Decoding Link’s Age: Unraveling the Timeline of Hyrule’s Hero

The question of the oldest incarnation of Link is more complex than it initially appears, as it depends on how we define “oldest.” If we’re talking chronologically, considering both biological age and any extended periods of stasis or time travel, then the Link from Tears of the Kingdom is arguably the oldest. While physically he might appear to be in his early twenties, the fact that he spent approximately 100 years asleep in the Shrine of Resurrection during the events of Breath of the Wild and the years that pass between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, catapult him to the top of the age list, potentially putting him somewhere around 122-125 years old. However, if we’re considering only biological age at the time of their adventure, other contenders emerge.

Examining the Age of Hylian Heroes

It’s important to understand that each Link is a reincarnation, a new hero born to face the recurring evil of Ganon. Thus, each incarnation has a different starting age, and different experiences that shape their growth. While some Links are mere children embarking on their destinies, others are young adults ready to shoulder the burden.

The Complications of Time and Stasis

The Legend of Zelda timeline is notoriously convoluted, with multiple timelines branching off from Ocarina of Time. This introduces elements of time travel and suspended animation, complicating the matter of age. For example, the Hero of Time from Ocarina of Time is technically an adult when he confronts Ganondorf in the future timeline after pulling the Master Sword. However, he returns to his childhood to warn the Royal Family, essentially resetting his age.

Similarly, the Link in Breath of the Wild spends a century asleep, making him chronologically older, but physically retaining the appearance and stamina of his teenage self. Tears of the Kingdom continues this, adding a few more years onto that already sizable gap.

Candidates for “Oldest” Based on Experience and Wisdom

While Tears of the Kingdom‘s Link wins the chronological age prize, it’s worth considering age in terms of experience and wisdom. Some argue that the Hero of Twilight from Twilight Princess is comparatively more mature and stoic than other iterations. He’s depicted as being around 17 years old, but his journey is fraught with peril and requires him to interact with both the human world and the Twilight Realm, forcing him to confront complex moral dilemmas. This arguably gives him an advantage in maturity.

Why Tears of the Kingdom Link Claims the Crown

Ultimately, Tears of the Kingdom Link clinches the title due to the sheer number of years that have passed, even if he wasn’t consciously experiencing them. The game acknowledges the events of Breath of the Wild, meaning the 100-year slumber and the intervening years afterward must be taken into account. Even without counting the slumber, many fans have stated that Tears of the Kingdom takes place roughly five to six years after the events of Breath of the Wild. This makes him, chronologically, the oldest Link in the entire series. This doesn’t necessarily make him the wisest or most powerful, but in terms of sheer age, he stands apart.

It is worth noting that these types of video games could benefit from additional studies into player experience and learning. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is an excellent place to begin exploring more information about research into video games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Link’s Age

1. Is Tears of the Kingdom Link the oldest Link ever? Yes, chronologically, Tears of the Kingdom Link is the oldest due to his 100-year slumber and the time passed since Breath of the Wild.

2. How old is Link physically in Tears of the Kingdom? Despite being chronologically over 120, Link’s physical appearance in Tears of the Kingdom suggests he’s in his early twenties, likely around 22-25 years old.

3. What game features the youngest Link? Many of the earliest games show a ten-year-old Link. The Legend of Zelda and Link to the Past depict Link at a younger age compared to other installments.

4. How does Link’s reincarnation affect his age? Each Link is a new individual, so their age starts anew with each incarnation. However, factors like time travel and stasis complicate the timeline.

5. Is Link always under 18 in most games? Typically, yes. Most Links are depicted as teenagers, with ages ranging from 10 to 17, making them underage protagonists thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

6. Does time travel affect Link’s actual age? Time travel can create alternate timelines where Link experiences different ages. The Hero of Time is a prime example of this, being both a child and an adult at different points in the timeline.

7. Which Link is considered the most mature? Many consider the Hero of Twilight to be among the most mature, due to the serious and complex nature of his journey.

8. Why doesn’t Link talk? Link’s silence is intended to allow players to project themselves onto the character, making their choices and experiences feel more personal.

9. Is there a romantic relationship between Link and Zelda? The nature of Link and Zelda’s relationship is often left ambiguous, but it’s generally depicted as a deep bond of trust and affection, sometimes hinted at as romantic.

10. What is the Triforce and how does it relate to Link’s power? The Triforce is a sacred relic representing the goddesses who created Hyrule. Link often wields the Triforce of Courage, granting him strength and protection against evil.

11. How does Ganondorf’s reincarnation affect Link’s destiny? Ganondorf’s recurring evil necessitates the constant reincarnation of Link as a hero to combat him.

12. Are all the Links related to each other by blood? No. The concept of reincarnation suggests a spiritual connection rather than a blood relationship between the different Links.

13. Which Link is the strongest? The “strongest” Link is subjective and depends on what criteria you use (magic power, swordsmanship, courage). Many fans suggest either the Hero of Time, or Hero of Legend, based on their accomplishments.

14. Does Link ever fail? While he usually succeeds in defeating Ganon, there are instances in certain timelines where Hyrule is plunged into darkness, implying that Link has sometimes failed in his quest.

15. What is the significance of Link’s green tunic? The green tunic is a traditional symbol of the Hero of Hyrule and represents the hero’s connection to the forest and nature.

Conclusion

Determining the “oldest” Link is not a straightforward task. While biological age is a factor, the timelines themselves can be twisted into an almost Gordian knot, especially considering time-traveling characters. But the Hero of Hyrule will always be there, no matter what the age.