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How Old is Link as an Adult? Unraveling the Hero’s Age

The question of Link’s age is a perennial topic of discussion among Legend of Zelda fans, and for good reason. The hero’s age varies significantly across different games, making a definitive answer elusive. When it comes to Link as an adult, the most common age range we see is between 16 and 17 years old, although there are some notable exceptions. This range is most consistently presented in games like Twilight Princess, Skyward Sword, and Breath of the Wild, where Link’s physical appearance and behavior align with this age bracket. The specific age of Link is rarely explicitly stated in-game, leaving much to interpretation and analysis of available evidence.

It’s important to remember that the timeline is fractured, and each iteration of Link is essentially a new hero, or a reincarnation, often with different ages. There is no single canonical adult age for Link, but a range based on the specific story being told. However, the range of 16-17 is the most prevalent age associated with adult Link, representing a young man coming into his own and taking on the mantle of heroism.

The Complexity of Link’s Age

The age of Link is further complicated by the presence of time shifts within the game narrative. For instance, in Ocarina of Time, Link begins as a child aged nine, and later jumps forward in time to become 16 years old after drawing the Master Sword. This introduces the concept of chronological age versus biological age, which we will delve into below. This jump significantly alters his physical state and abilities, showcasing a tangible difference between his child and adult forms, thereby establishing the range that other titles generally maintain for him as an adult.

Additionally, the development team has often deliberately avoided giving a precise age, preferring to focus on Link’s character arc and his growth as a hero. While an exact age in years isn’t a priority, the intention is to always portray him as someone young, on the cusp of adulthood, as he embarks on these epic adventures. The emphasis isn’t on his literal age, but on his maturation as he confronts ever-increasing challenges.

Variations Across Titles

While the 16-17 range is the general standard for adult Link, let’s take a look at some notable exceptions:

Ocarina of Time: As mentioned, Link is 9 years old as a child and 16 years old as an adult after the time skip. This sets the framework for what is considered an adult Link in the broader franchise.
The Wind Waker: This game features Toon Link, who is 12 years old, representing a younger version of the hero rather than a true adult. He’s still going through a form of coming-of-age, but he is never an adult in the same way as some other iterations.
Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom: In these games, Link’s biological age is approximately 17, based on his appearance, but his chronological age in Breath of the Wild is 117 after spending a century in the Shrine of Resurrection. Tears of the Kingdom continues that, but a precise number is never again explicitly stated.

The variances across these titles demonstrate that there’s no single answer to how old Link is as an adult. Instead, it requires careful evaluation based on each individual game and interpretation of the information available within it.

The Biological vs. Chronological Age

This concept becomes especially important when discussing Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. In Breath of the Wild, Link is approximately 17 years old biologically, but due to his 100-year slumber, his chronological age is 117. This highlights the difference between his actual time alive and the age his body appears to be. In Tears of the Kingdom, there isn’t a specific chronological time shift or slumber, which means that while he is likely biologically older than 17, it’s still difficult to pinpoint exactly how much older he is due to his time in the various realms.

This distinction is vital for understanding Link’s age, especially when comparing different incarnations. It reveals how the passage of time, or the lack thereof, can significantly affect how we perceive Link’s age. Chronological age might add to his experience but doesn’t necessarily change his physical appearance.

FAQs About Link’s Age

To further clarify the complexities of Link’s age, here are 15 frequently asked questions:

What is Link’s youngest age?
Link’s youngest age is generally considered to be 9 years old in Ocarina of Time as a child.
What is Link’s oldest chronological age?
Link’s oldest chronological age is approximately 117 years old in Breath of the Wild, factoring in his 100-year slumber.
Is Link always male?
While traditionally male, the developers have intentionally tried to make Link gender-neutral, particularly in games like Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild.
Does Link age throughout the games?
Yes, but it depends on the game and the narrative. Some Links age within their respective games, while others remain relatively consistent.
How does time travel affect Link’s age?
In games with time travel, such as Ocarina of Time, Link’s age can change drastically by jumping through time.
Why doesn’t Link look much older in different games?
Link’s appearance isn’t necessarily tied to aging; rather, he is often re-incarnated or a new version of himself, explaining why there can be considerable differences between each iteration.
Is the Hero of Time the same Link in every game?
No, the Hero of Time is a specific version of Link from Ocarina of Time. While the spirit of the hero is passed on, they are not all the same individual.
Is Link ever married?
There is no confirmed canon marriage for Link in the series. His relationships with other characters are often implied to be deep and caring, but not definitively romantic.
Is there any romance between Link and Zelda?
While there’s a strong bond between Link and Zelda, their romantic relationship isn’t explicitly defined, though hinted at in some games like Skyward Sword. The relationship, though strong, often takes on a variety of nuances from game to game.
Why is Link sometimes portrayed as short?
Link’s height varies due to different game designs and the age being depicted. It’s also influenced by his age, or the different art style.
Does Link have a family?
Some versions of Link are shown with family, like the Wind Waker Link who has a grandmother and sister. However, many others are depicted as orphans or with very little family structure.
What items does adult Link lose in Ocarina of Time?
In Ocarina of Time, when Link becomes an adult, he can no longer use certain items from his childhood, like the Kokiri Sword, Deku Shield, Magic Beans, Fairy Slingshot, Deku Stick, and Boomerang.
What is the relationship between Link and Navi?
Navi is Link’s fairy companion, guiding him through his journey in Ocarina of Time. He’s not one of the Kokiri, so his not having one during his childhood is addressed when he receives her.
How is Link’s age depicted in Twilight Princess?
Link in Twilight Princess is around 17 years old, portrayed as a physically imposing and capable young man.
Why did Miyamoto state different ages for Link?
Shigeru Miyamoto has often given different ages for Link due to his focus being on the game’s mechanics and stories, and a general disinterest in the lore. The lack of a specific focus has led to discrepancies over the years in an attempt to move away from strict adherence to canon.

Conclusion: The Ageless Hero

Ultimately, while the exact age of Link as an adult is commonly estimated at 16 or 17 years old, his true age is more of an abstract concept than a concrete number. The focus remains on Link’s growth, heroism, and his timeless battle against evil, rather than his specific biological age. The intentional vagueness around his age adds to his mythical quality, reinforcing his role as a timeless hero, constantly reincarnated to protect Hyrule. His age, therefore, is a dynamic part of the ongoing Legend of Zelda legacy, ever-changing, and constantly intriguing to fans across the globe.

How old is Link as an adult?