What Age is Wind Waker Link? Unraveling the Hero’s Youth
The question of Wind Waker Link’s age often sparks debate among fans of The Legend of Zelda series. While the games provide a rich tapestry of lore, pinpointing the exact age of our hero can be a tricky endeavor. The short answer, and the one consistently supported by official sources, is that Link in The Wind Waker is 12 years old. This is explicitly stated in the official Nintendo Player’s Guide for Wind Waker, the Zelda Box, and even on the Toon Link trophy.
However, the confusion often stems from the series’ complex timelines and the varied ages of Link throughout different iterations. The purpose of this article is to delve deep into the specifics of Wind Waker Link’s age and then explore the broader age-related questions surrounding the character throughout the Zelda universe.
Decoding Toon Link’s Age
Toon Link, as he is commonly referred to due to his cel-shaded art style in The Wind Waker, presents a distinctly younger portrayal of the hero. This is in contrast to the more mature or stoic appearances of Link in games like Twilight Princess and Breath of the Wild. The official designation of 12 years old is important, as it firmly places this Link in the realm of a child, not a young adult. This is significant in understanding the narrative context of The Wind Waker. The story focuses on his youthful innocence, courage, and his journey to become a hero rather than being a hero from the start like many other incarnations of Link.
The Significance of Being a “Child Link”
Understanding that this Link is a child helps us appreciate the narrative nuances of The Wind Waker. Unlike the “Adult Link” from Ocarina of Time or the more experienced Links from other titles, Toon Link’s growth is a core theme of the game. His adventure is a coming-of-age story as he matures and learns throughout his quest. It’s a tale that resonates with younger audiences more than the other games in the Zelda franchise, but the game still features plenty of action, heart, and depth for any age group.
The Age of Link Across The Legend of Zelda Series
It’s important to note that while Wind Waker Link is 12, this isn’t a uniform age for Link across the entire series. Here’s a brief overview:
- The Legend of Zelda: Link is stated to be 10 years old in Hyrule Historia.
- Adventure of Link: Link is 16 years old.
- Ocarina of Time: Link is initially 9 years old before time-skipping to 16.
- Twilight Princess: Eiji Aonuma has stated that this Link is 17 years old.
- Breath of the Wild: Link is commonly perceived to be around 17 or 18 years old.
This inconsistency in age highlights that Link is not always the same person, but rather a reincarnation of the hero, with each iteration presenting unique narrative opportunities and character development.
Why is Link So Varied in Age?
The variety in Link’s age is due to several factors:
- Different Incarnations: The Legend of Zelda timeline dictates that Link is reincarnated, meaning each game often features a different version of the hero.
- Narrative Needs: The age of Link is often chosen to best fit the specific story being told.
- Game Design: Different art styles and gameplay mechanics can influence the way Link is depicted.
The “Adult Era” and Toon Link’s Childhood
Despite The Wind Waker occurring in what is known as the “Adult Timeline” (after the adult Link from Ocarina of Time is sent back to his own time), Toon Link remains a child. This is because this timeline stems from the events after adult Link leaves, and the Hyrule seen in The Wind Waker is in the future after the great flood. Link, Zelda, and Ganondorf are continually reincarnated, and in the era of The Wind Waker, Link happens to be a twelve-year-old living on Outset Island.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Link’s age and character in the Legend of Zelda series:
1. Is Link Always Under 18?
While the specific age varies, Link is generally depicted as being on the younger side, with most incarnations appearing to be under 18. Some have placed Link around 17 or 18 years old, as in the case of Breath of the Wild.
2. Is Link a Child or Adult in The Wind Waker?
The Wind Waker Link is undeniably a child, with official sources placing him at 12 years old. This distinguishes him from “Adult Link” incarnations.
3. Why Didn’t Link Age in The Wind Waker?
In the context of the game itself, this Link does not age throughout the story. When thinking about it in terms of the timeline, he does grow up in the world, but stays at age twelve through the duration of the game.
4. How Does Link Turn Into an Adult in Ocarina of Time?
In *Ocarina of Time*, Link becomes an adult by drawing the Master Sword from the Pedestal of Time. This action jumps him seven years into the future, aging him from 9 to 16.
5. Is Link Mute?
Link is not canonically mute, but he is a silent protagonist. He does not have substantial spoken dialogue in the games.
6. Why is Link So Short in Some Games?
Link’s varying heights are due to different ages and different incarnations of the hero appearing in each game.
7. Why Doesn’t Link Age in Breath of the Wild?
According to game lore, Zelda’s sealing powers trapped both her and Link in time for 100 years, preventing their aging until the events of Breath of the Wild.
8. Does Link Love Zelda?
While not a canonically confirmed romantic relationship, Link and Zelda share a loving and caring bond.
9. Has Link Ever Kissed Zelda?
Zelda has kissed Link in the ending of *Oracle of Ages/Seasons* in a linked game, and at the end of *Adventure of Link*, though that one was behind closed curtains.
10. Has Link Ever Been a Girl?
While Link is consistently male, there was at one point official female artwork of Link, though it wasn't a canon depiction in any game. This art is not a part of the official timeline.
11. Why is Wind Waker Considered Dark?
*The Wind Waker* is considered dark due to the fact that **Hyrule is completely destroyed and flooded** and many of its inhabitants are believed to be deceased or lost. This is the most apocalyptic scenario Hyrule has ever seen in the games, thus resulting in a darker tone.
12. Why Was Wind Waker 2 Cancelled?
*Wind Waker 2* was cancelled due to **poor sales and reception of the initial game** in the *Wind Waker* series, prompting the team to shift their focus to *Twilight Princess*.
13. Why is Link Often Androgynous?
Link's androgynous look is a **design choice to make him a self-insert character** for players, allowing a broader audience to feel connected to the hero.
14. Is Link Canonically Pretty?
Many fans and characters within the games have labeled Link as **attractive**, and the general consensus is that Link is canonically a pretty character.
15. Why did Zelda Dislike Link Initially in Breath of the Wild?
Zelda initially disliked Link in *Breath of the Wild* because of her own insecurities regarding her inability to unlock her own powers like everyone expected of her. This was in contrast to Link, who she believed had effortlessly embraced his own destiny.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the specific age of Link in each game, particularly the 12-year-old hero in The Wind Waker, enhances appreciation for the series’ rich storytelling. The variations in Link’s age add depth to the narratives, and helps reinforce that he is a reincarnated hero, not just the same character over and over again. Hopefully, this detailed exploration has clarified this important question and has provided answers to other intriguing queries surrounding Link. The enduring appeal of Link comes from the way each reincarnation is given a unique character, story, and journey to embark upon.