Link is an icon among gaming legends. He is portrayed as the embodiment of strength and courage, and because of this is loved and admired by many. Each incarnation of the hero brings a new aspect to the character, highlighting different attributes of his good nature. However, what I like in particular about Hyrule
If only for a brief moment (one in-game level to be exact,) Link starts to take pride in his skill. He acknowledges that he is the Hero of Legend and becomes overly confident now that he holds the blade of evil’s bane. If you’re like me and have been playing as Link for a majority of the storyline and leveling him up like a mad person, chances are you feel the exact same way. You can barrel down enemies like there’s no tomorrow and nothing can stop you. Nothing can get in Link’s way. Well, nothing but himself.
During the siege on Cia’s domain, despite the warning of the others, Link breaks off and chases her down on his own, confident in his ability to defeat the sorceress. What he doesn’t expect is for Cia to use Link’s own strength against him, and not only that but the darkness seeded in his heart. From that arrogant behavior, Cia creates Dark Link and uses him to combat Link in a one-on-one showdown in the central chamber of her keep.
Now, the actual fight isn’t all that hard if you’ve been training Link up to be a monster like I have. However, the concept is still extremely interesting all the same. Dark Link has always sort of just been there in the Zelda lore, mostly without rhyme or reason, generally being a shadowy counterpart to the Hylian hero. This time he is directly connected to Link, formed from darkness lingering in his heart.
Link becomes exhausted from fighting this mighty foe, and he is overwhelmed as it begins to duplicate, creating more and more Dark Links. Just as Link is about to be stuck down, Lana warps in and brings friends. Lots of friends. Impa, Fi, Darunia, and Midna all appear at Link’s side, ready to help and give words of wisdom: “Real strength only comes from knowing your weaknesses!”
In that moment, Link realizes the error of his ways. He accepts that he is not strong enough on his own and he needs his friends by his side. With that revelation, the Master Sword begins to glow and its true power is unleashed. The Dark Links are defeated and the heroes escape with their lives and a lesson well learned.
This story might not be the most original in the grand scheme of things, but it is something new for The Legend of Zelda. This may be the first time Link received a character arc, regardless of how short it might have been. Link has always been a hero first and foremost. He’s had faults in each incarnation, but nothing quite as dark as becoming his own enemy.
For the first time we see Link act prideful; something generally not associated with a good hero. He has a realistic flaw that ends up becoming his undoing and something he must overcome. In this simple little story, it teaches a good lesson about not getting in our own way. Don’t be blind to the people around you and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Though Link has always taught us lessons about how to be a better person, this time we are shown through his own struggles and help us relate to him on a different level.
With this lesson learned, Link is able to carry on and stand by Zelda’s side as she and Lana continue to rid Hyrule of Ganondorf’s evil presence. Link defeats him alongside his companions, and Hyrule is peaceful as it should be. Finally, Link returns
