zonai influence, but Ganondorf was hostile so I doubt Rauru played much of a part in its construction (unless Mineru helped with it after the Imprisoning War). Gordonia also has some Zonai tech. All of these facilities were used during Rauru's time. I just think it makes sense if he and Mineru assisted with the construction of at least some of them, which would theoretically help build the bridge to unite the groups under his banner. Additionally, they might also have provided Constructs and other Zonai tech for general man-power and miscellaneous quality of life. We also know that Raru and Sonia sealed a bunch of monsters by making the Shrines, so I imagine they'd have a lot of good will going their way. Rauru and Sonia are also the only ones in possession of Secret Stones at this point, so I could see the other groups wanting to ally with them if they were offering protection.

Thematically and contextually, it makes sense for the founding of Rauru's kingdom to have been tied with using tech and magic to help the land become more safe and prosperous. Especially in the context of Ganondorf's motivations and disdain towards Rauru for being a "peace-loving coward". It's said that some time before Rauru's rule, Hyrule was more chaotic, but afaik it isn't clear if this changed only at Rauru's rule or just over time prior. Regardless of that particular point, I think the general idea fits since we know Rauru and Sonia already are known for going out of their way to make Hyrule safer with the shrines and from Ganondorf's disdain for them.

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(Did some edits to change and add some minor things)