Silent Realm

The Silent Realms are locations from The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. They are shadowy reflections of a given area located in the Spirit World. To enter a Silent Realm, Link has to find an area's Trial Gate through dowsing, and activate it by playing the correct song on the Goddess's Harp. The gate can then be entered by thrusting Link's sword into the ground. These are the only locations in which Dusk Relics may be found.

Story
Link has to enter the Silent Realms on different occasions during his quest. Inside the realms, he will be tested by the Goddess to see if he is a worthy hero. During the trials, Link's soul is separated from his body, leaving him unable to use his sword or items. These Silent Realms are found in Faron Woods, Lanayru Sand Sea, Eldin Volcano and Skyloft.

In each trial, Link will have to gather fifteen magical tears - Tears of Farore, Nayru and Din, respectively - and gather them in his Spirit Vessel. While doing so, he must avoid the Guardians, which can shatter his soul in one hit, causing the trial to fail. Guardians can be stopped for up to 90 seconds by collecting a tear. However, if Link touches Waking Water, or is spotted by a Watcher, the Guardians will immediately be awakened.

If Link manages to gather all the tears, and makes it back to the entrance safely, his spirit will grow, and he will receive a valuable item: the Water Dragon's Scale, the Clawshots and the Fireshield Earrings, respectively earned during the trials of Farore, Nayru, and Din.