ZELDA-LINK-MALON: A Look at the Triangle, An essay about the Z-L-M love triangle.

ZELDA-LINK-MALON: A Look at the Triangle
An essay by Angel Zelda

One of the most hotly debated topics among fans of Ocarina of Time (besides whether or not you can get the Triforce in the game) is the love triangle between the Princess of Hyrule (Zelda), the Hero of Time (Link), and the ranch girl (Malon). People who support Link/Zelda believe that Link should get with Zelda, and people who support Link/Malon believe he should get with Malon. This essay may not convince anyone, but this is what I think.

Let's start with Malon. When Link first meets her, she's in Hyrule Castle Town, waiting for her father Talon, who has gone to the castle on a milk delivery. Malon takes note that Link is a boy from the forest, and gives him the nickname "fairy boy." Now, some Link/Malon supporters see this as Malon being attracted to Link, but I take this as a mere childish nickname Malon uses for Link.

The next time Link sees Malon, she gives him the Weird Egg, which will eventually hatch into a Cucco and be used to wake up Talon. A little later on, Link takes a trip to Lon Lon Ranch, where Malon teaches him Epona's Song. Afterwards, Link goes to see Talon in the house, and he plays the Super Cucco-Findin' Game. When Link wins, Talon will ask him if he wants to marry Malon.

Let's take a minute to look at this. Link is given the choice to answer either yes or no. It doesn't matter which answer he chooses, Talon laughs and says he was just kidding. Link/Malon supporters will cite this as proof of a Link/Malon romance. However, I believe we can take Talon's word for it that it really was just a joke. Do we see Talon making wedding preparations at any time during the game? No, we don't.

Now, let's jump to some time later during the game. There are four Gossip Stones in front of the Temple of Time. If Link is wearing the Mask of Truth, he is able to talk to Gossip Stones. One of these such stones say, "They say that Malon of Lon Lon Ranch hopes for a knight in shining armor to come and sweep her off her feet someday."

For a Link/Malon supporter, this is a big thing, the belief that Link is Malon's knight. But the thing is, Link isn't a knight in shining armor; he's a hero in green clothes. What Malon is hoping for isn't necessarily Link, but a dream that will never come true.

Now, while I don't support Link/Malon, I believe that Malon, to an extent, holds romantic feelings for Link; perhaps no more than a schoolgirl crush. I also believe that if Malon truly loves anything romantically, it's her fantasies of a knight. It's possible that Malon saw a fragment of her dream knight in Link, and thus developed a crush on him. However, like I said above, Link isn't a knight, plain and simple.

All right, let's skip to seven years later, to when Link meets up with Malon again. He finds that she's become a slave to Ingo, who is now working for Ganondorf and has kicked Talon out of Lon Lon Ranch. Link races against Ingo twice, and after winning both races, he gets Epona as a reward. Lon Lon Ranch soon returns to normal.

This is where Link/Malon supporters will say that Link rescued Malon in this scenario. However, Malon never actually told Link she was in any danger, and it's not like Ingo poses as much of a threat. Link simply happens to be in a place that's in need of help, and he gives it help. Link's just doing his job as a hero.

That's basically it for Malon. Let's talk about Zelda now.

I'm going to start with Link's dream in the very beginning. We all know how it goes--Link is standing in front of a castle while it's raining, he sees two people on a white horse, then another rider on a black horse. That's the very basic outline of what the dream's about. Later on, we find out that the rider on the white horse is Impa, the little girl is Zelda, and the other rider is Ganondorf. Afterward, the dream plays out, in a way, in real life as it did in the dream.

It's possible that Miyamoto simply threw Link's dream into the beginning of the game to have the player go, "Hey, this looks familiar," when the dream-turned-reality scene plays out. But I think that this was a dream that showed Link a future event. Zelda might not be the only person who sees prophetic visions in her dreams. Zelda is a key element in Link's dream, and for this event to happen, Link will have to meet Zelda before said event can occur. Is this destiny at work? I believe so.

Let's move on to the courtyard scene--the scene in which Link and Zelda meet each other for the first time. Zelda basically spills her guts out to a boy she has just met. She tells Link about her dreams, her secrets, her thoughts, and her fears. One can see this as a bold move for a ten-year-old girl to make. Perhaps Zelda is desperate for someone to believe her suspicions about Ganondorf and his motives; after all, no one believed her except Impa before Link came around. Or maybe...Zelda knows in her heart that she can trust this young forest boy whom she has just met.

Zelda has poured all her trust into Link in this one scene. When asked if he will help her aid Hyrule in the dark future that is to come, Link agrees immediately. And he never looks back.

On a more lighthearted note, towards the end of this scene, Zelda gives Link a letter that proves to be useful to him later on in the game. This quote is displayed:

"Wow! This letter has Princess Zelda's autograph!"

This sounds like Link is rather excited to get Zelda's signature. Anyone would be excited to get the autograph of the Princess, so perhaps Link is no exception. But this quote sounds rather unusual, even for someone excited to get someone's autograph...Unless if Link had already begun to forge a deep bond with Zelda, even subconsciously developing at least crush level feelings for her.

Link spends a part of the game retrieving the Spiritual Stones for Zelda. The next time he sees her, she's on a white horse with Impa and being chased by Ganondorf, who's on a black horse. After his exchange with Ganondorf, Link dives into the moat to find the Ocarina of Time, a Royal Family treasure that Zelda left behind in hopes that Link would get it.

Link then receives a telepathic message from Zelda. She teaches him the Song of Time, and tells Link to play it in front of the altar in the Temple of Time. Something that Zelda says before she teaches Link the Song of Time sticks out to me:

"I wanted to wait for you, but I could not delay any longer..."

Zelda said she wanted to wait for Link. This could mean that she wanted to see him again. This usually holds romantic implications. As we see Zelda in the vision, we can see that she looks rather sad, which supports the idea that Zelda wanted to see Link again.

The next several times that Link sees Zelda again, she's in disguise as a Sheikah man named Sheik. Zelda will usually teach Link new melodies during these encounters, and there are a few times in which Zelda talks about love. An example is when she teaches Link the Bolero of Fire:

"It is something that grows over time...a true friendship. A feeling in the heart that becomes even stronger over time...A true friendship will soon blossom into a righteous power, and through it, you will know which way to go..."

Another example is when Zelda teaches Link the Serenade of Water:

"Time passes, people move...like a river's flow, it never ends...A childish mind will turn into noble ambition...young love will become deep affection...the clear water's surface reflects growth...."

It is possible that Zelda is implying something between Link and herself? I believe so.

After Link collects the Six Medallions and awakens the Six Sages, he goes to the Temple of Time to find out that Zelda has been Sheik this entire time. She explains why she did what she did, and gives Link the Light Arrows. Suddenly, Ganondorf captures Zelda inside a pink crystal. Furious, Link attempts to free Zelda, but his pounding on the crystal has no effect. Ganondorf tells Link, "If you wish to rescue the Princess, come to my Castle!"

And Link does. He goes to Ganondorf's castle, destroys the Six Barriers, and fights Ganondorf, all for Zelda's sake. After the battle, Zelda floats down to Link and the crystal disappears. Link and Zelda escape from Ganondorf's collapsing castle, and they watch as it falls into ruins. Both Link and Zelda believe that it's finally over.

Link and Zelda share a peaceful moment as they look at each other and smile. Suddenly, they hear a noise from the debris. Link puts a protective arm in front of Zelda and goes to check it out. They soon realize that Ganondorf is still alive, and Link must now fight Ganon. Link manages to defeat Ganon and, with Zelda's help, deliver the final blow.

The next scene concerning Link and Zelda is one of my favorites, which I like to call the cloud scene. Link and Zelda are floating through fluffy white clouds, and Zelda tells him (sadly, might I add) that Link must regain the seven years that he lost.

The cloud scene is a truly emotional scene, and I believe that, beyond a shadow of a doubt, this particular scene confirms that Link/Zelda was intended to be the romantic couple of Ocarina of Time. Notice that both Link and Zelda are hesitant in doing what they feel they have to do? The two also appear sad about the situation. Why would they be if Link and Zelda hadn't developed romantic feelings for each other?

The last scene featuring Link and Zelda happens to be the final scene in the game. Link has been sent back to his childhood, but appears to still remember the alternate timeline. He goes to see Zelda, who's in the castle courtyard, just as she was when Link met her for the first time. She turns around and is startled, but not necessarily surprised, to see Link standing before her. This leads me to believe that Link and Zelda (as well as the Six Sages) are the only ones in Hyrule who still have memories of the alternate timeline.

That's pretty much all the scenes concerning Zelda, but there's another issue I want to discuss before I wrap this essay up.

Has anyone besides me noticed that all of Link's interactions with Malon are purely optional, expect for when he sees her in Hyrule Castle Town and again at Hyrule Castle? You don't have to learn Epona's Song and you don't have to get Epona. If you ever pay Malon a visit, it's always because you choose to do so.

However, there's absolutely no getting around Link's interactions with Zelda. You must meet Zelda in the castle courtyard, or you can't go further into the game. You must interact with Zelda when she's in disguise as Sheik, or you never learn the warp songs. You must save Zelda towards the end, or you can't beat the game.

If Link/Malon was supposed to be the intended couple and not Link/Zelda, then I'm confused. I've never heard of a game that made talking to the love interest optional.

I admit that I think Malon developed an infatuation for Link. But everything I've written shows that Link's in-depth love interest is, in fact, Zelda. I've never seen any Link/Malon argument to convince me otherwise, but I'm willing to have a Link/Zelda vs. Link/Malon debate.

This is a well thought out essay! You examined both sides well and made good points for each. I especially like that you pointed out that most of Link's scenes with Malon are optional and usually are for the soul purpose of getting Epona or connceted to the horse in some way. That's like, Malon's soul purpose in the game.

Also, when Malinkers point out the whole Talon asking Link if he wants to marry Malon. . . well, Ruto did the same thing, and we know that certainly wasn't serious! Maybe Ruto was serious about it, but whenever she mentions it Link always acts startled and WTF like, you know? I got the same feeling with that scene with Talon- which is also an optional scene. You don't have to play the game and get the extra bottle. It's an optional thing. And Link is a kid at the time- I don't really think he's going to set out his future at ten years old!

As for Malon's dreams of marrying a knight in shining armor. . . don't most young girls have that dream? There isn't anything really special about it. And Link isn't a knight, nor does he have armor! Besides, if you try to use this as proof, its like saying that Malon is shallow and only wants to be with Link because he's a hero, not because he's Link.

I don't know if you'd want to include references to the OoT manga, but there are also things in there that totally debunk the M/L thing. If you want any of those things, feel free to ask.

Thank you!

Yes, it's true that many girls have dreams of being swept away by a knight. But I've seen Malinkers use the "Malon's dream knight = Link" argument a lot, and I wanted to address it.

I was considering adding the manga in the essay, but decided against it because while the manga is official, it's not exactly canon.

Besides, I think the manga is rather straightforward with the Zelda-Link-Malon love triangle. Malon gets a crush on Link, but notices his excited reaction when he hears news of Zelda. Malon then realizes that she has no chance with Link because he's in love with Zelda. "Alas...how short was Malon's love..."

Woohoo! You posted it. I like it!!

Ok..now as you said..you are up for debate: I'm an ardent Zelinker..but debating is cool.

I've actually heard the Malon/Link argument, "Malon gave Link the gift of life...ergo, romantic implications". I think it's silly, and I pointed out that the Cucco lady did it as well. Anyways,

Then the intention question: "they gave us a choice! therefore the dev's are trying to get our attention": I also think that's silly. If they had wanted to get our attention focused on Malon..they would have done it. They were not afraid with Ilia or Marin.

I like the way you said that.

"Knight in shining armor" can be figurative language for a hero. And it's very possible
that Link would become a knight when he grew up the second time, but that doesn't change the fact she doesn't really know him, unlike Zelda. And if he was a knight...he'd be serving his Princess/Queen, and in close proximity to Zelda whom we know he was strong feelings for. Malon doesn't stand a chance.
Most MaLink arguments I know center around the belief that Link ran off to live on her farm instead of returning to Zelda, thereby giving Malon a chance because Zelda is absent.
That's effectively what Ilia had. Free access to TP Link for his whole childhood without competition...OoT Link met Zelda young though. And WW Link...same thing. I could never in a billion years see him falling for another girl.

Just to be difficult...Talon did say he was worried about Malon. And when you return to him..he says.." did you save Malon?"
But it's no biggie. The Gorons were in trouble, as well as the Sages, and Link saved them. And Malon's his friend.

I wouldn't think Link would be human if he wasn't slightly enamored by seeing the Princess..who happens to be beautiful. And she believes in him..and looks at him with hope in those huge blue eyes..any normal little boy would have been seeing hearts at this point.

and she also says "This song is dedicated to the power of the heart"...that and "blossom" are romantic terms. And the song is very heated itself..when they played it, I don't think the surroundings were the only thing heating up. The unexpected emotion in the song is what I feel may have made Link approach Sheik.

And tying into that...the camera switches back and forth between their faces, as if to tell us they are both caught up in it.

Cinematic element again..when Zelda is revealed as herself..the camera takes it's time panning up her, than watches as she steps towards him. I'd think it was emphasizing her beauty.

That moment when Link smiles at Zelda ( his only smile the whole game ) and then Navi interrupts...if I didn't know better..I could have seen them kissing if Navi hadn't stepped in. And he was way too protective for mere friendship

As to the rest...the emotion was so thick at the end you could have cut it with a knife.
And it was Link and Zelda owning the moment...that alone convinces me who the intended pair was. Malon was happily singing away in the future, not even conscious of Link's absence.

I liked it your essay very much! You definately hit all the big points.

Which doesn't make sense because when Link is sent back to his childhood, he goes to see Zelda. Malon only appears twice in the ending, and both times, she's at the "Link Finally Beat Ganondorf!" ranch party, singing to her heart's content.

Which doesn't make sense because when Link is sent back to his childhood, he goes to see Zelda. Malon only appears twice in the ending, and both times, she's at the "Link Finally Beat Ganondorf!" ranch party, singing to her heart's content.

I know it doesn't make sense. But what can I say? They fell in love with Malon..Link didn't.
It's more in reference to when he leaves in MM...they feel he would return to Malon because of Cremia/Romani...instead of going back to Zelda. You know...live the easy life and have a quiet life with lots of kids, instead of dealing with the complications that being the kingdom's hero brings. They use TP Link being a rancher and his relationship with Ilia as evidence he did this.
Meh...they are totally forgetting the Hero's Spirit..who is likely to actually be OoT/MM Link...and he's no backwoods farmer. He outright says he accepted the life of the hero.
And the fact that returning to Hyrule would mean going back to the land he ran away from...and Malon is not Cremia, nor will she be.

I agree with you there. I think, even if Link wanted to, he wouldn't be able to lead a simple life. I bet that there's something in him that longs for adventure, and a simple life at Lon Lon Ranch would probably kinda tie him down, you know what I mean?

Yeah...and I thought TP showed it nicely. At the beginning, he was happy and stuff..but when he left at the end..you knew he was done with that life. He could no longer be content in such a small world.
For OoT Link: how's he supposed to care if the cows are upset when the Princess needs him to avert a war or something?
he's had had two great adventures...some fans maintain he'd want peace and quiet after it..but I just can't see him being happy in that cloistered existence. He'd be hiding, and that's not healthy.
Besides, a choice for Malon would mean losing the only one who truly understands and knows him...in favour of one who does not.
Zelda wouldn't be available forever to him...a woman of her exceptional quality and power would be highly sought.

Yeah, Zelda is the Princess of Hyrule, and is also the future Queen of Hyrule. Not to mention she's very pretty. It wouldn't surprise me if she's been arranged to meet various suitors.

Link, you need to get Zelda while you still have the time.

Yeah, Zelda is the Princess of Hyrule, and is also the future Queen of Hyrule. Not to mention she's very pretty. It wouldn't surprise me if she's been arranged to meet various suitors.

Link, you need to get Zelda while you still have the time.

In these typical medieval fairy-tales, her husband becomes King too. So she'd likely get alot of power-hungry jerks after her. But thanks to her wisdom, she'd see right through them. If she can sense Ganondorf's intentions, who fooled her father...she'd be fine.

Yeah..she is really beautiful..and it's internal as well as external. While I think Link is the epitome of quality in terms of a match for her...she'd also have other men of quality who would recognize this.

If Link didn't get her...it wouldn't be because he didn't want her.

You hit it right on the money with that.

It'd be sad, though, for Link to watch Zelda get married off to someone else.

You hit it right on the money with that.

It'd be sad, though, for Link to watch Zelda get married off to someone else.

I think it would be terribly sad, but wouldn't come to that. His Hero credentials would be more than enough to earn her hand, if TP is any indication. ( I got that feeling with Zelda bowing to him )

But if it was because he ran off on her without barely a word ( *cough MM * ) I do think she'd move on. Honestly..the idea of Link running off with another girl and leaving Zelda alone makes me angry...real heroes don't do that.
Same thing with Malon..if Link married her and ran off and left her holding the bag/running the farm by herself...it would be awful selfish of him. Link can't give Malon the commitment she would need.
His first priority is Hyrule...if he married Zelda, that wouldn't be a problem.

Exactly! Some Malinkers will say that Link would be tied down by a life at Hyrule Castle, but I'm inclined to say that Link would be tied down by a life at Lon Lon Ranch. Saving Hyrule and having adventures is in Link's blood. He'd probably go insane if he couldn't do it anymore.

But if Link became King of Hyrule (with Zelda as Queen), he can still save Hyrule and have adventures--'cause he's King! Heck, he could lead the Hylian armies into war with a forgien land if he had to.

Exactly! Some Malinkers will say that Link would be tied down by a life at Hyrule Castle, but I'm inclined to say that Link would be tied down by a life at Lon Lon Ranch. Saving Hyrule and having adventures is in Link's blood. He'd probably go insane if he couldn't do it anymore.

But if Link became King of Hyrule (with Zelda as Queen), he can still save Hyrule and have adventures--'cause he's King! Heck, he could lead the Hylian armies into war with a forgien land if he had to.

Which is precisely one of my arguments for why Link was so depressed in the beginning of MM. He no longer had a purpose, as Hyrule was saved and he was merely a 10 year old child again.

I like that idea. Especially since in those days a King had to be the ultimate military dude..the leader, willing to lead his forces into battle fearlessly. I've seen a Malinker say he could be Captain of the Guard...with Malon as his humble wife; but again..for what I said above about her needing a farmer husband, and also Malon would be an object between Link and Zelda. As would Zelda's husband..I can't see him taking kindly to this punk running the country with his wife.

I just had this mental image of Link getting the living tar beaten out of him by a guy who's Zelda's husband.

Poor Link.