Why Was Revali So Jealous of Link?
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Revali’s resentment towards Link in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild isn’t a simple case of petty rivalry. It stems from a complex interplay of factors, ultimately boiling down to unfulfilled potential, recognized limitations, and the inherent unfairness of destiny in his eyes. Revali, the Rito Champion, possessed unparalleled skill and dedication, yet the prophecy and the Master Sword chose Link, a Hylian knight, as the destined hero. This selection, in Revali’s view, invalidated his own years of relentless training and mastery, relegating him to a supporting role in a narrative he felt he should have been leading. He believed his capabilities far surpassed Link’s, especially considering Link’s initial amnesia and dependence on the Sheikah Slate. Essentially, Revali was jealous of Link’s preordained destiny and the recognition it brought, which he believed he deserved more.
Understanding Revali’s Character
To fully understand Revali’s jealousy, we need to delve into his character. He is ambitious, proud, and fiercely competitive. He holds himself to incredibly high standards and expects the same from others. This perfectionism, while driving him to hone his skills to an exceptional degree, also makes him intolerant of perceived weaknesses, especially in those he considers his rivals.
The Weight of Expectation
Revali carries the weight of his entire Rito village’s expectations. He’s not just a skilled warrior; he’s a symbol of Rito excellence, the one chosen to pilot the Divine Beast Vah Medoh. This adds immense pressure, fueling his desire to prove himself and maintain his position at the pinnacle of Rito society. Failure, in Revali’s eyes, isn’t just personal; it’s a reflection on his entire village.
The Pride of a Prodigy
Revali is undeniably a prodigy. His mastery of aerial combat and his creation of Revali’s Gale are testament to his innate talent and tireless dedication. He believes his exceptional abilities should automatically qualify him as the hero, not some amnesiac knight who suddenly appears with a legendary sword. This sense of entitlement, while off-putting, is rooted in the genuine belief that he is the best candidate to defeat Calamity Ganon.
The Spark That Ignited the Jealousy
While Revali’s inherent personality traits predisposed him towards jealousy, specific events and circumstances fanned the flames of his resentment towards Link.
The Acceptance of Link by the Master Sword
The most significant trigger for Revali’s jealousy was undoubtedly the Master Sword choosing Link. The Master Sword, a symbol of the chosen hero, is intrinsically tied to Hyrule’s destiny. Its selection of Link implied a level of worthiness and preordained purpose that Revali couldn’t replicate, no matter how hard he trained. It solidified Link’s position as the central figure in the fight against Calamity Ganon, relegating Revali, in his view, to a supporting role.
Queen Zelda’s Trust in Link
Queen Zelda’s trust in Link, despite his initial failures to awaken his power, further fueled Revali’s resentment. He saw Zelda’s faith in Link as misguided, given his perceived lack of skill and the reliance on the Sheikah Slate. Revali believed Zelda was placing her trust in the wrong person, someone who didn’t possess the innate talent and dedication to warrant such confidence.
Link’s Perceived Lack of Personality
Ironically, Link’s stoic personality likely contributed to Revali’s frustration. While Link’s silence is a deliberate choice by the player, Revali likely interpreted it as a lack of depth or intellect. He might have seen Link as a blank slate, easily manipulated by Zelda and the prophecy, further solidifying his belief that he was a more deserving candidate for the role of hero.
Revali’s Tragic Flaw
Revali’s inability to overcome his ego and accept Link’s role ultimately proves to be his tragic flaw. His pride prevents him from recognizing the true strength of teamwork and the importance of unity in the face of adversity. He remains isolated, focused on his own achievements and resentful of Link’s success, hindering his ability to contribute effectively to the fight against Calamity Ganon. He fails to see that Link’s strength lies not just in his skill but also in his unwavering courage and his ability to inspire others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Revali actually stronger than Link?
While Revali was undoubtedly a more skilled aerial combatant and arguably possessed a higher level of raw talent, strength is multifaceted. Link’s courage, resilience, and ability to unite the Champions ultimately proved to be more valuable assets in the fight against Calamity Ganon. It’s a question of different types of strength, not necessarily one being definitively superior.
2. Did Revali hate Link?
“Hate” is a strong word. Revali was resentful and jealous of Link, but he didn’t necessarily hate him. He likely saw Link as an obstacle to his own ambitions and a symbol of the perceived unfairness of the prophecy.
3. Why didn’t Revali try to become the chosen hero himself?
The chosen hero is selected by the Master Sword, not by personal ambition. Revali, despite his skills, couldn’t force the Master Sword to choose him. His jealousy stemmed from this inherent limitation.
4. Did the other Champions share Revali’s sentiments?
While the other Champions may have had their own doubts or insecurities, they were generally more supportive of Link. Mipha, Daruk, and Urbosa recognized Link’s potential and were willing to work alongside him.
5. Was Revali’s Gale actually his own creation?
Yes, Revali’s Gale was a testament to his unique talent and mastery of aerial combat. It was a skill that was specifically unique to Revali.
6. How did Revali die?
Revali was killed by Windblight Ganon while piloting Divine Beast Vah Medoh.
7. Did Revali ever acknowledge Link’s strength?
Yes, after Link freed Vah Medoh from Windblight Ganon, Revali begrudgingly acknowledged Link’s strength and offered his support. This acknowledgement, however, comes after his death as his spirit speaks to Link.
8. Was Revali a good person?
Revali’s morality is complex. He was arrogant and self-centered, but he was also dedicated to protecting Hyrule and fulfilling his duties as a Champion. He was flawed but ultimately well-intentioned.
9. Did Revali’s jealousy impact his performance as a Champion?
Potentially, yes. His focus on individual achievement and his resentment towards Link may have hindered his ability to collaborate effectively with the other Champions.
10. Is Revali’s Gale useful in Breath of the Wild?
Absolutely! Revali’s Gale is an incredibly useful ability that allows Link to create a powerful updraft, enabling him to reach high places and gain a strategic advantage in combat.
11. Was Revali aware of the prophecy surrounding the Calamity?
Yes, all the Champions were aware of the prophecy and their roles in combating Calamity Ganon.
12. How does Age of Calamity portray Revali?
Age of Calamity expands on Revali’s character, showing more of his insecurities and the reasons behind his animosity towards Link. It also highlights his dedication to his duties as a Champion.
13. Could Revali have survived if he weren’t so prideful?
It’s possible. Had Revali been less focused on proving himself and more focused on teamwork, he might have been able to defeat Windblight Ganon or at least escape the Divine Beast.
14. What does Revali represent in the story of Breath of the Wild?
Revali represents the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. He serves as a cautionary tale of how talent and skill can be overshadowed by arrogance and resentment.
15. Is there any redemption for Revali’s character?
Yes, in a way. While he doesn’t fully overcome his pride, his eventual acknowledgement of Link’s strength and his willingness to support him, even posthumously, suggest a degree of growth and redemption. His spirit acknowledges that Link was indeed the one destined to defeat Calamity Ganon.