Link's Secret Diary Reveals His True Personality in Breath of the Wild

[@QuestWithAaron]

For those interested in reading all of the entries, I've composed a full updated translation of the complete Japanese Adventure Log on my Patreon! www.patreon.com/QuestWithAaron I'd also like to share an updated translation of the final quest in the video. I received my vessel back from the Devil Statue, and now I can buy and sell vessels. I can trade Heart Vessels and Stamina Vessels to the Devil Statue. It’s 100 rupees for a sale, Or 120 rupees for a purchase. Or so it says.../From what I gather... The commenter below kindly pointed out to me that the last line in JP is とのことだ not どのことだ which is how I read it initially when I was working on a small screen way back when I made this video. Apologies for this!

[@Nesterou]

Loved the video, seems like translation butchering to me from translators and / or Nintendo... it seems so more human and personnal in the Japanese version, it's less formal and robotic. Link looks totally different in the Japanese version, almost mischievous. Just a tiny question, what made you translate とのことだ in "what the heck"? 何てことだ would have been correct, but とのことだ sounds more like "so apparently that's how it is" kind of meaning, it is close to だそうです

[@QuestWithAaron]

@@Nesterou Thank you! I appreciate it! I absolutely agree with you and have updated the pinned comment to reflect my error. I was working with minimal equipment when I first made this video and I may have interpreted the と for ど. Thank you again!

[@ARCrow007]

bruh we have to pay to see it... why do people make cool things meant for everyone to see then: WAIT! you need to pay 7 and a half dollars to see it!

[@S0M3O43]

@@ARCrow007 Im with you, its very stupid.

[@niagargoyle]

I believe there is a note in Creating a Champion that says Link experienced a bit of a personality shift with his amnesia. When he was the Chosen Knight 100 years ago, the weight of his responsibilities made him quiet and withdrawn. After emerging from the Shrine of Resurrection, he is much more expressive and like the child Mipha described in her diary.

[@QuestWithAaron]

That certainly does explain a lot! Being chosen as Zelda's personal knight, and as the hero is without a doubt, a ton of pressure. It makes sense why he might have kept to himself more. Thanks for sharing this, it's super interesting, I'll have to check more of the book out.

[@immimregit]

I’ve actually seen several Japanese fandom mangas on BotW that depict the personality shift i.e. Link being more open and friendly due to his loss of memory and also Link’s openness being his base personality (maybe) before he became a royal guard.

[@Supersonicblue1027]

He reverted back to his original personality and when he regained his memories his personality became a mix of both of his personalities still continuing to write in the diary and being friendly to others but quiting down and being serious when he has to be in situations like Ganon or from other threats.

[@golfpen108]

Woah were miphas diary

[@LollyPop1444]

@@golfpen108 The Zora King has it

[@Silver-o1z]

When link is cooking, you could literally hear him humming happily in tears of the kingdom. It's quite cute and special when you hear it from him like he's excited for the food.

[@abdomen9038]

He actually humming old Zelda songs too it’s a cute Easter egg

[@shokumiyazaki4931]

@@abdomen9038 I thought I was trippin when I thought I heard him humming the beginning of lost woods

[@Tailzy26]

I know I loved that so much when I first heard that!

[@Alexandra-ng1ih]

He did that in botw ..

[@MyAramil]

Or if you use a shield to surf on, he gives little cheers or notes of excitement when he gets air.

[@bluejae825]

i love how silly he actually is. he comes off as a strong, stoic hero, but he's also just a regular kid who loves food and goofing off just like anyone else.

[@ZeranZeran]

That's the truth for most men, strong or not heh. We're all alike. Some of the toughest scariest dudes I've met, have been very sweet, passionate about art, and very funny too. I love tough softies.

[@luigi7781]

It's almost like he's still a teen... he's 17 (117) after all...

[@tabbynoodles3685]

omg same i love tough softies too

[@enriquegarciacota3914]

Haaaah? Hiaaaa! Humph!

[@FKyoutubeSERIOUSLY]

We're all human. Even the best of us, and even the worst of us.

[@superbigtime]

Zelda's diary goes into detail regarding Link's stoicism. He apparently once opened up to her and shared that he keeps a straight face and suppresses his emotions since people look up to him as Hylia's chosen swordsman. If he shows an excessive amount of joy, people may think his focus is faltering, and if he shows fear, those around him may lose hope. I like that, even with that in mind, we still get to see that Link is still just a younger guy who gets excited over things like taming a big horse and a cooking recipe going well.

[@SaviorGabriel]

I like knowing that Link feels the need to keep his game face on when needed.

[@celes42017]

That was what was so incredible to me. Link knows when to show joy and when to be brave. He knows that if he shows fear, people will become scared too. He also knows that if he shows too much joy, people become too content. It shows he pays attention to others closely. What I love about this Link is that he has a history of failure, but still manages to get back up.

[@Sephiroth08150]

Link loosening when with horses and while cooking makes a ton of sense in-universe too. You have to be nice and gentle to horses to max their bond level, and that's apparently common knowledge by the tile Calamity Ganon came about. Link can afford to be expressive over horses. As for food? Well it is also widely known that eating is healthy, and provides you stats boost. And as you may have noticed, people in BotW make such a big deal of food. In that sense, food makes Link and the common folk equal - everyone enjoys a good meal.

[@MyAramil]

Nah personally if the hero is serious 90% of the time, but enjoys the little things, that improves the hero to me.

[@serialexperimentslainkinnie]

So he’s basically me

[@Catpuff818]

Do you ever look at someone and wonder what is going on in their head? Link: *What the heck?!*

[@heroofangst]

XD

[@shadowstar8619]

Honestly, though, that's a pretty appropriate reaction to that statue deciding to turn a profit of 20 rupees per purchase. Like, it's a STATUE. What would it need the rupees for?!

[@Catpuff818]

@Number1miraculousfan Poker night? I've also wondered what do the goddess statues do with the spirit orbs?

[@stuffz1757]

My one secret hope for BOTW2 is that they take this idea and expand it greatly. Letting Link really express himself, in all versions of the game.

[@QuestWithAaron]

I really hope so too! Maybe we'll get some hints about it soon when they eventually show us gameplay.

[@lillygames6117]

Yes plz

[@Raindrop_dragons]

Oh hell yes

[@usednametag7005]

I wish my uncle really DID work at nintendo.

[@Koi_Swirl]

Where's playable Zelda? 😢

[@JS-kn6pg]

I feel so robbed! What a wholesome way to give Link a voice without giving him audible dialogue! I really hope we get that in BoTW2...

[@r3medyproductions]

I feel this. They really dropped the ball with the translations. This would have been way cooler.

[@raven5048]

😢 after seeing this I feel English version shitty ... I mean they already rob us if petting dogs now this 😅

[@hilol7366]

Spoiler alert: no :(

[@jakkdlaw]

I feel cheated too😂

[@unluckyone1655]

Yeah. Bummer

[@Koi_Swirl]

Giving Link a journal is a great idea! Perfect way to view his thoughts throughout the game while not needing to hire a voice actor to make him talk. No "excuuuuse me princess" after saving zelda in BOTW2

[@QuestWithAaron]

I feel the same way! I think giving him voiced lines would somewhat take away the charm of his character. A diary is a much more personal and discrete way to showcase more of his character in my opinion!

[@TarsonTalon]

Honestly, I actually think I like that Link now, because the BS he has to go through kinda justifies the attitude. Especially after getting a solid knock on the head and getting amnesia, it just seems poetically fitting that, after everyone else was a jerk to him before the calamity, that he became the king of jerks afterwards.

[@Hylian_Legends]

You pronounce if wrong it’s: WELLLLL EXCUSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE ME PRINCESS! (This is a joke if you can’t tell)

[@lilytherandomperson5576]

I never thought link would say “what the heck”

[@QuestWithAaron]

Yeah, I was a little surprised by this too. I think the devil statue really got him, he's a little shocked about being able to purchase and trade in heart containers and stamina meters. If we think about it from Link's perspective, trading in your life force for the ability to climb and run more, or even purchasing more "life" is a little weird actually lol

[@haileeraestout5567]

@@QuestWithAaron Can You Do A Full Translation Story????? Like A No Commentary One????

[@QuestWithAaron]

For sure! I'm currently in the midst of compiling all of the entries into a complete collection, amongst other related projects. In the mean time I'll still be releasing videos to share with you and everyone the more interesting ones. Then I'll do an announcement when I've finished translating them all!

[@cifge_404]

@@QuestWithAaron I'm really excited for the full translation! I've been looking for one but never did find it.

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

That is incredible. Keep at it.

[@quil72]

Something that I'm genuinely curious about are what Link's thoughts are on the Eighth Heroine quest, you know, the one where you basically catfish a guy in order to get boots

[@QuestWithAaron]

That certainly sounds like a great quest to look at! Let's see if he's as sarcastic in Japanese as he is in English!

[@givmi_more_w9251]

Bozai deserved every second of that. I was taken aback at first and thought 'come on, Link, that's low', but in the end, I was ready to bleed him dry. Fucking creep.

[@dietotaku]

@@givmi_more_w9251 that character skeeved me out so bad that i can't listen to any of the characters in TOTK that use the same audio clips. i hate selling stuff to fyson in tarrey town because every time i select something to sell, i have to hear that weird excited-weeb "mmm!" that i have come to associate with bozai.

[@madeeha.2006]

@@dietotakui only played botw recently and i don’t think i’ve come across this “bozai” guy.. why is he creepy and also where is he? i’m curious since i don’t think i’ve done this quest

[@waffler-yz3gw]

@@madeeha.2006i believe he's the guy outside gerudo town who gives you the snow/sand boots

[@diyarts9378]

After learning about his diary entries before, it makes me wish that the English version stayed true to that. I've never seen Link as an 'avatar'. I always believed him to have different personalities based on the game I'm playing.

[@chamab.6800]

I always wonder why we can’t ever get a direct translation in English. This is so frustrating. This kind of thing matters. It changes the whole energy of the game.

[@r3medyproductions]

Yeah it is kind of strange. I mean sometimes there are words in Japanese that don't really mean the same things in English or don't necessarily have a good way to express what they are saying in a different language but with something like this, you'd think it would be simple enough to make a more accurate translation but idk I barely know any Japanese so it could be hard lol

[@SinisterShrink]

It might be similar to the reasoning behind making their characters look angry on the box art for western releases. For some reason Nintendo seems to think that westerners resonate more with angry and/or stoic characters rather than characters with real emotions and feelings. Maybe they thought the western audience wouldn't appreciate a hero with a goofy, childish side

[@_axdn]

especially with the love letter quest or whatever with that zora child and the adult hylian which ended up seeming very pedophilic and creepy

[@tke1249]

Also with Revali! In the japanese version he is so much respectful towards everyone, he isn't worried about being a sidekick, he is troubled because he thinks the beasts should attack instead of being a defense, and, instead of only thinking that he is better that Link, he is worried about Link being enough to stop Ganon. He even admits that in the memory when he confronts Link, he wasn't being truly an asshole, he was trying to get a response from Link, something that validated all the efforts he put on and the abilities he just showed up to him, but only ended more frustrated because the lack of emotion in Link's face Also, at the end he admits that Link was in fact strong and that he had won in the one sided rivalry, but in the English version he says that it was just luck

[@Kronosdoesshit]

@@SinisterShrink We know that they know that Spider-Man and Deadpool exist

[@MiraBoo]

To be fair, the fandom joked that Link was mute/silent; however, he has NEVER been depicted as mute/silent. Yes, in some games Link is more quiet and reserved-this is especially true in BotW-but even that isn’t the case in every game. Each incarnation of Link, though very similar, are their own unique person with distinct personalities. To a degree, yes, Link has always been intended as a “blank slate” so that the player can easily graft themselves onto the character, but Link’s personality is still expressed in various ways throughout the games-he even has written and/or implied dialogue in many of them.

[@Lissbirds]

Some of them aren't joking, they believe that for real.

[@ortherner]

Wind Waker is a very good example of this

[@ClashBluelight]

This comment didn't age well after the latest entry... Where Link is actually mute, and has had his personality magically dampened...

[@amandapaschoalsereia]

I feel robbed by the English translation. They robbed Link's personality from us. Why they did this?

[@QuestWithAaron]

Yeah, some of the choices the translators made are definitely questionable. I'm hoping to showcase more of the translation differences between the versions in regards to other things in future videos. The Japanese language does often omit pronouns which can make the author sometimes seem ambiguous... But even so! There is no doubt that Link has written down his thoughts and opinions on things in the adventure log, which are all completely absent in the English version. Perhaps Nintendo of America translated it like that to try and create a stronger link between Link and the player? There are some quests that are blatantly written by Link, like the quest Captured Memories where he expresses how he wants to see Zelda's smile again. A lot of the quests read much better in the first person too... in the Japanese version, you can really feel it's Link who has written the entries.

[@Raindrop_dragons]

WHYYYYYYYYYY

[@Koi_Swirl]

I just want to see his thoughts on being chased by giant robotic, ancient magical, lazer blastin', piano inspiring spiders with doctor octopus legs.

[@djbaconbitzinc]

Well excuuuuuuse me Princess.

[@mariogpx2990]

They change everything and a lot of important stuff get lost on English version

[@7Write4This9Heart7]

Knowing it's LInk's DIARY makes me, an English player, feel incredibly robbed. I wanna know more about my boy, Nintendo! :'(

[@AnimeAmimatorMizore]

Love that this tells me Link's a total country homebody when he's not wrapped up in saving the world. The man just wants to decorate his house, cook, and generally just vibe.

[@lakosta7202]

I am russian and i play with russian localisation,and i just noticed what it is Links personal diary too, everything was written from Links perspective,i was happy to notice this after your video,thanks

[@Ваш-ф1п]

Same hahahh. Guess we got that lucky.

[@JulianCaesaro]

My favorite part of Link’s personality is all of the eccentric reactions that he has in botw in normal conversations. Though it kinda sucks that Link is made to be a blank slate in the US version of the game, I do still enjoy seeing how often he’ll casually use puns 🤔

[@monhi64]

Either it’s Nintendo being weird and thinking that Americans need to pretend they are the main character. Even Nintendo is like the only developer that does the whole blank slate main character thing and the vast majority of American made games have typical fully fleshed out main character dialogue… Or and honestly this is pretty likely the Americanization team felt intimidated about what personality to give him after 30 years of him being near silent and didn’t wanna do all that work. I know that Nintendo is pretty hardcore about localization with the English version so I could see them not letting the US team just translate it straight to English. Personally the general Nintendo blank slate thing drives me nuts it just makes the games boring in that aspect

[@drawn_by_starla9462]

This is actually really useful for making fanart/fanfiction lol. Whenever I draw Link I never know what personality to give him, whether warm and cheerful, stoic and cold, or witty and smug. Seems like he’s the warm and cheerful type!

[@nicolenowotnik7121]

omg this. i kind of go somewhere between cheerful, sarcastic, and determined when i write fanfics? O_o idk, i wrote a long fanfic from link's pov in first person and people always are like 'i like the voice in this' so idk xD

[@drawn_by_starla9462]

@@nicolenowotnik7121 link (haha get it) to one of your fanfics! I wanna read them!!! :O

[@nicolenowotnik7121]

@@drawn_by_starla9462 ohgoddddd they're Really Weird tho xD lemme find

[@nicolenowotnik7121]

did it delete my response wiht the links in it bc like yeah O_O

[@drawn_by_starla9462]

@@nicolenowotnik7121 looks like it did. It could be that you’re no longer allowed to post links in the comments

[@mariothane8754]

The most personality I found from Link was when he made all of those Seal puns in Gerudo Village. The guy has a lot of fun with silly things. He’s also very VERY excited about things like the paraglider and by the idea of shield surfing. We rarely hear him laugh in joy except for when he’s shield surfing. The fact that he changes how he talks with people depending on who it is also shows, and it gives him a bit more of the personality you’re talking about.

[@aliklove1756]

I love these videos! I heard about ‘Link’s Diary’ a few years ago but there weren’t many translated examples of it for us English speakers. I’m so happy that we can finally enjoy Link’s thoughts and feelings. Thank you so much for taking the time and making these videos!

[@QuestWithAaron]

Thank you very much for your kind comment! I really appreciate it! I'm so glad you're enjoying them :D

[@Alice-lx4ml]

I hope BOTW 2 translates directly instead of doing this. I like the idea of Link writing these notes

[@QuestWithAaron]

I really hope the same for BotW's sequel too! Fingers crossed!

[@danishchawla690]

@@QuestWithAaron i don't have TotK but is the problem solved there? Or There are still differences in the English version.

[@i.belive.in.venti.supremacy]

@@danishchawla690 unfortunately I think, nothing it's change and it's very sad for me... I don't nothing about Link's personality, I play zelda from 2-3 years and I don't really know that... im not sure, but I see some gameplays of Totk and in the description nothing change... or better, this is not change in italy, but I don't know if in english too.

[@wave81210]

@@danishchawla690 nope, still the same.

[@hyrulemythology6055]

🥲

[@semaj35]

i love the more curious side of link. it fits perfectly with the themes and gameplay of breath of the wild, stepping out into a new world and exploring to your hearts content.

[@IronianKnight]

God, this Link was such a pure and wholesome person when they allowed him to have a personality. Sometimes the english speaking world pisses me off...

[@aeneas.csproj]

exactly why the combine took over the world frfr

[@IronianKnight]

@@aeneas.csproj Affirmative.

[@aeneas.csproj]

@@IronianKnight Subject is friendly. Stand down.

[@Anime10473]

Is it just an English thing? What about the other localizations? He only mentioned the English localization.

[@theultimatep1e40]

@@Anime10473 german here, same stuff, no personality for link :C

[@DepressedCrow]

People tend to forget that despite being a hero, link was an ordinary soldier for a while so he's adapted to that kind of life style where he's very quiet when he needs to be but will express himself doing something he enjoys

[@ItsYaBoiV]

I like the idea of Link finally getting a more complex persona, but also that each version of Link has been his own person. Twilight Link is older and more chill, WW Link is a sassy lil guy, etc. This version of Link was raised to be a soldier, and you gotta think he probably never got to be his own person until waking up in the future.

[@julien6871]

mans so underrated

[@QuestWithAaron]

Thank you so very much!

[@braddutchak2084]

@@QuestWithAaron i think he ment link but your also underrated!

[@nkryptedexe3961]

I had no idea the Japanese version was so much more personal. I hope they have that in in the English version for the sequel. Subbed and here to stay. You rock man

[@QuestWithAaron]

Thank you very much for your kind words! I'm really hoping for that to be the case with the sequel too! Hopefully not too long to wait now!

[@nkryptedexe3961]

@@QuestWithAaron I’m looking forward to your telling of the journal regardless. Even if Nintendo won’t make that leap, the community has you.

[@peytontohodrew]

@@QuestWithAaron tears of the kingdom is out, lets hear it lol

[@netherqueen5891]

When Bolton changed it price to 3,000 and wood I was like, “BUDDY! Here’s the 50,000 take it, I AINT GONNA SPEND HOURS GETTIN WOOD FOR MY OWN ALREADY BUILT HOUSE!”

[@QuestWithAaron]

Right!! Actually, though, I wonder why he made Link collect the wood... For future projects? For the house's exterior? Just for fun? Knowing Bolson it may well be the latter.

[@givmi_more_w9251]

... 30 wood ... how do you spend hours collecting 30 wood. Clear out the trunks at Rito stable and grab the axe and you have that in less than half an hour.

[@netherqueen5891]

@@givmi_more_w9251 I just had stuff I already wanted to do and collecting wood was boring. Especially since I didn’t know how much I needed in total.

[@aurum3747]

​@@netherqueen5891Bombs are an effective and fun way to collect wood

[@netherqueen5891]

@@aurum3747 I know that now, the og comment was a year ago, when I was first getting back into the game after a couple years

[@crimson3532]

It’s really nice that we get to see Link enjoy food and his adventures, when I was playing I was just going through the motions completing quests without really connecting with Link, but now that this has brought his personality to attention I feel like I’ll be able to connect to him and the game in a deep and more meaningful way

[@Supersonicblue1027]

Ya know I've noticed that in the English version if you do some of the quest after getting all the memories like the house one is dialog changes to "what are you doing?" And "are you destroying the house" and then the next options are "I'll buy the house" and something else that's also him agreeing to buy the house so maybe the dialog also changes if you have all the memories in Japanese, and if so perhaps his adamants about buying the house is more than excitement perhaps the house once belonged to his family as we know he had a father and sister so perhaps even without his memories something in his heart told him he had to get that one house and that could be the real reason his brain forgot but his heart remembered and if you have the memories then he won't hesitate to get the house and if you don't have the money with all the memories then the guy says he'll except you grabbing all the wood as a substitute cause he likes Link's determination. And I feel like the English version robbed us with the journal entries 😂

[@QuestWithAaron]

Wow!! Those are some amazing observations and interesting thoughts. I didn't realise the dialogue changes like for the Hylian Homeowner quest depending on how far you've progressed the game. I've also been real curious as to who used to live in Link's house before him too!

[@Pyro_UH]

The game does mention that the house once belonged to someone who had to leave the village because the person was appointed to work for Hyrule's royalty. 👀

[@thememeilator2633]

I always felt like Link and the zelda series has always been one of the better examples of the "Burden of the Hero". Link always feels like a chipper person at the start or at least a bit childlike but as it goes on i always had a feeling that the weight of the world was starting to get to link in some way either from an event in the story or just from the progressing narrative. BotW/AoC link has demonstrated this perfectly with how at first he was a cheerful goofball soldier but once that Master Sword finds it's way on his back he slowly stops being that person, he grows quiet and almost reclusive in his emotions, most of those symptoms are linked to stress so it's safe to say he didn't entirely like his new destiny. This is further reinforced by his move set in AoC becoming more and more violent as you unlock the combos. His moves go from standard sword swings with some unorthodox tactics to full blown Warhammer 40k Space Marine, decisive and deadly as if he's venting out all his emotions and stress onto his enemies. And even durring his last stand against the guardians he is probably running on 100% adrenaline fueled stress and frustrations with some other mixed emotions due to Zelda being one of the main things that could've prevented it yet didn't because no powers.

[@laschicvalisca2481]

I had a thought while listening to this. With Link being such a foodie, I can easily see him opening a restaurant, serving dishes he's learned from all over Hyrule. If he didn't have to contend with destiny, I can easily see a game where the player has Link learning and discovering meals, and cooking them in the kitchen while Zelda (or a different character) running the front of the house. ...... why hasn't Nintendo thought about something like this as post game content to learn every dish in the game? 🤔

[@FaroshsFang11]

Your Link diary videos bring me so much JOY, I would've never known if it weren't for you making these vids oml I cryy thank you so much keep up the awesome work AAAA !!!

[@QuestWithAaron]

I'm really happy you're enjoying them that much! I will try to keep bringing you joy! :D

[@Sluppie]

TIL Link really is the kind of the kind of guy who'd say unironically, "I can't wait to bomb some dodongos!" in his private journal, even if it'd be out of character for him to say that outright.

[@KumaBones]

Its really a shame that it wasnt translated correctly in English. This was a very enjoyable glimpse into his personality, thank you. It's sad that theres barely anything that discusses Link as a person.

[@Linkfan69]

This makes me love him even more! ❤

[@QuestWithAaron]

He's so lovable, isn't he? :D

[@sisNChristLovesTheLordJesus777]

​@@QuestWithAaron Yeah, Link is so lovable. I just want to hug him lol. 🥺😎😎❤️❤️

[@monbub]

@@QuestWithAaron Very! He's so cute to me, even with the small mannerisms. Thank you for making this video!

[@sisNChristLovesTheLordJesus777]

The thing that really stands out about Link to me, is that he's like soooo powerful and strong, extremely highly intelligent, so courageous, lol very handsome, and yet remains so humble, doesn't look down on anyone, so kind, so caring, loves helping people, protective, so incredibly heroic. This is why I love this character so much, because in reality, if someone was powerful and strong and highly intelligent etc like him, they would turn out to be narcissistic and look their noses down on people, and wouldn't give a damn about anyone. I think Link is probably the best video game role model character. He's serious and focused and yeh he's not to be messed with, but he has the most amazing kindest personality ever. 🥺🥺😍😍

[@JumptheTrench]

Link seems like a real humble person, I like to do a low armor playthrough just so i feel like a normal hylian

[@JustJamesNotJerry]

I really like the quest log in first person, it gives link more personally, which I think is really needed in Botw.

[@miezmiau9708]

Man i should really learn japanese now... I mean I knew a lot of these facts already, but now that I know that he wrote all of this in his view in another version of the game is just so crazy to me. I mean c'mon! He's so adorable. Why would you make the entrys so boring when you could have a deep character development and new knowledge about the person you're playing as? Did they seriously think it would hurt his purpose to make you feel like you're Link? God dang it. Let that poor guy have a deep personality already.

[@RandomDude647]

i actually think the english version of botw does a great job showing link's character . . . in the dialogue options, not the quest boxes. there are so many dialogue options that are sassy in this game, especially when you're talking to the old man on the great plateau and you can just go "paraglider please?" instead of listening to his speech

[@-Ph0en.X-]

Don't forget his haste in getting the sand and snow boots from Bozai Especially the 'Not a chance.' part XD

[@LegoPrime1225]

I like the idea for link’s own diary you’ll get to understand link’s feelings and excitement 😀

[@kitsuujujitsuu4025]

Also link goes "Aha!" enthusiastically whenever he fuses something with his arm in tears of the kingdom

[@QuestWithAaron]

I absolutely love that part of his character! Also have you seen the beaming smile on his face each time he's greeted by a Gerudo in the Gerudo language? Its amazing

[@andreaa.4446]

@@QuestWithAaronor when he calls over the stable master for his stable ledger reward!

[@Lumberjack_king]

2:13 I think he'd always try to help others even if it's only in a small way as long as he makes people happy that's what matters whether that's helping gather ingredients for a meal or comforting some one who's lost someone they love hell be fulfilled

[@zjuraeventide8949]

What I like about the japanese text, or at least the rough translations, is that unlike the english version which treats Link as the player, the japanese version treats it as if Link is having an adventure with the player.

[@jmn327]

On the one hand, I get it from the English version: the whole idea of Link is what his name implies, he's the "link" between the player and the gameworld, not meant to have his own character but to be a stand-in for the player. On the other, man, Link's response choices when talking to NPCs in BotW and TotK have so much more attitude and personality than previous Links had! Wouldn't it be fun to lean into that more? There's a part of me that eventually wants a Zelda game where Link has a very fleshed out personality, maybe even one where he genuinely speaks with character dialog. Yet at the same time I'd be afraid that'd make the series lose something of what makes it, well, what it is. But that's kind of the beauty of a series like Zelda: it can be whatever it wants to be, can have any art style, can decide it wants to have more consistent timeline stuff or disregard it entirely, depending on what the developers want to do. Maybe that freedom will one day allow a game that explores Link as a character more.

[@AcTiveKF]

The Japanese Version is filled with personality i wish there was a Mod to have this in the English Version.

[@jmbats42]

Thank you for giving us much more insight of the english and japanese version of sheikah slate... I love it

[@QuestWithAaron]

You're welcome. I'm glad you like it!

[@jorisvandeBrande]

Wow i didn't knew Links writes recepies in his log :) how convenient! *Get item Jingle*

[@hopenolan4447]

Glad Link is having as much fun as we are

[@hourglass-pastor]

Link and zelda are such interesting characters it sucks how much they are muffled in botw. Link pretty much doesn't get to express anything, and zelda has such an interesting personality, but we only get to see it in some short memories.

[@jaysea2969]

Link: I want to save Zelda as soon as possible Also link: takes his sweet ass time collecting 900 korok seeds

[@lyras.9161]

I like the contrast between the responsible, stoic champion and the kid-at-heart Link still is. It's really charming,.

[@kleia27]

I think it would have been neat to see a shift in how Link expresses himself through these entries; especially after he regains his memory. I know in Creating a champion, they mention that he became quiet and withdrawn because of the weight of his duties of saving Hyrule, and due to his amnesia was able to be a more expressive person - maybe regaining his memories made him kind of, at least partly, revert back to his closed off, withdrawn self. Maybe they didn't do that shift bc he learnt how great it felt to express himself? maybe it feels like less of a burden to carry when he expresses himself...?

[@QuestWithAaron]

I think it would be wonderful for Nintendo to incorporate exactly what you said here. They could paint us such an amazing picture of Link's thoughts through a more expansive diary. I think regaining his memories definitely had a huge impact on him, and some of that reflects in his diary entries. Like when he writes "I want to hurry and see Zelda's smile again with my own eyes". Link really wants to make a good impression on Zelda, as seen with the Trial of the Sword quest. I think that element of his personality has remained. He's always trying to better himself, to make himself stronger so he can protect Zelda.

[@skycreeper0173]

Oh man. I would have loved to see Link’s feelings and opinions in the English translation of the game. It helps give Link a lot more personality. Awesome video.

[@kourtneytrujillo6470]

Link definition: hot, fine as hell

[@QuestWithAaron]

That is a very nice summary!

[@kourtneytrujillo6470]

@@QuestWithAaron thanks

[@Jimpipecigarbear]

This video is why I enjoyed the mangas so much. Enjoyed getting to see those personalities of the different links. The one of them with Majora's mask was very mystical and would love to get to learn more about that Link.

[@sorry.it.is.I]

Myself, I felt straight up betrayed by Nintendo when I learned how badly they translate Zelda games, and it was what prompted me to start learning Japanese. Currently writing a letter to tell those people just what I think of them. Link is my favorite person ever, and even though I've never really had trouble seeing his personality-dairy or no-finding out that the Adventure Log really qualifies as his journal was incredible. I love how he often talks of returning the smile to people's faces. So, so adorable! This is a great video, glad there are others who think Nintendo could have done a better job translating (most don't seem to care).

[@DavyTempest]

After 0:06, you can skip to 4:00. Most of that time is spent saying the same piece of information covered in the first six seconds, but in two or three different drawn out ways.

[@Tobias_is_under_the_lake]

When you find a room of pots in breath of wild English version : You found a room of pots you wonder if there is anything else in here.... Japanese version: Pots...POTS!..I want to break them all Every last one i want to destroy them

[@genevievefuchs4574]

I think if current day Link could talk he would sound like Inuyasha. "Well ExccUUUsseee me Princess" Imagine that in an Inuyasha voice lmao

[@solmartel360]

I surprise myself to often forget that Link is technically a teenager on a mission. He’s 16-17 in BOTW and it all makes sense when you find out he’s that young! He’s vibrant personality and his energy are typical of a well-balanced teen.

[@stefl3431]

"What the heck" Now that is just great. Really wish they kept that. =D

[@Theonly_z_Official]

I think we're playing in ZELDA'S perspective in the English version because it seems like zelda is talking to js through the sheikah-slate. And the Japanese version is Link's perspective when he actually GETS to have lines in the quests

[@leasagna2202]

Link is just so adorable. I hope that we see more of his personality in Tears of kingdom

[@marxistlynchist]

the english version of totk gives link a little more personality in the dialogue options but we were so robbed of the expressiveness in the original japanese :(

[@muglokdecrepitus1301]

Whoever decided that was a good idea to completely remove Link's perspective from the mission description is a soul-less monster

[@Sephiroth08150]

The name "Link" usually was used to refer to the avatar that makes the link between player and the game (extra bit: "link" is German for "left", and Link is left-handed) One could also change his name. BotW Link? Right-handed, his name can't be changed, and is the most expressive of the bunch (mostly seen in the sidequest for the snow boots and sand boots) Do I want him to be voiced? Hell no, that would remove some of the character's charm. But I do want to see more expressive bits, and Link having a journal would help.

[@Sabbalab92]

I totally get that Nintendo of America was trying to help you immerse yourself into thinking that Link is you, but I wish Link got more characterization like this in the English version. I loved in Hyrule Warriors where it's shown how Link can't say no to a challenge and starts eating the rocks that Daruk handed him. I want more of that.

[@zer0sinder]

5:45 the irony that he's enjoying riding Ganon's reincarnated horse...

[@NicholasKratzer]

I am so disappointed that the localization didn't keep the diary style for the adventure log. I was so happy with how the diary notes and such gave insight into Link's personality and thoughts, so having every quest description do the same would have been a joy! I almost never read the English adventure log because it was just a dry, boring reminder of the quest details. Having the personal touch of Link's perspective would have made me actually read it far more.

[@Lucky_Lia]

I love how they showed Link’s emotions in this way! I’m just sad I didn’t get to experience myself in the english version

[@KaiDrawsShit03]

WE WERE ROBBED! As much as I absolutely love BOTW Link (I’d even go so far as to say he’s my favorite of the heros) I wanted more of his personality to come out! Hopefully with Tears of the Kingdom we get to see this side of Link.

[@Vaidiss]

the thing i love about BOTW is that its full of adventure, even when you've finished the main quests the side quests make it more fun and there's always bugs and hidden areas in the map to explore. don't even get me started on the DLC its definitely worth buying.

[@tabbynoodles3685]

these make me so happy, he's so sweet and silly. i hope totk reveals more of his personality!

[@lillygames6117]

This channel is underrated

[@QuestWithAaron]

Thank you so very much for your generous words!

[@sonicXstarhedgehog]

Seems like we are not the inly ones enjoying the adventure, but Link is doing it, too. I love knowing that the hero is also having fun while exploring the kingdom.

[@aaronfishe]

As much as this is a nice idea, from what I can gather the entries being written in the first person are a quirk of how the translator decided to translate the information to sound right in English rather than the direct information given in Japanese. Japanese doesn't really have a way of conveying the first/third person without the context of knowing who the speaker is, so the original entries can just as easily be an ethereal narrator saying these things instead of Link himself. E.g. its translated as "I've overcome the entirety of the trials", but the only information actually given is "Entirety of the trials overcome" which leaves room to speculate whether its Link talking in the first person, or a seperate voice that acts to log these events for the player. This equally goes for "I'm looking forward to it" could just as easily be "Its something to look forward to". Its more likely that if they wanted it to be written in the first person, some more context clues would have been given that would make sure that both the Japanese viewer knows for sure it is Link talking, and the English localisation team would receive the guidance to translate it as if it was him (would be pretty weird if they just left out all that personality since its not exactly easy for that to be missed across translating the entirety of the adventure log and what reason would they have to remove it?)

[@sleepyslipper9208]

Wow! Having the objectives written down from links point of view actually feels more immersive! Really hope we get that first person translations in tears of the kingdom!

[@sisNChristLovesTheLordJesus777]

Link is my fav video game hero character. He's very serious, focused, extremely intelligent and an amazing powerful knight, archer etc. On top of all his admirable traits, he is humble, caring, very protective and will be a hero to anyone. He puts people before him. Hyrule is full of dangers despite it being a beautiful place, but I would definitely feel safe with Link around lol. I absolutely adore his character so much. He's the perfect guy. 🤗😎

[@thenintendable7387]

Great video! I'm very happy I came across you! These diary videos are awesome! Keep up the fantastic work!

[@QuestWithAaron]

Thank you very much! I'm happy you're enjoying them!

[@captaineleni]

Thank you so much for making this video and translating the japanese diary entries into English! Seeing Link's thoughts makes him more relateable to me and far more endearing than the English blank slate text.

[@mangolie21]

I read somewhere that the term "I" isn't said in the quest log actually, and that it's more implied with certain terms. I forgot exactly what it said, but basically, it's not 100% sure that it's written from Link. Either way though, doesn't it say "you are excited" etc, implying Link's feelings? The more litterate translations though are really interesting, thank you for sharing them. Really adds depth in comparison to English

[@QuestWithAaron]

Hello! Thank you for your comment, I'm glad you enjoyed it! You are correct in that "I" is not explicitly written in the adventure log! The reason for that is because the pronoun "I" is not used often at all in Japanese. For this very reason, I can understand why the English localisation team may have chosen to write the adventure log to include "you", as the lack of "I" in Japanese makes it challenging to translate for sure. However, to me, the adventure log in Japanese reads very much like a personal diary. I am not a native Japanese speaker, but I have also asked my native Japanese friends, and they also agree that it truly feels like Link has is the true author! There are so many times where sentences have been cut from the English version. The sentences in question are always the thoughts or feelings that someone else has written. In Japanese, these sentences definitely come directly from Link, as they are always written in the first person. Honestly, I love how Japanese makes the adventure log bring up all this mystery! It doesn't directly confirm who the author is, but instead, it reads with implications that Link is the author, with sentences every now and then that indirectly confirms it!

[@tristanalain9239]

My new headcanon is that IF Link wasn't destined to be the Hero of the Wild, he would have served as a Royal Soldier a short time, long to pay for his fully decked out house, settle down with Mipha, and become a traveling chef, a Gourmet Hunter so to speak, and sharing recipes as well as his love for good food across Hyrule.

[@sillycookie]

God i have a serious bone to pick with the english translation team. First they mess up that Zora girl's sidequest and make it super weird and creepy, then they completely strip Links personality away in these notes???? Now i gotta hunt down the translations myself so i can see what i was missing out on.

[@jaden149]

when i first found out about links diary about 1 or 2 years ago i was really interested in them and also was disappointed they changed it over here in botw 2 if the quest are still written from links perspective i hope they keep it the same when they localize it this time

[@QuestWithAaron]

I hope they write it in the first person next time too! Hopefully not long to wait and see!

[@rewrose2838]

Thank you for making this video mate, really brings to life what I have been hoping for all these years! I'm relieved to know that Nintendo has done well to deliver on Link's character and voice his thoughts at least in the original version of the game.

[@Bondrewd__21]

I’m actually love how impress his thoughts about Zelda. He just wake up from 100 year power nap, hears a random voice and like: “I heard beautiful voice, it says me go to the castle” and you go to the castle, not because it is may lead to to civilisation or help you understand what happened, o Link be like: “beautiful voice in my head say go to the castle, damn how can I resist?”

[@CoralCopperHead]

Just a friendly reminder that the original Link was around ten years old. No wonder he's so enthusiastic, he's still a kid.

[@foriarez944]

Link The knight: ... Link the amnesiac: Everything is awesome!

[@eggrrrrrr]

There's a German fanfiction called "Stille Wasser sind tief", it retells the story before the calamity through Zelda's pov. From what I remember, it's really well written and I actually see so much of the Japanese version's Link in the author's interpretation of him, like fr it's been years since I've read it and those translations triggered memories sjdjjd I feel robbed.

[@usednametag7005]

I’m probably going to end up re-reading the quests in first person from now on :)

[@MagicalMaster]

Man, the translators did this game and poor Link dirty. I love the idea of the great hero being a goof.

[@randomcat4052]

I really hope the next one let's us read it as his diary. It would make it so much better

[@DragonDancer357]

To be fair eachbreincarnation of Link would have their own personality. Based on how they were raised, life expriences with in their journeys and not, the culture of their Hyrule and the time period in which they were born in. While there are there some consistantancy between each of the Links this only really covers BotW Link.

[@Here_for_the_Chaos_]

Your videos are so nice and calm, and you have one of my favorite intros I’ve ever seen it absolutely struck me with how pretty the music and art was. So excited to see what you make next!!! 🌟

[@QuestWithAaron]

Thank you so very much for your super kind and encouraging words! I'm so glad you enjoyed the introductions, I really put effort in trying something a touch different. It makes me so happy to hear you like them that much. I have another video releasing this weekend, I can't wait to share it with you! :D

[@hiddendesire3076]

Reminds me of how we have journal entries in Pikmin 2. Not just the end of day ones, but the treasure and creature notes.

[@natnat8393]

I really like his personal touch in the Japan version and REALLY HOPE that this will be a thing in Tears of The Kingdom (Eng version). Also in the Fireflies quest at Kakariko village there was an option to flirt with the cute quest girl. PLEASE let there be more like that in the new game lol 🥺

[@vamplay6414]

And here we are today. Tears of the kingdom.