Once upon a time, there was a princess in a castle. The following words should be one of a fairy tale, but the story is not one that is found in children’s books. Tales of darkness, war and calamity is no story for a child, and yet Enn’s illustration, “Princess Zelda”, looks just like one out of the pages of a fairy tale. But if you take a closer look and find the details that may be missed at first glance, Princess Zelda’s true nature is revealed.
Enn has created a highly detailed artwork of Princess Zelda from Breath of the Wild sitting by a window up in her bedroom tower. At first glance, the picture is reminiscent of Rapunzel, watching the world from her high tower; however, Princess Zelda is not trapped in this tower. She can roam around her kingdom, she can speak her mind, but there is something bigger that keeps her tied down. Being a princess is no easy feat, and the princess of Hyrule is a role that comes with an even bigger task. To awaken the power of the goddesses and defeat the calamity brewing over the kingdom. Her duties are like a pair of chains, keeping her down.
Sitting in her bedroom, Princess Zelda is dressed in her formal royal garb. Not her more common riding gear, nor her goddess reminiscent ceremonial garb, Enn chose her royal dress covering her neck to toe. The dress reinforces the chains of her princess duties, suffocating her and weighing her down. But despite this, her head is held high. There is a serious look on her face. No matter what her father says, she will fight until the end. Whether that be from finally unlocking the power deep inside her or proving that her knowledge and research abilities might still be enough to end Calamity Ganon.
The memories Link obtains throughout the game showcase the struggles Princess Zelda goes through to live up to her father’s and the kingdom’s expectations for her. She tries all she can, but nothing ever seems good enough. Deep down, Princess Zelda is a scholar, researching the forgotten technology of the ancients and discovering other ways she may be able to protect her kingdom. This love for the past can be seen in details of the piece. Ancient screws and an ancient core piece lie scattered on the ground. Her diary lays open on a table, forgotten as she peers outside. Perhaps this takes place after the scolding from her father, where doubt is starting to creep in. She could research all she wanted. She could discover every secret of the Sheikah. But if she can’t unlock the powers of the goddesses, is she really worthy of being the heir to Hyrule?
There are some other little details that nod to aspects of Princess Zelda as seen in Breath of the Wild. At the bottom of the piece is the head of a golden arrow. Light Arrows are often associated with the princess in the Legend of Zelda series. Whether they are a gift from the princess for Link or are used by the Princess herself to aid Link with the final battle. In the point of the story that this illustration reflects, it’s not yet time for Princess Zelda to wield the Bow of Light, but the little nod to her archery is nice to see. On the other bottom corner of the piece, part of a tapestry can be seen. It is clearly the piece that shows what had happened in a war long before Princess Zelda’s time, when guardians roamed the kingdom. And finally, nestled beside Princess Zelda, is a wilting Silent Princess. Did she take one for research? Or was it a gift? Whatever its purpose, the flower reflects how Princess Zelda is feeling. She’s beautiful and rare, but also struggling.
No matter what comes her way, what heartache drums through her, Princess Zelda will continue to fight. In this story, she is not a damsel waiting for a happily ever after. She is a warrior, and she will keep fighting until the very end.
