The different Links, what happens to them?

This topic came up on ZU, and had some great potential. Given we are all Zelinkers here, it's obvious we think Link should be with Zelda...but for each of the different Links...what do you think happened to them after the adventure, or what do you imagine? ( Mods, if this is in the wrong forum I apologize, I wasn't sure where to put it )

I know timeline plays into it, but I'm going to make a guess:
roughly
OoT -> TP... and
OoT -> WW ->MC...
with all the other games somewhere jumbled around, after OoT, with LoZ the sequel to ALTTP, anyways, onto the Links.

1) Hero of Time: I think he returns to Hyrule after MM, to Zelda's side, as she believed he would return. In TP we see Ganondorf getting executed, likely shortly after Link returned to being a kid. I'd bet he had something to do with the decision to execute Ganondorf, and the circumstances surrounding it. Growing up, I can easily imagine him becoming Zelda's personal knight( and therefore the Hero's Spirit later on ), and eventually leading the forces of Hyrule as the military leader before ascending the throne with Zelda. He's the obvious choice for her partner. Before he dies he arranges with the Sheikah for the Howling Stones to be made and placed in order to awaken his spirit when he realizes will not live long enough to meet the next Hero. His very distant descendants are TP Link and Zelda..in him and Zelda having two children, and over time the descendants grow apart till they have virtually no relation, in time for TP. The Magic armor would be a left-over from OoT Link, same as the Hero's Tunic, Zora Armor and the Hero's Bow.

( In the other topic, the MaLink thing obviously came up because TP Link is a rancher...but I just can't see post-MM Link choosing Malon over Zelda...he seemed to have a true and deep relationship with Zelda. )

2) Chosen Hero/ TP Link: Until/unless a sequel is made to change this: I believe Link heads off from Ordon, leaving that life behind to serve Hyrule as the Hero. He becomes a knight, leading Hyrule's defense until his death. Family wise...I'm unsure. I don't think he would ascend the throne as King because he barely knew Zelda..but he could well fall in love with her. I'm not sure what game comes next after this.

3) Hero of Winds: I believe he carries on with Tetra and they succeed in finding and founding New Hyrule. They marry, and govern the land, and one of their descendants is King Gustav from MC. ( And possibly the Hero of Men as well )

4) Four Swords/Four Swords Adventures Link: I don't think they are the same, but I'd imagine they married their Zelda and ascended the throne next to her..either that or became dedicated knights based on the ending to FSA. I'm unsure on this one.

5) ALTTP's/LA Link:

Another poster had a good idea that I wholeheartedly agree with. He thinks ALTTP Link becomes the Great King with the entire Triforce from AoL's manual, and his and Zelda's kids are the evil Prince and the "sleeping Zelda" of AoL. The Prince has kids, which eventually lead to LoZ Link and LoZ Zelda. ( The box of ALTTP describes ALTTP Link and Zelda as their ancestors ) but yeah..so ALTTP Link comes back from Koholint, marries his Zelda and rules Hyrule.

6) LoZ/AoL Link: I think he marries AoL Zelda and assumes the throne at her side. The manual hints at it: " these scrolls were saved for a time when a great king would come" The blood relation should be no problem as hundreds of years have passed...the average two people on the street you meet are likely related as much as this Link and Zelda. So anyways..he's the King and rules the land, leads the military etc.

I can't comment on the Oracles or MC until I play the game, though I'm pretty sure MC Link would marry Zelda and become the King, and whatever.

So what do you guys think?

Hmm, an interesting topic!

Well, seeing as how I believe that Link and Zelda are reincarnated, due to their souls being tied to their respective Triforce pieces, whenever Ganondorf threatens Hyrule, I see things a bit differently I suppose. I know not everyone accepts the reincarnation theory, but that's alright. Anyway, due to this reincarnation theory of mine, I belive that no matter how many times they are reborn, L and Z will always have their deep feelings for each other. I'm also still not quite sure how the timelines all fit together and everything, but that really isn't necissary to explain my feelings regarding Link.

OoT/MM- Link in this game will come home to Zelda, I have no doubt about that. This is the game in which the bond between the two is so blatently obvious its scary. After he returnes from Termania, I imagine that Link would maybe travel some more, always keeping in contact with the Princess, and eventually return to Hyrule to stay. It would make sense for him to become a knight, lead the army, and help Zelda establish peace in Hyrule. I then believe he and Zelda would have married, making him king. (Yay!) It makes sense to me that the Magic Armor in TP would be a relic of his, along with the Zora Armor and the Bow.

OoS/OoA/Link's Awakening- If you play the linked version (playing one game, getting the code at the end, and using it to start on the other game) then you see more interaction between Zelda and Link in addition to a farewell with Link leaving on a ship. (Making me believe that Link's Awakening comes after this game, because this game starts with Link being shipwreaked and obviously knowing Zelda) How I see Link in this game: he cares deeply for Zelda, that is obvious. He works together with her to stop Twinrova, and rescues her from becoming a sacrifice. She kisses him on the cheek after being saved, and he becomes swoony with little hearts above his head. To me, this is a dead give away that he likes her. Then why does he leave on the ship? Because this is the way Link is- he has a desire to explore new lands, and a duty to the goddesses to protect people. But he will come back to Hyrule, I believe, and come to serve his Princess. I also like to imagine that they will marry in this game, but who can really say? He might end up lost at sea, never to return home again.

WW- In addition to being the game that most strongly hints at the reincarnation theory, it's also another game that makes the feelings between Link and Zelda/Tetra obvious. Not only do we get their bubbles floating together in the credits, but we also see them leaving on another adventure together. They will sail to new lands together, and eventually find a place to be the 'new Hyrule' (shakes fist at Hyrule King) where they will set up a new government to unite the people and they will marry.

TP- While the interaction between Z&L is limited during the game, I feel that the way they react to each other near the ending leaves much hope for the future. Link is shown riding away from Ordon in the credits, which leads me to believe that he is leaving for more adventure. He isn't a simple goat herder anymore, and it seems almost laughable that he would WANT to return to his old life after all that has happened to him. I can definetely see him becoming a knight in Zelda's army and helping her to rebuild Hyrule. I definately think that they will bond over the loss of Midna. Being the romantic sap that I am, I do not give up hope that something may yet come out of this, perhaps even leading to marriage.

These are all the Zelda games I have played, so I cannot comment on the rest.

I'm not such a fan personally of that theory, but I do fully agree they have something.. more from the very beginning. All you have to do is look at the way Link looks at Zelda in OoT ( the screen zooming in at his face ) when he first meets her..she feels his name is familiar. Windwaker it's the same thing...they look at each other, but something is there. All the Links and Zeldas have it. ALTTP Zelda has never met him, yet trusts him with her life. I take it as two soulmates recognizing each other.

OoT: I agree...I have no idea how people could come to the conclusion that he would choose another of his free will when Zelda is so very important to him. In MM, he's lost to the world at her memory, even in the face of death. I like your idea of him travelling as a kid..I don't see him staying in one place while so young. The question merely arises..when he did settle down..with who? My heart tells me Zelda.

OoA/OoS/LA: this is the same Link as ALTTP. The artwork is the same, and Koholint is supposedly a dream form of ALTTP Hyrule. So you've actually played LA? I'm interested to hear what a Zelinker thinks of Marin = Zelda. I've heard far too many times about how Marin = Malon...but what do you think?

TP: Is it just me, or did anyone see how very similar Midna is to Zelda? They are the same at heart, though their methods vary. I think Link could recognize this, and it would lend itself to romantic developments. I did see Link develop romantic feelings for Midna in game. The last scene of the game is also the throne room of Hyrule Castle..could this be a hint? Ganondorf also made an interesting remark: "he who wields such a power would make a suitable ruler for this world, don't you think" ( when referring to Zelda's ToW and showing his own ) I don't think he knew how accurate he might be..just not in the way he expected.

Yup, I've played Link's Awakening! As for you question, Marin is in no way Malon. >_< Just because she has red hair in the art does not make her the dream world's Malon. I truly do believe that Marin is meant to be the dream world version of Zelda. The biggest hint is when Link wakes after he's been shipwrecked and sees Marin, he calls her Zelda at first, mistaking her for the Princess. There is also the fact that she acts as a sort of guide for Link, much the way Zelda does in other games. She tells him much about the island, attempts to aid him in his quests, and is really the central character in that game besides Link himself. The impression is certainly given that Marin reminds Link of a person he knows long before he realizes that the island and all the people on it are all a dream of the Windfish. Marin takes any responsibility seriously, and isn't afraid to go into danger, reminding me much of the Princess. It's been awhile since I've played it, so specifics are a little blurry for me. ;

Actually, no, you aren't the only one who has been thinking this. I've noticed that as well. Midna is very similar to Zelda, so much so that it is almost eerie. As Zelda says in the game "light and shadow are two sides of the same coin." Coincidence? I don't think so! Plus the fact that Midna and Zelda are merged for a time? They are definately setting up parallels there, with the whole "our hearts were as one" and that they are both Princesses who have fallen out of power to an enemy. The difference is though how they delt with events. So it stands to reason that if Link fell in love with Midna, then he could just as easily fall for Zelda. (I actually read a really good article that made some interesting comparisons between Zelda and Midna, but the site is giving me grief at the moment, so as soon as it is cooperating, I shall share it with you!) And about Ganondorf's comment, I think you are right, that's really an interesting way to look at it, and it couldn't be more true. Of course he was refering to himself, not Link or Zelda, but the fact remains that they too weild the power of the Gods, making them just as fit to rule as he is.

D'you think we should open a thread to discuss the Zelda and Midna connection?

So does mine. After all they shared in OoT, I cannot see him with anyone else. It simply would not make any sense whatsoever, particularly when Link has shown more affection, devotion, and emotion towards Zelda than he has any other character.

Yup, I've played Link's Awakening! As for you question, Marin is in no way Malon. >_< Just because she has red hair in the art does not make her the dream world's Malon. I truly do believe that Marin is meant to be the dream world version of Zelda. The biggest hint is when Link wakes after he's been shipwrecked and sees Marin, he calls her Zelda at first, mistaking her for the Princess. There is also the fact that she acts as a sort of guide for Link, much the way Zelda does in other games. She tells him much about the island, attempts to aid him in his quests, and is really the central character in that game besides Link himself. The impression is certainly given that Marin reminds Link of a person he knows long before he realizes that the island and all the people on it are all a dream of the Windfish. Marin takes any responsibility seriously, and isn't afraid to go into danger, reminding me much of the Princess. It's been awhile since I've played it, so specifics are a little blurry for me. ;

Actually, no, you aren't the only one who has been thinking this. I've noticed that as well. Midna is very similar to Zelda, so much so that it is almost eerie. As Zelda says in the game "light and shadow are two sides of the same coin." Coincidence? I don't think so! Plus the fact that Midna and Zelda are merged for a time? They are definately setting up parallels there, with the whole "our hearts were as one" and that they are both Princesses who have fallen out of power to an enemy. The difference is though how they delt with events. So it stands to reason that if Link fell in love with Midna, then he could just as easily fall for Zelda. (I actually read a really good article that made some interesting comparisons between Zelda and Midna, but the site is giving me grief at the moment, so as soon as it is cooperating, I shall share it with you!) And about Ganondorf's comment, I think you are right, that's really an interesting way to look at it, and it couldn't be more true. Of course he was refering to himself, not Link or Zelda, but the fact remains that they too weild the power of the Gods, making them just as fit to rule as he is.

D'you think we should open a thread to discuss the Zelda and Midna connection?

So does mine. After all they shared in OoT, I cannot see him with anyone else. It simply would not make any sense whatsoever, particularly when Link has shown more affection, devotion, and emotion towards Zelda than he has any other character.

I do know Malon was based on Marin though...and her physical resemblance is what most see. From what you are describing, it sounds like her character is definately Zelda though...while Malon takes her responsibility of the ranch ( and so does Cremia/Romani ) seriously...Zelda is the one to be with Link each step of the way. Even in spirit in MM. I also recall another poster of ZU saying Marin was less giggly than Malon...and in order for Link to fall in love with her, I'd tend to agree. Saria was very serious..as was Zelda...and that seems to lend itself to him developing a bond better. Even Ilia was serious, and Midna got more serious as the game went on. Tetra also showed depth in her special moments with him.

Midna: I wonder if that was the intention of the dev's....they aren't going to give us ZeLink in this one, but we have a fully developed relationship with near the same character. I mean it doesn't necessarily mean one is the other ( Marin =/= Malon, nor Cremia/Romani =/= Malon ) but the possibility is there..especially because of the merged spirit as you said.

A thread? Actually, there's one existing in GC for the 3rd article me and LoZ wrote...it's incomplete, but we were working on a Midna/Zelda character comparison. We might need a thread for Marin though!

OoT/MM: Link/Zelda

I did see danger points in MM...the goodbye, Cremia's silly hug and flirty little Romani....but I just have to believe in Zelda x Link. When dealing with this argument, I often come across logic vs the heart....Malon vs Zelda. Malon wants Link, Malon makes more sense ( according to some fans ) We can't concretely say we are right and they are wrong as the dev's leave it open on purpose...but in my experience with love you have to throw logic out the window. If it was really love between Link and Zelda..he wouldn't be able to walk away that easily to another woman. And the Link I saw in MM was completely undone by just her memory. But his regrets..were they in leaving her? Or realizing he might not see her again. Or that "it's over" as he left....many questions. But to me, believing in ZeLink is believing in true love. Love that temptation can't break. Anyways...*phew* I really love OoT Link/Zelda. So again, he returned to her.

I think so, too. I've been wanting to make a Marin thread for a while now, but I wasn't sure where to put it.

Oh Oh oh there was a similar discussion on Diamond in the Rough, though we were talking about what happened to Ocarina of Time Link since some of us there believed he is the Hero's Shade (or Spirit as I've read on some other forums) in Twilight Princess. Anyway, my general theories for the Links are this:

OoT/MM: After Link doesn't find Navi, I think he would give up the search for a while. Settle down and start a family of his own. Our opinions, of course, differ on who he settled down with. But whoever he chose doesn't really matter. Because I do believe he resumed his search for Navi in the Lost Woods. I believe he met an untimely end which led him to stay in limbo. Which would explain why the Hero's Shade could not pass on. He hadn't had the opportunity to pass on what he knew. I mean that's kind of hard to do if he was, ya know, dead. Though I don't think this happened until after Link (and in my case, Malon) moved to Ordon and started living there. Awhile after that, I think he left looking for Navi again.

TP Link: I believe he left Ordon. Perhaps riding off to find a way to reunite with Midna. Either way, I don't too much see TP Link settling back into farm life like I can imagine OoT Link doing. Though I can see him helping a certain brunette run a fishing hole. I have a Link/Hena plot bunny where he takes her to the royal library and they read scrolls about the ancient hero. But that's getting off topic. Either event, I don't see this Link returning to the simple life, at least not right away.

Wind Waker Link: Considering how I haven't finished the game, or played Phantom Hourglass, my opinion is a little limited on what happens to this Link. Since KoRL wished for him and Tetra to find a new Hyrule, I'd think they would be spending a lot of time together. Considering this Link could quite possible be only 12 years old, I have a real problem with the Link/Zelda pairing in this game as I really don't like the idea of the man being younger than the woman (though this is coming from a Kataang shipper. If you're in the Avatar fandom, you know who I'm talking about).

Link's Awakening: Oh my heart breaks every time I think of this one. I can very well imagine Link missing Marin severely when he returns to Hyrule (if he returns at all, considering his ship is all busted up when he wakes). To find out the girl he loved and cared for the entire time he had been on that island never actually existed just breaks my heart. I can imagine him very well standing on a beach in Hyrule, daydreaming of her and missing her. Whether he develops another relationship with someone else is up in the air for me as I really do not have a general idea as to where this game fits in the time line.

The other games I really don't have opinions on, since I haven't played them. But other than that, those are my views.

I know, isn't it heartwrenching? >_< I had started creating a doujinshi as a sequel to LA.... very, very sad. It made me so sad that I had stopped working on it. :/ I really should pick it up again and complete it, though.