The Champion’s Color: Why Link Traded Green for Blue in Breath of the Wild
Link, the silent protagonist of the Legend of Zelda series, has donned a green tunic in most of his adventures, an instantly recognizable symbol. However, Breath of the Wild (BOTW) introduced a significant visual shift, replacing the traditional green garb with a blue tunic. This change wasn’t merely aesthetic; it was a deliberate design choice laden with narrative and gameplay implications. So, why is Link blue now? The short answer is threefold: to signify his role as a Champion, to create a more neutral, relatable protagonist, and to refresh the iconic character’s visual identity.
The Champion’s Tunic: A Symbol of Unity
In the world of BOTW, the blue tunic isn’t just any piece of clothing; it’s the Champion’s Tunic, a garment worn by Link as a member of an elite group representing the different races of Hyrule. This tunic acts as a visual marker, instantly identifying Link with the other Champions – Urbosa, Daruk, Mipha, and Revali. Each Champion, while retaining elements of their own cultural attire, incorporates the same shade of blue into their design, such as Urbosa’s skirt and Daruk’s sash. This unified color palette fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, emphasizing their collective mission to defeat Calamity Ganon. Therefore, Link’s blue tunic is not only a shift in style but also a plot device, cementing his place within the Champion lineage.
A Blank Slate: Making Link More Relatable
Beyond its narrative significance, the change to a blue tunic serves a vital purpose for gameplay and player immersion. According to interviews with the development team, one of the key reasons for ditching the green tunic was to make Link a more “neutral” character. By moving away from such an iconic and established symbol, the developers aimed to create a protagonist that players could more easily project themselves onto. The green tunic, while beloved, carried with it a heavy weight of history and expectation. Removing it allowed players to approach Link and his story with fresh eyes, fostering a stronger sense of personal connection to the character and the world. Essentially, it made Link a more adaptable avatar for a wider audience.
A Refreshing Change: Injecting New Life into an Icon
Finally, the decision to swap green for blue was driven by a desire to “mix things up,” as stated by Eiji Aonuma, the producer of the Legend of Zelda series. The green tunic had become so ingrained in the Zelda identity that it risked becoming stale. Aonuma and his team felt it was time for a visual refresh, a way to breathe new life into a character that has been around for over three decades. The vibrant blue stood out against the lush landscapes of Hyrule, offering a more modern and visually striking appearance. This change allowed the developers to explore new aesthetic possibilities and create a visually distinct entry in the Zelda franchise, while simultaneously paying respect to the franchise’s legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Link’s Appearance
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Link’s attire, gender, and general design choices throughout the Legend of Zelda series, providing further insight into the evolution of this iconic character:
1. Why did Link change to blue?
As discussed above, Link changed to blue to signify his role as a Champion, to create a more neutral protagonist, and to refresh the iconic character’s visual identity.
2. Why is Link no longer green?
The developers felt the green tunic had become too iconic and wanted to try something new. They aimed to make Link more relatable and give the character a fresh visual update.
3. Why does Link always wear green?
In the original Legend of Zelda game, the NES’s limited color palette dictated the choice. Since the game featured many forests, green was the logical choice for Link’s clothes. In later games, it became a tradition, especially since Link was adopted by the Kokiri in Ocarina of Time, who all wore green.
4. Why does Link dress like that?
Link’s clothing varies from game to game, often reflecting the culture or environment he inhabits. However, the traditional green tunic is often tied to his role as a hero or his connection to the forest.
5. Why does Link wear a blue earring?
Link wearing earrings varies by game. In some instances, like in certain Zelda manga, his ears are pierced as part of a coming-of-age ritual. The earrings can also symbolize his connection to the Sheikah tribe.
6. Was Link originally a girl?
While Link is a male character, Eiji Aonuma has stated that he wanted Link to be gender neutral in Ocarina of Time, allowing players to project themselves onto the character more easily.
7. Was Link supposed to be gender neutral?
Yes, in certain games, the developers have intentionally designed Link with a degree of androgyny to make him more relatable to a wider range of players.
8. Why does Link wear a weird hat?
Link’s hat is often interpreted as a Phrygian cap, which symbolizes freedom and liberty. It’s a subtle nod to his role as a hero fighting against oppression.
9. Why does Link look so feminine?
Link is deliberately designed to be somewhat androgynous. This design choice is to make him a more effective “self-insert” character for players, allowing them to project themselves onto him regardless of their own gender identity.
10. Why is Link’s last name Link?
Link has never been officially given a last name by Nintendo. Shigeru Miyamoto jokingly suggested his full name could be “Link Link,” similar to Mario and Luigi’s surname in the 1993 Super Mario Bros. movie.
11. Why is it Zelda and not Link?
According to Hyrule Historia, a PR planner suggested a storybook where Link rescues a princess named Zelda, after Zelda Fitzgerald. Miyamoto liked the name “Zelda,” which then became the game title.
12. Why doesn’t Link wear armor?
Link does wear armor in many games, often found and upgraded throughout the adventure. The lack of heavy armor is usually justified by the need for agility and freedom of movement in his explorations.
13. Why is Link purple in A Link to the Past?
Link’s hair appears purple in A Link to the Past due to technical limitations and color palette choices of the SNES. Canonically, his hair is not purple.
14. Is Link canonically male?
Yes, Link is consistently depicted as a male character throughout the series, though his androgynous design and silent protagonist nature allow for player identification regardless of gender.
15. Why doesn’t Link talk?
Link’s silence is intentional. It allows players to project their own thoughts and feelings onto the character, making them feel more connected to the story. In-universe explanations sometimes suggest Link’s silence stems from the immense pressure he faces.
Conclusion: The Evolving Hero of Hyrule
Link’s transformation from green to blue in Breath of the Wild represents more than just a cosmetic change. It signifies a deliberate evolution of the character, reflecting both narrative necessity and a desire to enhance the player experience. Whether clad in green or blue, Link remains an iconic figure, a symbol of courage and hope, forever bound to the fate of Hyrule. Game design decisions like this highlight the importance of narrative and visual cues in engaging players and fostering a deeper connection to the game world. To learn more about the complex ways in which games engage and educate, consider exploring the research and insights provided by the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.