Fi is often regarded as “one of those annoying companions” by many Zelda fans, and it’s a real shame. She’s hounded by critiques for annoying mechanics that have nothing to do with her as a character and she’s only remembered fondly for her famous farewell scene. Now I’m not claiming she’s a perfect character as I can see the faults in her as well as many others, but I’m willing to look past that all to see how interesting she really is.
I remember when I first saw the promotional artwork of Link and Fi, long before Skyward Sword even had a name. Right from the start
According to past articles I’ve written, her design is also admired by fans as well, but people seemed rather divided on her personality. Game mechanics and forced dialogue aside, I would argue that Fi is, in fact, a very interesting character. It’s not as prominent as with some of Link’s other companions, such as Midna or Ezlo, but she goes through her own character arc as the adventure progresses.
We’re first introduced to Fi through a dream as Link is falling through the sky, just having lost Zelda to a mysterious storm. We formally meet her not too long after, following her as she guides us to the Goddess Sword. The way she moves through the air immediately reminded me of Queen Rutella from Twilight Princess. Fi moves just as elegantly and is shrouded in mystery as we know nothing about this character yet.
Right from the start, Fi tells you what she was created for: to guide you to fulfill your destiny. You are the one chosen by her master to save the world. She is very straightforward, simply stating the facts that you need to know. Her manner of speech is rather mechanical, using statistics and using only factual statements to get her point across.
One statement in particular from her introduction stood out to me: “My projections indicate that this information has a high probability of altering your current emotional state.” She is aware of emotions. She understands that Hylians and other mortal beings feel in a way she does not. This can be seen throughout her dialogue not only in this scene but in future ones as well. While she remains stoic in her delivery, she does what she can to aid Link and do her best not to upset him. Such as in this scene, she delivers this line before telling Link that Zelda is still alive. She brings him peace of mind and
That being said, her incredible knowledge is what many people know her for, and though I personally like to focus on her emotional journey, her intellect is not to be forgotten. Gaepora even makes note that, “The youth will be guided by one born of the blade — one who is also youthful in likeness yet wise with knowledge immeasurable.” For many (and I mean many) of Link’s actions, Fi does the math and presents him with the exact statistics or comes up with the best strategy for him to approach whatever situation he is in. She was designed to be the perfect companion, and perhaps that’s why we don’t feel much of an emotional connection until later down the road.
In the first few dungeons, after completion, Fi reads Link a message from the ancient ones, but she doesn’t just read it. She dances. Some of the most beautiful footage in Skyward Sword consists of Fi hovering above the surface of the waters and spinning as gracefully as a ballerina. I had to revisit these scenes to see if the text was of any importance, and it was in accordance to the story, but I only remember her serene movements which are equally as important to her character. Though she appears to be an emotionless being, the way she moves is one with passion. Perhaps the words she reads invoke a hidden feeling within her that even she did not know she had.
In the later parts of the game, together with Fi, we forge the Master Sword into what it is today, and through that journey, though it may be hard to see, Fi starts to grow as a character. It’s tricky to spot, but there are some moments where we see she starts to ease up. She doesn’t speak as robotically as before, though she still takes the time to analyze the situation. It’s odd to see how similar she was from beginning to the end, but in the final scene, we can all clearly see the impact that Link has made on her all for the better.
Fi starts her
Fi and Link walk to the pedestal alone to speak. Fi tells her that her purpose is complete and that she is to be sealed within the Master Sword. Link is in absolute shock when this is said. From this reaction, it is clear that the two have bonded throughout their journey together. All the while Fi is smiling. She has no regrets. I’d go as far as to say she was proud of what she was a part of.
With a heavy heart, Link places the sword in its place while Zelda watches in sorrow. As Link walks away, the sword glows, and Fi speaks while she slowly slips into an eternal slumber. She expresses herself more than she ever has before:
“When I first awoke and began this task, I perceived it as merely serving my function as a servant to Her Grace. However, I have come to consider the information corresponding to our time together among the most precious data I have on record. I do not have the capability to fully understand the human spirit, Link… But now, at the end of my journey with you, as I prepare to sleep within the Master Sword forever, I experience a feeling I am unable to identify. I lack sufficient data to be sure of my conclusion, but I believe this feeling correlates closest to what your people call… happiness. Our partnership is at an end, and even as we speak, I feel my consciousness fading away. Before I enter the sleep that calls me to the sword, I wish to relay to you words that I recorded many times over the course of our journey. Many have said them to you thus far, but I now wish to say them for myself… Thank you, Master Link. May we meet again in another life.”
This gives me chills every time. She was created for a single purpose, and only wished to do so, but throughout the time she and Link spent together, a companionship was formed. It may have taken her a long time to realize it, but she cherishes the time they have spent together. She was designed to not feel any emotion, but their love for each other is so strong that she could finally understand what it meant to have a friend.
I’ve mentioned this before, so I’ll keep it brief, but one of the things I love most about Fi is that she sheds new light on
