We all have to admit that not every character in the Zelda universe is our cup of tea. Whether it’s the runner who always wins the race in Ocarina of Time, the figurine pictographer in The Wind Waker, or of course Tingle. I don’t know what it is about Tingle, but I’m just not a big fan of him. He always comes off less like a helpful NPC, and more like a cosplayer who doesn’t know any better. For those curious about his “legacy,” one Zelda fan has decided to take a look back at what makes Tingle just show up everywhere.

In a recent episode of Dr. Wily’s Zelda Theory, he takes a look back at the origins of Tingle within the Zelda timeline. To start off with, Wily has to read through the Legend of the Fairy book found inside the Tower of the Gods in The Wind Waker. According to that, Tingle is a fairy who was born near a lake and 35 years later gives the Hero of Time a map to help him with his quest (which happens in Majora’s Mask). Any other person you see wearing this garb is honoring the legacy of this fairy.

Of course Wily feels there’s more to the story than what the book says. He first brings up how the book’s location doesn’t make any sense. The Tower of the Gods is a place that was created to test the hero who may deem themselves worthy to wield the Master Sword. Plus, the only way to find the book is through the use of the Tingle Tuner. And you need the three elemental pearls in order to even get into the tower.

Wily then looks at Tingle’s appearance in Majora’s Mask. He explains that the legacy of Termina is just a mashup of Link and Skull Kid’s memories and experiences thanks to the power of Majora’s Mask. Therefore, once Link finally left Termina, that world and its people completely vanished (similar to Koholint Island in Link’s Awakening). Wily states that the only person who should have any memory of that place is the Hero of Time, who not only died, but wasn’t even in the Adult Timeline.

When looking back at the Tingle Doll from Skyward Sword, Wily realizes that nobody there even knew who he was. Wily even wonders why his age throughout every one of his appearances is always 35. It even bugs him that Tingle shows up on a wanted poster in Phantom Hourglass when the entire game is supposed to be in a different dimension.

He looks back at the Legend of the Fairy book and notices the excerpt that claims Tingle “is a bit different”. Wily finally comes up with the theory that Tingle must be some kind of deity. It would explain how he was able to plant the book in the Tower of the Gods, how he shows up all over the timeline, and why he shows up in Termina (albeit in a small role).

Wily then continues with his theory, showing that fairies in the Zelda series have always taken many shapes and forms. He thinks that maybe one day Tingle came across a magic that made him powerful, bringing up the powerful artifacts Tingle gives Link in The Minish Cap and Four Swords Adventures. In the end, Wily comes up with the conclusion that Tingle is either a deity or more human than human.

What do you think of this theory? Do you believe that Tingle is some form of higher power? Let us know in the comments below.

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