The teenager strides across the room, dressed in a simple green tunic made of cloth. A hood covers the top of his head, also green, but this is trimmed in gold. His long blonde hair bursts from its seams. His legs are bare, but on the end of them are brown boots. They once looked to be of the highest quality leather; now they are stained with travel.
Link, on first impressions, appears to be a normal teenager. Besides his odd, turn-of-the-century garb, he would blend in with anyone his own age. His soft features and bab face often get him confused with someone younger. He is quiet and reserved, not at all the fame-seeker that many may portray him as.
But renown and recognition have found the intrepid youngster. Several video games have been made in his honour, though varying accounts have confused his identity, portraying him from a child of seven years, to a teenager knocking on the door of adulthood. Entire sections of his toils against evil have been documented, and some sinister sources have shown his overzealous moments: almost plummeting off a cliff to save his sister, and attempts to confront evil ill equipped and unprepared.
He has also suffered, ala any self-respecting tabloid fodder, nosy invasions into his romantic life. Numerous rumours have us believe he is currently dating the beautiful Princess Zelda, while other reports would have them on the rocks. These speculations have led to him being rendered on the small-screen as a whining, lovesick teenager, begging for kisses from his Princess, all the while pursued by fairies:
Act 1: Scene 2: “Where Link Requests a Kiss” Enter Link. LINK: Please? Just one kiss, then I will never bother you again! ZELDA: I said no, Link! LINK: Well excuuuuuuse me, Princess! Exeunt.
With tolerance beyond his years, Link shrugs off insults and jibes aimed at him. Despite constant hassles from Stalfos, Wizzrobes and Helmasaurs, he appears at ease with his life. Even numerous threats on his life by the insidious criminal Ganondorf have not fazed the young man, who doesn't notify the police, or get the courts involved.
Indeed, he is usually traversing in strange lands, too busy vanquishing evil to notice his popularity.
Link is the patron saint of the underdog, and the hard-workers. He has gained his talent not through luck, nor through a lucky prize dip at a local fete. He was an orphan, with no special talents, and by the end of his adventures, the Hero of Time, with an array of physical and magical skills. His father, Shigeru Miyamoto has said he wanted people to identify with Link and have the opportunity to be heroes themselves.
For the majority of us were but minors when we gazed at our screens and found inspiration in the green-clad Link bouncing across the land of Hyrule, thwarting the nasty stuff with either sword or boomerang, accomplishing tasks that would provide a strain for the best of our mythological warriors.
The notion that a mere stripling could rise up and shatter the foundations of the great and powerful is a sentiment that echoes the striving of humanity. That we can all achieve our goals, no matter what lies at the end, whether a shining triangle of power or a beautiful princess - no matter our age or height - ties the game to many human values we all cherish.
And be it a simple metaphor, intelligent storytelling, or something in between, Link continues to provide inspiration for children, teenagers and big kids world over.
Adam Robertson Literally born a geek, Adam considers himself the connoisseur of music, movies and art. He has been enamored with technology the very first day he turned on his NES. Casting aside hopes to be a fireman, he wants to be a famous writer one day.
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GI Pin Up: Ella Morton
GI Rising Star: Tom Wood