The Hero Of Hyrule
For years, this series has filled many gamers with joy. A smile is brought to the faces of many at just the thought or mention of the name Legend of Zelda. Why do so many of us hold this game so near and dear to our hearts. What is it about these games that captivate us? And why is Link such an Iconic and beloved character? There are many reasons why these games are great, for me one of biggest reasons is the main character.
Take Control
In the Legend of Zelda series, you can name the main character whatever you’d like, but his filler name has always been Link. He’s a lovable, silent protagonist that sets off time and again to save Princess Zelda and kingdom of Hyrule. For me, Link represents that part of life I thought I would never got to experience in my own life. Adventure! I lived vicariously through his experiences. Being the hero, growing through constant challenges, and exploring new locations. It’s in my very nature to want to explore the world, just as Link does, but I didn’t. Many don’t get out of their comfort zone(s) or face new challenges that life offers, and for years I was no exception. I stayed where it was safe, where I knew what the next outcome would be. I lived my normal life and had a “nine-to-five”. I dared not do what Link has done many times over. Take control of my life and fight for what I believed in…Well, technically I controlled Link, but I’m sure you see my point.
The Legend of Zelda series is symbolic of how I thought we should live our lives. If you’re passionate about something go after it with all your heart. Don’t spend your life thinking about the repercussions of failure, think about the good in your life that can be accomplished. When the game gets hard and Link dies because you failed a challenge does the game end? NO! You start over again. Sure, you were set back a little, maybe more than a little. But, you know more now, and have more experience that will take you further. Yes, you may fail again and again, but you keep trying. For those of us that have completed at least one in the series, it’s a satisfying feeling to have success and you know you earned it.
Overcoming Obstacles
We all have our own obstacles to overcome in life, just as Link does. Granted most of those obstacles aren’t as elaborate as in the Legend of Zelda, it can feel that way at times. We can be overwhelmed by the level of difficulty and be stopped dead in our tracks. Taking that first step can be the most difficult part. There have been countless times where I didn’t start something because I was afraid of failure, or not living up to expectations. What’s obvious in video games is that failure is a crucial part of success. By playing these games we are taught that, it’s okay to fail. What’s not okay however, is giving up on something for whatever reason.
Humble Beginnings
Almost always Link starts off from humble beginnings. He starts his grand adventures with only a few items and little to no money to his name. Does this discourage our young adventurer from saving Hyrule time and time again? Of course not! Through hard work and perseverance Link grows his arsenal, wallet, and fighting repertoire. When he sets off, few know his name, but by the end of his journey most are singing his praises. Link doesn’t let the fact that he started from nothing affect his mission and nor should we. This is symbolic of our lives. We are born into this world with nothing, but we have the potential to do great things with our lives. Over time we accumulate knowledge and experience needed to attain our deepest desires.
A perfect example of this is Legend of Zelda: Major’s Mask. In it Link is forced to live the same three days over and over until he saves a town called Clock Town. Many of his belongings are lost when he is sent back in time to the first day. It may seem a hassle at first, but over time you have a collection of things that stay with you and you have knowledge that cannot be taken away. You are forced to start from day one again and again, but with the experience you’ve gained you can your progress slowly begins to reveal itself.
New Beginnings
Some of us have been in circumstances where we’ve had a major setback in some way. We’ve had a major loss, we failed at something, and this can take a toll on us mentally, physically, even financially. It becomes easy to lose site of the end goal
As stated above, the Legend of Zelda games usually start off with Link having and knowing very little. Fans of the franchise understand the process of starting with nothing time after time, and by the end, becoming the savior of Hyrule.
Hope
I’ve been playing the Legend of Zelda games since I was young. There are individual themes in each of the games, but one theme I noticed is apparent in each game is hope. No matter how hard things were, there was always a glint of hope. With giant monsters, labyrinthine temples, and an evil overlord trying to control it all, despite the odds, Link moves forward. This is how I know we should live our lives. We should live by Moving forward towards our dreams no matter what. Not concerned with failure or how impossible things seem. We are capable of doing grand things, just as link does time and again.
Because of games like the Legend of Zelda and characters like Link, I’ve had adventures, hardships, and have grown so much. As a child, I never would have imagined I would be able to meet so many interesting people, see so many beautiful places and experience so much. Games like that kept my youthful spirit alive and my view of the world filled with a youthful wonder. Many become complacent with their lives, but if there is one thing I’ve learned from Link , it’s never give up on your dream. So I live every day to its fullest, growing and helping others as much as possible.
Have any of you played the Legend of Zelda Series? For those of you who have how has it effected you? For those who haven’t does this sound like something that interests you?
What’s your favorite Legend of Zelda, and how has it effected you?