The Seven-Year Slumber: Why Link Slept in Ocarina of Time
The question of Link’s seven-year slumber in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a pivotal point in the game’s narrative, marking a significant transition in both Link’s journey and the state of Hyrule. The simple answer is that Link was not yet old enough to wield the Master Sword as the true Hero of Time. Although he successfully pulled it from the Pedestal of Time, his youthful spirit was not prepared for the trials that awaited. This is why his spirit was sealed, allowing him to mature and become worthy of the title. This period of time sleep is not a literal, biological sleep; rather, his spirit was sealed away while his body waited for him to mature.
The Hero of Time and the Master Sword
The Significance of the Master Sword
The Master Sword is not merely a powerful weapon; it is a sacred artifact, imbued with the power to repel evil. It’s designed to be wielded only by the one chosen as the Hero of Time. Rauru, the Sage of Light, explains that while Link possessed the courage to pull the Master Sword, his youth was a barrier to him truly becoming the hero. The Master Sword acts as a kind of key, unlocking the hero’s full potential, but only when the wielder is mature enough to handle the responsibilities.
Link’s Immaturity
At the beginning of Ocarina of Time, Link is a young boy, roughly around ten years old. While brave and capable, he lacks the maturity and experience needed to confront the darkness threatening Hyrule. The act of pulling the Master Sword, which should have been a moment of triumph, unintentionally activates a plan by Ganondorf to seize the Triforce of Power. By not being the true Hero of Time at the moment of pulling the sword, Link’s action allows Ganondorf to seize control of the Sacred Realm. The seven-year slumber is essentially a magical failsafe that protects the young hero, and indeed all of Hyrule from being overwhelmed by Ganondorf.
The Spirit Seal
Therefore, instead of transforming into the Hero of Time, Link’s spirit was sealed away within the Temple of Time for seven years, effectively putting him into a dormant state. During this time, Ganondorf seized the Triforce, gaining immense power and plunging Hyrule into darkness. This period allowed time for Link to grow physically and mentally, becoming the young man who is capable of battling Ganondorf later in the game. When he emerges seven years later, he has the capacity to finally claim the title and fulfill his destiny as the Hero of Time.
The Time Jump and its Impact
The seven-year time jump is a crucial aspect of Ocarina of Time‘s narrative. It showcases the devastating effects of Ganondorf’s reign, transforming Hyrule into a ravaged land. It also marks a transformation for Link himself as he’s physically and mentally prepared for the trials that lay ahead. The game effectively uses this time jump to add a layer of gravitas to the narrative. The world Link left as a young boy is no longer as familiar, presenting a harsh reality that drives him toward his goal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was Link put to sleep for 100 years in Breath of the Wild?
Link’s 100-year slumber in Breath of the Wild is entirely different from the one in Ocarina of Time. After sustaining fatal injuries during the second Great Calamity, Purah placed Link in the Slumber of Restoration inside the Shrine of Resurrection. This was a method to heal his wounds, albeit with the side effect of memory loss.
2. How old was Link before he slept for 100 years in Breath of the Wild?
Before entering the Shrine of Resurrection, Link was either 16 or 17 years old in Breath of the Wild. Upon awakening, he is technically 116 or 117 years old, although he only retains the physicality and mental age of his younger self.
3. How long did Link sleep in Breath of the Wild?
Link slept for exactly 100 years inside the Shrine of Resurrection in Breath of the Wild. This was a critical period that allowed his body to heal from near-fatal wounds while also preserving him for the future fight against Calamity Ganon.
4. How was Zelda alive for 100 years in Breath of the Wild?
Zelda’s agelessness during the 100-year period in Breath of the Wild is attributed to a magical barrier she created around Hyrule Castle to contain Calamity Ganon. This barrier may have separated Hyrule Castle from the normal flow of time, allowing Zelda to maintain her state of being while fighting against Ganon.
5. Is Link always male?
While Link is predominantly portrayed as male, there have been instances where the character’s gender was meant to be more ambiguous. In Ocarina of Time, Shigeru Miyamoto aimed for a gender-neutral design so players might interpret Link’s gender differently. The recent games continue this trend where players can often customize the hero to represent themselves.
6. Is Link 117 years old in Breath of the Wild?
Technically, yes. Given his age before entering the Shrine of Resurrection and the 100 years he spent asleep, Link is roughly 117 years old when he awakens in Breath of the Wild. However, his functional age is closer to 17.
7. Does Link ever fall in love?
While romantic subplots are present in many Zelda games, Link and Zelda often maintain a platonic or professional relationship. Romantic relationships have only been explicitly explored on few occasions. Link does have strong bonds with a number of other characters in the games, notably with the Zora princess Mipha.
8. Did Link love Mipha in Breath of the Wild?
In the Japanese translation of the Breath of the Wild Adventure Log, it is suggested that Mipha and Link shared a deep love and care for each other, with hints that they could have been romantic partners under different circumstances.
9. Why is Zelda jealous of Link?
Zelda’s jealousy toward Link stems from his ability to master his destiny as the Hylian Champion. She often contrasts this with her own struggles to come to terms with her powers. Her admiration of the Master Sword, a symbol of Link’s power, also contributes to her feelings.
10. Was Zelda fighting Ganon for 100 years in Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Zelda held back Calamity Ganon for 100 years after Link was placed in the Shrine of Resurrection. Her power was weakening during this time, making the awakening of Link necessary to defeat Ganon and save Hyrule.
11. Does Link get reincarnated?
It’s not actually Link as a person who reincarnates, but rather the spirit of courage, often referred to as the Spirit of the Hero. This explains why each Link has no memory of previous incarnations and the series does not include characters with multiple memories.
12. Is Link from Zelda autistic?
No. Link is designed to be an avatar for the player, making his personality malleable. This is why he is often silent and expressionless, allowing players to project their own emotions and actions onto him.
13. Does Link marry Zelda?
No, Link and Zelda are never shown to marry in the game series, although their relationship is often explored through a romantic lens. Often the plotline in Zelda is about building their relationship.
14. How old is Mipha?
Mipha is about 55 years old in Zora years, which is roughly equivalent to Link and Zelda’s ages. While she appears shorter than other Zora, her actual age is quite advanced.
15. Why did Link not have a fairy in the beginning of Ocarina of Time?
Link, being a Hylian, does not naturally have a fairy companion like the Kokiri children. He only receives Navi once it’s revealed that he is not a Kokiri, and that his destiny lies elsewhere.