Wolf Link

, also known as , is a recurring character in .
==Biography==
======
In , Wolf Link is the divine beast that Midna explains the Twili have long believed would free them. Link is transformed into this form due to the influence of the Twilight covering Hyrule. His whole body changes and reforms, leaving only his earrings, his distinctive blue eyes, and the Triforce mark on his hand. Though losing the ability to use items, this new form grants Link heightened senses and speed, along with many other unique abilities. In this form, Midna rides on Link's back giving directions, and allows him to warp using the Portals created across Hyrule.
Link is first transformed into a wolf following the appearance of Bulblins at Ordon Spring. Colin and Ilia are carried off, and Link is left lying unconscious in the spring. When he wakes up, Link runs in pursuit of his kidnapped friends, but finds a Curtain of Twilight blocking his path. Suddenly, the massive arm of a Shadow Beast springs from the Twilight, dragging Link inside. As the Shadow Beast clutches Link around the neck, the mark of the Triforce of Courage suddenly appears on the back of his hand and bursts forth pure light, driving the creature back. Link falls to his hands and knees and morphs from human to wolf, causing him to pass out from the strain of the transformation. He is then dragged off by the Shadow Beasts and imprisoned within the Hyrule Castle Sewers, where he meets Midna, who helps him make his escape.
It is later revealed that anyone engulfed in the Twilight will normally be transformed into a helpless spirit, and that only the power of the Triforce protects Link and enables him to retain his physical form, although considerably altered. The Hero of Twlight is eventually able to return to his human form with the aid of the Light Spirit Faron. Upon entering the other provinces of Hyrule covered in Twilight, Link is again transformed into his wolf form, and can only regain his Hylian form after aiding the Spirits of Light by restoring light to the area.
When Link finds the Master Sword and receives the Shadow Crystal, he is able to change at will by exposing himself to the power of Twilight contained within the crystal by simply talking to Midna.
Roaming in wolf form through any of the villages and towns will result in a variety of reactions from the public. In Ordon Village, Hanch will summon a hawk to attack Link using Hawk Grass. In Kakariko Village, Talo will warn everyone to hide in their homes once Link enters the village as a wolf. In Hyrule Castle Town, the residents will run away in fear from Link in wolf form and guards will surround him, but will not attack him. Performing a Spin Attack will scare the guards away. However, roaming in wolf form through Death Mountain or Zora's Domain will elicit no reaction from the neighboring Gorons or Zoras. 
=== Abilities ===
==== Senses ====
One of the most important aspects of Link's wolf transformation is that he gains the use of greatly enhanced senses. This ability, shown as Sense while in wolf form, activates a special combination of enhanced visual and olfactory perception. Visual range is reduced, but Link is able to detect many otherwise hidden things. The Sense ability is notably similar to the power of the Lens of Truth from previous titles, though it can be used indefinitely and does not take up Magic Power.
Wolf Link's enhanced Senses have a number of vital applications throughout the game. The first use, taught by Midna while in Hyrule Castle Sewers, is to detect the spirit forms of the people of Hyrule trapped within the Twilight. Appearing as a floating greenish flame, these spirits' true form can be seen by activating the Sense, enabling Link to listen to their thoughts. As Link is unable to communicate directly with the spirits, this enables him to gain useful information from them about recent events. Also, Link needs to use the Senses to see and defeat certain enemies, such as Ghoul Rats and Poes.
Another application of the Sense ability is the detection of special patches of ground found all across Hyrule. These appear as patches of sparkling light where Wolf Link can dig, usually unearthing items such as Rupees or Hearts. Some of the patches are larger, and can lead to different areas within dungeons, or to caves. This digging ability is always available to Link while in wolf form, but is mostly useless unless combined with the Sense ability.
==== Scents ====
An important use of Wolf Link's enhanced Senses is the detection of special Scents encountered during his quest. Upon encountering particular items, Link is able to remember the Scent, which appears as a colored trail while the Sense ability is active. This tracking ability is vital at many points in order to progress though the game. When a new Scent is encountered, the previous scent will be forgotten. Wolf Link can learn a total of six different Scents throughout the game, which can be of enemies or characters.
==== Midna's Assistance ====
While mounted on Wolf Link's back, Midna can use her powers to help Link in a number of ways. In certain situations, she is able to transform her hair into a giant, orange or pink hand. In the Hyrule Castle Sewers, she will use this arm to draw Link's attention to chains which must be pulled to open grates, raising and lowering the water levels. During the battle with Ganon, Midna is able to grapple the enormous beast to the ground as he charges, allowing Link to attack. She also uses this arm to open dungeon doors for Wolf Link.
Another ability is the Dark Energy Attack, where Midna raises her hand and summons a growing circle of crackling Twilight energy which will surround any enemies within range. Once released, this power allows Wolf Link to unleash multiple attacks, rapidly darting from one enemy to another, defeating them all simultaneously. This technique is vital to defeat the groups of Shadow Beasts which appear from the Portals across Hyrule. It is also very useful in defeating large groups of enemies.
Midna is also able to warp Wolf Link to any of the Twilight Portals across Hyrule. This ability can also be used to transport different objects throughout Hyrule, such as bridges.
==== Attacks ====
In accordance with Link's new Wolf form, the nature of his attacks in this form is also different. The standard Bite Attack is performed in the same way as a Sword slice and has a similar effect. The Jump Attack is also performed similarly to when in normal form, however, against certain enemies, Wolf Link can repeatedly bite at an enemy's jugular by repeated button presses. Also available is the Spin Attack, again performed in the same manner as in normal form. Once completed, Wolf Link's tail will glint in the same manner as Link's Sword, indicating that the Spin Attack can be used again.
==== Other Abilities ====
Wolf Link also possesses a number of other miscellaneous special abilities. While running, he is able to dash; pressing the A button will allow him to briefly run more quickly.
In various locations across Hyrule, Link will encounter tightropes which must be crossed to reach other areas. Wolf Link is able to rope walk by balancing carefully and walking slowly across.
In other specific areas without ropes, Link is able to use a long-distance jump. These areas are indicated by Midna, who will then float across to show Link where to find his next foothold. This can extend into a chain of up to a dozen jumps which must be performed in rapid succession in order to reach the other side, sometimes avoiding enemies or falling objects.
Another useful ability is that of communicating with animals. In wolf form, Link is able to understand and speak to all types of animals found across Hyrule, including Epona. He will be able to glean useful information and hints from them.
Being a wolf, Link in his transformed state is able to howl, which can again be done is specific locations. Patches of Hawk Grass and Horseshoe Grass can be used to howl the tune normally played, summoning a Hawk and Epona respectively. More importantly, special Howling Stones can be used to summon the Golden Wolf, enabling Link to learn the seven .
======
In , Wolf Link appears as Link's traveling companion when the Wolf Link amiibo is tapped in via the amiibo Rune.
Wolf Link will follow his counterpart wherever he goes, attack enemies and Animals on sight, and, if the Sheikah Sensor is on, will find the nearest object that the sensor is set to locate. If Link travels too far out of Wolf Link's reach, he will automatically warp to Link's side. When Link stands beside Wolf Link, he can command his counterpart to "Stay" by pressing the A Button. The Remote Bomb Rune will deal three Hearts of damage to Wolf Link if he is caught within its blast radius.
Wolf Link's number of Hearts depends on the amiibo's registration with . If the amiibo is unregistered, Wolf Link will have 3 hearts. If registered via the Cave of Shadows, his Hearts will depend on the Hearts that remain while finishing the dungeon.
The damage Wolf Link deals per attack is 10 + 0.25 * (wolf link's max hearts). For example, a Wolf Link with 20 hearts will deal 10 + 0.25 * 20 = 15 damage per hit. If wolf link is fed a high-tier meat item, such as Raw Gourmet Meat or a Raw Whole Bird, then his damage receives a permanent x5 multiplier. For example, a Wolf Link with 20 hearts will now deal (10 + 0.25 * 20) * 5 = 75 damage per hit.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdZI4JHLYqI
Wolf Link can be summoned indefinitely as long as he still has Hearts remaining. Once he is defeated, he will not appear from scanning the amiibo until the next real-world day. When out of combat, Wolf Link will eat nearby health-recovering items to recover hearts if he needs to. Wolf Link cannot be summoned in towns or dungeons and will not follow Link to these locations. Wolf Link is a visitor from a separate plane of existence and consequently cannot be seen by normal people.
==Crossover appearances==
=== series===
========
In , Wolf Link appears as a Trophy and a Sticker. 
|}
|}
========
Wolf Link appears as a Trophy in .
|}
========
Wolf Link & Midna appears as a Primary Spirit in . The Spirit is obtained by leveling the Primary Spirit Midna up to level 99 and then enhancing her. Wolf Link & Midna is a Legend class Spirit that holds 3 Slots for Support Spirits. Wolf Link & Midna's Skill is: "Dash Attack Up - "
======
The tenth puzzle in the Picross series and the fourth puzzle in the Mega Picross series depict Wolf Link.
===Animal Crossing: New Leaf===
 was added as a villager in the update of , alongside , , and . If the , , or is scanned into the game, will show up at the campground and can be asked to move into the town. He is a villager that has a personality, and thus has high self-esteem and values his friendships. His birthday, December 2, references the Japanese release date of .
==Trivia==
*The idea of Link transforming into a wolf came from a dream by the game's director Eiji Aonuma. During a work trip, Aonuma dreamt he was a wolf trapped inside a jail, similar to the scene where Link meets Midna as a wolf.
*Unused text from indicates that Magic Power was originally going to be a requirement to turn into Wolf Link. As there is no Magic Meter in the game, this concept was scrapped.
*As the Hero's Spirit also appears a golden wolf in Hyrule, the Hero of Time incarnation of Link technically has a Wolf form.
*In the , Link is shown to begin a transformation into a wolf-like creature in the Dark World, before he reverts to human form.
*In , there is a statue of Wolf Link in the garden maze near the Temple of Souls.
*W. Link's birthday in Animal Crossing: New Leaf is December 2nd, the day that was first released in Japan. This also makes his astrological sign , the half man half animal archer.
*In a bonus session regarding the making of , art director Satoru Takizawa explains why Wolf Link is his favorite character. Aside from thinking Wolf Link is adorable, Takizawa also notes how the game can be lonely, so having a companion to travel with is nice.
*Wolf Link's appearance with the Hero of the Wild in Breath of the Wild marks the second time where two Links of different eras meet in canon content of The Legend of Zelda series. Ironically, the very same Link, the Hero of Twilight, in his human form, also meets the Hero of Time as the Hero's Spirit in Twilight Princess, which is the first occurrence.
*In Tears of the Kingdom, the Wolf Link amiibo no longer spawns Wolf Link, instead spawning in a lot of meat, as well as the Mirror of Twilight Fabric for the Paraglider. 
==Nomenclature==
==Gallery==
File:TP Midna and Wolf Link Artwork.png|Artwork of Wolf Link from 
File:TP Wolfandlink.jpg|Wolf Link as he appears on the cover of 
File:TP Logo Graphic.png|Wolf Link's silhouette from the logo
File:TP Midna and Wolf Link Model.png|Midna riding Wolf Link in 
File:TP Wolf Link Model.png|Wolf Link's model from 
File:Wolf Link meets Midna.png|Wolf Link meeting Midna for the first time.
File:Dark energy.jpg|Midna's Dark Energy Attack in 
File:JumpTwilight.jpg|Wolf Link jumping from a rooftop in Kakariko Village from 
File:Wolf Link and Midna.png|Wolf Link giving Midna a piggyback ride.
File:TP Wolf Link Howling.png|Wolf Link howling at a Howling Stone from 
File:TPHD Howling Wolf Link.png|Wolf Link howling to the Golden Wolf from 
File:Midna Arm.jpg|Pre-release image of Wolf Link and Midna fighting a Shadow Beast from 
File:Wolflinktpconcept.png|Wolf Link concept art from 
File:TP Wolf Link Concept Art.jpg|Wolf Link concept art from 
File:TP Midna and Wolf Link Concept Art.jpg|Concept art of Midna atop Wolf Link from 
File:TPHD Wolf Link Stamp.png|Wolf Link stamp from 
File:BotW Wolf Link Model.png|Wolf Link's model from 
File:BotW Happy Thanksgiving Artwork.png|Artwork from acknowledging Thanksgiving
File:BotW Christmas Artwork.jpg|Artwork from acknowledging Christmas
File:BotW Happy Valentine's Day Artwork.png|Artwork from acknowledging Valentine's Day
File:BotW Link with Wolf Link.png|Wolf Link accompanying Link from 
File:BotW Link and Wolf Link.png|Wolf Link with Link in Breath of the Wild
File:BotW Wolf Link Icon.png|Wolf Link's icon from 
File:BotW Wolf Link Hud.png|Wolf Link's from 
File:MNPTP Wolf Link Sprite.png|Wolf Link sprite from 
File:TP Series Wolf Link amiibo.png|Wolf Link amiibo from the series
File:SMM Wolf Link Costume Sprite.png|Wolf Link costume from Super Mario Maker
File:ACNL Wolf Link Villager Model.png|Wolf Link villager from Animal Crossing: New Leaf
File:ACNL Wolf Link Villager Icon.png|Wolf Link villager icon from Animal Crossing: New Leaf
===Videos===