The Complete Analysis of Link's Romantic Interactions in Twilight Princess - Link's Loves

[@redlowtrg0028]

you fool, how could Link not fall for the glorious Postman?

[@ayamax-channel]

He's the only one being able to recognise him even as a wolf, his love is stronger than anyone's 😂

[@leoorm912]

​@@ayamax-channel😂😂😂😂

[@nillynush4899]

Official manga readers are in for a treat, if you dig Midna.

[@MrFeraver]

I was about to comment this :p I know this video only takes the game into account, but the official manga is MidLink galore. And I absolutely love it!

[@marcosgalvis3498]

@@MrFeraver they freaking kissed!

[@RavenclawFtW3295]

Manga isn't canon, though.

[@cocaman1345]

SHUUUUTTT UUUUUUP

[@kingofmocha]

​@@marcosgalvis3498 sorry bud, manga it's not canon, they just use the midna x link ship to gain more popularity.

[@starsmiley]

I think, although Ilia definitely was his final love interest, Link would have gone with Midna if it was an option.

[@JasmineTea127]

I agree! Their chemistry was strong. Midna and Link kissed in the final chapters of the manga. But now that their time together has ended, I imagine Link and Ilia will have a happy, boring marriage.

[@MsTwitter]

If you read the comic link or played the videogame link eoesnt end up with no one in twilight princess. It would of been midna if she spent have left. Also it shows that link only sees lilla as a friend and doesnt Express the same feeling. Even at the beginning link was living a fake life at the beginning because he hold onto alot of guilt of what happened to his village that got sucked into the twlight realm that he caused accidentally.

[@MsTwitter]

Another note also link later on showed that he related better with midna. also when the guards high priest to try to kill midna he said he would turn his blade against his friends and kill them. Which was stated in the comics. This link never really wanted to be the hero but was forced by the gods and midna never really wanted to be part of twlight but had to because she held the responsibility to the kingdom same as zelda and link. Lila was more like a friend and counselor of good advice and appreciate the small things in life which help him. But there is no love connection. If anything which was stated what link did after word he traveled around alot and worked on the sheep farm for awhile that about it.

[@JacktheRah]

I was just wondering how old was Midna? I'd assume she'd be in her mid to late 20s, grown woman and all. Link is 17. It would be a bit weird on her part to fall in love with a teenager.

[@bunsmasterbunny]

@@MsTwitter The Comic isn't canon to the game.

[@teddyj9482]

With Midna, I do think she developed feelings for Link that could have lead to being romantic had she stayed/they were able to continue spending time together.

[@Ratboygenuis]

i think ilia was a better fit for link minda was kinda of just a friend to link

[@bradspecter2909]

@@Ratboygenuis again illia was a brat

[@Ratboygenuis]

@@bradspecter2909 nah

[@bradspecter2909]

@Ben good luck listening to her bit$% and wine over a mere scratch that can be easily healed Note: she had a reason to be mad but not to such extent she could have just talked to link in a normal tone instead goes ape sh$% ballistic which was unnecessary due to it bieng just a scratch 😑

[@fjod1689]

No thanks, I see Midna as another species, not even as an other race

[@Nightforce8]

“From the very first time we meet Ilia, we can tell there’s supposed to be at least some romantic connection. The way the camera pans seems to be straight out of those romantic chick-flicks, and Ilia has arguably the most romantic song in the entire franchise.” “The cutscene where Illia regains her memories has go to be by far the most obvious romantic moment in the entire franchise.” Skyward Sword would like a word with you on those statements. From the song literally titled ‘Romance In the Air’ and pretty much every scene where Link and Zelda interact, whether it be the cutesy meeting at the beginning of the game, flying on Loftwings together, the longing for each other in their faces when they occasionally meet throughout their quests, the crystal scene and the tender words said there and the pain in Link’s actions at losing her, to the moment where Link rushes into the room to catch her like all he needed was her as she broke out. Skyward Sword wins in both of those departments I would say.

[@TheBreadPirate]

I'd ship Hena and Link. They'd be a cute couple, fishing all day and boating together. Also, if they married that would make the forest hippie Link's brother in law, which is hilarious.

[@MagillanicaLouM]

It would be lol

[@Zeldom]

dear Hylia, that's just what we need

[@DrDolan2000]

Maybe then, Link can teach Coro how cook decent soup

[@paulf631]

Midna all the way i mean given how we Spend an entire journey from Beginning to end to a point where you don't want her to leave after saying goodbye makes me don't want her to go back to Twilight

[@Zeldom]

Unfortunately what we want doesn't change what happens. Midna is gone for good unless Nintendo brings back the Twilight in another game, which is VERY unlikely since they rarely revisit those central mechanics.

[@paulf631]

@@Zeldom its probably better that way some stories are good when they are only told once

[@althegamer6606]

​@@Zeldom please....in a world of magic their is more then one way to get to the twlight/ midna's kingdom and i think midina knows that too but yeah if they some how bring back the the serise like brining all the princesses toghter idk...polygamy like you got to understand he saved the world more then once with diffrent ppl i think that would fit the bill

[@4wheal]

​@@Zeldom Who can truly say for sure we know that they are other ways between the worlds as Zant was able to move between the 2 realms whole the mirror was broken so where there is a will they is a way

[@chrispork1443]

The most popular choice isn’t always the correct one. I believe Ilia is the Hero of Twilight’s canon love interest. His relationship with Zelda is more professional and formal, and I believe Midna and Link’s relationship mirrors the bond between the Hero of Time and Navi, except I don’t think the Hero of Twilight would go on a hopeless quest to see her again.

[@MagillanicaLouM]

Yeah Midna is fun and I'm sure Link had an attraction. But realistically, the simple choice is the best here imo. Midna is in another dimension, Illia is right there in the hometown when he returns and the bond of course is undeniable. Think its pretty simple.

[@Zeldom]

Midna is great, but yeah, I haven't heard a good *canonical* justification for Midna over Ilia 😅

[@SingingSealRiana]

@@Zeldom that he had genuine chemistry with her? Ilia seamed to have a crush on him, but I do not really see a diffrence in how link regards collin and her. Though I do agree an zelda being by fare the weakest choice and if any, she would have been a choice for midna, not link

[@alakazamlover4908]

however I dont us, as fans, would be opposed to a majora mask type game taking place in the twilight realm, with 8 dungeons, all so Link can see Minda again

[@chrispork1443]

@@alakazamlover4908 I don’t think a direct sequel to Twilight Princess would be similar to Majora’s Mask. I would think Princess Zelda would ask Link to go solve troubles in a neighboring kingdom or something.

[@gigiratliff5801]

I don't even dislike Ilia. I think she's great, I just like Midna better lmao

[@Lady_ETHNE]

Literally me. I know Illia canonically makes more sense but gosh darn it, Midna and link is just so much more interesting. Also the manga happened so yeah,

[@allysongouin4821]

When Link smell Ilia's odor in the french version, Midna say "C'est l'odeur de ta louve?" "Louve" is the female of the wolf it mean something around "its the smell of your mate?"

[@RavenclawFtW3295]

I always liked Ilia a lot, and she's my favorite character to ship with Link. I never understood why a chunk of fans hated her so much. They'll say "she stole my horse" even though injured legs are a serious problem for horses. It only takes a few seconds to heal in the Ordon Spring, and it would've reflected poorly on the village if Link rode in on an injured horse. Ilia's a kind-hearted girl who holds Link accountable for his actions. What's more is Link knows she's right and doesn't bother defending himself. As for the end credits scene, I like to think Link's been called to Hyrule Castle to train the soldiers in the swordsmanship he learned during his adventure or is perhaps off doing whatever Rusl does in the beginning of the game when he's not in the village, and that he'll return when that's over. Then like Ilia said, she'll be there waiting for him. EDIT: Some hate that she took Epona to the spring in the beginning and say, "she stole my horse." Quite frankly, it's a nice gesture for her to wash Epona for Link, and we can see Link isn't upset about it at all. Maybe she's done this before and that's how he knew to go to the spring. Also, given her reaction to finding that injury on Epona's leg, you see she says Link was pushing Epona "too hard again." It clearly implies that something like this has happened before, and that Link does tend to be reckless sometimes. After all, we have to climb a tree with a hornets nest and navigate onto the branches with 15 rupees just to get the money to buy a slingshot.

[@missm8067]

I always interpreted Midlink as being one sided from Midna’s end and I think she was about to confess to Link before destroying the mirror, but she chickened out at the last minute because she knew that she would never see him again and because she knew that Link was in love with Ilia (e.g. Midna teased Link when he found the scent of Ilia when she said “you smell that girl, don’t you? I can tell by the look on your face.”) I also like to think that Link and Zelda became friends during when repairing the damage done to the kingdom. Another piece of evidence for the Ilia ship (for me at least because this is my personal interpretation) is the infamous raining Ilias during the Lanayru cutscene because I really think that the raining Ilias represented Link’s desire for her love and his reaction to them was lust because he was tempted to use the fused shadows to force her to love him before he snaps out of it (side note: Link’s grin in that scene ALWAYS makes my skin crawl 😖). PS I’m actually one of the few Zelda fans who liked Ilia 😊

[@rustyshackleford234]

So basically: Midna: best choice but impossible as she’s gone forever. Hena: would work but don’t see each other too often Zelda: this era’s link and Zelda aren’t as close as other era’s. Ilia: makes the most sense are probably canon.

[@HDGamerofficial]

I didn’t realize that people hated Ilya, her strong personality makes for some funny moments and it shows that she’s close enough with Link to act that way. Their close relationship is clear, and while I usually think of Link and Midna together cuz she witnessed the whole journey with him and became attached, she obviously can’t be cuz of the ending of the game, so logically, Link & Ilya make sense together. Also I love the part when you said “ONE of the hottest Zeldas” and showed my personal Hottest Zeldas 🤣

[@DIEGhostfish]

I kike Illya, I just like Midna more. Manga chads stay heartbroke

[@bradspecter2909]

No just no 😠 anti illia x link Illia died in a fire 🔥

[@marioandultrachap]

I didn't either. I didn't have a problem with it. Obviously illia cares about link and it was only a one time thing. Not to mention this girl was literally at the village waiting for him. If that's not marriage material idk what is. Illias just clingy if a chicks into generally its natural. Link just needs to check her sometimes

[@ro-q7621]

So many fell for this Link in this game, it's crazy ^^ Great Video

[@xxvaltielxx1789]

I mean, he is a hero

[@nillynush4899]

"I mean, just look at the Link from Twilight Princess... I'd f*ck the sh*t out of that." there's also his abs of steel, which the game actually got Link shirtless to show off...

[@ChibiProwl]

Well….he IS a handsome devil.🥰

[@thedemocraticfilipino6417]

Ilia is Perfect for Link. You pretty summed up why it is. But, I just have to say, as I played through the game that cutscene where Ilia gets ger memories back didn't need to make me feel things. (and yes I cried.)

[@RedDragonForce2]

Gonna be honest… didn’t pay attention to the romance as much in this game. Also, never understood the hate for Ilya even though I didn’t have strong feelings for her either way. She was there, she was an ongoing B or C-Plot, and she’s childhood friends with Link. I know people don’t accept relationships unless they’re either explicitly stated or shown with a kiss, but I’m not against Link/Ilya.

[@lovingmontasoccer]

Many women who have tried to get a relationship with other man do often run back to their childhood friend just because she knows him the best!

[@keiyakins]

People don't like that she has a forceful personality. That's it. They want a doormat.

[@4wheal]

​@@keiyakins I think.its more that she comes off as kind of a batch in the early game bullying her father and then acting like she has more right over Epona then Link her owner. She also just isn't that interesting from a writing stand point. Your also saying that people don't like her forceful personality when people absolutely adore Midna who has a even more intense personality

[@SingingSealRiana]

I have to dissagree about midnas change of heart. We already see gradual inklings of changes over the time she and Link send togeather and her most heroic caring/heroic moment comes before Zeldas sacrefice where she showes shock and worrie over link getting attacked by zant and tries to protect him despite having nothing really at her disposal, followed by her almost dying for him, followed by her beging Zelda for help, but not for herself, only Link and Hyrule . . . . all before Zelda choses to sacrefice herself for her which also horrefies Midna, so the catalyst of change had to have been link

[@DIEGhostfish]

Even before then she shows concern for the frozen Zora.

[@ChibiProwl]

Yep. After Zant blasts wolf!Link she kneels next to his unconscious form.

[@DIEGhostfish]

@@ChibiProwl The Manga's version of that section is just... Perfection. Read the Manga, first 45 chapters (8 volumes or is that 7) are out online, and 10/11 have print translations.

[@ChibiProwl]

@@DIEGhostfish okay. Thanks! Merry Christmas.

[@LoinkLoink]

No matter what you think about Ilia, you gotta respect her forehead game

[@Zeldom]

wowwwwww😂

[@Mystic.Monkie]

What's interesting to note, Link and Midna's relationship in the official manga, their romantic relationship actually gets developed and they kiss twice before Midna breaks the mirror of Twilight. So my theory is Link and Ilia were friends maybe they had a small crush on eachother but nothing was set in stone. Link meets Midna, eventually falls in love and then loses Midna. And eventually years after Link and Midna are separated Link and Ilia marry but it's more of a formality since he is aware of her feeling but his ability to feel romantic feelings have died when he lost Midna. But that's just me.

[@bunsmasterbunny]

Nah, Manga isn’t game canon and doesn’t reflect it. Link loves Ilia.

[@Mystic.Monkie]

@@bunsmasterbunny Cool story bro. Needs more dragons and stuff.

[@ninalove_9]

What's up with Link and red head girls that end up disappearing to never been seen?

[@ariana1042]

Twilight Link and Zelda don't make much sense for me, it's cute but they are a very formal relationship

[@davisonsmith7166]

yeah i never relaly thought there was much romance in this game but it is called the legend of Zelda i suppose.

[@TayoEXE]

4:33 In the Japanese version, this kind of interpretation is kind of harder to make as romantic. She only says "Link... See- ... See you later..." Japanese players also interpret this as more of her choking up on her words that she's about to say "See you later" while realizing in the moment, that's not going to be able to happen because of her destroying the mirror, then finishing what she was going to say, the meaning no longer really being literal. Just more of a sad realization that she won't see him again. Undeniably, she cares about Link with all the time they spent together. On the other hand, the manga makes it WAY more obvious of her romantic feelings toward him though.

[@adamb2954]

Midna would have been the one for me. I would have pushed Zelda into the portal and have Midna destroy it so her and I would be the new King and Queen of Hyrule.

[@PAVLL0-v4i]

Lmao bruh

[@unknight8999]

Lol

[@Zeldom]

damn harsh 😂😂😂

[@chrispork1443]

That’s not Link’s style.

[@chrispork1443]

@Mr7Reality Exactly the reason they won’t just kill off Zelda in the sequel to BotW.

[@nickelakon5369]

There's a detail that a lot of people seem to forget that actually disproves that link and midna will never see eachother again. Rusl tells link at the beginning of the game about the twilight, how during dusk the barrier between the two worlds gets weak and people can see people from the twilight (thought to be spirits of the dead). I think that was intentionally included to leave the possibility open.

[@knowledgeseeker4614]

It seems pretty obvious Illia is Link’s live interest in Twilight Princess.

[@Zeldom]

Agreed. The video was on track to be 6 minutes... but then Ilia ended up having SOOO much to talk about than my last version of this video.

[@MagillanicaLouM]

TP Link has a fine selection of beauties to pick from for sure. Underrated ladies to me are Hena and for some reason Illia. Of course Midna and Zelda are great too. "Thelma being double Link's age" Maybe a problem for him, but not for me 👀 Edit: actually got me thinking, obviously Illias the same age as him, but im pretty sure all the other girls listed are older than him too lol. Zelda and Hena strike me as early 20's maaaaybe 19, while Midna for all we know could have been around for decades already since i wouldn't be surprised if the Twili had wonky aging going on.

[@Zeldom]

Yeah Zelda seems to be slightly older, but I don't think there's a *canon* source that verifies her exact age. Ilia may be slightly younger, but it's within reason. In real-life context Link and Ilia would at least both be in high school together.

[@MagillanicaLouM]

@@Zeldom yeah its really just going off appearance here but all that is good estimates

[@Ssjangel3]

It's between Ilia and Midna. Either one doesn't bother me. The only problem I had with Ilia is how the writers had no idea what to do with her towards the end of the game. So really not her fault.

[@spyroclone152]

Just stumbled upon this video. Reminds me of the olden days where I shipped cartoon characters together lol. But after reading the Twilight Princess Manga adaptation by writer duo Akira Himekawa, I will say that I much prefer Link with Midna over Ilia by a 100 mile radius. Now now, I know that the manga is officially licensed by Nintendo, and that it isn't technically "canon" by any means, but I can personally think that Akira Himekawa wouldn't have crafted the story that they did if there wasn't already chemistry there between Link and Midna in the game. After all, the manga has been going since 2016 and book 10 is coming out this year in english to conclude the series. So needless to say, the author duo is definitely all for Link x Midna as far as the story goes if they're willing to make the TP manga longer than any other adaptation they've done so far. Honestly, I kinda see Link and Midna as a sort of a Spyro and Cynder dynamic in terms of chemistry throughout the course of twilight princess. One needs to rely on the other and one cannot necessarily do a task alone, so a nice bond forms overtime (possibly romantic to some degree). This is what happens with Link and Midna throughout the manga where Midna definitely shows some romantic development for Link as time went on. Unfortunately, due to Miyamoto's standards and scewed vision, we never really got an official sequel to Twilight Princess even though they were planning to make one (we got Link's crossbow training instead ... ugh). Maybe if we had one more game the shipping would have been clearer, but who knows. But I will say this, regardless of which "canon" you are behind, Nintendo has muddied up the Zelda Timeline enough to where practically any type of canon can happen with all the "official" Zelda properties. Plus, Akira Himekawa has written official canon entries in the Skyward Sword section of the zelda timeline, so by all means I would consider the author duo to have a hand in the overall canon. Nintendo wouldn't have had Akira Himekawa write all the Zelda Manga Adaptations if they didn't trust them to adapt the story for the better, which I'd say they did very well. On another note, I'd like to believe that there has to be some type of artifact or object in the world that could also bring Link into the twilight realm somehow someway. After all, Zant was just left to his own devices after Ganon was defeated, and Link just straight up rides Epona into the forest in the end credits. Maybe they could have teased that the hero of Twilight would undergo his own arc in which he tries to reunite with Midna in some way, just like how the Hero of Time tried to find Navi in Majora's Mask. But again, we will never know since Miyamoto refused to have a true followup to Twilight Princess which is a shame. Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend you guys to go and read the Twilight Princess manga if you want to truly have your Midna x Link fix, and to honestly get an even better told story than the original game, minus dungeon action. The series goes into great detail into making Link have his own background, and fills in the holes throughout the TP story by adding lore that truly fits within the continuity of the game, and fleshing out character motivations, like Zelda herself. Not to mention, the more mature themes and original events that were never in the original that ultimately makes this Manga my definitive take on Twilight Princess. Give it a read, you won't regret it.

[@DIEGhostfish]

Manga also has some pretty strong "Berserk but less edgy and more optimistic" energy. Link losing his hand(and whole arm) in shallow water. The monsters, the whole "powerboost that messes with his morals" section when he's high on the Mastersword's power.

[@pipermeh3350]

While I support Ilia and Link, I do believe it's not outside the realm of possibility to think that Link would go on to do more within Hyrule which would involve him more with Zelda. I think Ordon might not hold onto him the way it once did. But that's speculation. Ilia and Link are for sure canon.

[@ZeeshanRFQ]

What a great time to release this video, I just finished the game for the first time and it was quite fun. I really felt for Midna at the mid credit scene and I'm pretty sure she was about to confess her love, in my opinion her breaking the mirror has two meanings first is the obvious one that light and dark cannot live together and second depicts heartbreak which mirror depicts perfectly. If I were to guess the main relationship of Link is him and Midna the reason is that you spend 95% of the game with her but they wanted some kind of heartbreaking end to the story so they send Midna back to her own realm. Great video btw

[@ku_mk]

Whether you're on the side of Ilia or Midna (personally, I'm with Midna), at least we can both realize that TP Zelink makes 0 sense

[@britt6184]

Yeah. As someone who prefers Link being with each games version of Zelda, there is absolutely nothing between TP Link and Zelda.

[@Kaempfdog]

Ilia is most definitely the canon pick. (And one I definitely support considering Malon and Link. Who by the way, I pronounce Muh-lon.) But for Twilight Princess, I have been most supportive of the Zelink. Namely for when Midna changed and I include that as Zelda interactions as much as Midna after her sacrifice. Midna became more supportive and understanding. Less bossy and less of Midna using Link to them becoming more equals. And the scene she went back to more of her usual self and making decisions for others was when Zelda woke up in the throne room of the castle. And Zelda said that Midna and her hearts and minds were one however briefly. Implying Zelda was the cause of Midna’s more understanding nature. Midna BEFORE Zelda’s sacrifice always made decisions for Link and taunted him throughout. But immediately after did Midna ask Link to make the choice to help her himself, (much like Zelda does in MANY games) and often looked at corrupted twilight creatures of the bosses in particular (Stallord through Zant) with a bit more caution and care. But after Midna loses Zelda’s light, she immediately takes it upon herself to take on Ganondorf without Zelda or Link, and takes it upon herself to seal the door of Twilight shut. I get the hunch Link caught on to that as Zelda and Link are equals. And that can kinda add to Zelda’s interactions with Link. And if you include that, Link spent the hardest parts of his journey with Zelda as well as Midna. And I think that adds a lot to his relationship with Zelda. (While also not harming his arc with Midna) And although the master sword was laid to rest, the fact Link didn’t abandon his tunic also tells me he didn’t stop being the hero after Ganondorf’s death. Which although unproven, Link likely would have continued to spend a lot of time with Zelda. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence Twilight Zelda and Link were used so much in smash bros.

[@paulwillox8778]

I, too, have long supported Zelink in Twilight princess for much the same reasons (though the precise minutia of our ideas about Zelda's influence on Midna may diverge slightly) but I would like to add another factor which, to me, while not actively supporting Zelink has always worked against the implied cannon paring of Ilia with Link. As you mentioned, Link keeps his hero's garb would indicate continued hero work, but this may not be entirely out of choice but perhaps partly out of compulsion. What I mean to say is that I find it very hard to believe that after all Twilight Princess Link witnesses throughout his adventures (and he sees ALOT!) he could happily settle back into his quiet provincial existence in Ordon. Even courage has limits and rather like frodo in Lord Of The Rings, I don't think Link would be able to find peace in his return home, and I doubt Ilia, despite suffering her own torment, would understand or be able to offer the solace he needed. Link and Zelda may not have developed much of a bond DURING their adventures but AFTERWARDS I could easily see them being drawn together due to what they both went through. They could find the solace they need in each other and if you add in the bond of the tri-force and their being reincarnations of Hylia and her beloved hero, I find it far from implausible them ending up together. Certainly, that's always been my headcannon.

[@Kaempfdog]

@@paulwillox8778 When you believe another ship happens, it tends to deny the others. So it’s not at all unnatural for what you said to fly in the face of Ilia and Link getting together. And it is just head canon sure, but it’s certainly a possibility of what occurred. Besides, with Link’s natural draw to help people, he’s more likely to get drawn to the place with more people and truly joining Telma’s group. And if he did that, I can only assume Zelda would perhaps even join their efforts. She’s definitely more of the type to do so in this reincarnation.

[@sydneycraddock2805]

I also have supported Zelink in Twilight Princess!! I agree that even though there wasn’t as much interaction between Link and Zelda compared to Midna and Ilia, I agree with the point of Zelda being along in the journey when she and Midna join lifeforces. I also love to think of the “aftermath”. Link still wore the hero’s tunic, and I think after all that had happened on his journey, he’s no longer the same Ordon farm boy. I see him helping Zelda repair the kingdom and growing closer due to them being equals (chosen by the goddesses). I also think that there interactions, however short they are, are so sweet and genuine! Like the one where Zelda gains the light arrows and she asked Link for her help. I think that it really shows that they have something, and it can grow after the game takes place!!

[@an-animal-lover]

"And one I definitely support considering Malon and Link. Which by the way I pronounce Muh-lon" Melon (as in watermelon), take it or leave it Scratch that just take it

[@a5impleGuy]

agree with you in everything man, i like the other romance interests of link like llia and malon, but my main ship will be forever link and zelda.

[@Alpha-kt4yl]

Even though I love Midna, it is undeniable that Ilya is who Link canonically ends up with

[@_Shay_]

I’d say there’s only one example of a more certain romantic relationship than Link and Ilia in the franchise, and that’s Link and Zelda from Skyward Sword. They have a ton of chemistry, it’s shown throughout the game how much they care about one another. One of the main things keeping Link going through that game is finding and reuniting with her. It also has one of the saddest scenes where Zelda is sealed in that Crystal and Link’s face says it all. So yea when the game ends it’s obvious they end up together and basically start Hyrule Kingdom.

[@dr.helios9013]

I read the manga before playing the game, damn that piece of the ending makes it all the more different

[@hinkhall5291]

Me: _I said the real Midna._ [The imp version shows up] Me: _Perfection_

[@hollywood3783]

I feel like link and Zelda’s relationship changed in every game after SS. It’s like their souls are meant to be. I feel like he always belongs with Zelda but you all make good points.

[@DoucheWaffe]

Out of all pictures from BOTW you chose the one showing that Zelda’s thicker than a bowl of oatmeal 🤣

[@DarkClaw0912]

I did not realize there was Ilia hate in the fandom. Hers and Link's relationship seemed the most obvious to me.

[@QTG87]

Man , i can watch your videos all the time with not getting tired

[@theguybehindyou4762]

MidLink wins by default, not just because it was slapping us in the face by the end of the game, but also because it is one of the most unique and interesting pairings in the entire fandom.

[@jorgeruz8276]

I still cry every time I watch Midna's farewell scene like the first time I saw it when I was like what? 13-14 years old? I was blown away with Midna's true form and her obvious love for Link.

[@pgrankin1]

Only reason why I think it would make more sense for Link to choose Midna over Illia (if she hadn’t broken the mirror) is because I believe Link changed so much during his journey as a hero and Midna would probably understand him better than Illia at that point

[@Gameboy-64]

Not really. Link and Midna had only spent what could be considered a couple of months together, battling beings of another world and taking on the king of evil himself. But from what it sounds like, Illia and Link had spent their entire life knowing each other. Their childhood, teen years, and even as a young adult it's pretty clear that they've developed stronger feelings for each other and probably more so after she regains her memory. Midna on the other hand feels more like Sam and Frodo. They had a different bond, they were adventures in arms trying to do the right thing to rid Hyrule of the evil that was brought upon the land. Sure, they probably loved each other but not in a couple sort of way at all. So, for me, it's pretty clear that it's Link and Illia.

[@Swordust]

I always interpreted the end of TP as a mirror to OoT. I thought Link left Ordon to find a way back to the Twilight Realm to reunite with Midna.

[@Narcissistcity]

well, Some thing's can change. I believe that midna and Link would end up together. First because llia forget to link is like 2 hours into the game, and second because midna is with you throughout most of the entire game. Through Midna's personality change throughout the game and her kindness to link by the end, I think that midna is the best person suitable for Link in Twilight Princess.

[@Rammstein0963.]

Midna is best waifu. End of conversation, you're welcome.

[@Quinn-kr2cp]

My take is that Link just figured he'd end up with Ilia before the events of the game, then fell in love with Midna, and after losing her went to Zelda.

[@kain1799]

the entire franchise? i still think skyward sword zelda and link have a lot more stronger moments overall. but illya is also pretty good too tho.

[@TheBreadPirate]

I'd ship Hena and Link. They'd be a cute couple, fishing all day and boating together. It would also make the forest hippie Link's brother in law, which is hilarious.

[@TalynDerre]

Ilia is PRIME waifu material, and everyone who says otherwise is wrong.

[@TikiFoamy38]

Prime rib Epona horse meat.

[@andrescarnederes2295]

I actually really like ilia, I thought she and link made a cute couple. It's clear that there's a mutual love and attraction there. Seeking her and the kids at the beginning of the game was for me one of the hooks tbh. This is one of the few games where there's no clear romantic intention with princess zelda (while skyward sword, botw, and totk made the romance between link and zelda much clearer imho).

[@TinkyTheCat]

I really wanted Link to leap through the mirror before Midna destroyed it. Not only would this "confirm" the game's best ship (in my not-so-humble opinion), but it'd be an interesting setup for Four Swords Adventures - the only game following TP on the official timeline. FSA is a bit odd because the Triforce of Courage never makes a direct appearance outside being mentioned on some history plaques. The absence could have been explained through TP's Link disappearing with his piece of the triforce into the Twilight Realm.

[@jinmiguel6884]

While Ilia seems like the most realistic, the ending tells me it won't happen. Link leaving the village indicates that he went off to see the world.

[@2gredvisions8560]

I mean, technically it's not that different with Link and Malon from OoT, when Link left Hyrule to search for Navi. Historically speaking of course, he'd eventually return and then later marry Malon, so this Link eventually doing the same thing with Ilia wouldn't be that unfounded 😅.

[@jinmiguel6884]

@@2gredvisions8560 Not un founded. We don't have a game explaining or signifying what happened to TP Link like TP and Hyrule historia did for oot Link

[@2gredvisions8560]

@@jinmiguel6884 Don't worry, that I get. I'm merely suggesting if something like that occurred with OoT's Link then its not that unlikely for it to happen to TP Link as well. But it is mostly hypothetical, not said-in-stone as it was for OoT Link. I'm keeping every option open for TP Link given how little we know about his future. However, if we take into account that last scene we see in the end credits, then we can assume that Ilia has chosen to let Link head off to help the rest of Hyrule during it's restoration, or to go off in search of a new adventure. But will be there waiting for him if he ever chooses to return home. And this Link, much like a few other incarnations of the hero, does seem to be more tied to his home rather than be the type to have personally saught adventure (like OoT Link). So I don't doubt that being a possibility. Seeing how Ilia practically did the same thing for Link during the Invasion of Twilight (and there was some info indicating that this isn't an uncommon thing for these two to do prior to the plot of the game), there is a chance that Link could've eventually chosen to return home back to Ordon. And by extension, back to Ilia. This is why I said that it isn't, at least not entirely, "unfounded" for TP Link to have done a similar thing that OoT Link did. But of course, the contexts are different between both Links and their reasonings. And again, it's all still suggestible. Meaning that TP Link may or may not have returned back to Ilia at some point in the future.

[@jinmiguel6884]

​@@2gredvisions8560 Didn't see this comment. To answer though, sure. Its fair to keep all options open and no doors completely closed. Regarding the ending scene of him leaving. My analysis of the context of it was him getting the case of Wanderlust or need of action. Which could mean he either becomes a knight for Hyrule, leaves Hyrule for new territory, or tries to find a way to reunite with Midna. All like his ancestor. In that sense, TP and OoT Link would be alike among other things. However as you said their reasons for such are remarkably different. I'm going to read into these two quite a bit. Regarding OoT Link. He didn't so much seek adventure so much as he wanted his friend back and nobody alive was waiting for or cared about him after his Ocarina of Time quest except maybe Saria and Zelda. Neither of them being his future if TP is anything to go by. TP Link on the other hand wasn't lacking friends or bonds and didn't have to worry about any of them starting off in his simple life. My point is because Time Link and Twilight Link had come from similar backgrounds with different contexts to them, circumstances even conclusions, probably means they'll have different desires. Both have what the other doesn't.

[@2gredvisions8560]

@@jinmiguel6884 I'm glad you understood what I meant in terms of there being many options into what TP Link might've done after the events of his storyline 😊. Due to there being not enough external information about him in the aftermath of it all, we're left to consider our own interpretations of said actions. He could've either returned back home to Ilia and the rest of the residents of Ordon, or he could've left to begin some other quest (whether be it a personal or dutiful one). However there was one thing you misinterpreted about what I said 😅. I'm glad you also agreed that there are various differences between both OOT Link and TP Link in terms of their actions and adventures, but also a few similarities too that tie them together. However when I mentioned that OOT Link has always saught for adventure, I was referring to the feelings and desires he had prior to the beginning of his main quest. Obviously things were going to change for him after having done everything to save Hyrule, thuse resulting in him having a new ambition to find his lost friend, Navi. This was what partially sparked his segway into the events of Majora's Mask. Now that I'm thinking about it, OOT Link has quite the tragic tale 😅. But anyways, seeing how it's been noted a few times in Kokiri Forest how OOT Link has always initially wanted to go out into the world, this was the aspect I was referring to that differentiated him from TP Link. TP Link was already content with being a farmhand and spending a tranquil life with the people of Ordon. The first thing that initially pushed him into venturing out into Hyrule was out of duty to Ordon to deliver a ceremonial sword to the castle. What really and eventually drove him to venture out into Hyrule personally was to rescue Ilia, Colin, and the other children who were taken from the province. His scope of duty changed overtime when he realized that he was the only person who could save all of Hyrule from the Twilight. Because of this, it's quite possible that he could've either returned back home after the entire ordeal has been dealt with, or he could've indeed left to become a knight for Hyrule or help out with Hyrule's restoration. He's quite the dutiful Link, if not one of the most 😆. But like you said as well, there's also the chance that he could've left to find a means to reconnect the Sacred Realm with the Twilight Realm in order to see Midna again. Despite what I proposed earlier, I also hoped that he might've found some way to reunite wit her, as many of us TP fans do 🥲.

[@wolfyashysadness5117]

*The scene where Link and Midna break up, and Midna shed a tear, made me shed a tear too*

[@erickrafaelfloreslara8501]

Hey it just ocurred to me, if the possibility that the hero of time got together with Zelda is true, wouldnt that mean that the Link and Zelda from Twilight princess are blood related? I mean if every Zelda in the series is a decendant from the other Zeldas that came before so she would have to be a decendant from the Zelda we see in ocarina of time.

[@Piiiiiiiiit]

Damn I missed this series

[@nekoyukigoddessofbalance7575]

I don't hate her and Link being together but I do think the fishing hole girl is a good candidate as well. My reason to support this is because when you look at the canoe if you take a good look at it from a different angle you can also realize that it's the same canoe she is using or at least same design when she goes out on the water with link after a few times.

[@Zeldom]

Yep Nintendo definitely gave lots of reasons to suspect her

[@yukithehylian]

Yea, Ilia really seems to be Link's canon match as well as Malon in Ocarina of Time (and TP proves it also), but fun fact - earlier I was obsessed with MidLink and ZeLink. like, REALLY obsessed. I personally think that if Midna didn't destory the mirror, they might've had some development, but, yes, life sucks.

[@duyanhpham9227]

I understand not everyone liking Ilia but Mayor Bo and Link are definitely the perfect father and son in Law.

[@franck4727]

I would have liked if Link ended up with Midna but Ilia is the most logical choice 😔

[@michaelsong5555]

Wait, why do people hate Ilya? I played TP, and did the whole 100% completion too (thank you gamefaqs). I didn't hate her. She just didn't leave all that much impression on me.

[@lovingmontasoccer]

Illia is a real farmer girl! Those kind of women give ugly tasting medicine with great healing effect!

[@JasmineTea127]

I love the farm girl trope, and the childhood friend trope!

[@patientIy]

midna all the way

[@The_Story_Of_Us]

Given how it ends, it’s pretty obvious who he canonically smashes.

[@titosteinsgaming9340]

Link is short cause he is younger than Zelda.

[@themagicalfox6]

Yep, he 17 and she's 20, 3 year age gap

[@Hausbau.]

never understand why the seen with link and midna were link holds her in his arm isn’t romantic but the seen in botw with zelda and link is

[@ishmael9356]

Boy is a chad, even though he is smoll he still has game for the boom boom. How can any girl resist such a manly man. A silent protagonist who only has to smile to woo them ladies, boi a succubus of love. He also got that drip with all that green and tights showing how real men wear clothes. And at a young age is natural on music playing, horse riding, sword combat, and treasure hunting. And due to his treasure hunts he makes that dough like no other cash flowing in his pocket.

[@BrightEyes83]

I'm sometimes a bit of a contrarian, but in this case my favorite potential love interests are also Malon and Midna. That said, i also have to agree that Ilia is probably the actual girlfriend of the story

[@GaeaRage0798]

My Ranking 1. Midna: They were companions during the whole journey, and it's obvious they developed an affection for each other. Also I like this dynamic of Midna being sassy and teasing the wholesome cinnamon roll that Link is. Sadly the only they could be together would be only if either Midna didn't destroy the mirror, or if Link finds another way to travel to the Twilight Kingdom. 2. Illya: Childhood friends who know each other since forever. Sadly, with Midna out of the picture, this is the most likely scenario. 3. Zelda: As a ZeLink shipper, I don't see these versions of Zelda and Link being a couple, they didn't know each other before the events of the game, and they barely interacted through the game, and their interactions are mostly formal and professional, rather than even friendly.

[@IvyHilts]

I think that, like the Hero of Time, this Link left Ordon searching for a dear friend… And like the Hero of Time with Navi, the Hero of Twilight will never find Midna…

[@LtBasil]

It's between Midna and Ilia for me. I personally prefer Link with Midna, they play off each other well and make an excellent team, plus their chemistry is just really, really good. But I think Link with Ilia makes more sense. There are a lot of in-game hints that Link and Ilia have feelings for each other, plus seeing as Midna destroys the only portal that would allow her and Link to see each other again, even if Link WAS in love with her, a relationship between them could never happen. Midna is separated from Link forever, but Ilia is right there with him even after his adventure ends. If the Hero of Twilight were to end up with anyone, Ilia is the only one that both makes sense and has a chance of working out.

[@zacharyvinson6916]

I truly believe it’s meant to be Ilia and Link, I mean they grew up together

[@francoperalta5986]

The thing against Illia being the end all be all is that we don't know where Link went after Twilight Princess. After his journey, maybe he decided to find new adventures and leave Hyrule, maybe he decided to be a knight for the Kingdom and serve under Zelda or another theory, he went to find a way to reunite with Midna. All of the above like his ancestor before him. Any way you look at it, him leaving Ordon might've been an actual parting. TP Link might've had the case of Wanderlust, not being able to settle down with Ilia.

[@wonderfulchaos5472]

Ilia is the boring shounen love interest who hangs around the sidelines of the plot, gets damsel-ed occasionally, and has no natural chemistry with the MC and is only recognizable as a love interest because it's such a cliche. Midna on the other hand, is your true companion who shared every moment of your adventure with you, it's pretty obvious who the better love interest is, regardless of what the developers intended. It's the classic Orihime vs Rukia situation.

[@simonbatch1989]

I'm 35 now and long story short I played Twilight Princess on the Wii not long ago for the first time. Before then the he last Zelda game I played earlier was Ocarina of time on the N64 and I love this game I'm planning on playing Skyward Sword next but your opinion on Ilia is right in my respect is 100% right thanks for sharing your opinion

[@nepnep1453]

I don't hate Ilia that much, but I think that the shot of Link leaving Ordon Village in the end credits is meant as him going on his next adventure, what that is we can't really know for certain other than he certainly wouldn't be sharing it with Ilia. Maybe he's searching for another way to the Twilight Realm so he can be with Midna? that's just a suggestion that would support the Midna ship though and doesn't have much basis other than him obviously not wanting to be separated from Midna. It could honestly be anything and it was probably just a teaser for the canned Twilight Princess sequel. So imo his love was either Midna or possibly another girl we don't know of and never will since Twilight Princess 2 never came out.

[@MrFeraver]

*spoiler* In the official TP manga, Midna and Link kiss while crying before the mirror breaks. So I believe Link went on to search for a way to be with her.

[@nepnep1453]

@@MrFeraver the manga isn’t technically canon but they do tell better stories than the games anyway. Its good proof that a Link/Midna ship is more than just a fan favourite, it makes for a good (and better) story

[@DIEGhostfish]

@@nepnep1453 Where can I find translation past chapter 45?

[@rustyshackleford234]

Would be interesting if a twilight princess sequel started similarly to majora’s mask, with link searching for his lost companion. In a perfect world they’d reunite in the end.

[@nepnep1453]

@@rustyshackleford234 That was exactly what I was thinking with the whole search for Midna theory I had, Mirroring OOT which is what TP was heavily inspired from in the first place, it just makes way more sense that Link's love for Midna is more than Ilia's.

[@MrSonicHedgehog]

Manga confirmed it. If Aonuma didn't greenlight the manga adaptation, then it wouldn't have been written in that way. Plus, the final page feels like OoT Link is showing TP Link a way to get back to Midna that way TP Link doesn't suffer like he did

[@foreverythingbeauty4409]

My heart rips knowing all these are different story lines. My heart always ships Zelda and link but now doing a deep dive it's hard to think of anything but that 😮

[@jadamiller7485]

Personally, the boomer I hate my nagging wife humor is why I don't like illia with link. On her own, sure. But not together.

[@TayoEXE]

While I get the reasons for Telma, some people make it work with a large age difference. Some people prefer it in fact. I just don't think it would work because Telma's got a lot of other things on her mind about helping people, and like you said, she's just got that kind of personality.

[@hierony5471]

Glad you came to the same conclusion. I think Ilia is my favourite character from the game, and although transporting her over the bridge was annoying as hell the story around her made up for it.

[@duyanhpham9227]

When we played an about 16-17 year old link in Ocarina of Time he was about the same height as Link in Twilight princess but i wonder what exactly makes the heroes shade so tall and if TP who inherits his genetics also has a chance to become like him

[@ObliviousOverlord]

Omg he uploaded

[@Kuudere-Kun]

I had never of people hating on Ilya before.

[@liam7999]

Why does no one mention the time Midna mentioned something was romantic but she was getting out of the burning building and that was like the first time she flirted with him

[@benjamincuevas9627]

Why doesn't Ilia wear shoes? Maybe that's why people don't like her.

[@fernando98322]

I think Ilia is her main love interest, but he also grows to love Midna throughout the game. If Midna hadn't left and shattered the Mirror, they would end up together

[@edouardpelletier6677]

If you play the game in french, in the cutscenes where link gets ilia's scent, mudna says: "c'est l'odeur de ta louve, non?" In English, it translates to "it's your (female equivalent for the word wolf if there is one), no?". Meaning that link x ilia is canon.

[@eleonorepb4565]

I'm not sure that translation count as canon, sometime we have mistakes or changes.

[@DrDolan2000]

Telma has strong "auntie" vibes

[@malic_zarith]

Midna is best girl. If this Link touched the triforce, I'm sure he would find himself at her side again.

[@Hi0890]

I love link x zelda in all the legend 8f zelda games

[@jtwright7084]

Link and Zelda to me is the best

[@Ulysses-xl4pv]

My issues with ilia 1. She stole my horse 2. Made me go through hell and back to get her memory back Other than those two things she’s a solid ship. I played the game a long time ago, and even I saw it as a kid.

[@A_Bottle-Of_Orange_Crush]

Midna >>>>>>>>>> everyone.

[@fjod1689]

I see Midna as another species, not even as an other race. Dont like liker her and dont hate the character either, feels like the feminine version of Hiei from Yuyu Hakusho, someone you can not turn your back

[@OlbrixQ]

Con Zelda no, pues hay cero química en esta ocasión más con Midna pero evidentemente el emparejamiento lógico se va por Ilia

[@saricubra2867]

Ehh, when Midna cuddles with Link after she destroyed the Twilight barriers around Hyrule Castle and how they look at each other?

[@Pixel22-fs3tt]

I don't care what people say. Link from Twilight Princess canonically with Princess Zelda. There's only two games that I don't think Zelink happens and that's OoT and ST

[@Kuromii333]

Fr Link and Zelda all the way

[@哲二川上]

Personally I think it’s with Ilia. But If I’m Honest,Game Twi-Link is one of the Links that I just Can’t Imagine in a Relationship.(Which is Odd since he is probably one of the more Mature Links in the franchise but still) With Zelda i think they are more like Co-Workers. They Respect each other but They aren’t really ‘Shippable’. With Midna…I’m conflicted. The Manga really did it make me like the couple. but as canon goes,The Ship Will NEVER Sail.Even in the manga,Midna just can’t ignore her role as the Twilight Princess and Neither Can she Ignore’s Link’s role as Zelda’s and Hyrule’s Champion.thus the best she can do for them is a final kiss but that’s it. Just Fond Memories And A Bitter sweet Love between Star-Crossed Lovers. (Also,A big part of The ship was because Manga Link was his own Character instead of The Games where he is less Writing) If anything. Game Link and Midna are more like Broa more than anything else. So It’s Ilia by Process of Elimination.But honestly…I find it hard to seeing them Settle down. Mostly Because Ilia is Not in the plot at all in later parts and She just ends up on the side.