Why Does Link Wake Up? Exploring the Hero’s Recurring Resurrections
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Link, the iconic hero of the Legend of Zelda series, is often found waking up at the start of his adventures, frequently after a period of slumber or suspended animation. But why does Link wake up? The simplest answer is this: Link’s awakenings serve as a narrative catalyst, plunging the player directly into the game’s world and inciting the call to adventure. However, the reasons behind these awakenings, while varied, are crucial to understanding Link’s role as the destined hero. From restorative sleep to prophetic callings, each awakening carries significant narrative weight and sets the stage for the challenges he must overcome. Whether it’s a desperate plea from a princess or the natural conclusion to a long restorative process, Link’s reemergence is never random but a key element of the Zelda narrative.
Understanding the Nature of Link’s Awakenings
The nature of Link’s awakenings differs significantly across the many games of the franchise. In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the most striking example, Link awakens after a 100-year slumber within the Shrine of Resurrection. This prolonged rest was not accidental but the result of a deliberate action taken by Princess Zelda and the Sheikah tribe. His injuries from the Calamity Ganon war were so severe that extraordinary measures were required. The Shrine of Resurrection was designed to facilitate this process, demonstrating that the hero’s return is sometimes a planned, and necessary, act of preservation.
The Restorative Sleep
Many times, Link is found sleeping at the start of a game, this can be after an extended nap or some type of resting period. This is often explained away as Link needing rest to recover. The classic idea of a sleeping hero is a trope that many games use. Link however, is often awakened by something or someone, and thrust into action.
Prophetic Callings
Link’s awakenings aren’t always about rest or recovery. In some games, they are a response to a prophetic call or a desperate plea for help. This could be a vision, a dream, or the urgent request from an ally in need. These awakenings emphasize Link’s destiny as the hero and his unwavering duty to protect Hyrule from evil. These scenarios showcase the idea of a hero being awakened by some outside force or need.
Dreams and Illusions
The reason for Link’s awakening isn’t always so literal. In The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, for example, it’s revealed that Link’s entire experience on the island was a dream. This illustrates that some awakenings can be symbolic or represent a journey within the mind. This showcases that some of his adventures are less about physical journeys, and more about internal ones.
Why the Recurring Theme of Awakening?
The recurring theme of Link’s awakenings is no coincidence. It serves several key narrative and gameplay purposes:
- Immediate Immersion: Beginning with an awakening immediately thrusts the player into the game’s world and story, with Link as a blank slate ready to be molded by the player’s choices.
- Hero’s Journey Start: The awakening often signifies the start of the hero’s journey, as Link is thrust into a world in need of his help, highlighting the importance of a fresh start.
- Memory Loss: In some cases, as with Breath of the Wild, Link’s awakening is coupled with memory loss, creating an opportunity for players to discover the lore alongside Link, giving the player a reason to explore.
- Resetting the Stakes: Each awakening marks a reset of sorts, allowing new stories to unfold and creating a renewed sense of urgency and purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Link’s Awakenings
1. Why did it take Link 100 years to wake up in Breath of the Wild?
The Shrine of Resurrection’s restorative process was designed to heal Link’s near-fatal injuries, and 100 years was the time needed for the process to fully complete. The designers also used this time to show the effects time and Ganon had on Hyrule.
2. How did Zelda not age during Link’s 100-year sleep?
Zelda created a magical barrier around Hyrule Castle to contain Calamity Ganon, possibly separating it from the normal flow of spacetime. This allowed her to remain alive and ageless, but also imprisoned.
3. Is Link asleep at the start of every Zelda game?
No, Link is not asleep at the start of every game. For example, in the original Legend of Zelda (1987), he is already awake. However, the trope of awakening is very common.
4. Was Link’s Awakening all a dream?
Yes, at the end of Link’s Awakening, it’s revealed that the island was a figment of Link’s imagination, a dream while he was unconscious at sea.
5. Why did Link sleep for seven years in Ocarina of Time?
Link was not initially considered to be the true hero of time, due to his young age. His spirit was sealed for seven years, allowing him to mature and be worthy of wielding the Master Sword.
6. Was Link originally conceived as a female character?
While Link is male, the developers initially wanted him to be gender-neutral. This idea was created for the player to be able to view Link as either a boy or a girl.
7. Do Link and Zelda have a romantic relationship?
Their relationship is not canonically confirmed as romantic, though there are hints of deep love and care throughout the series, it is usually left up to the viewer to determine their relationship.
8. How did Link get placed into the Shrine of Resurrection?
After sustaining serious injuries during the war with Calamity Ganon, Princess Zelda ordered Purah to put him in the Shrine for the Slumber of Restoration.
9. How old is Link in Breath of the Wild?
If we account for his 100-year slumber, Link is roughly 117 years old, though he appears physically around 17 or 18 in the game.
10. How much time passes between Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom?
Most estimates suggest approximately five to seven years pass between the events of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
11. Is Link designed to be an autistic character?
No, Link is designed to be an avatar for the player. While he may show some behaviors that can be related to autistic traits, he is not meant to represent autism itself.
12. Why does Link sometimes lose his memories?
Memory loss is often a narrative device used to allow players to discover the game’s lore along with Link, as well as creating stakes in the game.
13. Have Link and Zelda ever kissed?
Despite hints of romantic interest in some games, they have not officially kissed. The closest thing to a canon relationship is arguably in Spirit Tracks, where they hold hands.
14. Does Link ever marry Zelda?
No, they don’t usually end up married. Most often, their relationship remains platonic or professional. There are however implications that they could eventually end up together in the future, depending on the game and timeline.
15. Why doesn’t Link have a fairy in every game?
Link, in the game Ocarina of Time, is a Hylian. All Kokiri have fairies, Link does not due to not being a Kokiri. However, Navi joins him at the beginning of his adventure, filling in the companion role.
Conclusion
Link’s awakenings are a fundamental aspect of the Legend of Zelda series. Whether triggered by the need for physical healing, a prophetic call, or the symbolic start of a new journey, these moments serve as the cornerstone of the hero’s quest, immediately engaging players and setting the stage for the epic adventures that await. Understanding why Link wakes up is essential to appreciating the rich narrative tapestry woven throughout the Zelda games, each awakening adding another layer to the enduring legend of Hyrule’s hero.