The Enigmatic Journey: What Happens to Link in Majora’s Mask?
Link’s adventure in The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is a stark departure from the typical heroic quests seen in the Zelda series. It’s a deeply personal, often unsettling, and profoundly moving journey that sees the Hero of Time grappling with loss, despair, and the relentless ticking clock. Unlike his triumphant return to Hyrule in Ocarina of Time, Link’s path in Majora’s Mask is fraught with urgency and a palpable sense of doom. He finds himself thrust into the strange land of Termina, a parallel world on the precipice of annihilation. His core quest is to prevent the moon from crashing down and destroying the world within three days. This overarching goal is intertwined with rescuing the four giants of Termina, recovering the lost masks, and ultimately confronting the malevolent power of Majora’s Mask.
Link’s story begins with him searching for his companion, Navi, who left him after the events of Ocarina of Time. During this search, he is ambushed by the Skull Kid, who, possessed by Majora’s Mask, steals Link’s Ocarina of Time and transforms him into a Deku Scrub. This transformation marks the beginning of Link’s initial three-day cycle. Guided by the helpful fairy, Tatl, Link learns of the impending doom of Termina and embarks on his mission to avert the apocalypse.
As Link travels through Termina, he encounters a variety of unique characters, each with their own stories and problems. He utilizes the power of various transformation masks – the Deku Mask, the Goron Mask, and the Zora Mask – which allow him to embody the characteristics of these different races, accessing unique abilities and navigating specific environments. This allows for a dynamic gameplay that goes beyond the standard hero’s skillset.
The core gameplay revolves around the three-day cycle. After three in-game days, or roughly an hour of real time, the moon falls, destroying Termina unless Link plays the Song of Time on his Ocarina to return to the dawn of the first day. This time-loop mechanic forces Link to meticulously manage his time and resources. He must be resourceful to achieve his goals, while also retaining any items, masks, and knowledge that he gains with each iteration.
The culmination of Link’s journey in Majora’s Mask is his confrontation with Majora within the moon itself. He battles through several forms of the possessed mask, ultimately culminating with the Fierce Deity mask. This powerful transformation provides him with immense strength and the means to vanquish Majora. Upon finally defeating the evil force, Termina is saved, the moon is returned to the sky, and Link’s quest concludes with a more bittersweet farewell than the one in Ocarina of Time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Link in Majora’s Mask
Is Link Dead in Majora’s Mask?
The popular theory that Link dies at the beginning of Majora’s Mask is based on the opening scenes, where Skull Kid startles his horse Epona, causing Link to fall and hit his head. However, there is no official evidence in the game to support this theory that confirms Link is dead, as he is simply transported to the strange parallel world of Termina.
Did Link Ever Find Navi in Majora’s Mask?
No, Link does not reunite with Navi in Majora’s Mask. The driving force behind his initial journey is searching for his lost fairy companion, but he is quickly drawn into the plight of Termina. Instead of Navi, he teams up with Tatl, a fairy companion tied to the Skull Kid, adding depth to his story arc.
Does Link Become an Adult in Majora’s Mask?
Unlike Ocarina of Time, there is no time skip to make Link an adult in Majora’s Mask. Although, the game offers masks that transform Link into different species, where some of which are the same height as his adult form. The Fierce Deity Mask is another option, that transforms Link into a taller, more powerful form, but this transformation is primarily limited to boss battles.
Is Link the Skull Kid in Majora’s Mask?
No, Link is not the Skull Kid. The Skull Kid is a separate character, a mischievous imp who wears Majora’s Mask and causes chaos. Link’s journey is driven by his efforts to stop the Skull Kid and his destruction.
Who is Link Possessed by Majora’s Mask?
Link himself is never directly possessed by Majora’s Mask during the events of the game. Instead, the Skull Kid is the main host for Majora’s power. There’s a dark AU, known as Majora Link, where it’s imagined that Link gives into despair and allows Majora to control him. However, this is not part of the game’s canon.
Why is Link a Kid Again in Majora’s Mask?
Link is a kid in Majora’s Mask because, at the end of Ocarina of Time, Zelda sends Link back to his child form to allow him to relive his childhood and avoid the tragic events that will unfold in Hyrule.
What Happens if Link Fails in Majora’s Mask?
If Link fails to defeat Majora before the moon falls, a devastating cutscene shows the moon crashing down, destroying Termina. This cutscene illustrates the failure of Link’s quest and the grim fate of Termina and its inhabitants. This serves as the Bad Ending of the game, and will require the player to try again.
Why is Zelda Not in Majora’s Mask?
Zelda is notably absent from Majora’s Mask, and her absence is likely related to her unique connection to Hyrule’s divinity and events. The game is focused on Termina and its unique problems, so Zelda would not have a place there.
Why is Majora’s Mask Evil?
Majora’s Mask is an ancient artifact of immense and evil power. It is said to have been used by an ancient tribe for hexing rituals and is imbued with a wicked force that corrupts and takes control of whoever wears it.
Why Does Link Scream in Majora’s Mask?
The masks in Majora’s Mask each contain the sorrow of those who were once the masks’ original owners, which, when worn, can cause the wearer to experience that intense sorrow and trauma, leading them to want to scream. Link’s own experience with these transformations can be emotionally taxing.
Which Link is the Strongest?
This topic is highly debated among fans, but according to most fan and critical consensus, the Hero of the Kingdom (Tears of the Kingdom) and the Hero of the Wild (Breath of the Wild) are often considered among the strongest versions of Link in the franchise due to their incredible abilities and mastery of combat. However, the Hero of Time is also a powerful force, particularly when utilizing masks.
How Did Link Get Epona in Majora’s Mask?
Link obtains Epona during the “Protect Romani’s Cows” side quest. Players need the Goron Mask and clear the Snowhead Temple, to make spring return to the mountain. Once that is complete, they can rescue Epona.
What Age is Link in Majora’s Mask?
The official materials suggest that Link is around 10 years old as a child in Majora’s Mask. His appearance is consistent with his younger self in Ocarina of Time.
Is Majora’s Mask a Sequel to Ocarina of Time?
Yes, Majora’s Mask is a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time. It takes place months after the events of the previous game, and explores a very different story, showcasing a darker and more surreal style compared to the first game.
How Does the Three-Day Cycle Impact Link’s Journey?
The three-day cycle is the core mechanic of Majora’s Mask, forcing Link to repeat the same three days over and over, using the Ocarina of Time to reset time. This allows him to acquire new items, knowledge, and complete side quests during each iteration of the time loop, which changes how different NPCs act based on where he is in his timeline.
Link’s journey in Majora’s Mask is a complex tale of resilience, hope, and the confrontation of inner and external demons. His adventures in Termina offer a unique perspective on the character that is both emotionally resonant and highly engaging, making this game a standout in the Zelda series.