The Tragedy of Time: A Legend of Zelda Narrative

[@NebulAce1]

Honestly such a good video 😭 and such a sad story :(( really proud of you Andy ☺️☺️

[@Zeldom]

Thanks Ace! 😊

[@Dat_Thing88]

@@Zeldom Andy deez nuts

[@simonedmondson8875]

@@Dat_Thing88clearly should have gone with “and-eez nuts”

[@Dat_Thing88]

@@simonedmondson8875 :?

[@haileeraestout5567]

@@Zeldom Time's Life Was Tragic BUT He Was Able To Save His Father And Sister

[@jonasfletcher9926]

An Orphan, a Forgotten Hero, and a Fallen Knight. The life of the hero of time truly is tragic. But he left behind an unmatched legacy. And we can take comfort in that he still lives on with in his descendants and loved one.

[@Speariture]

Here before this blows up

[@silvercypher8435]

Here

[@silvercypher8435]

@@Speariture me too

[@Speariture]

@@silvercypher8435 yessir

[@Tisrem10]

Agreed

[@lukejones7164]

The Hero of Time is still the most interesting and iconic Link ever. I wish we got a 3rd Hero of Time game with a 20-30 year old Link. That would be cool.

[@walls_of_skulls6061]

That would confirm link wasn't dead in majoras mask

[@alexgalipeau6443]

I hoped so badly when they released Majora's Mask on 3DS. They could've used the engine and finally make a third game. I still need it

[@Thekidfinesse1]

@@walls_of_skulls6061 it’s already been debunked. He wasn’t dead, if you notice that when he falls in the beginning of the game he lands on a deku scrub flower and that flower is the key because when you land on it from a high place you don’t get any fall damage.

[@walls_of_skulls6061]

@@Thekidfinesse1 that's not debunking, as those flowers don't exist outside of termina. Link could have easily died and landed in purgatory. Not what I personally believe but I'm playing devils advocate cause you can't really prove he's alive in majoras mask

[@thememeilator2633]

I think he is qive just because of the simple fact that the he is an adult as the hero's shade. If he was dead in Majora's Mask then why isn't he a ghost kid or still have any of the things he had before he fell like his tunic, shield and most notably his tiny sword. This is just the way i see it.

[@S.I.L.]

One thing that could hint at Termina being real is one of Link's few friends in Skull Kid. He's still around in Twilight Princess guarding the master sword, perhaps a duty given by Link himself. He also remembers Link teaching Saria's song to him in MM and plays it in TP.

[@cacadordecabeludos4766]

This was on OoT

[@quinnporter289]

Also link remembers the song of healing to teach in tp which is from majoras mask

[@Josuh]

One of them Hyrule books states how only Link and Skull Kid were real so yeah no (most people disregard it and rightfully so). I still think Termina was real and not created by the mask because Skull Kid legit spent CENTURIES there and was friends with the giants, so unless the Mask created every other person living in Termina and granny's story is actually not accurate then idk

[@SeanLaMontagne]

​@@quinnporter289daaaamn that's facts

[@AshePBlack]

I agree, and the Babel story of stone tower. They said it inverted to keep reaching heaven. And when giants booted skull kid. Demons came from a crack and lowrule is a thing

[@TheRoyalSkies]

Honestly, this version of Link is the one I identify with the most - I feel lucky that OOT Link was the one I grew up with, because despite being one of the most difficult and tragic stories out there, I do believe it helped prepare me for the real world... Sometimes you have to sacrifice everything and become something those around you need, not to make the world a better place, but just to keep it from becoming worse - It's possible to go on the epic journey and put your life on the line and still not end up with the Princess at the end. Sometimes, you succeed, and accomplish the impossible, and at the end of it all - It's like nothing changed, nobody notices, remembers, or cares... But, that's "actually" what it means to be a hero... It's easy to be brave when you know there's a reward at the end. But, what makes you a true hero is when you do it for no reward. And, that's how it often is in life. You have to give your 1000% just to keep your world from falling apart, and there will likely be no celebration at the end if you succeed, but it's still the right thing to do, and it's worth doing - I think when life hit me in the face with this, it wasn't as bad for me because this was already the experience playing OOT, Majora's Mask, and Twilight princess. Looks like it was the same for a lot of people, stay strong guys - The adventure's not over yet :)

[@fevankessel]

Beautifully said!!

[@evanscolton8281]

That was beautiful, thank yoi

[@hyrulerequiem8327]

This hit me hard. I needed this. Thank you.

[@IsThisThePrizeIveWaitedFor]

Wow, love this comment! ❤

[@danbeare5263]

A beautiful video & a beautiful comment! I think ALTTP & OOT are truly a big part of who I am, almost like a piece of my soul. Great games which I also feel gratefull to have experienced in my younger years! Take it easy everybody! 🙏 (Dan - 38 - UK) 😇

[@marcosevaristo6119]

There is a theory that says that the fairies of Hyrule have a certain mission in life, a duty, and when they fulfill this duty they simply vanish from existance. Take the healing fairies as an example, their duty is to heal the hero in his journey, and when they do this, they vanish. If this is correct, Navi's duty was to guide the hero of time in his journey, and it was fulfilled at the end of OoT. She flew throughout the window of the Temple of Time so his friend wouldn't have to see she vanish forever in front of his eyes... great video guys!

[@calundoconteal6851]

Great theory, it is very sad, but it does make sense why Navi did not stay and bid him farewell if that is the case.

[@somerandomschmuck2547]

Meaning Hero or Time Link wasted an indeterminate large portion of his life (possibly the rest of it) looking for someone he’d never find no matter how hard he looked. Possibly because his best friend unknowingly denied him the closure of her death in an attempt to spare him the grief of it. God this series is dark when you think about it, thought to be fair I suppose that goes for most Nintendo games

[@killerking1966]

There also theories about Navi such as Armagohma, the boss from the Temple of Time in TP, who is speculated to be her, she became the object found in it, she returned to Kokiri Forest, she and Link were meant to reunite, she died after helping Link, she became a Great Fairy such as the Great Fairy of Kindness, who only appears in Majora's Mask, etc.

[@NSXTACY420]

@@killerking1966 wow links story is just heart wrenching.

[@killerking1966]

@@NSXTACY420 This lead to some speculate that The Hero of Time was meant to have a third game, but it was never created because it would have been either saddest and having a Master Quest mode like OOT or darkest like MM

[@Bramme1991]

Let's be honest, Link helped all those people in Termina because he's a completionist

[@Zeldom]

Not when I'm playing the games 😂

[@Bramme1991]

@@Zeldom hah 😂

[@A-RonHubbard]

I'd be so honored to play age of Calamity with you!

[@RavenGamingOverLord]

@@Zeldom Lol

[@kingnamor777]

Yes and no. The player is sometimes a completionist. While Link himself does it to help those need and being a hero. Also he share a deep connection with the characters themselves. By witnessing their struggles and suffering. Despite them being the counterparts of the characters of Hyrule. He feels obligated to help them and saved from being destroyed by Majoras Mask.

[@coachacola3755]

Zelda’s choice to help link by giving him his childhood back really just made his life worse.

[@trendytango1212]

What did she do exactly?

[@antonyalceu4547]

​@@trendytango1212 she send him back to relive his 7 seven lost years of childhood.

[@trendytango1212]

@@antonyalceu4547 oh

[@sssmasher]

@@antonyalceu4547 why… i havent played any zelda games lol

[@Dead_by_Design]

@@sssmasher Link pulls the master sword from the temple of time and wakes up 7 years in the future. After defeating Ganondorf, Zelda feels bad for Link as he skipped 7 years of his life, so she sends him back to when he pulled the sword to relive his childhood.

[@SchmergDergen]

This gives me a larger appreciation for Majora’s Mask. Poor young Link got screwed over more than a certain character in a Marvel movie.

[@lucidstrikerx7180]

Spider-Man???

[@gurtpootie7667]

Marvel. Awesome. I get that reference. This video should’ve touched more on marvel and how cool it is.

[@R4ND0MWD]

@@lucidstrikerx7180 I think he meant wanda

[@lucidstrikerx7180]

@@R4ND0MWD ???

[@R4ND0MWD]

@@lucidstrikerx7180 I missed the part where it said marvel movie your right my fault

[@anthonym7322]

Bro they really need to make a movie outta this because it just sounds and feels so authentic. You can't deny that this would make for a great story of Link

[@amf9354]

With the amount of detail and story behind it would be better off as a series I’m hoping it happens someday but hopefully they make an accurate cast for the characters 😥

[@maxturbo45]

This shit hit way too close home, from abandonment to the lack of self discovery and selflessness... I actually teared up a few times.

[@arsnotoria3755]

The Hero of Time is by far the most powerful incarnation of Link. Romani Chateau, Giant’s Mask, Fierce Deity Mask, Silver Gauntlets, Din’s Fire, Bottled Fairys, Time Travel/ control and teleportation via the Ocarina of Time. He was by far the most experienced and best equipped.

[@aeroplanething]

and the most depressed

[@rblxshortsandmore9241]

​@@aeroplanething the most mentally ill

[@aeroplanething]

@@rblxshortsandmore9241 nintendo's resolve was to kill him in two separate timelines

[@Crichjo32]

He could also turn into a Deku, Goron and a Zora, something no other Link had done. He was also raised by the Kokiri and bested the Gerudo trials, so he embodied each of the core races of Hyrule in some aspect.

[@cmhawk02]

I swear, the story of the Hero of Time gives me chills, especially with his connection to the Hero of Twilight. An absolute masterpiece.

[@TheNumetalrocker]

It's so purposeful, and so tragic. One of the best stories ever composed. Ocarina of Time, Majora's Mask, and Twilight Princess. It gives me goosebumps in my soul.

[@rolp9818]

The fact we never got a sequel just bcuz "they didn't feel like it" makes this story sûck and lazy

[@Anonymimus]

Whenever it becomes nighttime in Twilight Princess, you can still hear Malon singing. Also, Link apparently knows how to play Epona's song on the gras. He lives as a farmer in the village... I'm definitely Team Malon :D

[@brittw4267]

Can we talk about how perfect of a parallel Skull Kid as an antagonist was to Link as a protagonist? They were both abandoned by their closest friends and felt alone yet befriended each other in the end 🥲The Hero of Time is truly the most memorable Link

[@moony_97]

That's so amazing when you put it like that

[@R.A.M_Games]

OOT and & MM will always be one of my favorite works of art of all time because of how relatable this Links adventure is to my own personal journey growing up and understanding the world. Much like OOT Link, I lost my childhood at the age of 10 hen my uncle and grand father died who were the only father figures I truly respected. My real dad was sick and abusive so he would argue and beat on my mother and then eventually my siblings. Having no one to guide me as a young adult, I stood up, fought my father, and got kicked out a week after Turing 18 thus became the scapegoat for my entire family for 8 years before my mother and sisters decided to side with me and leave my father. Had to learn how to get job interviews, learn how to drive, pay my own college tuition with no sense of guidance besides my close sector of friends. Almost lost my life a few times from either interjecting in domestic violence situations, nearly being burnt alive in a house fire trying to save a severely autistic man, or held at gun point by law enforcement. Despite this I stuck with the one thing that brought me peace and happiness: music. Through music I was able to create, inspire, travel, and perform to crowds all over the United States and help those that felt like me feel like a unstoppable badass, even if that’s only for 25 or 30 mins Long personal rant aside, I relate to this Link because just like him, my childhood was stripped from me, feel alone in my traumas and experiences, and question whether the good things I do for others truly make me feel happy or am I just a slave to my obligations.

[@Zeldom]

Holy shit you are the Hero of Time IRL. Seriously though kuddos to you. That must have been so difficult. You have my respect

[@R.A.M_Games]

@@Zeldom it’s good man thank you but I’m no hero. I’m just a human passing by.

[@Loubert2004]

Man that sounds terrible I hope you’re doing fine now

[@R.A.M_Games]

@@Loubert2004 better now. Had some real trails I’ve had to overcome since then but I’m loving my life now with beautiful gf and the family we are growing togther.

[@Loubert2004]

@@R.A.M_Games I'm happy to hear that!

[@thefallinglink]

A lot of narative theories like this are somewhat poorly executed from a storytelling perspective, but this was definitely done well, good work

[@Zeldom]

Yeah writing and communication are weaknesses of mine and using a storytelling tone without getting too speculative and straying from the facts was a challenge, but I made sure to put in the time that this story deserved. Im glad you enjoyed

[@josephgrace5955]

I always thought the transformation masks also reflected his life from Hyrule. The Deku mask calls back to his ties to the Forrest People. The Goron Mask and Zora mask tie him the mountain and water tribes. And the Fierce Deity mask is a reflection of himself, as a tool of the Gods.

[@noahpescatore8169]

I wish MajorLink would finish his Hero’s Purpose soon. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen or heard of the next episode. His work is really inspiring.

[@Zeldom]

Agreed, can't wait for episode 4

[@alexandersinhell8376]

@@Zeldom same here

[@alexandersinhell8376]

@@Zeldom tbh.... he looks kinda cute

[@FallenPoop567]

@@alexandersinhell8376 who?

[@alexandersinhell8376]

@@FallenPoop567 Link. In Hero's Purpose

[@rythianblack]

I think what strongly suggests malon and link were together is that in twilight princess at night in Hyrule fields you can hear malon singing. As if she is haunting Hyrule fields searching for link whom is a shade aiding his descendant

[@thehatter9400]

God twilight was dark as hell and i didn't even know a lot of it. I was just a preteen play it on the Wii at my grandmas house

[@joeyshadeslayer9792]

It also explains how TP Link knows Epona’s Song, Malon would have likely sang it as a lullaby or just taught it to him to call his horse.

[@KeiTh0r]

​@@joeyshadeslayer9792 Malon could have quite possibly been Link's (Hero Of Twilight) grandmother Making the Hero Of Time his grandpa, which would make a lot more sense, since TP Link would be in his 20's if he was the son of Link

[@Straff_Dis]

Reason why the deity mask was so powerful is because it represented Link’s Resolve.😊

[@lunar0275]

his resolve for what? :0

[@moony_97]

​​@@lunar0275to save people by any means necessary because he feels it is his duty as a hero.

[@BrianWalker93]

Every time I see that Goron child crying, wanting his father it always gets me to tear up. Especially now that I'm a father to a young boy myself. You put a lot of thought and an incredible amount of effort into this video and it most certainly shows. Welcome back and I look forward to more

[@Zeldom]

Thanks it's great to be back!

[@PabloSanchez-mo8ui]

Congrats to your child!

[@iamham0k]

Personally, it was vexing to me😂

[@FPawesome1]

I love your interpretation of Majora’s Mask as an allegory of Link’s grief, and I think it works whether or not Termina is a real place. Stories often use their settings, characters, etc to mirror what the protagonist is going through. So even though I prefer to think of Termina as another land separate from Hyrule, everything you said about how the story reflects Link’s struggles still works, and adds even more depth to the game. Awesome video!

[@Zeldom]

Thank you! We all have our head canon and no theory can be rock-solid, especially when it comes to Majora's Mask.

[@rikafurude6275]

I came to say nearly the exact same thing! While I’m usually against ‘it was a dream’ theories, the evidence that Termina is in some way a spiritual journey of healing for Link is solid and one I adore

[@adamwagner4676]

Zeldom is truly a masterful story teller. I remember playing this game as a child and being terrified. I eventually went back and played it recently and it’s become my hands down favorite, not only Zelda game, but video game of all time. Zeldom has made this game mean so much more to me than it once did.

[@thelionkim5660]

I have nowhere near as heroic of a story as Link, but when I helped you with the video it really hit some nerves. Especially when I watched some Major Link for inspiration. When Covid shut everything down, I lost my jobs and I had no choice but to leave everything behind to be a teacher working on the front lines of the pandemic. I had never been called a hero before, but for the brief amount of time the world valued teachers again, I was called one. It wasn’t enough though, I’m isolated in the desert with my friends and family 3 hours away minimum. I left literally everything I knew and loved and some days, I swear I don’t know who I am or what I’m doing. I wish I never had to leave, but I know it’s nearing time for me to get outta here and go home. I can’t wait for my own grand return. Thank you for having me work on this video, I’m proud to have helped you word your ideas.

[@Zeldom]

I feel like everyone can relate personally some aspect of the video. Ik for me it was not knowing how to cope with loss and struggling parting with friends due to going to college. I'm glad a lot of people were able to do self-reflection with this😄

[@haileeraestout5567]

@@Zeldom I Believe Link Has Married Zelda He Gave His Son To Rusl Protect His Descendant And Keep Him Hidden And HE May Have Gave The Master Sword To Rusl Inorder Keep Her Safe Rual Even Says: Something May Lie In Wait As If He KNEW The Master Sword Was Waiting For Link

[@yamikagegamesco.2084]

I didn't come here to feel!!! ❤ well I guess I did since hero of time and all but wow! You ARE a hero! Don't ever let the world make you feel like less!

[@mbphilipblack8993]

I like this idea that the Hero of Time is the fallen warrior we see in Twilight Princess it's so interesting and the two timelines that occur with OOT. Some of my favourite games in the franchise I prefer the link from OOT but prefer the Zelda in Twilight Princess she's so badass the best incarnation IMHO.

[@BrianWalker93]

Its not just an idea, its confirmed canon. The Hero's Shade actually IS The Hero of Time.

[@xh3llodanx]

@@BrianWalker93 that fact alone makes me so sad :(

[@kingnamor777]

@@xh3llodanx But he is the first confirmed Link to have made a legacy. In other words. Have offspring of his own.

[@FloresRain]

@@kingnamor777 which means he stopped looking for Navi. Then he went to bang Malon and have a happy life before he met his end.

[@kingnamor777]

@@FloresRain We don't know whether or not he found Navi or gave up searching for her. What we do know is true. Is that it's been confirmed canon that Link defeat Majora's Mask using the Fierce Deity Mask. His whereabouts from there are unknown. But he eventually went back to Hyrule and became a Knight of Hyrule. Everything else from there is just theory.

[@DTylerFultzVA]

As always, anytime one looks into the subtext of Ocarina of Time, the many implications of Majora's Mask (dream or not), and what likely happened leading up to Twilight Princess, the Hero of Time will forever be the most tragic iteration of Link ever. He went through his friend leaving him, the world not knowing his heroics, a crisis of identity and importance, and returned to a war-ridden world...and he was just a child when most of it happened. Worse still is that he would carry most of these burdens to the afterlife, only finding redemption generations later by training his successor. Also, I've gotta give props to this video for saying that, whether he hooks up with Zelda or Malon, both hold merit and could well have happened. Most theory videos I've seen just say "he paired with Malon, end of story", so it's refreshing that someone acknowledges other possibilities.

[@willisrose9756]

Hey Tyler glad that you are here! Edit: I want to ask if you have heard of QuestWithAaron?

[@ElFreakinCid]

I've never understood, and never will understand, how people think it's such a huge possibility that he ended up with Zelda. Nothing really pointed towards that at all, and the Hero's Shade clearly not being done up like a royal figure kinda kills that idea too. He looks like he became a high-ranked knight at most.

[@Internetguy_L337_90D]

in the timeline that follows twilight princess it is stated that OOT link died and in regret of not passing on his will/teachings his spirit could not rest and became the heros shade.

[@RedRoninGM]

While this game is one of the most memorable ones in the franchise, we easily tend to forget that this version of Link is very grounded, and also the one that was hurt the most. Orphan, outcast, forgotten hero, and fallen knight: his life is carved with tragedy, sadness, and sacrifice. And not once he ever asked something in return. He never shied away to go and do good, because he knew it was the right thing to do, no matter what was the cost. And that cost, he paid it physically, spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically. Furthermore, the way that you’ve composed that video through the montage and your sayings made us relate to him in a very humane way. I speak to everyone when I say that it put a great highlight of the distresses of mental health caused by sorrow, depression, etc. We’ve all been through such ordeals in our lives, and I believe you did an excellent job on showcasing that. I believe that in this retelling of the life of OOT Link, you’ve made us identifying at a certain level toward the hero of time, and that connection was very emotional and heartfelt in a great degree. And I thank you for doing so. Wonderful work, Andy👍🏾

[@Zeldom]

😁

[@bambiwaddlefeet]

Some source I found about Navi is that when she left she said "I love you" to Link. Looking at this theory, Navi could have left because a fairy and a Hylian could not make decedents or heirs. A side note, Stalfos do have access to the Lost Woods. (there are Stalfos in the forest temple). Hopefuly Link (as a Stalfos) could have had closure with Navi as the Hero's Shade.

[@domoru5264]

It was in the oot manga

[@franka6680]

I'm sure if time link were still here, he'd appreciate us for being there for him through the journey. He lives in our hearts

[@armelliumthefulgent.6053]

I love that you used Major links animation!

[@laughingsharpie]

When you drew the parallel between majoras mask and the fierce diety as opposite ends of the spectrum of dealing with loss, that blew me away. Awesome video!

[@Rainbowkitty09]

Man, this was so well put together... I teared up at some of the visuals depicting Link's struggles. Also, ALL of his bonds weren't really erased. When he comes back to the child timeline, you can see all 3 gems are still in the Temple of Time. So I would think he still had Saria, Malon, Darunia, and Ruto at least. And he wouldn't have been meeting Zelda for the first time either.

[@kingnamor777]

Oh yeah I completely forgotten about seeing that scene in the game. A lot of Zelda fans who make timelines, theories and fanfiction. Tend to forgot seeing that.

[@twilight4338]

Same...

[@ΜαρκοςΜιχαλιτσης]

​​@@kingnamor777He obviously is sent back right before he opens the door id the temple of time. Right before zelda is forced to escape the castle with sheikah. Then they catch ganondorf and they try to execute him etc etc leasing yo to TP

[@Frozenflame006]

One more fact about Link's likely settling down theory that I recently became aware of: The hints that Link and Malon settled down in the Kokiri area to make Ordon Village are further enhanced if you consider that TP's Link is named, well, Link. Implying they would pass down family names. If that's the case, then the fact that you find two young boys named Malo and Talo, reminiscent of the names Malon and Talon, in addition to a Fado and Sera like Fado and Saria of the Kokiri, and it starts falling into place even more as names that would be passed down.

[@jcman-lp6lg]

the hero of time might not have the biggest legacy in his universe but in our world he has the biggest and most beloved legacy, one so beloved, influential, and inspiring that it has inspired many other sequels and games that was inspired by his adventures.

[@hexxidelux6224]

I just realized that Kafei being turned into a child by Skull Kid, plus all the other things keeping him from marrying Anju in Majora's Mask, is incredibly symbolic of Link having a crush on Zelda. They're both children, but her behavior will always cause him to see her as an adult in comparison to how he sees himself. He sees himself as a child because of him missing out on his childhood in OoT, then suddenly being turned back into a child (and sent back in time) again. Kafei is a mirrored reverse of Link's experience, but it is similar. Anju is a combination of Child Zelda and Adult Zelda's personalities, or what Link is familiar with about both, as well as a projection of how he sees her, as I said above. The seemingly doomed marriage is a hint at a crush, leaning more in favor of Zelda's future looks because let's face it; she is a classic beauty.

[@Pikmin3-oh7bp]

FYI, a lot of the high-quality animations shown are produced by MajorLink, a Zelda animator. Thanks for including them!

[@Saimeren]

The general theory of why Navi left, was because she was about to die. The Great Deku Tree created Navi for the sole purpose of helping Link in his quest. When he put the Master Sword down for the final time at the end of the adventure, the theory is that because his quest is done, Navi no longer had a purpose and the magic that created her faded. She left because she didn't want Link to see her "die"/disappear.

[@MimickFox]

This is probably my favorite way of the Hero of Time's traumas being told and I'm only five minutes in. Finished it: you brought me to tears, good video mate!

[@MajorLink]

My body is ready!

[@Zeldom]

Welcome to the show 😁

[@willisrose9756]

Glad to see you here Sean!

[@DarkChaoto]

when Zelda sends Link back to his own time, she send him back to the Temple of Time right in front of the Pedestal of Time. Link places the Master Sword back into the pedestal, where we notice the Door of Time is also open. That means that all the events up until Link pulled the Master Sword for the first time has happened. For the Door of Time to be open, all the Spiritual Stones need to be obtained and placed on the monument and then The song of Time played using the Ocarina of Time. Everyone he met up to that point would still remember him.

[@-The_Souless]

Waiiiit I think your onto something

[@RyeClarke]

Aaaaaaaaa I will believe this!

[@Shujinko0706]

Tbh I've never felt so similar to a video game character and the questions with life. Does it make u happy, making everyone happy. Or if I'm truly happy doing the right things. Feeling abandoned by someone close, feeling my world was turned around to a place that I don't understand. This is one of the best videos I've listened to and felt similar to.

[@dyingflame]

Even though I can't really find all the words right now, I feel I need to thank you for this video. The hero of time's story has always impacted me so much and it means the world to see people care as deeply as to deep dive and analyze like this or share theories about this tragic character. You captured the many complicated emotions of it all so beautifully and hit me very hard. Wonderful work! Thank you

[@joniboi7906]

who knew that the Hero of Time (whos story is so well known) would have such a sad story... it's so much deeper than just those two games. I think it's crazy but at the same time it gets me emotional. Great video and what an amazing story 😭

[@gavintheshiba8304]

I’m honestly glad we didn’t get an explanation of what happened to the Hero of Time. It’s really fun for fans to think for themselves.

[@bryannunez9151]

I know im not the only one that cried here.. taking a shot for my boy Link!

[@ayMillmusic]

I can't really explain how good this video was.. great storytelling, awesome music and so well put together. Not many things has grabbed me so much emotionally in the last years.

[@Crichjo32]

I feel privileged to have grown up with OoT and MM, two games that can be considered works of art. The themes of those games, about growing up, dealing with grief, helping others for selfless reasons, and self-sacrifice, resonate with me far more than any other Zelda. The Hero of Time saved the world twice, and barely got a thank you for it - if anything he is mostly unrecognised and forgotten by the end of each game. But his actions had profound effects that carry on throughout the rest of time. He gave everything to save everyone else, at the cost of his own happiness and well-being. That is what it takes to be a hero.

[@missm8067]

This was such a wonderful video ❤️ I tear up every time 🥺 When people think of the hero of time, they only think of him as a hero, not as a child and this narrative perfectly captures why the hero of time is both the most iconic and the most tragic of all of Link’s incarnations.

[@brisky__]

I have now a new perspective while playing this game on the switch, thank you. After all these theories and deep mental history over the years, I now feel more for Link if not, for myself.

[@deathlydoom]

I didn’t know it. But I needed to watch this video. The hero of time is the Link I most identify with. Watching this provided much needed closure for the sorrow I feel for the hero.

[@masonschwalm2010]

"It had been many moons since Link had left Termina." ..... I see what you did there, lol

[@craftedinsanity406]

every time I see or think of that scene with Saria in heroes purpose I start to tear up 😥. Such a great video!

[@KomradeCPU]

The Hero of Time, I think I'll grow very old and never forget when I was an 8yo child and had my first experience with a Zelda game, being it OoT. My uncle, whom bought me the game as a birthday gift, had a parallel save which I took a look after struggling a bit not knowing very well what to do since I was still learning english and couldn't understand it very well. But it also gave me the motivation to learn the language so I could achieve the things my uncle had in that save, which wasn't much ahead after leaving the forest. The title screen, the music... it was so magic and mysterious, truly was a masterpiece in all aspects of game development and art. Let alone the fact that even after all those years, I still can appreciate new elements that connect the story in such a relatable level, as I went on with my life, that I couldn't hold tears at some points of your video. Very well done, I think I'll carry with me the message of the Hero's struggles until the day I'm not master of my own thoughts anymore.

[@ShadowSora8491]

While I still believe that Termina is real, I like the idea that the characters tied to the transformation masks were characters Link could relate to, with everything he was going through in his life, and that they were able to help Link work through his trauma, even while he was tasked with saving Termina from imminent doom. I do subscribe to the theory that Link ended up starting a family with Malon, since it would make more sense with his descendant living a more quiet and humble life in Ordon Village, rather than living an extravagant and busy life in Hyrule Castle, or around Hyrule Castle Town.

[@andresiturra]

Great to see you back I'll be sure to watch this when it comes out.

[@Speariture]

Same and ive veen waiting for this

[@KDuff-2015]

I think Link died battling Ganon again because he didn’t die in the Child Time-Line he just went to Jail. If Ganon broke out he could have caught up to Link without the Master Sword or Fierce Diety Mask then Killed/Cursed him easily honestly

[@BLUPotatoSpy]

The sacred realm was already open when link returned to the past, he wakes up in the temple of time with the door of time open, meaning hes already met everyones past versions

[@r.4403]

A hero is a selfless person that gives himself up for others bigger than himself. The hero of time is the truest hero of them all

[@2ndchanceguy]

What an amazing job on this video. Probably the best Zelda video I have seen and I have seen thousands

[@dudders___1684]

I’ve known that the life of the Hero of Time was tragic since I played OoT and MM, and Twilight Princess where he’s the hero’s shade, but watching this video and it going into this much detail really just brought out how bad it was for the poor lad. You deserve another sub. Also there’s a theory on the dead deku scrub that the skull kid used his life to turn Link into the scrub when he cursed him. Which is also really sad

[@ilovecats743]

i hope some day nintendo makes a game showing the events of majoras mask to twilight princess

[@LinkieGoose]

Man can't wait. I'm just so captivated by the the tragedy of the hero of Time. My username is actually a majoras mask theory lol

[@purpleperm]

This is so well put together…

[@Zeldom]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@Hard6Mota9]

Wow amazingly all put together, and filled the gap of each of those time line's. It's like everyone who played the legend of Zelda , became the Hero, and through Links' life, we were linked with him, because of the trials and tribulations we would face in our own life's, and Link's journey showed us the way through his courage ❤️‍🔥

[@danic_c]

I think another point against Link ending up with Zelda is that his descendants have no official ties to the royal family.

[@lukejones7164]

They don't necessarily have to get married for them to have hooked up. They could have had a secret affair which lead to children, all the while marrying other people.

[@chaoscontroller316]

This then raises a question: did the Original Hero and Goddess Incarnate bear children together a.l.a. Adam and Eve?

[@nappa1381]

Gonna be that guy who points out that if it's true that all Zeldas come from the same bloodline, and if all Links come from the same bloodline, then even one pair of their incarnations hooking up would mean any incarnations that follow suit would be committing incest.

[@lukejones7164]

@@nappa1381 Bro, LoZ is Medieval Fantasy, incest is fair game.

[@nappa1381]

@@lukejones7164 Bro, it's Nintendo's medieval fantasy. I friggin' love LoZ, but incest isn't exactly family friendly, so I highly doubt Link x Zelda is canon. Not trying to shit on shippers or anything, just making sure they're aware of the implications.

[@RwanLink]

Loved the video! It's very well put together. Glad you enjoyed my Zelda animations! 😉

[@Zeldom]

Thanks! Glad you liked the video! I couldn't have made some of those moments so emotional without your animations 😄

[@willisrose9756]

Hey Rwan good to see you here.

[@TigerTabCat1]

Isnt it possible link died of old age but simply lost an eye during a battle? Then once he died, they buried him with ceremonial armor in the woods explaining his condition in TP?

[@mattboy5296]

It would at least make it a bit more wholesome and less sad if that was the case. In that scenario he gets to live a long and full life with his wife and family.

[@ReklessTW]

I’d like to think that’s the case, considering Link’s capabilities I find it more likely your theory is correct.

[@eazy-cheez-e8033]

Something about the hero of time always made me feel emotional, not to mention that he always felt like the most important and iconic link to the whole Zelda universe to me despite not being the first Link in the storyline.

[@pastatriforce]

I was already getting kind of emotional throughout the entire video, but at 22:57 I started crying for real.

[@Zeldom]

This is the video Im the most proud of. I didn't think I'd make myself get so emotional. Just editing this put me in the feels 😅

[@HDGamerofficial]

Wow, a truly breathtaking video. The production quality alone is impressive well done my dude! An incredible story and way to visually connect the child timeline together 👏👏👏 applause all around Also, the clip of Malon as an adult looking shocked to see Link genuinely made me have to go back and watch it in slo mo oh my lord dude. I think I’m in love 😍 whoever made that 3D model and animated it 👏👏👏 you are a true artist/artists

[@Zeldom]

Yeah that animation was by MajorLink. That model of Malon is truly gorgeous! Thanks for watching!

[@A-RonHubbard]

Malon has always been gorgeous xD

[@ls190v2]

His life may have been tragic, and he may have not been able to pass on his skills in life, but his son's natural prowess with swordplay, combined with the skills he never passed on, gave the shade of the Hero of Time peace.

[@doubtingnine3430]

This makes the games seem so much deeper than what we thought in the normal storylines we’ve known

[@Vaati35]

This is the best Zelda story on KZbin! I love anything with Majora’s mask and The hero of time, but this made me take a different perspective on his story. Keep up the good work😊

[@philipbreadman1524]

I believe the hero of time settled down with malon. Only reason why i say that is becuase of how he is seen and what he has done. He is very good with horses he knows how to run a farm. But most importantly he knows epona's song. A song that was taught to Malon by her mother that she would sing at any time, even when working. If the hero of time did settle down with malon it would make since whey the hero of twilight would know epona's song.

[@sup3414]

Its basically facts at this point that he ended with Malon. Plus Malon loves him for helping her save her ranch from Ganondorf's hands and taking care of Epona. Plus, her and Link have the most cute/lovey vibes than Link with any other in the game even though we see very little. Many clues are thrown at us.

[@CommanderShepard-wq3wo]

1:16 I tapped on this video thinking I’d learn some cool information about The Hero of Time. Not to get my heart stings pulled like this! This is one of the very few times I wish I could jump into the screen and hug someone who just lost everything, and tell Link, that we all (here in the real world) were there every step of the way on journey to stop Ganondorf and we admire his courage

[@luna7157]

I do love the symbolism in this, and for a long time I used to think Termina was dreamt into existence in much the same way Koholint was by the Wind Fish, but Termina _does_ have a deep history of its own, so I'm not so sure about that anymore. I've come to see the events in Termina as more...a journey which only Link could complete. Not because of holding the Triforce of Courage or being Hylia's chosen hero this time, but because his struggles matched up with the people of Termina's (and those of Skull Kid) in such a way that by helping them move on, Link himself could move on. Link has a funny way of being when and where he's needed throughout the entire franchise. Also, the Happy Mask Salesman is probably from Termina, or at least descended of the tribe which made Majora's Mask, as he gave Link the Song of Healing in the first place. Kind of hard to be from somewhere which...doesn't exist.

[@alyissaaragon6943]

I think it was his own personal purgatory that he had to go through before he moved on to another realm in the afterlife. I think he died riding epona as an adult and he bacame a child again to as this video says "process" his unresolved trauma

[@SailorGreenTea]

3:58, at the end of ocarina in time, everyone is at the link link ranch, when they are celebrating.

[@milehighgambler]

Beautiful. Simply beautifully told.

[@Zeldom]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Splonton]

I hate that we never get development this strong for link in the games. I don't want a blank slate to project onto, I want someone to get invested in and route for! The windwaker line of games is the closest I got to caring about link and what he wants and I wish they'd let him be a person every now and again

[@SaltySirenFloriduh]

Hero of Time is probably the best Link in the whole series. Super excited for this video 😻🙌🏻

[@Zeldom]

It's hard to compare, but he's definitely up there on the list :D

[@kingnamor777]

@@Zeldom I heard that the Hero Time could possibly be the strongest Link in the series.

[@methadone1140]

@@kingnamor777 hes up there so is the hero of legend

[@kingnamor777]

@@methadone1140 You mean the Goddess Hylia Chosen Hero?

[@methadone1140]

@@kingnamor777 no the link to the past hero i think he is called the hero of legend because hero of hyrule is for zelda one which makes between worlds name weird

[@ryanmarcum9044]

I'm not entirely convinced that Link died in battle. I always thought that the broken armor and missing eye that we see in Twilight Princess was a manifestation of his regret.

[@spartans122ouellette3]

And to be honest I've always wondered why I've actually had a deep connection with the Zelda games and since you have done these videos I have started seeing the reasons why I've actually had a quite a bit of a connection with them because also through my entire life when I am lost confused and alone I've always thought that actually help others instead of helping myself with what I am going through I have always been trying to help out others Everywhere I Go I've helped other people better and happier with their lives and yet still haven't felt any better for myself and then when these videos for being posted I did watch him just tonight I know they have been out there for a while but honestly I do feel a pretty deep connection with it like it is me but not me because in the game and the videos he goes through all that heartache just like the same way I am and have been for a long time

[@johnathannelson3300]

Just got to say, after watching that it was truly amazing 👏 you filled in question I was unsure off and brought to light the depths our hero had to go through. Thank you for your time and effort

[@ETHomerin]

There is no incarnation of Link that we love and wonder more about. While he had descendants and left behind the Hero's Shade, I keep having this strange dark theory. What if the Hero's Shade is actually a left behind shade? Something that blows my mind is the ending of Ocarina of Time. When Zelda plays the ocarina, she seems to utilize its full power more than any time we see Link use it. She completely sends him back in time and creates an alternate reality when Link can live out his childhood and the events that warped Hyrule didn't happen. Then by the time of MM Link is able to use the Song of Time as a means of actual time travel to keep redoing those three days until he is in touch with all four giants. By the end of both games that instrument Link has can teleport him, it's songs can reach or comfort people, can activate all kinds of magic, mess with the sun and weather, and even create hollow shells of himself. So, I wonder if a Link grown up, and even with a family, still felt the call of destiny that he couldn't resist. Maybe he learned to unlock the Ocarina of Time's full power like Zelda did and traveled through time to a new reality: the downfall timeline. Maybe the Hero's Shade is just what remained of Link in the childhood timeline; the part that couldn't move on. The real Link reclaimed the legacy he lost, but to do that he left behind another time again. This time by his own choice. Maybe upon traveling to this time Navi returned to go with him and actually left to return at the very moment when he would need her again. Sad for Link considering his defeat that would come in the end. Sad for Malon and whatever kid they had that he left behind. But the call of destiny was too much. If this were the case with the downfall timeline, maybe the reason Link was defeated by Ganon was because although he had courage, his heart was unbalanced. The final tragedy of the Hero of Time. But this might have been his purpose all along: to divide the world into three worlds, each reality a mirror image reflecting a piece of the Triforce most dominant in its respective world.

[@GalvanizedSquareSteel-d2z]

I love this theory You need way more likee

[@williamgregory2017]

link went to all those places before he ever pulled the master sword..he had already been to zoras, gorons etc

[@zoy13]

Link The hero of time, whatever ever happens I just want you to know you are one of the greatest warrior knight . One of the best of best...

[@Kzvadia]

This makes me appreciate OoT link alot more, he has the most depressing lore in all the links, he's been through alot😭

[@chrisgerrard7185]

Great video loved it goosd stuff, but 11:33- Link was definitely trapped in Termina! Getting the horse or ocarina didn't mean he could go anywhere. The only way to get out was to survive past day 3, and in my opinion, thats when he arose as the Hero Spirit Stalfos from Twilight princess.

[@TheGamingShowOffical]

I just started crying watching this and like at least in the end the hero of Time gets to rest and see his wife and kid already passed on as well and he finally gets an eternal happiness after such trauma for decades

[@zzgundam182]

I cried throughout the video. An absolute masterpiece well done again!

[@thefallinglink]

I didn't know that the hero shade died in battle, just that he died lamenting having been unable to pass on his skills and that he was not remembered as a hero in his timeline. This to me makes it seem unlikely he became a knight and died in battle. He might not have died with his child still young, and Twilight Princess link is not necessarily his immediate son. Otherwise what happened to the rest of the Kokiri? You end on a quote that is actually "Go and do not falter, my child", which is easily taken as just his descendent, but I like the way you frame it. Even with the quote being "my child", it can be taken to mean that in having Twilight Princess Link ease his regrets of being unable to pass on his skills, in his moment of spiritual passing, he uses Link as a proxy to say what he couldn't to his own child.

[@Zeldom]

I just used the Shade's exact quote from the game with slight rewording for grammatical purposes. I actually have a theory that the Kokiri are actually Koroks, but its not good to use theorieis to explain other theories 😅. After all the ideas presented in this assumed the whole "Termina was all in Link's head" theory so to continue the narrative I had to get a bit speculative, but made sure to not say any speculation as if it was a fact

[@Gamer1288]

@@Zeldom The Problem with the "Termina was all in Link's Head" Theory is that it ignores the ending of Majora's Mask when Link and Epona are back in the Lost Woods with the Mirror Shield and the Gilded Sword(If you acquired it) that he obtained in Termina. It also doesn't help that the Sword that the Hero's Shade uses resembles the Great Fairies Sword and his Shield that of the Mirror Shield that he obtained in Termina.

[@definitivamenteno-malo7919]

@@Gamer1288 Not only this, but it's factually canon from Aonuma's words.

[@slackerzero7883]

Link and Navi finally reunite Navi: “Listen” (Link slowly reaches for the master sword )

[@A.Talemar]

An amazing and wonderful story and video, I also watched all of the heroes purpose and played all the games and it’s such a great series together, definitely heartbreaking and sad to know what Link went through, we shall never forget his legacy and keep up the great work!

[@SailorGreenTea]

2:58, there is theory Navi went into the window into a dimension of some type. Some relation is the stairs in wind Waker go through a window.

[@Ryan707_-_]

Twilight princess* and it’s not another dimension it’s just another room in the temple

[@aetherwarrior4640]

Tbh , I don't think Link died in combat. I just took what he said at face value. He regretted not passing on anything he learned so he left part of himself so that it could teach another incarnation

[@Mrminico92]

This side of link should've been an anime.....

[@BigHeadClan]

Go watch Major Links videos they are pretty much that and strait up amazing.

[@greninjaxd2695]

Great vid man! You should definitely try to do this type of video with the other Link's in the franchise, mainly the Hero of the Wilds. His life was just as traumatic as the Hero of Time's so I think it would make a great video. Keep up the good work dude!

[@Zeldom]

I should try something like that! Maybe I'll wait for a botw2 so I can use new info for that story as well

[@imahumanperson5041]

Holy crap this was such a good video. I had grown up playing ocerina of time and majoras mask and the still are my favorite games in the series.

[@mr.80s36]

Of all the Heroes the Hero of Time gave up the most to save Hyrule, he had to give up the only family he ever know, do what seem like a endless quest, loss his best friend and many friends, has to fight a past friends (Nabouro and Volvagia) brainwashed corrupted by Ganondorf, and leave the only home he had ever know, and this all happen in Ocarina of Time. Their is still so much more this hero when through