The Clues to the Sky quest in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom serves as a pivotal bridge in the Zora main story arc. Resolving the riddle left behind by ancient scholars requires keen observation and vertical exploration across Lanayru's sky archipelago. Understanding how to decode the slate's message ensures Link can open the path leading directly into the Water Temple.
Finding King Dorephan and the Sludge-Covered Slate
Before ascending into the floating archipelagos, players must first meet with Prince Sidon and investigate the ongoing sludge crisis in Zora's Domain. Clues regarding the king's whereabouts lead underground to the Pristine Sanctum, hidden behind a waterfall near Toto Lake. Speaking with King Dorephan rewards players with King's Scales, an essential quest item needed to solve the ancient mystery.
With the King's Scales secured, returning to Jiahto at Toto Lake reveals the complete inscription on the restored stone slate. The text mentions a droplet floating in the sky that must be pierced by a mark of the king. Deciphering this poetic clue directs adventurers toward the floating landmass known as the Island of the Scales.
Reaching Floating Scales Island
Traveling to the floating island shaped like a fish requires efficient air traversal from the Lanayru Skyview Tower or nearby sky islands. Players can use Zora Armor to swim up a falling sludge waterfall or build flying Zonai devices to reach the higher altitude. Once landed on the island, taking time to clear the surrounding sludge makes navigating the terrain significantly easier.
The central objective on Floating Scales Island involves positioning yourself to observe the surrounding floating debris. By standing at the highest point of the island and looking toward the southwest, floating rocks form the distinct silhouette of a droplet. Aiming carefully with your bow, fuse a King's Scale to an arrow and shoot directly through the center of the translucent droplet shape.
Unlocking the Water Pillar and Sky Locations
Successfully shooting the arrow through the droplet triggers a bright beam of light that strikes the water in the East Reservoir Lake below. This action reveals a massive underwater mechanism that clears the lake's surface and opens the entrance to the Ancient Zora Waterworks. Players can immediately dive into the newly formed vortex to continue their journey toward the celestial realm.
Exploring the surrounding sky islands in the Lanayru region provides access to additional shrines, Zonai capsules, and valuable chests. Utilizing gravity mechanics and water bubbles across these floating platforms allows Link to navigate safely through the treacherous terrain. Completing this sequence officially concludes the Clues to the Sky quest line and unlocks the primary path to the Wellspring Island.
