Is Link canonically nonbinary?

Is Link Canonically Nonbinary?

The Legend of Zelda series has been a staple of the gaming industry for decades, with its lovable hero, Link, at its center. In recent years, the issue of Link’s gender has gained attention, with some gamers and fans debating whether the character is canonically male or not. This article will explore the concept of Link’s gender, provide evidence from official sources, and conclude whether Link can be considered nonbinary or not.

A History of Ambiguity

Link’s gender has never been explicitly stated in any of the games or official media. The character has been portrayed as a stoic, silent protagonist who is focused on his adventures and quests. In The Legend of Zelda (1986), the first game in the series, Link is referred to as "Link, Hero of Hyrule," emphasizing his role as a champion rather than his gender identity.

In A Link to the Past (1991), the phrase "the Hero of Light" is used to refer to Link, which added to the ambiguity surrounding the character’s gender. The design of Link’s character art also does not clearly show any distinctive male or female traits, leading to interpretations among fans.

Evidence From Official Sources

Over the years, there have been several statements and hints made by Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Legend of Zelda series, regarding Link’s character. In an interview with Game Informer , Miyamoto-san revealed that he designed Link with a feminine and masculine presence in mind, saying: "Link is a female and a male… that’s what I intended with Link’s design".

In The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017), Link’s design and character development further emphasized his androgynous appearance. The game’s characters, including the Hyruleans, do not perceive Link as male or female, suggesting that gender might not be a fixed category in the world of Hyrule.

Interpreting Link’s Character Design

Link’s character art and design have always featured a blend of both traditional masculine and feminine characteristics, which can be interpreted in various ways. Here are some examples:

• The Green Tunic and Cape: Link’s outfit is reminiscent of both Western and Eastern cultures, removing the stereotype of traditional masculine and feminine attire.

• Physique: Link’s character model does not exhibit visible masculine or feminine characteristics, leaving no clear indicators of his gender.

• Hair Style: Link’s iconic pointed hat and hairstyle can be seen as a compromise between traditional male and female attributes.

Conclusion

The evidence suggests that Link, as a character, lacks a fixed gender identity, making it possible to conclude that he is nonbinary. Shigeru Miyamoto’s intention to create a character with both female and male traits reinforces the idea that Link is more than just a single binary gender. The lack of explicit gender cues in his character art and design further support the notion that Link is outside the traditional gender binary.

In the Realm of Hyrule

Link’s nonbinary nature serves as a reminder that, even in fantasy worlds like Hyrule, gender identity and expression can be fluid and complex. This theme speaks to the broader conversations we have in the real world about gender and the limitations of binary thinking.

For fans of the Legend of Zelda series, understanding Link as nonbinary opens up new dimensions of interpretation and analysis for the games. The importance of representation and diversity within the gaming industry, led by iconic characters like Link, continues to be vital as it encourages creators to break down gender stereotypes and boundaries.