Timeshift Thursday – Bridge of Eldin Standoff

Hi dear readers, and welcome to another exciting segment of Timeshift Thursday! Similar to last week I will be taking a good look at one of Link’s epic battles, where the gamer may have had a very memorable and inspirational experience, while examining the reasons as to what made it so incredible. I’ve drawn my thoughts from Twilight Princess where quite a few one-on-one combat events happen and have picked the one I found the most exhilarating.

This week features Link’s horseback fight with King Bulblin and it includes a stunning clash atop the glorious Bridge of Eldin. With Link clinging onto Epona’s reins, while trying to slash at the King of Bulblins and risking taking a disastrous plunge off the edge, this does happen to be one courageous act by our hero!

Would you like to learn more about Link’s Bridge of Eldin battle with King Bulblin? Hit the jump if you want to read deeper into the article!

This one out of many battles experienced in Twilight Princess between Link and King Bulblin most probably includes the greatest location to have this epic fight. While not as electrifying as the final battle with Ganon in Ocarina of Time (which we explored last week) the Bridge of Eldin still sets a stunning scene upon its ancient grounds. It’s grand gates at either side serve as the starting point for each combatant upon his loyal steed as it’s up to Link to ride across the bridge, manoeuvre to the side of King Bulblin (who’s coming from the opposite way) and strike him with his sword. It’s not that easy, however, as King Bulblin will follow Link’s exact movements if he decides to choose the left or the right side of the bridge and, if he rams into you with his hog, Link flies off the edge and the battle has to recommence from the beginning. Rather than making this an easier combat session on the Great Bridge of Hylia, Nintendo developed the gameplay well by forcing Link to fight on a hallowed bridge which does not have any handrails or ledges to stop a certain individual from tumbling overboard.

The whole point of this fight is Link’s desperate need to stop King Bulblin’s plot of kidnapping the young Ordonian, Colin. The fight reveals to Colin (originally lacking in courage) that true heroes are able to be found in the least expected of heroes and that, just like Link, he can also be strong and stand up for his friends and others in need. What a great moral lesson for that young man! Anyhow, who remembers that atmospheric cutscene which appears after Link slays King Bulblin off the edge of the Bridge of Eldin? Epona stands on her rear legs while Link unleashes his sword from its sheath holding it high and clear in front of the wall of twilight as if to declare his power and courage over the darkness of Zant and Ganondorf. It certainly is a stunning sight to glance at! Nintendo even decided to allow gamers to reminisce the battle scene from Twilight Princess by including the Bridge of Eldin in its number one fighting game, Super Smash Brothers Brawl. King Bulblin also features on that stage by riding his hog across the arena and throwing a bomb in an attempt to explode the middle section of the bridge. It is one of my favorite arenas in the highly-acclaimed fighting title.

What do you think of the Bridge of Eldin battle between Link and King Bulblin? Is this one of your most memorable Zelda fights? Do you like the way morals are involved to coincide with Colin’s ambition to replicate Link? Please be sure to share your comments and opinions below!