Why is Link a Mute?
Link is not mute, as in unable to speak, but rather selectively mute, choosing to limit his speech, with the game’s design philosophy and storyline revealing that he has the ability to talk but has decided to shoulder burdens silently to project strength. This decision is rooted in his character development, particularly when he became a knight, and is highlighted in diary entries from Mipha and Zelda in Breath of the Wild, showcasing his growth and emotional depth.
Understanding Link’s Silence
Link’s silence is a deliberate design choice, meant to make him an avatar for the player, allowing players to imagine their own voice and project themselves onto the character, enhancing the gaming experience and creating a personal connection with the game.
FAQs About Link’s Character
1. Is Link Mute or Deaf?
Link is not mute or deaf; he can talk but chooses to limit his speech, as indicated in Breath of the Wild through Zelda’s diary and Mipha’s diary entries.
2. Why Does Link Barely Talk?
Link barely talks because he believes it is his duty as a knight to silently shoulder burdens, projecting strength and stoicism.
3. Has Link Always Been Mute?
While Link has always been silent in the games, Breath of the Wild particularly highlights his selective muteness, showcasing it as a character trait rather than a inability to speak.
4. Why Doesn’t Link Speak?
Link doesn’t speak much because he is designed to be a gender-neutral character and an avatar for the player, making his silence a creative choice for player immersion.
5. Is Link Nonbinary?
Although Eiji Aonuma wanted Link to be gender-neutral, he has stated that Link is male, with his design intended to be androgynous but not explicitly nonbinary.
6. Is Link Canonically Pretty?
The Legend of Zelda series portrays Link as a beautiful boy, especially in Breath of the Wild, where his appearance is noted by both players and characters within the game.
7. Does Link Have Nipples?
Link was first depicted without nipples in Breath of the Wild, but in The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask, he was shown with nipples, indicating a design choice that varies by game.
8. Is Link LGBTQ?
While Nintendo considers Link straight and cisgender, fans have interpreted the series in LGBTQIA+ contexts, expanding the Zelda universe with diverse characters and readings.
9. Why is Link So Feminine?
Link’s design is intended to be gender-neutral, with feminine touches to make him more relatable and less traditionally masculine, as stated by Eiji Aonuma during the development of Twilight Princess.
10. Does Link Love Zelda?
Link and Zelda share a loving and caring relationship, though it’s not explicitly romantic in all games; their bond is deep, with Link consistently supporting and saving Zelda throughout the series.
11. What is Link’s Full Name?
There is no official full name for Link; like Mario, whose full name is also Mario, Link’s naming is a running joke within Nintendo, with no serious, canonically confirmed full name provided.
12. Was Link Originally a Girl?
Although Link is a male character, Eiji Aonuma mentioned wanting players to see Link as potentially either male or female in Ocarina of Time, aiming for a gender-neutral perception.
13. Who is the Weakest Link in Zelda?
Zelda 2 Link might be considered the weakest due to the lack of physical abilities and items at the start of the game, though each Link has unique strengths and weaknesses.
14. Who Does Link Love Most?
Link’s relationship with Zelda is central, but in games like The Minish Cap, Link and Zelda’s relationship is portrayed as romantic, showing Link’s capacity for deep emotional connections.
15. Can There Be a Female Link?
There have been concept designs for a female Link, known as Linkle, indicating that while Link is traditionally male, there is room for interpretation and variation within the Zelda series.