One of the most fascinating characters introduced in A Link Between Worlds is Ravio. This bunny-hooded hero spends the majority of the game renting items to Link in order to help the Hero of Hyrule complete his quest. It’s only at the end of the game that players learn that Ravio is actually Link’s Lorulean counterpart. Where Link possesses great courage, Ravio believes himself to only be filled with cowardice and uncertainty. He believes this is what inspired him to flee to Hyrule in order to find a hero to help stop Hilda’s foolhardy alliance with Yuga. In their art titled “You Can Do It Too!”, joodlez shows us an uplifting encounter where Link encourages Ravio that, despite his supposed lack of courage, he can be a hero, too.
The largest figure in the piece is clearly Ravio, with Link serving in the mentor role. The most notable elements of Ravio in this piece are in his face. While he’s doing his best to present the face of a traditional hero like Link, Ravio is clearly unsure that he can fill that role. A bead of sweat sits under his eyes which are wide open, though looking straight ahead. He’s doing his best to be resolute but his dilated pupils betray the fear that lies underneath. This insecurity is also shown through Ravio’s handling of the borrowed Master Sword. While holding it in his right hand, Ravio’s left hand hovers nearby, unsure about whether he should use two hands to wield the blade or not.
The other largest figure in the piece of art is, of course, Link. The hero stands grinning behind Ravio with his arm outstretched as if to say, “Try it. You can do it, Ravio!” Where most of the games in the series center Link as the hero, he gets to play the cheerleader here, and it makes him all the more endearing. He’s not prideful or desiring the spotlight. He’s just as happy to help a friend overcome their fears.
Despite being the smallest figure in the whole piece, Ravio’s avian friend Sheerow has a lot to reveal. Sheerow is known to mimic Ravio’s gestures and emotions, which is interesting in this piece because in many ways he doesn’t seem to be doing this. While Ravio appears nervous, Sheerow is swooping down as if courageously attacking an enemy. Sheerow isn’t mirroring Ravio’s gesture, but he may be revealing Ravio’s emotions. Outwardly, Ravio appears afraid, but courage can be defined as doing something even while fearful. In that way, Sheerow’s attack pose is showing that, while Ravio is nervous and doubtful that he can be a hero, he is sticking with it. This only goes to show that he is more courageous than he is often given credit for.
Despite thinking himself a coward, Ravio is actually pretty brave. In the game, he is willing to admit that he can’t save Lorule himself and needs some help. He also stands up to Hilda when he tries to talk her out of her plan to steal Hyrule’s Triforce. This art shows us the bravery that Ravio possessed all along. He acts to save others even while doubting himself. He’s willing to admit that he needs help even if it makes him look like a coward, and he takes sword lessons from Link even while nervous about wielding a blade. By acting, even when he’s afraid, Ravio teaches us all what true bravery is.
