Malon, Link's Best Love - Zelda Theory

Malon, the possible wife of the Hero of Time is often in the shadow of Ocarina of Time Link and Princess Zelda. But she shouldn't!
In this Zelda Theory and Valentine's Special we go over Hyrule's Hidden MaLink Love story, one that is more tragic than ZeLink until the end of 2022!
#Zelda #LegendofZelda #ZeldaTheory
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[@commonwealthrealm]

Dedicated to Vortexxygaming no matter where you are currently. We are thinking about you Wendy on this Valentine's Day! This MaLink theory is for you!!

[@truebigboss]

I'll never unsub to her as a way to keep her memory alive

[@solidmeboi5487]

This literally made me cry man like she was such a huge part of my early teens and now, a decade after finding her, hear about her possible passing or just an indefinite hiatus messes me up. But let me tell you this video is very much appreciated. No matter where she is, we are thinking of her!

[@DarkMirria1]

RIP Vortexxygaming. 😔

[@Ninjaananas]

Where did the dedication to Vortexxy after five years suddenly come from? Not that I do not like it for I also miss her videos and will remain subscribed to her nonetheless.

[@bond77581]

There’d be something wrong with Link if he DIDN’T choose Malon

[@shinymainespoon]

Malon is best girl. She gave a horse, taught a song to call the horse, is great with animals, is kind-hearted and responsible, likes pushing people to be better (scolding laziness, improving horse training)... And if that wasn't good enough, Gossip Stones say she dreams of a knight to sweep her off her feet, only to see Link come in and fill that roll perfectly by saving Epona and the ranch. This ship works out so well!

[@veevendetta3448]

She grows up to be a Cute Cowgirl. I would too. Probably knows Cowgirl things and moves so go get 'er Link.

[@themagicalfox6]

She really is best girl! Malon is one of my favorite characters

[@icysnow57cold64]

I think humans should just ditch concepts like dating, marriage, and pair bonding. I feel like this world would be a much better place without romance than it is with it. It does seem that nearly all fathers and brothers are hoping that their daughters and sisters never date or get married and remain single for the rest of their lives. Romantic relationships seem like a bad thing since there is a lot of dangers when it comes to them. The overprotective father/brother thing is proof that romantic relationships are a bad thing, and this world would be a much better place without them. If someday that the human race ditches the concept of romance and romantic relationships, and got rid of stuff like dating and marriage, fathers and brothers would be happy about it since they wouldn't ever have to worry about their daughters and sisters ever dating if that ever happened.

[@shinymainespoon]

@@icysnow57cold64 I regret to inform you, but this is a Wendy's

[@knowledgeseeker4614]

Malon and Link in Ocarina of Time made the most sense.

[@kingnamor7777]

It's the most realistic couple too. Because there's so much evidence connecting to TP Link being a descendant of Malon x OOT Link. For example TP Link lives in a forest with a farm and he instantly knows Epona song too. It's pretty obvious that OOT Link hook up with Malon.

[@3dstv786]

NO IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY FUCKING SENSE MALON IS MY GIRL NOT LINK,S

[@latemporis5430]

After Link got sent back to the past, no longer a hero and also can't stay at Kokiri Forest, it's nice for him to spend a peaceful life with Malon.

[@kingnamor7777]

@@latemporis5430 I think so too. He knows the truth that he is a Hylian and would probably want to live like one and not considered like a outsider like Mido suggests. From what we know so far. The rest of the Kokiri didn't disrespect Link. But if I was him I probably want to live somewhere else. For a change in scenery, atmosphere and being near people who love him.

[@reaves99]

It really does tho, the Royal Family wouldn't allow a boy from the forest to be with Zelda, Ruto smells like fish and good luck explaining Saria to the police.

[@0perativeX]

There's a theory that Malon's mother was a Gerudo warrior. Because when Link puts on the Gerudo mask from the Happy Mask Shop, in front of Talon, he says that the mask reminds him of his wife.

[@kingnamor7777]

I heard of that theory too. But it was confirmed that Talon says that with all the mask Link wears in the Ocarina of Time game.

[@kittycatcacher3312]

@@kingnamor7777 Malon's mother is the Happy Mask Salesman confirmed?!?!

[@kingnamor7777]

@@kittycatcacher3312 No. For the love of Hylia; just no.

[@Kabbaway]

@@kittycatcacher3312 Talon says that about both the Goron and Gerudo mask; my theory is that Malon's mother is the deceased Hyrulean counterpart of Madame Aroma, whose appearance shares similarities to both races 😊

[@roseannaruthlynnewyman3123]

@@kittycatcacher3312 so you're saying the happy salesman is actually a girl because that's the only way that they could have a child biologically.

[@born0fkokiri]

It would've made perfect sense for Link & Malon to be together! When you think about it, Link from Twilight Princess was born and raised as a rancher, thus also bearing the symbol of the Triforce on his left hand. Plus he also knows Epona's Song when calling forth Epona which the song itself was a major staple to Malon's character. At the end of the day this is a great ship!

[@kingnamor7777]

Link x Malon is the perfect and realistic couple in the Legend of Zelda games. There so much evidence proving that OOT Link and Malon got together. It pretty much feels like it's canon by this point in the series. Whether it was confirmed or not by director and creator of the games.

[@gustaw3205]

TP Link is also related to oot link by blood, existence of Hero's Spirit proves that.

[@herosshade7887]

I know everyone uses that to “prove” MaLink, but just as easily, Link could’ve married and had a kid with anyone else, who would then marry a descendant of Malon. I’m not hating on MaLink. I’m just saying it’s possible that it’s literally anything.

[@kingnamor7777]

@@herosshade7887 I agree. But either way TP Link bloodline has Malon and OOT Link as descendants.

[@krisjolt]

@@herosshade7887 TP Link knows about Epona's Song.

[@heathert5455]

I am almost 34 years old and I've been a MaLink shipper for over 20 years.

[@satanasluciferi7278]

When I was a kid I had a crush on Malon (or well Romani since I have always been more of a Majora's mask man) Even to this day I have a weakness for Redheads

[@heathert5455]

@@satanasluciferi7278 One thing about redheads is that you can't f_ck the fire out of them. My boyfriend told me that once since he also likes redheads.

[@satanasluciferi7278]

@@heathert5455 yeah so I've heard XD Idk I think the red hair and the (usually) fair skin looks really well together Ironically I don't like freckles that much XD

[@tomrees82]

Link didn't necessarily leave to be a soldier while his child/children were still young, he & Malon could've raised them to adulthood before Link left. He could've decided to leave the farm because Malon had died of natural causes & their children were old enough to take care of it themselves.

[@Sasukeheart2]

Oh Vortex, I miss you! Thank you for attributing a video to her, we all miss her in the Zelda Theory Community

[@kakarikokage2514]

I ship it harder than ZeLink.

[@glukko8245]

For OOT and MM link, yes. But SS and Botw Zelinks is different

[@kakarikokage2514]

@@glukko8245 True.

[@Zerolink30]

That is one way to think of Talon, personally i always saw him as a broken man who used sleep as a part of depression after his wife passed away.

[@TheChaosgumbo]

I totally subscribe to MaLink. The good thing about Zelda is there are different timelines so it's a win win situation as ZeLink is a reality in the other games. Give Link x Malon a chance to shine!

[@joehumpston7937]

As much as I love ZeLink, MaLink is the ship that really warms my heart.

[@juanarocha8629]

​@@joehumpston7937i was an 8 yo kid, didn't know anything and i still shiped these two

[@gabrieltejada1697]

I always felt like Link in ocarina of time wanted to be with zelda alongside her wanting to be with Link but due to many unfortunate circumstances they knew it wasn’t meant to be hence the sad parting and look on her face at the end so Link ended up settling with Maron instead who helped him get over Zelda.

[@voltron77]

@@gabrieltejada1697Nah, when you look at their dialogue, it really feels as though they are bound to fate and companions in trying to defeat Ganondorf, but they never felt any love for each other. Meanwhile, link plays with Malon, he goes to save her from Ingo and Talon even jokingly talks about Link marrying her because he knows they have the best chemistry together.

[@gabrieltejada1697]

@@voltron77 Zelda even briefly mentions a slight confession during the ice caves before teaching him the water temple song. She doesn’t flat out tell him but if you read deep into and connect the dots she’s essentially talking about how she liked him more than a friend. Overall it was a love triangle that eventually ended with Malon being the winner so none of this matters anymore.

[@noahpescatore8169]

Ahh, my childhood crush. Malon was definitely a good choice for Link, the Hero of Time.

[@TheSpiralProgression]

IIRC, much like Ordon Village, Windfall Island actually geographically sits on where Lon Lon Ranch was located. This suggests that Malon must've started the tradition of dressing up her descendants as the hero, which carried on until Wind Waker Link dawned the green tunic

[@papabaer6069]

She's doing Zelda theories in Heaven now. Poor thing, she must have been young when she passed...

[@commonwealthrealm]

Either that or moved on after finishing her degree. She was almost done with her thesis during our last call in June 2016

[@Kabbaway]

@@commonwealthrealm she seemed pretty adamant on Twitter about returning to KZbin after graduation - she said this on June 13th, 2016... either way, she is dearly missed 😔💙

[@papabaer6069]

@@commonwealthrealm she has a tribute on her page. Either she passed away or someone is a huge troll. I'm hoping she ok but as I understand it she died in a car accident. Could all be BS though so take that info with a grain of salt... This is the INTERNET after all

[@StarForceBelmont321]

She died?! I remember talking to her on the video about the theory.... She was a sweetheart

[@kingnamor7777]

I know Vortexxygaming. Along with her fans. Greatly appreciated this video and by adding her in as a reference/tribute. We will all miss her dearly. Thank you very much Commonwealth Realm😔.

[@malic_zarith]

I highly doubt that Link left Hyrule for that long in Majora's Mask. He probably came back within a year.

[@tomrees82]

Maybe 2 or 3

[@kingnamor7777]

I agree. Definitely within 1, 2 or 3 years. Because there are many places outside of Hyrule.

[@BelieveIt1051]

If Skull Kid's comments about Epona are any indication, time in Termina passes faster than in Hyrule. So Link probably returned to Hyrule within the same day he left.

[@kingnamor7777]

@@BelieveIt1051 I highly doubt that. Since in Hyrule Historia it's stated that OOT Link left Hyrule to Termina for months wandering in search of his companion Navi. So that would mean. It would take at least several months to get back to Hyrule🤔.

[@BelieveIt1051]

@@kingnamor7777 Hyrule Hysteria also states that Link was victorious AND died at the same time. Don't trust that sloppily-made book.

[@kingnamor7777]

Link x Malon is the perfect and realistic couple in the Legend of Zelda games. There so much evidence proving that OOT Link and Malon got together. It pretty much feels like it's canon by this point in the series. Whether it was confirmed or not by the director and creator of the games.

[@bunsmasterbunny]

Link's descendant in Twilight Princess has similar tastes in girls if Ilia is anything to go by.

[@kingnamor7777]

@@bunsmasterbunny I agree. TP and Illia have a very close bond similar to Malon x Link. The Twilight Princess game proves it by showing TP Link worried expression for her and a certain type of love interest when he was being possessed by the "fuse shadow." He even risk his life in order to bring her memories back too.

[@akward4210]

There isn't that much evidence to support MaLink if you really analyze it. The only evidence that people seem to repeat is that TP Link lives on a ranch, owns Epona, and knows Epona's Song, but TP Link doesn't seem to really be from Ordon Village since he's the only Hylian who lives there, and there's no real explanation as to whether or not Epona is from the ranch either. There's also no evidence to suggest that TP Link was ever taught Epona's Song, especially because we don't know anything about his parents or if he even knew them in his lifetime; it was a song that he happened to know that the horse happened to like. The games have never been explicit about TP Link's origins besides a vague connection to the Hero's Shade (there's also no evidence in the games that they are direct blood decedents or that he's even specifically OoT Link, despite what Hyrule Historia says.) I think that declaring MaLink "canon" is really rigid thinking given how many pairing options they give OoT Link and how incredibly open-ended his story is. If you like MaLink, that's fine, but it's a little disingenuous to say that the ship is canon when the games never provided solid evidence proving such.

[@kingnamor7777]

@@akward4210 Its true that we the fans and creator don't give enough evidence to prove that Malon and Link are together or that OOT Link is the Hero Shade despite what Hyrule Historia might say. We just pick the closest lead with the characters so we can get answers we desperately want. As long we keep in mind that the ship and blood related relatives of TP Link hasn't been completely confirmed.

[@akward4210]

@@kingnamor7777 I get that. Coming up with theories to fill in the holes in the this series' stories and listening to other fan interpretations can be fun. I remember some of what the theorizing environment was like before Hyrule Historia came out and how much I enjoyed examining the games through different lenses back then. However, it would also be ideal if fans did keep in mind that theories are just theories, and didn't declare a commonly repeated theory as "canon" without looking into evidence. It can be a little frustrating, especially in the case of theories like "Link is Dead in MM" which ended up misguiding fans into overlooking some of the actual themes that can be found in the game that run contrary to the theory, and it overall changed the way that fans perceived the game. Hyrule Historia really muddied the waters in this department, since it veils itself to be an official Nintendo lore book even though it contradicts the games many times, as it caused fans to respond to theories with "But HH says this!", rather than through examination of the games' content. With shipping, in particular with OoT Link, the fun I've found comes from the fact that there are so many pairing options with many different personality types, and since the games leave the possibilities so open-ended for the most part, people can make up just about anything to make their ship work. When one ship however declares that theirs is "canon" based on some commonly repeated loose connections that nobody really looks too deep into, they end up drowning out the other ships just because they're "unlikely" and it really ruins the fun in my opinion.

[@elsiebartlett6808]

Insta-like for dedication, R.I.P. Her theories always took in larger context and were so elegant in their simplicity, sending out love for her spirit to the universe 💗

[@francoperalta5986]

JoJo who made Linked Universe definately believes it. Malon could be Link's wife but I also theorized that she and Talon are Bo and Illia's ancestors. Ilia and Malon are both effectionate with Epona and are domestic with their dads. But I want to see where MajorLink takes A Heroes Purpose. I fully subscribe to that animation as Ocarina of Time canon.

[@DarkMirria1]

I love Jojo’s Link Universe comic, it’s great! :D

[@kesooo575]

!!! hello fellow LU fan B)

[@francoperalta5986]

@@DarkMirria1 I know, I only wished Jojo made Wind Waker Link and Spirit Tracks Link separate characters as they go through different stories, adventures and lives.

[@DarkMirria1]

@@francoperalta5986 Her story doesn’t mention Spirit Tracks at all from what I’ve seen. (Wind Waker & Phantom Hourglass Link are the same person though.) ALttP Link & ALBW Link are supposed to be different people though. Same with Minish Cap and the two Four Swords Link’s are also three different people. (Canonically)

[@cornelia_street]

I love Linked Universe! I’m glad that JoJo decided to put Link and Malon together, was definitely a good choice

[@secretlybees]

When I was a little kid playing OoT, I would always have Link visit Malon between temples, or whenever he was traveling through Hyrule. Get some milk, stay the night, talk to her. I also feel like he had a little tsundere loveing crush on Ruto for a bit, but Malon was his true love.

[@themagicalfox6]

I always shipped these two in OOT, Epona is definitely what connected them together ❤ plus I believe she's the reason Link in Twilight princess exists and why he's a huge animal lover and farmer

[@MidoriOfTheShuinsen]

I don't care what anyone says. Link/Malon is canon.

[@calebh3803]

Nice tribute to VortexxyGaming. Her Malon video was one of the first Zelda theory videos I ever watched and launched my obsession with the genre as I'm sure she did for many others. Other than Malon herself, Link has definitely also shown great compatibility with her other potential incarnations. Malon and Talon seemed to be created as clear parallels to Marin and Tarin from Link's Awakening where Marin had a crush on that game's hero. And both of Malon's Terminian counterparts, Cremia and Romani, were also highly affectionate to the young Hero of Time (with one giving him a bigger hug than most Links have ever gotten and the other offering to share her bed with him). The Zelda developers sure seemed to be hinting at something.

[@Kabbaway]

Same, her video inspired my own theory about Malon's mother 💙

[@nickthepick8043]

Thanks for keeping Vortex's legacy alive. It was heartwarming. Plus, the manga version of Ocarina of Time capitalized on Malon's character wanting a knight to sweep her off her feet.

[@Kabbaway]

I'm glad she's being remembered 💙

[@nickthepick8043]

@@Kabbaway Ditto.

[@seamus8695]

It also says that on a gossip stone near the temple of time

[@WonderWah]

I had subscribed to the head canon that Malon's mother may have been Gerudo. I hadn't realized that Vortexxygaming had made a video about Malon where she precisely touches upon that topic. I didn't know much about her but anyone who makes great Zelda content will be dearly missed, where ever it may be she is.

[@Kabbaway]

I did enjoy that video of hers, inspired my own theories... Rest In Peace to her

[@sup3414]

It would be awesome if we had a 3rd Hero of Time game that covered their relationship/romance. Malink is my 2nd favorite couple in the series! Wished we could've had more interactions between them😔

[@Gemnist98]

Technically, the third Hero of Time game is Twilight Princess. It’s never stated who he ended up with, but there’s a depressed skeleton whom Link occasionally trains with that Nintendo has confirmed is the Hero of Time’s lingering soul.

[@francoperalta5986]

Watch A Heroes Purpose from Majorlink. It isn't official and hasn't yet gone into any romance factor. But right now its the closest thing to a continuation with that hero outside of a fanfic. I definately wish it were official.

[@troubleclliff]

@@Gemnist98 Hero's shade is such an unsatisfying and sad ending for the hero of time for OOT fans, though. We need something that concludes the hero of time's journey. Both the hero and fans deserve that!

[@Speckadactyl]

@@troubleclliff there’s a few Links who seem to have ended up happy. The hero of the winds went on to found new hyrule with tetra and I fully subscribe to the theory that the hero of legend ended up as the seemingly innocuous old family man that trains you in ALBW. It’s tragic, but a lot of heroes go unknown and forgotten, ending up alone and unfulfilled. If Nintendo actually put some effort into the story there could be a third game where you start the first bit of the game as the hero of time only to get slain. Have the rest of it be about the hero’s son growing up to avenge his father, something like that

[@Savrollo]

@@Speckadactyl Even though the idea sounds incredible -and I'll bouch for it to happen 'cuz sounds awesome-, it won't happen. All TLOZ games are about the battle between the Chosen Hero, Demise & Hylia and their curse bounding their souls to a cycle of reincarnations that will led the fight to continue forever. Thus, rendering the idea of a game of Link's son -who is not a reincarnation- inviable within the TLOZ lore, imo.

[@SolidShepard]

vortexy gaming...now there's a name i have not heard for a long time. a long time.

[@archmdc370]

This was wonderful, Conrad/CR. Thanks for the dedication...with love.

[@a.g7891]

Oh wow! Vortexxy was the first zelda theory channel i subscribed to. Much love

[@fernbedek6302]

I like to theorize that Malon, Midna, and Medli are part of the same reincarnation chain. With the M names and tendency to be the other major girl in Link’s life.

[@gregsretromusicchannel7000]

Link & Malon is not only briefly hinted at by Talon in OOT. But given Link in TP it makes sense

[@colonagray2454]

I always assumed her father was depressed at the loss of her mother and never found peace. Ive seen depression shut my mother down for years. She wasnt lazy just sorta gone i guess. Looking back she wishe broke through sooner because of all she missed, but is more in the moment as a result these days.

[@DonMaturro]

I've always loved malon, but never made the connection of Twilight link! Very nice

[@fallowlily8869]

Finally some good MaLink content! This ship has always been my favorite and definitely the one I subscribe to the most in OoT. I always envisioned Link returning to Hyrule after being gone on his Termina adventures for only a couple years, he returns to the ranch because where else is he gonna go? I don't think he would've returned to the Kokiri but he would've known he was welcome at Lon Lon

[@akward4210]

How do you know that he didn't stay at the castle? In Majora's Mask, Zelda says that they spent a lot of time together before he left.

[@fallowlily8869]

@@akward4210 We don't know for sure that's why it's a theory

[@akward4210]

@@fallowlily8869 Fair enough. Was just asking the question since the theory was based on Link having no where else to go supposedly.

[@kingnamor7777]

What we need is a another Zelda game that is right after Majora Mask.

[@theforgetfulalchemist]

I was shipping these two before I even keep what shipping was lol

[@blaria95]

So glad to see so many fans of this ship.. Link and Malon being together makes the most sense. They are similar and have so much in common. Zelda isn’t even alike to Link.

[@JuicyRedskin]

Honestly, because of how dark this Link’s life is, I really like this.

[@Nightlancer556]

Awesome vid as always

[@lnsflare1]

I'm just imagining Ganondorf riding Epona.

[@TheOmegaDragon]

Link borrowed Epona so it would make the most sense for him to return to Lon Lon Ranch to reunite with Malon. Where else can you breed a horse like Epona? In OoT the Sheikah stone said Malon wished for a knight to sweep her off her feet. Link fits the role perfectly and Shade confirms he took a job as a knight of sorts. Talon even suggested he marry Malon even though he thought them too young at the time. TP Link being having a rancher background, knowing Epona's song, and even living in a Tree House. The games are heavily implying they were together.

[@seanwilliams5711]

I totally think Link and Malon hooked up later in oot

[@Eric-yt7fp]

I'm with you on everything but Twilight Princess taking place one generation after Ocarina of Time. There's at least a century between the games, so I would think the Hero of Time is the Hero of Twilight's great grandfather.

[@zarax6826]

And he STILL tells his great grandson to straighten himself out, all while dressed in the coolest armor ever.

[@enforcerridley158]

One thing about theories such as this is that it ignores that Ordanians are not Hylian but are Round Eared Humans who are a separate race from the Hylians. Therefore, the Ordanians are not descendants of Lon Lon Ranch. I will acknowledge that mixed races is not only possible but exist within Zelda Lore. Medli from Wind Waker is confirmed to descend from the Zora and another Rito clearly descends from Hylian.

[@kingnamor7777]

Is it possible that Link fought in the Gerudo and Hylian war? Why else was the Hero Shade was wearing that armor? I highly doubt ceremonial or burial armor. Since it has chainmail within it. Also I don't think that Ordon Village is or was formally Kokiri village. Since Ordon village is inhabited by humans, with TP Link being the only known Hylian. I think it's possible that OOT Link discovered Ordon village when he left Temina. Went back to Hyrule and found out that the Kokiri village was overrun with monsters due to the Deku tree being dead and Ganondorf invading Hyrule to get to the Sacred Realm. So he probably evacuated the Kokiri people and Malon to Ordon village. To protect them from the Gerudo and Hylian War. Basically I think Kokiri Village and Ordon village are two different and separate places/areas. Due to the fact that Ordon Village is inhabited by humans and not Hylians. Since in Hyrule Historia Kokiri were originally Hylians. When the Hylians were first developing civilization and industrialising, the Kokiri chose to live closer to nature and distanced themselves from the growing cities. It's also said that the Kokiri will die if they leave the forest. This is because the Kokiri will age in places where the Deku Tree's power does not reach.

[@enforcerridley158]

@@kingnamor7777 *”Is it possible that Link fought in the Gerudo and Hylian war? Why else was the Hero Shade was wearing that armor? I highly doubt ceremonial or burial armor.”* Truth is, we simply do not know anything about the Hero’s Shade’s armor nor the armor’s origins as to Lore. *”Also I don't think that Ordon Village is or was formally Kokiri village.[…]Basically I think Kokiri Village and Ordon village are two different and separate places/areas. Due to the fact that Ordon Village is inhabited by humans and not Hylians.“* You are correct, my good sir. Ordon Village is south of Faron Woods which is South of Lake Hylia. We simply don’t remotely explore that area in Ocarina of Time. I suspect Ordon Village, or north of it, is a reference to the starting Area in _The Legend of Zelda._ *”I think it's possible that OOT Link discovered Ordon village when he left Temina.”* Why would he need to? Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence that Twilight Princess Link is a blood descendant of Ocarina of Time Link, only that he is the next inheritor of the Spirit of the Hero. It may even be the case that Twilight Princess Link and A Link to the Past Link are the very same Link but from different Timelines. Both Miyamoto and Aonuma hinted at that. *”Went back to Hyrule and found out that the Kokiri village was overrun with monsters due to the Deku tree being dead and Ganondorf invading Hyrule to get to the Sacred Realm. So he probably evacuated the Kokiri people and Malon to Ordon village. ”* Reminder: *”Since Ordon village is inhabited by humans, with TP Link being the only known Hylian.”* In other words, Ordon Village inhabitants are unrelated to Lon Lon Ranch and the Kokiri being that Ordonians are completely human. *”Since in Hyrule Historia Kokiri were originally Hylians.”* And Hyrule Historia also claims that Nabooru is the Sage of Fire and Darunia is the Sage of Spirit, claims we know are false. Unfortunately, Hyrule Historia has lots of incorrect information within its pages and, just like with Darunia and Nabooru mixing up which Sage is who, incorrectly claims that the Kokiri and the Skull Kids have the same origins; being former Hylian children who got lost in the woods. According to Ocarina of Time, the Kokiri were once forest spirits given form by the Great Deku Tree, and given the form of Hylian children once the Great Deku Tree took in Link. It was Skull Kids were once Hylian children who got lost in the Lost Woods. *”When the Hylians were first developing civilization and [industrializing], the Kokiri chose to live closer to nature and distanced themselves from the growing cities.”* The Kokiri have always lived in the forest, being forest spirits and all. Kokiri live wherever the Forest is. *”It's also said that the Kokiri will die if they leave the forest. This is because the Kokiri will age in places where the Deku Tree's power does not reach.”* Although it is true that the Great Deku Tree told the Kokiri that if they leave the forest that they would die, I don’t believe you are correct about the reason. Contrary to popular belief, the Kokiri aren’t actually children. According to Eiji Aonuma, the Kokiri are born within the Forest and they can die of old age even within the Forest even in the presence of the Great Deku Tree. Yes, Kokiri actually have lifespans. When a Kokiri is born, they just appear out of nowhere. And when a Kokiri dies of old age, they vanish before your eyes. The thing about Kokiri: whether young or old, they always look like Hylian children; it’s impossible to tell by appearance. And elderly Kokiri who are about to die of old age are just as energetic as younger Kokiri. The thing about Elderly Kokiri though: they tend to permanently leave the forest, usually moving very deep into the Lost Woods, not wanting their friends to see them vanish into thin air and never to reappear again. This is likely the origin of the claim that Kokiri who leave the Forest die. It’s most unfortunate for the ones who don’t leave the forest: they tend to vanish forever while playing with their friends. At least, when one Kokiri dies of old age, another completely different Kokiri is born.

[@akward4210]

@@enforcerridley158 I think your comments are among the best that I've come across under these Zelda theory videos and in Zelda theory discussions in general. I think that a lot of fans nowadays mistake theories and speculation with canon, even when there may be a significant lack of evidence proving those theories from the games, but instead of fact-checking, they just parrot. Hyrule Historia contributed to this heavily, even though you are right: there are MANY mistakes and contradictions in the book when compared to the games and it therefore shouldn't be held in higher regard over the games, but not many seem to care about this. I always thought that Kokiri Forest was based on Neverland, so I assumed that they would stay as children as long as they remained in the forest, and then age if they leave like in the Peter Pan stories. I also speculated that they could also live forever in the forest like in Neverland, and that the warning about "you'll die if you leave the forest" was more a warning that "you'll age and eventually die if you leave the forest." However, the Kokiri seem pretty immature for supposedly immortal beings, so it is likely they have lifespans like you said, and aren't that much older than Link is at the start of OoT. Do you know where you found that Eiji quote regarding the Kokiri? I'd be interested in checking it out. Edit: Spelling

[@cholobok]

I think the Deku tree is Link's true love. He literally came inside it.

[@malic_zarith]

Link definately went back to live in the forest during the child timeline, but the Kokiri were probably still there. He probably protected them with the Deku Tree gone. He wouldn't leave them to suffer at the hands of monsters. Plus they didn't desert it in the adult timeline.

[@Mysticgamer]

Link can't go back to the Kokiri forest. Children who stay in the forest become Skullkids, and without the Deku tree's protection or navi, he couldn't safely return. Also, all the Kokiri except Sari think he killed the tree then ran away. Although, with Ganondorf being captured there shouldn't be any monsters to attack the Kokiri except the deku baba.

[@malic_zarith]

@@Mysticgamer I'm pretty sure Link is an exception to that. Plus you have to get lost for that to happen. He's in the forest for some time in Majora's Mask and doesn't turn. He also is in the forest temple for a while as an adult and doesn't change. He knows how to get around his childhood home.

[@kingnamor7777]

@@malic_zarith Also it's possible that the Triforce of Courage was protecting Link when he enter the lost forest.

[@kingnamor7777]

@@Mysticgamer Well it was stated within the Twilight Princess game. That Ganondorf attack the land of Hyrule and Hyrule Castle and tried to enter the Sacred Realm through brute force. Which explains why we see the ruins of the temple of time in the Twilight Princess game.

[@Mysticgamer]

@King Namor 777 True, but there's still the problem that the Kokiri still think he killed their dad. I wish we see link go back and explain, but I wonder if the deku seed will be there to vouch for him?

[@WarmLillie]

Sometimes destiny have different plan in mind for lovers

[@thealvabro1852]

Vortex; we all miss you. We all hope you're doing well. Your videos were seminal to the Zelda community. This video should be proof of that. Thank you, Vortex. From the bottom of our hearts!

[@sup3414]

What happened?

[@kingnamor7777]

@@sup3414 On social media. It said she died in a car accident. While others are convinced that she went on hiatus/ghosted.

[@slimcognito383]

She was the the first Zelda focused channel I watched and I was just rewatching some of her videos. She will be missed

[@kingnamor7777]

@@slimcognito383 Same here. She is among the first zelda theorist. I ever watched on KZbin.

[@thealvabro1852]

@@slimcognito383 same here. She's the reason I ship OOT Link and Malon. It just makes so much sense given the context of Twilight Princess. Vortex; you will be missed and never forgotten.

[@Daniel328DT]

I wish we got a new story arc game that take place after Majora's Mask before his death in the war. It could answer some curious questions like Malon.

[@shuzilong]

Spectacular Theory for a Spectacular time of the year. I had always felt this ship would be the most likely possibility and certain probability for the child hero of time moving forward. Thank you.

[@eviliggy643]

Miss u Vortexxygaming

[@ladynikkie]

It would make sense that these two would end up together I feel like even in both ocarina time and Majora's mask she waited for him regardless.. I wonder if she'll make an appearance in the second breath of the wild game

[@alexispulido9481]

It is stated that the new Zelda game will have a lot of ocarina of time reference's so maybe

[@gamestar6479]

Wait but it's been over 10,000 years how would she make an appearance? Unless you mean a completely different person named malon

[@iferdannhufana4718]

A flashback from the other incarnates of Link

[@zarax6826]

​@@gamestar6479 descendants, maybe

[@ultimate_pleb]

THEY TOTALLY *B O N D E D*

[@kingnamor7777]

They definitely sealed the deal😏

[@Milliekrewarts]

0:11 "Mario I mean talon" Talon:"*EXCUSE ME DO I LOOK LIKE MARIO!!!?!?!!??*"

[@scarlet4377]

Although I do not have a personal and nostalgic connection with Vortexxygaming like many other people in the comment section do for I only recently discovered her channel, it pains me quite a lot to learn about her passing regardless. While simplistic in style, it was obvious to tell how much effort, love and dedication Vortex put into creating each and every single one of her videos, emphasizing her deep passion towards The Legend Of Zelda. She definitely seemed to value interacting with her community very much as well as delivering content of high quality. Based on my own observations, Vortexxygaming appeared to have impacted the theorist scene of the The Legend Of Zelda fandom heavily and she, without a doubt, brought delight into many people's lives. As for myself, I have surely enjoyed every second, every minute of her works and feel great appreciation and admiration towards her. Such a talented and intelligent individual who still had her whole life ahead of her, how unfortunate and tragic that she was robbed from us and her family and friends way too soon. May her soul rest in piece and legacy forever be remembered! Thank you, Commonwealth Realm, for dedicating this special video to Vortexxygaming. You have done a marvelous job with bringing your own perspective regarding Malink visually to life and for that, I certainly am going to reward you with a thumbs up!

[@Kabbaway]

Rest In Peace, Vortexxy 💙

[@TheDarthSoldier]

Aww vortexxygaming... I miss her. She was the best.

[@Kabbaway]

She truly was 😔💙

[@generallymexican8978]

Very heart warming. Nice vid

[@natoriousthehopeful2786]

Well played making this video for Valentine's weekend, Commonwealth Realm.

[@xenaioaks5363]

My favourite Vortexxgaming vids were OOT Temples. But I love her Malon and Link vid, always have. OoTLinkxMaloon. TPLinkxIllia. ZeldaxLink everything else. There's a comic on tumblr, which reveals their relationships, fan-made of course. Where all the Links are in the same universe, and TimeLink got together with Malon, and the other Link bet if it was a Zelda. It's also sad but cute when TimeLink realized that TPLink was his descendant

[@VestigeSmash21]

I ship it, (OOT link and malon)

[@SorcererLance]

Considering the hints of Malon dreaming of being whisked away by a brave (and presumably also handsome) knight, then Link growing up to save her ranch and her beloved horse, I figured the two might've gotten together at some point. Since Saria was forever a Kokiri child (and a sage), Zelda was royalty, and Ruto... technically tricked Link into a marriage engagement and presumably Link not wanting to get involved with the awkwardness of a Hylian/Zora relationship or perhaps how unsettling her advancements were towards him... Malon seemed to be the sane choice. Plus it makes sense if going into Twilight Princess how that version of Link grew up as a rancher. Though the mystery remains as to HOW they got together... In the future, there was no Link aside from the one who traveled from the past as he was sent back to his time once his mission to defeat Ganondorf was concluded... Could Link have spent a night with Malon and left her pregnant before he continued on his adventure until being sent back to the past? If that's the case, how did he reappear as the Hero's Shade in that timeline? In the child timeline, Link got lost and found himself in Termina, managed to return to Hyrule Castle, then was warped away to Holodrum/Labrynna and then decided to sail the seas to Koholint Island and then was left stranded in the middle of the ocean with no discernible way to get back home... unless if by pure chance a passing ship saved him and brought him back to Hyrule to an awaiting Malon. Either way, the multiple timeline thing is confusing... Link got with Malon, and eventually TP Link came to be. The how/when I've stopped caring :P

[@nicholasfly6245]

It could be possible that if Malon's mother (possibly Nabooru) may have been living with Talon at the ranch at the time of the war, or maybe knowing he had her more Hylian child, gave word of this to the Gerudo forces and they instead didn't attack the ranch. It could explain part of the lack of civilization in the fields other than the ranch....maybe lol

[@KnightsofGaming2016]

Hope to find my Malon someday. Happy Valentine's Day, y'all

[@christopherortiz4492]

Great video!

[@TheKyrsisForever]

I miss Vortexxygaming.

[@Kabbaway]

Me too, Rest In Peace to her 💙

[@k.b.7718]

I would have loved a deeper relationship with Malon in OOT, I think they were made for each other, much like Marin in LA. Forget ZeLink, MaLink rules!! PS: RIP Vortexxy

[@Kabbaway]

Rest In Peace 💙

[@dg6099]

Miss you Vortexx wish you were here for this Zelda content

[@Kabbaway]

Me too, Rest In Peace

[@tsemiu]

Finally and ship I can live with. It's one I've always believed since I played this game when it came out!

[@shainer13]

To think link and Malon had a child who eventually became the hero from the twilight game makes sense.

[@bareq99]

Oh man.. Vortexxy.. Now I'm sad :/

[@skullkid7989]

Hey I remember that link he was a good friend

[@commonwealthrealm]

The best one, a true Hero of Time!

[@AarayKyramud]

Most people would think Link and Zelda would be a thing..but i don't agree with that. Regardless of the relationship hinted at in BOTW.

[@gamestar6479]

Why don't you agree with that?

[@Naterkix]

Man... I'd love it if Nintendo ever made a Zelda game with a story as in-depth as some of the manga adaptations. The Hero of Time, specifically, has a story that has huge opportunities to have some really good story beats as could BotW (though in that game's case, it'd be best to explore the OG timeline rather than using Age of Calamity's version). LttP's Link could have a lot too since he's in four games (if you count Seasons and Ages as one) and just Link's Awakening's manga already cranks that game's story to existential-crisis-inducing level that situation would most likely cause someone other than Link.

[@isaacgraff8288]

I do agree with a lot of the commenters. Malon and Link is the best couple

[@10k-Noodles]

Malon and Midna are best girls.

[@kingnamor7777]

True dat👏🏿. Those ladies are OTP of the ship community in the Legend of Zelda.

[@10k-Noodles]

@@kingnamor7777 I didn't even know there was a ship community. My big thing against Zelda is the lack of characters. I like rpgs. I love Zelda. Therefor, I want more character growth. Even if he doesn't speak, the people around him can.

[@kingnamor7777]

@@10k-Noodles Really? I think Link showed a lot of character growth within the Majora Mask, Skyward game and within Twilight Princess.

[@SwimFroggies52341]

"They say that Malon of Lon Lon Ranch hopes a knight in shining armor will come and sweep her off her feet someday." THATS ENOUGH PROOF FOR ME 😭❤❤

[@Joe-ik1ph]

I have a mini theory that Malon could have been pregnant with Link's child in both the adult and downfall timelines. I have no evidence to support this. I just really like the idea.

[@kingnamor7777]

I highly doubt a nine year old in a young adult body would impregnate a woman. Especially during times of chaos and destruction going around.

[@kirbyfazendoummoonwalk9214]

@@kingnamor7777 well puberty would hit way harder if you just skip 7 years of your life

[@lordnaarghul]

Well, the thing is OoT Link has at a minimum 3 girls who definitely like him and possibly up to 5. 6 if you include Navi, but I tend not to. Malon is one of the 3 along with Saria and Ruto. OoT is actually one of the games where the relationship of Link and Zelda is more ambiguous, and the 5th is less a like and more a "I wouldn't mind a one night stand" in Nabooru. Of the bunch? Malon fits the bill the most. Saria will eternally be a child and is a fey creature of the forest. Ruto genuinely loves Link but their differing biology is going to cause some angst as it did with Mipha. Nabooru simply found him attractive as an adult. Like I said, his relationship with Zelda is rather ambiguous because her interactions with Link are more along the line of Zelda 1 and ALTTP than it is with Skyward Sword or BOTW Zelda. I think even Tetra's relationship with Link is less ambiguous than OoT's Zelda. That being said, it is far more present than in Twilight Princess, where she is largely supplanted by Midna. So that leaves Malon. She likes him. She was fascinated by him as a child, and some secondhand information suggests she saw Link as the shining prince of her fantasies after he rescued the ranch from Ganondorf's influence. She's the same age as him and there's zero chance for biological angst, and she's quite pretty. Link's personality is left largely up to our imagination but I believe every version of Link - even the one from the crappy cartoon - would get with Malon unless he's more strongly tied down. Ilia from Twilight Princess deserves special mention here, as she holds a few similarities to Malon.

[@akward4210]

In Majora's Mask, Zelda says that she and Link spent a lot of time together, that "she'll never forget the days they spent together in Hyrule", and that the Song of Time "reminds me of us..." She gave the Ocarina of Time to Link purely so he could use it to keep him safe, and description for the Ocarina in the item menu specifically says that "it's full of memories of Princess Zelda." I'm not sure how that makes her and Link's relationship "ambiguous." Tetra's relationship with WW Link was much more ambiguous than that.

[@goodwind3190]

I totally ship it

[@williamh6226]

God rest your soul, Vortex. 😥

[@Kabbaway]

Rest in Peace 💙

[@kingnamor7777]

It's a me Mario😄. Lol I love your puns and funny comments within the theories Commonwealth Realm.

[@Brett101792]

She's literally the only female character who marriage is talked about, hell you even get to say yes!

[@chrispork1443]

It’s highly likely that the Hero of Time and Malon ended up together, but I wouldn’t call it absolute.

[@user-qg2xj4ch2r]

Approved

[@scotthancock46]

Link and Malon are such a cute couple!❤️❤️❤️

[@samflood5631]

My theory is that once Link returns from Termina, he’s going to settle down on Malon’s farm and becomes a part time farmer while he spends most of his free time training to be a knight just like his dad was. When he turns 16, he’ll marry Malon and have kids with her who will be the great grandparents of the Hero of Twilight.

[@StormTheOnigiri]

There's another theory that's a bit happier where Link and Malon do have children, but none of them turn out to be warriors like Link, more like ranch hands. Leading to him not being able to pass down the warrior's way and becoming the Hero Shade after dying of old age.

[@aiweeable]

7:45 got me good 💀

[@jennynoelle6782]

Personally, I don't know what to make of Malon x Link. On one hand, it makes sense that OoT Link would end up with someone (we know TP Link is his descendent, so he clearly had a kid), and Malon is the obvious first choice (though he could have reunited with Zelda or he could have met someone new - that's all assuming it wasn't a brief relationship)). However, there's nothing concrete about it (and it doesn't seem to have ended well, given OoT Link becomes a shade). TP Link, like many other Links, seems to have simply appeared in Ordon one day and moved in, befriending the locals while he was at it. He doesn't seem to have parents or family in the village, as no one mentions them (ex: "Link's family has been here forever", "You're so much like your father", etc.), and he lives in what could be a repurposed tree-house. There just isn't enough evidence (in my opinion) to say, for certain, that OoT Link ended up with Malon. Also, redhaired x blond doesn't make brown - though their kid could, in theory, possibly have brown if we assume that one of Link's parents possessed the gene and that it either skipped a generation (Talon has dark hair, so maybe it would "strengthen" a 'hidden gene' of Links? It's unlikely since, as Malon is a redhead, she would likely be homogenous 'redhaired gene' - do to it being the most recessive color, it wouldn't likely appear otherwise - their kids would most likely end up blond or a 'blend', such as "strawberry blond" (i.e. blond with reddish tones)) or that Hylian DNA is more prone to blond as a rule, making it a dominant gene (comparable to brown/black hair in reality). Since we know TP Link is a descendent, but not how far removed, it's likely that there is additional parentage at work that could produce dark hair. However, TP Link has "dirty blond" hair, not "brown", so it doesn't really matter anyway.

[@MrUriel2015]

Is not just a theory , and Link from Twilight Princess confirms it .

[@NFITC1]

TP takes place several generations away from OoT. Long enough for any red or blonde hair to be diluted unto brown. The idea behind it is sound though and I never thought about it. OoT's Link is probably TP's Link's Great-grandfather and was born shortly after OoT's death.

[@UltraDragonSmite]

Maybe link didn’t leave Termina though! In Majoras mask credits, Zora link (Miku) was still in the ballad of the wind fish band! Maybe he stayed in Termina for a while!

[@seamus8695]

That's my little Theory aswell, He probably stuck around for a couple days for the celebration of the moons departure

[@theberrby6836]

I really like this video, like it lightens my heart AND is very interesting!..

[@Zerolink30]

This are my same thoughts on what happens after Majora's Mask. But yeah TP Link is the descendant of OoT Link and Malon. Makes you want that Nintendo would make a 3 part Movie (or more) that gives us the whole story of the Hero of Time. Starting with the war where we see a mother running towards the Lost Woods, injured with a baby in her arms.

[@Tigerfire75]

Actually Link was just try to get close to Epona his real true love.

[@riftshredder5438]

I figured he would end up with her, I also think Link will end up with the store owner girl who has a crush on him in Skyward Sword

[@ZeldaMcFly]

A lot of people say Link starting out with epona at the beginning of Twilight Princess is solid proof that ocarina of time Link ended up with Malon but I disagree because they are clearly two different breeds of horse. Ocarina of Time Epona is a silver bay draft horse when Twilight Princess Epona is a Clydesdale. Other evidence points to it but I don't think that the horse is it 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Deuteromis]

I heard a theory that when Link from Oricana of Time ends up marrying Malon and that Link from Twilight is their descendant.

[@thunderknight1301]

My favorite Ship ;D

[@commonwealthrealm]

They are the perfect match in so many ways :)

[@ctyoro5086]

#MaLinkforlife