Is Link a Hylian or Sheikah? Unraveling the Hero’s Identity in the Legend of Zelda
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The straightforward answer is: Link is definitively a Hylian. While his origins are sometimes shrouded in mystery within specific titles, and he occasionally interacts closely with Sheikah characters and technology, the core narrative across the Legend of Zelda series consistently establishes him as a member of the Hylian race. He possesses the physical traits, cultural ties, and spiritual connection to Hylia that define Hylians.
Delving Deeper: Why the Confusion?
The question arises due to several factors:
- Adoption/Foundling Stories: In Ocarina of Time, Link is raised as a Kokiri, leading players to initially believe he is one of them. The revelation that he is Hylian, left in the forest as an infant, contributes to the ambiguity some players feel.
- Sheikah Influence: Link’s frequent use of Sheikah technology, particularly the Sheikah Slate in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, can blur the lines. His association with Sheikah characters, like Impa and Purah, further reinforces this connection.
- Ambiguous Origins in Some Titles: Certain games leave Link’s specific parentage or upbringing intentionally vague, allowing players to project their own interpretations onto the character.
- Interracial Relationships: The game makes it known characters marry outside their race.
Despite these points, Link’s Hylian heritage is a consistent, undeniable aspect of his identity. This heritage is often crucial to his role as the hero destined to wield the Master Sword and combat the forces of evil. The Hylian bloodline is directly tied to the goddess Hylia, granting him a divine connection and a destiny intrinsically linked to Hyrule’s fate.
Examining the Evidence: Hylian Traits
Link’s physical appearance, while stylized across different games, always includes key Hylian characteristics:
- Pointed Ears: This is perhaps the most iconic Hylian trait, consistently present across all iterations of Link.
- Humanoid Form: Link is generally depicted as a human-like character with typical human proportions, albeit often shorter than other adult races.
- Spiritual Connection to Hylia: This is the most significant marker. As noted in-game, he is always Hylian because Hylia passed down her power but not her spirit through her descendants as the first Zelda.
Furthermore, Link’s motivations and allegiances consistently align with the protection of Hyrule and its people, demonstrating his deep connection to Hylian society.
FAQs: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions About Link’s Identity
Here are some frequently asked questions related to Link’s race and identity, providing further context and clarification:
1. Is Link short for a Hylian?
While Link is often depicted as shorter than other adult races and many enemies, he is generally depicted as being taller than people his own age. Hylians are often shorter than other races. Link’s height varies across different games.
2. Is Zelda always Hylian?
Yes, Zelda is always Hylian. Her lineage is directly descended from the goddess Hylia, and her role as the princess (or ruler) of Hyrule is tied to her Hylian heritage.
3. Is Link a Hylian or Kokiri?
In Ocarina of Time, Link is raised as a Kokiri, but he is, in fact, a Hylian baby left in the Kokiri Forest. He is not biologically Kokiri.
4. Why can’t Link talk?
The reason why Link doesn’t talk in Breath of the Wild is because with so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it is necessary to stay strong, and silently bear any burden, as is stated in Zelda’s diary. This reason and others are given as to why he doesn’t speak.
5. Is Link LGBTQ+?
Nintendo insists Link is both straight and cisgender, fans have expanded the Zelda universe with LGBTQIA+ characters and queer readings of Zelda games.
6. Why is Link so feminine?
During the development of Twilight Princess, the creator went a different route and created a version of Link that was more masculine. But after Twilight Princess he went back to the drawing board and decided Link should be a more gender-neutral character. Hence he created the version of Link that you see in Breath of the Wild.
7. Are there black Hylians?
Hylians tend to be almost entirely caucasian with pale skin and various colors of eyes and hair, however, some dark skinned Hylians exist.
8. Who does Link have a crush on?
If there’s romantic tension between the two in Link’s Awakening, that means Link had a crush on Zelda in A Link to the Past.
9. What are Link’s pronouns from Zelda?
Link is referred to with “he”, “him”, or “his” in the manuals of Zelda games.
10. Is Link nonbinary?
Link’s design wasn’t intended to send a message like that, but inspired by Peter Pan. Longtime Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma told Time in 2016 that he wanted Link to be a “gender-neutral character” but that he is male.
11. Did Zelda have a crush on Link?
In the final Kass song, he specifically talks about “the princesses love for her appointed knight” which if you got off the plateau you would know is Link. So, she loves him. Not at first but she does.
12. Why is the Yiga Clan after Link?
Link has a lengthy history of terrorizing the evil Yiga Clan in both Breath of the Wild and its sequel, and it turns out that Yiga Clan really hate him for it. So much so, that they apparently see the Hero of Hyrule as a literal demon.
13. Why is Link always left-handed?
Link is left-handed mostly. This was done to better suit right-handed players taking advantage of the motion controls of the Wii Remote controller.
14. Does Link have nipples?
As soon as Link begins his journey in Breath of the Wild, we know that he has no nipples. According to Thomas Game Docs, the first time that Link was depicted with nipples was in The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask.
15. What makes Sheikah different from Hylians?
While a Hylian has odd or naturally colored hair and a plethora of skin tones, the Sheikah have very distinct features. They are characterized by their bright white hair. So, the game itself makes a very distinct line between the two races.
Conclusion: The Undeniable Hylian Hero
While the Legend of Zelda series explores themes of identity, destiny, and the interconnectedness of races, Link’s core identity as a Hylian remains constant. His connection to the Hylian bloodline, his physical traits, and his unwavering dedication to protecting Hyrule solidify his place as the hero destined to save the kingdom. The influence of other cultures, like the Sheikah, only enriches his journey and adds depth to the world he inhabits, but it doesn’t change his fundamental heritage.
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