Link

## Facts

### Info

**Link** is the name every protagonist in *The Legend of Zelda* series is known by. It is possible though that these heroes were called something different. There are many incarnations of Link, each possessing the spirit of the hero, with some of them being blood-related as well. They are chosen by the Golden Goddesses to protect the land from evil whenever deemed necessary. They often need to complete a series of trials to mature into the chosen hero. In most games of *The Legend of Zelda* series, their adventures take place within Kingdom of Hyrule, traveling through the land, collecting important items, and defeating a wide variety of enemies while trying to save both Princess Zelda and her kingdom from the clutches of Ganon or other villains. They are usually portrayed as having been.

### Personality

Because Link bears the Spirit of the Hero, all of Link's incarnations each possess an unbreakable spirit. One feature in Link's personality that is greatly emphasized is his courage. He is often depicted as a humble yet brave and courageous boy who steps up to the task of saving the kingdom of Hyrule (and many others), a task to which he seems destined. As such, he is often associated with the Triforce of Courage and the goddess Farore: in *Twilight Princess*, the Triforce of Courage activated when Link stepped into the Twilight, and it protected him from becoming a lost soul, turning him into a wolf instead. He rarely shows signs of cowardice and is always willing to use his strength and valor to save and help those around him, as seen in *The Wind Waker* where he asks Tetra and her pirate crew to allow him to go with them on their ship in order to save his sister Aryll.

### Abilities

Link is depicted throughout the series as an impressive swordsman. He usually begins his adventure as an average boy with little to no swordsmanship skills. When trouble arises, however, Link demonstrates a natural aptitude for the ways of the sword and is able to best his enemies easily: in *The Wind Waker*, Link goes to Orca to learn how to wield a sword in order to help Tetra from the Forest of Fairies. It is further noted by Orca himself that Link's ability to use a sword is firmly present in his veins. As the game progresses, Link becomes known for his swordsmanship as well as his ability to quickly adapt to a wide variety of items and skillfully wield them, such as the Boomerang, the Bow, and the Grappling Hook, among others.

In some games, Link can learn advanced sword techniques and complicated move-sets: in *The Minish Cap*, the Blade Brothers teach the young hero various sword skills by using Tiger Scrolls, and in *Twilight Princess*, the Hero's Spirit shares his knowledge of the sword by teaching Link seven Hidden Skills to help him become more powerful and save Hyrule.

Additionally, Link is portrayed as having an excellent physical condition, performing backflips easily as well as being able to best others in sumo-wrestling, as seen in *Twilight Princess*. However, despite this, Link is usually defenseless without a sword or an item. This is depicted in *The Wind Waker*, where Link loses his sword after being launched into the Forsaken Fortress and must use his stealth abilities to get it back: if he is spotted by an enemy, he quickly surrenders due to his inability to fight back. Although in some games Link is easily able to pick up large stones or push blocks many times his size, other games require him to use special bracelets or gauntlets to further increase his strength, such as the Power Bracelet or the Titan's Mitt.

As seen in *The Adventure of Link*, *A Link to the Past*, and *Ocarina of Time*, Link is capable of using magic spells such as Din's Fire provided that he possesses a Magic Meter, which is usually granted to him by a Great Fairy.

Link is also talented in playing a wide variety of instruments. This is first shown in the original *The Legend of Zelda*, in which the young hero plays the Recorder to open up secret entrances or transport him to various parts in the overworld. Since then, Link has competently played other instruments such as the Ocarina, a pan flute, a guitar, the drums, and a Harp, all of which play a major role in each of the respective games in which they appear. Not only is Link a proficient instrument player: he is also adept in using a conductor's baton to conduct other players.

### Other Appearances

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Link is also featured in other media, including comics and mangas based on the games, animated shows, and the *Super Smash Bros.* series. Unlike the games in the main series, Link has actual dialogue in many of these appearances instead of being a silent hero.

Link has also made several cameo appearances in various games and other media.