Is Link from GMM Left-Handed? A Deep Dive into Link’s Handedness and More
No, Link from Good Mythical Morning (GMM) is not left-handed. This might seem like a simple question with a straightforward answer, but the confusion arises from a completely different Link – the iconic hero from The Legend of Zelda video game series. In fact, Link from GMM, whose full name is Link Neal, is known to be right-handed, while the video game character, Link, has a more complex history regarding his dominant hand.
This article will clarify the distinction between these two very different Links, explore the reasons behind the video game Link’s handedness changes, and delve into other fascinating aspects of both subjects to provide a comprehensive overview.
The Two Links: Separating Fact from Myth
It’s understandable why confusion arises. Both share the same first name, but their worlds and contexts are entirely different. Link Neal is one half of the dynamic duo behind the popular YouTube show “Good Mythical Morning,” alongside his friend Rhett McLaughlin. They are real people, creating content for their fans, and their handedness is a straightforward observation. Link Neal, the content creator, consistently uses his right hand for writing, eating, and other tasks.
The other Link is a fictional character, the hero of Hyrule. Throughout the history of The Legend of Zelda video games, this Link’s handedness has been inconsistent. This leads to an intriguing discussion.
The Evolution of Link’s Handedness in The Legend of Zelda
A History of Left-Handed Heroics
For many years, the video game Link was primarily depicted as left-handed. In most classic Zelda titles, such as the original Legend of Zelda, A Link to the Past, and Ocarina of Time, his sword was in his left hand. This was a defining characteristic, making him unique amongst many video game protagonists. This detail, however, was not without its reason.
The Impact of Motion Controls
The pivotal moment came with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess on the Nintendo Wii. Nintendo wanted players to feel more immersed in the game world with the Wii’s innovative motion controls. Since most gamers are right-handed and would be holding the Wii remote with their right hand, the developers made a crucial decision: they mirrored the game’s world and switched Link’s sword to his right hand to match the player’s movements.
Repercussions and Reinterpretations
This change significantly impacted the perception of Link’s dominant hand. From that point onwards, many subsequent Zelda games, including Skyward Sword, Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom, have featured a right-handed Link. Though some argue that he is ambidextrous, the shift towards right-handedness was a deliberate choice made to align gameplay with the most common player experience.
The Ambidextrous Argument
Some fans argue that the video game Link is ambidextrous, not strictly right-handed. This idea is fueled by the fact that in certain games, such as A Link to the Past, the hero does demonstrate some ability with his right hand. The lack of definitive proof of one dominant hand over the other leaves room for interpretation and continues to be a topic of discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who are Rhett and Link?
Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal are the creators and hosts of the hugely successful YouTube channel “Good Mythical Morning.” They are known for their comedic discussions, taste tests, and quirky experiments. They are prominent figures in the online media space.
2. How Did Rhett and Link Get So Successful?
Rhett and Link’s success is built on their consistency, engaging content, and genuine connection with their audience. Their long-running show, “Good Mythical Morning,” has attracted a large following over the years, which has helped their brand reach new heights. Their diverse content, humor, and their consistent engagement with their fan base has been instrumental. Forbes estimated their earnings to be around $30 million in 2022.
3. What is “Good Mythical Morning”?
“Good Mythical Morning” (GMM) is a daily YouTube show hosted by Rhett and Link. It typically features a variety of topics ranging from trying unusual food combinations to discussing internet trends. It is known for its light-hearted humor and engaging format.
4. Are Rhett and Link Atheist?
While they were raised in a deeply religious environment, both Rhett and Link have publicly identified as agnostic for many years. They have discussed their evolving beliefs on their platforms, influencing many fans who may have similar views.
5. Was Video Game Link Always Left-Handed?
For most of the early Zelda games, Link was presented as left-handed. However, the switch to right-handedness occurred mainly due to the introduction of motion controls with the Wii console.
6. Why Did Link Become Right-Handed in Twilight Princess?
The world was mirrored in the Wii version of Twilight Princess, which meant that in order for player movements to match with Link’s actions on-screen, his sword needed to be in his right hand. It was a gameplay consideration rather than a canonical shift.
7. Is Link Ambidextrous in the Zelda Series?
While there is no canonical confirmation, some fans suggest that the video game Link is ambidextrous due to instances where he has used both hands effectively. However, he is primarily presented as left-handed in older games and right-handed in newer ones.
8. How Tall is Link from Zelda?
While there is no official height given by Nintendo, an estimated measurement based on in-game observations in Breath of the Wild put him at approximately 5’2″ (158.5 cm).
9. Why is Link Mute?
In Breath of the Wild, Zelda states that Link stays silent because he feels it necessary to stay strong and bear burdens silently. This implies a purposeful choice on Link’s part, rather than simply being unable to speak.
10. Is There a Romantic Relationship Between Link and Zelda?
While there’s no official romantic relationship in the canon, it’s implied they have a deep and caring relationship. They are always connected by fate and seem to have unwavering trust and respect for each other.
11. Is Link from Zelda Intended to be Gender Neutral?
Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma has stated that he wanted Link to be a gender-neutral character in Ocarina of Time. However, the character is officially male.
12. Why Can’t Link Be a Girl?
Nintendo has indicated that one of the reasons Link is male is to maintain the balance of the Triforce, as the Triforce is composed of Link, Zelda, and Ganon, who are typically male, female and male, respectively.
13. How Rare is Left-Handedness?
Left-handedness is relatively uncommon, with approximately 10-15% of the global population being left-handed. Right-handedness is much more prevalent.
14. Does Handedness Affect IQ?
While some research has linked ambidexterity to lower IQ scores and increased creativity, the results are not definitive. Studies on handedness and its connection to intelligence are complex.
15. What is the Significance of Link’s Muteness in Zelda?
Link’s silence, especially in Breath of the Wild, is designed to be an extension of his heroic nature. It allows players to project their own emotions and experiences onto him, further enhancing the immersion of the game.
Conclusion
In summary, while the question of Link’s handedness can be complex, Link Neal from GMM is definitely right-handed, and the video game character, Link, has had a varying history regarding this. The hero’s handedness is often linked to gameplay requirements rather than a character trait. Understanding the difference between these two “Links” is crucial to avoid confusion. Whether real or fictional, both Links have captivated audiences, showing the wide-ranging use of a common name.