What race is Link?

What Race is Link?

The Legend of Zelda series has been a beloved franchise for decades, with its iconic hero, Link, being a central figure in the stories. One question that has sparked debate among fans is: what race is Link? In this article, we will delve into the world of Hyrule and explore the answers to this question.

Direct Answer: Link is a Hylian

According to the official canon, Link is a Hylian. This is stated in the Hyrule Historia, a comprehensive guide to the Legend of Zelda series. The Hyrule Historia defines Hylians as a fictional people that are human in form with elfin features, such as pointy ears. This definition is consistent across various games in the series, including The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Physical Characteristics

Link’s physical characteristics are a key aspect of his identity. He is typically depicted as a young adult with a slender build, blonde hair, and blue eyes. His most distinctive feature is his pointed ears, which are a hallmark of the Hylian race. In some games, Link is also shown to have a green cap and tunic, which has become an iconic part of his character design.

Elfin Features

Link’s elfin features are a significant aspect of his Hylian heritage. His pointed ears are a nod to his elven ancestry, and his slender build and agile movements are reminiscent of the elven physiology. This emphasis on elven features is consistent with the Hyrule Historia’s definition of Hylians as human in form with elfin features.

Canonically Nonbinary

While Link’s gender has been a topic of debate among fans, the official canon does not explicitly state his gender. In an interview, Eiji Aonuma, the creator of the Legend of Zelda series, stated that Link is a "blank slate" and that players can interpret his character as they see fit. This lack of explicit gender identification has led some fans to argue that Link is nonbinary, and this interpretation is supported by the game’s narrative and character design.

Pronouns

When referring to Link, it is common to use pronouns such as "he" and "him." However, given the lack of explicit gender identification, some fans prefer to use gender-neutral pronouns such as "they" and "them." Ultimately, the choice of pronouns is a matter of personal preference and interpretation.

Table: Link’s Physical Characteristics

Conclusion

In conclusion, Link is a Hylian, a fictional people that are human in form with elfin features. His physical characteristics, including his pointed ears and slender build, are a key aspect of his identity. While his gender has been a topic of debate, the official canon does not explicitly state his gender, leading some fans to argue that he is nonbinary. Ultimately, the choice of pronouns and interpretation of Link’s character is a matter of personal preference.