Summary
Nintendo almost always portraysThe Legend of Zelda’sLink as a hero enshrouded in mystery; a character of few to no words, but ferociously brave. Along with a vow of silence since his debut in 1986, the protagonist’s historical background is also usually submerged in ambiguity. Surprisingly, however, there are quite a few games since the inauguralNEStitle that depict Link with family members.
Link’s lack of vocals inThe Legend of Zeldagames certainly does not indicate a lack of personality, as it has now become an integral component of his distinctiveness throughout the series. Many of Nintendo’s other characters are also known for their individuality despite their silence, such as Red fromPokemonand Kirby. The difference with theZeldaseries, however, is that most games portray a character variation of Link. With such variability, there are plenty of family members who appear beside the iconic protagonist throughout the years.
How Link’s Family Kick Off The Wind Waker’s Story
InThe Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker,Link’s family is an integral part of the game’s plot. OnOutset Island, the home of the protagonist, Link lives with his Grandma and younger sister, Aryll. His relatives in this game are portrayed as kind-hearted souls, always willing to help and constantly looking out for each other.
Wind Waker’splot beginson Link’s birthday when his grandmother gifts him with the Hero’s Clothes. The classic green garments are given to the young men of Outset Island as a tradition to celebrateTheOcarina of Time’slead character, known as the Hero of Time. Aryll’s gift to Link is her beloved telescope, and while using the device, they notice a monstrous bird holding a girl in its talons. A rescue attempt from a nearby pirate ship successfully hits the bird with a cannonball, and its prisoner is dropped into the Fairy Woods of Outset Island. Link is pushed by his sister to go and save the girl, but the monster ends up returning and kidnapping Aryll, marking the start of his adventure as he attempts to rescue her.
Before departing, however, Link returns to his grandmother and finds her heartbroken. He takes the Hero’s Shield that hangs on the upstairs wall of his home and leaves, with his grandmother watching as he waves goodbye to the citizens of Outset Island. Link’s family in this game becomes his motivation to embody what the Hero of Time represents toHyrule. His perpetual silence does not take away from the heartfelt moments that players experience in the opening sequence.
Link’s Mother In The Ocarina of Time
Unlike inThe Wind Waker,Link’s family inThe Ocarina of Timedoes not directly appear. Still, there is a reference to his mother having an immense impact on the plot of the game. After Link takes down Phantom Ganon, the Deku Tree Sprout tells of a tale that took place before the events of the Nintendo 64 game, during the Hyrulean Civil War. The player is told that Link’s mother suffered fatal injuries during the conflict, and handed her child to the Great Deku Tree to look after him. Believing that the young child was prophetic, the Great Deku Tree raised him as part of the Kokiri race, despite his Hylian heritage. Details of his father remain unknown, however.
The First Zelda Game To Depict Link’s Family
In the SNES’sThe Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past,Link lives with his Uncle, who happens to be his guardian. As the King of Hyrule’s servant Agahnim suddenly holds Princess Zelda captive and seizes control of the castle’s guards, Link’s uncle leaves the house armed with weaponry, ready to help. As a well-known skilled swordsman and former servant to Hyrule’s royal family, he tells his nephew to stay put and ensures he will return in the morning. Disregarding his orders, Link eventually finds him fatally injured in a secret part of the castle. With his dying breath, he tells his nephew that he mustsave the princess and ward off evilfrom occupying the land of Hyrule.
The Minish Cap’s Interpretation Of Link’s Family
Master Smith is Link’s grandfather in the Game Boy Advance’sThe Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.Like his counterpart’s uncle inA Link to the Past,Link’s grandfather is an acclaimed ex-swordsman but is now an esteemed blacksmith. Smith lives with Link in South Hyrule Field, where he spends most of his time at their home making swords, specifically for the Winner of the Sword-Fighting Tournament. Link’s grandfather personally recommends King Altussend his grandson to find the Minishwhen Zelda is turned to stone at the hands of Vaati.
An Unconventional Family Member In The Twilight Princess
ThroughoutThe Legend of Zeldaseries, it’s known that most iterations of Link aren’t related biologically, rather, they are spiritual reincarnations of each other. There’s an exception inThe Twilight Princessfor the Nintendo GameCube and Wii, however. The Hero’s Spirit appears in the game to teach Link the seven Hidden Skills, which are unique Sword techniques to help take down enemies with ease. The spirit happens to be a descendant ofTwilight Princess’protagonist and is revealed to be Link fromThe Ocarina of TimeandMajora’s Mask.He isn’t exactly a family member in the traditional sense, but remains an intriguing inclusion nonetheless.
The Legend of Zelda
The epic series The Legend of Zelda began here, with the heroic Link on a hazardous journey through the fantastic world of Hyrule. Using your sword, your shield and your wits, retrieve the eight fragments of the Triforce and save Princess Zelda.This groundbreaking game introduced innovative ideas that are still present in Zelda games more than 25 years later. Not only is Link’s original adventure action-packed, it also features puzzling dungeons to explore and a myriad of secrets to discover.
