How Many Links Are There in Zelda?
The Legend of Zelda franchise boasts a rich history, but definitively answering how many Links are there in Zelda? is tricky. The generally accepted answer is that there are at least 19 distinct incarnations of Link across the main series of games.
Understanding the Hero of Time: A Multifaceted Answer
The question of how many Links are there in Zelda? is surprisingly complex. It’s not a simple count of titles because the Legend of Zelda doesn’t follow a linear timeline in the traditional sense. Nintendo has officially released a convoluted timeline branching into separate realities based on specific game outcomes. Moreover, some games feature the same Link, while others present entirely new iterations of the hero. Let’s dive into the factors that contribute to this complexity.
The Official Zelda Timeline
Nintendo’s official timeline, released in Hyrule Historia, is crucial to understanding Link’s multiple incarnations. It clarifies that certain events result in splits, creating parallel timelines. This directly impacts how many Links are there in Zelda? because some Links exist in only one of these branched realities.
- Child Timeline: This branch focuses on Link returning to his childhood after Ocarina of Time.
- Adult Timeline: This branch sees Hyrule flooded following Ganondorf’s return in Ocarina of Time.
- Downfall Timeline: This branch occurs if Link fails to defeat Ganon in Ocarina of Time.
The existence of these timelines directly affects the count because the same Link from Ocarina of Time exists in the Child and Adult timelines (though with different experiences), while the Downfall timeline begins a new chain.
Distinguishing Links: Design and Personality
While the timeline offers a framework, distinguishing individual Links can be subjective. Physical design, personality traits, and narrative arcs all contribute to recognizing a new or returning hero.
- Visual Design: Each Link often has a distinct appearance, from Link’s Awakening’s more childlike design to Twilight Princess’ older, more mature look.
- Personality: Though often silent protagonists, subtle differences in dialogue options and interactions suggest varied personalities.
- Story Arc: Each game presents Link with a unique challenge, shaping him differently and defining his individual story.
Games Featuring the Same Link
Some Zelda games directly continue the story of a previous title, featuring the same incarnation of Link. For example:
- Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask: The same Link travels to Termina in Majora’s Mask after the events of Ocarina of Time.
- A Link to the Past and Link’s Awakening: The Link from A Link to the Past is shipwrecked and ends up on Koholint Island in Link’s Awakening.
- Oracle of Seasons/Ages: These games feature the same Link, though the player can choose to play them in either order.
These are crucial considerations when determining how many Links are there in Zelda?.
The Nuances of Spin-Offs and Remakes
Spin-off titles and remakes add another layer of complexity to the question. Should they be counted?
- Spin-Offs: Games like Hyrule Warriors feature multiple Links from different timelines but are non-canon. These are generally excluded from the official count.
- Remakes: Games like Link’s Awakening (Switch) or Ocarina of Time 3D feature improved graphics and gameplay but don’t introduce a new Link.
The official count typically focuses on main series games that introduce a new or distinct iteration of the Hero of Time.
Listing the Distinct Links
Here is a breakdown of distinct Links across the main Zelda series, contributing to the final answer of how many Links are there in Zelda?:
| Game Title | Distinct Link? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend of Zelda | Yes | The first Link. |
| Zelda II: The Adventure of Link | Yes | The same Link as The Legend of Zelda. |
| A Link to the Past | Yes | Distinct from the original. |
| Link’s Awakening | No | The same Link as A Link to the Past. |
| Ocarina of Time | Yes | A pivotal Link involved in the timeline split. |
| Majora’s Mask | No | The same Link as Ocarina of Time. |
| Oracle of Seasons/Ages | Yes | Distinct Link that can appear in either game first. |
| The Wind Waker | Yes | Descendant of the Hero of Time in the Adult Timeline. |
| The Minish Cap | Yes | Establishes the origins of the Four Sword. |
| Four Swords Adventures | Yes | Features the Four Sword Link. |
| Twilight Princess | Yes | A descendant of the Hero of Time in the Child Timeline. |
| Phantom Hourglass | No | A direct sequel to The Wind Waker, featuring the same Link. |
| Spirit Tracks | Yes | Descendant of the Wind Waker Link. |
| Skyward Sword | Yes | The first Link, establishing the origin of the Master Sword and the cycle. |
| A Link Between Worlds | Yes | A descendant of the A Link to the Past Link, with similar appearance. |
| Tri Force Heroes | Yes | Features three Links, but assumed to be descendants of the A Link to the Past Link. |
| Breath of the Wild | Yes | Features a unique Link set in a distant future Hyrule. |
| Tears of the Kingdom | No | The same Link as Breath of the Wild. |
Therefore, based on the table, there are 19 distinct Links.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it possible there are more Links than officially stated?
While the generally accepted number is 19, it’s always possible that Nintendo could retcon or introduce new Links in future games. Interpretations of the timeline also vary, leading to some debate among fans. The official timeline serves as the primary source, but fan theories can still be interesting to consider.
Are the Links in Hyrule Warriors considered canonical?
No, the Links in Hyrule Warriors are not considered canonical. Hyrule Warriors is a crossover title that pulls characters and settings from across the Zelda universe but doesn’t adhere to the established timeline or lore.
Why are some Links counted as the same when they look different?
Sometimes, minor visual differences exist between Links in direct sequels. However, the key is that their backstory, experiences, and established relationships are carried over from the previous game. They are the same character experiencing a new adventure.
Does each timeline branch have a unique Link?
No, not necessarily. The Ocarina of Time Link experiences events in both the Child and Adult timelines, although he is a child in one and his future self is gone in the other. The Downfall timeline, however, begins with a new Link after the Hero of Time fails.
Does the fact that Link is often reincarnated mean it’s always the same soul?
The concept of reincarnation is present in the Zelda universe, but it’s not always a simple case of the same soul being reborn. While the spirit of the Hero often manifests, each Link is presented as a distinct individual with their own personality and experiences. Skyward Sword establishes the curse from Demise ensuring that a hero and princess will always be reborn.
Does the same Zelda exist in every game too?
Similar to Link, Zelda is also often reincarnated. However, unlike Link, Zelda’s different iterations tend to be more heavily linked.
Why is the Breath of the Wild Link considered a distinct iteration?
The Breath of the Wild Link is considered distinct due to his unique backstory, amnesia, and the vast amount of time that has passed between his era and any previous Zelda game. He is a new hero in a drastically changed Hyrule.
Is the A Link Between Worlds Link the same as A Link to the Past?
While he is a descendant and bears a strong resemblance, the A Link Between Worlds Link is considered a separate incarnation. He has his own unique story and abilities, most notably the ability to merge into walls.
Do the Four Swords games each feature unique Links?
While technically distinct, the Link in Four Swords Adventures is often considered the same as the Minish Cap Link. Tri Force Heroes likely features descendants from the A Link to the Past Link. These games blur the line somewhat.
What about Linkle from Hyrule Warriors Legends?
Linkle is a non-canonical character created for Hyrule Warriors Legends. She is not considered part of the official lineage of Link.
Is there one definitive best Link?
The concept of a “best” Link is entirely subjective. Fans have their personal favorites based on design, personality, gameplay, or the stories they connect with most.
Has Nintendo ever officially confirmed the exact number of Links?
Nintendo has not provided a definitive, official count. The number 19 is a consensus derived from analyzing the timeline and recognizing distinct iterations of the character across the main series games. This is based on fan consensus.