For seven years, the Hyrule from the Era of the Hero of Time had no princess. For seven years, Hyrule lived in darkness while it waited for light and courage to return and fight the darkness away. Ocarina of Time tells us little of what happened to Sheik over those seven years. The manga by Akira Himekawa gave us a glimpse, but for the most part, that time is a mystery. It’s a mystery that has been filled with many interpretations and artwork just like that of ArtofPipeur. Captured in a Japanese anime art style, Sheik takes over the canvas as the warrior he truly is.
ArtofPipeur has done many scene redraws in his own style from across the various games. While his piece depicting Sheik is not one of them (instead inspired by a scene from Hunter × Hunter during a drawing challenge), it could easily be slotted into Ocarina of Time or Hyrule Warriors. The warrior kneels beside a fallen bandit. There’s contemplation in his expression, or shock, or intrigue. His true expression is hidden behind a mask, leaving the viewer to rely on body language to understand what Sheik may be feeling or thinking. Taking on the disguise of a Sheikah warrior is no easy task, and the identity underneath would be filled with many emotions — failure, sadness, and anger, but also hope. Hope that, one day, things will change for the better, and he will no longer have to wield his knives.
The anime-inspired art style of ArtofPipeur’s work creates ambience within the piece. While the scene is static, it breathes with life. The moment captured could pass for a freeze frame from a potential animated adaptation. A darker, more subtle version of “Sheik’s Theme” hides in the shadows of the piece. There is little light, a single source beaming from the right corner over both figures. It appears in part that Sheik is inside a cave or a dungeon, yet it also reflects how this was a dark time in Princess Zelda’s life. There were many things she had to do that a princess shouldn’t ever have to.
ArtofPipeur expressed his love for Sheik’s character both in art and in writing. He was inspired by how mysterious and dangerous Sheik appeared in Ocarina of Time, and how the plot twist — that Sheik was Princess Zelda the whole time — blew him away. And in return, his passion for Sheik gave birth to this artwork that showcases both the mystery and danger embodied in the character. An animated movie or TV show may never happen, and even if it did, we may never get to see Sheik take to the screen. But this artist gives us a glimpse of what could be, and shows us just how empowering Sheik’s character could be on the screen.
