Link's competition

There's no clear closure. It think it's fairly obvious he returned to Hyrule for two reasons: a ) the people speak of him as the legendary hero by the time TP comes around suggesting he did deeds again. Where else would the adult sized bow come from? the Hero's Spirit is likely to actually be him.

True...I too concurr that I believe that the Hero Spirit is OOT Link as well. But based on this theory, its still vague on who OOT Link ends up with. When the Hero Spirit references a bloodline, he never remotely indicates that its a ROYAL bloodline. Even though I would like to think that reason alone is enough for a LinkxMalon, but the overall vagueness of the Hero Spirit can't really confirm this for me. So I guess its safe to say that Link DID return to Hyrule after the MM adventure, but the issue of who Zelda ultimately marries between Link or a random Hyrule nobleman is still up in the air.

Agreed. It IS vague. Malinkers use Ordon and Epona to make their case, Zelinkers use the Magic Armor.

Just to point out: he wouldn't call himself a King, even if it were true. a) outside of the game perspective: the makers would never nail down his fate like that. It would just upset fans. and B ) We need to remember that his function was to pass on the heroic mantle, regardless of who he is. All that matters is that him and Link are kindred spirits, even if one was a King and the other a village boy who herds goats.
Otherwise from that, all that seems certain is that the HS is a great warrior who watches Hyrule even after his death. His devotion I would suggest makes him more likely to have been heavily involved with the running of the kingdom in his lifetime however.

And it always will be. We can concretely say she married some other man after Adult OoT because Tetra is of her bloodline. TP Zelda on the other hand may or may not even be related to the grown up Zelda of MM. She likely is though as royalty is hereditary. She also does bear some resemblance to Link, but Link and Zelda have often somewhat similar features...it's uncertain whether it's intentional or accidental. I do think that when Link returned to Hyrule after MM that there's a strong possibility that he would marry Zelda though: a) because of his apparent feelings for her and B ) the more he wants to be involved with Hyrule, the more often he would be in close proximity to her. ( Facilitating them bonding. )
The more Zelda was with Link, the less time she would also be spending with another man.

lol It's obvious that there is something there between Link and Zelda. They even distinctly show Link wallowing in sadness when thinking back to his times with Zelda. Also, Zelda had told Link that the "Song of Time" reminded her of "them", of the days that they "spent together in Hyrule", as quoted by Zelda in MM. It also states that the Ocarina is one of Link's most valuable possessions because of the meaning behind it and the person that it connects him to, one who is none other than Zelda herself.

As far as Link and Zelda being related in TP... Well, I highly doubt it. TP isn't actually the continuation of another game, as stated by one of the developers in an interview (which was in one of the GamePro magazines when it first hit the screens). It pretty much just starts fresh, probably just allowing other people who didn't play the previous games to start in and go along with the story. It's the same with OoT; it didn't follow the previous games and instead started over in a different tale, or really, a different version of the tale.

With the MM cutscene, Zelda definitely has genuine affection for Link undoubtedly. As for Link, there was nothing there that indicated any emotional feelings from him at all. He just learned the song of time and just left with Epona, totally indifferent to the situation. Link didn't even give Zelda a goodbye hug. And of course he was feeling sad and down trodden during that memory sequence. HE WAS A DEKU SCRUB for crying out loud. And of course his memory went back to Zelda because she was the one that taught him the SONG OF TIME. I'm not saying Link doesn't care for Zelda, but I'm definitely not saying he hates Malon either. Its just literal in game evidence gives no indication that Link has any special feelings for Zelda or Malon other than just maybe a platonic friendship with both of them and nothing more.

As for TP, I agree that Link and Zelda are not related for the same reasons that you have stated Twilight Mistress.

Even though Link was in his deku scrub form, his mannerisms while remembering Zelda gave away his feelings and the fact that Link does view Zelda as more than just a friend. He's staring into space for such a long period of time after relearning the song, that Tattl has to bring him back to reality. It's also the style in which it was written, displaying some sadness on Link's part: "memories of Zelda come rushing back to you..." Funny that in the darkest hour, it was Zelda that he remembered.

And just because Link didn't give her a "hug" doesn't mean anything. Generally Link wouldn't go up and "hug" anyone because he's too shy. It also states when he recieves the ocarina that it is a special possession that he treasures from Zelda. Even when you hit on the info button it describes the fact that it is a special item that reminds "you" of Zelda. Had Link have forumulated a strong bond with Malon other than friendship, he would not have needed to be reminded of Epona's song by Romani. If Malon was anything more special than the cucoo lady, I'm sure that there would have been a memory included for Malon as well (and since he didn't remember Epona's song, he likely forgot about Malon. We tend to only remember things on our own that are most important to us). Another thing is that Zelda spent time with Link in Hyrule before he left; I don't recall him spending that much time with anyone else.

x 2. I thought it was completely obvious he was angsting over being away from Zelda, or at least leaving her. You can say that the Song of Time was merely functional, but they didn't have to attach the sentiment to it that they did. It was a conscious choice on the maker's part to convey feelings in a critical plot point. Link was on the verge of death yet Zelda was able to distract him. You just can't equate Malon to having kind of power over Link.

As for the Deku Scrub thing: I think we need to look deeper here. Remember how Tatl comments about the Deku Scrub in the tunnel looking like it wanted to cry? That was obviously the Scrub that died to give Link his mask. The Deku Butler pretty much confirms it later as he comments on Link reminding him of his son. Anyways, Link is suddenly turned into a sad-looking Deku Scrub, don't you think it's particularily appropriate considering his mood at the outset of the game? Him looking so "sad" as a Deku Scrub after being reminded of Zelda may be entirely on purpose.

I'm afraid I have to challenge your claim that TP is unconnected though, TM. There's another interview that states that TP takes place 100/s of year/s after the child ending of OoT. So while TP is a different Link, different people, etc, it's set far in the future after MM. I was referring to TP Zelda looking like OoT Link actually, not TP Link. In regards to her having a relation to TP Link ( who could be related to OoT Link ) I'm not worried. Hundreds of years is quite a bit of time for blood and space to genetically seperate the two.

Actually that's another argument that many use to try to direct Zelda towards another man: "Oh no! She's related to Link!!". For the reason above, it's not a problem even if both are descended directly from a Hero and Princess who married.
If Zelda did marry someone else, I think would be because Link is not available ( after Adult OoT ) or because they didn't connect. ( TP, IMO )

I guess everyone has there own different interpretations on what Link was feeling, but I have to agree to disagree on that one for the reasons I stated previously. For one thing he is only 9 years old. And it also doesn't make sense that he is getting warm and fuzzy feelings for Zelda when its more obvious that he is more concerned about getting out of his Deku Scrub predicament. As for him not remembering Malon when it came to Epona's song has more to do with Malon being a secondary character than him resenting her for no apparant reason. So of course Zelda is going to get the cutscene parts since she is the main heroine of the Zelda series named after her. But at the same time, it doesn't mean that he resents Malon in anyway. I know you Zelinkers hate and totally detest the whole Link-Epona-Malon connection, but the fact that Link uses Epona in MM is more than a good enough indication that he maintained friendly social contact with Malon after the OOT adventure. Another thing for you Zelinkers. Two words: CREMIA HUG. I know you Zelinkers loved seeing that huh??

BTW..is it true that there are Zelinkers out there that have completed OOT and MM without using Epona because they really hate Malon that much?? Do they really see Malon as that big of a threat to a LinkxZelda romantic relationship??

As for TP, it seems there are two camps. LinkxZelda had multiple children for Link and Zelda in TP and LinkxMalon for Link in TP while Zelda married a Hyrule noble for TP Zelda. I'm for the latter of course but I admit the former is also a plausible theory.

Huh. That's incredibly petty of you. There's no need to get that way, we can all be polite here. If you can't be than very simple. I won't debate with you.

Anyways, resenting someone and just being apathetic are two different things. Resenting someone means you actively dislike them: where have we ever suggested that about Malon? Of course he's friends with her. I personally believe that as far as it goes however. The Cremia hug is no different than the Great Fairy hitting on him in WW and apparently in TP...he's getting attention from womenfolk and likes it.

OOPS sorry. I meant to imply that SOME Zelinkers feel that Link resents Malon. At least you admitted that Link and Malon are possibly friends.

But yeah..I agree the Cremia hug doesn't guarantee anything for a LinkxMalon. But the fact that its there and that it probably made SOME Zelinkers quite upset was good enough for me.

BTW..did you finally complete the Cave of Ordeals to unlock the cutscene fo Links interaction with the great fairy that I had mentioned to you in the ZU forum?? But yeah, Link seemed to REALLY like being touched by the fairy for sure.

I have yet to ever come across a Zelinker who says that they think Link dislikes Malon. There's nothing to indicate that whatsoever.

Again, that's petty. We don't need to get into this immature shipper bickering that gives us all a bad name. Arguing the validity of one side vs another is a totally different thing however, as long as it is done with maturity and respect.

Nope, I'm taking your word for it. Again, Link getting attention from ANY beautiful woman seems to inspire that reaction in him therefore I take it with a grain of salt. His reaction has to be backed up with more than just some momentary affection in order for me to consider it important.

Being pulled in again. Woe.




That's not necessarily true. Because there was always that possiblity that Link remembered those songs from the previous timeline. What doesn't make sense to me is how he would have even known to visit Zelda once he returned to his childhood, if he did not remember anything from the adult timeline. How would he have known that they needed to stop Ganondorf? He wouldn't have. He would've woken up in the Temple of Time and wondered how he got there. And most likely return home. (Though now that I think about it, I suppose that would be more dependent on which point in his childhood Zelda dropped him off in).

And if he did in fact, forget everything, he needed to be reminded of the Song of Time as well. It doesn't make sense that he would forget some important things and remember others. Either he remembers them or he doesn't. And I think he does, since he knew to return to Zelda and warn her of what was going to happen.


Anyway, What you said really had me thinking, Gliderpilotgirl. I think it's pretty much agreed that if Link had any romantic connections to anyone, it happened after Link returned home from Termina, did it not? Which would mean that any and all courtship happened off screen. Link had formed a bond with Zelda, true enough. But that did not obligate them to spend every waking moment together. Link had made friends with so many other people. And he had just as many opportunities to spend time with them. Link is a wanderer and I don't think he would be very happy spending all of his time cooped up in the castle, whether Zelda is there with him or not. And the same can be said of Lon Lon Ranch. But that's not the point. The point is, I don't really see him staying in one place very long when he has friends back in Kokiri Forest. Friends in Zora's Domain. Friends all over Hyrule to keep him busy. And I'm starting to ramble. So I'll stop.

It's fact he remembers those songs from the previous timeline. When you relearn the Song of Storms in MM, it says, " This song, that you've heard before"...he learned it in the Adult Timeline.

I think Zelda retaught him the Song of Time because she didn't remember doing it when she fled in OoT. When Link returned in the ending of the game, she was still in the castle, suggesting she had never had to flee.

Serious romantic connections, yes I can agree on that. However the months before he departed to Termina I suspect played a role in them becoming re-acquainted.
I wouldn't expect them to spend each and every moment together: even adults who are madly in love learn quickly that "you can't live in each others' pockets". He has friends he'd want to re-meet. I know we are disagreed on this, but I still think MM indicated he held Zelda in more than casual friendship regard.

I agree with Saami's point on Links memory after he returned from the AT. And IMO Twilight Mistress, its highly unlikely that Link only had an exclusive friendship/relationship with Zelda before and after the MM adventure. It would seem that your suggesting that Zelda is possesive in keeping Link cooped up in Hyrule Castle to only be with her, and I think we all can agree that would be totally out of Zeldas character. Again, I reference Epona from my previous post on this page that Link maintained social ties with Malon after the OOT adventure.

And Gilderpilot, I agree that Links relationship with Zelda was more than just a casual run of the mill friendship. But there still was nothing from MM to indicate concrete proof that Link and Zelda were destined to be together forever in love at all. There parting in MM IMO may or may not suggest otherwise. Maybe a foreshadowing of another parting in the future perhaps??

As I said before, IMO the MM memory sequence indicated nothing that Link had any special romantic feelings for Zelda other than maybe he had regret and second thoughts that he left a cozy convienient lifestyle in Hyrule Castle being Zeldas polite and obedient pet and nothing more. To me that cutscene did nothing to support or deny a LinkxZelda either way. It is what it is, in which that memory served its purpose in learning the Song of Time to resolve his Deku Scrub situation to eventually turn him back to normal and thats it.

Actually, gliderpilotgirl and I have written a theorizing article about this very subject called Parallels in Love. You are welcome to read it in it's entirety here, but a summarization is appropriate for this post.

Gliderpilotgirl and I both believe that the progression of Anju's and Kafei's love story can be perceived as a parallel to Link and Zelda's relationship (once Link returns to Hyrule).

1. Both Kafei and Link are children, and both were turned back into these states without wanting it.

2. Zelda states when Link leaves (in the sequence atop Clock Tower) that "...I believe in my heart that a day will come when I shall meet you again... Until that day comes..." I placed the bold type there on purpose - Zelda has had prophetic dreams before (noted when the player first meets here in OoT). The fact that she says "when" is an extremely important thing for her to say - she means that she knows he will return one day, even though she doesn't know specifically when he will return.

Anju is in the same situation. She has faith that Kafei will return, and she keeps that faith until two hours before the moon crashes when Kafei finally comes back. Anju knows that after she receives the Pendant of Memories that Kafei is coming for her, she just doesn't know the exact time.

3. When Link as a Deku Scrub retrieves the Ocarina of Time, the game states "...Suddenly, memories of Princess Zelda come rushing back to you..." This is basically Link's "Pendant of Memories (that Kafei actually has)."

4. The fourth point is that of a third party who conceivably complicates matters between both Anju and Kafei - also Link and Zelda. During the ride into town Cremia where the player must defend the milk, Cremia plainly states that she needs help on the farm now that Kafei is getting married at the Carnival of Time. In OoT with the chicken game that the player can play to win a bottle of milk, Talon good-naturedly asks Link if he would like to marry Malon when he (Link) grows up. This would presumably kill two birds with one stone for Talon - give his daughter a life companion and have an extra hand around the ranch.

5. The final point is this: the dialogue in Anju and Kafei's reunion scene and the scene on Clock tower is too similar to be missed:

Anju: “I...I have met you before."

Zelda: “that a day will come when I shall meet you again...”

After further dialogue in the Anju/Kafei scene, Anju says:

Anju: “...Welcome home.”

Quoting from the article: "The statement “Welcome home” also draws our attention, as it seems a little perculiar. Kafei has not really gone anywhere…but Link has."

With this points in mind, it is not too much of a stretch to imagine Anju and Kafei's relationship as a good parallel to Link and Zelda's relationship, which obviously, would have to take place outside the games of MM and OoT.

Again, the link to the article is here.