Why is Link 117 Years Old?
The Legend of Zelda series has always been shrouded in mystery, and one of the most intriguing questions has always been the age of the protagonist, Link. According to the games, Link is 117 years old, but how and why is this the case? In this article, we’ll delve into the possible explanations behind Link’s age and explore the history of the Zelda series to uncover the truth.
Direct Answer:
Link is 117 years old because he was put into stasis for 100 years.
As explained in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Link was put into stasis by Princess Zelda and the Sheikah tribe to heal his injuries and save his life after the Great Calamity. This stasis, known as the "Shrine of Resurrection," slowed down Link’s aging process, allowing him to remain 17 years old for 100 years. When he awakens, he is 117 years old.
How is this possible?
Let’s break down the possibilities:
- Time Dilation: One possibility is that time dilation occurred due to the stasis, slowing down Link’s aging process. This would allow him to remain 17 years old for 100 years, making him 117 years old when he awakens.
- Alternative Timeline: Another theory is that the stasis created an alternate timeline or reality, allowing Link to experience 100 years while only aging 17 years. This would also account for the 100-year gap between the events of Ocarina of Time and Breath of the Wild.
- Magic: Some fans believe that Link’s age is due to magical or divine intervention. In the Zelda series, magic can manipulate time and aging, so it’s possible that Link’s stasis was affected by these forces.
Subheading: Link’s Age Across the Zelda Games
- Ocarina of Time: Link is 17 years old in Ocarina of Time, according to the game’s instruction manual.
- The Minish Cap: In this game, Link is also 17 years old.
- Breath of the Wild: Link is 17 years old when he awakens from stasis, but the game doesn’t explicitly state his age when he began the stasis.
Theories and Speculation:
- Immortality: Some fans believe that Link is essentially immortal, with his age not affecting his physical abilities. This theory is supported by the fact that Link has consistently defeated the main villain of the series, Ganon, across multiple games.
- Cycles of Time: Another theory is that Link’s age is a reflection of the cycles of time in the Zelda series. The series often deals with themes of reincarnation and the cyclical nature of time, which could account for Link’s aging and the events of the games.
Conclusion:
Link’s age is a complex and intriguing aspect of the Zelda series, with multiple theories and possibilities to explain his 117-year-old status. While the direct answer is that he was put into stasis for 100 years, there are many other theories and speculations that offer alternative explanations. Ultimately, the true nature of Link’s age remains a mystery, leaving fans to continue debating and exploring the possibilities.