Romance in Zelda?

[Kazumi]

Ok, sit tight, this my take a "wee little" bit.

A lot of people say, that all of the girls in Hyrule are "nipping at his heels".
I strongley disagree, to a point. Really, romance between Link and another girl is really lacking. (If thats what you into) But, by far the most romance is between Link and Zelda. Now, I'm going to present you with my case:
(This will mostly look at OoT)

Link and Zelda are the ones who display the most romance, but still, not quite enough. A couple examples (Major ones) include the following:

When Link recieves the Ocarina of Time in MM, Zelda says this in the flashback: "Even though it was a short time, i feel like i've known you forever. I'll never forget the days we spent together in Hyrule...and I believe in my heart that a day will come when I shall meet you again..." (Reference: MM itself and http://www.northcastle.co.uk/archive/romance/zlm_evidence.html) As you can see, this implies that before Link departed to Termina, he spent some time with Zelda and she "knows in her heart" that they will meet again. This also implies Zelda has developed some feelings for Link. Another is: After the Water Temple, Ruto says she can't give you her "undying love" because she is a sage. She also implies that you like Zelda, saying, "You're looking for Princess Zelda. Ha! I knew it! You can't hide anything from me." You may call this one ify, but its really quite obvious Link is woried about her because he "askes" all of the sages about her. Yet another is: "I appriciate you coming to rescue me. As I thought, you are the legendary hero. I have felt this from the first time we met..." When Zelda is trapped in a crystal in Alttp. This also sorda leads into my next part:

Marin. A lot of people say Marin is Malon, and Tarin is Malon. But, LA was made before OoT. Therefore Malon and Talon are "ripoffs" of Marin and Tarin. At least, thats how I feel it is when Nintendo almost completely copies a charater. (MM anyone?) Anywho, Marin is supposed to be Zelda, in Links dream. This is because Marin strongely resembles Zelda (Besides the red hair)and, how would Nintendo base this on Malon, if she is from the next game? Also, when Link wakes up on the beach, he thinks he hears Zelda. When he opens his eyes, he he sees Zelda, but, its actually Marin. (Reference: http://www.zeldalegends.net/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=1719&fullsize=1) Marin, like Zelda almost "declares her love" for Link in LA. But, I don't happen to have the exact text on me at the moment. One more: An interview with Mr. Miyamoto, conducted by Famimaga 64: Interviewer: Does Link have a girlfriend?
Miyamoto: If it was Princess Zelda, it would be great. However, this time Navi [the fairy] is jealous of Zelda. So within the story, Navi feels something for Link. (Reference: http://www.zeldawiki.org/Relationship_of_Link_and_Zelda, also: http://ign64.ign.com/articles/061/061546p1.html) This flat out implies that Miyamoto likes "ZeLink". But, as you can see, there is no sign of Navi being jealous of Zelda, or "feeling something for Link". (Loop hole avoided, loose end, tied!)


There are also many more "ZeLink moments" in the games. This doesn't even include the manga! (I suppose that will be my next "report"....) Here is the Url: http://www.northcastle.co.uk/archive/romance/zlm_evidence.html

Part 3 of impending doom:

Many people think Malon is attracted to Link, but, there is no reference of this. The only thing that even semi implies anything at all in any shape or form, is a joke: Talon, askes if you would like to marry Malon after you win his Cucco game. You can answer "yes" or "no". No matter what you answer, even "yes", Talon will say he's just joking. He says you may marry Malon maybe, when your older. (Reference: OoT) As you can see, the evidence of a Link Zelda relationship is stronger, much stronger. I highly doubt that Malon was intended to have a relationship with Link.

Prepare for part 4:

Ruto, also is obviously attracted to Link. I mean, she tricks him into becoming engaged to her! Link, was a child and didn't know what it ment. Going back to section 1 even: Ruto cannot declare her "undying love" for Link, mostly because she is a sage, and also because she knows he like Zelda. So, Link is no longer engaged to her.

I planned to do some stuff on Saria and Nabooru, but I don't have the resources wit hme at the moment, and this post is already to long. But, some people will say that because Zelda is a sage, she cannot be with Link. I strongely disagree. I think that this only implies to the sages that have to go into the sacred realm. Because, how would Link have a relationship with someone who is in the Sacred Realm!? Zelda, does not go to the Sacred Realm with the other sages. (Thats pretty obvious to see people!)

Ok, I know..... I do not support any "couple" in the Zelda series. But I perfer "ZeLink". (Stupid name....) I really hope that there is never a confermded relationship in the Zelda series, 'cause that would end all of the romance fanfare in Zelda! (Now why would Nintendo go about doing that?)

Know, I'd like to know what you think about romance in the Zelda series. Is there a "couple" you like? What about conferming a "couple"? Just tell me what you think about "ZeLink", "MaLink" and any other OoT "pairing" under the white hot sun. Also, add to this "report" if you want. JUST TELL ME!!!:dry:

References: The actuall games!
http://www.northcastle.co.uk/archive/romance/zlm_evidence.html
http://www.zeldawiki.org/Main_Page

[Josh]

Ok, sit tight, this my take a "wee little" bit.
When Link recieves the Ocarina of Time in MM, Zelda says this in the flashback: "Even though it was a short time, i feel like i've known you forever. I'll never forget the days we spent together in Hyrule...and I believe in my heart that a day will come when I shall meet you again..." (Reference: MM itself and http://www.northcastle.co.uk/archive/romance/zlm_evidence.html) As you can see, this implies that before Link departed to Termina, he spent some time with Zelda and she "knows in her heart" that they will meet again. This also implies Zelda has developed some feelings for Link. Another is: After the Water Temple, Ruto says she can't give you her "undying love" because she is a sage. She also implies that you like Zelda, saying, "You're looking for Princess Zelda. Ha! I knew it! You can't hide anything from me." You may call this one ify, but its really quite obvious Link is woried about her because he "askes" all of the sages about her. Yet another is: "I appriciate you coming to rescue me. As I thought, you are the legendary hero. I have felt this from the first time we met..." When Zelda is trapped in a crystal in Alttp. This also sorda leads into my next part:

I know you're looking mostly at OoT, but can I ask how you make a huge paragraph like this and not look at Zelda and Link making out at the end of Adventure of Link? =D



One more: An interview with Mr. Miyamoto, conducted by Famimaga 64: Interviewer: Does Link have a girlfriend?
Miyamoto: If it was Princess Zelda, it would be great. However, this time Navi [the fairy] is jealous of Zelda. So within the story, Navi feels something for Link. (Reference: http://www.zeldawiki.org/Relationship_of_Link_and_Zelda, also: http://ign64.ign.com/articles/061/061546p1.html) This flat out implies that Miyamoto likes "ZeLink". But, as you can see, there is no sign of Navi being jealous of Zelda, or "feeling something for Link". (Loop hole avoided, loose end, tied!)

My only problem with this is just because Navi doesn't show anything for link (which I add would be completly disturbing if she did), doesn't mean it isn't true. If "Mr. Miyamoto" said it, then obviously she felt something for him.


And that's all I got. Except I do like ZeLink.

[Kazumi]

Well, did you notice anywhere in OoT ever that Navi showed any type of attraction at all!? I mean, she ditched him at the end! Also, I can't include everything! But, yes, at the end of AoL, Link and Zelda apparenly kisses, HAPPY!?!?!?!? :lol:

[Josh]

Well, did you notice anywhere in OoT ever that Navi showed any type of attraction at all!? I mean, she ditched him at the end! Also, I can't include everything! But, yes, at the end of AoL, Link and Zelda apparenly kisses, HAPPY!?!?!?!? :lol:

Navi only ditched Link because her job was done. It's like being a sage. You have do your job, which means either saving link or leaving him. When that's done bye bye. When they're all dead you can go have fun in heaven or hell or whatever.

[Midna666]

Link and Midna should be together.

[Zemen]

i would just like to say that just because ruto thinks link has feelings for zelda doesnt make it true. zelda is a MISSING PRINCESS. obviously the hero is looking for the princess. EVERYONE should be looking for the princess, not just link so the fact that hes looking for her doesnt mean he likes her. its basically his duty.

[Kazumi]

Ok Jeez....... I'm just saying. Also, did you see anyone else looking for Zelda? I mean, I know Ganondorf is in control, but they all know he is evil.

[EponaOwns]

Well, I'm pretty sure you are right about the Malon part. People like making videos of Zelda couples. Nabooru was one of them and it didn't seem like it. Saria and Link are just friends but maybe Saria has a "thing" for Link. Ruto big time. Zelda never really seemed THAT attracted to him. Neither does Link. Ilia probably like Link. Midna does have a thing for Link and Link's mouth when Midna turns into her twilight form Link seems very attracted. Midna and Link!

Even I get shocked by his looks^^:p

[Linksmyfavorite]

I say that there is a lot of... well not ROMANCE, but very close friendships with characters in the Legend of Zelda and that is good enough for me.

Link's Awakening:Marin (a little more than friends)

Ocarina of Time: Saria, Navi, and Zelda, (though Link was "engaged" to Ruto I say they weren't that close as compared to everyone else).

Majora's Mask: Tatl

Windwaker + Phantom Hourglass: Tetra/Zelda

Minish Cap, A Link to the Past, and Four Swords: Zelda

Twilight Princess: Midna and Ilia (a little more than friends)

Though the thing that actually bugs me is that they don't show any seriousness to Link and Ilia's relationshhip. I would have actually liked it if they ended up to become a couple.

[bellum]

I say that there is a lot of... well not ROMANCE, but very close friendships with characters in the Legend of Zelda and that is good enough for me.

Link's Awakening:Marin (a little more than friends)

Ocarina of Time: Saria, Navi, and Zelda, (though Link was "engaged" to Ruto I say they weren't that close as compared to everyone else).

Majora's Mask: Tatl

Windwaker + Phantom Hourglass: Tetra/Zelda

Minish Cap, A Link to the Past, and Four Swords: Zelda

Twilight Princess: Midna and Ilia (a little more than friends)

Though the thing that actually bugs me is that they don't show any seriousness to Link and Ilia's relationshhip. I would have actually liked it if they ended up to become a couple.
yeah I guess but the only reason the ruto didn't really marry Link is beacause she was a Sage and she had to do her duties as a sage andways I still think link and zelda/tartra were pretty close and Link wasn't that close to the fairies they were just friends that bonded together through there adventure

[Matthew_79]

Well I will like to propose the saria and link for OoT. They seemed really really close in this game. Also Kikori are not kids (as some people seem to think) the just keep there Youth.

I really find that lack of any specified romance slightly annoying. I mean It would be a great story. It dosnt have to be chick flick quality, (and I would be pissed if it was) but at least add something.

Ilia from TP seemed to be a great addition. If they had went deeper into that I would have been veary happy as it does seem to be a "love intrest" for link.

[DisappearingMist]

I'm a sucker for this all, to my downfall. I've always assumed that Zelda and Link should be together, since the series is named after her, and is the heroine the majority of the time.

Sorry, I don't have a theory!

[zeldafreak]

In Oot I think Malon and Link go together (read theory that's not by me)
http://www.freewebs.com/linkopinko/malinktheory.htm
In TP, Ilia
I'm fine with Zelda at other games

[Ver-go-a-go-go]

Eh, I really don't have a theory at all.

Link seems to be the kind of guy that puts work before women.

[Zemen]

yeah, the only game hes ever shown affection towards a girl is in AoL. other than that he doesnt show any feelings towards any girls so i dont know where anyone gets their theories from...

[Mike Pothier]

In Oot I think Malon and Link go together (read theory that's not by me)
http://www.freewebs.com/linkopinko/malinktheory.htm
In TP, Ilia
I'm fine with Zelda at other games

Hoo boy, I read that link. Man, talk about misinformed. His "proof" that Zelda and Link can't be together are based on a theory with no proof itself (that Link and Zelda are siblings), and that if they did marry, the descendents would all be siblings (WHAT?).

Then he ends it with an insult. All TRUE zelda fans know that Link and Malon are meant for each other.

Can I email him a punch to the face?

Seriously, it all comes down to personal bias. Zelda isn't a romance series, so aside from the end of Zelda II, there are no proofs who Link likes or ends up with. He's a nice guy, he treats all the girls the same.

Personally, I'll always be a Zelda supporter. She's the original, she's the one that gets reincarnated with him to fight evil, and its obvious they at least have feelings for each other. Even in the games where there is less proof then others (Twilight Princess), I'll always stick up for my princess.

[bellum]

that really changes my mind about everything link should either be with malon or zelda and I never heard of a theory about zelda and link being siblings ^^ but It makes sense based on what they said and it does seem like malon and link had few feelingsin Oot to me but i guess this is where a found the theory in the last post http://www.freewebs.com/linkopinko/malinktheory.htm

[Kitsu]

I don't think it would really fit in the Zelda series, or at least, I wouldn't really want romance in a Zelda game. In a way I think it would ruin it.
First and foremost, a majority of the time when there is 'romance' in something like a video game, it can be out of place, or just 'unfitting'. This isn't always the case, but I wouldn't want some awkward dialogue or cut-scene in the game.

Also, I like Zelda more the 'adventure' part. The exploration and so-forth.

Lastly, I've never actually taken any time to look into, or even care about, relationships, albeit possible relationships, between characters in a Zelda game. So, needless to say, I don't have any formal idea or opinion about such.

[ergman]

what can I say? links a lady's man. he saves the world, and then EVERYONE woud want him.

[Megamannt125]

I can't believe you people, pairing Link with Saria, pairing Link with Zelda, and pairing Link with Ilia. Does the word "close friends" mean anything to you? Saria and Link are just close childhood friends, in most games the same applies with Zelda, and the same again for Ilia. There are only a few possible couples I could see happening in Zelda.
Link X Midna
Link X Marin
Link X Zelda (in some games, it depends on the game for her)
Link X Navi (Mr. Miyamoto)
And Ilia X Epona. (Just joking there)
Point is, just because two people are close doesn't mean they like each other, I have best friends, and we're close, and we even hug each other, but that doesn't mean we're going to start daing.

[Arkatox]

Ilia and Link had a relationship in TP, though you're just talking about the OoT storyline.

[Crazyfreak]

Link x Zelda of course! 'Cause Old school is forevurr!!

I love the sentence "Every true zelda fan knows Link and Malon are meant together" while the official manga of Oot stated Eiji Aunoma prefers Zelda x Link.

Btw if anybody want to translate a french interview from Eiji Aunoma that nobody has translated yet on the internet (well good) note me.

[izaktj]

If I was link I'd probably have an affair with each of em :)

[Cucco Lady Anju]

I think that Link would have a harem to be honest. That or I can't decide on a pairing I like best for OoT XD

[Shadsie]

Why are we all talking about Link when we're talking about romance? :) TV Tropes is right. He is the fandom's "Little Black Dress." (Goes with everything).

What about LoZ's actual canon couples? Majora's Mask has Kafei x Anju... Twilight Princess has Rusl x Uli... Rusl and Uli have kids together, man!

(Great, now I'm tempted to write a story about their life and how they met and came to the village and stuff... but fanfic is the least thing I should be doing right now).

As for non-canon, Linkless couples... I think the idea of Renado x Telma is cute, even though Renado seems to not be warm to Telma...

As for Link couplings... I have my preferences.

I like ZeLink (Link x Zelda) for most games/scenarios. I've written fanfics that featured it, though none of my stories are particularly "mushy." I made this eventual couple for an "orignal" Link and Zelda in an original-era story. Princess and the hero who saves her is just the fairy-tale classic, so it has that charm.

For Twilight Princess, I've got it *bad* for Link x Midna. It has such a wonderful tragic vibe to it, considering the ending. (And, oh, so many fan artists and fanfic writers have sought to "fix" this ending, including me with a AU-ending story).

I once wrote a one shot story ("Desert Sunset Painted in Shades of Fire" for anyone interested in looking it up) in which Link married Ilia, pines for long lost Midna, and is very good friends/non-romantic with Zelda. He did geninunely love Ilia in the story, the pining for his old memories of Midna comes from the fact that in the story, he's dying.


However, with the exception of the ending of AoL (and I believe Miyamoto is on record as saying that Original Flavor Link married Zelda and became King of Hyrule there)... I prefer the romance to be unconfirmed. I like this because... as a crazy fanfic writer person, this leaves possibilties open. It also works for the whole "Link is the player/controlled by the player" thing, because, with stuff unconfirmed, the player can imagine him liking whomever they want him to like. For instance, although I'm a straight female, as Link's player, I *like* to imagine him as straight and liking certain females. Another fangirl may like to imagine him with Shad or Dark Link or something. It all works out because nothing's confirmed.

It's refreshing after my last fandom (Trigun anime and manga), wherein there wasn't much romance at all in the story (just gunslinging, superpowers, philosophy, blood and thunder)... but there were massive shipping wars. I got right sick of being called "homophobic" just because I preferred main character Vash with petite but firey Insurance Agent Meryl, rather than with his chainsmoking priest best friend, Wolfwood, or with Knives, his genocidal twin brother. And the thing is, EVERYBODY had *evidence.*

So, yeah, with Link, I like some ships, but I like them to be unconfirmed, because I've survived fandom shipwars and know that they suck. Having a malliable main character is great, it's just great.

[Cucco Lady Anju]

So, yeah, with Link, I like some ships, but I like them to be unconfirmed, because I've survived fandom shipwars and know that they suck. Having a malliable main character is great, it's just great.
Yes, because I can pair him with Anju and you can pair him with Zelda and we'll both be okay 8Db

[steffann55]

Hi There!
This is Steffann!
I would just like to say that just because ruto thinks link has feelings for zelda doesnt make it true. zelda is a MISSING PRINCESS. obviously the hero is looking for the princess. EVERYONE should be looking for the princess, not just link so the fact that hes looking for her doesn't mean he likes her. its basically his duty.

Thanks!...
Good Luck!...

[DesertDweller]

Purely from what I would like to be the case, I'd say Link's a loner. Ruto thinks she's engaged to him, Saria likes him, Nabooru has her regrets ( ;) ) and Zelda her aspirations, Malon...I'm not too sure about, but Link ignores them all. Yeah, that definitely appeals to me a lot more.

Or, maybe the whole point they leave it open-ended is so that...people like us can discuss it? I mean, they try not to give Link much of a recognizable voice so each player can at some points in the game truly feel like THEY'RE playing. I think the Zelda creators were intentionally vague to let each player individually decide without some sort of textbook "right" answer.

[Shade]

Link and Midna should be together.

I concur :) this was perhaps the best pairing that made the most sense.
The way I see it... Link from OoT can keep Zelda, but in TP, which takes place 100 years after OoT, I believe there's more of a romance between Link and Midna. So there's room for different kind of romances and everyone is happy lol! :lol:

[Master Kokiri 9]

Well Link is in love with Saria in OoT (however I believe he may have been a little bit heartbroken when Saria's true identity was revealed).

In TP Link is in love with Ilia.

In AoL it seems that Link is in love with Zelda.

Just three games where Link is given a 'partner' so to speak and even in those games it mostly save Hyrule and kill monsters. Very little romance. Honestly though I'd like to see more of it for Link (and Zelda) in future games cuz romance tends to add a bit more deepness and Kokiri likes things deep. *devours deep dish pizza*

[basement24]

I never really thought there was any romance, or hints thereof in the majority of the games. The only ones I can think of are the unhealthy infatuation of Ruto in OoT and the forward "high-school" advances of Hena in TP. I really don't think there's time for romance in the series, and it is definitely not a focus of it. Maybe this is just something I've picked up because I'm old I suppose, but you can have girl friends (that is, girls who are your friends) without them being your "girlfriend".

Many say the AoL kiss (which we actually don't see) is a the romantic beginnings of a Link / Zelda couple, but really a kiss doesn't have to mean anything. Someone can be rewarded with a kiss without it having to lead anywhere romantic. It's an act of kindness, and a stereotypical one of a princess and a knight in many a tale.

As for Midna, I really didn't see anything romantic there either. Maybe that was the intent, but I thought she was just being sly and scheming with Link to get her way. Yes, she turned into a beautiful humanoid at the end. Yes, Link appeared to be sad she was gone, but the two can form a bond of friendship after the ordeal they went through together without it having to be romantic. Link can be sad that the person he went through so much with decided cut of ties to his world forever without them being in love.

So, really, there's not much romance there. I think people are looking for things that really aren't there because the concept interests them, but there's really not much present to follow up on.

[Master Kokiri 9]

I never really thought there was any romance, or hints thereof in the majority of the games. The only ones I can think of are the unhealthy infatuation of Ruto in OoT and the forward "high-school" advances of Hena in TP. I really don't think there's time for romance in the series, and it is definitely not a focus of it. Maybe this is just something I've picked up because I'm old I suppose, but you can have girl friends (that is, girls who are your friends) without them being your "girlfriend".

:nod:This is true. In fact I have some girlfriends whom I'm not romantically interesting in myself.


Many say the AoL kiss (which we actually don't see) is a the romantic beginnings of a Link / Zelda couple, but really a kiss doesn't have to mean anything. Someone can be rewarded with a kiss without it having to lead anywhere romantic. It's an act of kindness, and a stereotypical one of a princess and a knight in many a tale.

:nod: This is true. In fact in the Paper Mario and it's sequel Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door Mario gets kissed after doing things for girls. Like for instance Mario gets kissed by Goombella after he saves her from the X-Nauts and also gets kissed (involuntarily might I add) by Flurrie after retrieving her necklace for her. In addition Mario is also kissed by Goombario's little sister after finding her doll for her.


As for Midna, I really didn't see anything romantic there either. Maybe that was the intent, but I thought she was just being sly and scheming with Link to get her way. Yes, she turned into a beautiful humanoid at the end. Yes, Link appeared to be sad she was gone, but the two can form a bond of friendship after the ordeal they went through together without it having to be romantic. Link can be sad that the person he went through so much with decided cut of ties to his world forever without them being in love.

I too never thought Link and Midna to be romantically linked ever. Like you said when the curse on Midna was undone she did turn into a beautiful humanoid at the end and Link was sad to see her leave in addition to the fact that one two people can become very close after experiencing ordeals such as the ones Midna and Link go through without forming feelings for each other.


So, really, there's not much romance there. I think people are looking for things that really aren't there because the concept interests them, but there's really not much present to follow up on.

Yeah only like three games actually have even the slightest bit of romance.

[Mikenike]

The only real couple relationships I could really see was AoL bearly, and TP. We see that Link cares alot about Ilia going out of his way to return her memory(even though it was needed) and we see that Link seems heart hurt about her not remembering him.

[Haxon15]

Link and Zelda held hands in Spirit tracks and Link blushed at Zelda twice in the game...

[CZG]

Marin from LA?

DARN, I NEED TO USE MORE CHARACTERS AGAIN!

[link9]

The closest thing to a relationship was probably in TP, with Ilia. But the closest throughout the series is with Zelda(Tetra kinda). I do think they should get together though, and who knows, they might one day.

[LunarWolf]

...odd topic. i say no. zelda is royalty. he don't stand a chance. he could be a knight in her royal guard though.

[GMO]

The topic does intrigue me. I think there was always romance in Zelda but it always changed with each incarnation. For example, The Legend of Zelda cartoon Sprite was in love with Link, but Link was always after Zelda (Mainly for a Kiss), and there was an episode dedicated to Sprite to get Link romantically. Zelda was always a tight-*** but always got jealous when Link saved a "HOT" village girl and treated him like the jealous girlfriend type. And Link also should the jealous boyfriend type when Kevin (Kevin Keen - Captain N/Zelda Cross Over) was out doing him during the fight scenes.

[Din Akera]

I think another thing about Link and Ruto is the fact that the inter-species-ness might not go so well in the having a relationship. But that is my opinion. I think most of the 'romance' is fan-fic and once the idea is there, and you play the story line again, any little thing you want to see, you can pick and blow up and out of proportion. Not to mention all the fan stuff about Sheik and Link or Dark Link and Link.... (not going there)
I know some of you might get mad at me saying this, but I've never really thought of Zelda as having a large role in any of the games I've played and so I don't really like her. I feel like (as Link) I just have to go keep saving her butt all the time.
But if I would like to see a romance come out of any of the characters in the games, it would be Midna and Link, for sure.

[Ikana]

Spirit Tracks had a few scenes one where zelda and link hold hand and he blushes.Link and ruto in oot.She falls in love with link and wants to marry him.

[vatti]

I think that the most romance in the legend of zelda ( all games mixed together) is between zelda and link. It's not like one of those romances that are a crush "I like you cause you're cute." This is one of those romances where it is completly passionate, where they are quiet and secure about there love. They always give hints about how they feel about each other, like Kazumi says in the first post. And also, about the girls nipping at his heels thing, I do think that the girls are in love with him, but they know he loves Zelda, and they respect link and zeldas space. like Ilia says (I think it's somthing like this) "You can go and save hyrule link, I'll be here waiting for you." she does'nt necisarilly say that she knows that he will come back, but that she will be waiting for him. She isn't at his heels, but she is respectively stepping back and like (forgive me, people who hate twilight the book) edward, she waits for him, and if he tells her to leave, she probably will.

[Bigelover88]

Personally I don't think they should spend much time about romances. I really don't care much about it either. The bond between most of the female characters and Link is more based on deep friendship. In TP it was obvious Ilia liked Link more than a friend but there is no indication these two were involved in a relationship. I personally think if there should be any kind of romance in Zelda between Link and a character it should be Zelda herself. They are both part of the triforce and their are bounded together forever. Unfortunately the same for Ganondorf.

[LozzyKate]

I am just a romance fanatic, in video games especially. I know that Shigeru Miyamoto does not want a relationship because that can just throw the whole point of the game and series off, but deep down if you really like romance and using your imagination, then you can just easily picture possible romances. For example, I always have thought that since The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess was released, Midna definitely had a thing for Link. That was more than obvious in the the end when she was about to say I love you, but instead said her catch phrase, "See you later". Nintendo and Miyamoto don't want romances, but I think that they should have some kind of relationship in the next game. I mean look at the end of Spirit Tracks! (Sorry for spoilers) Zelda and Link hold hands! Nintendo is getting closer and closer to a relationship.

[Serenia]

Personally,I don't really care about romance in games.But I would go for these.

All games with Zelda,yes then,Link x Zelda and only Zelda!
LA Link x Marin
MM Link x Romani (Nobody said that, did you?)
TP for Wii Link x Ilia
Tp for GC Link x Zelda

[Zeruda]

Miyamoto:"Ocarina was fun, and it also was zelda-like... the story's a little romantic. Though which is not very zelda-like" -laughs-
(SOURCE (http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/gaming/watch/v172976633BsxfGYn))

OoT helped revolutionize the series, I think. A Link to the Past pretty much set the formula in stone (up until now, for Zelda Wii, I guess), but OoT began a lot of the deeper things like friendship, brotherhood, and even romance. By adding elements that don't seem to be very Zelda-like, the series grows. I don't think romance will ever be a key focus in Zelda like it is in Final Fantasy, but it's starting to take up a little more importance as characters develop.

So yeah, there are bits of romance. I can see why many don't see it- it's not that defined. If it was, Zelda would be thrown off balance. But nowadays.. yeah, it's there.

[Shadsie]

Wow, old thread. I looked back on the second page to see what I wrote months ago, and yeah, I still stand by all that.

I just thought to add a recent thought of mine on a popular fandom ship... it's not that I'm disparaging anyone who likes it or telling people they don't have the right to like it fanart/fanfic it and such... it's just something that I find inexplicable that I just *don't get.*

Link x Dark Link. I just don't get it. It's not even a yaoi/slash m/m thing with me, either (for those quick to jump to the "homophobe!" conclusion). It's not that... it's that Dark Link has even less character develoment than Link does, as in, DL has *none.* Everything about him for fans of him basically has to be constructed - and even that is something that I find a little odd to a degree. To me, he'll always just be a spell, a shadow, a Jungian shadow archetype adversary, not really a "character" or a "person." (Other than "Shadow" in the Four Swords manga), I don't think Dark Link was ever meant to be anything more than a "shadow" - a metaphor for the Hero's dark side and something fun/difficult to fight in the game. This makes it very difficult for me to see Dark Link as a true character.

In other words, Link x Dark Link makes about as much sense to me as Link x Coffee Table. (Of course, now I'm wanting to see some fan art of Link making out with a coffee table)!

If any fans of this paring can explain what the appeal is for them, I'd be grateful for the insight. It's just a personal head-scratcher for me.

[Zeruda]

On the topic of Link x Dark Link, I'm sure the reason most people ship it is because of their yaoi obsession. At least, that's what I've noticed. Link x Dark Link is obviously not actually there in the series, but the pairing does have a deeper meaning for those who look closer:

Dark Link isn't an actual baddie in OoT, but a representation of Link's darker side- his evils that make him human. The battle with him is symbolic of Link cleansing himself of normal human impurities (greed, lust, etc. etc.) and emerging (rebirth in the Hero's Journey) as a new person- the pure hero. The pairing of Link x Dark Link is more of a one-sided love-- embracing one's self wholly, despite imperfections. It's embracing the good and the bad and shows acceptance of one's self. But that's just OoT- in other games, he's an actual enemy, but in another (can't recall) he takes OoT's same idea. It's just that the obsession with the pairing started with OoT.

So, while the Dark Link x Link pairing is mostly just a fangirl-based obsession that actually does not happen at all in the series, it does have a deeper meaning when in art form.

[Shadsie]

I figured it was something like that - people being drawn to the idea of the "light half" and the "dark half" together, (oft with the "dark half" corrupting or seducing the "light half"). I remember reading one fic, or part of one fic that was in Dark's POV talking about how he had been made of all the sinful stuff of the Hero, and "most definitely lust." I just think that fans of this paring must be very creative in working it out when one of the characters doesn't have a canonical personality of any kind.

This idea could be turned on its head though, though probably better in gen fic. You see, in that other thing I've liked for a while, Trigun... for the longest time, the action figure line had a "Dark Vash." I had a Dark Vash doll around for a while until he broke. I have a Vash and Dark Vash figureine set that I sometimes like to pose with guns to each other on a desk. Dark Vash is very similar to the TP Dark Link - silver hair, red eyes, black clothes. I think he was supposed to be "evil counterpart" in the action figure series (which makes little since because the canon series has Knives, who is Vash's literal evil twin brother). In the Trigun Maximum manga, "Dark Vash" was actually made canon - however, he wasn't evil - he was in fact... Vash. There was this whole sequence where Vash was at the limits of his power and drew power from his coat, turning it black (hard to explain) and also had black hair at the time due to a power limiter/decay thing (also hard to explain)... So basically, in that series, the "Dark" version of the good character was still actually the character, who was the same guy and still good - just suffering some weird things pretaining to his species.

[athenian200]

I'm not really a romance fan.

Don't get me wrong. There are some other series where I imagine a romance appearing between the characters.

The thing about Link is... a big part of his appeal to me is that he's a loner who does whatever he thinks is right, not someone who wants to get attached to anyone or "let himself go." He's a dutiful person who works to make sure things are set right, not out of love or loyalty towards his family or friends, but out of his own convictions regarding right and wrong.

I suppose that's why I hated the story of Twilight Princess (though I suppose I liked the gameplay as much as any Zelda game, the story is a big part of the game to me). To me, the game made Link seem like less of a loner and more like someone who had plans to marry Ilia or something. It also seemed like his motivations involved protecting his friends and family this time around, which I didn't care for. It makes him seem too "down to earth."

[TreeHuggerPanda]

(*takes a deep breath*)

LinkXZelda: Ocarina of Time- Link shows some signs in the game that he liked Zelda, but Zelda is to busy running around as Sheik to notice, so they don't end up together and partly because Zelda is a Sage, but in the manga. It's really clear that Link liked Zelda a lot, but Zelda, well, I think she was just like the game and doesn't understand Link liked her, so they don't end up together.

LinkXSaria: Ocarina of Time- Best Friends, Saria kind of liked Link, but she's a sage.

LinkXRuto: Oarina of Time- Okay, Ruto was in love with Link, but Link didn't "take the hint" about the engagement. Well, Ruto, 7 years later, finds she never actually "love" Link, so they break up the engagement.

LinkXMidna: Twilight Princess- Link likes Midna AS a friend. Midna likes Link a bit more that friends, but Midna lets it go and leaves.

LinkXZelda: Twilight Princess- Zelda and Link eventually end up together, but in the game, they are just friends. (theorizing here...)

LinkXIllia: Twilight Princess- It's possible that they ended up together. (just putting it out there) Link liked Illia. Illia loved Epona, so she likes Link. Link cared for Illia, so it's possible.

LinkXTerta/Zelda: Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass- Tetra liked Link. Link liked Tetra. They both ended up together. (take the hints from Spirit Tracks on Zelda's personality, it's like Link's and Tetra's)

LinkXZelda: Spirit Tracks- Become best friends in the game, lovers later. Take the hints on the exaggerated high five scene.

LinkXZelda: Minish Cap- Best Friends, but maybe ended up with each other. Who knows? :P

So that is my thoughts on LoZ romance. btw, I only did the games I played so far.

[OotLord1003]

Link and Shiek all the way!!! NOT IN THE GAY WAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I think shiek is a girl. I'm a guy

[PureLocke]

I always liked that TP Link ended up on a ranch all of 100 years after OoT so under the assumption that OoT Link was not a player that would make most harem anime guys respect him I like to think he got with Malon, considering he had to choose between bestiality(Ruto), pedophilia(Saria), an older woman(Nabooru..or Impa for that matter), the farm girl(Malon) or the princess(Zelda) and princesses tend to have to marry other royalty/nobles. For TP I'd be happy with either female lead that isn't Ilia, they tried to combine Saria and Malon to get that whiny ungrateful thing.

[Zeruda]

I never understood how people took it that Link married Malon based on TP!Link living in a village outside of Hyrule that just happens to have a ranch. He's the only Hylian there. Malon was Hylian. OoT!Link was Hylian.

I... just don't get it. I'm all for the Link/Malon shipping-- it's cute as all heck, but I don't think TP!Link, a guy 100 years later who has no relationship to OoT!Link and lives outside of Hyrule, would mean ANYTHING about OoT!Link's choice of romantic partners. o_o I reaaally think that's just stretching it.

[SheikahWarrior]

its pretty obvious that Ilia likes Link, have you seen the cutscene after you restore her memories, him, her and epona at the spring, the mushy music, not saying that Link likes her back but its obvious she likes him, and i also think that Midna likes him and im about 75% sure he falls for her when shes returned to her real form, remember the bits where she places her hand on his cheek, and the bit where Link is cradling her in his arms after she destroys the barrier over Hyrule castle? (im not going to mention the fangirls outside the STAR Game). in Spirit Tracks, the game was pretty much designed for ZeLinkers, they even hold hands at the end. In OoT i think Saria is just a friend, Ruto is stalker-like, Nabooru is obviously atttracted to adult link (if i had known you would grow up to be such a handsome young man, i would have kept my promise - Nabooru) But none of those would work as they are sages. OoT Zelda.... Meh, i dont know because you hardly see anything of Zelda, Malon likes Link, especially after he restores the ranch to normal. Theres no-one in particular in MM except Romani who pretty much filly the roll of child Malon, she almost certainly has a crush on Link. Tetra is just friends with Link. I obviously cant say how link feels about any of these, as Link is a blank stone, you choose who he likes/dislikes.

[Master]

it would make my life , to see a game where it actually shows link and some other girl kissing !

[jora]

nintendo prefers you have your pic but as a girl the lack of male frends for link is just lacking Drastically and i dont want it for other females artist such as "YAOI" but just cause its realistic for a guy to have guy frends more than girls i mean i dude with alot of girl friends is eather a HUGE player or...you know what