Why Does Sidon Like Link? Unpacking the Zora Prince’s Affection
Sidon’s affection for Link is multifaceted, stemming from a complex interplay of admiration, shared grief, and a deep-seated belief in Link’s heroic potential. It’s not simply a case of blind admiration; rather, it’s a bond forged in the fires of past tragedy and a shared commitment to protecting Hyrule. While some fans playfully interpret their interactions romantically, the primary reasons for Sidon’s strong connection to Link are rooted in his personal history and character.
The Lingering Shadow of Mipha
A Brother’s Grief, A Shared Hope
A significant aspect of Sidon’s connection with Link is the profound influence of his late sister, Mipha. Mipha, a Champion of Hyrule and a skilled healer, held a deep affection for Link. When Sidon first encounters Link, he’s struck by the familiarity of his name – a name he recognizes from Mipha’s stories. This recognition triggers a powerful emotional response, as Sidon comes to understand that this is the very Hylian his sister cherished. For Sidon, Link isn’t just a hero; he’s a tangible link to Mipha, a reminder of her love, and a symbol of the hope she held for Hyrule’s future.
Acceptance and Forgiveness
Sidon, having personally experienced the devastation of the Calamity, carries his own burden of grief and perhaps a sense of helplessness. Mipha’s tragic death undoubtedly had a profound impact. Link’s return represents a second chance, a hope to rectify the past. Sidon’s fervent belief in Link and willingness to support him can be seen as a way of both processing his grief and offering forgiveness for any perceived failures associated with the Calamity. He sees in Link a conduit through which Mipha’s hopes can be realized.
A Familiar Name, A Familiar Hero
When they first meet, Sidon enthusiastically compliments Link’s name, noting its familiarity even before realizing the connection to Mipha. This initial reaction hints at a latent predisposition to admire a hero, even before the personal connection is fully revealed. It also speaks to the respect and admiration that the Zora people held for Mipha and by extension, for those she held dear.
Beyond Mipha: Sidon’s Own Character
Sidon’s Charismatic Personality
Sidon is not just reacting to the past; he is a natural leader, known for his optimism, bravery, and infectious enthusiasm. His interactions with Link are characterized by genuine support and encouragement. He sees Link not just as a hero but also as a friend, someone he genuinely wants to help and collaborate with. This natural charisma and desire to inspire others plays a role in how he bonds with Link. He appreciates Link’s quiet strength and unwavering resolve.
The Zora’s Strong Sense of Duty
The Zora, as a race, possess a deep sense of duty and loyalty. Sidon, as their prince and eventual king, embodies these characteristics. He is committed to protecting his people and restoring peace to Hyrule. He views Link as essential to achieving this goal and sees their collaboration as necessary to overcome the threats that plague their world. This sense of duty drives his commitment to supporting and believing in Link.
A True Friendship
While the game never explicitly portrays Sidon as romantically interested in Link, it does portray a powerful and meaningful friendship. The dynamic between them is one of mutual respect, trust, and shared purpose. Sidon is always there to cheer Link on, lend his strength, and express genuine excitement at their shared victories. This pure friendship, fueled by a shared goal and mutual admiration, solidifies their bond.
The Impact on the Player
Fans’ Interpretations and Shipping
Sidon’s dynamic with Link has captured the hearts of many players, leading to widespread fan interpretations of their relationship, including the popular “ship” between them. The genuine warmth and encouragement Sidon shows toward Link have resonated with many, creating a space for fans to explore different potential facets of their connection. While some fans interpret their connection romantically, the core of their bond remains rooted in the narrative explained above.
A Powerful Relationship
Ultimately, Sidon’s fondness for Link is a powerful testament to the importance of shared experiences, mutual respect, and the enduring impact of those we have loved and lost. It adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative and solidifies the themes of hope and resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Sidon in love with Link?
The game does not explicitly portray Sidon as romantically interested in Link. Their relationship is presented as a strong and deeply supportive friendship. However, the warmth and genuine admiration Sidon shows towards Link have led to many fan interpretations and “shipping.”
2. Who is Sidon’s fiancée?
Sidon is betrothed to a Zora named Yona, who is a childhood friend and a fellow royal from another domain. She is known for her kindness and her dedication to helping the residents of Zora’s Domain.
3. Is Sidon older than Mipha?
No, Sidon is younger than Mipha. She was one of the Champions who fought against Calamity Ganon a century before the events of Breath of the Wild, while Sidon is the current prince of the Zora.
4. Why is Sidon pink?
Sidon’s initial color was blue, but it was changed to pink so he could more closely resemble his sister Mipha and to better differentiate him within the Zora’s Domain.
5. How old is Sidon?
While his exact age isn’t specified, Sidon is stated to be 135 years old. Zora in general tend to stand taller than Hylians, and Sidon is known for being a rather imposing 6’9.
6. Where is Sidon’s fiancé, Yona, from?
Yona is a royal Zora from another domain. She was Sidon’s childhood friend, and she moved to Zora’s Domain to assist in combating the sludge problem in Tears of the Kingdom.
7. Did Link and Mipha have a romantic relationship?
It’s suggested through the Japanese translation of Breath of the Wild that Mipha and Link shared a deep affection for one another, with the possibility of a romantic relationship under different circumstances.
8. Does Sidon remember Link from 100 years ago?
Yes, after King Dorephan recognizes Link, Sidon recalls hearing the name from Mipha’s stories and then remembers Link as the Hylian Champion from 100 years ago.
9. Is Link in love with Zelda?
The relationship between Link and Zelda is portrayed as deeply caring and supportive, although there’s no explicit confirmation of a romantic relationship within the games.
10. How old is Link in Tears of the Kingdom?
Link is approximately 122-125 years old in Tears of the Kingdom. This is calculated from his age in Breath of the Wild (approximately 117) and the time that has passed between the games.
11. Did Link and Zelda ever kiss?
There are a few instances where Link and Zelda kiss in the games. In Oracle of Ages/Seasons, they kiss in a linked game, and in Adventure of Link, Link is rewarded with a kiss after waking a sleeping Zelda.
12. Does Link have a crush on anyone?
The character Marin from Link’s Awakening is suggested to be a manifestation of Link’s feelings for Zelda, indicating he might have a crush on her at certain times in the timeline.
13. Why is Sidon so famous?
The Sidon mentioned in the article, which has an extensive historical background, is the city of Sidon in Lebanon, which was historically famous for its purple dyes and glassware, having been a very influential city-state. However, this is completely different from Prince Sidon from Zelda.
14. Is Sidon’s design related to a real-life culture?
While his design is primarily inspired by the Zora race within the Zelda universe, his coloration and some physical traits might have subtle inspirations from aquatic life. However, this is not confirmed.
15. How tall is Sidon?
Sidon is a towering figure in the Zelda universe, standing at a height of 6 feet 9 inches. This height makes him one of the tallest characters in the game.