The Deep Symbolism Behind the Silence of Link

I often wonder why Link does not talk in the Zelda series. Regardless, Nintendo has had no problems generating success from our favorite franchise, even though the main protagonist does not speak. Whilst pondering the topic of our hero’s unwillingness to talk, an idea came to mind. What if Link not speaking is symbolism?

First of all, let’s properly examine the meaning of symbolism. [Symbolism- (noun) the practice of investing things with symbolic meaning.] In other words, symbolism is an aspect, physical item, or attribute, that represents, defines, or means the same as a separate aspect, physical item, or attribute. Still confused? Words that could be used in the place of ‘symbolism’ are representative, indicative, or suggestive.

Keep in mind that this is an opinionated editorial, and that others may not have the same views and/or thoughts on the matter. That being said, let’s explore the possible symbolism behind Link’s voluntary muteness.

A conclusion I have drawn is that in modern-day society, those with strong mental will and composure are more apt to be silent, and do not speak as much as others might. These individuals that have obtained or are naturally born with mental sturdiness are able to control their emotions towards others and themselves by letting all negative thoughts drift away instead of voicing their concerns, comments, and questions. They do not ponder thoughts that may evoke feelings of sadness, depression, anger, and rage. All ‘heavy’ topics are avoided by simply not speaking, and making a semi-conscious effort not to think about such elements of negativity.

Note that I am in no way stating that to be able to be mentally strong you must silence all emotions and feelings, this is just one example I have come across. This example is what I believe is in correlation to Link’s iron-clad habit of staying silent, besides the occasional, “Hyaah! Hyet! Hraaaaaaah!”

Facing Destiny

Let me take you on a trip back to an emotional, thought-provoking event that happened in one of the Zelda franchise’s most successful titles, Ocarina of Time. The Hero of Time has accepted the fact that he must vanquish the evil that looms over Hyrule. Faced with destiny, he is out on a mission to which he knows he may not return. Risking his life and all he has known, Link starts out on a journey that will change his life, as well as the entire course of Hyrule.

Who should stop him on his way out of his home town, but his childhood friend: arguably a love interest. Saria slowly approaches Link and bestows upon him a gift. A precious, meaningful gift: her ocarina. I believe some of us at this point would break down. The wave of emotions would hit us like a giant wave crashing upon the shore. We would feel that at this point, there is no turning back. You have accepted your destiny, your life has taken a dramatic turn.

I would not criticize Link, or think any less of him, if he broke down crying. If he shed a multitude of tears, embracing his childhood friend in a sorrowful good-bye. Alas, this was not the case, for we know what happens. Instead of letting emotions harm him, with a look of bold determination on his face, Link accepts the gift, turns around, and simply walks off into the vast fields of Hyrule. No words, no tears, no complications.

This is the mark of someone who is strong-willed. Mentally sturdy, his mind is now a fortress that blocks out anything that stands in his way of saving Hyrule, but more importantly, his friends.

Facing Loss

Let us now look further back in the complex timeline of the Zelda series, all the way to the Creation Era of Hyrule. The Hero of the Goddess, Link, is once again faced with what seems like an impossible situation. His childhood friend, Zelda, has been snatched from his arms by an evil force, right in front of his eyes. This is someone he has cared for all of his short life, again, arguably a love interest.

This is yet another instance when a normal individual with only so much mental strength would break down. Your inseparable counterpart has been brutally taken from you, intentionally, by some unknown force. I don’t know about you, but I would be extremely and emotionally tormented, exhausted, and put to my limit. Waterfalls of tears would fall from my eyes. My friend is presumably dead, and no one else knew me better than she did.

Yet again, we see an instance of Link’s iron will. He does not cry, he does not pout, and he does not make things worse by trying to unload his sorrow on someone else by talking to them. He discovers that there is some possibility that Zelda is alive. Grasping at straws, he does what no Hylian has done before, and voluntarily violates the surface of the clouds. Link does not care if what he is doing may be foolish. If there is one chance of his best friend, possibly his childhood sweetheart, can be rescued, he is going to take that chance.

What am I trying to get at? If you don’t know by now, I’ll flat out tell you. Link is the strongest-willed character in gaming. Faced with death, doom, gloom, and depressing loss, our hero does not falter: he gets the job done, doing whatever he can to fix the situation. He does not waste time talking, or conveying his feelings. He gets the job done, without uttering a word.

In conclusion, Link does not need to talk. Link does not need sympathy, nor discussion. This is why he does not speak. He is a strong-willed individual, and this is the symbolism behind him being mute! Link is voluntarily mute. Here, in this instance, Link’s silence = emotional composure.

I’d like to thank you all for reading to the end, and if my editorial engaged you in thought, be sure to let me know in the comments below. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Just remember, next time someone makes fun of the Zelda series because of the fact that Link doesn’t speak, correct them.

Fan art done by yumedust