The Legend Behind the Name: Why is Zelda Called Zelda?
The answer to “Why is Zelda called Zelda?” is a charming tale that blends literary inspiration with game design history. Princess Zelda, the iconic figure of Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda series, owes her name to none other than Zelda Fitzgerald, the American novelist, dancer, socialite, and wife of the legendary author F. Scott Fitzgerald. Shigeru Miyamoto, co-creator of the series, was captivated by the name Zelda, finding it “pleasant and significant.” In a tribute to this influential figure, he bestowed the name upon the princess and, ultimately, the title of the game itself.
Delving Deeper: The Story Behind the Name
The story doesn’t end with mere admiration, though. Miyamoto’s choice reflects a desire to imbue the game with a sense of history and sophistication, linking it to a cultural icon known for her artistic spirit and captivating personality. This choice was instrumental in establishing the mystique and lasting appeal of The Legend of Zelda.
It’s fascinating to consider how a name can shape a character and a whole series. The name Zelda carries with it a certain elegance, strength, and maybe even a touch of tragedy, all qualities that resonate with the princess’s various incarnations throughout the games.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Zelda
Here’s a curated list of Frequently Asked Questions, offering deeper insights into Zelda, Link, and the enchanting world they inhabit:
1. What does the name “Zelda” actually mean?
Zelda is a diminutive of the Germanic name Griselda, carrying meanings like “dark battle” or “grey fighting maid.” While the name’s origin might seem somewhat contrary to the princess’s often damsel-in-distress role, it hints at an underlying strength and potential for heroism, traits that become increasingly prominent in later installments of the series.
2. Why isn’t the main character called Zelda and the princess called Link?
This is a common point of confusion! The series is named after Princess Zelda, the central figure in the story, not necessarily the main playable character. Link, the hero, is destined to rescue Zelda and save Hyrule. Miyamoto’s choice to highlight Zelda underscores her importance in the overall narrative.
3. Is every princess in Hyrule called Zelda?
Not every princess, but as the backstory goes, after an incident where a Princess Zelda was put into a deep magical sleep by a wizard, the unnamed Prince of Hyrule commanded that all subsequent princesses would be named Zelda, as an act of contrition for his role in her fate.
4. What was the original The Legend of Zelda game called in Japan?
The original game, released in Japan on the Famicom Disk System, was titled The Hyrule Fantasy: Zelda no Densetsu, which translates to The Hyrule Fantasy: Legend of Zelda.
5. What is Zelda’s gender, and has it ever been different?
Princess Zelda is traditionally depicted as feminine. While she adopts alter egos like Sheik and Tetra in certain games, her true identity remains that of a princess. These disguises, however, demonstrate her resourcefulness and strategic thinking.
6. What was Zelda’s original hair color?
Interestingly, Zelda was originally portrayed as a redhead in the earlier games. This changed over time to blonde, and then more recently, to brunette, showcasing the character’s evolution in appearance.
7. Are Link and Zelda in love?
The relationship between Link and Zelda is complex and varies across different games. More often than not, their bond is platonic or professional. While romantic undertones are present in some titles, particularly Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild, the games rarely confirm a fully realized romantic relationship. They’re usually friends and partners first.
8. Is Zelda an elf?
Zelda is a Hylian, a race within the The Legend of Zelda universe. Hylians are humanoids with pointed ears, distinguishing them from classical elves. The games often explicitly reference the presence of humans alongside Hylians.
9. Is Zelda ever a dragon?
Yes! In Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda transforms into a dragon as part of her sacrifice to empower the Master Sword and aid Link in his quest. This is a significant plot point and reveals the depth of her dedication.
10. Is Zelda known as Zelda in Japan?
Yes, the name Zelda remains consistent across regions. The Japanese version of the game is titled Zelda no Densetsu (“Legend of Zelda”), preserving the core name recognition.
11. Why doesn’t Link speak?
The reason behind Link’s silence has evolved. Early games may have lacked dialogue for technical reasons, but later titles establish it as a character trait. In Breath of the Wild, Zelda notes that Link remains silent to bear the immense pressure and duty placed upon him. This stoicism reflects his strength and resolve.
12. Why is Link’s height so inconsistent?
Link’s height variations are explained by the fact that the games depict different incarnations of the character at different ages. Each Link is a reincarnation tied to the ongoing battle between good and evil in Hyrule.
13. Why did Zelda initially dislike Link in Breath of the Wild?
In Breath of the Wild, Zelda’s initial resentment toward Link stems from her own insecurities. She envies his ability to readily access his heroic power, while she struggles to unlock her own sacred abilities. This creates a complex and relatable dynamic between them.
14. Who is Zelda a reincarnation of?
Zelda is frequently portrayed as the reincarnation of the goddess Hylia. Hylia was entrusted with protecting the Triforce by higher goddesses, making Zelda’s role deeply significant in the lore.
15. Does Zelda ever turn back into a human after becoming a dragon?
Yes, in Tears of the Kingdom, after Link defeats Ganondorf, Zelda is returned to her human form. The spirits of Rauru and Sonia help to amplify Link’s power, ultimately restoring her.
The Enduring Legacy of Zelda
The name Zelda has become synonymous with adventure, heroism, and the timeless struggle between good and evil. From its literary origins to its association with a strong and capable princess, the name carries a weight of history and resonates with millions of fans worldwide. The The Legend of Zelda series stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and captivating storytelling. For those interested in the intersection of games and learning, consider exploring the resources offered by organizations like the Games Learning Society (check out GamesLearningSociety.org). They offer insights into how games can be used for educational purposes, further enriching our understanding of their impact on society.