Did Revali Hate Link? A Deep Dive into a Complex Relationship

Yes, Revali harbored resentment and disdain towards Link. While the term “hate” might be a strong word, their relationship was far from amicable. Revali’s animosity stemmed from jealousy, insecurity, and a perceived lack of merit on Link’s part, especially concerning his position as Zelda’s appointed knight and wielder of the Master Sword. Their interaction was marked by Revali’s condescending attitude and open contempt, creating a stark contrast to Link’s otherwise supportive relationships with the other Champions.

Understanding Revali’s Perspective

Revali’s dislike for Link wasn’t simply based on personality clashes. It was rooted in a deep-seated feeling of inferiority despite his obvious talent. He was a Rito warrior who meticulously honed his skills, mastering the art of aerial combat and developing his signature move, Revali’s Gale. He saw himself as a self-made Champion, having earned his position through sheer dedication and hard work.

The Source of Resentment

Revali’s resentment towards Link stemmed from several factors:

• Link’s “Effortless” Success: Revali perceived Link as being chosen for his role solely because of the Master Sword, without needing to prove himself through rigorous training like the Rito Champion did.

• Higher Status: Revali envied Link’s position as Zelda’s personal knight, believing himself more deserving of the honor due to his superior skill and expertise.

• Lack of Expression: Link’s stoic nature and lack of outward emotion rubbed Revali the wrong way. He misinterpreted it as arrogance or apathy, further fueling his disdain.

• Insecurities: Deep down, Revali suffered from an inferiority complex, constantly striving for perfection to mask his insecurities. He saw Link as a threat to his perceived superiority.

The Champion’s Ballad: Unveiling Revali’s True Feelings

The Champion’s Ballad DLC provides further insight into Revali’s character. In the “Revali’s Song” cutscene, specifically the EX Recovered Memory, we see Revali’s frustration and insecurity on full display. He struggles to accept Link’s position, showcasing the coping mechanism of abrasiveness and aloofness that defines his persona.

Misunderstandings and Missed Opportunities

It’s crucial to understand that Revali’s behavior likely masked deeper feelings of respect, albeit grudgingly. He recognized Link’s strength and potential, but his own insecurities prevented him from expressing it openly. This created a rift between them that ultimately went unresolved. The complexities of the game’s narrative and character development highlight how video games can be effectively used for educational purposes, a topic explored further by the Games Learning Society.

Contrasting Relationships: Mipha, Urbosa, and Daruk

Revali’s relationship with Link stood in stark contrast to the other Champions:

• Mipha: Mipha held romantic feelings for Link and offered him unwavering support.

• Urbosa: Urbosa acted as a mentor and protector to Zelda, offering Link guidance and understanding.

• Daruk: Daruk saw Link as a brother in arms, expressing his faith and admiration openly.

These contrasting relationships emphasize the unique nature of Revali’s animosity, highlighting the depth of his insecurities and the complexity of his character.

The Tragedy of Revali

Revali’s story is ultimately a tragedy. He was a skilled and dedicated warrior consumed by his own insecurities and unable to bridge the gap with Link. His death at the hands of Windblight Ganon remains a somber reminder of the consequences of unchecked resentment and the importance of self-acceptance.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Revali’s Character and Relationships

Here are some frequently asked questions about Revali and his relationship with Link, along with other relevant topics from Breath of the Wild:

1. Why was Revali jealous of Link?

Revali’s jealousy of Link stemmed from his perception that Link’s higher position and wielding of the Master Sword were unearned, compared to Revali’s own hard-fought achievements. Revali’s abrasive demeanor was often used to mask his underlying insecurities.

2. Did Revali and Link get along?

No, Revali and Link did not get along. Revali displayed open disdain for Link, believing him unworthy of his position.

3. Why doesn’t Zelda like Link in Breath of the Wild initially?

Zelda’s initial resentment towards Link arises from her inability to unlock her own sacred power. She is envious of what she perceives as Link’s effortless mastery of his destiny.

4. Why is Revali so cocky?

Revali’s cockiness is a defense mechanism. It is a way to mask his insecurities and project an image of superiority despite his underlying fears of inadequacy.

5. What is the secret behind Revali’s attitude problem?

Revali’s “attitude problem” is rooted in his insecurities and inferiority complex. He constantly tries to prove himself, often pushing himself to extreme lengths.

6. Why does Urbosa call Zelda “little bird”?

Urbosa calls Zelda “little bird” as a term of endearment, reflecting her close relationship with Zelda’s mother, the Queen of Hyrule, and her maternal feelings towards Zelda.

7. Why is Link emotionless?

Link’s stoicism is a coping mechanism for dealing with the immense pressure and responsibility placed upon him as the chosen hero. He feels compelled to remain strong and silent.

8. Is Link LGBTQ+?

While Nintendo maintains that Link is straight and cisgender, many fans have embraced LGBTQIA+ interpretations of Link and other Zelda characters.

9. Who does Link love?

The subject of who Link loves is open to interpretation, but in Skyward Sword, the franchise presents a clear love story between Link and Zelda.

10. Did Link know Mipha liked him?

Yes, Link likely knew Mipha had feelings for him. Mipha’s brother, Sidon, and her father, Dorephan, both acknowledge her love for Link. The Zora Armor also symbolizes Mipha’s romantic feelings.

11. Who has a crush on Link in Breath of the Wild?

Mipha clearly has a crush on Link in Breath of the Wild. Her affection is evident in her actions and dialogue.

12. Who is older, Link or Mipha?

Mipha is significantly older than Link in Zora years (roughly 55), though she appears to be roughly the same age as him in Hylian years.

13. Why is Link so feminine in some games?

The decision to make Link more gender-neutral in some games, like Breath of the Wild, was a conscious choice by the developers to allow players to project themselves onto the character more easily.

14. Was Link originally a girl?

While Link is a male character, the developers have explored the idea of making him more gender-neutral, even considering making him a girl at one point.

15. Did Urbosa have a child?

Urbosa did not have a child. Her position as Chieftainess of the Gerudo was eventually inherited by Riju, who is a direct descendant of Urbosa.

Revali’s complex relationship with Link reveals deeper themes of insecurity, envy, and the burden of expectation. Understanding these nuances enriches the experience of playing Breath of the Wild and appreciating its rich narrative depth. For more information on video games and educational insights, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.