They span massive 3D adventures, dense top-down quests, and even a side-scrolling action RPG. Each new installment in the storied series can be very different from the last, and yet there is one thread that is a constant throughout all of the main games excluding spin-offs and the CDi games. Is it the Triforce? Princess Zelda? Even Ganon has been swapped out for other major villains, like Vaati and Majora. No, the one thread that is constant throughout the entire Zelda series is its protagonist, Link.
He is the hero of every game, the player character in each installment. And it is he who makes The Legend of Zelda my favorite series of video games. But what is it about Link that makes him such an icon? He rarely utters a word, and only ever has the slightest bit of backstory about him. Why is he such a beloved character?
I believe it is because Link is the quintessential hero. Duty is a sense of responsibility. Soldiers swear an oath; more than a contract, they are duty-bound to keep that oath. Taking duty and responsibility seriously often reflects itself in an attitude of just doing what needs to be done. No questions asked. No Kokiri bully or Deku Babas will make him so much as flinch.
Look at Twilight Princess. As the oldest of the children in Ordon Village , Link serves as a role model and protector for them. When monsters attack and take the other children, Link races off to rescue them.
This journey takes him through Twilight and even has him turn into a wolf. His quest to save the children is pulled off course at times by a sassy imp bossing him around, but Link never forgets, taking every opportunity possible to continue searching for the kidnapped children.
Less obvious examples are in practically every Zelda game. Link sets off on his journey without a second thought. Monsters abounding, princess in danger, great peril at every turn?
No problem — Link forges ahead. Courage ties strongly into duty. Fear is likely to be present when duty calls, especially for the hero. Monsters, danger, and peril await every step of the way and the greatest evil in the land may need to be slain by his hand. Fear is a very real thing, often an involuntary reflex. Courage is overcoming that, rejecting its hold on your mind and heart.
Link displays that courage and earns that right. He shows clear examples of overcoming fear, rather than being simply devoid of it. Meant to be the hero of Lorule , Ravio let his fear of the giant challenge before him scare him away.
He faced the same terrors Link does, but he was unable to overcome them. End of Spoilers. As gaming technology advanced, Link was able to be made more expressive.
The odds are constantly stacked against him in staggering amounts. Gigantic monsters that can fell him in only a few blows, traps that instantly kill him, powerful magic beyond his own abilities are everywhere he looks.
He just does it. Courage and duty are all well and good, but alone they are virtues every quality soldier possesses. It takes more than that to make a hero. A hero embraces his humanity, and it shows in his compassion for others.
In Wind Waker , his quest is started because his sister is kidnapped. Along the way, in almost every Zelda game, Link will be helping out many of the people that he meets, both strangers and long-time friends. Link helps these people in all sorts of ways, from reuniting lovers for a last-minute wedding, to stopping a robbery, to showing a couple of dancers some new moves. From the most emotional of tasks, to the simplest and most mundane of assistance, Link helps just about everyone he meets in one way or another.
How easy would it be, knowing that the world will end in three days, to just ignore the plights of regular people and focus on the world-saving bit? He steps aside to aid those in need at every chance he gets.
In Skyward Sword , Link is well-regarded by many of the residents of Skyloft , and helps them in all manner of ways. His compassion also shows in a less likely way: his interactions with Groose. Groose is a constant bully to Link, even stealing and imprisoning his Loftwing early in the game.
He takes it in stride, and when Groose plummets to the world of the surface, Link helps explain it to him and watches as Groose transforms into a bit of a hero in his own right. Compassion is a strength. By caring for those in the world Link is trying to save, he has an extra motivation to save it. One defining trait of heroes is that they inspire others. Heroes are those we look up to, people we aspire to be like.
Link is a clear inspiration to those around him. My favorite example of this is in Twilight Princess. The children of Ordon Village all look up to Link, but one looks up to him more than any other: Colin. Beyond the defining characteristics of heroes is an aspect that applies specifically to Link: he is always young. Sometimes he is as young as 9 years old. In some games it seems he has zero combat experience at all when he starts off.
He is picked not because of strength, age, or experience, but because of his courage, compassion, and sense of duty. The Zelda games almost always serve as coming of age stories. In a game like Ocarina of Time , this is quite literal. Link has to physically grow up to be able to wield the Master Sword. But in many games, Link grows from a boy to a man without aging beyond a few days.
Especially in the more recent Zelda games, with improved facial animation and expressiveness, we can see Link grow more confident and determined in the later stages of the game. His moments of shock and fear are less common. He also displays more skill and ability, whether this is from a lengthened health bar or magic meter, or, like in Twilight Princess and to a lesser degree in Wind Waker , learning new combat abilities.
The traits of a hero are courage and duty, compassion for others, and an ability to inspire. The Zelda series has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic franchises in gaming. Link, the hero, is the common thread that runs through every single one of the main games. To me, he is what makes the games. The Zelda series has always had a hero defeating an evil villain. Good vs. Black and white. What do you think about Link as a hero? What are some of your gaming heroes that you look up to?
Let me know in the comments below! Community Wiki Discord Forums. The Legend of Zelda. The Adventure of Link. Walkthrough 1. Parapa Palace 2. Midoro Palace 3. Island Palace 4. Maze Island Palace. Video Walkthrough 5. Ocean Palace 6. Hidden Palace 7. Great Palace. A Link to the Past.
Zelda's Rescue 2. Eastern Palace 3. That's a nice name, but How about That's the name Romani gives you. Tingle knows all, Mr. Rescue poor Tingle from this place, and take him to where you and your kind live in splendor!
Oh, thank you so much, Mr. This is our thanks to you! It's been passed down on our island for many years, so don't tell the island elder, OK? Please accept this Treasure Chart! Important Hero! Thanks for that business with the elder, Brother. Uh, look, Mr.
Heavy, at any rate, neither the money nor the carving is here, so I can't repay you. I offer assistance! I can now detect Mistress Fi's thought waves, vrrt!
From now on, I henceforth and hereby dub thee My Numero Uno Chum!! We'll be chums forever! Are you surprised?! The director of this laboratory is NOT Symin. It's ME! Snappity snap! Do you remember any dreams from your time in the Slumber of Restoration? Well, no matter! I'm just happy you're still in one piece. What's with that look? You do still remember me, right? Boots spins her wheels on it, we'll grow closer And closer And then One day, to escape from the fires of the war, a Hylian mother and her baby boy entered this forbidden forest.
The mother was gravely injured Her only choice was to entrust the child to the Deku Tree, the guardian spirit of the forest. The Deku Tree could sense that this was a child of destiny, whose fate would affect the entire world, so he took him into the forest. After the mother passed away, the baby was raised as a Kokiri. And now, finally, the day of destiny has come! You've dedicated yourself to becoming a knight as well. Those who share the blood of the goddess and the spirit of the hero They are eternally bound to this curse.
An incarnation of my hatred shall ever follow your kind, dooming them to wander a blood-soaked sea of darkness for all time! You should be able to gather the three pieces What is this? There, on your hand, the Triforce piece now dwells within you! It is the Triforce of Courage, proof that you are indeed the true hero. You have controlled the wind and crossed the seas, and here, near the end of your quest, the power of the gods has been bestowed upon you Surely, from this moment on, you shall be known as the Hero of Winds Accept this final challenge Look at your awakened form The green tunic that is your garb once belonged to the ancient hero chosen by the gods Yes, I will pass away soon But do not grieve for me I have been able to tell you of these important matters This is Hyrule's final hope Only one worthy of the title of "Hero of Time" can pull it from the Pedestal of Time However, you were too young to be the Hero of Time Therefore, your spirit was sealed here for seven years.
And now that you are old enough, the time has come for you to awaken as the Hero of Time! None of them recognized you with your grown-up body, did they? That's because the Kokiri never grow up! Even after seven years, they're still kids! They all become Stalfos. Are you going to become one Heh heh! At last, I have eased my regrets. It is the day that you become the same age as the young hero spoken of in all the legends. Hero of Winds! Go forth! To Hyrule! To Zelda's side!
It's a sharp blade made by your grandfather. She'd like to know if you'd join her at the festival. And while the two of you may be childhood friends, remember Zelda is the princess of Hyrule. This chest must hold that which I seek! There was nothing in there but a rabble of monsters? The power that was gifted to the people of Hyrule still flows within the veins of the ladies of its royal family?
If I leave you now, you'll only cause me trouble later. That will never do. To stone with you! They should be able to repair the broken blade and reforge the sword. And you say that reforging the sacred blade can break his curse, eh? Well, then you have found yourself a companion, my boy!
My name is Ezlo. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. At first glance, it appears to be a mere stump, yes? That stump is a portal used by people long ago to adjust their size! With my help, you can use it to shrink down to Minish size. And you've come here now hoping to have the blade reforged? Well, if that's what you're after, you'll need four mystic elements.
These elements are the crystalline forms of the energies of this world. Only by infusing the blade with these energies can a new blade be forged. You must go tell the elder at once!
There, you will find a man named Melari. Among all the Minish, there is no one more able to repair your sword. If you ask him, I am certain he will reforge your broken Picori Blade. This is where we can infuse your blade with the power of the elements Who's there?!?
How did you get in here!? What are you doing?!? The golden light force of limitless magical power I want it!!! It is somewhere here in Hyrule! Go now, and bring me this power! Waste no time! Go forth at once, and bring me the light force! So that's what it means Ah ha ha haaaa Ezlo, you really are too kind. First, you gave me my magic cap , and then you guide me here! I doubt she will be able to survive the extraction process We must hurry to the roof of Hyrule Castle!
What is this madness? I have the power of a god! I have unstoppable might!!! How could I lose to a child?!? I knew you could do it!! Let's remove that curse from Princess Zelda! Princess Zelda! Let your wishes be made real! The hat has the power to turn the thoughts of its wearer into reality. The curse Defeating Vaati seems to have broken the curse he cast upon me!
It looks like the time for us to part has come. The Minish Door opens but once every century, and soon, it must close. I must leave you both now and return to my homeland. And you got separated from your own ship, huh? Work hard, for we all rely on you, Link. And, Link You must help her. Big deal. It doesn't change the fact that you float through life with your head in the clouds. They are domains of the spirit, accessible only to the goddess's chosen hero.
This particular trial, Farore's Silent Realm, tests the limits of your courage. When this vessel is full, it will signify you have successfully completed the trial, allowing your spirit to grow. There can be no doubt. The sacred flames have purified this blade. Well done, Link. That sword holds tremendous power. I am the goddess reborn as a mortal. At any cost That is why I intend to remain here in this time and place To sustain the seal as best as I can. As long as I continue this vigil, we may be able to prevent the demon king from fully reviving himself in our own time.
Your prayers to the Triforce have been heard. The little goddess is mine now! My master may have perished in this age, but in the past he lives yet! I'm taking the girl back through that gate to help me revive the demon king! As a child, I always dreamed of a world below. I wanted to see the surface with my own eyes and feel the land's warm breeze on my skin.
I think I want to live here. Certain events bring him to the kingdom of Hytopia, where he dresses as he does in order to hide his heroic origins. You are the light—our light—that must shine upon Hyrule once again. Now, go Even now, as she works to restrain Ganon from within Hyrule Castle, she calls out for your help. However, my daughter's power will soon be exhausted.
Once that happens, Ganon will freely regenerate himself and nothing will stop him from consuming our land. Considering that I could no save my own kingdom, I have no right to ask this of you, Link But I am powerless here You must save her And do whatever it takes to annihilate Ganon. So you have lost your memory. My teacher was consumed with jealousy He fumed that the knight was neither nobility nor royalty himself.
One of them was a Hylian child of only about four years of age. His name was Link. He made quite a first impression. He was curious and full of energy, with a ready smile.
Are all Hylian children that way? One thing that surely sets him apart is his swordsmanship, which I hear is exceptional. He has even bested adults. He must be somewhat reckless, however, as he was covered in bruises.
He is still the kind soul I knew, but something has changed. But he did. With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden.
A feeling I know all too well For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings. It turns out he's quite a glutton. He can't resist a delicious meal! That someone is you, Link. You want to come with us on our ship? What is the matter, Link? You have an urgent look about you Has something happened? Whatever it is, from the look on your face I suspect it is no laughing matter What say you, Link? Do you wish to practice your skills with the sword? Do not neglect your practice!
There's a monster running the searchlight up there! If you can slay the monster, then just maybe it'll shut the searchlight down. All you have is a shield The video game would happen in both the past and the future.
As the hero was a link between one and the other, it was called Link. Of course, the player can always change Link's name to their own name to further that notion should they want. Ultimate Nintendo Switch Nintendo , smashbros. Ultimate — Site officiel Nintendo Switch Nintendo , smashbros. Ultimate — Sito ufficiale Nintendo Switch Nintendo , smashbros. Ultimate — Sitio web oficial Nintendo Switch Nintendo , smashbros.
Champions in The Legend of Zelda series. The Hero of Twilight is even the first Link to come equipped with an actual killing move. Unlike other Links who need to be more passive in combat, the Hero of Twilight can afford to fight as aggressively as he likes. Fans hold out hope for a Nintendo Switch release of the game or a full-on remaster. The first Link to appear in the franchise, the Hero of Hyrule is no pushover by any stretch of the imagination.
He saves Hyrule not once, but twice. Zelda II even has one of the hardest difficulty curves in the franchise -- complete with Link needing to face off against himself when all is said and done. Unfortunately, he is just not as strong as other Links. Canonically, he loses to Ganon in one of the three timelines and more than likely dies as a result. The Hero of Time may have died in one timeline, but everything else indicates that he is an incredibly competent warrior.
Though not a grand adventure, the size of this Link's heroism does match that of the people he protected the Minish. Not only is he the first to use the Master Sword, but he actually completes the entire Triforce himself. The original Heroes of the Four Sword have it very easy by comparison. Link splits his strength in four as an odd flex against Vaati who was not putting up much of a fight to begin with. This is the latest Link and the only one to keep the Master Sword on his person following the events of their game.
This Link has some of the most impressive in-universe feats attributed to any hero in the franchise. Though it maintains the cute toon-like animation style, many fans find Spirit Tracks lacking. The game, after all, has rather an odd premise of Link restoring train tracks. Players can also customize trains and get help from ghost Zelda possessing Phantom armors. But overall, this Link is not suited to the warrior lifestyle.
He aspired to become a Royal Engineer, so challenging Malladus might have ranked lower for him vs.
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