Why Did Zelda Put Link to Sleep in Breath of the Wild?
Zelda didn’t put Link to sleep per se; rather, she, along with the Sheikah tribe, initiated a process to place him in suspended animation within the Shrine of Resurrection. The primary reason for this was to heal the catastrophic injuries Link sustained while defending her against the onslaught of Calamity Ganon during the Calamity War. Link was on the brink of death, and this was the only way to save him, albeit with the consequence of a 100-year slumber. This stasis was also intended to give Link time to recover his strength and ultimately fulfill his destiny as the hero capable of defeating Ganon.
The Calamity War’s Toll
The Calamity War was a devastating event, and Link bore the brunt of its fury. As the appointed knight and protector of Princess Zelda, he fought valiantly, but even his legendary skills were not enough to prevent him from being critically wounded. Without intervention, his injuries would have been fatal.
The Shrine of Resurrection: A Last Resort
The Shrine of Resurrection, a Sheikah creation, offered a unique solution: a state of suspended animation where Link’s wounds could heal over an extended period. While asleep, his body would repair itself, though his memories would be lost as a side effect. Zelda, desperate to save him and ensure Hyrule’s future, made the difficult decision to initiate this process.
Zelda’s Crucial Role
While the Sheikah provided the technology, Zelda’s power and influence were essential to the plan’s success. She dedicated herself to containing Calamity Ganon within Hyrule Castle, buying Link the time he needed to recover. This act of self-sacrifice highlights her commitment to her kingdom and her unwavering belief in Link’s ability to ultimately vanquish the darkness.
A Century of Struggle
Zelda’s struggle against Ganon lasted for 100 years. She used her sealing power to restrain him, but with each passing year, her strength diminished. Placing Link in the Shrine was a calculated risk, a gamble that he would awaken in time to defeat Ganon before Zelda’s power completely failed.
The Awakening and the Lost Memories
When Link awakens, he has no memory of the Calamity War or his relationship with Zelda. This amnesia is a direct consequence of the extended stasis. He must rely on the guidance of the mysterious voice in his head (Zelda) and the encouragement of the spirits of the Champions to regain his memories and prepare for his final confrontation with Ganon.
The Hero’s Journey Revisited
The loss of memories, though a significant setback, also allows players to experience Hyrule through Link’s eyes with a fresh perspective. Rediscovering the world and its history becomes an integral part of the gameplay, adding depth and emotional resonance to Link’s journey. Understanding this context enhances the player experience and the story’s impact. The Games Learning Society has resources that show how these elements add to the educational value and engrossing narratives of modern video games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Link and Zelda in Breath of the Wild
1. How is Zelda alive after 100 years?
Zelda’s agelessness in Breath of the Wild is attributed to her immense magical power, which she used to create a barrier around Hyrule Castle, preventing Calamity Ganon from escaping and harming the outside world. By sustaining this barrier, she essentially existed outside the normal flow of time, effectively preserving her youth.
2. Did Link fall in love with Zelda in Breath of the Wild?
While the game doesn’t explicitly confirm a romantic relationship, it strongly suggests a deep and caring bond between Link and Zelda. Their connection is built on mutual respect, unwavering support, and shared experiences. Many players interpret their interactions as hinting at romantic feelings, particularly towards the end of the game.
3. When does Link actually sleep and wake up in Breath of the Wild?
Link enters the Shrine of Resurrection shortly after being gravely injured during the Calamity War. He awakens 100 years later at the start of Breath of the Wild. This is the pivotal moment that sets the entire game in motion.
4. Has Link ever kissed Zelda in any Zelda game?
Across the entire Legend of Zelda series, there has never been an explicit kiss between Link and Zelda. While some games hint at romantic feelings, the relationship remains largely implied or left to player interpretation. The ending of Spirit Tracks, where they hold hands, is often cited as one of the closest examples of physical intimacy.
5. Did Link love Mipha or Zelda more?
The game suggests that Mipha had romantic feelings for Link, but it’s less clear if he reciprocated them in the same way. Link appears to value her as a close friend and ally. By the end of Breath of the Wild, however, his feelings for Zelda seem more profound and emotionally charged, suggesting a deeper connection.
6. Did Zelda fight Ganon for the entire 100 years?
Yes, Zelda spent the entire 100 years containing Calamity Ganon within Hyrule Castle. Her power was the only thing preventing him from unleashing his full destructive potential upon the world. This constant battle gradually weakened her, making Link’s eventual awakening and intervention crucial.
7. Does Zelda have an ending in Breath of the Wild?
Yes, Breath of the Wild concludes with Link defeating Calamity Ganon and freeing Zelda from her century-long imprisonment. The ending shows Zelda and Link embarking on a journey to rebuild Hyrule together.
8. Why did Link not age during his slumber?
Link didn’t age because he was in a state of suspended animation within the Shrine of Resurrection. This technology effectively paused his biological processes, preventing him from aging during the 100-year period.
9. How old is Link in Breath of the Wild?
While physically Link appears to be around 17 years old (his apparent age before entering the Shrine), he is technically 117 years old at the start of Breath of the Wild, considering the century he spent in stasis.
10. Does Link get reincarnated in the Zelda series?
It’s not Link himself who is reincarnated, but rather the spirit of the hero, a manifestation of courage. This spirit is reborn in different eras and individuals, each time destined to face the darkness and protect Hyrule. This explains why each iteration of Link has no memory of previous incarnations.
11. Why is Zelda sometimes jealous of Link?
Zelda’s occasional jealousy towards Link stems from her internal struggle to fulfill her own destiny. As the princess of Hyrule, she carries immense responsibility, but often feels inadequate in comparison to Link’s natural prowess and heroic abilities. She sometimes views his mastery with the Master Sword with envy.
12. Why don’t Link and Zelda kiss in most Zelda games?
The reasons vary across different Zelda titles. Sometimes they are too young, or their social status prevents a romantic relationship. In other cases, the focus is more on their shared mission and unwavering friendship rather than romantic entanglement.
13. Why does Link wear blue in Breath of the Wild?
The blue tunic worn by Link in Breath of the Wild is known as the Champion’s Tunic. It symbolizes his role as one of Hyrule’s chosen champions, representing the best of its various races. It’s a departure from the traditional green tunic, signifying a new era and a break from established norms.
14. Can Ganon be killed permanently in Breath of the Wild?
Unfortunately, no. After defeating Ganon in Breath of the Wild, the game returns you to just before the final battle, allowing you to continue exploring Hyrule. This means Ganon can’t be permanently eliminated within the game’s narrative structure.
15. What did Ganon do to Zelda in the Zelda series?
Across the Zelda series, Ganon’s actions towards Zelda vary, but they typically involve either kidnapping her, attempting to usurp her power, or possessing her in some way to control her. In many instances, he uses her as a pawn to achieve his goals of dominating Hyrule.
Understanding the intricacies of Link and Zelda’s relationship, the events leading to Link’s slumber, and the consequences of the Calamity War enhances the overall experience of playing Breath of the Wild. This kind of storytelling shows the power that games have to create engaging and thought-provoking narratives. For more on this, visit GamesLearningSociety.org to see how these elements contribute to the educational value and engrossing stories of modern video games.