So...is Zelink Canon? (Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom)

[@NintendoBlackCrisis]

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[@GSavel]

Nah, ima do my own thing

[@Cliffordlonghead]

DAMMIT

[@Cliffordlonghead]

​@@GSavelCRIMINAL BOT

[@Cliffordlonghead]

​@@GSavelDELETE YOUR COMMENT AND GO TO THE BOTTOM

[@Cliffordlonghead]

Awesome video

[@StonetheDestroyer42]

As a cat owner, Zelda slow-blinking at Link at the end of the game is the soundest evidence possible that she loves him.

[@drzaius8430]

And the one bed and living in his house and take his clothes. That's a girlfriend/wife move Zelda you aren't smooth princess.... can't say she's pure, no man or women is gonna have feelings and live near someone that attractive and not smash. That's nature, Nintendo is just tasteful about it.

[@cjemmanuelrocena7709]

@@drzaius8430”you arent smooth princess” 😂

[@slynthehedgehog8061]

She's not a... Wait a sec....

[@ArianaZ6]

IM DYING THATS SO TRUE

[@a.jthomas6132]

She always love Link since Breath of the Wild. This ain’t rocket science.

[@MinnehahaSybyl]

Link's body language when he takes the torch from Zelda in the opening is 100% a boyfriend holding onto something while his girlfriend checks her purse.

[@Dimitris_Spiroudis]

This deserves a like

[@mysticranger6894]

love this comment

[@madmouse1016]

The beginning with Zelda nerding out and Link just listening is one of the most precious moments

[@stratonikisporcia8630]

As an autistic girl dating another autistic girl this scene is clearly love.

[@shadowslayer2929]

​@@stratonikisporcia8630 👍

[@BlackEpyon]

Zelda is just nerding out. Link is filling all this information away for when he needs to weaponize it later in some dungeon or boss fight.

[@captivewitness]

The way he takes her torch from her without a word just so she can comfortably take pictures with the Purah Pad

[@kevinschweiger883]

He also has a small grin for a split second when she first starts running around.

[@nickeronii]

I just think it's funny how in the memory with Zelda and Sonia talking about Link, it gets to a point where Rauru and Sonia start acting like parents when their daughter brings up a boy

[@raviolibirb8009]

The moment Zelda mentioned Link, Rauru immediately chimed in like a curious protective father to her lol i love that memory so much

[@killseto2444]

thank you, i though i was alone with that feeling

[@HungryWarden]

The memories in this game are more funny than interesting.

[@TheKingKai728]

@@raviolibirb8009thats why i loved that memory too

[@xRaiofSunshine]

Yesss omg they’re so cute >

[@Best_Zelda]

I think the scene with Zelda checking on Link after him fighting the keese is far more significant than the video makes it out to be. In BotW there’s a memory where they are sitting near Death Mountain, surrounded by Lynels and Moblins killed by Link, which Zelda would have witnessed and she doesn’t seem too concerned regarding his safety, only lightly scolding his recklessness. Zelda has also obviously seen Link fight Calamity Ganon. Yet she freaks out and rushes to Link’s side after him fighting 3 of the weakest enemies in the game? That’s definitely how worrywart partners react, she is uniquely worked up about his safety despite her knowing how very capable he is. We also see this somewhat with Sidon and Yona as he is initially scared of helping Link and seems uniquely apprehensive compared to his typical brave self we’re familiar with, because he now has a partner.

[@raskolnikov6443]

We know she loves him (BOTW). How are people still questioning it?

[@Best_Zelda]

@@raskolnikov6443 Are you saying I'm questioning it? What I'm trying to say is that the way Zelda acts around Link suggests they've gone past just loving each other and are in a romantic relationship, prior to the start of the game.

[@male_enjoyer]

​@@Best_Zeldahe's saying that other people are

[@Best_Zelda]

@@male_enjoyer Figured that one out, I had to make sure

[@andrewg.3281]

I think it's more that there was just little to no monsters in the 6ish years between games and she was just taken off guard by the keese

[@ydna5519]

My favorite detail about the two, whether intentional or not, is that Zelda, being commonly associated with blue, has green eyes, and Link, commonly associated with green, has blue eyes, almost as if they were made to complete each other.

[@RealCFZ]

Well the Triforce of Wisdom represents Nayru is blue, and Triforce of Courage represents Farore is green.

[@bishopdile5984]

​@@RealCFZthe thing is that in these 2 games there are no mention of the triforce being divide, we just watch zelda having the 3 of it at the end of botw, this meaning that nor link or Ganon have the courage and power pieces

[@graenovember]

​@@bishopdile5984 we dont know if she actually has the triforce tho? There's no mention of the triforce in this world at all, just symbolism. I recently played SS too and there, link had all 3 glowing triangles on his hand to symbolize he is worthy of possessing all 3 pieces of the triforce. But he still had to go looking for the actual physical pieces. Maybe the glowing trianglws represent zelda having all 3 attributes of power, courage and wisdom making her worthy of the triforce like SS Link was

[@burger_kinghorn]

​@@graenovemberit was her act of courage wanting to protect Link from the guardians that completed the trio.

[@sakuparkkonen2959]

✝️

[@StonetheDestroyer42]

I actually got the impression early in Tears of the Kingdom that the little cheeky comments on item and armor descriptions were because Link himself was writing them. The comment on the sandals taking forever to lace up is what started me thinking that might be the case.

[@RENX5]

I think I saw somewhere that in Japanese, item descriptions and mission log is all written in first person, just as you said

[@StonetheDestroyer42]

@@avamiller1893 The video mentions some differences in quest logs between the Japanese and American localizations. I felt this was related to the point in that part of the video.

[@nathanflores1974]

​​​@@avamiller1893its because if Link was writing the entries, the entire "I want to see her smile again" comment would've been written by him, supporting that he may have romantic feelings for Zelda hehe

[@kit76149]

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE! Link has maximum bond with Zelda's horse by default, and the stable npc notes how trusting and close the horse is to him. When speaking to the npc Tenne at South Akkala Stable, she implies that the dream homes are something couples buy (using the term "結婚" or marriage when talking about it in Japanese). She has a lot of dialogue, but most importantly "before I buy a dream home of my own, I need to figure out the "special someone" part of the equation" and says "let's hope we both end up in dream homes of our own with amazing partners who smell good and like dogs" and notably, Princess Zelda has been shown to like dogs. There are also Silent Princesses very close to the plot and you can purchase an unusable study unit "for time alone", why would Link need such a thing? There is a heart-shaped bed in Korok Forest surrounded by Silent Princess flowers and *Blue Night*shade flowers close together. There are a few other locations like this, such as Rutile Lake. Link's Royal Guard Cap is found in Zelda's old bedroom at the castle. It's curious that it's here, behind a dressing screen near her bed, no less. Puppet Zelda states "(important place of) memories of you and me" in other languages like French and Japanese. Honestly, that whole sequence was a clear example of the "baiting you with the one you love" trope. While the two dishes are a re-used asset, it could be argued Zelda moving in was always the plan. Additionally, for most houses in Hateno, the number of dishes matches the number of people living in the house. After saving Lurelin Village, there is a house in Hateno Village that becomes abandoned, with a note left behind for travelers to use as they need. Curiously, however, Link will refuse to sleep here. Zelda says "Tadaima, Link" in the ending in the Japanese version, and the tone she said it in has a feeling of closeness, and this is usually said to those you share a home with. I've seen some Japanese players say "oh they must be close" on social media in response to this line.

[@emmamiller.]

I love this

[@wace9174]

Yeah I wanted to include that the akkala home was for couples but I forgot where I got that information from. Thx for reminding me.

[@Best_Zelda]

Finally someone mentions Links bond with Zelda's horse! I'm pretty sure it's not maxed out but at 80/100 or something like that but the significance is still there. They've totally been doing plenty of horse riding together.

[@annieandelsieofarendelle3294]

​ @kippycat5989 There's also the fact that Ganondorf uses a puppet of Zelda to essentially seduce Link into a trap. Now we know Ganondorf is not stupid, so he had to know that this might work, but why would it if Link and Zelda weren't in a relationship? Unless they were and Ganondorf is torturing Link with the idea of Zelda being so close yet just out of reach.

[@SporadicV2]

Additionally! Once you save Lurelin Village, the chief will remark that he hopes the picture Princess Zelda painted wasn’t ruined when his home collapsed. Once you reconstruct Lurelin you can find the picture hanging in his home, and what is that painting exactly? Lover’s Pond, a place described to grant couples everlasting joy with one another should they visit it as a pair. So Zelda’s been there in person. …And Link never leaves her side no matter where she goes.

[@hee-tonin2218]

The "Find Princess Zelda" quest being the last quest ever to be completed in TOTK-even much longer than the typical defeat Ganon blabla-is a proof enough that for Link it wasn't even about saving Hyrule it was about finding his princess.

[@rubibeetle10]

That is so sweet 🥹

[@dafilmqueen556]

Da boyo knew what he wanted, and he has found his true quest..

[@warmachineorwhat]

Not to mention that it was the first quest as well

[@ladyamberskye]

All these Zelink discussions and I keep seeing the emotion conveyed in the scene you retrieve the master sword missed. He straight up dose the loving forehead rest on the sword like his last goodbye hug because he at this point doesn't think he will ever get to see her again. I nearly cried during that part. You can FEEL the love and loss. Like he is going to destroy Gannon so her sacrifice isnt in vain.

[@nolanmart]

so heartbreaking 😭i love how you described this

[@kytechnelson]

Absolutely! I was very surprised to see that scene missed.

[@child3219]

Which scene/game is this that you're speaking about? Thanks :)

[@FaustsDemon]

​@@child3219 Spoilers for tears of the kingdom .... So basically link gets the master sword back after returning it to Zelda through her time powers by a certain ahem thing. After this he does said sequence a lot in that cut scene.

[@homerman76]

It still boggles my mind that people in Hateno Village recognize and speak proudly of Zelda and her time there, but nobody seems to recognize Link in the slightest, aside from the one Shiekah researcher. It's just super weird to me.

[@ccccc1332]

lil guy so inconspicuous he’s practically invisible

[@wace9174]

They probably just wanted the game to be more welcoming to new players

[@speedude0164]

@@wace9174 They likely also wanted it to make sense regardless of what you did in Breath of the Wild. It's realistically possible for Link to have done a straight to Ganon run in Breath of the Wild and it still leads to Tears of the Kingdom, as he could've met the Sages in another unnamed event after Ganon's defeat (Link and Sidon's statue in Zora's Domain is an obvious nod to the Ruta quest, but I guess it could realistically be something else alternatively). This would explain why Breath of the Wild's gameplay events aren't talked about very much.

[@kit76149]

It's global. Nobody who isn't important in all the other villages don't recognize him either. Even a supposed childhood friend of Link's, Bazz, doesn't recognize him. Nor do Kass's kids. Many examples I could mention. This was likely deliberately done so people didn't need botw context, to make new players comfortable. Dev interviews imply this as well. Also if you play botw again, the villagers don't really acknowledge Link living there in botw either

[@akiriith]

The further you go from Lookout Landing the less people recognize Link, which makes sense to me. That said, Manny straight up says Link is putting up a new guy act and he isnt fooled, so I think it's just the hair and the arm (and being without Zelda) that are throwing people off in Hateno. That or they're all like Manny and know its Link but are respecting his privacy.

[@ShepherdsCreek]

You missed the part in Zelda's diary where she talks about Link being her constant companion. He had to have been living in Hateno village while she was there building the school and if not in the same house as her then... where else could he have been? I felt that was kinda the final piece of the puzzle that solidified that their relationship is canon. At least for me.

[@chiffmonkey]

Except she kicked him out as evidenced by the well.

[@darkhobo]

Its HIS house. She lives in HIS house. With one bed. Theres other houses nearby. Theres open land nearby to build a house on. She choose to live in Links house. She even writes in her diary that she has to move the Champions Tunic to Hyrule Castle so he doesnt see it. So he definitly lives there too. She cant hide something from him in the house. So its not just her house. Link has equal access to it. There is no reason to believe they arent together besides active denial. Thats ALL the evidence you really need.

[@ShepherdsCreek]

@chiffmonkey sounds like she kicked herself out to the well though lol

[@ShepherdsCreek]

@darkhobo exactly! If it looks and quacks like a relationship thennnnnn......

[@jordanekl5383]

yes, i agree that this video was redundant, and dumb. They literally spell it out for us in both BotW and TotK, they have a direct relationship and love for eachother. Plane as day.

[@a.jthomas6132]

This may be a theory. But consider how Link is being more attached and immersive to the Zora's cultural ways since he was a child, Zelda might of taken the idea of building the Champion's Leather as a way of marriage proposal just as Mipha is about to give Link the Zora's Armor before the Calamity struck. It would make sense if you think about it.

[@MeeBacon]

I like this theory.

[@Mastertorch1]

@@MeeBacon agreed

[@AppleJackSix]

This is an awesome theory.

[@a.jthomas6132]

@@AppleJackSix Thanks

[@Chaos89P]

Except she hid it as a puzzle for him to figure out instead of just giving it to him? Maybe she was hoping he'd ask about it?

[@KhaozDeluxe]

Theory: when the light dragon sheded her tears down onto Hyrule, the droplets of said tears created the silent princess flowers, in fact, upon closer inspection the silent princess bares a resemblance to Zelda. Blue is her signature colour, the white tips are the same colour as the scales of her dragon form, and the yellow resembles her hair colour. I thought of this theory for quite some time now. (Also I originally thought that the green stem was meant to represent her Zonai dress because the green is a similar shade but it is unlikely). Also the light dragon’s spikes are blue.

[@MeeBacon]

With this theory, the green stem is probably just like that because it is nature.

[@davidwhidden9337]

The final drop also has Blue Nightshade around it.

[@GerardMenvussa]

The idea the flowers were originating from Zelda herself this whole time, is fascinating. That would make us go full circle with the story of BotW+TotK. It doesn't really fit with the fact the flowers were going extinct in the first game though, as dragon Zelda was around the entire time.

[@Seabasstard22]

@@GerardMenvussaeverything that existed after the upheaval was instantly set into place in the past and instantly showed up in the present which is why you have npc’s leaving notes in areas like the labyrinths stating things like “I don’t remember this slab here before?”

[@soirema]

​@@Seabasstard22wait what?? Besides game design with botw, this doesnt make any sense

[@nehpets216]

So, Zelda's training helped her with Power and Wisdom but not Courage. Once she overcame her fear and Displayed Courage she unlocked her power. Her Fear was overcome to protect Link because of her feelings for him. She would have unlocked her power earlier if her father hadn't been terrible at being a father...

[@wiskerfall4519]

Yeah basically people argue over what specificly awakens her power some people say love had nothing to do with it witch frankly is wrong since the game states it outright. Most people argue the extent love was involved. Basically love was not the entire reason it awakend it was also her courage since that was the one thing she lacked. Her love for link gave her the courage too awaken her power if that makes sense. I think that the specific thing that causes someone’s power to work or awaken changes on the person obviously mipha uses her love for link while useing her powers but other champions don’t have a clear motive so I suspect that the motive or that “catalyst” for their power changes on the person

[@NintendoBlackCrisis]

That's the overall impression I also get. Well said!

[@Halfendymion]

​@@wiskerfall4519Boy it sure would suck if somewhere down the line there was a Zelda who was aromantic

[@kit76149]

@@wiskerfall4519 It's also literally stated in Creating a Champion. The Japanese version of the book, Master Works, also calls Link a "Special person" for the princess" and that they developed a mutual bond

[@wiskerfall4519]

@@kit76149 I’m not familiar with the “special person for the princess thing” but I’m aware that the Japanese masterworks states there is a mutual affection between them. Also something I wanted to ask about the Japanese version since you are able to read it. Is does the “I woke up wrapped in something grand and warm” mean “warm feelings” I’ve seen someone mention that the kanji witch too my knowledge of Japanese is basically traditional Chinese mixed with Japanese, is that the kanji for warm is used and that implys that she felt “warm feelings” or emotions im just wondering.

[@anthares96]

the diary in zelda's well to me is the biggest giveaway. not only does it confirm that, in the 6 or so years between botw and totk, they were always together ("no matter where i go and offer aid, link is always by my side"), but there's also the champions' leathers! not only did she have the champions' leathers commissioned as a gift, but she wanted it to be a *surprise* . she hid it in the throne room for him to find after their exploration underneath hyrule castle (tho we all know how that went), and a detail many seem to forget is that, in order to obtain it, you need to light the two torches next to the throne. meaning, zelda designed a whole ass puzzle for link to get the tunic, like she didn't just want to hand him the gift, she had an entire event planned, that was designed to build up excitement, before revealing the surprise. in addition, she was so excited that she wrote about it all in her secret diary, in her secret study. idk about you, but that's not just a regular gift you give to a friend, you don't get *that* excited about planning a surprise, unless it's for someone really special. not to mention just how great of a gift it is too, being both practical (as it is objectively good armor), and sentimental (being made to look like the champions' tunic). it's a really sweet quest, and combined with all the other evidence, really makes romance seem highly plausible

[@lilscooter93]

lol i never even thought about the part that she designed an entire puzzle for the noted-puzzle enjoyer (our boy has like decades of puzzle-solving in his past lives you know he learned to enjoy a puzzle). that's so cute!

[@avamiller1893]

This is just a theory but maybe the fact that you have to light 2 torches next to a throne might imply that she wants another on the throne being link. THIS IS JUST A THEORY OK?

[@Angel_Auraa]

Yeah, but we already know she’s in love. It’s been established since the last game.

[@kordeliiius9821]

“that’s not a regular gift you’d give to a friend” i would

[@Jupue]

the room coulda just been there previously

[@CoffeeJip153]

Yes. Yes it is. And you cannot convince me otherwise.

[@TomastheHorrorfan]

No. No it’s not. And you cannot convince me otherwise.

[@KingBinkus]

​@@TomastheHorrorfanIt is

[@Butter_upman]

I agree

[@javiervasquez625]

Wonder if the next big Zelda game Link is going to be a prince after his ancestor married the princess of Hyrule. That would be such a cool detail.

[@marissabulso6439]

I will go to my grave believing it is so.

[@thedarkprincess4196]

Its also nive to note that when Link usually pulls the master sword, he swings the sword in his iconic fashion, in TOTK he puts it up to his forhead as if to make a vow to zeldas sacrifice. It reminded me of something my husband might do!

[@annieandelsieofarendelle3294]

You actually see Zelda do the same when gets the Master Sword.

[@FaustsDemon]

​@@annieandelsieofarendelle3294 also u hear Fi's song from skyward sword which was a spirit of the master sword which only helped link not Zelda . This link made jt react to zelda also which means it knows its mission

[@BlueSun57]

Something I thought was interesting is about enhancing armor. In botw, when enhancing the champion’s tunic, it required the use of silent princess flowers several times. (And Zelda’s favorite flowers were these). In totk when enhancing the new champion’s tunic that Zelda had made for him, it calls for the flowers and light dragon scales. Also, in the Hyrule compendium the description for the light dragon mentions how “its presence is comforting somehow”. Zelda’s role as the light dragon not only saved Hyrule but also served as a comforting presence and protector for Link specifically

[@a.jthomas6132]

When Light Dragon comes to aid Link in the final battle, my thought was “did she come back and maybe draconification hasn’t removed everything that is Zelda?” I believed it is her love for her knight is what drove her dragon instinct/consciousness in saving Link from falling and aiding him against Draconified Demon King. We all seen that when her powers were activated when the one she loves is threaten in Breath of the Wild.

[@thelordofchaos-2009]

No it was her last brain cell saying “ OH FUCK HE PAYS THE RENT!”

[@Link-Link]

@@thelordofchaos-2009 💀😭😭🤣

[@AusSP]

Eh. It's the whole reason she became a dragon, so it could just be a matter of that being burned into the Dragon's consciousness. She isn't willing to give up the Master Sword until the final battle (where you don't need the Stamina check), so it's not Link alone.

[@miloisscared5324]

I think that when she became a dragon, Zelda lost the majority of her identity aside from her desire to repair the master sword and her love/protective instinct for Link since during the final fight, the light dragon doesn't do anything to directly attack the demon dragon but she does keep Link from falling to his death and gives him the master sword (if the player hasn't already obtained it) which shows the two core parts of her identity that weren't impacted or removed in the draconification process or even after many thousands of years.

[@ladyamberskye]

Can't lose her heart is Link already has it right?

[@Marzipup]

Also when you go to Gerudo city and go to the love class or whatever it’s called, and you talk to the teacher, she’ll ask Link if he has any romantic feelings for anyone and Link almost bashfully rubs the back of his neck and doesn’t reply

[@annieandelsieofarendelle3294]

And if you talk to Ashai in this game, she'll ask Link if he has anyone special and he can confidently reply yes or no which he does more reluctantly, implying that he's lying and Ashai doesn't believe him.

[@bouiryl]

If i remember correctly, what Link answers in that dialogue is optional. You can either chose to say you have someone or say you don't, which makes sense because the creator has said many times it's up to interpretation what Link and Zelda have.

[@GeneralOlde]

One other detail about the ending sticks out to me on repeated viewings: the field in which Link and Zelda find themselves is filled with forget-me-nots. This is extremely cool, because the forget-me-not represents true/eternal love, fidelity, and remembrance. Despite being separated from one another for centuries, Link and Zelda’s love for one another never faltered, and Link never gave up on getting Zelda back; it was his first priority, even more important than destroying Ganondorf. Likewise, Zelda still managed to remember Link even after she lost herself to draconification, and her memories returned to her fully when Link restored her to her original self. They are absolutely ride or die for one another, and they went to incredible lengths to help each other save Hyrule. These two are madly in love and nothing can stop them from being together forever.

[@a.jthomas6132]

I like this comment you put in.

[@josephkaslusky1958]

I do think it is important to note that the first main quest when Link wakes up at the great sky island is not to descend down and find out where he is but to find a princess Zelda. Which makes seem more important to him to find her then to find out what happened to him.

[@RealCFZ]

Even after Link found Zelda’s memories, getting the Master Sword and ending Ganondorf. The quest is still unmarked. Until Zelda is back, and he saves her. The Find Zelda quest is marked complete after Link bought Zelda back.

[@josephkaslusky1958]

ZeLink Confirmed!@@RealCFZ

[@shybie2798]

I feel like Nintendo doesn't have much risk by making them canon tbh. Yeah it might turn away some people who don't ship em but the connection between those two are so strong, simply seeing them happy kinda makes the end of this era so much sweeter.

[@LeFizolof]

I think it's also a beautiful way of ending such a story. The hint are enough to convice that the relation exists but not enough to be 100% sure of it. It reminds me of a Ghibli film. /!\ PRINCESS MONONOKE MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD /!\ In this movie, there are a few important elements regarding the future relation between the 2 main protagonists. At the very end : - San says to Ashistaka that he can't live with him. - She admits that he likes him. (In french she uses the expression "je t'aime bien" which correspond more to a platonic love) BUT : - Ashistaka loves San. (100% certain) - San's mother suggested to her that she could spend the rest of her day with him. - She accepted a jade as a gift from him and looked at it with sparks in the eyes. - They still agree that they will often see each other after the ending of the movie, despite not living together. Those hints are enough for me to know what they are going to do when they will spend time together. The amount of elements we have in the end of the story is kinda similar between the TotK and Mononoke. I find this very interesting.

[@HandsforHim]

I think we are also forgetting Link's expression when they return Zelda to her human form. He is usually blank-faced. THAT moment he was EXTREMELY expressive. He's thinking yes I WILL GET HER BACK!

[@felipevasconcelos6736]

“He is usually blank-faced” have you seen him making food?

[@MinnowTF]

@@felipevasconcelos6736his two loves are Zelda and food

[@a.jthomas6132]

When Sidon said “I’m sorry, but we have yet to find your princess“ in either before or after you completed the Water Temple mission, this may implied that he is aware of their relationship.

[@markcouture4726]

Totally. To me, that was a clear implication.

[@a.jthomas6132]

@@markcouture4726 I wish some people would admit it if not the toxication of Sidlink shippers.

[@kit76149]

マイス―イトプリンセス "My sweet princess" implied to be coming from Link/Link's thought was more clear imo, but of course NoA removed it 🙄

[@a.jthomas6132]

@@kit76149 Well I am not that surprised about that. NA Nintendo really want Link to be treated as a blank character and bunkered Zelink away. We need to send a fan letter to the CEO

[@markcouture4726]

@@kit76149 Where did "My sweet princess" actually show up? What translation and what screen / context?

[@chrispork1443]

I also like how you pointed out Rauru and Sonia parallel Link and Zelda. Zelda wears a dress similar to Sonia and both are the Sage of Time, while Link has Rauru’s arm and becomes the leader of the Sages like Rauru. The Charged armor set also resembles Rauru’s clothes, except for the headwear, which was designed after Farosh’s horn. Spoiler The Ancient Hero’s Aspect also has Link take the form of the Ancient Hero that sealed Calamity Ganon ten thousand years ago, and he appears to be a Zonai/Hylian hybrid of sorts.

[@thefroable]

There's also a parallel between Rauru and Sonia holding hands when they fade away after they help Link turn the Light Dragon back to Zelda and Link finally grabbing Zelda's hand to save her shortly thereafter.

[@magiveem]

Also farosh is for courage so that is also there, cause naydra is for wisdom and dinraal is for power?

[@chrispork1443]

@@magiveem The elemental dragon’s names are derived from the Golden Goddesses

[@RealCFZ]

In the King’s Duty memory, we see Rauru mourn for Sonia’s grave at a Forgotten Temple which has a Sundelion. When Link learned Zelda becomes a Light Dragon, he was surrounded by Silent Princess. Interesting enough, the Silent Princesses and Sundelions looks inverted to each other.

[@chrispork1443]

@@RealCFZ A real heartbreaker.

[@bezoznaught5261]

A lot of Japanese producters/storywriters express romance in games/anime in very subtle ways, it's kinda a Japan thing. I played both botw and totk in japanese because you can feel the full expression of meaning when they talk. The way Zelda talks to Link just oozes "I love you." What she said at the end of botw and how she said it, and the same in totk after Link catches her. That whole scene/quick time event when you're diving from the sky, catching zelda, and diving into the water was romantic af! It's definitely a thing.

[@WastelandsNomad2277]

I'm glad you noticed the same detail about the Silent Princess but there's a way to take it a step further; The flowers name 'Silent Princess': Perhaps as the ancient sages were aware of Zelda becoming a dragon they named this flower after her, in memory of Hyrule's 'Silenced' Princess as it bares a resemblance to her dragon form and grows from her tears. I like the idea that the name lost its meaning for thousands of years until Link discovers Zelda the Light Dragon is creating them from her tears.

[@RealCFZ]

Also, there’s another flower that looks identical to the Silent Princess which is the Sundelion. Sundelions helps to heal broken hearts during the depths. It’s also the same flower that was found at Sonia’s grave, which implies to be her favorites too. Even sadder when you learn that both Link and Rauru are looking at their favorite flowers after they lost them.

[@jozabean]

Regarding the "Zelda's blushing." It's BARELY noticeable. Most people that have noticed it are those who have a keen sense of color, by which i mean, mostly the artists. My friend is the one who pointed it out to me tbh. it might be because of the bloom in the scene itself but on her pale complexion it's actually hard to see. I can't unsee it but it is there. Just barely noticable

[@magiveem]

as a person who never stopped drawing since a toddler-tbh yes i saw it :'3

[@deethwarrior]

I literally never nor can see it (might be some non zelink shipper bias too)

[@kit76149]

There is also "My sweet princess" which a lot of Japanese players interpreted as coming from Link. Also, it is hard to see and extremely miss-able, but Link smiles in the opening slightly as she starts getting excited over the murals. He also smiles in the ending right when she says "warm, loving embrace" however this is out-of-bounds

[@davidwhidden9337]

The smiling theory is nonsense. The smile animation is a regular animation in the game. Cutscene Link has unique animations. Re-using his "basic" smile animation makes 0 sense.

[@mxjokage1266]

@@davidwhidden9337 you just don’t think. That’s not bc you’re not a Zelink shipper that you have to deny all the facts without reason

[@davidwhidden9337]

@@mxjokage1266 No. It's because I do think. It's not "without reason" you just don't like the fact it's a reused animation that makes no sense to use given the fact it's a cutscene where Link has unique animations. I would have loved Link and Zelda to have hugged romantically in this game. You clearly should not be accusing others of not thinking given your inability to ask questions instead of making baseless assumptions.

[@GerardMenvussa]

I might have missed it, what is this "My sweet princess" thing about?

[@mxjokage1266]

@@davidwhidden9337 I’m telling that even it is not canon in the game the developers still make some hints. If they did this animation it’s because it was planned that it will be in the game but they gave up the idea so even if they deleted it Zelda was talking about the «loving embrace of Link»

[@PunsandPixels]

This is why I love watching your videos. The parallels between Link failing to catch Zelda at the start of the game to him reaching to catch her at the end didn’t even occur to me! Oh man that ending scene was already so endearing, now more so

[@MoonlitWenny]

I've been pronouncing it like "Zell-ink" this whole time Edit: Now that I'm at the end of the video, I wanna point out the fact that going by the quest log, Link's ENTIRE goal for finding Ganondorf was to interrogate him about what happened to Zelda. Saving Hyrule was a bonus.

[@NoiseDay]

Same We could also just call it Zink

[@Delulula]

Same

[@0egopsida]

I think that pronunciation makes more sense lol, it's not "zee-lda" After all. I'm sticking to zell-ink.

[@marissabulso6439]

I really like the idea of Link facing off with Ganon for the sole purpose of beating Zelda’s whereabouts out of him. 😂

[@kit76149]

@@marissabulso6439 He also looks PISSED. I like to think revenge was also part of it

[@a.jthomas6132]

In the Secret Ending of Tears of the Kingdom, Mineru had theorized that reversing Zelda’s Draconification requires Sonia’s Time power and Rauru’s Light Power to be channeled through Link’s arm; but activating magic is also in need of strong motive. That is when Zelda smiles at her knight knowing how much his princess means to him. Now going back to when Rauru and Sonia's spirits appeared before Link standing above the Light Dragon, they channeled both light and time through him. But what requires most to reveres the effect of Draconification is motive. KZbin User *KyuCraft* layer the the principle that "magical powers can only be activated or exercised if the actor has a strong motive". That principle makes a ton of sense that Link's love for Zelda brought her back, and Zelda's love for Link in Breath of the Wild had both save him and awakened her powers. So it isn't a knight fulfilling his duty as her appointed knight. And it is not a friendship love. No. But it is a romantic love. I hope this comment does help you out in this video analysis. Fun note: the Piano riff is a direct callback to the opening of Breath of the Wild.

[@TheDaylightSociety]

I LOVE this point. Notice, too, when Link, Rauru, and Sonia are all channeling power toward the light dragon, after Link looks around at the both of them, you can see his face change in greater resolve and focus. As soon as this happens, the power grows stronger, as evidenced by brighter light coming from the beam. He cares for Zelda in a unique way that Sonia and Rauru can’t… You could even argue, perhaps, that saving Zelda wouldn’t have been possible without Link’s strong love for her.

[@yarion4774]

@@TheDaylightSociety This is added by the theory that Zelda's divine power is directly connected to love. She couldn't use her access her power in BotW because she tried to do it out of duty. But at the sight of her loved one in deadly peril she was able to access them. So love being a catalyst for these types of powers is not so far fetched.

[@deethwarrior]

I don't want this

[@a.jthomas6132]

@@deethwarrior If you don't like it, then why are you in my comment?

[@garrettrinquest1605]

For the record, Zelink is 100% a confirmed thing in Skyward Sword. The whole purpose of the game is Link saving Zelda because of his love. She is certainly reciprocating as well, though she gets pretty distracted with her other duties.

[@adar1873]

I’m sure that’s not what „100% confirmed“ means

[@javiervasquez625]

If it is "100% confirmed" how do you explain the player's choice to have Link fall in love with Peatrice the item bank shopkeeper? Link can practically tell her he loves her with Fi later commenting "it would be wise not to tell Zelda next time you see her".

[@michelled.4874]

@@javiervasquez625 You tell them, Javier, you tell them...

[@559F13Pupp3t]

@@javiervasquez625like guys don’t lie ? 😂 that’s you answering for link . If dude was real he would be loyal to Zelda . U like the shopkeeper 😂

[@kit76149]

@@javiervasquez625 That npc is a very obvious joke, it's not serious. Also, how do you explain the track "romance in the air" and the "romance of the fates" trailer released by Nintendo themselves? Or the art director of botw calling them lovers?

[@marissabulso6439]

Also, I really feel like Link’s love for Zelda acts as the channel or catalyst to change her back into a human. Deep, abiding love seems all bound up in that. In fact, the little dots of light don’t turn into a steady beam of light until Link focuses his own energy into it. Sonia and Rauru amplify his ability, he glances at them, then looks forward intently-only then does the light become a beam that begins to turn Zelda back.

[@ukrainium_92]

Rauru probably just used recall on them.

[@angelmendez-rivera351]

@@ukrainium_92 Rauru can't use Recall. Only Link and Sonia have the power of Recall.

[@KITSUNEGARI-pd9tx]

You forgot the “pens thing” while all other place, in Zelda castle, Zelda secret well, Link’s new study room have right hand pens, in the house in Hateno, its left hand pens, and the left hand pen nex to the bed remains from BOTW, but the left hand pen downstairs is new, and if Zelda live there alone, then all the pen must right hand

[@annieandelsieofarendelle3294]

My theories about why no one knows Link is that since he’s always with Zelda, it’s hard for people to differentiate the two and Link doesn’t want to be stuck with the pressure that burdened him a century ago so he tends to keep a low profile around people he doesn’t know.

[@davidwhidden9337]

Yet, all the guards know him...that weren't around in BOTW.

[@kit76149]

@@davidwhidden9337 Except that is false. They don't all recognize him. Some of those guards say "Link? no, you can't be him" "Huh, you're the spitting image of Link" and otherwise don't believe he is THE Link

[@wraithdemonsoul7926]

Not to mention the difference between everyone in your neighborhood knowing you, and your coworkers knowing you. I live in a small neighborhood and I can count on 1 hand how many families I interact with even semi regularly.

[@davidwhidden9337]

@@kit76149 Except that they hear stories and don't believe it to be him. It's like meeting a celebrity. Lmao. I remember you. This conversation is pointless with you.

[@annieandelsieofarendelle3294]

@@wraithdemonsoul7926 My theory is that when Zelda’s teaching school and into the late afternoon, Link (being the only one left with formal military training) is teaching new soldiers for Hyrule’s Royal army

[@SearcherTheCat]

Let’s be honest link probably gave Zelda the house as a knightly formality after botw so she could recover, but has lived there as well sense he is her knight and probably lover. I personally like to believe that they grew into a romantic relationship after the events of botw but didn’t start that way immediately after, AKA they probably had an awkward stage lol

[@nbHawkeye]

This, aside from the romantic thing. He is her bodyguard, of course he would give his house up for her, Hyrule castle is a ruin after all.

[@Linkbatmangosling_1]

Tears Of The Kingdom and Breath Of The Wild are the best Link and Zelda Love stories since Skyward sword and Spirit tracks. ZeLink 4Ever! I would argue Tears of the Kingdom is a Love Story. A Silent man motivated by one thing:To see the woman he loves again and doing whatever it takes to do so.

[@a.jthomas6132]

If the creator haven’t decide to cancel the dlc plans, we would’ve see more of Link and Zelda’s time before the Upheaval.

[@nolanmart]

@WorthlessWasteOfLife_1 @@a.jthomas6132 wild that your comment was how i found out about the DLC not happening, thanks for informing me 😭i'm pretty devastated tbh, but i'm still holding out a little hope * knocks on wood *. i love this iteration of zelda and link very much and i would've loved one last chance to see them in the DLC, but i understand why developers might not've gone down that path. overall though i am disappointed since i think TOTK sets up a lot of cool ideas that would be great if explored further in a DLC.

[@nolanmart]

@WorthlessWasteOfLife_1 i absolutely love your comment!! this is so true and i love your way of thinking. preach!!! zelink truthers rise up!!

[@twinzzlers]

It's spelled forever

[@darwinwatterson493]

Yess❤, they screaming loveee

[@fruitcandy52]

As a studio ghibli fan and a zelda fan, I loved all the references TOTK made towards studio ghibli. In Studio Ghibli, theres the recurrent "love breaking curses" theme and if you look directly at Howl's Moving Castle, Sophie was able to break Howl's curse because of love. And (although this is debatable depending on translation and localization) the falling scene with dragonzelda and link pays homage to the scene in Spirited Away where Haku gains his memories back. In a different scene where Haku was unconscious and the Boiler Man was speaking with Lin, Lin asked what happened and the boiler man replied "its love". (Now I know there's debate whether Chihiro and Haku are platonic love or romantic love, but the fact remains that love breaking curses is a commonly explored theme). disclaimer, I am recalling all this from memory and the quotes may be highly abridged.

[@a.jthomas6132]

When Zelda said “ Oh Link.. I’m home”, I believe it is not just she really returned to the Hyrule she belongs to. But Link is her home. In Japanese however, Zelda said this: "ただいま... リンク" (pronounced as I'm home Link). These words depicts that is either someone close to family or a person you shared space with (aka lover). This hints that Link and Zelda are indeed lovers.

[@poggestfrog]

do you mean translated as?

[@darwinwatterson493]

Yessss

[@a.jthomas6132]

@@poggestfrog This is translated you smartass.

[@Ahouro]

In Japanese the Tadaima meaning I am home have different meaning depending on the relationship between the speaker and the person the are speaking to and those three are coworker, friends and family so Link and Zelda can be just friends.

[@annieandelsieofarendelle3294]

@@Ahouro But Zelda is noted to have romantic feelings for Link and even then Taidama is something you say only to someone live with.

[@Diamond_Aura]

Because of how the Zelda series enables different versions of Link, Zelda, and other characters to exist, part of why I enjoy it is being able to have different thoughts on something like ZeLink depending on the game. For example, I like games like TotK, Spirit Tracks, and Skyward Sword where their bond seems to be very close and potentially romantic; and yet I also really like the unique relationship they have in Ocarina of Time or Twilight Princess especially, where in the latter Zelda acts more professional in her role and isn’t necessarily attached to Link in a romantic way. As for TotK, I like to believe that they are indeed “canon” heh, but I love how different games can give different interpretations/versions of their relationship, and I find it fun to explore various ways they can be “the hero and the Princess,” even if some of the games are probably *not* canon ZeLink games. It’s a unique benefit of basically rebooting Hyrule and Link and Zelda almost every game.

[@NoiseDay]

I wonder what it means for ZeLink to be canon in Skyward Sword if you also date Peatrice

[@Diamond_Aura]

@@NoiseDay the storage girl? You barely interact with her lol, that’s like saying if I talk to the teller at the bank and then just so happen to run into her later when she’s off hours that “we’re dating”

[@javiervasquez625]

​@@Diamond_Aura Still you can make Link fall for her to the point of Fi warning him of not telling Zelda about Peatrice next time they see eachother face to face. Would be awkward to tell Peatrice you love her then suddenly act as if you never met her just to be Zelda. No way Link would do that.

[@kit76149]

@@javiervasquez625 Look at her design. It's an obvious joke.

[@annieandelsieofarendelle3294]

@@kit76149I always reject her anyways (though I do feel bad there's not letting her down gently option) but I do kind of ship her with Groose. (blame Ferisae)

[@issyswrldd]

that one memory between zelda, sonia and rauru where they were talking about how skilled and how brave link is, rauru was like “i have to meet this link” and that reminded me of sonia and rauru being parents to zelda and wanted to meet the man she loves😭❤️

[@borgexd]

I love how you go so deep into the tiny details such as the little movements by a few pixels of Zelda's pupils in the cutscene.

[@torugolago]

I love when in the dragon fight she comes to save him from the fall with her snout, it’s very cute

[@nathanapodaca3456]

I think it's safe to say that the Zelda team is purposely keeping it fairly vague because they want the player to draw their own conclusions about the relationship, but they are hinting just enough to suggest that it is very likely they are more than just Knight and Princess or just close friends, unlike in other titles(Skyward Sword being the exception). Personally, I agree with everything you laid out here, and my first playthrough of ToTK really solidified the Zelink theory for me, especially Zelda's "His heart is good and true" line

[@ashleynobin2938]

I don't why no one points this out much... but in the ending cutscene when Zelda goes to stand, she wobbles a little bit and Link starts to reach towards her to balance her. He cares for her, you can't tell me he doesn't.

[@gojirafan6155]

Alright. 1. They sleep in the same house. 2. They travel together all the time. 3. When zelda was in the past she would talk about link to sonia. (girls usually talk about guys they like to other girls.) 4. Link jumped to grab zelda when she fell and tossed the broken master sword aside. 5. Many people in the game think they are actually a couple. 6. The ending of the game they dive into the heart shaped pond. (That is no coincidence nintendo is strait up telling us that link and zelda are possibly a thing)

[@jessicamarsh1337]

6 is wrong, they dive into a different pond.

[@nbHawkeye]

1, Nintendo did not care enough about the game and did not change this. 2, He's her guard. Of course he travels where the queen goes. 3, No idea, I stopped playing this horrid game after getting to the Fire Temple. 4, Again, he's her guard, of course he's going to protect his monarch. 5, From what I saw that wasn't the case. 6, Again, I could not go on and continue this bad game.

[@funman-h7w]

​@@nbHawkeyeyou like this game don't you

[@The_Elite_Emerald]

@@nbHawkeye Why are you watching a video about a ship and taking the time to leave so many comments if you hate the game so much.

[@FierceDeity35]

"OUR HOUSE" and "ONLY EYES FOR HER APPOINTED KNIGHT" Are all I ever need.

[@Ahouro]

The Hateno house is not referens as our house in the game this is misinformation the actually translation is the house, please srop spreading misinformation.

[@nolanmart]

@FierceDeity35 literally same. As soon as Kass said "But the orincess herself only had eyes for her escort, her own knight attendant" i was SOLD. in my book that was definitive, indisputable proof that Zelda's in love with Link. 💙

[@deethwarrior]

​@@nolanmartto me it's not so don't tell me to believe it you can if you want

[@nolanmart]

no problem! feel free to enjoy the characters however you want. my takes on them and how they interact doesn’t need to influence yours at all! have a good day man @@deethwarrior

[@SunWarriorSolaire]

@@Ahourojapanese, the main language of the game. Buddy.

[@ANobodysHerstory]

I just wished they hugged or something when they were reunited. Even if you’re just colleagues it’d still be exciting to be back to familiarity!

[@nbHawkeye]

Would you walk up to the president of your country and hug him? I don't think so. Link is still only a knight. She is queen Zelda of Hyrule. That's not happening.

[@funman-h7w]

​@@nbHawkeyethis reply tingles my brain

[@The_Elite_Emerald]

@@nbHawkeye If I was his personal body guard for about a decade, meaning probably a friend by that point, yeah.

[@Topunito]

@@nbHawkeye did you miss how both games basically state outright that they became MUCH closer than merely a professional relationship, even if it's not romantic 😭

[@lynxforger807]

One thing I’ve always believed is that in certain games, Link and Zelda love one another. However, other games just show a close friendship, nothing more. The way I see it, the Spirit of the Hero cares for the Goddess, but depending on what form and circumstance occurs depends on what feelings Zelda and Link have for one another. It’s not a fate thing, it’s more like a link (no pun intended) between them that helps in having feelings for one another.

[@a.jthomas6132]

Eiji Aonuma doesn't seen much of a Zelink fan since he directed Ocarina of Time, Windwaker, Majora's Mask and Twilight Princess. Director Fujibayashi is when he created Skyward Sword, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Another is the fanbase have been divided as well as the mistranslations or rewriting the original source NA Nintendo sees fit since they wanted Link to be a more of Blank Slate character.

[@Axgel_SSB1234]

13:46 this part felt like when a teenager girl who just met a new boy in highschool and she is speaking about it to her parents, and they know really well she already felt for him by the way she speaks about him. So sweet.

[@miaks1988]

TotK is the first game of the franchise I have ever played, I had no prior knowledge of any lore or about what happened in previous games. So when I saw these first intro scenes, to me, it was already clear by how they interact with each other, that they were a couple. I full heartedly believed it and was shocked when somebody told me that‘s not a fact 🤣🙈 Later in the game when I discovered the house, it was just confirmation if what I already knew. Did you notice how big Zeldas bed is compared to other beds Link can sleep in? It‘s clearly a bed for two people! So, if TotK is the only source of information you have about their relationship, it us VERY clear they are lovers. And I wonder if Nintendo intended it to be that way, since I can imagine how many new players TotK attracted.

[@sophia_6873]

Honestly I can’t wait (really hope!) for there be a botw/totk manga like there was for Twilight Princess because at least it could fill in the gaps of their relationship that Nintendo didn’t :’)

[@a.jthomas6132]

That would be something I would enjoy reading since I have Ocarina of Time manga.

[@namiswan2830]

Yess!! Please someone has to contact akira himekawa

[@Weirdthingsareexisting]

How to say something is canon without saying it’s canon: Botw and Totk:

[@VLarraechea]

Should just make it official by this point. It’s frustrating that it isn’t.

[@cosmoboi8890]

​@@VLarraecheaikr

[@nbHawkeye]

​@@VLarraecheaThey would piss of either the Zelink supporters or the doubters, they won't do that. If they ever make a sequel to TotK they will probably just talk about the princess and her loyal knight practically nudging into the direction of them not being more than close aquaintances.

[@JosephMaddoxJoyce]

A possible explanation for the house being redecorated is that link never really decorated it himself in botw, he sorta just put up some weapon stands. Bolson probably wouldn’t remember Link because to him, he’s just some guy he sold a house to.

[@lasercraft32]

If you're open to theory suggestions, I do have an idea that would be interesting to look into... We don't know who Paya's parents are. They're never mentioned and there's basically no evidence to tell us who they might be... But the real question is, who is Paya's Grandfather? Impa had to have married/had a kid with someone in order to be Paya's Grandmother. My theory is that Paya's Grandfather (and Impa's late husband probably) is Kass' mentor he mentioned in the Champion's Ballad DLC. Think about it... Both Paya and Kass' mentor have a lot of intriguing parallels. Both of them were Sheikah who fell in love with someone, only to realize that they liked someone else (Kass' mentor falling in love with Zelda, and Paya falling for Link) and wrote about it in their notes and stuff. Kass also mentions that his mentor spent a lot of time around the Princess, which is why he developed feelings for her in the first place... But guess who ALSO spent a lot of time with the Princess, quite possibly at the same time? IMPA. We know this because of Age of Calamity, where she's Zelda's advisor (and yes, most of Age of Calamity isn't canon to the main timeline, but its not a stretch to assume everything from before Terrako showed up is the same as the main timeline). I'm willing to bet that after he realized Zelda only had eyes for her knight, and the whole Calamity mishap, Kass' mentor probably went to live in Kakariko village along with the rest of the Sheikah, and ended up marrying Impa at some point. But hey, that's just a theory... a GAME theory! Thanks for reading. XP

[@LunaTheMoonBean]

Honestly regardless of them being a romantic or platonic duo, zelink are one HELL of a power couple

[@Hyrulian09]

Not sure if you caught this, but in the Champion's Ballad DLC for BotW, once you complete all of it, you can visit Kass in Rito Village for a final, hidden song. It was written by his teacher, a Sheikah and the royal poet. When Kass is explaining some history prior to the song, it is stated that, "Though he must have known it was doomed to be unrequited, my teacher fell in love with her... But the princess herself only had eyes for her escort, her own knight attendant... And then the Calamity struck." This was intentionally put in BY NINTENDO. If that doesn't mean something, I don't know what does.

[@Delulula]

I would like to point out that in the true ending, Zelda looks at Link with that same soft expression she always has when talking about him

[@wompus_king]

I like to think that Zelda transformed back to herself due to a triforce wish. Link had courage. Got wisdom upon pulling the sword. Got power upon defeating the demon dragon. Then link wished Zelda back. Because… LOVE

[@a.jthomas6132]

Bingo

[@nbHawkeye]

Loyalty. You mean loyalty.

[@aimeevanlandingham3844]

Are we not going to talk about how Zelda was completely unfazed by seeing Link without a shirt on?

[@missscarlet6044]

The scene where link is looking at the flowers, the key is to slow it down and look at his eyes,eyelids and eyebrows shift and the very subtle jaw/mouth open/drop. Theres alot of emotion there for someone who generally doesn't show any at all. Theyre looking around slowly, his eyes arent wide open either and the eyebrow shifting demonstrate that he's kinda of trying to comprehend what happenedwith some resistance or disbelief. Like a "no...please no...she didnt actually....no..." then cue to the light dragon.

[@blondieHPfan10113]

This is what I thought!! And I do think his eyes are just a little wider when he's looking around at the flowers

[@purplemorganite2768]

You forgot that after Link's arm was damaged and the room was collapsing, Link fell to one knee and Zelda is worried and concerned about him and is about to check on him before she fell.

[@ukrainium_92]

To be fair imagine you just got shot in the leg I’m pretty sure the person next to you would also check.

[@TriforceTrooper66]

My theory for Link’s smile at the end is that it’s a developer inside joke, similar to Baldur from God of War flipping you off.

[@liamdalemon1525]

So it's basically Master Chief wears two helmets kind of territory.

[@CelloGamerMatt]

I’d also argue that another key component from the opening cutscene is Link’s audible gasp when he fails to grasp Zelda’s hand as she’s falling. I think there’s something to be said about an otherwise stoic, silent protagonist-including gasps and sighs-showcasing audible emotion.

[@doofuscawt]

You wouldnt gasp if you failed to grasp your best friend?

[@nbHawkeye]

​@@doofuscawtYou should also not forget that Zelda is the queen of Hyrule at this point and there is no heir besides her. He'd find himself in a Sheikah torture room if he let her die.

[@doofuscawt]

@@nbHawkeye uh ok

[@fernando98322]

I know a lot of people complain nobody recognizes Link, but idk it makes sense. Few people knew Link by name in BotW, for the rest he was just a traveler that helped around and then who knows how often he traveled between games. Everyone knows the Princess, but not the Hero. The same applies to the Great Calamity, only few knew about it

[@sylvie_on]

I mean, if I asked someone to get me 10 mushrooms four years ago just on any random day I don’t think I’d remember them well either

[@kordeliiius9821]

Not to mention it’s kind of what he wants. He’s exhausted by the pressure that being the “princess’ chosen knight” puts on him, so he’d rather stop being perceived

[@jessicamarsh1337]

plus his hair changed in totk. That doesn't really change much, but still.

[@KBroly]

You didn't discuss the symbolism of Link and Zelda forming the FINAL 'tear' of the game, together, splashing into the water together, whereas all other tears are in reverse, forming a similar pattern when rewinding; and what that could mean.

[@angelmendez-rivera351]

That one is a huge stretch. I'm not convinced it's reasonable to say that Link and Zelda formed the final "tear" in any meaningful way.

[@bean1e_b0i_]

seeing zelda and link's final interaction actually brought so many tears to my eyes, i'm a huge hopeless romantic and it made me so unbelievably happy to see them reunited 😭

[@Pyronic_]

If the children from the school in Hateno was the reason she made the secret room, why did it have to be hidden from the floor plan? This means that she hid it from someone that would see the floor plan… 😉

[@annieandelsieofarendelle3294]

Also why would she leave a bunch of small children alone in her house?

[@TriforceTrooper66]

You know kids these days, always digging around other people’s floor plans

[@Pyronic_]

@@TriforceTrooper66 real

[@StevenUlyssesPerhero]

Okay, but how would she expect to keep her study hidden from someone she's living with? If he doesn't instantly find it when he goes to use the well himself, he'll come investigate when she says she's going out to the well to get water and is gone for hours at a time. If she needed privacy from a roommate, it would have been an extension on the house, that he would know about, and respect her boundaries. It's a secret room not even in the house itself because, as Clavia said, Zelda "couldn't bring herself to turn down anyone who wanted to be here," so she put her study where she wouldn't be able to hear the kids knocking.

[@Pyronic_]

@@StevenUlyssesPerhero then why would it have to be hidden from the floor plan. I understand your point but like.

[@mrbiscuits001]

To be honest I like how it’s up to interpretation yaknow. It allows people to just enjoy their ships without having to worry about cannon

[@pntcosmo]

for real

[@kit76149]

I personally don't like the idea of this Zelda getting with some random to have the heir that leads to the next princess. It feels so wrong, especially after everything she has been through and everything they have been through together. She deserves to have Link

[@pntcosmo]

@@kit76149 canon or not, I don’t think zelda would go for anyone else other than link tbh. the same goes for link

[@mrbiscuits001]

@@kit76149 I’m gonna be honest with you, I don’t think Nintendo is really too concerned with who Zelda is f***ing. It’s meant to be suitable for kids after all. It’s up to interpretation, so all you really can do is enjoy your ship or be salty.

[@VLarraechea]

I mean, why even worry about canon? Canon is what the makers intended for the stuff to be. People can always make their fanfictions with no worries.

[@Prizzlesticks]

Minor correction about tadaima. I wouldn't say it is strictly used between friends or loved ones, nor even strictly when coming home. Literally, it translates to 'just now' and is a shortened way of saying 'Tadaima kaerimashita,' or, 'I've just now returned.' I've heard it used when one person in a group returns from the restroom, for example. That being said, it is most common to say it when returning home, which is why it has a warmer weight to it for most people. I think the larger point is, you wouldn't use 'kaerimashita,' to mean, 'I've returned to my human form,' or 'I've returned to myself,' y'know? That's not the correct verb. And given they haven't returned to any place specifically, she's implying Link is her home. This is actually a pretty common romantic trope in Japanese media. Peak cheese, really, we love to see it. It's important to keep in mind the broader context of Japanese expressions if affection. PDA is frowned upon, and there are dozens of indirect ways to say you care for someone without ever saying it, like, 'Aitakatta,' or, 'I wanted to see you.' Many Japanese people have told me not only have they never said they love someone romantically, they'd never even had a family member say they loved them. Their culture places value on showing, not telling, and on passive or indirect communication. Even marriage proposals can sound obscure, like. 'I want to taste your cooking every night,' or, 'Let me make you laugh even when we're old and gray.' The infamous scene in FMA where Ed asks Winry for equivalent exchange had stubborn American fans up in arms about how that's not actually a proposal, but it was clearly understood in Japan. Western audiences just have a hard time with subtly, I guess. Not to imply they're engaged or married or anything, I just think it's worth pointing out that even marriage proposals are rarely straightforward. My teacher back in high school emphasized saying 'Aishiteiru,' to someone would make him think they were on their deathbed. If there's ever an incarnation if these two where one clearly says, "I love you," I'll eat my hat. But I'm pretty confident this particular pair is in love. Some versions, like OOT, I'd say it's far less likely. But the BotW or Skyward Sword versions? C'mon. It's obvious.

[@angelmendez-rivera351]

Yes, a lot of Western fans of this franchise have a very difficult time grasping the idea that this is a Japanese franchise, and as such, things don't work the way they're normalized or accepted in Western culture.

[@Zerolink30]

When you do the Dragon video, don't forget about the Dark Dragon bones from the Depths.

[@PerKristianNordmark]

Fun fact: the name for the music being playing right as Link catches Zelda at the end of TotK is called "Not this time", something that can only be described as crazy attention to detail.

[@MaxWelton]

6:41 the pupil shaking could be meant to simulate the way light is bent by liquids ie tears of the kingdom

[@superspider64]

11:00 Oh wow so you just inadvertantly confirmed that what happened to me at the end of the game wasn't a weird glitch where Link's shirt and headwear just randomly disappeared. I was so confused when it happened but seeing this I guess the idea was to make it more obvious that Links arm is back to normal? but even so to just randomly make him shirtless just feels a bit odd lmao Also for me personally I think ZeLink depends on the game, fir BoTW and ToTK there's definately a lot of chemistry between that particular link and zelda, and the same with Skyward Sword Link and Zelda, though for other games it can be hard to see any sort of shipping potential

[@MeeBacon]

I did not notice the shirtlessness on my playthrough, I only realized when I saw a challenge run. And for the ZeLink being dependent on the game, I totally agree. It would be weird seeing Link from tloz 1 dating Zelda from the same game.

[@speedude0164]

I honestly think they did that to prevent you from wearing something stupid during the final cutscene.

[@Chaos89P]

Yeah, I think it's either to more easily show Link regaining his natural arm or it could be an FMV sequence that carries into gameplay. The only reason I could find it even remotely annoying is that I had Link wear the Cap of the Wild for about as long as I found it (barring situations where a different piece of headgear was necessary/preferable).

[@chengahlang2000]

In the game, Zelda justifies her becoming a dragon so that she could bring Link the Master Sword restored. But the fact that you could beat the game without the Master Sword means that she did not have to become a dragon herself at all. She could had lived her entire life out in the ancient past and Link would still be able to destroy Ganondorf in the future. So this means she became a dragon to really go see Link in the future, her love. The real reason she wants to go to the future is to see her love, Link. Not just to deliver him the master sword that he doesn't need.

[@a.jthomas6132]

Their love for each and the their kingdom is very crucial

[@hehehaha-jp2wd]

Well, you do technically need the Master Sword to deal the final blow, so there's that.

[@chengahlang2000]

@@hehehaha-jp2wd How do the speed runners beat the game without completing the master sword quest?

[@goddess.reborn]

Imo, I don't think Zelda would transform herself into a dragon just to go see Link in the future even because she thinks there will be no way to transform back, so she knows (thinks) that she will never see Link again after making her decision. Plus, throught the memories we see Zelda is very worried about what the fate of Hyrule will be now that Ganondorf's corpse has awakened in the present, and in the last memories we see the main reason for Zelda to transform into a dragon is to "restore the Master Sword and deliver it to Link". She saw how a simple small shard of the Master Sword was able to "damage" Ganondorf's corpse, and from her conversation with Deku Tree she knows she has to transform into a dragon in order to go back to the present time just to deliver a repaired and more powerful Master Sword to Link. She is not even sure if it will reach him, "Link. You must find me!". And in the final moments before her transformation she desperately says: "Link, protect them all!". I'm not saying she doesn't love Link, I'm sure she does but I don't think her main concern is him but yes Hyrule as a whole.

[@hehehaha-jp2wd]

@@chengahlang2000 You get the Master Sword during the Dragon fight.

[@Krukmeister]

It's been heavily implied in several other games. Two definitive examples is the wholesome ending of Spirit Tracks where Zelda and Link hold hands, and then there's Zelda II where they just straight up kiss.

[@nbHawkeye]

In Oracle of Seasons/Ages which is a sequel to A Link to the Past there is also a scene on the password playthrough in which Zelda kisses Link on the cheek. Although, they might be siblings in that continuation, it's confusing.

[@JosenLlave]

After watching your great analysis and watching the ending again, I sense a lot of weight for the developers to end the scene where it's just Link and Zelda with "Oh, Link... I'm home." If Link and Zelda did share the same Hateno home, it's common for both of them to say "tadaimasu" every time they enter (in Japanese culture). But since her disappearance, it becomes something you start to miss, even if it's a simple greeting. So maybe for her to end this scene with that, it's the best way to "state" their intimate relationship without showing it, something Link has been dying to hear. Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense to broadly state that she's "home", standing in the middle of all of Hyrule, where "home" has a specific place just between Zelink. Love all of your analyses!

[@Syl518]

It may also be worth noting that most if not all Zelda games _do_ fit with a stereotypical children's story. Obviously evil guy, a missing princess, and a knight who goes on a perilous adventure to save that princess. Those kinds of stories almost always end with the knight and princess forming a romantic bond, no?

[@kordeliiius9821]

Who said they have to?

[@Syl518]

@@kordeliiius9821 Nobody. It's a pattern, so it's fairly safe to assume that's the case. Like in any story, you expect the protagonist to prevail over their goal because it happens so frequently in other stories. The pattern has constantly repeated for centuries, so why expect otherwise?

[@nbHawkeye]

I thought so as a kid. Until I watched several movies in which something similiar happens and in the end the princess marries somebody else and the hero just watches the marriage. Unless it's literally a tale for 5-6 year olds that tends to happen.

[@MaxWelton]

9:21 are you SURE she was looking at his injuries?

[@Dalek-br6nu]

Checking out his master sword 😏

[@grixonyt]

😭

[@mat-sl]

I’m disgusted

[@MonsterMaze]

Caaaaaaaaan you feeeeeeeeel the looooove toniiiight?

[@Cliffordlonghead]

Hi

[@MaxWelton]

20:50 well that's obvious. Bolson was told about Zelda or he just assumed the chivalrous knight errant buying his house had a lady-love he wanted to have over for dinner and set the table accordingly.

[@h0m3st4r]

It depends on which Link and Zelda you're talking about, considering that they're all separate incarnations. The Skyward Sword, Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom incarnations are absolutely romantic. The Twilight Princess incarnations, absolutely not. The rest of them? You decide.

[@kit76149]

Agreed 100%. An argument could be made for alttp however, especially if you factor in the manga

[@higurashikai09]

The original Link from Zelda 1 and 2 and the Zelda from Zelda 2 actually kiss. The Zelda from Zelda 1 is actually a different Zelda than the one in Zelda 2. Zelda 1 is the descendant of the brother of Zelda 2 who was put into a timeless sleep generations before meaning Link and Zelda from the first game are only friends while that same Link and the Zelda from the second game are romantically involved (for some reason since she just woke up and has literally never met him)

[@luisgonzalezsandoval7429]

Taking both Botw and Totk into consideration we learn that Link is from Hateno village, out of all the places the princess can decide to live at, she decides to live in hateno and also build a school there too. She clearly isn't only thinking of staying in hateno untill Hyrule castle is remodeled, she probably built that school so her kids can attend in the future❤. Plus it's not like Link after the events of Botw is gonna take time off and leave Zelda alone. There's just one bed my boy isn't gonna sleep outside or on the floor. I feel like Nintendo missed the chance to make it official for what these 2 have been through a love that has endured for more than a century in Botw and thousands of years in Totk, she has always waited for him and he has always managed to find her. But moving on Zelda's next big game should be a Link reincarnation but as a different race hence maybe even a Gerudo and the ganon reincarnation a Hylian that would certainly add a spin and spicen the story a bit😂

[@yarion4774]

While I do agree that it would be interesting to see a different spin to the formular, we are talking about Nintendo. If they are changing anything to one of their most successful franchises, it's not going to be the very basis of its narrative. And yes, I yearn for a Zelda title that gives us more action with or as Zelda. But so far ... eh. I don't have my hopes up.

[@agamernamedjoe]

I’d honestly say yes. It helps give more motive for Link and honestly I’m tired of the Blank Slate Link thing. It just doesn’t work for Legend of Zelda stories anymore.

[@angelmendez-rivera351]

Well, in this game, Link is obviously not a blank-slate. Do you see how sassy his dialogue options are? In what world is sassiness compatible with "blank slate"? C'mon.

[@agamernamedjoe]

@@angelmendez-rivera351 that’s how it’s always been my guy. I was at least hoping for a voice actor in cutscenes at least

[@angelmendez-rivera351]

@@agamernamedjoe No, this isn't true. I've played other Legend of Zelda games. The Links in those games are nothing like Link in Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

[@Topunito]

@@angelmendez-rivera351 It feels like the people in charge of his character are at war about this subject specifically. Because in many scenes in both BOTW and TOTK where it's basically beyond argument that he SHOULD be feeling some intense emotion, his face is basically completely blank. Not even a subtle bit of emotion coming through his stoic exterior, genuinely just 0 expression. Not a ton of body language either. And yet the writers seem insistent that he's his own character, pretty much explicitly. It is consistently strange how little signs of him being his own person show through his animation, especially when many other Links from past games have done it shamelessly. And the moments where he shows most emotion are literally not visible from the camera angle the game shows us. That smile from the ending cutscene almost feels like the animators were trying to tell us something but someone at Nintendo REALLY didn't want us to see it lol. My theory is that they're scared of the casual gamer who isn't paying THAT much attention feeling uncomfortable about Link showing explicit emotion and disconnecting himself from the player, especially since it's an open world game where having your own journey is kind of the point. But they're fine with letting the bigger, less casual fans find Link's character by paying attention to the smaller details.

[@jacobfoxfires9647]

I actually think the master sword being in the Korok Forrest is important. That’s still link’s sword by default. Or by birthright. So why would he put it in to rest if he was still being an active knight? I personally think it’s because they are entering a time of peace, or presumably. Sure there is rebuilding to be had and monsters are still around. But link feels confident that he doesn’t need the sword, to be an active knight for Zelda. So that can be something to show how close the two have gotten. If he wanted to enjoy the peaceful times with Zelda and not worry so much for her safety.

[@itskdog]

From the memory it also sounds like (along with other weapons/armour such as the Zora Armour) it got damaged somehow (possibly caused by the calamity fight) and leaving it in the sacred light in Korok Forest was needed to revive it (and is also what gave Zelda the idea to use her sacred light to restore it to defeat Ganondorf)

[@crih188]

28:30 guys the way she moves.. is subtle but is like if she was about to ask for a kiss and then she regrets and speaks

[@Corey_or_Something]

One important thing to point out about zelda's house, specifically her secret diary is, she says she made a new champions tunic that she hid where? In the castle? Why not somewhere in the house? Maybe cause link would see it because he is LIVING WITH HER!!!!!

[@mysryuza]

I wonder if you’ll ever make a video theorizing about where Lady Yona could have originated from. I once theorized (I’m sure I’m not the only one) that she could be from Labrynna. It would be awkward to think if we are to believe the King Zora in OoA was the same as in OoT, but not unbelievable because Royals used to intermarry, even if they were distantly related or from different kingdoms.

[@javiervasquez625]

It's probable that many Zora Domains exist across the _entire_ Zelda world as Phantom Hourglass has a fetch quest involving the collection of "Zora crowns" suggesting some Zora to have lived in the World of the Ocean King. It's very likely that groups of Zora have migrated across different waters to spread across the world and find other suitable Domains to thrive.

[@kit76149]

Probably a domain in the sea somewhere or another land

[@emmerzk93]

The only other headcanon I could think of for Zelda's house was when I found that people in the village didn't all automatically know Link. It seemed to me that if Link lived in the village, more people would know and recognize him. Of course there could be many reasons for this, seeing how even Bolson did not recognize Link for some reason. But just as Zelda at the end of BotW overcame her fears and fulfilled her duty, I began to wonder if perhaps Link also overcame some of his fears of only following duty and allowing the stress of his role to rule his life, so in the years that followed he'd decide to take more time to explore Hyrule on his own, and comes back to visit Zelda at his leisure. Now Zelda did say that he was at her side almost always with the work they did together, which took a toll on his clothes and prompted her getting him a new tunic, but it still makes me wonder if Link doesn't choose to have some freedom to do his own thing now that he doesn't have to stay by her side 24/7, and only does so when he wants to or if she needs him. Even in what little dialogue options we have for Link, he seems more sarcastic and/or playful with people, even sneaking up on many of them at times (to their dismay), which is very different to his plain curiosity in BotW in learning everything again for the first time given his amnesia.

[@gilb_4]

Link in the replies can be quite a troll :)

[@wace9174]

I feel like he was more expressive in botw than totk I think maybe since people are starting to recognize him more he's becoming like his old self, less expressionate. Most of his dialogue in totk is more formal and he doesn't really sneak up on people he's just pretty unnoticeable due to how silent he is. Also when u talk to Purah when naked she says a lot of people look up to u, u should set a better example which kinda makes me hate her for bringing up that past trauma of him having so much weight on his shoulders since the age of 12 because he is the knight that wields the sword that seals the darkness and he had so many people counting and looking up to him.

[@davidwhidden9337]

Or Nintendo was just lazy about this. They put the photo in the house from BOTW DLC but Link who "supposedly never leaves Zelda's side", the villagers have no idea who he is? Especially the kids who Link showed weapons to in BOTW?

[@wace9174]

@@davidwhidden9337 I think link is just very antisocial since he doesn't really talk to anyone much other than to people like Zelda but another reason could be so that newcomers to the Zelda franchise could feel like they didn't miss anything or link just looks different due to his arm being all ancient and stuff and his hair down.

[@davidwhidden9337]

@@wace9174 Link gets along great with every other race though.

[@aliyahshoulders60]

You forgot to mention one conversation where someone asked you are you interested in someone and it gives you the option 'I sure do'. Around those words. 🎉 Feeling returned! 😊❤

[@kit76149]

In the german version (and sort of Japanese as well) it's "do you have a girlfriend?" and he replies "I do!" Ashai will also comment on how honest he seems if he answers yes.

[@higurashikai09]

And you can also answer in the negative further suggesting how it is up to each player and how they believe their Link feels. Meaning it is both canon and not canon depending on who is playing the game

[@kit76149]

@@higurashikai09 Ashai will act like Link is being dishonest/unconfident in other languages with that option

[@Ahouro]

This doesn´t mean that Link loves Zelda Link can mean other girls in his life.

[@ukrainium_92]

@@Ahourocurious to who else you think it might be?

[@KBFalin0027]

I needed this in my life. I spend a lot of my free time watching lore and gameplay videos and this is the most well thought out and objective video I have seen in weeks. NBC never disappoints. Thank for the hard work and time that you put in to be able to share this with everyone. I for one was impressed.

[@Law33n]

Imagine a series where we fill out the gaps in between the games or memory losses, like how was zelda interacting with sonya, link showing how he's more than just a mute knight, would be cool

[@Tooli888]

Nice to see more tears of the kingdom content always been a fan of yours!

[@maryam.m]

It's as heavily implied as can be without outright stating that Zelink is canon.

[@floydthomson7001]

OMG I JUST FOUND OUT, RAURU IS THE NAME OF THE FIRST TOWN IN “The Legend of Zelda, the adventure of link”

[@CrystalFlames]

Ok but I literally love how Zelda is telling Sonia and Rauru about Link, and the two share a knowing look like omgsh she’s in love with him and has no idea.