The Goddess’ Hero

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Since the beginning of The Legend of Zelda, the playable character has been Link, a young boy who seems to be different than whomever he is living with. He has no experience in fighting, and this begs the question: Why would the Goddess always choose a young male to go on a seemingly impossible journey? If she wanted to have the evil that corrupted the lands defeated faster and more effectively, the Goddess surely could have found someone more suited for the task. Link’s age may have a big part to play in this; he is able to be molded by his trials, and grow more than a fully-grown adult could.

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The biggest part of why Link is chosen is that he holds the Triforce of Courage, which allows him to take on more daunting challenges, and in some cases, be protected from danger. There seems to some negative emotions stirred up by the fact that the player always controls a male. The reason that this is constant is to adhere to the archetypical male hero rescuing the helpless female, usually of some royal blood. The assumption that Zelda is a helpless, girly princess is easily erased through, in part, her extremely capable counter-part, Sheik. There is much speculation as to the actual identity and gender of Sheik, but no one can deny that Sheik is incredibly talented and smart.

To speak of Link’s abilities, he has virtually none outside of those specialized to the area in which he is living. However, these may tie into his journey along the way, such as his ability to catch goats twisting into battling Gorons in Twilight Princess. Other than these uncannily useful skills, he is completely inept at everything the Goddess needs him to do. Despite this glaring opposition, he sets out on his journey with courage that could only come from a mystical, three-pronged symbol. The Goddesses must have perfect faith in this easily corruptible, simply destroyable lad, or else they would have picked a more suitable candidate for ridding the known world of a perfect and total evil.

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Now to look at the match-ups; Link, a young boy, adequately trained at best. Zelda, who is useful on a good day. Ganondorf, a man who has had a lifetime of experience and looks intimidating enough to scare away the biggest of foes. These odds seem quite unfair, not to mention impractical. One, maybe two young adults against a highly trained and ferocious foe, not looking good for the heroes. Now, Ganondorf is not the only villain, so maybe Link will have a better chance against someone else. Since Dark Link knows everything regular Link does, he is an extremely difficult adversary. Demon King Demise and the self-titled Demon Lord Ghirahim are both very over-powered, and should have easily killed Link when they first met. In all honesty, Link has a better shot at defeating the Deku Tree than he does any of the enemies he actually does. In fact, the Deku Tree might be a challenge; Link can take on the Postman!

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All in all, Link does grow considerably throughout his adventure, and with the help and support of all the friends he makes along his journey, is able to defeat even the greatest of adversaries, and return peace to the land. He lives up to the responsibility of carrying the Triforce of Courage, all without saying a word. This brings up a good point, and a few questions: Why haven’t we heard Link say anything in all his years of adventuring?

You have all read my observations, so now I ask you, Why do you think it is Link that always gets chosen, and if you could choose a different character, who would it be and why?

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About Author

Luke Corbitt is in his Junior year in high school, but he has enjoyed playing Zelda games for many years. The Hidden Triforce is Luke's first contribution to the Zelda community, and he's excited to learn as well as pass on knowledge. As well as writing for The Hidden Triforce, Luke is in the Newspaper club at his school. Some interests are baseball, volleyball, and ridding the world of evil on his trusty steed, Bucephalus.

  • Luke Turner

    point, Sheik is revealed as Zelda in ocarina of time, just before giving you the light arrows if memory serves

    • Pete

      yes, Sheik is most definitely Zelda and Zelda is most definitely Sheik. There can be no debate.

      • Luke Corbitt

        How would you describe the physical differences, i.e. more masculine features? Unless Zelda’s garb covers them

        • Pete

          the easiest way to prove my point is in the game Smash Bros. Melee and Brawl. Even if you throw out the subtle clues in Ocarina of Time, Smash Bros. proves it by having Zelda literally turn into Sheik in game play and in single player Cinematic.

          • Luke Corbitt

            So you’re saying there’s some sort of magic involved? Because in the game, the flowing sparkling light looks pretty magical

          • Pete

            Yep, Zelda kinda has this whole magic thing going on.

          • Luke Corbitt

            Alright, that makes sense, the whole game franchise is filled with magical items and ideas..