Shipping in The Legend of Zelda Universe

From Zelda Wiki.org

Jump to: navigation, search

Shipping, derived from the word "relationship," is a term used to denote a fans' interest or belief in the possible (and perhaps more often impossible) romantic relationship between two characters in a piece of fiction belonging to any medium. Perhaps one of the most popular topics of discussion among fans of the Zelda series is who Link's romantic interest is or should be. There are various other shippings in the Zelda fanbase that do not involve Link; however, often those are merely products of wishful thinking and are not based on any in-game facts. The three most popular pairings are Link and Zelda, Link and Malon, and Link and Midna.[1][2][3]

Contents

Link and Zelda

Throughout the course of the series, there have been many implications of a romantic relationship between Link and Princess Zelda, and is possibly one of the most popular shippings in the Zelda universe.[1][2][3] Support for this is provided by hints in some of the games, interviews with the game creators, the cartoons, and the comics/manga.

In manga, such as the Ocarina of Time manga, Link and Zelda are shown to have a much more obvious romantic relationship than what is seen in the video games, as demonstrated by the examples below. Dialogue within the manga and Link's inability to stop thinking about Princess Zelda throughout the manga provides more evidence for fans to back-up the LinkxZelda shipping.

The Adventure of Link

Link and Princess Zelda during the ending of The Adventure of Link

After Princess Zelda is awakened, she calls Link a "real hero" for saving Hyrule.[4] The curtain then slowly falls in front of them and once it completely covers them, the two get closer to each other.

Ocarina of Time

During the ending, Link and Zelda are floating in the sky together with Zelda's Lullaby playing in the background. In this same scene, Princess Zelda holds Link's hand for a while as he gives back the Ocarina of Time, with Zelda looking down sorrowfully all the while.[5]

Manga

Non-Canon Information: The following article or section is not Zelda canon, and shouldn't be taken as such.
Part 1
Princess Zelda giving Link a kiss on the cheek

In Zelda's courtyard, Link asks Zelda whether she should be telling her all about the Sacred Realm and the Ocarina of Time. Princess Zelda replies that because Link believed in her story, she believes in him. Zelda sweetly smiles at Link, which causes him to blush.[6][7]

Before Link leaves the courtyard to find the rest of the Spiritual Stones, Zelda gives Link a kiss on the cheek and tells him to be careful, causing Link to blush and swoon and leave the castle with excitement.[8]

Part 2

As Link and Malon are fighting off the Gerudo that came to attack Lon Lon Ranch, Malon asks Link why he only refers to Princess Zelda as "Zelda" and not "Princess" and wonders just how close the two of them are.[9] Although Link doesn't reply, she then says: "You don't have to answer, I can see it in your eyes..."

When Princess Zelda reveals herself to be Sheik and explains her reasons for her actions, Link looks at her and tells her that he missed her. Just as they are about to embrace each other, they are interrupted by Ganondorf, who kidnaps Zelda.[10][11]

Oracle series

Princess Zelda giving Link a kiss on the cheek

After defeating Ganon, Princess Zelda rewards Link with a kiss on the cheek, causing Zelda to turn away blushing and for Link to swoon with hearts floating over his head.

Majora's Mask

Before Link departs the land of Hyrule, Princess Zelda gives the Ocarina of Time to Link as a memento of the time they spent together, moments which she mentions that she'll never forget.[12] She also teaches Link the Song of Time, a melody which reminds her of the two of them.[13]

The Wind Waker

During the ending of the credits, two bubbles with Link and Tetra slowly float next to each other with Zelda's Lullaby playing in the background.[14] Also, Ganondorf at one point in the game tells Link that he has taken "[his] precious Zelda."[15]

Four Swords

Manga

Non-Canon Information: The following article or section is not Zelda canon, and shouldn't be taken as such.

At the end of the Four Swords manga, Link and Zelda are shown holding hands together.[16]

Phantom Hourglass

After Tetra is returns to normal, she and Link gaze at each other with joy. They also almost hold hands, but Bellum interrupts the scene by kidnapping her.[17]

Twilight Princess

Despite their limited interaction in this game, there is at least one hint of romance between Link and Zelda: when the Light Spirits give Zelda the Light Arrow. In this scene, Zelda asks for Link's help to defeat Ganondorf, to which the young hero answers by holding out his hand for Zelda to hold.[18]

Spirit Tracks

Princess Zelda hugging Link before the final battle against Malladus

In Spirit Tracks, a stronger relationship is seen between Link and Zelda, as Zelda is around for the entire game, much longer compared to her appearances in other games. As such, it is the only game in the series that gives strong in-game hints about their close bond.

During Link's graduation ceremony, Link, who was bowing down respectfully, looks up and gasps in amazement as Princess Zelda walks in the room, although he is soon scolded by Chancellor Cole for raising his head up without permission.[19][20]

After Link and Zelda defeat Byrne atop the Tower of Spirits, Zelda comments that when they combine their strength, "no one can defeat [them]."[21] Link looks at her and smiles, to which Princess Zelda laughs and nods back. They then high-five each other, all while Zelda's Lullaby plays in the now-white background.[22]

Before the final battle against Malladus, Zelda recovers her body atop the sky and begins to fall due to her not being able to float anymore. Link quickly runs to catch her, but Zelda's fall causes Link to crash into the ground. When Zelda regains consciousness and realizes that she has reunited with her body, she quickly turns to Link and hugs him with joy, much to his surprise, causing him to open his eyes wide in amazement and blush.

As Link and Zelda watch the Lokomos depart towards the heavens, the camera lowers to show Link and Zelda holding each other's hands, and shortly after Link slightly squeezes the princess's hand.[23]

Interviews with game creators

The game creators also seem to imply there is a romance between the characters, or at least seem fond of the idea.[24] Eiji Aonuma comments on it in this interview:[25]

Interviewer: We have received several emails in which our readers ask: Will Zelda and Link ever be involved [romantically]? [laughs] I'm sorry, but we had to ask.
Aonuma: [laughs] Good question. Well, as you already know, we are now dealing with a teenage Link, and as you know, teenagers are very emotional beings, so there are definitely possibilities of seeing Link showing his feelings towards the princess. But honestly, we don’t know what the future holds.

In another interview Mr. Aonuma answers another question about this relationship in Twilight Princess.

Interviewer: Will we see a charming and affectionate romance [between Link and] the princess?
Aonuma: Well, we're creating an adolescent storyline and we try to present it how it should be; in fact, if you played it – or will play it – you’ll notice that the way Link holds the sword is much cooler than how he used to do it. Link will now do things in a way that will make him look more confident and liberated. And yes, it's true that teenagers have these relationships -- and we would love if it could happen with the princess – but I can't talk about anything yet.

A question from an old interview[24] with Shigeru Miyamoto, conducted by Famimaga 64:

Interviewer: Does Link have a girlfriend?
Miyamoto: If it was Princess Zelda, it would be great. However, this time Navi [the fairy] is jealous of Zelda. So within the story, Navi feels something for Link.

More recently, Eiji Aonuma stated in a Nintendo Power interview[26]:

After the time warp, when Link wakes up seven years later, he's extremely concerned about what has become of Zelda. If he found out right away, that wouldn't be very interesting, but if he didn't know until the very end, and then he learned that she'd been captured by Ganon all that time, that would be even worse.

And lastly, in the video documentary titled "The History of Zelda", Miyamoto comments[27]:

Ocarina was fun, and it also was Zelda-like...the story's a little romantic, though, which is not very Zelda-like.

Aside from the vague hints that Aonuma and Miyamoto have given, the game creators haven't precisely confirmed any sort of romantic relationship between the young hero and the princess.

Valiant Comics

Ambiguously Canon Content! Be advised that the following article or section contains ambiguously canon content, which has been unconfirmed by Nintendo.

In the valiant comics of The Legend of Zelda, taking place after The Adventure of Link, Link confronts Dark Link and says: "I let the woman I love face her doom alone just so I could be here to put and end to your tyranny..." In this quote, Link plainly says that he loves her. In another issue, Zelda blatantly states that she loves Link, although she later denies it. [citation needed]

Link and Marin

Link's Awakening

Link and Marin overlooking the sea

When Link takes Marin with him to wake up the walrus, the text hints that Link is hoping for something to happen between them.[28]

While walking together, Link and Marin share a moment together while standing on a small cliff overlooking the sea. Marin mentions that the cliff should be their secret place.[29]

At one point in the game, Marin confesses to Link that she wishes to know everything about him.[30]

Near the end of the game, some monsters kidnap Marin while she was singing to the Wind Fish egg and placed her on a rotting segment of the bridge crossing between the Tal Tal Mountains. Calling for help, she admits to Link that she's afraid of heights. Link rescues her using the Hookshot and, for a brief moment, she begins to admit something to him, but as she was about to confess, her father, Tarin, calls and breaks the moment.[31]

Link and Saria

Ocarina of Time

As Link is leaving Kokiri Forest, Saria appears behind him and tells him that although she knew he was meant to leave the forest, she doesn't mind because she knows the two of them will be friends forever.[32] As a memento, she gives the young hero the Fairy Ocarina. Saria tells Link to play it so that he will think of her and decide to return to the forest to visit.

When an adult, after completing the Forest Temple, Mido gives Link a message from Saria saying she “really... liked..." him.[33]

Manga

Saria smiling at Link
Non-Canon Information: The following article or section is not Zelda canon, and shouldn't be taken as such.
Part 1

In the first chapter, Saria smiles at Link and mentions that even without a fairy, he's her "very best friend."[34]

Mido is often jealous of the close bond that Saria and Link have and accuses the young hero of flirting with Saria all the time. When Link is showing Saria how to use the Slingshot he just made, Mido angrily glares at Link and says: "That creep! He's flirting with Saria again!"[35] Furthermore, when Link goes inside the Great Deku Tree to defeat Gohma, Mido says he'll go with Link too since he won't let Link show off in front of Saria again. When Link asks what he's talking about, Mido says, "I won't let you have her!"[36]

Link and Malon

Ocarina of Time

After Link successfully completes Talon's Super Cucco minigame, Talon mentions that Link has the talent to be one of the world's best cowboys. He then asks if he would like to marry Malon, but Talon quickly laughs and says he was just joking.[37]

A Gossip Stone in front of the Temple of Time mentions how Malon wishes that a "knight in shining armor" would come and "sweep her off her feet someday."[38] This is likely the basis for the scenes described in the adult chapters of the Ocarina of Time manga.

Manga

Non-Canon Information: The following article or section is not Zelda canon, and shouldn't be taken as such.
Malon wondering if Link is her prince
Part 1

When Link first meets Malon, she offers him a glass of Lon Lon Milk and sweetly smiles at him while doing so, to which the young hero stares back at her confused.[39][40]

After Kaepora Gaebora comes to the ranch and starts to take him away to Zora's Domain, Malon asks if he's "going already." Link promises to come back, and Malon yells out to him as he's leaving that he "better" keep his promise.[41]

Part 2

Once Link tells Malon that he's come to save her, she replies that although she appreciates the thought, she's waiting to be saved by a prince, "not a fairy child."[42] However, shortly after when Link protects her from the attacks of the Gerudo, she gazes at Link with amazement and comments to herself that the "fairy child [has] grown up."[43][44]

In the next page, Link uses the hookshot to escape from the Gerudo attacks, and as she is being swept off her feet by Link, she wonders if he could be her long-awaited prince, all the while by looking at Link in admiration and awe. The next panel shows Malon sitting down with her heart beating and reassuring herself that "maybe he is" her prince.[45]

Link and Ruto

Ocarina of Time

Ruto slowly swimming towards Link

After Link and Princess Ruto exit Lord Jabu Jabu's belly, the two of them are standing atop a tree trunk in Zora's Fountain.[46] Princess Ruto deeply gazes at Link, which causes the young hero to fall from the tree trunk into the water. Ruto, who follows Link into the water and slowly swims closer to him, then comments that Link "looked cool" while fighting. As a reward for saving her, she gives him the Spiritual Stone of Water, which is, unbeknown to Link, the Zora's engagement ring.[47]

A Gossip Stone states that although Princess Ruto is known for her selfish nature, she has taken a liking to a certain boy.[48]

When Link meets Princess Ruto inside the Water Temple, she reminds Link that she is his fiancée, and that she never forgot the vows they made to each other seven years ago.[49]

Once Ruto awakens as a Sage, she grants Link her "eternal love" to him as a reward, although she soon after mentions that she can't offer that now due to her being the Sage of Water.[50]

Manga

Non-Canon Information: The following article or section is not Zelda canon, and shouldn't be taken as such.
Volume 1

After Link rescues Princess Ruto, Ruto decides to give Link the Zora's Sapphire to the young hero instead of the man that her dad has prepared for her to marry. She says that it's the stone that she's supposed to give to her fiancée.[51] Once Link thanks her and begins to depart, she blushes and tells him, "Be sure to come back!"

Volume 2

After Morpha is defeated and Ruto awakens as a sage, she tells Link that he is worthy of being her fiancée, and begins to talk about how grand and happy her wedding will be. However, she then says that it cannot be, for she has to remain the Sage of Water.[52] Link, with a surprised look on his face, replies, "Oh, gee... That's such a...a shame, really."

Link and Nabooru

Ocarina of Time

When young Link accepts Nabooru's request to go and get the Silver Gauntlets for her, she mentions that she'll do something great for Link if he manages to retrieve the gauntlets.[53] Seven years later, once Nabooru awakens as a Sage and realizes that Link has become "such a handsome man", she regrets not having kept the promise she made to him as a kid.[54]

Link and Cremia

Majora's Mask

After Link successfully helps Cremia get past the Gorman Brothers for a second time, Cremia will give a hug to Link instead of Rupees. The text display mentions that Link feels all "warm and fuzzy" inside and says that the young hero could get used to it.[55][56]

Link and Din

Oracle of Seasons

In the beginning of the game, one of the members of the Troupe tells Link that Din seems to be in love with him [57]. After they dance, she compliments him on his dancing skills. She also notices the Triforce crest on his left hand and then states that he is a hero with a special fate. After that, she then begins to admit something, but does not finish her sentence, only to continue dancing.[58]

Link and Ilia

Link and Ilia smiling at each other after Ilia recovers her memory

Twilight Princes

When Link goes to the Ordon Spring, he fondly smiles when he sees that Ilia is taking care of Epona.

Once Ilia recovers her memory, the scenery changes to that of Link, Ilia and Epona in the Ordon Spring. The two of them share a moment as they look and smile at each other.[59]

Link and Midna

Twilight Princess

Link holding Midna in his arms after she wakes up from having broken Hyrule Castle's barrier

After Link listens to Midna's tale of the Twilight while in the Gerudo Desert, she asks if he'll go with her to find the Mirror of Twilight, placing her hand on the young hero's cheek. Link only answers by smiling back at her.[60]

Once Midna breaks the barrier surrounding Hyrule Castle, she wakes up to find herself in Link's arms, who is smiling down at her.

Shortly after the Light Spirits bring back Midna, she reappears in Hyrule Field, not far from where Link is. When Link notices her, he quickly rushes to her, leaving Zelda behind. When Midna turns around and reveals her true form to Link, he gasps and stares in awe. Midna then jokingly says to Link, "What? Say something! Am I so beautiful that you have no words left?", to which the young hero only answers by smiling back at her.

At the end of the game, just as Midna is about to depart back to the Twilight Realm, she turns to Link and a tear begins to float towards the Mirror of Twilight. Midna then addresses Link, beginning with the word "I..." but never finishes her sentence, and instead just says "See you later" before taking the portal to the Twilight Realm.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 The Romance Thread III: Love Makes the World Go Round, Zelda Universe Forums
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 The Romance Thread IV: The Debate Continues, Zelda Universe Forums
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Romance Thread V: Lovers of Link, Zelda Universe Forums
  4. ↑ "YOU SAVED HYRULE AND YOU ARE A REAL HERO!" —Princess Zelda (The Adventure of Link)
  5. ↑ [1]
  6. ↑ "You believe my tale. Even my father didn't believe me. That's why...I believe in you. -Princess Zelda" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 1 (vizkids), pg. 64)
  7. ↑ [2]
  8. ↑ "Be careful, okay? -Princess Zelda" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 1 (vizkids), pg. 64)
  9. ↑ "How come you don't call her "princess"? Just how close are you two? You don't have to answer, I can see it in your eyes..." (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 2 (vizkids), pg. 19)
  10. ↑ "I missed you. -Link" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 2 (vizkids), pg. 63)
  11. ↑ [3]
  12. ↑ "You are already leaving this land of Hyrule, aren't you? Even though it was only a short time, I feel like I've known you forever. I'll never forget the days we spent together in Hyrule... And I believe in my heart that a day will come when I shall meet you again... Until that day comes, please... Take this..." —Princess Zelda (Majora's Mask)
  13. ↑ "This reminds me of us..." —Princess Zelda (Majora's Mask)
  14. ↑ [4]
  15. ↑ "I have taken your precious Zelda." —Ganondorf (The Wind Waker)
  16. ↑ [5]
  17. ↑ [6]
  18. ↑ [7]
  19. ↑ [8]
  20. ↑ "Raising your head without permission? You ill-mannered urchin!" —Chancellor Cole (Spirit Tracks)
  21. ↑ "Yes, we are humans. We have neither the power of spirits nor demons. But when we combine our strength... No one can defeat us! Right, [Link]?" —Princess Zelda (Spirit Tracks)
  22. ↑ [9]
  23. ↑ [10]
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 The Z-Files, part IV, IGN64, published December 3, 1997
  25. ↑ Eiji Aonuma Interview, GameCube Advanced, published July 22, 2004
  26. ↑ Nintendo Power 2008 Interview with Aonuma, Nintendo Power, published October 2008
  27. ↑ 2002, The History of Zelda Documentary
  28. ↑ "You got Marin! Is this your big chance?" —N/A (Link's Awakening)
  29. ↑ "This cliff will be our secret place." —Marin (LA)
  30. ↑ "I want to know everything about you...Err...Uhh, Ha ha ha ha!" —Marin (LA)
  31. ↑ "... ... Say... Link... Uhh... I don't know how to say this... but..." —Marin (Link's Awakening)
  32. ↑ "I knew... that you would leave the forest... someday, Link... Because you are different from me and my friends.... But that's OK, because we'll be friends forever... won't we? I want you to have this Ocarina... Please take good care of it. When you play my Ocarina, I hope you will think of me and come back to the forest to visit." —Saria (Ocarina of Time)
  33. ↑ "I made a promise to Saria... If Link came back, I would be sure to tell him that Saria had been waiting for him... Because Saria...really... liked..." —Mido (Ocarina of Time)
  34. ↑ "Oh, Link! Even without a fairy you're my very best friend! Okay?" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 1 (vizkids), pg. 14)
  35. ↑ "That creep! He's flirting with Saria again! ~Mido" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 1 (vizkids), pg. 14)
  36. ↑ "I won't let you have her! ~Mido" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 1 (vizkids), pg. 27)
  37. ↑ "Hey, you! You've got the talent to be one of the world's best cowboys! How'd you like to marry Malon? Huh? Haw haw! I was just kidding! Just kidding! I think you're a little young for that, aren't you? Haw haw haw!" —Talon (Ocarina of Time)
  38. ↑ "They say that Malon of Lon Lon Ranch hopes a knight in shining armor will come and sweep her off her feet someday." —Gossip Stone (Ocarina of Time)
  39. ↑ [11]
  40. ↑ "Here, drink some of this. -Malon" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 1 (vizkids), pg. 83)
  41. ↑ "Link, are you going already? [...] You better! You better come back! ~Malon" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 1 (vizkids), pg. 85)
  42. ↑ "I appreciate the thought, but I'm waiting to be saved by a prince, not a fairy child. ~Malon" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 2 (vizkids), pg. 14)
  43. ↑ [12]
  44. ↑ "Wow! ♥ The fairy child's grown up! ~Malon" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 2 (vizkids), pg. 15)
  45. ↑ "Could he be...my prince? [...] Maybe he is! ~Malon" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 2 (vizkids), pg. 14)
  46. ↑ [13]
  47. ↑ "You! You looked cool...cooler than I thought you would, anyway... Just a little! Well, anyway, you saved me, so I guess I'll reward you. What do you wish? Just tell me... [...] You mean the Spiritual Stone of Water, Zora's Sapphire, don't you? My mother gave it to me and said I should give it only to the man who will be my husband. You might call it the Zora's Engagement Ring! All right! I'll give you my most precious possession: Zora's Sapphire!" —Princess Ruto (Ocarina of Time)
  48. ↑ "They say that Ruto, the Zora Princess who is known for her selfish nature, likes a certain boy..." —Gossip Stone (Ocarina of Time)
  49. ↑ "Oh...you... If I'm right... Link?! You're Link, aren't you? It's me, your fiancée, Ruto! Princess of the Zoras! I never forgot the vows we made to each other seven years ago! You're a terrible man to have kept me waiting for these seven long years... But now is not the time to talk about love..." —Princess Ruto (Ocarina of Time)
  50. ↑ "As a reward... I grant my eternal love to you. Well, that's what I want to say, but I don't think I can offer that now." —Princess Ruto (Ocarina of Time)
  51. ↑ "Okay... But first I want to give you something special. Zora. This is the Spiritual Stone of Water-the Zora's Sapphire. It's a stone I'm supposed to give to my fiancée...sort of like an engagement ring. But I think I'll give it to you instead! ~Ruto" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 1 (vizkids), pg. 95)
  52. ↑ "How worthy you are of being my fiancée. The happiest, grandest wedding ever...except it cannot be. I still must remain the Sage of Water. ~Princess Ruto" (The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time manga Part 2 (vizkids), pg. 14)
  53. ↑ "If you can successfully get the Silver Gauntlets...I'll do something great for you!" —Nabooru (Ocarina of Time)
  54. ↑ "If only I knew you would become such a handsome man...I should have kept the promise I made back then..." —Nabooru (Ocarina of Time)
  55. ↑ "You did it! You helped Cremia! You feel all warm and fuzzy! inside! Sigh... You could get used to this!" —In-game text (Majora's Mask)
  56. ↑ Cremia hugging Link
  57. ↑ "Ah... Din always looks so lovely! But she seems smitten with you. I'm jealous." —Male Troupe (Oracle of Seasons)
  58. ↑ "That was fun! You're a good dancer! It's been some time since I had such fun! Hey! Your left hand! it has a [Triangle] on it. That is a sacred mark in Hyrule. If it's the true symbol, then you are a hero with a special fate, Link. A special fate! Link, I... Umm... Nothing! Let us dance!" —Din (Oracle of Seasons)
  59. ↑ [14]
  60. ↑ [15]
Retrieved from "http://www.zeldawiki.org/Shipping_in_The_Legend_of_Zelda_Universe"