Durian Gourd Talks The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
Durian Gourd, a frequent contributor to Epater.org, is a poet based in White River Junction, Vermont. This spring, I had a chance to meet up with Durian and chat about his creative process. Citing The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as a major influence informing his recent work, I am happy to share my conversation with Mr. Gourd about the video game.
Interviewer:
What got you initially interested in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom?
Durian:
To be honest, I didn’t grow up playing many video games. I spent most of my free time either reading, writing, painting, or exploring the wilderness.
Growing up in California and Vermont, I was able to access plenty of different outdoor spaces. As a result, TOTK’s predecessor — Breath of the Wild — appealed to me. The name sounded poetic and apt for my most nostalgic memories, so I impulse bought it with a Switch back in 2020.
The core psychological appeal of the game is really just aimlessly wandering around the wilderness: something I can relate to in Vermont. It’s fuel for my creative process.
Interviewer:
After finishing the game, would you rate your experience playing TOTK?
Durian:
It was amazing. 10/10. Honestly, this might sound dramatic but I feel like the game changed my fundamental worldview to some extent.
A big part of the game mechanics are based on harvesting materials and edible goods from the wilderness, including monsters. The game allows you to combine items and make many intriguing food dishes and potions.
The game inspired me to forage for many of my own foods in the woods surrounding my house. I pick a lot of mushrooms. Whatever I find, I like to call it a “Hylian Shroom.”
Interviewer:
We know you’re a big monster guy. What are your favorite monsters in TOTK?
Durian:
Oh, wow, there are a lot of cool monsters in Tears of the Kingdom. For one, the Gleeoks are pretty cool. I do think as far as dragons go, I think it’s pretty cool to make a three-headed dragon where each head has a single, cyclopean eye. Giving them toothy grins with loosely hinged jaws reminiscent of deep sea stomiid fish gives them a very uniquely intimidating aura.
Bokoblins are also pretty cool. Sometimes, after a long day of work, I like to just watch them with my binoculars while listening to the game’s ambient music. You can observe them in their crude civilizations: eating, sleeping, sauntering in circles, dancing. Watching them dance made me realize that dancing in general is just a primitive expression of joy.
I’m also a pretty big fan of Molduga. They have to be one of the most unique species of Hylian fauna. You know, one of my poems in development is currently about Molduga.
Interviewer:
What in-game milestones and achievements have you accomplished thus far?
Durian:
A lot. Well, to start, I’ve maxed out my stamina wheel and heart containers. I’ve maxed out my Zonai energy cell. I even found and finished all 152 shrines. As far as armor, I’ve upgraded most sets to the max: Fierce Deity, Royal Guard, Ancient Hero’s Aspect, Depths set, and more. I also have some unique armor sets and items, such as Majora’s Mask, the Evil Spirit Armor, and more. I still need to finish all of the side quests, however.
Interviewer:
TOTK’s ‘Ultrahand’ building feature is new to the Zelda franchise. Have you made any noteworthy contraptions?
Durian:
Yes. I’ve made all sorts of cool things, really. My favorite default vehicle to ride around the overworld is a giant cube (from a shrine) with wheels and a steering stick affixed to it. I made a modified version of that powerfully built vehicle with a face and elephant trunk—made by accessorizing with Keese eyes and a series of Lizalfos tails. I also made a blue-collar F-150 with a concrete slab, elevator rails from the Right Leg Depot, and many sleds.
Interviewer:
Do you project the Zelda BOTW/TOTK series’ aesthetic interpretation of the wilderness into your own outdoor forays?
Durian:
I do admit, if I see a camp, my first thought is that it’s a Bokoblin camp. I have to avoid that thinking though, because I am not a violent person.
Funny story, once, I was hiking around Franconia with my wife and her friends around dusk. We found a bat resting along our hiking trail, and everyone was surprised when I referred to it as “Keese.”
Interviewer:
What advice do you have for less experienced TOTK players just starting out in the game?
Durian:
My advice is to commit to the grind early in the game. If you max out stamina, farm Zonaite, and upgrade armor, it’ll make the rest of the game way more fun. Not having a Zonai vehicle handy at any given point is just like living ordinary life without a car—why do such a thing?
