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Is Link Dating Zelda in Tears of the Kingdom? A Deep Dive into Hyrule’s Most Enduring Mystery

The question of whether Link and Zelda are romantically involved has plagued and delighted fans of The Legend of Zelda series for decades. In Tears of the Kingdom (TotK), the question remains tantalizingly ambiguous. While the game doesn’t explicitly confirm a romantic relationship, the depth of their bond, their unwavering devotion to each other, and subtle hints sprinkled throughout the narrative strongly suggest a connection that transcends mere friendship or duty. Whether you interpret it as a deep platonic partnership or a burgeoning romance ultimately depends on your perspective, but the ambiguity is part of what makes their dynamic so compelling.

The Ambiguity is the Point

The beauty of Link and Zelda’s relationship lies in its interpretation. Nintendo has masterfully crafted a connection that can be seen as either a profound friendship or a burgeoning romance, leaving the ultimate interpretation to the player. This ambiguity allows players to project their own feelings and experiences onto the characters, creating a more personal and immersive experience. It’s a testament to the storytelling prowess of the Zelda franchise.

A History of Hinted Romance

From the blushing Link in Oracle of Ages/Seasons after Zelda’s cheek kiss to the hand-holding in Spirit Tracks and the implied closeness in Skyward Sword, the series has consistently teased a romantic connection between the hero and princess. Breath of the Wild (BotW) further fueled the fire, depicting a Zelda deeply reliant on and appreciative of Link’s unwavering support.

Tears of the Kingdom: Building on the Foundation

Tears of the Kingdom amplifies this dynamic. Their shared experiences, the weight of responsibility they carry together, and the constant presence of one another throughout the narrative creates a bond that feels incredibly intimate. While there’s no definitive kiss or confession of love, the game subtly reinforces the idea that their relationship is something special and profound.

Deciphering the Evidence

Let’s delve into the evidence that suggests a deeper connection between Link and Zelda in Tears of the Kingdom:

Shared Dwelling (Japanese interpretation): While the English translation remains ambiguous, some have interpreted the dwelling shared by Link and Zelda in the Japanese version of the game to indicate a closer relationship.
Unwavering Loyalty: Link consistently prioritizes Zelda’s safety and well-being, venturing across Hyrule to rescue her and protect her from danger. Zelda, in turn, places her trust and faith in Link, relying on him to save the kingdom.
Emotional Connection: The cutscenes often showcase moments of vulnerability and affection between Link and Zelda. They share quiet glances, comforting gestures, and a palpable sense of understanding.
Symbolic Imagery: Throughout the game, subtle visual cues and symbolic imagery hint at a deeper connection. These can range from shared moments under the light of the moon to the symbolism of certain items and locations.
The Champion’s Photo: Even if not canon, some have used this as an indicator of a close relationship between Link and Zelda.

The Counterarguments

It’s also crucial to acknowledge the arguments against a romantic relationship:

Silent Protagonist: Link’s silent nature makes it challenging to gauge his true feelings and intentions. He is often portrayed as a blank slate, allowing players to project themselves onto the character.
Focus on Duty: Both Link and Zelda are primarily driven by their duty to Hyrule. Their primary focus is on protecting the kingdom and defeating Ganondorf, which may overshadow any romantic inclinations.
Ambiguity as a Design Choice: Nintendo may deliberately avoid explicitly confirming a romantic relationship to maintain the series’ accessibility and appeal to a wide audience.

The Legacy of Mipha

The relationship between Link and Mipha in Breath of the Wild is a crucial element in the narrative of the Hero’s journey. Mipha was deeply in love with Link and even crafted special armor for him as a symbol of her affection. This history adds depth to the question of Link’s romantic interests, suggesting that he is capable of forming deep bonds with others.

Mipha’s Unrequited Love

While Mipha’s feelings for Link were evident, it’s unclear whether Link reciprocated those feelings in the same way. The game suggests a strong bond of friendship and respect, but the depth of Link’s feelings remains ambiguous.

The Future of Link and Zelda

Ultimately, the future of Link and Zelda’s relationship remains uncertain. Nintendo may continue to tease a romantic connection without ever explicitly confirming it, allowing fans to continue debating and speculating about their bond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Link officially dating Zelda in any Zelda game?

No, there’s never been an official confirmation of a romantic relationship between Link and Zelda in any mainline Zelda game. It is heavily implied but never stated.

2. How old is Link in Tears of the Kingdom?

Link is estimated to be around 122-125 years old in Tears of the Kingdom, considering his age in Breath of the Wild (approximately 117) and the time gap between the games.

3. Does Link ever kiss Zelda in any game?

No, Link and Zelda have never shared a kiss in any of the games. The closest they’ve come is Zelda kissing Link on the cheek in Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons, causing him to blush.

4. Are Link and Zelda related?

While they are reincarnations of the hero and princess destined to fight against evil, they are not blood-related in most incarnations.

5. Does Ganondorf have any romantic feelings for Zelda?

No, Ganondorf’s interest in Zelda is purely strategic. He desires the Triforce and sees Zelda as a means to achieving his goal of dominating Hyrule.

6. Did Link love Mipha?

The Japanese translation of Breath of the Wild suggests that Link considered Mipha a “loved one,” hinting at a deeper connection than just friendship. However, the exact nature of his feelings remains open to interpretation.

7. Is Link LGBTQ+?

Nintendo maintains that Link is both straight and cisgender. However, the ambiguity of his character allows for queer interpretations and fan-created content that explores LGBTQIA+ themes within the Zelda universe.

8. Does Zelda turn back into a human at the end of Tears of the Kingdom?

Yes, at the end of Tears of the Kingdom, Zelda does return to her human form after Link defeats Ganondorf.

9. Why is Link a silent protagonist?

Link is a silent protagonist to allow players to immerse themselves in the game and project themselves onto the character.

10. Who is taller, Link or Zelda?

In most games, Princess Zelda is depicted as being taller than Link, with the notable exceptions of Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild.

11. What is the relationship between Link and Sidon?

The relationship between Link and Sidon is one of respect, admiration, and strong friendship. While some fans have interpreted their bond as romantic, the game never explicitly confirms it.

12. What is the relationship between Link and Paya?

Paya is clearly infatuated with Link in Breath of the Wild, but it appears unrequited.

13. Was Link dating Mipha?

It’s heavily implied that Mipha had romantic feelings for Link, and that they had a close relationship. It’s less clear if Link reciprocated those feelings to the same degree.

14. Why does Revali hate Link?

Revali’s resentment towards Link stems from his envy of Link’s position as the chosen hero and his perceived lack of personality and drive.

15. Is there DLC for Tears of the Kingdom?

As of now, Nintendo has confirmed that there will be no DLC for Tears of the Kingdom.

Conclusion: A Love Story Told in Whispers

Whether Link and Zelda are dating in Tears of the Kingdom is ultimately up to the player to decide. The game provides ample evidence to support both interpretations, allowing players to create their own understanding of their relationship. Regardless of your personal interpretation, it’s undeniable that their bond is one of the most compelling and enduring aspects of the Zelda series, showcasing a love story told not through grand gestures or explicit declarations, but through shared experiences, unwavering loyalty, and a deep, unspoken connection. The exploration of relationships in video games like Tears of the Kingdom offers unique opportunities for emotional engagement and storytelling, highlighting the potential for learning and personal growth through interactive narratives. The Games Learning Society explores these connections, highlighting the educational and social impact of games. For more information, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

Is Link dating Zelda in Tears of the Kingdom?