Why Does Link Not Age?
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Link does not age due to the properties of the Shrine of Resurrection, which essentially stop his aging process as he heals, and his reincarnation as a hero chosen by the goddesses to rise up against evil, making him a narrative archetype of a character in a decades-long series. This unique circumstance allows Link to remain physically young despite the passage of time, with his biological age and chronological age often being different, as seen in Breath of the Wild where he is 17 biologically but 117 chronologically.
Understanding Link’s Age
The Concept of Link
The concept of Link is complex, with multiple incarnations and reincarnations throughout the series, making it difficult to determine a single age or design for the character.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Link’s biological age in Breath of the Wild? Link is 17 years old biologically in Breath of the Wild, but due to his 100-year slumber, he is 117 years old chronologically.
- Is Link an adult in Tears of the Kingdom? Link’s proportions and physique suggest that he is still quite young, likely under the age of 25.
- What is Link’s canon age? Link’s canon age varies throughout the series, but he is generally under the age of 18, with Hyrule Historia stating that he is 10 years old in the first game and 16 years old in Adventure of Link.
- Is Link actually a girl? Link is canonically male, but his character design is intended to be gender-neutral, allowing players to relate to him regardless of their own gender.
- Does Link love Zelda? Link and Zelda share a loving and caring relationship, but it is not explicitly romantic.
- Which Link is the strongest? The strongest Link is subjective, but some of the most powerful versions include the Hero of Time, Hero of the Wild, and Dark Link.
- Does Link marry Zelda? Link and Zelda are never depicted as married, and it is not explicitly stated in any game or official media.
- Was Zelda fighting Ganon for 100 years? Princess Zelda was holding back Calamity Ganon for 100 years, but her power was growing weak, and Ganon was poised to return.
- Who is older, Link or Mipha? Mipha is 55 years old in Zora years, making her roughly the same age as Link and Zelda.
- Why doesn’t Link wear green in Breath of the Wild? Link’s outfit was changed to make him a more neutral character, allowing players to easily step into his shoes.
- Has Zelda ever kissed Link? Link and Zelda have never officially kissed, although romantic interest is heavily hinted at in some games.
- Did Mipha want to marry Link? Mipha had romantic feelings for Link, and her family welcomed the idea of marriage between the two.
- Did Link love Zelda or Mipha? Link has romantic feelings for Zelda, but his relationship with Mipha is more complex and open to interpretation.
- Why is Link so girly? Link’s design is androgynous, making it easier for players to relate to him and put themselves in his shoes.
- Why can’t Link be a girl? The balance of the Triforce is one reason why Link is not typically depicted as a female character, as it consists of Princess Zelda, Ganon, and Link.