Why is Zelda in the title and not Link?

Why is Zelda in the title and not Link?

The Legend of Zelda is one of the most beloved and iconic gaming franchises in the world. With its rich history spanning over three decades, it’s only natural to ask questions about the origins and significance of its title. One question that has long puzzled fans is: Why is Zelda in the title and not Link? In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons behind the title’s creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, and explore why Zelda was chosen as the main name for the franchise.

The inspiration behind Zelda

According to Miyamoto, the founder of Nintendo, the original inspiration for the title The Legend of Zelda came from a novel named Fairy Tales, written by James Oliver Curry. Miyamoto was influenced by the novel’s whimsical atmosphere and the fantasy world created by the author. However, he changed the name to The Legend of Zelda for a specific reason, which is revealed later.

Enter Zelda Fitzgerald

Miyamoto has been quoted numerous times about how he stumbled upon the name Zelda in a coffee shop. What caught his attention was not the person, but the wife of F. Scott Fitzgerald, the American novelist, socialite, and famous author of The Great Gatsby and many other works of literature. Zelda Fitzgerald’s name resonated with Miyamoto, partly due to her enigmatic and glamorous persona, and partly due to the time period, which was deemed fitting for a fantasy-adventure story.

Key differences: Link and Zelda

What sets Link apart from other protagonists is the fact that he is essentially a blank slate. According to Miyamoto, he wanted to create a silent protagonist who allowed players to assume the role of the character. By doing so, players became an integral part of the story, much like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Conversely, Zelda has a distinctive personality, stemming from the character’s unique traits in the games and her regal status in the Kingdom of Hyrule.

Significance of Link and Zelda

In light of Miyamoto’s revelation, we can see why Link is not more prominent in the franchise’s title. Miyamoto wanted to separate the story from the game, using Link as an avatar rather than a key character in the narrative. Zelda, with her intriguing persona and association with mystery, became an integral part of the story, world, and mythology of the franchise, making the title a reflection of the game itself rather than a name for Link.

Zelda and the franchise

Throughout the series, we see various interpretations of Link and Zelda’s relationship, from casual acquaintances in Majora’s Mask to romantic partners in Wind Waker and Twilight Princess. Nevertheless, it’s clear Zelda’s character represents the bond between the hero (Link) and the Kingdom of Hyrule.

Conclusion: Why Zelda in the title and not Link?

In the end, Miyamoto chose Zelda over Link for The Legend of Zelda’s title. This bold decision allowed Link to assume a more crucial role, while Zelda symbolized the essence of the franchise and its world. So, while Link may seem like a more obvious choice, Zelda’s enigmatic presence provides a rich cultural and gaming experience that Link alone couldn’t achieve.

Feel free to share your opinions and stories about the relationship between Link and Zelda on our page!