There is one inhabitant on Outset Island that I think few of us who have played The Wind Waker can forget. If anyone has forgotten him, they simply must’ve suppressed the memory of him so they never have to be reminded of that long drop of snot again.
He’s young, he’s dressed in yellow, and he’s the one we all want to avoid at all costs. I’m talking about none other than Zill.
Zill is one of the younger children (if not the youngest) living on Outset Island and he may not play the biggest role in The Wind Waker. That being said, he plays his role pretty well and makes the island feel more alive. He’s like most small kids, after all, just like how you and I used to be once: energetic and curious of almost everything and everyone.
Zill checks off every mark for the stereotype of an annoying younger sibling. He admires the older and cooler Link, he’s constantly snotty, and he’s clingy like few other characters in the Zelda franchise. Trying to run away from him should be considered a sidequest in itself, but luckily for Link, Zill’s legs aren’t as long as his yet so our hero can outrun him fairly easily and continue with his adventure.
When Link doesn’t have time (or perhaps the will) to entertain Zill, he has his big brother Joel to play with instead. Zill’s favorite spot to hang out at is the beach and Joel is usually not too far away from him, just by the bridge connecting the two halves of the island. Zill loves to imitate Joel like a proper little brother. That’s the best way to learn new things after all, isn’t it?
His parents, Abe and Rose, seem to be more interested in pigs than telling their son to wipe his nose, which might have resulted in the abnormally large drop that hangs indefinitely. Zill almost seems to let his nose become runny on purpose and one might wonder why, but I think the reason might be very simple; gross things are fun when you’re a little kid. In a way, I can understand why no one seems to do something to stop Zill from keeping a runny nose — after all, it could be a funny story to tell his future partner one day.
Zill is the perfect little brother. He’s still young enough to say what’s on his mind (which is sure to strike a nerve once or twice), he can be annoying, and yet, he’s loved by his family and the inhabitants of Outset Island. I know that most of us try to stay as far away from him as possible, but to honest, I couldn’t imagine The Wind Waker without him.
