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Has Link Ever Had a Girlfriend? Unraveling the Romantic Entanglements of Hyrule’s Hero

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The question of whether Link, the iconic hero of The Legend of Zelda series, has ever had a girlfriend is complex and depends heavily on interpretation and which game you’re referencing. The answer is a resounding yes, and no, but mostly maybe. While canonically defined romantic relationships are often ambiguous, many games feature strong hints, implied feelings, and characters who clearly harbor affections for the Hylian champion. From the implied love story with Zelda in Skyward Sword to potential relationships with characters like Mipha in Breath of the Wild, Link’s romantic life is a fertile ground for fan theories and debates. Nintendo rarely explicitly confirms any of these relationships, leaving them open to player interpretation, which is a large part of the franchise’s charm.

Unpacking Link’s Relationships: A Timeline of Affection

To truly understand the intricacies of Link’s romantic life, it’s important to examine some key relationships throughout the series.

Zelda: Arguably the most consistent potential love interest. Their bond transcends lifetimes, often portrayed as one of destiny and mutual respect. While explicit romance is rare, Skyward Sword presents a clear and undeniable love story, and Breath of the Wild continues to suggest a deep connection.
Mipha: The Zora princess in Breath of the Wild demonstrates clear affection for Link, even crafting him a special set of armor. Her feelings are palpable, and the game hints at a deeper connection, especially in the Japanese translation where Link refers to her as a loved one.
Ruto: In Ocarina of Time, the Zora princess Ruto declares Link her husband after he retrieves her spiritual stone. While this is more of a childhood declaration, it hints at a potential romantic connection.
Malon: Also in Ocarina of Time, Malon displays an undeniable affection for Link, especially after he helps her wake Talon. Some fans believe she may be a possible romantic interest for Link
Saria: In Ocarina of Time, Saria has an obvious bond with Link and clearly cares for him, even up against a possible nemesis Mido.

Canon vs. Interpretation: The Heart of the Debate

Nintendo’s approach to Link’s relationships is deliberately ambiguous. They provide the building blocks for romance – longing glances, acts of selfless devotion, and tragic farewells – but rarely solidify anything concretely. This allows players to project their own interpretations onto the characters and immerse themselves more fully in the world of Hyrule. This also creates a lot of fun for fan art and roleplay.

Is this a cop-out? Perhaps. But it’s also a smart move that keeps the fanbase engaged and ensures Link remains a relatable avatar for players of all backgrounds and preferences. Nintendo, it can be assumed, has never wanted to isolate any one group of players with their canonized relationships.

The Case for Link and Zelda

The argument for Link and Zelda being romantically involved rests on several factors:

Recurring Themes: Their destinies are intertwined across countless iterations, suggesting a connection that goes beyond mere friendship.
Sacrifice and Devotion: Both characters consistently risk everything for each other and for Hyrule, highlighting a deep level of care and commitment.
Implied Intimacy: Certain games, like Skyward Sword, feature scenes that strongly suggest romantic feelings, such as moments of quiet intimacy and longing stares.

Exploring Alternative Love Interests

While Zelda is often considered Link’s primary love interest, other characters vie for his affection:

Mipha’s Unrequited Love: Her devotion to Link in Breath of the Wild is undeniable, adding a layer of melancholy to their relationship.
Ruto’s Childlike Declaration: While not a mature romance, Ruto’s declaration of marriage in Ocarina of Time adds a touch of whimsy to Link’s romantic history.

Ultimately, Link’s romantic life is a tapestry woven from subtle hints, implied feelings, and the player’s own imagination. Whether he has a “girlfriend” in the traditional sense is debatable, but he certainly has a rich history of relationships marked by affection, loyalty, and the potential for something more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Link’s Love Life

Is Link LGBTQ?

Nintendo has maintained that Link is intended to be a male character, but his androgynous design and the openness of the Zelda universe have led to diverse fan interpretations, including LGBTQ+ readings. The developers have wanted to ensure a neutral player experience and not alienate any group of people.
Has Link ever kissed Zelda?

Zelda kisses Link at the end of Oracle of Ages/Seasons in a linked game. At the end of Adventure of Link, when he finally wakes up the sleeping Zelda, he gets a kiss (with the curtains drawn). While romantic interest is heavily hinted at in Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild, they never officially kiss. The closest canon relationship they got was the end of Spirit Tracks where the two held hands.
Does Link love Zelda or Mipha?

In BOTW’s Japanese Translation, Link refers to Mipha as a loved one in his Adventure Log. While Zelda and Link have strong ties, Mipha’s open adoration for Link and his acknowledgement of it creates a fascinating love triangle.
Who is Link’s love interest in Zelda?

The most recurring love interest for Link is Princess Zelda. In SS Link almost certainly marries Zelda. It’s clear that they’re attracted to each other, and the game’s ending indicates they chose to remain on the surface and build a life together.
How old is Link actually?

Link’s age varies across the games, but he’s generally on the younger side, under 18. In the first game, The Legend of Zelda, he’s 10. In Adventure of Link, he’s 16. In Twilight Princess, he’s 17.
Did Link marry Tetra?

There is no evidence that Link and Tetra get married, so they are not confirmed to be a couple, as the Link and Zelda from SP cousins and they don’t seem to know each other at all in the beginning of the game.
Is Link nonbinary?

While some fans interpret Link as nonbinary due to his androgynous appearance, Nintendo has stated that he is intended to be male. “His character design has pretty much always been the same, inspired by Peter Pan. His design wasn’t intended to send a message like that.” Longtime Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma told Time in 2016 that he wanted Link to be a “gender-neutral character” but that he is male.
Who is Link’s sister?

Aryll is Link’s younger sister in The Wind Waker.
Why does Link look girly?

Back during the Ocarina of Time days, the creators wanted Link to be gender neutral. They wanted the player to think ‘Maybe Link is a boy or a girl.’ If you saw Link as a guy, he’d have more of a feminine touch.
Why can’t Link talk?

Link doesn’t talk to allow players to project themselves onto the character. Developers want them to feel they are the hero. Link’s lack of a voice fits perfectly with this design philosophy. In other words, Link is meant to be an avatar for the player.
Is Link canonically mute?

Link is not mute. You can see him gesturing as he “talks,” and other characters often quote him back to him. You even get to choose the dialogue he uses. The reason he does not have voice acting and his dialogue is often not displayed is so that you can imagine yourself in his place.
Does Link ever have a kid?

In the events of Ocarina of Time, it is theorized that Link and Malon could have a child, and Talon taught the child Link how to be lazy.
Does Link marry Zelda in Ocarina of Time?

No, it is assumed that Link and Zelda do not end up together in Ocarina of Time. However, the feelings are still there.
Is Gerudo Link a girl?

In previous Zelda games, the Gerudo have been depicted as an all-female race that lives in the desert, so this twist shouldn’t come as a surprise to any fan versed in Zelda lore. To sneak into Gerudo Town, Link needs to dress up as a female Gerudo and convince the guards he belongs inside.
Does Paya have a crush on Link?

Paya thinks Link looks gallant, the very picture of the hero she always imagined. She poetically describes his features in admiration, writing how her heart won’t stop beating a mile a minute.

Ultimately, the question of Link’s romantic life remains open to interpretation. The beauty of The Legend of Zelda lies in its ability to connect with players on a personal level, allowing them to see themselves in the hero and imagine their own relationships within the rich tapestry of Hyrule. For more insights into the world of games and learning, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.