Why Doesn’t Princess Zelda Age?
The agelessness of Princess Zelda can be attributed to her ability to seal herself in time, creating a magical barrier between Hyrule Castle and the outside world, which prevents her from aging, as seen in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This sealing power allows her to maintain her youthful appearance, as she is separated from the fabric of spacetime, effectively pausing her aging process for an extended period, including the 100 years between the Calamity and the events of Breath of the Wild.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the current theory behind Zelda’s agelessness?
The current theory behind Zelda’s agelessness is that she created a magical barrier between Hyrule Castle and BOTW’s Great Plateau to prevent Calamity Ganon from hurting the outside world, thereby separating the castle from the fabric of spacetime.
2. Why does Zelda look younger in some games?
Zelda’s youthful appearance can be attributed to her being sealed away in Hyrule Castle with Ganon, which has allowed her to maintain her age, similar to her experience in Skyward Sword where she was sealed in a crystal.
3. Why was Link asleep for 100 years?
Link was placed in the Slumber of Restoration inside the Shrine of Resurrection by Purah, following Princess Zelda’s orders, to heal his fatal injuries sustained during the second Great Calamity.
4. Are Link and Zelda 100 years old?
While Link’s age is not explicitly stated in most games, it is known that he was 16 in A Link to the Past, and around 17 in Skyward Sword, but their physical age remains unclear due to their ageless nature.
5. Was Zelda fighting Ganon for 100 years?
Zelda had been holding back Calamity Ganon for the past 100 years, but her power was growing weak, and Ganon was poised to return, prompting Link to embark on a quest to save Hyrule.
6. What’s next for Zelda?
The future of Zelda remains uncertain, but with the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, fans can expect new developments in the Zelda series, potentially exploring the consequences of Link and Zelda’s actions in Breath of the Wild.
7. Why does Link not age?
Link’s agelessness can be attributed to his role as the Hero of Time, making him an archetype rather than a person, allowing him to remain ageless throughout the series.
8. How did Link and Zelda not age?
The only definitive answer is that Zelda’s sealing powers allowed her and Link to be sealed in time, preventing them from aging during the 100 years between the Calamity and the events of Breath of the Wild.
9. What is the oldest Legend of Zelda game?
The oldest Legend of Zelda game is the original The Legend of Zelda, released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, which featured an open world and nonlinear gameplay.
10. Why can’t Link talk in Breath of the Wild?
Link’s silence in Breath of the Wild is attributed to his need to stay strong and silently bear any burden, as stated in Zelda’s diary, given the high stakes and the weight of his responsibilities.
11. How old is Link actually?
Link’s age varies across the series, starting at 10 years old in the first game and 16 in its sequel, with his age changing throughout the series, including being 9 and then 16 in Ocarina of Time.
12. Why is Link cursed?
Link is cursed by Demise, who lays a curse on Link and Zelda that binds him to them forever, forcing all future incarnations to deal with Demise’s eternal vengeance.
13. Was Link ever a female character?
There was an official female version of Link at one point, but the series has since settled on the male protagonist as the iconic hero.
14. What does Zelda say when Link wakes up in Breath of the Wild?
Zelda’s first words to Link in Breath of the Wild are “Open your eyes…“, as Link awakens from his slumber and begins his journey to save Hyrule.
15. Is Link LGBTQ+?
While Nintendo insists Link is straight and cisgender, fans have expanded the Zelda universe with LGBTQIA+ characters and queer readings of Zelda games, offering a more diverse and inclusive interpretation of the series.