Title: Who is Link to you?
Description: Define Link. The man himself.
Dirty Harry - June 18, 2007 01:40 PM (GMT)
What I MEAN is-define Link's characteristics. Say what you think Link is made of. Say his attributes, his build, character, personality, speech, that kinda stuff. Tell us what you think.
Here's the wikipedia topic:
Characteristics
According to the official Zelda.com Encyclopedia, Link is "humble", but also possesses legendary bravery, an attribute consistent with his role as the rightful bearer of the Triforce of Courage. The character is known in later Zelda games as The Hero of Time in his Ocarina of Time/Majora's Mask incarnation and as The Hero of Winds in The Wind Waker, as his heroic example has saved countless lives from evil.[15] In the video games he is presented as being a stoic and polite young man, and in the television series as a whiny and love sick teenager. In Twilight Princess his social status is explored early in the game. Rather than being the most popular kid in his hometown, Link is instead portrayed as a regular kid.
He is the rightful bearer of the Master Sword, a powerful and magical sword he wields to defeat the forces of evil. Link does show rare moments of overzealous boldness, such as when he twice attempts to confront Ganon in The Wind Waker ill equipped to defeat him. Also, he inadvertently helped Ganon find the Triforce in Ocarina of Time, forcing Link to undo the damage he had caused.[15] Although Zelda games feature more interaction with friendly or neutral non-player characters (NPCs) than some adventure games, such as the Metroid series, these characters rarely take an active part in Link’s quest which he completes alone. Link is shown to have several family members, such as an uncle in A Link to the Past, an unseen mother in Ocarina of Time who died fleeing the ravages of war, a grandmother in The Wind Waker who raises him in his parents unexplained absence, a grandfather from Minish Cap, and the most developed of Link's relatives, his sister Aryll who plays a critical role in the plot of The Wind Waker. He also has several friends, such as the pirate captain Tetra from The Wind Waker, Kafei from Majora's Mask, and the fairy Navi from Ocarina of Time. He also has a utilitarian relationship with Midna from Twilight Princess, though the two grow to become friends as time goes on.[16] His mother and father also appear as spirits in the Link to the Past manga.[17]
Link appears as a young Hylian boy, the equivalent to human in The Legend of Zelda mythos. He is renowned for his fighting skill, such as his incredible boomerang accuracy.[18] It is unlikely that his age ever exceeds 19 years at any point in the series, though apparently, in most games he is closer to the age of 7 to 12.[2] Every Link wears a green tunic, an undershirt (usually white, brown, or green), and a long, floppy green cap, at least for part of each adventure (usually for the vast majority), although the shades of green vary. It is also a common sight to see him wearing light-colored tights (usually white or tan), although he has appeared barelegged in other games. Link’s hair color is usually a dark blond but was originally a brown colour. Link has long pointed ears resembling some conceptions of elves. These are apparently a distinctive trait of the Hylian race (and their descendants), which supposedly allows them to hear messages from the gods. Older Links usually wear small blue hoop earrings, as is the Hylian fashion. However, in episode 4 of the Adult Saga in the official Ocarina of Time manga series, "Link Vs. Link", Impa is seen giving a Link his earrings, describing it as a "rite of passage for young Sheikah men".[19] He also bears a Triforce mark on his left hand, marking him as the one who will find the Triforce of Courage.[20] He is also well known for making use of a variety of weapons and items, such as bombs, hookshot, boomerang, bow and arrow and Pegasus boots that make him run extremely fast. He also is extremely agile, being able to perform quick jumps and flips, and very skilled, knowing how to perform magic and play an ocarina. When he transforms into an animal in the twilight realm in Twilight Princess, he becomes a wolf, reflecting the mystical aspects of the transformation and his heroism.[16]
Canonically, Link is left-handed, although this detail has changed over time, with his sword hand being different between games. The Adventure of Link instruction booklet describes Link setting off “with a magical sword in his left hand and a magical shield in his right”.[20] In the Super Nintendo release, he alternates hands, but this is due to sprite mirroring. Starting with The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Link holds his sword in his left hand and his shield in his right, no matter what direction he is facing. This occurs in the left and right-looking sprites. In The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, however, Link returns to alternately holding his weapon in the right or the left hand, depending on his orientation. At the beginning of the Four Swords Plus (Four Swords Adventures) manga, Link is referred to as the “left-handed hero” after defeating pirates that were raiding a Hylian town. In addition, Link's figurine description in Wind Waker lists his "manual preference" as left. However, in the animated TV series, Link is right-handed. In the Wii version of Twilight Princess, Link is right-handed, but this was done to better fit the game's control scheme. Because of this, the maps in the Wii version have also been mirrored. However, in the game's official artwork he is shown holding his sword in his left hand. In the GameCube version Link remains left-handed, since the game keeps a normal control scheme.
There you go. Gimem some ideas! Let 'em rip!
Angel Zelda - June 18, 2007 10:03 PM (GMT)
To describe Link's personality in one sentence is nearly impossible. In the beginning of "Ocarina of Time," he was (to me) shown as an outcast in the Kokiri Forest. He was the only one without a fairy, which would have made him stand out. Do I think Link was friendless? No, certainly not. He had Saria as his lifelong friend (and possibly as a mother and sister figure), and I'm sure they're were other Kokiri that were his friends. But the bottom line is that Link was different from the Kokiri, and I'm sure he realized that.
Then Link woke up one morning (after having a nightmare) to find that a blue fairy named Navi was sent by the Great Deku Tree to be his partner from now on. Soon, Link was drawn into a quest to save the land of Hyrule, and through that, he discovered his true nationality and his destiny as the Hero of Time.
What I can say is that Link is a caring character that would do anything to save his country. I would even go as far as to say that he's an optimist, seeing as how he's never dark or depressed.
As for Link's dialogue, while it's true that Link doesn't have any dialogue, he obviously has stuff to say. Throughout the game, Link would be conversing with someone, and that person would talk as though Link had said something. An example would when Link talks to the bean seller while wearing the Spooky Mask. From the dialogue of the bean seller, it sounds like he's arguing with Link about whether or not the Spooky Mask was made from a coffin.
Miyamoto said that the reason Link never talks is because if he did, he'd be putting words into the player's mouth. Miyamoto wanted the player to have the sense that he/she is truly Link while playing the game. (That would also mean that it's up to the player to decide if Link loves either Zelda or Malon.)
Dirty Harry - June 19, 2007 03:08 PM (GMT)
Hmm...I think we have another crazyfreak. Don't worry, that's a good thing!
I mean...wow that was REALLY well-researched! And yeah...
I can't add much...
So C'MON! ALL YOU OTHER GUYYS! GIVE US YOUR OPINIONS!
I'm sure AngelZelda and I (I'm sure about me at least) wanna know your opinion on LINK!
Angel Zelda - June 19, 2007 08:38 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Dirty Harry @ Jun 19 2007, 03:08 PM) |
| Hmm...I think we have another crazyfreak. |
Another what?
| QUOTE (Dirty Harry @ Jun 19 2007, 03:08 PM) |
| I mean...wow that was REALLY well-researched! |
Aw, you're too nice. I was writing from the top of my own head.
| QUOTE (Dirty Harry @ Jun 19 2007, 03:08 PM) |
So C'MON! ALL YOU OTHER GUYYS! GIVE US YOUR OPINIONS!
I'm sure AngelZelda and I (I'm sure about me at least) wanna know your opinion on LINK! |
Yeah, I'm with you! I want to see a discussion going on!
HyruleMaster - July 9, 2007 07:47 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Dirty Harry @ Jun 19 2007, 03:08 PM) |
| So C'MON! ALL YOU OTHER GUYYS! GIVE US YOUR OPINIONS! |
Okay, okay, I'll give it a shot. ^^ Let's see what this pathetic brain can come up with...
I'm not going to strain my mind too much, so let me just start off with what just came to mind:
If Link were sitting in one of my classes as a fellow class-mate, he would most definitely be one of the quieter, mindful kids that gets their work done. Link seems to approach everything with a great deal of care no matter how ridiculous or small the tasks are. (Like gathering the cuccos for the lady at Kakariko Village.) Since Link is constantly saving Hyrule in his multiple incarnations, I imagine he rarely thinks about himself. Someone else is always on his mind--especially in Ocarina of Time *coughZeldacough*.
Not only is he strong physically (the guy can lift a boulder ten times his size, for crying out loud!), but he's strong emotionally. No matter what happens to him, he keeps going. Even though he was rejected by Mido in Kokiri forest, he still mad an effort to be accepted. In A Link to the Past, when Zelda disappeared, he didn't fall to his knees and give up, instead he charged straight forward. In Ocarina of Time when Zelda got captured in the crystal after seven years in an almost hopless situation, he still charged forward even though it may have been a trap with the way Ganondorf worded it. (It kind of was if you think about it...) And after having grown up with no parents, you'd think he would have a tremendous amount of sorrow--if he does, then he hides it really well. What impression that leaves on me as to why he does that is because he doesn't want to draw attention to himself. He's also incredibly forgiving, too. After what all the Skull Kid did to him, he was still able to look him in the face and accept him. The way Link shows how he cares for people shows his inner strength. Definitely a humble man.
Now to answer the question directly... Who is Link to me? Well, I'd say a humble man who is quick to serve and someone who carries a kind and gentle heart. And he isn't afraid to smile! :link:
For a someone that doesn't speak, Link has an incredible amount of precious character. That's why he's my favorite! :D
Well, before I talk too much, I better stop. ^^;
Angel Zelda - July 10, 2007 09:11 PM (GMT)
That was a good post, HyruleMaster!
HyruleMaster - July 16, 2007 10:21 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Angel Zelda @ Jul 10 2007, 09:11 PM) |
| That was a good post, HyruleMaster! |
You really think so? Thanks! ^^
You know what? To put things short and simple... The the REAL Link's personality is the opposite of this Link...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNpLXo55yfw
LZ Angel - August 13, 2007 06:44 AM (GMT)
Link is just awesome - that's all there is to it :D
He's hot too :P
Alantie - September 13, 2007 06:10 PM (GMT)
A lot of Link's personality is up to interpretation of the player, I think. But there are some things that can't be denied. He's obviously very kind, judging how he relates to the children and how he is always willing to help others. We can also add noble, selfless, courageous (duh), strong, and clever.
He seems a bit quieter, most likely because he is really a loner. Not that Link doesn't get along well with others, he just doesn't seem to fit in well. In OoT he's shown to have a hard time fitting in with the Kokiri, in MM he's taken off on his own away from Hyrule, and there's a scene in TP after Link has rescued Colin that shows him standing alone while the others leave him there. It's sad, but its part of who he is.
And on a side note, it seems to me at least that Zelda is much the same way. She doesn't fit in either, even as a princess. Perhaps being Triforce bearers sets them apart? *shrugs*
I'd write more, but my brain seems to be a bit dead at the moment. :D
Love_of_Zelda - October 22, 2007 12:30 AM (GMT)
Even though the developer's have said time and time again that Link is the extension of the player, I think that he has a definite personality. Even though he doesn't really talk (with the exception of "Come on!" in WW), there is worlds of emotion in his eyes particularly in WW, PH, and TP.
First up, Link is not snarky (Well, excUUUUUUSE ME, princess!). There is just no room for divas when it comes to someone who needs to save Hyrule. This same rule goes for Zelda too.
Secondly, Link has to be willing to go through all kinds of battles and injuries for a princess whom he has very little contact with while he is out on his mission. He would go through the same if she was with him, but the point is that he needs to be a man willing to do whatever it takes to help Zelda and save Hyrule.
Thirdly, Link must have the Triforce of Courage on his side. He may not be aware of it, and a big deal may not be made of it (like it was NOT in TP :blink:), but he cannot be Link the Hero of Hyrule if he does not have it.
Not a very insightful post, but hey. It's what I could come up with after Sunday dinner!
gliderpilotgirl - October 24, 2007 06:57 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Love_of_Zelda @ Oct 22 2007, 12:30 AM) |
Even though the developer's have said time and time again that Link is the extension of the player, I think that he has a definite personality. Even though he doesn't really talk (with the exception of "Come on!" in WW), there is worlds of emotion in his eyes particularly in WW, PH, and TP.
First up, Link is not snarky (Well, excUUUUUUSE ME, princess!). There is just no room for divas when it comes to someone who needs to save Hyrule. This same rule goes for Zelda too.
Secondly, Link has to be willing to go through all kinds of battles and injuries for a princess whom he has very little contact with while he is out on his mission. He would go through the same if she was with him, but the point is that he needs to be a man willing to do whatever it takes to help Zelda and save Hyrule.
Thirdly, Link must have the Triforce of Courage on his side. He may not be aware of it, and a big deal may not be made of it (like it was NOT in TP :blink:), but he cannot be Link the Hero of Hyrule if he does not have it.
Not a very insightful post, but hey. It's what I could come up with after Sunday dinner! |
^ actually...he doesn't need the ToC. ALTTP Link didn't receive any Triforce till the end of his quest, and LoZ/AoL Link didn't get it till the end as well. And WW...dunno about Oracles..PH Link doesn't have it either. ( just to nitpick! ) I think Link would be brave regardless...it just enhances it.
Anyways..my take on the guy. It depends on the Link..( as I see TP Link as a bit of a departure being more emotionally open and such ) but I consider OoT/MM Link being my "ideal Link"..and I know I will be repeating what others have said.
OoT/MM Link - quiet and serious...reserved as well, and doesn't typically emote much. A good deal of that is because he's the player...but he strikes me as an introvert..as another poster ( I think on here ) said: a guy who says more with his eyes than his words. That's so true...in the scenes where he's with Zelda and such, particularily at the end..he says nothing..but everything as well.
As someone else mentioned..Link was picked on and excluded by Mido..and I think that may have contributed to making him introverted and such. I think Saria ( and later Zelda ) can see through that and make him come out of that shell though.
He's obviously very brave..and selfless. He'll do anything to help someone out, yet when recognized for it, is more likely to go "aww shucks" and be embarassed.
In romance? Contrary to what the games like to show with multiple love interests..I see Link very much as a one-woman man..while someone may be able to momentarily dazzle him or catch him off guard ( Cremia's hug ) it doesn't last because his heart is taken. He loves someone..and doesn't stop when it gets difficult or there's any easier or more attractive option. I also think he has the ability to see someone for who they really are..and love them for it on a deep level. ( Zelda obviously )
WW/PH Link...I see him more as the child version of OoT Link...slightly more extroverted..more of a sense of humour as well. But nonetheless...possesses a solid devotion to his Zelda.
The others? the earlier ones strike me more like OoT/MM Link ( with Marin being Zelda in essence, and Link loving that ) and some of the later as well( FSA, FS, )
TP: I didn't like this Link at all. He was an open book emotionally...seemed to have his attentions wander between different girls...and needed to be prodded by peoples to do his stuff. He struck me as a reluctant hero.
Spirit-Adept - April 6, 2008 10:27 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (gliderpilotgirl @ Oct 24 2007, 06:57 PM) |
| Anyways..my take on the guy. It depends on the Link. |
I'm going to have to agree with gliderpilotgirl here on this point, it really depends on which Link. There are traits that all Links share, that being undying courage, a strong desire to help others, a true hatred for Ganondorf to name a few, but each Link is a very different person I think.
For example, I get the feeling that OoT/MM Link is the most mutare, level headed, and rational Link there is. First off, he grows up twice, making him seven years older mentally than anyone that is his physical age. And then there's the fact that he had to grow up very quickly the first time he grew up, and innocence can't be replaced. Finally, unlike many other Links, the OoT/MM Link never recklessly charges at anyone like WW and TP Links do.
On the other hand, WW Link I believe is the most compassionate of all the Links, simply because he grew up with closely related people. He has an ever present concern for his sister, he helps out his sick grandmother, he even tries to save the King of Hyrule after Ganondorf's defeat. One other interesting thing about WW Link is that he never fights anything other than monsters, he never fights an sentinal being other than Ganondorf (Orca doesn't count, that was training). OoT/MM Link has fought Geurdo and TP Link fought Gorons and the shadow beast, which are actually citizens of Twili.
Saami - April 7, 2008 12:46 AM (GMT)
OoT/MM Link: I really see this Link as a regular goofball. Not goofing off at inopportune moments. He knows there is a time for fun and a time for being serious. He has a strong sense of responsibility and I think he takes his status as the chosen hero very seriously. But that doesn't stop him from having fun. He is serious about saving Hyrule, but he's also a human...well Hylian.
TP Link: I think he's more serious. Hardworking and determined to a fault, after all, he was raised on a ranch. He seemed more like a reluctant hero. Not really questioning his bravery. But judging from what Midna said, Link hadn't really thought beyond saving his friends. And so when he was presented with saving all the Twili (and by extension all of Hyrule), I think he wasn't quite sure what to do before he realized how important it was to Midna. Or something like that. It feels like I'm rambling. So I'll stop now.
Hylian Princess - August 6, 2008 09:44 PM (GMT)
WW Link: Link is a ten year old child who has no ambition on his little island. He spends most his time playing, until his sister his caught, and yadayadayada. To me, he is just a child, but he grows up (metaphorically) into a man. To me, he shows that one kid can make all the difference in the world.
Oot Link: I find that Link is a bit more heartfelt in this game and he's got more of a personality. He seems more human. He's also more of an idol, since, like what Saami said, he is somewhat a goofball. And, he was kissed by a girl (am I right?), and most guys don't get kissed by girls like that. I mean, I don't know any goofballs who end up saving the world and having quite q bit of romance with a high-class girl.
TP Link: I find that TP Link is the most adorable of them all. Sure, he's eighteen or so, but he makes normal mistakes of a teenager, and he's cute (in a child-like way) when he's been told off by Illia. He seems really serious at many points, but he's also really nice, like to the kids in Ordon Village. I find more of a hero-in-training who succeeds in the end. And he also kinda like a father sometimes (does that make sense???). Sorry, I'm kinda talking non stop. Saami, you're not alone. :rolleyes:
MalonsLover - September 1, 2008 01:09 AM (GMT)
WW: Fun loving kid who is also brave and likes to have pirate like adventure.
OOT: A child trapped in a mans body who is sweet, gentle and very very obedient and instinctively craves love and affection. Especially with females since he is an orphan who never had the maternal love of a mother.
TP: A normal but awkwardly shy and soft spoken teenager. Also a submissive doormat but with very noble intentions.
All 3 can handle a sword and shield real well
Love_of_Zelda - September 1, 2008 01:54 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (MalonsLover @ Sep 1 2008, 01:09 AM) |
WW: Fun loving kid who is also brave and likes to have pirate like adventure.
OOT: A child trapped in a mans body who is sweet, gentle and very very obedient and instinctively craves love and affection. Especially with females since he is an orphan who never had the maternal love of a mother.
TP: A normal but awkwardly shy and soft spoken teenager. Also a submissive doormat but with very noble intentions.
All 3 can handle a sword and shield real well |
I agree to some extent with most of your points - but I would like to point out what
motivated each of these Links to step outside their doors and make a difference in their worlds.
WW: This Link was forced out of his complacency by the kidnapping of his sister. He was gradually dragged into events bigger than he was, and instead of tucking tail and running, he put on his shield and sword and went for it all.
OoT: This Link left Kokiri Forest because Gohma attacked the Great Deku Tree, who died just after he was forced to entrust the Kokiri's Emerald to Link. Again, this Link was caught up in events he could not control, but instead of becoming a coward, he fulfills his destiny as the Hero of Time.
TP: This Link was virtually kidnapped from Ordon. Like the Links before him, he was also caught up in events he could not control. First, his friends were violently kidnapped before he was knocked unconscious - a complete fool would not vow revenge and seek to get them back. But before we call him "doormat," let's think about the circumstances that he comes under.
He is in jail at the castle, he realizes that his human body is gone and he is inside a wolf's body, thus he is very disoriented and has no control over his newly discovered senses. Midna shows up, and at the beginning of the game, she is a self-serving, rude, and presumptuous little chit. She takes full advantage of Link's handicaps and forces him to bend to her will. Does this make Link a doormat? Absolutely not! We see him fighting her several times throughout the game, meaning that while he can't really do anything about his situation, it does not mean that he is just going to sit around and take her crap.
But Link finishes the quest because he sees the suffering of the people who will not be able to escape Twilight without him (i.e. the Zoras, the people in Castle Town, the folks of Ordon, and most of all, Zelda herself).
MalonsLover - September 1, 2008 03:41 AM (GMT)
Believe it or not I agree with EVERYTHING you posted. I just wished there was someway Link could have beaten up on Midna a few times when she was being rude.
gr33n_sl33ves - October 3, 2008 11:52 PM (GMT)
Link beating up on Midna would be very out of character for our hero to do. Sure, he spends the game attacking damn near anything that moves, but those things are trying to kill him. Sure, Midna starts out the game as a pest and something of a bully, but with Link trapped in a strange body, not knowing when or if he'd ever return to normal, Midna was his only way out of that dungeon, and the only way to rescue his friends. So rather than let his pride get the better of him, he put up with Midna's rudeness so he could save people. I'd hardly call that the act of a "doormat."
MalonsLover - October 4, 2008 01:06 AM (GMT)
Yeah...at first I wasn't too crazy about Midna and her bossy attitude. But as the game progressed she became more tolerable and likeable by the end. I still say Link is pretty much a doormat but in a good way and it seems he enjoys being told what to do anyway. If Link wasn't a doormat we could never complete the Zelda games.
gr33n_sl33ves - October 4, 2008 06:09 PM (GMT)
I suppose he's a doormat in the sense that we, the players, have complete control over him, but he's hardly a mindless drone, going along with whatever anyone in the game tells him to do.
MalonsLover - October 4, 2008 06:52 PM (GMT)
The mindless drone blindly following orders is probably more associated with OOT Link since he is literally a child trapped in a mans body that is inclined to politely obey Zelda, the sages, and other NPC's because he needs the guidance of responsible adults to keep him in line and to tell him what to do.
TP Link seems more like the normal but awkwardly shy and gentle natured teenager who tries to be the perfect gentleman. Unfortunately being a perfect gentleman has the nice guy finishing last in romance stigma, and since TP Link doesn't hook up with anyone, it seems to be very true in his case.
Mandy - October 4, 2008 09:44 PM (GMT)
I've always liked the idea of Link being a very kind, patient and a rather "country bumpkin" type of person :D Who also kicks major butt with a sword! Haha.
I dunno how I feel about Link being called a doormat though. He has his obligations as the hero so that shouldn't necessarily characterize him as someone who just gets mowed over. He does what he needs to do to get the job done right and if that means he needs to hop on one foot through ten flaming hoops then so be it, lol!
| QUOTE (MalonsLover) |
| TP Link seems more like the normal but awkwardly shy and gentle natured teenager who tries to be the perfect gentleman. |
That's a good way of putting it, I think! He is rather awkward, in that he's a bit of a backwaters type of guy, but how much has that stayed with him at the end I can't say. The ending of TP was rather dramatic (Midna leaving and Link also not staying in Ordon) all things considered. He a changed man, that's for sure.
MalonsLover - October 4, 2008 10:18 PM (GMT)
I feel TP Link did mature in a sense by the end of the adventure, but he still didn't strike me as the bold and assertive ladies man/go getter at all. As for AOL Link, thats another story. :zelink:
Mandy - October 4, 2008 10:21 PM (GMT)
Oh yes, he definitely got more mature. I think we can call TP Link rather laid back, yanno?
As for AOL Link, man that game beat my ass >.< But all to awaken a Princess, heck yeah! He deserved the ending he got cause playing the game was hell for me lol.
Saphine - October 5, 2008 06:06 AM (GMT)
One of the reasons why I like the Zelda series so much is because of Link, and it's not because he's awesome via looks, badass skills, and blah blah blah. I'll refrain myself from explaining what we all already know, hahaha.
Truth be told, I love that Link is so simple. While he's not completely devoid of his own character, he's like a blank slate for the most part. He has no real defined past in most games, if not all, he doesn't speak his thoughts (given, he does act them out sometimes), and you see his interactions with others through your own eyes.
I think, when it comes to "innovation," which Nintendo is all about, Link is a perfect example. You, as the player, are given freedom as Link... so much so that you become the hero. I mean, honestly, the games are full of situations that are open to interpretation, and Link is just another way of really tying the player to the land of Hyrule.
I also think this is why so many people argue over shipping, because in the end, it's a matter of our own preference and nothing is canon. We kind of imagine the idea that Link likes so-and-so without realizing that it's probably because we prefer so-and-so, for whatever reason. LoL!
I do think Link does have his own character, like the way he reacts to things, but mostly, I think Link is who we want him to be (given, we don't exaggerate too much and make him evil... because that's Ganondorf's role, lol). That's Link, to me.
Hylian Princess - October 5, 2008 03:44 PM (GMT)
Adding to that, the shippers who prefer a specific pairing are willing to dig up proof, although, the evidence we find is unpredictable at times...
:link: + :zelda: = :zelink:
Angel Zelda - October 5, 2008 05:07 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Saphine @ Oct 5 2008, 06:06 AM) |
One of the reasons why I like the Zelda series so much is because of Link, and it's not because he's awesome via looks, badass skills, and blah blah blah. I'll refrain myself from explaining what we all already know, hahaha.
Truth be told, I love that Link is so simple. While he's not completely devoid of his own character, he's like a blank slate for the most part. He has no real defined past in most games, if not all, he doesn't speak his thoughts (given, he does act them out sometimes), and you see his interactions with others through your own eyes.
I think, when it comes to "innovation," which Nintendo is all about, Link is a perfect example. You, as the player, are given freedom as Link... so much so that you become the hero. I mean, honestly, the games are full of situations that are open to interpretation, and Link is just another way of really tying the player to the land of Hyrule.
I also think this is why so many people argue over shipping, because in the end, it's a matter of our own preference and nothing is canon. We kind of imagine the idea that Link likes so-and-so without realizing that it's probably because we prefer so-and-so, for whatever reason. LoL!
I do think Link does have his own character, like the way he reacts to things, but mostly, I think Link is who we want him to be (given, we don't exaggerate too much and make him evil... because that's Ganondorf's role, lol). That's Link, to me. |
So, you're basically saying that we the players are supposed to feel as though we are Link while we play the game? That makes sense, considering what I've heard Miyamoto say about the issue in interviews, and it's a pretty common thing for videogames.
Now, if the Zelda series was a book series, and Link had little to no personality, then it would be a bad thing, since books are different from videogames. And the main character of a book having no personality doesn't make said book a good read.
MalonsLover - October 5, 2008 05:39 PM (GMT)
Not to mention Link not having a set personality in a theoretical hollywood movie would not translate very well if his in game personality in OOT/TP were used literally. IMO if there was a book or movie based on the Legend of Zelda there needs to be a middle ground between the over confident and assertive go getter Link from the cartoon and the unassertively shy and gentle natured doomed eternal virgin Link from the OOT and TP games.
Saphine - October 6, 2008 12:01 AM (GMT)
Actually, I have to disagree with one part of your post, Zelda Angel. I don't think characters like Link are too common in video games, and that's what sets Zelda aside from the rest (in most cases).
Like, let me use a broad example out of Final Fantasy games. The male protagonist is very well defined in these RPG's, and like books, the characters are pretty much set. Unlike Link, they have very precise and recognizable behaviors. In some ways, I guess it could be a bad thing that Link is void of a developed personality.
All the same, while Link is rather empty in comparison to these types of characters, because we have that freedom, we can make up our own persona for Link. We enjoy it, too, or we obviously wouldn't be fans of Link. :P
That said, while Link differs in image from person to person, there are some things that the general public will agree on, too. There are hints in the game at what kind of person Link could be. Like I said earlier, there are times when Link reacts specifically to something, and that gives us some semblance of character. In fact, the very fact that Link is a Hero also gives us a nudge towards the idea that he is most certainly loyal and brave.
I do agree with you, though, that a book based literally off of the Legend of Zelda would be boring on Link's part, unless someone took that creative right and used it well. And that's exactly what all of us do. We make Link creative and awesome.
gliderpilotgirl - October 6, 2008 01:16 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Hylian Princess @ Oct 5 2008, 03:44 PM) |
Adding to that, the shippers who prefer a specific pairing are willing to dig up proof, although, the evidence we find is unpredictable at times...
:link: + :zelda: = :zelink: |
I wouldn't call it unpredictable so much as balanced. Look at Twilight Princess for example: the game makes a case for and elaborates on the possibilities of both Ilia AND Midna. So much so that I truly can't see a preference displayed in the end. Basically it provides evidence for both: it's really up to us to choose one and advocate it.
| QUOTE |
I do agree with you, though, that a book based literally off of the Legend of Zelda would be boring on Link's part, unless someone took that creative right and used it well. And that's exactly what all of us do. We make Link creative and awesome.
|
Isn't that what the manga's have done, albeit in condensed form? Link has huge personality, especially in his OoT/MM incarnation. The only problem is because his in-game personality is so hard to discern, such a defined personality is bound to not mesh with the personality some have imagined for him. I personally had imagined him similarly so I had no trouble with that interpretation.
Mandy - October 6, 2008 01:46 AM (GMT)
I probably wouldn't have minded the OoT manga so much if the story wasn't butchered and Malon wasn't made into an airhead ~.~ But that's just me! I also didn't get the impression that was Link so dead set to look for Zelda in the game either whereas in the manga it was on his mind. 24/7. Seven days a week. Link might as well be a zombie but instead of craving brains he was craving Zelda, rofl.
Angel Zelda - October 6, 2008 01:54 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Mandy @ Oct 6 2008, 01:46 AM) |
| I also didn't get the impression that was Link so dead set to look for Zelda in the game either whereas in the manga it was on his mind. 24/7. Seven days a week. Link might as well be a zombie but instead of craving brains he was craving Zelda, rofl. |
:blink: That zombie comment was a tad disturbing.
You say you didn't get the impression that Link was dead set to look for Zelda in the game? That's the impression I got, although I doubt he was obsessed with it. I just figured (based off of the dialogue of Ruto and Impa) that Link wanted to see Zelda to make sure she was safe and alive.
Mandy - October 6, 2008 01:57 AM (GMT)
Lol, sorry.
I'm not trying to say Link didn't care to find Zelda, I'm sure he did. But, from my perspective on playing the game, yeah I was curious as to what happened to her...but that Sheik character had my attention more often than not :P That and dungeon delving, woo! Zelda was kinda at the back of my mind when it came to awakening the sages...besides, when that happened I figured it would all fall into place as well as the Princess somehow showing up.
MalonsLover - October 6, 2008 02:58 AM (GMT)
IMO OOT Link in the game was simply a child trapped in a mans body blindly following orders because he had to. I wouldn't say he was obsessed with Zelda but more or less he had an instinctive desire to complete the mission at hand to resolve the bizarre predicament of going back and forth in time and going from child to man back and forth each time.
When it came to the beloved cutscene in the sky, Links actions were more of a polite and obedient child entrusting a responsible adult (Zelda) with his fate rather than him actually being in love with her IMO. I know some Zeldashippers tend to believe that Link had fallen in love with Zelda at that moment, but Link literally being a child mentally it would seem highly unlikely IMO. If he did fall in love with Zelda in the scene in the sky then he wouldn't have left her to find the annoying Navi in MM. And if you remember from the MM cutscene Link seemed rather indifferent to Zelda's obvious sadness in him leaving. So no, Link is not obsessed with Zelda thats for sure.
I've never read the OOT & MM mangas but from the info I've gotten from Gilderpilot and Love of Zelda, Links character in the manga/comics seems right for a blueprint on a theoretical personality for Link in a book or movie. IMO Link's personality from the comics/mangas seems to be a lot more appealing than the in game personality of OOT/MM Link seeming rather aloof and cluelessly indifferent in quietly and disturbingly staring at Zelda with that signature creepy looking blank gaze of his.
Mandy - October 6, 2008 03:54 AM (GMT)
OoT Link as an adult certainly wasn't mature in certain ways and love could be one of them. However, realizing that he became an adult, Link had to adapt in some ways I'm sure. First of all he had to accept what had happened to him; he was no longer physically a child. Furthermore he had to accept more burdens upon his shoulders for being the hero (namely awakening the sages and finding the Princess) and thus somehow deal with all the stress. The game doesn't exactly explore these points, be it the technology back then or what have you, but we can assume that Link really had a hard time about it; I doubt he simply took this as a walk in the park. Or that somehow he found himself in love with Zelda. If anything, and this perhaps would be with ANY female, Link probably found himself terribly confused and bewildered!
Maturity takes time to develop and if he had been allowed to stay as an adult he probably would've been able to cope with his new found emotions and body, but in the end he was sent back as a child. Why some people postulate that he somehow fell in love with Zelda somewhere in there is a bit boggling. The same can go for Malon, but I'd like to think he was at least able to form a semblance of friendship with her at least considering he was able to help her and see her whenever he so desired.
MalonsLover - October 6, 2008 05:30 AM (GMT)
MANDY SAID:
Link probably found himself terribly confused and bewildered!
Which for me explains his permanent creepy blank stare. :lol: Who knows what Links life would have been had he stayed in the Adult Timeline. IMO he would really be out of place living in Hyrule Castle as a child trapped in a mans body. Zelda would generally have to constantly babysit him if anything and he would probably be more of a useless liability in hopelessly trying to adjust to life in the Castle. I can't imagine OOT Link with fairy being able to understand the complexities of what goes on in the daily royal meetings within the Hyrule Court as he likely would have no clue in what would be going on in the first place.
I imagine Link would be better suited to a more simpler life living with Malon and doing simple manual labor in helping out at the ranch. Since Link went back to the Child Timeline I guess we can never know what would've happened had he stayed in the AT. Since I tend to generally view Link being out of place living in Hyrule Castle as an adult in the CT anyway, he would definitely be out of place at the Castle in the AT for sure IMO.
I'm really interested in trying to get my hands on the comic/mangas to read for myself so I can compare/contrast the difference in Links personality from the OOT & MM games. I'm aware of the annoying Zelda shipper bias and Malon being potrayed as a ditzy airhead. But since the mangas are generally dismissed as non canon anyway I can probably overlook these minor annoyances.
Mandy - October 6, 2008 05:42 AM (GMT)
You can pretty much read all the mangas at zeldalegends.net where they're scanned and translated. Also, the OoT manga is being released in the states and is due to be released any day now; check Amazon.com or other online book retailers...you should be able to get some results!
I'm also in agreement that I can't see Link as being a very "courtly" type of man; not because he couldn't learn but he doesn't seem like the kind of person who would care very much. He can keep Zelda company during her off-time from court or partake in more military type activity; but go to court? Not seeing it, lol.
MalonsLover - October 6, 2008 06:01 AM (GMT)
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll be sure to look into it. As for Links theoretical courtly life in Hyrule Castle. I think in his formative years in the CT its important that he lives at the Castle to get his special training with the Hyrule knights and having Zelda help in teaching him in how to conduct himself as a respectable Hyrule Knight. But as soon as he gets all that formal education done and over with, IMO he should move out to be with Malon at LonLon ranch when he finally comes of age. But I actually envision Link having an influential presence within the Hyrule Court during the more important royal meetings and such, but IMO he should spend more time living the life of a Hero riding around with Epona doing heroic deeds instead of spending more time being a courtly aristocrat.
MadMags - July 9, 2010 08:04 PM (GMT)
Link, oh, my Link.
In my eyes, Link is a hardworking young man. Courageous and brave, he's always ready to defend or fight. He'll fight for the people he loves. I think he's always a little shy. Maybe a bit of an outcast. I think he'll help anyone who needs it. I also think he's very caring. He'd listen to anyone who needed to vent their feelings. And, I definately think he loves Zelda. I think he'd do anything for her. This makes him my hero :D