Is Link the same person in every game?
No. While Link stars as the iconic hero in every Legend of Zelda game, he is typically not the same individual in each incarnation of the series. Instead, the mantle and spirit of Link as Hyrule‘s courageous champion is passed down through generations.
The Many Lives of Link
Analyzing the extensive official Zelda timeline reveals our green-garbed hero has wildly differing backstories, lives, and origins amongst the games. For example:
- Ocarina of Time Link is born to a mother who escapes war into Kokiri Forest
- Twilight Princess Link grows up in Ordon village with a farming family
- Breath of the Wild starts with Link having lived over a century ago
These disconnected origins showcase that Nintendo produces The Legend of Zelda with fresh, distinct incarnations of Link tailored for each game.
Incarnation Pattern: The Hero Awakens Once More
There is a cycle where Link hears destiny‘s call, draws the Master Sword from its pedestal, and ventures forth to combat Ganon and save Princess Zelda anew. This cements the notion that even if his spirit returns, Link is frequently reborn.
| Game | Origin |
|---|---|
| Ocarina of Time | Born to fleeing mother |
| Wind Waker | Outset Island inhabitant |
| Skyward Sword | Knight academy student |
This table offers a tiny sample of vastly differing background stories for Links, backed by official game lore.
When Is Link The Same Person?
There are exceptions, however. For example, clear genealogical connections exist between some Links:
- Direct Ocarina of Time → Twilight Princess bloodline descent heavily implied
- A Link to the Past Link confirmed to be same hero in Oracle series
- Triforce Heroes set in same world with same Link as A Link Between Worlds
But statistically these cases of a continuous Link make up <20% of his total appearances. So while possible, it is not the norm.
The Everlasting Courage of Link
Nintendo‘s Shigeru Miyamoto himself stated each Zelda game features "a Link in a different time and a different world." So how does the essence of this legendary hero recur eternally?
As Miyamoto-san clarified regarding Link‘s spirit:
You can think of it almost like he‘s a spirit transferring from one game to the next.
No matter the incarnation, Link constantly wields the sacred Master Sword, utilizes the Triforce of Courage, and perseveres through obstacle after obstacle to emerge triumphant against evil. His righteous heroism shines again and again across legends, a persistent icon of good storming against dark forces trying to take root.
While taking on new lives, something intrinsic about Link‘s persona rings true throughout the ages. Call it fate, destiny, or divine providence from the Golden Goddesses of Hyrule themselves.
Additional Proof of Distinct Links
Looking deeper, many official Zelda materials corroborate each Link as a distinct person outside rare instances like direct sequels:
- Zelda encyclopedia/art book explorations of unique character backstories
- Developer interviews consistently referring to "Links" in the plural
- Breath of the Wild (Creating a Champion) confirming its aged hero lived over 10,000 years ago
Clearly timelines branch, legends fade, and new warriors inheriting the green tunic (and often name) Link are birthed by the periods they are needed most.
In conclusion, while Links are commonly distinct individuals, the courageous essence of this legendary hero manages to persist in new eras as his spirit returns to combat evil once more. Like the saying goes:
The goddess blood never dies.
So no – Link is certainly not the same person in every Legend of Zelda game. But the legacy of his bravery carries on!
