The Life of the Hero of Twilight - Zelda Theory

The Hero of Twilight was born for one reason, to destroy Ganondorf as The Hero of Time / Hero's Shade intended!
In this Zelda Theory, we go over the events from Ocarina of Time to the end of Twilight Princess! But with Ganondorf's return in Breath of the Wild 2, was it all for nothing?
#Zeldatheory #LegendofZelda #BreathoftheWild2
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Thumbnail Credit:
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Art credits:
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www.pinterest.at/pin/44086025...
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www.deviantart.com/alphachino...
www.deviantart.com/adella/art...
/ dinner_time_at_lon_lon...
www.deviantart.com/adella/art...
Necluda in Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2
• Necluda in Zelda Breat...
Zora’s Domain, Beginning of Zelda Breath of the Wild 2? • Zora's Domain, Beginni...
Ganondorf’s Final Battle in Breath of the Wild 2: • Ganondorf’s Final Batt...
Ganondorf and the Gerudo in Breath of the Wild 2: • Ganondorf and The Geru...
Breath of the Wild 2 Will be More Difficult: • Breath of the Wild 2, ...
Breath of the Wild 2’s Underground World: • Breath of the Wild 2 w...
Cut Content in Breath of the Wild: • Breath of the Wild 2 w...
Zelda Timeline with Link’s Awakening Switch - • Legend of Zelda Timeli...
Secrets Underground Hyrule - • Secrets Underground Hy...
Changes Breath of the Wild 2 Needs - • Breath of the Wild 2 N...
Zonai & Sheikah Secrets in Akkala- • Zonai & Sheikah Secret...
Link, Zonai and Koroks VS Ganondorf - • Link, Zonai and Koroks...
The Zonai Mystery in Faron - • The Zonai Mystery in F...
Ganondorf and the Zonai Mystery - • Ganondorf and the Zona...
Breath of the Wild 2 Just in Hyrule? • Breath of the Wild 2 J...
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[@commonwealthrealm]

Hope you enjoyed the video! Lots of work went into it so make sure to leave a like and share it :)

[@WRA_Cole]

Live your content, E

[@erikhasler]

New sub. I saw a theory of this channel and NBC theorizing that the Zonai may have been exiled, or something bad, to explain their disappearance. Why, if at all, couldn't the green spell in the BOTW2 trailer be the result of the Zonai sacrificing themselves to keep Ganondorf subdued? It would be a "courageous" thing to do, and it seems that it is also theorized that the tribe was supposed to be a representation of the courage-third of the triforce (I'm REALLY new to all of these theories so please forgive my ignorance)

[@gregtom3272]

tha was very interesting though i know a theory which may prove that moon in majora mask was not made by majora at all i know it sound crazy but here is it zeldauniverse.net/forums/Thread/152107-The-World-inside-the-Moon-a-Majora-s-Mask-theory i hope you like it

[@luthiamoonlightfrqc2905]

I really like zelda mostly since the BOTW reboot but as a Metroid fangirl first and foremost im sad that they is no Metroid focus chanel ..._ i know orpheon but its pretty much it = ( please BOTW 2 give us atleast a Metroid easter egg like a chozo ruin with the zonai ruin as a way to reference Metroid prime 4 and to canonise the Zelda planet in the world of Metroid also it coud be Lore friendly for both franchise .... Sorry im just desperate >_

[@luthiamoonlightfrqc2905]

I still find wierd how oot link end up with malon in the game atleast you only interact with her 3 time " to wake up her dad to learn epona song the optional race with epona in order to win a cow!? " i tough Link ending with Saria woud be more logical she was his only friend and she even defended him from bullying for not aving a fairy but Link end up friendzoning her for the farm girl instead .... Yes im into shiping ^^" also still team Mipha >_< death is not the end in the zelda universe enniway

[@nillynush4899]

I love that TP is a generational Zelda story. Two Links in one game, passing down a legacy.

[@stonehorn4641]

There are a few generational zeldas. He is his own descendant.

[@Siegehart]

@@stonehorn4641 bbbbb

[@liamstanley5599]

True the sword training segments made me feel like a badass and the name “heroes shade” is just so cool itself

[@nilodelmundo]

I wonder if breath of the wild link is related to them?

[@lankylemon8555]

Did you ever hear the tragedy of Hero's Shade the wise?

[@williamgroves3134]

No

[@Max-ew8cg]

@@williamgroves3134 nice

[@andresbarquin]

@@williamgroves3134 I thought not. It's not a story the royal family would tell you.

[@Aristocratic13]

Andres Barquin It's a Shekiah legend. Hero's Shade was a hero full of Courage, so Powerful and so Wise he could use the tri-FORCE to influence the midichlorians to create life... He had such a knowledge of the tri-Force that he could even keep himself from dying... By becoming a shade. Mipha: Oh my! Ravali: Hmph... I bet I can do it. Daruk: that's not possible is it? Link: The tri-Force is a pathway to many abilities... some consider to be unnatural... Urbosa: Well it must be, because it's unnatural to hear you speak Link

[@1jidion]

@@Aristocratic13 urbosa got me at the end lol

[@militantpacifist4087]

Twilight Princess is my favorite Zelda game.

[@stanstanstan2597]

First and favorite.

[@Aristocratic13]

YES DADDY!!!

[@adammoore7059]

It's one of my favorite games too

[@user-vm6ru9kn8q]

Ja, Hast du recht

[@grafzpln2344]

*aggresively grabs ocarina and majoras mask*

[@onezeldafan9349]

Link after returning to Hyrule: The hell happened here?

[@theoriginallinko]

Exactly

[@danielstocks9088]

Just like whoops

[@zizochemlali4639]

Link: I leave for a little bit AND NOW THIS HAPPENS!

[@gailwiley4117]

Honestly, the Hero's Shade is one of my favorite Zelda characters. Even have a shirt with a quote from him.

[@terragthegreat175]

Which one?

[@gailwiley4117]

@@terragthegreat175 "A sword wields no strength unless the hand that holds it has courage."

[@thebatmary5954]

Oh. I was thinking it might’ve just said, “HYAH!”

[@themangageek1018]

Wait, but isn’t the hero’s shade, OOT link?

[@gailwiley4117]

@@themangageek1018 yes. And it is confirmed he is a relation to TP Link.

[@3BigChins]

Hero of Time will always be best Link. There’s such a weight and tragedy to his story that all the others lack. He never asked for anything, and he was never honored in his lifetime for what he did. Having his descendant, the Hero of Twilight, be trained by his spirit to finally finish his work and honor his legacy was such phenomenal story writing. I have much respect and love for the Hero of Winds who much in the same way, faced and overcame an impossible evil while not seeking to be the Hero at all, but his story retains the innocence of childhood that Time and Twilight do not. In that way, these two Heroes go hand in hand in a very epic and emotionally satisfying story arc that no other Heroes have. I wish there was a sequel to Twilight Princess, but in a way, the story is finished, and it’s perfect the way it is.

[@docAvid314]

This really makes me want to play Twilight Princess again. Hoping for that Switch release!

[@Mote.]

I like the pumpkins in ordon village.

[@Phoenix-Brah]

Don't waste food!

[@helloworld2409]

If you're pbg they can be redeads

[@Radien]

“What pumpkin?”

[@Ryan-rv5em]

The life of the Hero of Time (especially after Majora's Mask) is such a good topic. Great video.

[@jesselee1031]

Legend of Zelda: Hero of Time

[@rodrigroudon1872]

Ryan I know right

[@andresbarquin]

Though Hyrule historia states the hero of time wasn't remembered, it conflicts with what we see in twilight princess. The hero's shade never stated he was forgotten and the hero of time is referenced over and over again. The games take priority over the books.

[@truelionofhylia8437]

In the Child Timeline, Link was remembered as a hero in Termina 'cuz the folks who lived there knew that he helped save their world, but not remembered fer what he did as the Hero of Time. He was still remembered as a hero. He regretted the war he unintentionally caused by warnin' the Royal Family of Ganondorf's plot. The castle, the town, an' Lon Lon Ranch was destroyed by Ganondorf's attack 'cuz the Gerudo King o' Thieves was all too happy ta see 'em burn. AND 'cuz the warlock so furious he wanted murderous revenge on the Zelda 'n Link who exposed his plot. After Link's heroism in Termina, he went back to a ruined Hyrule again (the first time was when he turned 17 fer the first time in the future he left behind). He was heartbroken. He met Zelda again (like in the future where he met her future self again). Maybe Ganondorf left the throne room so he could plot his revenge on the kids who exposed his plot (maybe it was somethin' like, "I'll wait fer the right time to be captured, but not right now. If y'really beat me, I'll be taken at just the right time."). Link regretted the destruction, the survivin' Gerudo bein' beaten an' driven out (with some bein' executed in the Arbiter's Grounds), so many killed in the conflict, the castle bein' destroyed, AND the land bein' ruined with fire AND smoke. He married Malon. He became her hubby (her spouse) AND Talon's son-in-law. Then he impregnated her. She give birth to their kids. They became parents. Maybe Twilight Princess was 100 years after Link won against Ganondorf's future self with the Master Sword, got sent back to the past (so he could live the 7 years he sacrificed by pullin' the sacred sword out), warned the Zelda in the past, spent some time with her, left fer the woods where he met the Skull Kid, found the way to Termina, stopped Majora's Mask, an' saved the parallel world from destruction (with the 3 day cycle bein' repeated over an' over ta really stop the moon from crashin'). The giants an' the Skull Kid could also be grateful that Link saved all 5 of 'em. Maybe after 7 years of fightin', Ganondorf was sentenced to death fer petty theft, the robbery with material goods bein' stolen (like food), arson, murder, mass murder, lootin', plunderin', pillagin', an' that conspiracy to commit first-degree murder against the monarchy. He was stabbed by the Sword of the Sages, revived by the Triforce of Power, murdered the Sage of Water with his fist, pulled the sword outta his chest while he laughed maniacally, AND got sent to the Twilight Realm (he looked confused, an' then he screamed with the disbelief, the anger, the hate, the rage, AND the agony when he realized that he was bein' sent there). Maybe it was all before the time Link got back to Hyrule after turnin' 17 again. Twilight Princess Link coulda been born in the village, or taken there by Ocarina of Time Link, the grandpa man who I think was his daddy dearest 'cuz he said, "My child." He'd never been in the majority of Hyrule before. He was born somewhere. Not too far from the village. Maybe he was taken to Ordon Village when he was a baby (or born in the village) so he could raised by the neighbors livin' there. Them neighbors became his adopted fam. Ilia was his childhood friend. She was his best friend in their early years (he turned 17 before the time his adventure started, so I could say that he was a bit older). Maybe Ocarina of Time Link died in his last battle as a man in his twilight years ('cuz he was old). He grew up not rememberin' all the details about his ol' man (or all the details about his mom, Malon). I know that Twilight Princess Link was part of the heroic bloodline. I also think that Ocarina of Time Link was his biological dad 'cuz o' this fanfic called A Hero's Son, the doujinshi called Desire (where he WAS his dad), the dub made by Zelda Universe fer The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, an' this project called Twilight's Shadow. When the Link who was the Hero of Twilight learned all 7 Hidden Skills, he satisfied his daddy's regrets. At the end, he killed Ganondorf in battle with the Master Sword (by stabbin' the center of his chest) as justice ta keep Hyrule AND the Twilight Realm from bein' destroyed, the King of Darkness lost the Triforce of Power. Then in a vision, Zant's spirit mocked his former master with a gesture. It was snappin' his own neck ta really mock him. The giant died after he was mocked by his former puppet (he lost his eyesight again 'fore he died). He wasn't sealed away at the end, AND he didn't become a statue. He died. Link was the one who killed the giant with the sacred sword by stabbin' his glowin' scar. It was both a final duel AND an execution. It was justice so Midna could come back as herself (freed from the curse). The Hero of Time's regrets was erased. He was proud o' his son. He was good with leavin' Hyrule in his care. The heroic legacy carried on. So far, it's been movin' on, all the way to the 117-year-old Link in the Era of the Wilds. The Master Sword was put back in the pedestal after Midna said goodbye. Zelda became the queen. An' Link continued bein' the hero who protected Hyrule. Maybe he became the chief in Ordon Village.

[@Shotnthdark]

The Link of OoT might have become famous for events after MM, but not for being the Hero of Time. The opening of Majoras mask even describes it as a secret journey.

[@whatgsaid]

Even in Majora’s Mask, one of the opening scenes specifically references how Link “crept away from the land that made him a legend,” and that there was a story in the Royal Family about a brave boy. How would they even have such stories or legends unless Link in the Child Timeline is actually considered a hero, even if it isn’t for what happened in the Adult Timeline? Even though he didn’t face Ganondorf in the Child Timeline, Link is still a hero to the Royal Family for warning them of a terrible future that they were able to avoid. Of course, it didn’t mean that another kind of terrible future wouldn’t rise to take its place (the war), but the idea is that he did already save the kingdom by keeping it from being conquered. We don’t know what other feats he accomplished in life after returning to Hyrule, but he doesn’t appear to have died in disarray or unknown. His regret in the game is not being able to pass on his lessons, not that he wasn’t remembered.

[@jessekwak9818]

Yep, referenced by Renato and dialog when you get certain items. His regrets were over the fact that he didn't get to pass his skills on, I'm assuming because either his son/daughter had no talent or desire to learn the ways of a knight or he died before he got a chance to teach them.

[@Alex_Rodd1526]

Well, that probably refers to the fact that him, and his actions were not widely known trough Hyrule. During twilight princess I remember 2 times he gets referenced, one by Renado, who talks about an "ancient hero", who might or might not be The hero of time, and the Goros, who say they received the bow from a "hero of the past". Link, as the hero of time seems to have been forgotten, probably few, such as the Goros, or the royal family, who he directly helped remember him, or the Sheikah, who probably are privy to his existence, but besides that, in the mind of the common folk, the only memory left of link, probably is just some random unrelated stories of a swordsman saving someone.

[@yamz_0521]

I need a twilight princess sequel

[@sizzlingbaconator5898]

Its BoTW

[@darkdragoness98]

@@sizzlingbaconator5898 I agree there are ruins from various locations including places in twilight princess such as the fountain, i think the executioner place in gerudo desert and the potential ruins of ordon

[@mrheero9827]

I would like a direct sequal to twilight princess

[@yamz_0521]

@@mrheero9827 I didn't realize it needed to be spelled out like this

[@mrheero9827]

@@yamz_0521 lol well someone said botw is a sequal technically they are not wrong but to be precise about what you meant direct sequal is more appropriate

[@andrewackerman6463]

Twilight Princess has a PHENOMENAL Manga that gives a lot of TP Link's backstory before the adventure. I would certainly look at that and maybe revise some of your theory.

[@darkdragoness98]

I want to get that manga but its not sold where I live

[@akhilgautam1968]

I read that, it had a bullshit scene where the illa's kidnapping end's up in link's hand being severed yet, he wakes up fine and with two hand because.....magic. the game however is way better.

[@trinityvincent0427]

THATS WHAT IM SAYING! Like the story in the manga is so interesting and mesmerizing to me! Especially with Midna having some kind of connection with Time. Not to mention the story of the city that Twilight is from that was destroyed and Twilight never wants to talk about it and it’s like there’s a dark secret that he’s keeping for maybe the safety of Hyrule’s people from the royal family’s dark secrets or it’s traumatizing and dark.

[@johtojoe420]

The Manga is really good but it’s not canon

[@Maukiki]

@@darkdragoness98 I found a place to read volume 1 to 7, though they did not upload 8 or 9 yet, Idk when they will

[@BaalFridge]

can I just say you sound like the old dub dragonball Z narrator retired and decided to make zelda lore videos. that's a compliment.

[@whiterunguard4717]

I was about to say the same thing

[@danielstocks9088]

"Next time on legend of zelda: Link stabs a dude though the chest!"

[@Gummy_Pop.]

"Hell even ganondorf might answer....when he calms down" got me XD

[@EliasEv]

I was just rewatching the hero of time video and this pops up. What sorcery is this?

[@LudlowSRK]

Great video. Hopefully people realize how much the Hero of Time went through, how sad and torturing it was. From a kid to an adult, he barely knew what peace was, unlike many of the other Links.

[@kensprivateinvestigation2128]

Your voice makes me get my zelda lore mashed with my fallout lore, but that.. is a story for another day.

[@Malthizar]

The Hero of Time's life has got to be the saddest and most tragic of all the characters in this world, the one exception maybe being Gannandorf himself.

[@psychosaucepan4841]

Yeah I'd be sad too he's always getting his shit rocked by every generation of link there is

[@UndernetChara]

Twilight Princess was my first Zelda game, so this brings back a lot of memories.

[@whackyzachy1482]

it’s amazing how these 2 games have such a strong connection

[@ender_slayer3]

I think seeing Link in winged hussar armor is one of the best things I have ever seen thus far

[@ladysnake8449]

In my opinion the hero of Twilight will always be my favorite Link of the Zelda series. He seems different from everyone else not just because he's right-handed, a proud independent farmer who's willing to help others in need, and also inspire people to overcome any obstacle their life. A wonderful animal lover, and will always remember that Midna will always be the woman that he will ever love.

[@HoboTheHenry]

He’s not right handed

[@A_Random_Rat]

Wtf was that unexpected fanfic at the end of this comment

[@bigbugjpeg]

WAIT A MINUTE I JUST REALIZED THAT THIS IS THE STORYTELLER FROM SHODYCAST

[@AWSMProdigiousGamer]

It's always so heartbreaking to hear about the story of the Hero of Time. Majora's Mask and Ocarina of Time embodied my childhood more than anything else, so the Hero of Time is the hero I most closely connect to. Hearing about his regrets, him not being remembered, and even suffering death in battle, it all breaks my heart. He never got to see the other timeline he saved prosper, and even in that one, Ganondorf returned, and he wasn't there to save anyone. His own fate may have not turned out well, but hearing all of this again, how the Hero of Twilight took his teachings and carried out the Hero of Time's mission by destroying Ganon...it makes me feel a lot more to the Hero of Twilight. He's the successor to my favorite Hero and was able to carry out my boy's wish.

[@DJMilez]

That’s what I’m saying! I didn’t realize how messed up his life would be after saving the world twice :(

[@hambartha]

I think they should set a direct sequel to Majora's Mask before the events of Twilight Princess either to conclude that hero's life or continue it in some way.

[@tsukikumoon2890]

Awesome video guys! Always happy to see the Hero's Shade being talked about! :)

[@theoriginallinko]

Me too

[@Radio.Chicken]

LOVE IT in the middle of playing twilight princess atm and it's awesome! This has me more excited for whats to come in the game :)

[@NarZeth]

I love the voice of the narrator that starts, been following this channel for his content! your videos about hero of time and the heros shade are my favs forever

[@Sir_Ahno]

Dang, I have been working on a story for the Hero's Sahde and I have the Link/Malon marriage, but I have been struggling to fleshing out the Shade's regret. I really like the framing of him returning from Termina to a destroyed Hyrule. As a bloodline descendant for TP Link to have grown up in the forest it would suggest that OoT Link and Malon are in some way tied to the founding of Ordona, with near explicit connections through the ranch and/or Rusl's parallelism with Link as a master swordsman, perhaps the OoT Link taught another settler (an ancestor to Rusl) in combat. As for how the Hero of Time dies I have always liked the idea that he adorns hand crafted armor paying homage to his Kokiri friends/family, and if he did anything more than guard the Ordona settlement I think he probably worked with the forerunners to the resistance group seen in the events of TP. This was a great video thank you.

[@Sir_Ahno]

​@@kendal0605 I am sorry to disagree but during the Child Timeline Zelda shows little interest in Link outside of his destined role as the forest boy from her dreams. Outside of a few scenes she is mostly confined to the alias of Sheik, still only assisting the hero in his quest. The closest we get to a more intimate or personal connection is Sheik looking after Link after Bongo knocks the crap out of them both in the village, and then at the end when she apologizes to Link for forcing him into the role of the hero. Malon, by contrast is more playful with Link and seems to view him as a friend. He helps her to wake Talon, and most importantly gains the trust of Eopna whose judgement Malon seems to take in high regard. Sevens years on they are at least both aware of each other and their mutual connection to the land create, if you pardon the expression, a common ground for them bond over particularly when it comes to Epona. Now we might object that in the child timeline the adult sequence of OoT never happened; at least not for Malon, and this is true. However, it did for Link which is important, and at the end of OoT Link is riding Epona, whom he could only have gotten from Lon Lon Ranch so he made at least one more trip there. Given her attachment to the horse I find it unlikely Malon would ever permanently part with the horse and Link would be expected to return her after his quest for Navi/the events of MM. Thus in the events after MM we have at least one other occasion he and Malon might have had contact. Assuming that Link returns the horse and that both TP Link and Epona are descended from their OoT counterparts we have third point of contact for Malon and Link in the Ordona settlement. The evidence laid out in the video and my comment, which focus on the placement and culture of Ordona parallel to both characters i.e. Ordona founded in the Forest, and TP Link working at the ranch as well as being a confirmed descendant to the Hero of Time. If as you say it only makes more sense that Link and Zelda are the best match why does TP Link seem so displaced from this Royal lineage? I will agree with you, Link and Zelda are certainly better matched in Skyward Sword and Breath of the Wild, and I think this was the intention of the writers in both those games, where the relationship between Link and Malon engages a bit more fan speculation on the period between Oot/MM and TP. Though please elaborate, I am curious to hear what evidence for Malon and Link you thought was so implausible. I would also love to hear more about where you place the Hero of Time between OoT/MM and TP:)

[@Sir_Ahno]

@@kendal0605 I do want to thank you for the conversation so far and hope that it will continue after this reply. In all fairness neither the video nor I pointed to Talon's joke. If that is regular evidence for Malink you see I would agree it is not particularly good, because you are correct I think that sequence can be read as a joke. At the same time this scene and Links relationship to ranch is shown as being more friendly than he can say for his relationship to most other people in Hyrule during the events of OoT. Link and Zelda have a close relationship to the extent you point out further down in your comment: they are tied together by destiny to fight reincarnation of Demise's malice for the Goddess and Hero. Beyond this there is not much to their relationship that, at least to me suggests continued relations in the period between OoT/MM and TP. We know Link set out to find Navi after OoT with Epona, I am wondering what you thought about my points regarding the connection to Malon he retains through Epona and the points of contact that should result therein because I would say they are more reasoned than your claim he falls in love with Zelda as a member of her army; not the least reason because this Zelda would not know of Link's prowess with a sword having never seen him fight as she did in the Adult Timeline. Furthermore if I can briefly continue my thread from the previous comment when Link returns from the events of MM he is still roughly the same age as when he started out. Unless Hyrule has a youth program for the Hyrulian military I think it much more likely that upon returning Epona to Lon Lon Ranch he gets a job there as a ranch hand until he is old enough to join the army. During this time he and Malon would grow much closer, eventually falling in love, and getting married. As for the armor of the Hero's Shade I think there are Hyrulian elements to it, however the shield has been noted to have a symbol that resembles the Kokiri emerald (though this may just be something he is allowed given an advanced rank in the Royal military). I do like your reading of him being a part of Zelda's army though and think it likely this is where the Shade got the bulk of his armor, however I do not see this being a point for them to grow closer unless you suggest the relationship is akin to Breath of the Wild Zelink who are explicitly shown to be more close than previous incarnations. While, as you suggest, TP Link is not necessarily a close descendant to OoT Link; at the very least the grandson to the Hero of Time. This is fair. You do argue that someone in TP's line moved back out to the country to which I ask, why not the Hero of Time with Malon after he has completed a military career? We know this Link had a strong connection to the land and especially the Forest. Furthermore, you've yet to provide a counter to my observation that Link and Malon are close throughout OoT and I would like to get more of your thoughts on this. Link and Zelda are tied to the same fate to fight evil certainly, though that does not mean they are tied to the same life in every incarnation. We see this most clearly in Link's character as a boy who is sometimes very close to Zelda like in SS or BotW and others where he is not really known to Zelda until venturing to the castle as was the case in OoT, and we know the Hero of Time has adventures on his own because of Majora's Mask. I am sorry to say I am not convinced by the argument we should ship Zelink because of the Demise curse, nor by the argument it is the intended ship. I'd like to think all the characters are much more complex than their destined roles as fated rivals/allies or plot devices. Despite your status as a devout Zelink I hope you are also considering my points. Though I can not hope and certainly do not intend to convince you against your position I would like to illustrate the Malon/Link relationship does have merit to the Hero of Time's story. One of the great things about the Legend of Zelda canon is that so much of it has been defined by fans, the timeline being a perfect example of Nintendo's adopting something that is largely fan created. "Canonical truth" is not something the creators always had in mind for these games.

[@Sir_Ahno]

@@kendal0605 I am sorry you don't want to debate anymore, but it is your choice. I just wish you had offered more for your points and against some of the specifics I laid out since you admit they are "okay" when earlier in our conversation no points made for Malink were "not plausible or good" to be "okay" by the end here I will take as a great stride toward "good." I see no reason to hate Malon as a character or the Malink ship and you have presented no reasons other than "its a distraction" I really do want to understand but I find myself in a most curious position; I can not agree with you nor can I disagree because I've got nothing to go on. My points are okay but do not fit or seem accurate, but I do not know in what way this is the case and if it were explained more perhaps I could do further reflecting now that our conversation is at its apparent end. I do not think at any point you are forcing me to believe Zelink and I hope you do not feel I have tired to force you in a different direction. I am glad you have enjoyed this because you also seem nice. Thanks for a nice conversation in any case I wish you the best moving forward.

[@azzy3618]

@@kendal0605 not everything has to be this zelink ship😒

[@sup3414]

@@azzy3618 Exactly. I ship Zelink too. But NOT in OOT. They have no romantic chemistry. Malink makes the most sense in OOT. Plus they're cute together.

[@hioman]

3:57 "with the master sword in their left hand" really throwing shade at the wii version huh

[@JaredThaBoi]

There is a reason why I loved Twilight Princess so much more than the Wind Waker. Knowing the origins of Link from Ocarina of Time being the Hero’s Shade all along was so mind blown as I didn’t have any idea back then realizing that who it was. Hero of Twilight Link is indeed one of the best descendants who saved Hyrule learning his ancestor was the Hero of Time.

[@mzkiller2240]

Your videos truly are breathtaking.

[@masonschwalm2010]

3:50 or right hand, if you’re playing the Wii version, lol

[@puline397]

and then everyone else is left handed, and the sun sets on the east, right :P

[@niro6199]

canonically Twilight Princess Link is left handed, due to him being left handed in the manga and the original GameCube release. also gannondorf is right handed in both OOT and the GameCube version of twilight princess

[@Richitsu]

Sure, you could theorize The Hero of Time and Malon were the ancestors of The Hero of Twilight, it seems plausible. But who was the man who had children with the OoT Zelda?

[@jessekwak9818]

Tingle.

[@Shotnthdark]

He didn’t wind up with her in two out of three timelines. And do you honestly think TP Link is royalty?

[@Shotnthdark]

@@kendal0605 I suppose anything can happen, I'd still be more inclined to think that he's more related to ranchers than royalty based on him having an Epona and no heirlooms. In any case we can agree that this is a failure of the theorist, simply stating their conclusion without any evidence or reasoning, which is common throughout their videos.

[@Richitsu]

@@kendal0605 Nah, I don't think Link and Zelda get together in any timeline. That would be incestuous (which is typical for irl royals), their offspring would be royalty and therefore TP Link and Zelda would be relatives. I suppose Link's ancestors could have pulled a Prince Harry Megan Markel and removed themselves from the royal family to live elsewhere. But I'm inclined to agree with @Oersted. It's also stated in many of the games that Link is descended from knights of Hyrule, never royalty.

[@Richitsu]

@@kendal0605 I see you take this seriously. I'm not a "Zelinker" (I had to look that up) but if I had to be... I just don't find it likely that OoT Link "ships" with Zelda, if they shipped in every game then they'd always be related, and I just don't think Nintendo would ever make that canon. I also don't deny they may have emotional and perhaps even romantic relationships, I just doubt they have children together. The more I think about it, OoT Link has a closer relationship with Malon or he wouldn't have Epona in Majora's mask, so that's evidence in this videos favor. Link is sent back by adult Zelda to before he meets kid Zelda, so he only meets the young Zelda once, as far as what is canon for the games. I don't believe that's enough evidence that they ship because Link leaves to Termina and it's unknown what becomes of him after Majora's Mask. He may not even to return to Hyrule. But I respect your theory regardless. Maybe one day we'll know the full truth, until then we can only speculate.

[@KilTor5]

This was amazing! It really makes me wonder what kind of life the Hero of Twilight led after he left Ordona..

[@MoonJumpMania]

8:25 "And then made his way as a wolf to Zora's Domain to break the ice"

[@XxSZxX777]

Awesome videos guys!!!! Haven’t played Twilight princess but thanks to you guys I at least know how the story goes! Thank you!!!

[@59rlmccormack]

Great vid, super cool, the Zelda series is awesome!

[@cXtotheXj]

I like your theories cuz they actually make more sense and tie in alot of loose ends.

[@GameDomain]

So hyped for Botw 2! Keep up the great work CR!

[@lucasperrell4030]

The intro gave me goosebumps

[@JoelLinus]

Nah, Link fought in the War hence why he got that different kind of armor

[@justinparry5197]

So good! I appreciate the effort and people who made this and it only reminds me on my love for this great game. Maybe I'll play it again

[@milansubotic7674]

Nice vid, keep it up!

[@jamescox6454]

The storyteller comes again. Love his fallout series.

[@DingDongALong]

Didn't know he did this series, but it sure did give me whiplash.

[@bowenorcutt78]

Man. I never realized how silly some parts of the Zelda mythos sound until I heard them get talked about in a dead-serious tone by the freaking Storyteller himself. I ain't knocking that, it is an entertainingly surreal experience.

[@songoku9348]

I get triggered when Zeltik mispronounces ‘Fi’

[@VariableZero]

You and me both.

[@anonymousfellow8879]

There isn’t a set pronunciation. I get squicked when the flipping “historia” is used

[@playerone6995]

he doesn't

[@adammoore7059]

It doesn't matter

[@gkeller1031]

I literally had to go find a Zeltik video to double check how he pronounced it, and yeah, it bugs me too. Based on what I could find online, in Japanese Fi's name is spelled ファイ, which is pronounced "fai." Plus "fai" just sounds so much better than "fee" as a name imo.

[@lauryners]

This really helps me understand Zelda lore I’ve missed. I’ve only played botw and unfortunately I have no access to devices that play the old games so thank you for making these videos to fill me in on the Zelda games. Can u do the hero of the sky next?

[@SuperPaladinBros3]

Great video. I love these videos.

[@hiddendesire3076]

9:21 I don’t recall that actually being confirmed, especially since there are several Skulls kids.

[@IamCanadian3333]

A lot of stuff they mention has never actually been confirmed, but I guess it's them trying to fill in the blanks with what they feel most likely happened.

[@commonwealthrealm]

That is why it is titled - Zelda theory. We are filling in the gaps.

[@akumathelion535]

I thought this was just intended to be fan fiction. Or there official work stating Link married Malon?

[@IamCanadian3333]

@@akumathelion535 Nope, nothing official ever stating Link marrying Malon, but again, it's "filling in the blanks." With what most likely happened given what we already know.

[@Aristocratic13]

Commonwealth Realm But hey that's just a theory.... A Game Theory!!!

[@drunkenswordsman3373]

Fun Fact: The Hero of Twilight is ambidextrous. The Wii version has him favoring his Right Hand, while the GameCube version has him favoring his Left Hand.

[@generaljimmies3429]

Yay! A story about Slurmp and Spantz

[@skittles2580]

General Jimmies I guess I’m not the only one who watches Game Grumps

[@reaper78541]

Spantzzzzz!

[@rustyshackleford234]

I named my epona spantzz in twilight princess lmao

[@Carlos-np7du]

I clicked so fast when I saw this. My favorite link of all time is the hero of time. Him becoming the hero's shade was sad but awesome and fulfilling. His story is awesome 🛡🏹🗡⚔

[@rodrigroudon1872]

Carlos Espada and for me is hero of twilight

[@TheGamingMatrix]

mine is the hero of twilight but we all kno animated link is best

[@Carlos-np7du]

@@TheGamingMatrix lol, yeah

[@juangarciac06]

I did not know OoT Link and Malon were a thing! Would have thought he returned to Zelda, great video!

[@sup3414]

They are the most logical in terms of the timeline and lore. And they are also so cute together.

[@Postposterous]

Another gem! Excellent stuff. lolz

[@tfallspark5104]

Really good video!

[@MrJmZack]

So many say that the Hero wasn't remembered in the child timeline, solely because of what the writers of Historia and Encyclopedia state in their interpretation. Yet the introduction of Majora's Mask (which tells us his legend echoes on in Hyrule), and all of Twilight Princess, counter this. The Hero's Shade says this: *“Although I accepted life as the hero, I could not convey the lessons of that life to those that came after. At last, I have eased my regrets.”* This implies he died before he could pass on his skills. His heroics are recounted by the shaman of Kakariko, the Gorons of Death Mountain (who were entrusted his bow), and the Zora-their king made him armor in his lifetime, and the armor is recognized by a Zora soldier as the hero from their legends.

[@rodrigroudon1872]

I needed this

[@cruisingkoala1423]

I have wondered if the chasms scattered around Hyrule in TotK actually are gates to some part of the Twilight realm. Hyrule and the Twilight world seem to mirror each other, as we see with the shrines and their counterpart lightroots in Tears. I'm only about 30 percent done with Tears right now, so hopefully we'll see.

[@alexbrooks2306]

Man this hits hard

[@Gascha102]

super vid thanks!

[@CrashGlider4]

He sounds like the clone wars recap guy lol

[@aterriblesliceoftoast4096]

New subscriber: literally subbed as soon as I heard the narrators voice

[@xxgalaticrpgxx1849]

I dont know how canon this is but in the twilight princess manga is makes a point that link wasnt born in ordon village but he moved in after his village got absorbed by twilight

[@jessekwak9818]

As always, I love the documentary style of your videos. I'm also surprised at how much hate there is in the comments section for Malon/Link. Chill guys, he's not stating it as fact, as the title of the video makes clear, it's just a THEORY, we all know Nintendo never confirmed it. Meanwhile those same haters will defend their own favorite fanon ship (also never confirmed by Nintendo) to the death. Personally I love the idea and think there's a fair amount of evidence. We can all have our favorite pairings guys, no need to pick on him for including his favorite in his Zelda THEORY video.

[@kendal0605]

Yeah but people call it "evidence". I get ur pointing out that we shippers defend our own ship (like Zelink) but this guy just slide his "Malink pointers" as the most plausible. Given the qualities, Zelink makes the most sense in the game tho. Plus, they're bound to the same fate together so their bond is deep. And leads to romance.

[@emmaspencer4586]

Yeah I agree. Although I ship Zelink, the amount of hate over Malink isnt really needed.

[@sup3414]

Malink for OOT is just as awesome as Zelink. Link and Malon are OTP of OOT.

[@silentlore2458]

You should do a theory on whether calamity ganon is a disease from the malice or a true being

[@hiddendesire3076]

A fair question given that ganondorf in Wind Waker seems to be tired of the whole resurrection cycle that they’ve been forced to endure. Technically his “death” or stone fate fulfilled his wish to a degree, giving him some time of peace as he lies dormant. In the time since his fate, a new demon king came to power in Spirit Tracks, which follows Hero of Winds Link’s grandson (if memory serves me right).

[@silentlore2458]

Hopefully it will be explained in the sequel

[@puline397]

@Hidden Desire ST Link isn't confirmed to be WW Link's descendant. i personally believe he's actually a grandson of Aryll, while ST Zelda is the granddaughter of WW Link and Tetra :) and maybe Malladus is a form of WW Ganondorf's spirit that escaped his rock prison at the bottom of the ocean. You can't deny the resemblance between Ganondorf and the Demon Train :P @silentlore not sure what you mean by the distinction between disease from the malice or a real being, maybe it could be both? The Calamity seems like a physical manifestation of malice and hatred, able to exist on its own, and yet the malice in itself is present in so many different places, not only the blights or the possessed guardians or divine beasts, but it also lies on the ground as these disgusting puddles of something, and... well yes, it does seem to be the land's disease. i see malice as something born from Ganondorf's hatred, but with time it grew even larger than his own hate, got out of his own control, and soon became a much stronger force, giving life to the creations such as the blights or Calamity, obviously using its previous host's forms as 'inspiration'. So maybe it could be a creation from malice. Well, who knows what it actually is... (huh, considering how Ganon hates Hyrule, one would think he'd allow himself to be killed not to need to live in his most hated world anymore. silly villain)

[@RyanHaney55]

Well done!

[@jesselee1031]

I love the graphics and cool armor on Twilight Princess it’s my 3rd favorite Zelda game with Wind waker being my 2nd favorite and OoT as #1 ( Majora’s Mask is 4th )

[@59rlmccormack]

Mega awesome!

[@elisibethjames7488]

2:50 *The Linked Universe fandom has entered the chat*

[@OK-qg2zd]

Tp link definitely returned to ordon he was going toward the dark tunnel in faron woods in the credits.

[@user-vm6ru9kn8q]

Wunderbar video ich liebe dein stimme

[@christoffer5176]

Good video!

[@Metawire61]

Isn't it GREAT that both the video and the comment section are more focused on the hero of time than the actual video's topic, the hero of twilight

[@MonoMino1197]

This game means so damn much to me its impossible to put into words.

[@LoinkLoink]

When you're having a bad day and you just wanted the beans...

[@mangodango1733]

OoT was my first TP was my adolescent comfort

[@rustyshackleford234]

Lmao exactly the same for me

[@HoboTheHenry]

I wish there was a direct sequel to twilight princess

[@darkfire_0579]

You Have A Great Narrarator!

[@josephlira7119]

I really wanted a sequel to twilight princess I wanted to know what happen to link

[@geschnitztekiste4111]

Oi wha happen

[@ccliona]

i still wanna know if he ever found a way to meet midna again..

[@venusdreemurr9860]

Me too, and to see if he ever see Midna again..

[@nillynush4899]

I wanted Midna back, I figured the sequel would be about TP Link trying to find Midna again much like OOT Link tried to find Navi.

[@ich1234577]

I thought the Hero of Time got lost in the lost woods and turned into a Stalfos there.

[@ich1234577]

@Jeff When was this Proven? I never heard of it and it sounds interesting

[@_Teej_264]

He is confirmed as the Hero's Shade and ancestor to TP Link so he made it to adulthood at least. If he did get lost, it was decades after Majoras Mask

[@JCube21]

What i absolutely hate about zelda games is that it lets you be attached to your companions, only for them to say goodbye and most likely not see each other again after a journey

[@tmpmisterix1479]

At least Fi kind of returns on Botw

[@tgatt5759]

God I love these videos

[@nintentyr2355]

Great video and it's mostly accurate. My biggest complaint is I don't like the idea of you implying that Hero of Time getting married to Malon as fact as well as their life together. That part of your video is speculation. Other than that, keep up the great work

[@nintentyr2355]

@@kendal0605 My biggest problem is OoT Link and Malon seems to come from the fact that TP Link is a wrangler and because Malon was a farmer that must be who OoT Link settle down with. That is flimsy speculation at best. He could have easily married a girl he met from town, or someone he met during his adventures after MM. Also, cool username.

[@emmaspencer4586]

Oh well. Let them ship it if they want to.

[@zelinkforever4267]

Silent Princess That’s a great attitude!

[@sup3414]

@@kendal0605 There is not Zelink vibes in OOT.

[@ViewtifulBeau]

Wait, Link X Malon is canon??

[@yang6642]

It has never been confirmed but it’s a popular head canon, I believe it because I think it makes sense, like if Link married Zelda then why would TP Link be a farmer?

[@emmaspencer4586]

It may be popular but that doesnt mean its true. Its kind of annoying almost, how so many people take it so seriously, even though it was never stated. I mean, you think, after 20 years, Nintendo would have mentioned it if it was canon in Hyrule Historia. I personally ship Zelink, but to be honest, who Link marries doesn't matter in the slightest. It could some random person who never showed up in the game, who knows.

[@kendal0605]

@@emmaspencer4586 I agree with u in ur personal opinion of shipping Zelink. It annoys me as u said that Malink shippers claim their "evidence" to be true. The evidence is conclusive to more of Zelink. It's been said in such games like Skyward sword, Breath of the Wild, and even in Twilight princess the love or their bond between Link and Zelda is strong and is visable. They're the most likely ship to ever be or hinted to be canonized. Zelink ftw.

[@Freezingdaflames]

Not canon, but a popular theory. I think there might be something in the books that point to it, but I'm not sure. Even then some of that evidence isn't always right, so take it with a grain if salt. That is also why this is a theory video, they fill in the gaps with plausible theories to make things flow.

[@Disp0sable_Hero]

Everyone gangster till Link busts out the finishing blow.

[@Flaris]

Honestly the thing I'm most interested is what can't be covered in this video. The actual life of the Hero of Twilight after the game was over. Obviously nothing that can be done about that since we don't have any information to go on. But left in the same spot as I was when finishing the game for the first time. Unlike other Link adventures, I really wish I had more to go on for this incarnation of him. Just less clear what he would really have done with himself. His companion was gone to another dimension for good, didn't imagine him having a powerful attachment to the Kingdom of Hyrule considering the nature of his journey, and yet just going back home doesn't quite feel right either.

[@highiqkong7419]

Can we get a Music Credits list? This video has picked some real bangers that are buried in KZbin search.

[@commonwealthrealm]

Twilight Symphony my friend.

[@worldofwarcraftman2]

it's only been a hundred years since the events of MM as confirmed by the timeline

[@binusbechbips758]

Heros shade was on that Grind for future crises. I'm also sure that he would be part of mapping out the future land of Hyrule in TP. I have a feeling that he did his very best to prepare for Ganondorfs return in his lifetime that along the way of his travels he would become a reknowned swordsman and savior to many along the way but didn't care because his utmost goal was to "pAssDoWnMUhSkIlls". It would be also cool to imagine that he had to transplant the lens of truth into his eye after a horrendous battle that costed him his eye. I still refuse to believe that Hero's shade died in a grand war because his entire persona just reeks of a deadly man with crazy tenacity in his trade where many would die young, maybe in another deceive duel for Hyrule where he killed the villian or possibly weakend Ganondorf enough to be captured, but ultimately succumb to his injuries. And the armor you see on him could have been a decorative garmet, as his original tunic that was handed down to the hero of twilight was stitched up and also given armor.

[@OrenoKashi]

I'd love to see midna return in BoTW 2

[@RjLunar]

Link acatully was remember as a hero they make alot of references and story's in further zelda games about the hero of time .There's alot of miss information but over all i did enjoy it alot of work was put into it.

[@Aristocratic13]

Rjflame13 Rodriguez Either the games have poor mistranslation or the game prioritize it's lore above the encyclopedia

[@GhostWulf70792]

This is just a theory. But maybe the public of Hyrule simply didn't know about The Hero or Time's deeds until much later as the legends of his efforts where passed down over the years.

[@lizz333]

Like just for the wonderful intro!!!

[@EliasEv]

Midna best girl. Change my mind

[@dawn2891]

I know this isn’t a popular opinion up there but. I think twilight princess has better music then most of the zelda games.

[@samsakura7950]

Agreed

[@madhuriyadav7431]

But i thought the reincarnation will be of link's spirit and not bloodline as said by demise

[@danielt7708]

The person who spoke for the majority of the video sounds like the guy who read the opening in star fox 64

[@jeezed2950]

Since TP is about a century after OoT, its most likely that hero of twilight is The great great great grandson of the hero of time.

[@StarRush1]

I had that game and watched a walkthrough from beginning to end I should have noticed that Twilight Princess takes place decades after Ocarina of Time and Twilight Princess made it obvious

[@High-Voltage17]

Good vid, though I am unsure how you came to the assumption/conclusion that the Hero of Time ("Time" for short) came back home after the Gerudo War's aftermath, adding to his regrets. Though his quest in Majora's Mask could have lasted a bit (albeit a 3-day time loop), is possible that he returned to Hyrule after Ganondorf evaded arrest and was then plotting his next assault on Hyrule, BEFORE the Gerudo War broke out. That being said, and in a possible effort to mark his place in his kingdom's history as a hero, Time could have enlisted as a knight, and maybe even became a captain. Then, after fulfilling his requirements of enlistment, he would settle down with Malon. It is possible, but far from certain, that Time's final quest would be the Gerudo War, in which he was drafted to and consequently fell in combat....at least that is one way it could have happened. We don't know exactly how or when he fell. MajorLink's "A Hero's Purpose" animated series does an excellent job in illustrating the possibility. Time's regrets could have been a culmination of many things. On top of being a forgotten hero and missing Navi, maybe he left behind Malon with an unborn baby as he was called to war, returned home safe but his wife died leaving behind their child, a failed mission while enlisted or on another quest etc. All of this to say, I would not be so sure or concrete about the sources of Time's regrets and griefs when any evidence of such things are not. [I don't mean to rip anyone apart! Still a good video and is still a valid take based on what scant concrete evidence we are given...at least for now!]