Is Link Always 17? Unraveling the Age of Hyrule’s Hero
The simple answer to the question “Is Link always 17?” is a resounding no. While the iconic hero of the Legend of Zelda series is often portrayed as a young adult, his age varies significantly across different games. This has led to much speculation and discussion among fans, as Link’s age is rarely explicitly stated and often intertwined with complex lore and time-travel mechanics. Understanding Link’s age requires navigating the vast timeline of Hyrule and considering the various incarnations of this legendary hero.
Link’s Age Throughout the Series
Link’s age is anything but consistent. He is depicted as a child, a young teenager, and even an adult throughout the Legend of Zelda franchise.
Child Link
In some games, Link is clearly a child. Ocarina of Time famously features him initially at the age of nine, before a significant time jump takes him to 16. In The Wind Waker, the hero, often called Toon Link, is just 12 years old. Even in the very first game, The Legend of Zelda, Hyrule Historia states that Link is 10 years old. These instances showcase Link’s youthful side and how he often starts his adventures at a very young age.
Teenage and Young Adult Link
More often, Link is portrayed as a teenager or young adult. Adventure of Link shows a 16-year-old Link. In Twilight Princess, the game’s director, Eiji Aonuma, confirmed that Link is 17 years old. Similarly, both Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild feature Link at about 16 or 17 years old. It is this range that might lead some to believe that Link is always 17. However, the variety is quite clear.
Chronological Age vs. Biological Age
Adding to the complexity is the concept of chronological age versus biological age. In Breath of the Wild, while Link is biologically 17, he has been asleep for 100 years, making his chronological age approximately 117. This concept is further amplified in Tears of the Kingdom, where the events of Breath of the Wild place Link at an estimated 122-125 years old chronologically. This is an essential distinction to make because while biologically Link may seem like he is in his late teens, this does not include the periods he has been out of time due to stasis.
The Reincarnation of the Hero
The nature of Link as the reincarnated soul of a legendary hero also muddies the waters. Each Link, while sharing the same spirit, is a different individual born in a different time. Therefore, each Link has a different age, further cementing the idea that Link is not always 17. This consistent theme of the young hero makes his age a crucial aspect of his story.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion arises partly because many of the more recent Zelda games portray Link within a relatively similar age range (16-17 years old). The lack of definitive age statements in the games themselves also allows for fans to interpret his age differently. Ultimately, the consistent portrayal of Link as a young hero emphasizes that he is often at the beginning of his journey, both as a protagonist and a person.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the topic of Link’s age, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. How tall is Link canonically?
Link’s canonical height is 5’2” (157 cm), though this may vary slightly between incarnations.
2. Is Link from Zelda a minor?
Typically, Link appears as either a kid or a young adult, often starting out as a minor before transitioning to adulthood during the course of a particular game (like Ocarina of Time).
3. Why is Link so small in Tears of the Kingdom?
Link’s perceived “smallness” might be because he is often compared to taller adults and other races. Hylians, generally, are shorter than other races in Hyrule. In the case of Tears of the Kingdom, he is still considered young at around 17 years old when considering his biology.
4. How old is Link in Tears of the Kingdom?
Link is approximately 122-125 years old chronologically in Tears of the Kingdom, taking into account the 100-year gap in the prior game and a gap between. However, he is still biologically in his late teens as a Hylian.
5. Is Link canonically mute?
Link is not mute but is mostly a silent protagonist. He has dialogue, often in the form of exclamations or responses, but he does not engage in substantial spoken conversations.
6. Has Link ever been an adult?
Yes, Link has been portrayed as both a child and a young adult within the Zelda universe, especially during significant moments within Ocarina of Time, where he changes during the narrative. However, he is most often in his late teens.
7. Why is Link so feminine?
Link is designed to be androgynous, meaning he has characteristics of both genders. This is partly to make him a blank canvas for players to project themselves onto.
8. Is Zelda always taller than Link?
Generally, yes. With the exceptions of Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild, Zelda is depicted as taller than Link in most games.
9. Is Link canonically left-handed?
Yes, Link was initially designed as left-handed, although sprite flipping in early games made him appear ambidextrous. His canonical left-handedness was cemented once the Wiimote was released.
10. How old is Mipha?
Mipha is around 55 years old in Zora years, although she is physically around the same age as Link and Zelda. She has a recorded height of 5’2″, making her significantly shorter than the average Zora.
11. Why does Link not age in Breath of the Wild?
Link did not age for 100 years due to the power of Princess Zelda’s sealing magic, which placed them both in stasis until the events of Breath of the Wild.
12. How old is Midna?
Midna’s exact age is unknown but she is speculated to be over 18 and possibly in her mid-20s, especially considering her high-ranking status within her kingdom in her true form.
13. Is Link canonically pretty?
Yes, within the game’s universe, Link is generally considered to be a handsome and beautiful character.
14. Is Link from Zelda autistic?
Link is not intended to be autistic. He is designed to be an avatar for the player, lacking overt character traits that are typically associated with specific conditions.
15. Is there any romance between Link and Zelda?
While there is strong romantic tension hinted at in several games (particularly Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild), the relationship is not officially confirmed as romantic. Instead, they share a deep, caring, and supportive bond.
Conclusion
In summary, the age of Link varies significantly across the Legend of Zelda series. He is not always 17, but rather, his age depends on the specific incarnation and the narrative requirements of each game. While he is often depicted as a young adult, there are instances of him being a child and times where his biological age differs dramatically from his chronological age. Understanding this distinction is essential to appreciating the depth and complexity of the Legend of Zelda lore. The age of Link is a crucial aspect of his heroic journey, as it often involves the loss of his childhood innocence and the growth of maturity.