Decoding the Hylian Heart: Who Falls for Link in the Legend of Zelda?

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Link, the silent protagonist of the Legend of Zelda series, is not just a hero; he’s a heartthrob. While he might not always express his own romantic feelings openly, the number of characters who develop crushes on him throughout the games is substantial, offering a fascinating exploration of love, duty, and destiny. The ladies of Hyrule (and sometimes beyond!) are frequently smitten.

A Catalog of Crushes: A Who’s Who of Hylian Hearts

The list of characters who have shown, hinted at, or been interpreted as having romantic feelings for Link is surprisingly long and diverse. It includes:

• Zelda: Arguably the most consistent and complex relationship in the series. From the implied romance in Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild to their deep connection in other titles, Zelda often shares a bond with Link that transcends mere duty. The ending of Spirit Tracks, where they hold hands, is a classic example of their close relationship. Many interpretations consider the relationship as romantic.

• Mipha: The Zora princess from Breath of the Wild. Her unrequited love for Link is perhaps the most explicitly stated, especially in the Japanese version of the Adventure Log. Her creation of the Mipha’s Grace ability is directly tied to her affection for him.

• Midna: The enigmatic Twili princess from Twilight Princess. Her character arc sees her evolve from a cynical companion to a deeply caring friend, with many fans interpreting her feelings for Link as romantic. Her tearful farewell at the end of the game is a powerful testament to their bond.

• Malon: The ranch girl from Ocarina of Time. While her feelings are subtle, her friendly demeanor and playful interactions with Link hint at a possible childhood crush.

• Ruto: The Zora princess from Ocarina of Time. Ruto proclaims Link as her husband, though it’s arguable whether this is a genuine romantic sentiment or a Zora tradition.

• Nabooru: The Gerudo thief from Ocarina of Time. While their age difference is significant, Nabooru displays a clear admiration and affection for Link, even planting a kiss on his cheek.

• Saria: The Kokiri fairy from Ocarina of Time. As Link’s first friend, Saria’s heartfelt farewell and gift of the Fairy Ocarina express a deep connection that some fans interpret as a childhood crush.

• Paya: From Breath of the Wild, Paya has an overt crush on Link. Eventually, Paya and Impa talk about her feelings and she realizes that she is in fact in love with Link.

• Sidon: While not definitively romantic, the Zora prince from Breath of the Wild has cultivated a devoted fanbase who see potential romance. The game never positioned Sidon as an explicit love interest for Link as it did Mipha and Zelda, but fans latched onto the dynamic between the two, resulting in one of the more popular ships in the fandom.

The Elusive Mr. Right: Does Link Reciprocate?

The question of who Link actually has a crush on is significantly more complex. As a mostly silent protagonist, his feelings are often left up to interpretation. Nintendo’s approach to Link’s characterization leans towards making him a blank slate, a vessel through which players can experience the world of Hyrule. This allows players to project their own feelings and desires onto Link, making the question of his romantic interests highly subjective.

Canon vs. Fan Interpretation

It’s important to differentiate between what is considered canon (officially established by the game developers) and what is fan interpretation. While many characters clearly express affection for Link, Nintendo rarely explicitly confirms any reciprocated romantic feelings. The relationship between Link and Zelda is the closest thing to a canon romance, but even that remains largely implied rather than explicitly stated.

The Power of Player Choice

Ultimately, who Link “loves” in the Legend of Zelda is often determined by the player. The games allow for a sense of connection with various characters, and players are free to interpret those connections as they see fit. This open-ended approach is part of what makes the series so enduring and beloved.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Link have a crush on Zelda? It’s heavily implied in several games, especially Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild, but never explicitly confirmed. The romantic feelings towards Zelda are left up to player interpretation.

2. Is there romantic tension between Link and Zelda in Link’s Awakening? The implications are that Link had a crush on Zelda in A Link to the Past.

3. Does Link have a crush on Mipha? Link’s feelings towards Mipha are also up to player interpretation, but it is clear that Mipha had strong romantic feelings for him.

4. Is Midna in love with Link? Many fans believe so, and her final farewell certainly suggests a deep emotional connection, but the nature of her feelings are open to interpretation.

5. Why doesn’t Link talk? This is partly for gameplay reasons, allowing players to project themselves onto him. In Breath of the Wild, it’s suggested that Link chooses to remain silent to bear the burden of his destiny.

6. Is Link LGBTQ+? Nintendo maintains that Link is straight and cisgender, but many fans have created queer interpretations and headcanons.

7. Why is Link always a boy? While there was a time when the developers considered making Link gender-neutral, he has consistently been portrayed as male in the main series games.

8. Has Link ever married Zelda? No, they are never depicted marrying in any of the games.

9. Is Link an elf? Link is a Hylian. Canonically, there are no humans, or elves in Hyrule where the games take place, so one could argue that the Hylians are elves.

10. Who is Sidon’s fiancee? Sidon is betrothed to a Zora named Yona in Tears of the Kingdom.

11. Why is Link a pink bunny? In A Link to the Past, Link transforms into a pink rabbit when he enters the Dark World.

12. Who is Link’s sister? Aryll is Link’s younger sister in The Wind Waker.

13. Is Link’s relationship with Zelda canon? Link and Zelda aren’t in a canon-confirmed romantic relationship, but they share a loving, caring relationship.

14. Does Link kiss Zelda? Although romantic interest is heavily hinted at in Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild, they never officially kiss.

15. How old is Link? It’s safe to say that Link is generally on the younger side and under the age of 18, regardless of his incarnation. In the first game, Link is 10 years old.

The romantic entanglements (or potential entanglements) of Link are a testament to the enduring appeal of the Legend of Zelda series. They add depth to the characters and the world, and invite players to engage with the story on a personal level. Whether you ship Link with Zelda, Mipha, or someone else entirely, there’s no denying the enduring power of love, loyalty, and the silent hero who inspires it all.

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