Twilight Princess, Link and Zelda

I stick by what I said in my previous post. On another note, if Zelda does not remember the events in the alternate timeline, I do not think Link does, either. This would explain why he is found wandering endlessly for a 'friend' in MM; he's not really sure what he's looking for, really. I think both Link and Zelda have deja moments where they might feel like they have experienced certain things that have happened before, but simply cannot make sense of it. Zelda sends Link back in time, her intentions being that he is to relive his childhood, thus his memory of of the alternate timeline would have to be erased. Now, that's not to say that he forgets everything, mind you. He must have had vague images of important figures, such as Zelda and Ganondorf, in order to return to the courtyard. This would again explain why he forgot the songs he learned in the previous timeline.

And as far as TP... I think that actions speak louder than words. Zelda is very aware of the amount of pain and suffering that Link was forced to endure and thus blames herself. In this game I think that she is more melancholy, upset because she was powerless when having witnessed her country fall to the spreading darkness. As a result, she feels she has to be more restrained, fearful of affecting those who get close to her. Also, it can be argued that Midna is Zelda's shadow form, which I have concluded a while ago. Therefore, when intermersed as one, Zelda conveys her emotions for Link through Midna, which would explain why Midna feels that her heart has been touched by Zelda's light.

As is your right: but remember, Link was sent back in time...Zelda wasn't. If he went back, the child Zelda would not have lived the time yet that Link did therefore would not remember it. She and the Adult Zelda are two different people in two different times.
Again, this quote proves he remembers: " This turbulent tune which you've heard before.." Link learned that song as an adult in OoT. Besides, how could he warn Zelda unless he knew about the future? that quote from Aonuma proves it.

He acts completely different too: if he had no memory of his erased future, why's he bearing a sword, a new shield and having Epona? He's likely trying to recover what he had as an adult.

I was of the opinion that Link left in MM because he was disenchanted with life...he's a kid again and has lost his purpose. I think his "friend" was merely an excuse...though he did need one.


I fully believe in the tie between Midna and Zelda, it bodes well for Link and Zelda's future. Zelda and Midna truly are "two sides of the same coin"...they are the same where it counts. I think Zelda may have influenced Midna, but not controlled her..I feel it's likely Zelda shared Midna's growing fondness for Link as it developed. She was able to feel Midna's other emotions. ( her suffering )

It really seems that it's more deja vu than anything; when referring to him hearing the song before my thoughts are that he feels as though he's heard it before. It's that feeling that something has happened before. Don't get me wrong, though. I've always wanted to believe that Zelda and Link remembered what happened during the alternate timeline, so I'm kind of back and forth with this one. It really doesn't matter, though, if he did or not. What matters is that relationship between Link and Zelda still envoked certain feelings that they feel towards one another, despite being an entirely different timeline.

And for TP they really are like two sides of the same coin. I beleive that Zelda had an impact on Midna, though, which is why she started to look at Link in a different light; Zelda's feelings for Link influenced Midna's feelings for Link's, allowing her to see Link for who he truly is. Also, at the very end, when Midna bids Link farewell she is most likely aware that Link's better half is Zelda, which is thus portrayed with an image of Link and Zelda standing side by side as Midna passes through the mirror.

Oh, and that would explain why a mirror is used as a gateway to the twilight realm; Zelda and Midna are a reflection of one another. In the beginning of the game, Midna also referrs to Zelda as the "twilight princess".

You've pretty much nailed the consequence of him not remembering...if he doesn't, the chance is there he doesn't remember all that happened between him and Zelda as adult: but I feel that regardless, his strong feelings for her remain..and they are influencing him to feel the same in this new timeline.

I don't think the idea that only Zelda fell in love with Link should be seriously considered..I think Midna truly did as well...she was showing concern before even Zelda merged with her. But I do agree that Midna likely felt she was doing him a favour by removing herself from the equation: two Princesses and Link would have had to choose.

On a side note, what is it with the Zelda series and parallel versions? Marin/Zelda. Malon/Cremia+Romani, and Midna/Zelda. All so similar, yet different in a way. It always seems as though Nintendo will remove one version though to avoid conflict ...Marin ceased to exist, Midna broke the mirror and Zelda being the primary in MM, which is probably why she had no parallel to make him tempted to stay in Termina. Because of that, choosing either Cremia/Romani or Malon was IMO ultimately irrelevant.

I think that Nintendo likes adding in certain twists to the storylines to make them seem fresh; no one wants to do the same thing twice. It provides the story with more depth rather than explicitly stating the meaning or purpose, which is what keeps us coming back for more. Zelda and Link will always be perfect for one another, though.

I think of the other Zelda girls as something more than a parallel of Zelda. The more I think about it, the more it seems to me that every girl in Zelda has a specific quality Zelda possess and it is focused on. And yet, the girl is a person all her own, as opposed to being simply a "parallel version of Zelda", because if that were the case, why not simply put Zelda in the game?

The best example of this I can think of at the moment is Marin. Outside of the fact that Link mistakes her for Zelda, the adventurous quality seemed to shine. And that was something obviously intrinsic to Zelda's personality. And yet, Marin was not Zelda. She had a specific quality of Zelda's and yet was her own person with her own feelings separate from Zelda. I think Marin loved Link, not because Zelda loved him (because Marin doesn't even know Zelda) but because she got to know him and it progressed from there.

And I think the same can be applied to Midna. In Midna, I see Zelda's compassion (well much later I do). And I think Link cared for Midna but not because of Zelda, because he barely knew her. I would want TP Link to love Zelda because she's Zelda. Not because she reminds him of another woman.

The reason why gliderpilotgirl pointed out the fact that Marin appears to be a parallel version of Zelda is simply because Link was dreaming; during your sleep things appear abstract and for the most part are not always clear. Thus that would explain why Zelda appeared in his dream as Marin. And even if Marin is her own person, she is fictional, existing only in Link's dream.

As far as Link's feelings towards Zelda, I think there is more to it than what we see. Link takes an instant liking to Zelda upon their first meeting. Link, growling at first, quickly calms down and walks over to her after she turns around. As he is doing so Midna snickers and rolls her eyes, a sign that she had a feeling that he would take a shine towards the princess. There's also something else that is of great relevance, which is usually not taken into consideration when looking at TP; animals have the ability to sense a person's personality: their behaviour, attitude, and nature, which would then apply to Link as he is a wolf for most of the times he is with Zelda. Thus I think it is safe to say that he pretty much has an idea of what kind of person she is like, making it very easy for him to develop feelings for her. There are other signs as well, like when he is upset to see Zelda's unconcious body and he is about to rush in without thinking. They also stare at one another before being rudely interupted by Ganondorf's spirit. Oh, and let's not forget that memorable moment when Link offers his hand to Zelda; it kind of takes the same spin that OoT had when Link and Zelda were holding hands.

Midna might have had strong feelings for Link, possibly even loved Link, but I don't think he felt for her in the same way. I think he looked at her as a really close friend that he could relate to, but nothing really more than that. I've noticed a trend in the Zelda games; Link's side-kick always ends up falling for him, but he does not share the same feelings. Examples from previous games would be Navi from OoT, Tatl from MM, and now Midna from TP.

Actually, the inhabitants of Kohonlint as well as the island itself is a dream of the Windfish, not Link's. Marin is the Windfish's creation, which is why the Owl as well as the monsters kept warning Link that if he woke the Windfish, the island (and it's inhabitants) would disappear. They didn't say "if you wake up, the island will disappear". And there is no evidence to even suggest the Windfish knew about Zelda or even Hyrule. And even if she is "only a dream", that doesn't change the fact that feelings were there between them. And Marin becomes more than a dream, as shown at the end of Link's Awakening. The Windfish granted her wish.

If there is any romance between Link and Zelda in Twilight Princess, I believe it happens after the game ends. For the simple fact that Link's affections obviously lie with Midna. This Link, more or less, wears his emotions on his sleeve. You can easily tell what he is thinking or feeling at the moment by the look on his face. Link reacts most notably to Ilia and later to Midna.

With Zelda it was more or less business. The two barely knew each other as opposed to Ilia, who Link grew up with. And Midna who Link (theoretically) spent months with. Link and Zelda simply did not have that kind of time. So if there was a romance between them, it happened off screen, once Link embraced his life as a hero.

Ooh boy, where to start? (In case you couldn't tell, I'm insanely happy that there's actual discussion going on! )

Well, first off, I'm more than interested in the MM and LA discussions, but those should really be talked about in the proper thread, instead of here.

My feelings on TP:

Link and Zelda's interaction in TP is indeed limited, but I'm agreeing with gliderpilotgirl and TM. It's what little we did see that matters, and you have to read between the lines.

Did Link have more time with Ilia and Midna than he did with her? Well. This is actually not quite true. Zelda's soul was inside Midna for over half the game, and obviously she was quite aware of what was going on around her while she was inside her. I don't think that she was controlling Midna, but I do think that she was watching, and it's possible that she influenced Midna, making her less harsh and more compassionate. So really, Zelda had all that time to get to know Link better, through Midna. They were as 'one' for a time. So if they were as one, wouldn't it make sense that Zelda shared in Midna's emotions during that time, including those for Link?

The few moments they have together are incredibly dynamic and full of chemistry. Link's reactions to Zelda are quite notable, both in wolf and in human form. He looks at her with awe, and something like longing. Even Midna recognizes it! When he sees her unconsious body in the throne room he starts to rush to her without even looking around first. And the expression on his face when her soul comes back to her body? Priceless. As is the way she looks at him. *sighs happily* Then Ganondorf had to go and ruin the moment. But Link immediately moves to defend her, as he does later when there's that explosion in the castle. That scene where Zelda asks him for his aid- it's a complete throw back to OoT. <3

I don't deny that Link cares for Midna and Ilia both. But with Ilia I always felt it was more onesided emotion, friendshipy. And Link clearly has moved on- no matter how much he or she might want otherwise, he's a different person than he once was. He's grown and moved on while she has remained the same and will most likely stay that way.

As for Midna, this relationship doesn't trouble me very much because it's so very similar to Zelink- since Midna is basically the shadow side of Zelda. It's quite clear that Midna loves Link. I'm fairly certain of that. What's more debatable is if Link's feelings about her are more than friendship. *shrugs* However, the door has also closed on that possible romance.

I couldn't agree more with you, Alantie. There is definately something between Link and Zelda; I just think that the developers wanted us to pick out the little hints that they left floating out there, waiting to be found. It's more interesting when you have to look between the lines and maybe even under the lines; it would be boring if things were explicitly defined all the time. That's HOW they get you hooked on the Zelda games, because you're forever wondering what's going to happen next, whether it be an event or something that triggers a bond between two characters, such as between Link and Zelda.

On another note, I think Link also knows a little more about Zelda than what we think he does. As a wolf Link gains more senses which aids him in his quest, and as a result he is able to notice certain things that would otherwise be overlooked as a human. Wolves and other animals are able to sense someone's personality and their nature, which is hinted at when Link talks to some of the animals when he is a wolf (eg. animal: "I can sense that you're pure hearted..." or something to that extent). This would then apply to his interaction with Zelda, thus he had a feeling of what she was like from the very beginning which is likely what attracted him to her (If you couldn't already tell I'm an animal lover). ^^

Also, all the manga pictures of Link and Zelda show that they are spending time together, kissing, and all that jazz. I have never heard of relatives or "family" kissing or hugging or being exceptionally close together. Therefore, I agree that they are not related in that sense. In destiny, perhaps. In bloodlines and family trees, NO.

I also remember an article about a game in which I can't remember it's name, but Link's uncle is dying. His dying words were "Link, Zelda is your..." or something like that. People have then suggested that he meant to say "Link, Zelda is your sister." Fortunately, for my part, it wasn't the case. In the remake or something, it meant that Link had to save Zelda. It mentioned nothing about relatives or bring related. He simply had to save the Princess. I'd like to call that evidence approved by the developers.

About the business face stuff on the other page (sorry if I'm being confusing, but someone said that Zelda didn't appear quite Human!) :


It wasn't a business face! She was probably just trying to be strong. Like she has said, "While the kingdom of Hyrule is in trouble" (or something like that. I don't know... ) (listen to this part)-> " I remain it's princess." That could simply mean that she must show no fear, and be strong for her Kingdom.

And about the chosen tool. When she asked for the last of his power, I couldn't see any business face. It was more like begging or wishing that he will. Not all wishes come true. He didn't have to give it to her or Hyrule. But he did anyway.

Huh... the point I'm trying to make is that she is human. Just a more like a perfect human. And she has shown some faces of fear and shock and sympathy, but I won't name them, because it would take a long time. I'll do it if I must.

IMO LinkxZelda seems to be more formal and business like if anything. When compared to their OOT child timeline counterparts, TP Link and Zelda are practically strangers and TP Zelda does not seem to be the type to be as nurturing and reassuring as OOT Zelda would be to her Link. To me TP Links common born status and his quietly shy and soft spoken personality makes him very incompatible with the more royally reserved and formal TP Zelda. I only see their relationship as merely formal in uniting the TOW and TOC to maintain peace and stability in Hyrule, but nothing romantic between them whatsoever. I believe Link may have genuine romantic feelings for Zelda but there is nothing there for me to believe that Zelda feels the same way about Link. To me the LinkxZelda in TP will always be Link as admirer from afar as Zelda would more likely marry a more qualified and well spoken Hyrule nobleman than someone that is a commoner with an awkwardly shy and gentle personality like Link.

It's not often that we agree on something, but I agree nearly 100% on this.

One thing I've observed about the fandom of this particular series is that people usually fall somewhere in a spectrum: From firmly believing Link and Zelda are merely platonic to equally strongly believing they are destined for another. It seems the games themselves fall onto this spectrum themselves. If I had to show this, my version would look like this.

TP-----------ALTTP------------OoT/MM-------------AoL-----------------WW/PH

Business ( left ) vs Romance ( right )

I think it's interesting how OoT straddles the line: both business and romance can be equally argued well. But the "sequels" are polar opposites. For someone that wants to see Link and Zelda as only about business...TP is really their game. Fate seems to have an equally strong hand in bringing them together, but romance just never seems to take form in game. I agree it had to do with the personalities...the more open and emotionally accessible Zelda is, the better the relationship seems to work. Actually it seems kind of amusing IMO. A different topic but it always seems to come up where people bring up Zelda's competition. However the relationship between Link and Zelda seems to depend more on Zelda's initiative/desire than Link's.

Anyways TP. I couldn't truthfully see much more than business. But I will say this: considering how little they met, Link and Zelda had a huge connection. Link and Ilia in contrast had their entire childhood and Midna the whole adventure. It leads me to think that if Link did spend more time with Zelda, something could happen. The spark is there.

I sure would hope so because I really prefer a LinkxZelda in TP than a LinkxIllia for sure. What throws my brain in a whirl is that I really believe LinkxZelda in OOT (CT) are way more compatible than LinkxZelda in TP. The problem is that in OOT I prefer a LinkxMalon instead. So the LinkxZelda pairing that I root for more is in TP, but it seems less likely to happen than the more likely LinkxZelda one in OOT. If that makes any sense. Anyway, you seem so much more pleasant to talk to when we agree on things. I'm sure you might say the same thing about me, but more than likely you probably still think I'm a jerk anyway no matter what.