How Old is Link Usually?
The Legend of Zelda series has been a beloved franchise for decades, with its iconic protagonist, Link, being a central figure in the games. One question that has puzzled fans is how old Link is usually. In this article, we will delve into the ages of Link throughout the series and explore the various answers provided by the developers and game lore.
Direct Answer
According to the Hyrule Historia, Link is typically under the age of 18. In the first game, The Legend of Zelda, Link is 10 years old. In Adventure of Link, he is 16 years old. This age range is consistent across most games in the series.
Age in Specific Games
Here is a breakdown of Link’s age in specific games:
| Game | Link’s Age |
|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda | 10 |
| Adventure of Link | 16 |
| Ocarina of Time | 17 |
| Majora’s Mask | 17 |
| Twilight Princess | 17 |
| Breath of the Wild | 117 |
Notable Exceptions
There are a few exceptions to the general rule of Link being under 18. In Breath of the Wild, Link is 117 years old, which is significantly older than the typical age range. This is due to the game’s unique storyline, where Link is awakened from a 100-year slumber.
Concept Art and Character Design
Concept art and character design also provide insight into Link’s age. In most games, Link is depicted as a young adult, with a youthful appearance. This is consistent with the age range mentioned in the Hyrule Historia.
Eiji Aonuma’s Comments
In an interview with Time, Eiji Aonuma, the longtime Zelda producer, mentioned that Link’s age is intentionally left ambiguous. He stated, "We didn’t really think about his age too much. We just thought about him as a hero who’s fighting to save the world." This lack of specificity allows players to imagine Link as they see fit, regardless of his actual age.
Love Interests and Soulmates
Link’s love interests and soulmates are also worth mentioning. In most games, Link’s romantic interests are princesses or other female characters. However, in some games, such as Majora’s Mask, Link’s love interest is a Zora named Anju. This adds a layer of complexity to Link’s character, as he is not limited to a single romantic interest.
Taller or Shorter than Zelda?
In terms of physical stature, Link is typically depicted as being shorter than Princess Zelda. This is consistent across most games in the series. However, in some games, such as Ocarina of Time, Link is shown to be slightly taller than Zelda.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Link’s age is typically under 18, with the majority of games in the series depicting him as a young adult. However, there are notable exceptions, such as Breath of the Wild, where Link is significantly older. The ambiguity surrounding Link’s age allows players to imagine him as they see fit, and his love interests and soulmates add a layer of complexity to his character.