Even though the games in the Zelda series are all connected via a shared universe, almost every entry can be regarded as an individual story with its own distinct setting and time period. This is because, in most cases, the games are separated by hundreds or even thousands of years. Thus, each version of Hyrule that we see is completely different, with characters too far removed from the world of their ancestors to establish solid connections. Spirit Tracks is unique in this respect, since it’s one of the very few Zelda titles out there to not only feature older versions of characters from previous titles, but also some direct descendants of characters who have passed on.
It has only been 100 years since Tetra founded New Hyrule, so a few characters from The Wind Waker and Phantom Hourglass are still alive. Old Man Niko, for example, met the Hero of Winds when he was just a young cabin boy, and he now serves as a mentor to Link the engineer. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Linebeck, the great and cowardly captain who helped save the world in Phantom Hourglass. But on the bright side, New Hyrule is now blessed with the presence of his grandson, Linebeck III. This Linebeck may not take after his grandfather in terms of exploring the open seas, but just like his predecessor, he is destined to cross paths with the hero in green and assist him on his journey.
Linebeck III is the spitting image of his grandfather, though he does sport a funky hat that sets him apart. Instead of combing the seas for treasure, this new Linebeck runs the Linebeck Trading Company, offering to take unwanted treasures off people’s hands in exchange for Rupees. In New Hyrule, the seafaring lifestyle seems to have been completely cast aside in favor of life on land, so the original Linebeck was likely one of the last to practice the art of sailing. Besides, I imagine that the family blood was a bit too steeped in cowardice to uphold such a perilous lifestyle.
But even though sailing may no longer be part of the Linebeck family tradition, being in debt certainly is. Linebeck I was weighed down by a staggering debt, having stolen the treasure of a pirate who soon hunted him down in her quest for revenge. Now, Linebeck III must pay back a bridge builder for fixing his house in the past. In order to repair the broken bridge that leads to the Ocean Realm, Link must first track down a valuable treasure hidden by Linebeck I to help pay off his grandson’s debt.
Linebeck III is one of my personal favorite references to characters seen in previous Zelda titles. While his lifestyle may be humbler and less extravagant than that of his famous grandfather, he stays true to the three main pillars of Linebeck family tradition: being charismatic, lusting after material goods, and, above all, serving as a valuable companion to Link whenever he’s in need of a friend.
