The Legend of Link: A Hero Across Time and Space

When it comes to iconic video game characters, Link from The Legend of Zelda series is undoubtedly near the top of the list. As the protagonist of Nintendo's beloved action-adventure franchise, Link has captured the hearts of gamers for decades. Let's take a closer look at this legendary hero, exploring his background and his most memorable appearances across the franchise.

Link, the Hero of Time, is a courageous young warrior who serves as the primary protagonist in The Legend of Zelda series. Traditionally clad in a green tunic and a distinctive cap, Link is known for his exceptional combat skills, puzzle-solving abilities, and unwavering determination. Though his appearance and backstory may differ slightly from game to game, Link's purpose remains constant: to protect the kingdom of Hyrule and its inhabitants from various forces of evil, often saving Princess Zelda in the process.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Link's character is that he is not just a single individual; he represents a lineage of heroes that appear throughout different eras and dimensions in the Zelda timeline. Each incarnation of Link is a chosen one, destined to wield the legendary Master Sword and possess the spirit of the hero, a vital component in the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Warp Pipe Weekly

A weekly recap of all things Nintendo

SUBSCRIBE

By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice. You can opt out at any time.

Follow us on social media!

Sign up for the Warp Pipe Weekly Newsleter

Get all of your Nintendo News

SUBSCRIBE

By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice. You can opt out at any time.

Notable Appearances

With a franchise as vast and varied as The Legend of Zelda, it's no surprise that Link has had numerous memorable appearances. Here are some of the most notable games featuring our green-clad hero:

The Legend of Zelda (1986): This NES classic marked the debut of both Link and the Zelda series, setting the foundation for future games. The original Legend of Zelda introduces the basic elements of exploration, dungeon-crawling, and puzzle-solving that the franchise would become famous for.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991): Widely regarded as one of the best games in the series, A Link to the Past returns to the top-down perspective of the original game and expands on the gameplay with an intricate story, a vast overworld, and a unique Light World/Dark World mechanic.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998): This groundbreaking title brought the series into 3D and introduced innovative gameplay mechanics like Z-targeting and time travel. Ocarina of Time's engaging story, memorable characters, and unforgettable music make it a fan-favorite to this day.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (2000): As the direct sequel to Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask is a darker and more surreal adventure, focusing on a three-day time loop and the impending doom of a falling moon. The game's unique mask system and emphasis on side quests set it apart from other entries in the series.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017): Breath of the Wild reinvented the Zelda formula, embracing open-world exploration and non-linear gameplay. With its vast, beautiful landscapes and the freedom to tackle challenges in any order, this game has become a modern classic.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023): As the latest installment in the Zelda franchise, Tears of the Kingdom builds upon it's predecessor's open-world game model. If Breath of the Wild's Hyrule wasn't big enough for you (spoilers, it's massive), well, you're in luck. Tears of the Kingdom gives players even more freedom to explore the sky, Hyrule proper, and caverns below for hours on end.

These titles represent only a fraction of the adventures that Link has embarked upon throughout the years. As a symbol of courage and hope, Link has left an indelible mark on the gaming world, and his legend continues to grow with each new entry in the Zelda series. With his sword and shield in hand, there's no doubt that this beloved hero will continue to inspire generations of gamers for years to come.