Malon~What makes her tick, Malon shippers come on over!

We've got a couple of Malon shippers in a Zelda shipper forum... How ironic.

Personally, I don't know what makes Malon "tick". The only reason to like Malink, through my eyes, is because the Malon shipper(s) think that Zelda's more of a Mary Sue. I agree, sometimes she appears to be, but not as the kind that we would normally hate.

Hence, if yall could explain to us Zelda shippers (me for starters) why you come here to show MalonxLink off, it would be greatly appreciated.


+ = <---Now yall don't go killing me for adding that in! It might have escaped your notice, but we don't have a Malon smiley here.

NOTE: DON'T START BASHING HERE PLEASE!!! THAT ISN'T THE POINT OF THIS TOPIC. WE'VE GOT ENOUGH OF THAT THESE DAYS... JUST KEEP YOUR TEMPER AND POST LIKE WE'RE SUPPOSED TO.

Hello!

Nice topic lol. I'm sure some members will like to come in and discuss Like me, for example!

The idea that Malon fans like Malink over Zelink because Zelda is a Mary Sue...is rather strange to me! That's not why I like Malink, to be honest. I like it for different reasons and reasons that might make more sense.

But in any case the topic is about what makes Malon "tick". A good question, considering we as fans need to interpret what we gathered from playing the game(s) Malon is in. But I'm confused by your post, Hylian Princess: do you want explanations as to what Malon is all about? Or Why Malink is neat? Or both? I can provide both but I just wanted to make that clear ^^;

In any case I'll say why I like Malon (and even Malink):

I like Malon because she's a sweet girl; who's friendly and cares for the animals on her ranch. She loves to sing! And to top if off she's adorable. She even grows up to be a pretty girl too! Malon is a simple girl as a rancher at Lon Lon who daydreams of a knight to sweep her off her feet. Malon's whole character is whimsical and romantic. That's the gist of why I like Malon

As for Malink? Okay I get the shallow bits out of the way first: I think Link and Malon look great together, lol. The contrast of flame red hair and blond, along with the pink, white and green is just a flurry of colors all together. They just look good!

Next! The idea of Malon hoping for a life beyond her pastoral lifestyle. Malon, including the whole 'knight in shining armor' deal, appears like a girl who wishes for adventure or at least a change of pace in her life. This may be due to the fact that she may not have that many friends and takes joy in Link and learning of how own journeys around Hyrule; I can just imagine them talking with Malon being fascinated by it. Life on a ranch can be pleasant, but also quite steady...and unexciting. I can relate to her in some ways how she wants more excitement in her life; don't we all sometimes?

I also love the story behind Epona's Song and her connection to the horse. She adores Epona and sings to her, mentioning that she had been the only one to tame her. Obviously they were close, and to give Link thanks for what he did as an adult for the ranch Malon lets Link have Epona and to take care of her. Malon sacrificed a part of her happiness so that Link could travel more safely and faster across Hyrule...I find that touching.

I don't imagine Link having tons of friends. Allys, sure. But true friends? I'd like to think Link could find some companionship and love from Malon, who was just a ranch girl. They could experience peace together; a simple yet honest lifestyle on Lon Lon. It's quite quaint, when you think about it And I like that.

So that's me! What about the rest of yas?

Hmmm... Well, I now know why some would like Malon. I'm not dissing Malon, but I'm dissing Malink in 3, 2, 1: Can't she just hook up with another adventurer? Sure, Links nearly perfect, but what makes people think that he'll go for her?

I'll say it now ( total Zelink shippers don't kill me, I still love the two), but I always thought that if the twin sibling theory was proven correct in general, then Link and Malon would be the pair I would ship forever. Sure, I'll deal with a large amount of emotional pain (andfgsdfg maybe even physical... JOKES!), but Malon could surely substitute Zelda. She's looking for adventure, like Link did once before, and she's fun to be around with, too, I guess... I have to admit, though, she can be annoying sometimes... GO RED HEADS! There's only 2% in the fjgworld, you know...

I'd elaborate on my PAST reasoning for the Mary Sue thingamabobber, but I gotta go to sleep...

Personally I like the idea of Link being a more effective hands on macho hero as a theoretical Knight/Vassal type living with Malon at Lon Lon ranch. To me its in stark contrast to the less appealing concept of Link being Zeldas special obedient girly man lapdog standing around useless by her side in the presence of the Hyrule Court getting needless special treatment by Zelda for not really doing anything particularly heroic.

I know if I was a more qualified Hyrule gentleman suitor for Zelda I would be annoyed by Links constant presence in the Hyrule Court. Link getting special treatment for no apparant reason and standing by her side at every royal meeting as Zelda sits on the throne giving him special praise for doing nothing except looking silly in his tights and matching green outfit with the silly green hat doesn't sit well with me for some reason. In other words, Link seems out of place living in Hyrule Castle IMO.

LinkxZelda = Girly man getting spoiled and coddled by Zelda in living everyday courtly life in Hyrule Castle.

LinkxMalon = Manly man doing heroic deeds in protecting the common people/races of Hyrule.

It has nothing to do with Zelda's character as I actually like the very self reliant leadership qualities in her personality. IMO Zelda seems more of a motherly close best friend to Link than a romantic interest.

Well who would that be? Sure we could make someone up but the game focuses on Link/the player being the hero and the main adventurer in the story. There's nothing saying he couldn't go with Malon but there's also nothing saying that Malon could go with someone else.

Come to think of it I know of a great Sheik/Malon fic called "Wanderlust' Wrap your heads around that!

@MalonsLover: Having Link at the castle doesn't necessarily mean he will just be a pretty ornament for Zelda. He could take up official knighthood and act as a commander/captain of the guards, something like that. Granted I can't say how good Link is as leadership material (since he did everything on his own when it came to saving Hyrule and whatnot) but it's an idea. Marrying Zelda and being placed as King however he would probably be merely a figurehead OR Zelda would mostly help rule through him; it would take Link a significant amount of time to understand and uphold all the responsibilities it is to be a ruler.

True..as usual I tend to exaggerate. Realistically Link having a more administrative role in the Hyrule military and doing seasonal royal envoy missions to the Hyrule provinces and checking up on the needs of the common people and diverse races would be the best way he can help Zelda co-rule IMO. I can't see Link being a King except as a symbolic figurehead subservant to Zelda.

The way I look at it, if Link and Zelda are in love they should be together without a doubt. Its just I prefer Link being a get your hands dirty type of Hero in a LinkxMalon than an administrative Hyrule Court aristocrat in a LinkxZelda. Either role or lifestyle, Link would adapt to make the best of his hero abilities for sure.

I think it's always really interesting when we discuss the reasons as to why people like whatever shipping they do. Myself being a Zelinker and a Malinker, I have heard a lot of reasons as to why (or why not) people like a certain character and/or pairing. It's funny, though, because in the long run, I don't think people realize that a lot of pairings share many similarities.

Personally, I like Malink for many of the same reasons as why I like Zelink.

On one hand, people might say that it's the alternative choice to a cliche pairing, and in some respect, it's true. Malon is, quite frankly, a very normal girl. She's as normal as you can get in a world filled with magic and princesses and goddesses and so on. Being a normal girl in such a world, however, makes her special in some ways. It gives you a sort of stablity and balance aside from everything else.

Then there's Link, who is the hero in this legend... All the things he must go through must be rather overwhelming, if you truly think about it. So it's sometimes nice to imagine that Link can take a break from his epic life, and all the epic things in it (Princesses, included), and who better to provide that than a simple girl like Malon? It's the simplicity of their romance that makes it all the more sweet.

That being said, on the other hand, Malink could be as cliche as Zelink. I'm sure we have all read stories of normal girls wishing for a life one can only dream, and then having it come true. Think Belle, "there must be more than this provincial life!" Just like the fairytale between the Princess and Hero, the romance between a normal girl and a hero, prince, knight (what-have-you) is also very classic, too.

What's not to like about fairytales? Most of us being normal girls, can relate to girls like Malon through the dreams they have of something more beyond their mundane lives. It's also the reason why we like Zelink. We all dream about that special something.

As for Malon as a character? I love her, because she's not Zelda, and I'm not saying that because I don't like Zelda. Quite the contrary, Princess Zelda is my favorite character. Sure, the girls have some things in common, but at the same time, they're very different, too, and I like Malon because she provides another view different from Zelda's.

I like Zelda because of her nobility and grace, and in turn, I like Malon because of her candid happiness.

You get the best of both worlds when you like Malink and Zelink alike, and I imagine I'm very spoiled because of it. Hahaha.


EDIT: I just thought I should add my thoughts in response to others, too.

Why does it have to be Link with Malon?
-- It doesn't, really, but when it comes right down to it, the Hero of the game is Link. The player is Link. When it comes to the most general of Zelda pairings, it begins with Link, and ends with... whatever girl you want. You know? I guess the same could be said to us Zelinkers. Why does it have to be Link that Zelda has to hook up with?

That, and there are very few eligible males in the Zelda games, lol!

What if Link becomes "bored" with Malon/Zelda (for whatever reason)?
-- Hey, it's possible that he WILL end up being bored with the lifestyles he chooses. Maybe he will be a trophy-husband of Zelda's, or maybe he will end up bored milking cows on the farm, but then again, maybe not. You just have to keep an open mind about it and realize that there could be more to it than just being a pretty king on a throne or a cow herding cowboy.

And who says Link has to marry Princess Zelda? Half the fun is the turmoil and angst, tee-hee. Out of all seriousness, however: CREATIVITY IS WHAT MAKES OUR PAIRINGS GO ROUND! LoL.

Then there's Link, who is the hero in this legend... All the things he must go through must be rather overwhelming, if you truly think about it. So it's sometimes nice to imagine that Link can take a break from his epic life, and all the epic things in it (Princesses, included), and who better to provide that than a simple girl like Malon? It's the simplicity of their romance that makes it all the more sweet.

^ This, couldn't have said it any better myself!

Just because a relationship can be about simplicity does not make it any less meaningful, too. I imagine a lot of people see Link constantly intertwined with fate and destiny, which means with the Princess as well. But that sounds like such an endless burden in my eyes. Link deserves a happy ending away from constantly thinking he's a hero. I'm not saying he can ultimately escape his fate, because I doubt that, but if he needs to be the Hero then he can least try to live a life where nothing more is expected of him than getting up in the morning and taking care of the ranch animals.

EDIT: @ Saphine: And who says Link has to marry Princess Zelda? Half the fun is the turmoil and angst, tee-hee. Out of all seriousness, however: CREATIVITY IS WHAT MAKES OUR PAIRINGS GO ROUND! LoL.

Man that reminds me of a trio of vignettes I read about Link-Zelda-Malon where Zelda loves him, and Link married Malon and yet he lives on the ranch but visits Zelda at the castle and has an affair with her ALL THE WHILE married to Malon. And they all know this! I really cannot see Malon as being some doormat in a relationship like that; being faithful even though her husband is off banging some princess in a castle. Yeah it was a story meant for angst but I'd never think of Link being a man like that. It's just disrespectful! And yay for random tangents...

Sapphine said:
Then there's Link, who is the hero in this legend... All the things he must go through must be rather overwhelming, if you truly think about it. So it's sometimes nice to imagine that Link can take a break from his epic life, and all the epic things in it (Princesses, included), and who better to provide that than a simple girl like Malon? It's the simplicity of their romance that makes it all the more sweet.

This is exactly why LinkxMalon appeals to me more than LinkxZelda. Not that a LinkxZelda can't work, but as I said before, Link with his humble and unassuming personality seems out of place in Hyrule Castle IMO. I get the sense that he would be more like some sort of novelty/outsider among the Hyrule nobility not really fitting in social wise. Whereas in a LinkxMalon as a theoretical feudal knight, it seems more suited to his humble personality/character and social wise it seems that he would likely be very popular living among the common people/races of Hyrule instead of away from them living in Hyrule Castle most of the time. But as I referenced before, if Link and Zelda are in love, where he may fit better social wise is irrelevant.

Eh I thought long and hard about this topic before I wanted to reply. And most of my reasons have been stated by others so I wasn't entirely sure if I had anything to add.

But I'll toss in my two cents anyway. I've always pictured Malon as being a cheerful level headed young lady. I loved the fact that she always seemed so playful and ready for an adventure. The fact that she wasn't a sage or by the game standards "someone of import" only made her all the more appealing. She represents normalcy, something I think Link rather craved. After all, he was bullied when he lived with the Kokiri. He was the only one without a fairy within that world. And who wants to be treated as an outcast?

Outside of the Kokiri Forest, he was tasked with this incredible burden: Save the world or watch everything get destroyed by an evil green man with a long nose. (I couldn't resist. Forgive my silliness). The silent protagonist is then thrust into adulthood prematurely.

After all that, he is then returned to his childhood and forced to relive those seven years. His life is anything but normal. And if I were Link (and technically speaking, I am ), I would much prefer a simpler life as opposed to constantly being thrust into adventures. I don't think he'd ignore his duty as the chosen hero of the gods. but that doesn't mean he's constantly traveling or constantly wanting to go on adventures. Now that isn't to say he'll automatically settle down and want to get married. No I'm not saying that at all. My point is, Malon was, outside of everything Link had been through, that stability. She was something he could constantly rely on to be there, to hold on to.

And that's what I love about her. The fact that she is normal and she is stable. I think that's something Link (or *my* Link at least) truly needs.

Ditto Saami But Link being with Malon doesn't necessarily mean he won't be able to be an effective hero. IMO Link living with Malon at Lon Lon ranch would be similar to how feudal knights in actual historical times had lived in protecting their real life kingdoms. Link being with Zelda in Hyrule Castle as a courtly aristocrat/prince-king?? would have far less adventure than a LinkxMalon IMO, as he would have to be tied down by Hyrule Court affairs living in the castle with Zelda.

I never liked the idea of Link as king. It just doesn't work too well...He really should be part of military and all that jazz, but King will never sink in with me unless nintendo finds a way to make it happen.

Link doesn't HAVE to be crowned king if he's with Zelda, does he? What about if they're married???

I can see Link at the very best being as a subservant Prince/regent like the guy who is married to the Queen of England. But as a King?? No way IMO. Link being a King would have disasterous failure written all over it. Zelda should maintain the royal duties while Link does his part in helping her theoretically co-rule by being active in working alongside the main generals of the Hylian knights.

IMO Link would benefit living in Hyrule Castle growing up as a child with Zelda overseeing his training and education on how to be a respectable knight. But as an adult done with his formal training/education, he would have no need to be there anymore except to be totally out of his element in trying to be a courtly aristocrat. Thats why I prefer the feudal knight role/lifestyle in a LinkxMalon.

IMO Zelda seems more of the close best friend in comforting/nurturing Link with needed maternal affection and reassurance to help him feel wanted and accepted in living in Hyrule Castle as a forest child/social misfit. Very similar to the role Saria played as the comforting/nurturing best friend in helping Link feel like he belonged living in the Kokiri forest. LinkxZelda doesn't feel to have the same romantic potential as a LinkxMalon does IMO.

Nyeh

Eh, if I were Link, I'd be more concerned about what's beyond that great sea than which girl better fits my desires.
I don't like the idea of becoming king/knight/soldier because it'll ''oh my gosh'' mean having to accept some sort of higher authorities (kings are almighty, ok, but stuck with dealing with politics, even active kings who fight alongside their soldiers...)
Enough about Link.

I sincerely find Malon to be beautiful. And her personality is charming in what I've seen, but I was a little disappointed in her lack of importance in the games.
Not that I'm complaining, though. I liked returning to LonLon Ranch everytime I could and trying to figure out a way to help her in the adult timeline.
I admit it was more because of Epona, but when I first entered Castle Town, it was by chance. I almost missed my shot and arrived just when the doors were closing. Still managing to get lost in that small N64 world, I followed the singing voice and ended up meeting Malon. She intrigued me and I was glad my first quest outside Kokiri forest was to find her dad. Ever since I've tried to learn more about her but in vain. Even though the team is concentrating on a new Zelda, I always hope they could remake OoT (and MM, I LOVE MM) and add more character depth to Saria, Malon, Ganondorf, Link and Zelda.
Especially Zelda. *Grins*
And then some, but that's not the point here.