Why does Link look like Peter Pan?

Link’s character design was inspired by Peter Pan because the creator, Takashi Tezuka, used the Disney character as a source of inspiration to make the character recognizable, as stated by Shigeru Miyamoto in an interview with Gamekult. The inspiration from Peter Pan is evident in Link’s youthful and adventurous appearance, which has become an iconic part of the Legend of Zelda series.

Introduction to Link’s Character Design

Link’s character design has been consistent, but it has evolved across the series, with his sprite design created by Tezuka. The design has undergone significant changes, but the inspiration from Peter Pan remains a notable aspect of his character.

FAQs about Link and Peter Pan

General Questions

1. Was Link originally a girl?: Link has always been the iconic protagonist of The Legend of Zelda, but there was an official female version of him at one point, and the idea of a female Link has been explored in various games and storylines.
2. Was Link designed to be androgynous?: Eiji Aonuma, a longtime Zelda producer, wanted Link to be a gender-neutral character, allowing players to interpret his gender as they see fit.
3. Why do Link and Zelda look alike?: Link and Zelda are both Hylain, a fictional race in the Legend of Zelda series, and their similar appearance is due to their shared heritage and the medieval European inspiration for the series.

Relationship Questions

4. Are Link and Zelda married?: While Link and Zelda share a deep and loving relationship, they are not explicitly married in any of the games, leaving their exact relationship status open to interpretation.
5. Did Zelda fall in love with Link?: In The Minish Cap, it is heavily implied that Zelda has romantic feelings for Link, and their relationship is rooted in their childhood friendship.
6. Why can’t Link be a girl?: According to Eiji Aonuma, making Link a female would disrupt the balance of the Triforce, which consists of Princess Zelda, Ganon, and Link.

Character Design Questions

7. Why does Link wear blue?: In Breath of the Wild, Link wears a blue tunic, which signifies his position as a Champion of Hyrule and represents his connection to the land and its people.
8. Is Link canonically pretty?: Link’s physical appearance is often commented on by characters in the game, with many finding him to be attractive and charming.
9. Why does Link look girly?: Link’s androgynous design is intended to make him a self-insert character for players, allowing them to project themselves onto him and imagine themselves as the hero.

Peter Pan Inspiration

10. Is Link modeled after Peter Pan?: Yes, Link’s character design was directly inspired by Peter Pan, with Takashi Tezuka using the Disney character as a reference point for Link’s youthful and adventurous appearance.
11. Why did Link’s creator use Peter Pan as inspiration?: Shigeru Miyamoto stated that Tezuka used Peter Pan as inspiration to make Link recognizable and iconic, drawing on the character’s timeless appeal and universal recognition.

Other Characters and Relationships

12. Was Link dating Mipha?: While Mipha has romantic feelings for Link, it is not explicitly stated that they were in a relationship, leaving the nature of their connection open to interpretation.
13. Does Link like Mipha?: In the Japanese translation of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, it is suggested that Link and Mipha share a deep affection for each other, but the exact nature of their relationship is unclear.
14. Who is Link’s soulmate?: Link’s soulmate is not explicitly stated in any of the games, leaving it up to the player’s interpretation and allowing them to imagine their own romantic relationships for the character.
15. What is the significance of Link’s character design?: Link’s character design, inspired by Peter Pan, has become an iconic part of the Legend of Zelda series, representing the franchise’s emphasis on adventure, courage, and self-discovery.