Unraveling the Mystery: Which Zelda is the Oldest?

The oldest version of Zelda, in terms of in-universe chronology, is a complex question because the Zelda timeline is notoriously convoluted, thanks to branching timelines and reincarnations. However, based on the official Hyrule Historia timeline, the earliest version of Zelda would be the Goddess Hylia. Hylia is the original incarnation of Zelda, predating all the other Zeldas in the canonical timeline. While not a playable character, Hylia’s actions directly set the stage for the entire Zelda saga.

Understanding the Zelda Timeline

The Legend of Zelda’s timeline is famously complex. After the events of Ocarina of Time, the timeline splits into three separate branches: the Child Timeline, the Adult Timeline, and the Downfall Timeline (also sometimes called the Hero is Defeated Timeline). Each timeline features its own version of Zelda, making it tricky to definitively pinpoint the oldest Zelda outside of the overarching origin point, Hylia.

However, when people ask about the oldest Zelda, they are more often inquiring about Zelda as a character in a particular game rather than the literal, original Hylia. In this case, Twilight Princess Zelda is considered the oldest, as she is 20 years old in that game.

Zelda as a Reincarnation

The concept of reincarnation is crucial to understanding the Zelda universe. The spirit of the goddess Hylia is reborn throughout the ages as different incarnations of Princess Zelda. Each Zelda possesses a portion of Hylia’s power and destiny to combat evil and protect Hyrule. This means that, while each Zelda is a distinct individual, they are all connected to the same divine source.

Zelda’s Role in Twilight Princess

Twilight Princess Zelda is a unique case. Unlike many other Zeldas who are presented as children or teenagers, she is already the reigning ruler of Hyrule at the start of the game. This maturity and her active role in governing the kingdom distinguish her from other iterations. Her age of 20, confirmed by the official Prima guide, further solidifies her status as the oldest Zelda depicted in a game.

How Age Affects Gameplay and Story

Zelda’s age directly influences her role in each game. Younger Zeldas tend to be more vulnerable and in need of protection, while older Zeldas are often more capable and proactive in defending Hyrule. This difference impacts gameplay mechanics and the overall narrative.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Zelda Lore

Here are some frequently asked questions about Zelda, Link, and the wider Legend of Zelda universe, offering insights into their ages, relationships, and more.

1. How old is the first Zelda game?

   The first Legend of Zelda game was released in Japan on February 21, 1986, making it approximately 38 years old as of 2024.

2. Which version of Link is the oldest?

   While Twilight Princess Link is often considered the oldest looking Link, his age is typically around 17. The Hero of Time from Ocarina of Time, after spending seven years asleep in the Sacred Realm, could be argued as having lived the longest overall, despite his physical age.

3. Is Link always under 18?

   Generally, yes. Link is usually portrayed as a teenager or young adult. However, his apparent age can be deceptive, especially in games with time travel mechanics like Ocarina of Time.

4. Is Link’s full name actually Link Link?

   This is a humorous anecdote stemming from a joke by Shigeru Miyamoto, referencing the Super Mario Bros. movie. Officially, Link does not have a last name.

5. How did Zelda not age for 100 years in Breath of the Wild?

   The most accepted explanation is that Zelda’s use of her sealing power created a temporal anomaly around Hyrule Castle, effectively suspending her aging process and preventing Calamity Ganon’s influence from spreading.

6. Is Link or Mipha older?

   While Mipha is portrayed as roughly the same age as Link in Hylian years, Zora age differently. In Zora years, Mipha is around 55 years old, making her significantly older.

7. Which Link is the strongest?

   This is a matter of debate, but many fans consider the Hero of the Wild (Breath of the Wild Link) to be one of the strongest, given his demonstrated resilience, resourcefulness, and mastery over numerous weapons and abilities.

8. Which Link is the weakest?

   The Hero of Spirits is often considered the weakest, primarily due to the game’s mechanics and the specific challenges he faces in New Hyrule.

9. Is Link an adult in Tears of the Kingdom?

   While Link appears more mature in Tears of the Kingdom compared to Breath of the Wild, he is likely still in his early twenties, at most.

10. Why is Link left-handed?

    Originally, Link was left-handed due to Shigeru Miyamoto’s preference, but in some games, like the Wii version of Twilight Princess, Link is right-handed to accommodate motion controls.

11. Does Link love Zelda?

    The nature of Link and Zelda’s relationship is open to interpretation. While a romantic relationship isn’t explicitly confirmed in most games, they share a deep bond of trust, respect, and mutual care for Hyrule.

12. Why is Zelda called Zelda?

    Shigeru Miyamoto named Princess Zelda after Zelda Fitzgerald, the wife of author F. Scott Fitzgerald, whom he admired.

13. Did Link love Mipha or Zelda?

    In the Japanese translation of Breath of the Wild, Link refers to Mipha as a “loved one.” This suggests a strong bond and affection, though the exact nature of their relationship is left ambiguous. Some interpret this as romantic love, while others see it as deep friendship.

14. Is Sheikah a Hylian?

    The Sheikah are considered a subrace of Hylians, sharing similar physical characteristics and magical potential.

15. Is Link Hylian or Kokiri?

    In Ocarina of Time, Link is raised as a Kokiri but is actually a Hylian. He was brought to Kokiri Forest as an infant for protection.

Beyond Age: The Enduring Appeal of Zelda

While determining the oldest Zelda might seem like a simple question, it highlights the rich lore and intricate details that make the Legend of Zelda series so captivating. The characters, timelines, and recurring themes create a world that fans continue to explore and debate decades after the first game’s release. The complex storyline of the Zelda franchise has garnered interests from many people, including those from the Games Learning Society, who study how games can be used to promote learning and engagement. To learn more about how the Zelda universe fosters learning and engagement, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

The enduring appeal of Zelda lies not just in its gameplay or graphics but in the timeless story of courage, wisdom, and power, embodied by the recurring heroes and heroines who defend Hyrule against darkness.