Spoiler Warning:
The rest of this article contains significant spoilers for Tears of the Kingdom about the story, gameplay mechanics, etc. that you might not wish to see. Continue reading at your own risk.
Well folks, another Linktober has come and gone, and if I may be so bold, I think this was the best one yet! I saw so many wonderful pieces splashed all across the Internet this month, and the lovely artists who submitted to our DeviantArt Gallery – some familiar faces, some newcomers – poured so much passion into their work that my own creative spirit was rekindled along the way, clearing up the writer’s block that has plagued me for months. It really is remarkable what people’s love for the Zelda series can inspire, so after you’re finished looking over the pieces featured here, I highly recommend you peruse the entire Linktober 2023 folder and see what sparks your imagination!
And, as we have done in previous years, we are once again collaborating with the wonderful folks at Linktober to host a raffle event, so stay tuned until the end to see a few works that were submitted by the winner of the contest! Now, without further ado, let’s get started!
Prompt 1: “Gibdo” by LuckyNumber113
One of the reasons I hold Majora’s Mask in such high regard is the fact that, even to this day, I still stumble across previously-overlooked details that further enrich its emotionally stirring narrative. For example, did you know that, if you glimpse inside the downstairs closet of the Music Box House, you’ll find a beleaguered teddy bear that apparently suffered the Gibdo’s curse in conjunction with Pamela’s father? I think that most players, myself included, would completely brush past the closet without giving it a second thought, but the artist known as LuckyNumber113 seems to be one of those rare individuals who took note of this quirky little critter, as she chose it to represent the first day of the Linktober Shadow Calendar.
As is the case with most of her handmade crafts, LuckyNumber used pom-poms to construct this adorable fellow, with a gauze-like fabric serving as the mummy’s bandages. The end result, a delicate 2-inch doll that looks creepy and bedraggled in all the right ways, is extremely impressive to say the least. It’s a clever and unexpectedly wholesome spin on one of the most petrifying (ha) Zelda monsters to date, shedding light on a lonely little toy whose existence is both heartbreaking and humorously macabre.
LuckyNumber also posts artwork on Instagram, Artfol, and Twitter/X.
Prompt 2: “Temple” by Webmegami
Ever since Hylia’s chosen hero leapt from the back of his Crimson Loftwing and plummeted through the wall of clouds to the forgotten kingdom below, he and his descendants have been drawn to myriad ancient temples that dot the Hyrulean landscape, each one imbued with mysterious sacred power that will aid the bearer of the Triforce of Courage throughout his long journey. Some of these structures, like the Temple of Time Ruins from Breath of the Wild, are holy sanctuaries overflowing with warmth and tranquility, which is perfectly captured in this spectacular tarot card-style portrait by Webmegami.
She beckons us to the altar where a towering Goddess Statue awaits, bathed in gentle starlight with smaller statues protectively encircling it. Gazing at this arcadian scene, one can practically feel the brisk nighttime breeze snake across their skin, carrying with it the invigorating smell of fresh vegetation. Kneeling at the foot of the statue as they offer up a fervent prayer to the goddess, one senses the comforting presence of the ethereal being who greeted them at the stairs, her radiance enveloping them like a gossamer veil. Is she a spirit? A fairy? A manifestation of the goddess Hylia’s will? Even if we never find out the answer, we can still step out of Webmegami’s painting feeling cleansed and refreshed, ready to continue fighting for a world plagued by fear.
You can follow Webmegami on her other social media accounts here.
Prompt 2: “Temple” by LunaAndromeda
On the opposite end of the temple spectrum, we have the bone-chilling Shadow Temple from Ocarina of Time, an infamously terrifying dungeon designed as a prison for the Royal Family’s most despised enemies. Here you will find no soothing words of wisdom, no welcoming idols, no sense of protection or empowerment – this is a dangerous chamber of horrors with blood-streaked walls, bottomless pits, and deadly traps around every corner, whose sole purpose is to relentlessly torture those who betrayed their Hyrulean brethren. LunaAndromeda clearly has a keen understanding of what makes the Shadow Temple so deeply unsettling, as her small yet astonishingly detailed drawing penetrates right to the center of its vile, blackened heart.
With the Lens of Truth serving as our window, we are treated to a snapshot of the whirling scythe room, where two back-to-back reaper statues threaten to slice unsuspecting interlopers into ribbons with their perpetually spinning blades. When I first saw this picture, my mind instantly catapulted me back into that room, desperately scrabbling over the scattered wooden planks so that Link could narrowly dodge Death’s shiny soul harvester. The combination of blunt line work and watercolor painting makes the piece feel almost like a scene out of a comic book, and it emphasizes just how claustrophobic the Shadow Temple is; with nowhere to run or hide, one can’t help but be overwhelmed by anxiety and fear. But the Lens of Truth is there to remind us that if we proceed with open eyes and an alert mind, we may be able to methodically inch our way through and live to see the light of day again.
Also follow LunaAndromeda on Instagram.
Prompt 4: “Sage” by Chokkokat06
While I consider Saria to be the shining star of the original group of Sages, I also have quite a soft spot for the illustrious Princess Ruto. Starting out as a haughty, spoiled troublemaker who cares little about how her actions impact others, Ruto undergoes an impressive amount of character growth during Link’s seven-year slumber, evolving into a courageous and compassionate leader without sacrificing that signature saucy edge that makes her so endearing. And, like most Zora, she is a truly marvelous creature to behold, with beauty, dignity, and grace befitting a Sage of Water. It’s quite a shame that we never got to see perform water acrobatics like her descendant Prince Sidon, but luckily, artists like Chokkokat06 are happy to help us fill in the blanks.
In recent months, Chokkokat has been taking on palette challenges that allow her to experiment with color gradients, and if this painting is any indication, the practice has paid off in spades. Here we see the Zora princess diving deep underwater, and the blending of the various shades of blue is absolutely flawless, as she appears to assimilate with her surrounding environment while still maintaining her elegant form. Frigid navy and warm cerulean smoothly intertwine in the background, and Ruto’s dappled skin not only gives the impression of opalescent scales, but also makes the scene feel more dynamic and “fluid”. Bubbles of various sizes and degrees of clarity rise up to the surface, creating the illusion of three-dimensional space. And the icing on the cake is the calm, focused expression on her face, reflecting her desire to forge a spiritual bond with the element she represents. Ruto doesn’t just command the water – she is the water.
Before moving on, I do want to mention that Chokkokat, a regular participant in Linktober events, is also known to Zelda Universe as the voices of Aryll, Mila, Drona, and Elma in “The Wind Waker: Second Quest Dub”. So if you haven’t already, go check it out and listen to her interpretations of these cute, spunky characters!
You can also find Chokkokat on Instagram and Twitter/X.
Prompt 5: “Species/Race” by OutsetEmporium
Like a number of my Zelda Universe compatriots, I have nothing but respect and admiration for the Gerudo. Not only have they carved out a precarious existence in one of the harshest environments known to mankind, but for the longest time, they were unfairly ostracized by other races throughout the kingdom due to their “barbarous” customs, their strange biological quirk of birthing (almost) all females, and – most damning of all – their close association with Ganondorf, the King of Evil. As a result, they lived on the fringes for many years, clinging to their own, emphasizing toughness and austerity in the face of relentless sandstorms and prejudice. But through sheer perseverance, they gradually earned the trust of their fellows and developed into a thriving cultural hub, emerging as one of Hyrule’s most powerful allies. It’s been a lonely, arduous, but ultimately life-affirming journey, as portrayed in OutsetEmporium’s contemplative entry for “Species/Race”.
A lone Gerudo, traveling with no more than a pack, a sword and a shield strapped to her back, treks across a vast, sweeping dune that stretches as far as the eye can see. Smooth brush strokes capture how loose and fine the sand is, rippling and undulating like waves in an ocean. But this golden sea, scorching hot and devoid of nutrients, is nigh-inhospitable; a tiny bit of hardy vegetation dares to confront the sweltering sun, the only sign of life aside from a distant flock of birds and the Gerudo herself. On the horizon, obscured by the hazy sunlight, is her destination: Gerudo Town. I think most of us would consider this to be a grueling voyage, but the woman doesn’t show any sign of fatigue or distress. In fact, her erect posture projects confidence and self-assuredness as her powerful, muscular legs propel her across the dune. It may seem impractical to tackle the shifting sands in unstable high-heel shoes, but it’s obvious that this woman is so accustomed to this terrain that the prospect of twisting her ankle doesn’t even cross her mind. What was her purpose in coming out here? To gather raw gemstones for jewelry? To embark on a spiritual sabbatical? Anything is possible. The brutal, beautiful desert shaped her into a proud, graceful warrior, and when bathed in the unforgiving rays of the sun, she is fully in her element, capable of accomplishing the impossible.
OutsetEmporium also posts to Instagram and Etsy.
Prompt 8: “Constructs” by TetraD2
If there’s one thing Linktober has taught me, it’s to never underestimate the intelligence and ingenuity of the Zelda art community. Since Tears of the Kingdom released less than six months ago, it seems only natural that the Linktober calendar would include a couple of dedicated prompts for it: “Constructs” for Day 8 and “Zonai” for Day 19. Now, one might think that the charmingly gangly automatons and bizarre camelid humanoids introduced in that game are the only viable options for these days, but Rachel A. DeWitt – known on DeviantArt as TetraD2 – is here to say “Balderdash!”
For Linktober 2022, DeWitt designed a special Wind Waker-themed collage in honor of the game’s 20th anniversary, and this year, she decided to continue the tradition with Ocarina of Time, which turns 25 years old in late November (they grow up so fast). For the “Constructs” prompt, she chose to feature the delightfully catty Gossip Stones, which, as she argues, are essentially the predecessors of the robots the Zonai constructed. This interpretation is both mind-blowing and utterly hilarious, and now I can’t help but think of the Gossip Stones as the flip phones to the Constructs’ touchscreen smart devices. And what makes this even more amusing is imagining the Sheikah and Zonai “borrowing” ideas from each other to advance their technology over the years. Nothing wrong with a little friendly competition, am I right?
Also check out DeWitt’s work on Instagram.
Prompt 12: “Princess” by LinkSwords10
When I say the word “princess”, what immediately comes to your mind? I grew up on a steady diet of classic Disney, so my default version of a princess is a pretty standard one: a kind but relatively uncomplicated young woman with refined mannerisms, a long flowing dress, and a conventionally attractive face, little more than a plot device to drive a hero’s journey. This is basically what Princess Zelda was like in the early entries of her eponymous series, serving as a damsel in distress with so little screen time that players assumed Link was the Zelda of legend. Over time, these early Zeldas faded into the background as more complex incarnations rose to prominence, and to this day, many consider them to be “inferior” to their modern counterparts. But no skyscraper can rise to the heavens without a solid foundation, and as LinkSwords10’s striking portrait illustrates, every wielder of the Triforce of Wisdom deserves recognition for the role she has played in the vast Zelda universe.
Here we see almost every distinct rendition of Zelda gathered together in a black void, each one illuminated by the Triforce in the center, albeit from different angles. On a purely aesthetic level, it’s quite poignant and arresting, but if you gaze at it long enough, you can also begin to peel back the layers of symbolism embedded within. Notice that the princesses are distributed based on the chronology of the series – the four Unified rulers dominate the top portion of the piece, and the rest fall in accordance with their respective timelines, with the inquisitive Wild Era princess coming in at the very bottom. Sky Zelda and Tears Zelda, who both sacrificed their bodies and souls to seal away the darkness, are shown fervently praying, a subtle nod to their shared fate. Time Zelda’s stoic battle stance shows her connection to Tetra and Spirit Zelda, suggesting that the defiant Adult Era maidens have her to thank for lighting the original fire of rebellion. With all the various incarnations united like this, you come to realize that, while some may have played more active roles than others, they are all wholeheartedly committed to their kingdom and thus should be honored equally. Zelda is a goddess and a mortal, a sage and a scholar, a fugitive, a soldier, a girl in a frilly pink dress, a pirate in sea-worthy trousers – she is the Princess of Hyrule, a figure more than worthy of legend.
Also check out LinkSwords’ work on Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter/X.
Prompt 20: “Fire/Lava/Heat” by Laine-O
I am a passionate advocate for traditional animation, and while I thoroughly adore the realistic, polished style of Disney Renaissance and early Dreamworks films, I’m more intrigued by experimental works that utilize “messier” techniques such as pencil sketching and painting. The evocative brush strokes and watercolor backgrounds in The Tale of Princess Kaguya; the sketchy, vivid line work in Wolfwalkers; the gorgeous oil-painted environment in Loving Vincent – you can see the painstaking effort that was poured into every frame, creating immersive, eye-popping worlds where the animation tells the story as much as the characters and overarching narrative do. That’s why, when I saw Laine-O’s work for the first time, I couldn’t help but imagine what a Zelda arthouse animated film might look like.
For this Linktober event, Laine chose a soft black-and-white charcoal style with little splashes of color strategically placed throughout, again reminding me of Princess Kaguya with its emphasis on simple designs and expressive line work. I love every single piece that she has produced throughout the month, but I would be remiss if I didn’t draw specific attention to her Fire/Lava/Heat drawing, the only one (besides the “Free for All” day) she fully rendered in color. It’s a fairly straightforward concept, with Link from Tears of the Kingdom dressed in Ember Armor and swinging a Fire-Breath Lizal Blade, but this picture is so magnificently composed that I could easily imagine it as an isolated still frame from a movie. First of all, I can’t even fathom how this only took one day to complete, as the level of detail – from the gold stitching on the shirt to the individual ridges on the horns – is just plain amazing. And second, the light radiating from the sword’s glowing flames, with tiny embers dancing through the air, breathes so much life into the piece; one can practically feel their skin tingling with heat as the blade swings perilously close to their head. It’s such an engrossing piece that I’ll find myself staring at it, and then look up to see that 10 minutes have passed. If Laine ever decides to create a frame-by-frame animation of this scene, someone should come look for me, because I’ll likely lose myself for days in this charcoal world of fire and moonlight.
Laine can also be found on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Tumblr.
Linktober 2023 Raffle Winner: RottenCandyApples
And now, for the moment you’ve all been waiting for. I’m proud to present the winner of our Linktober 2023 Raffle: RottenCandyApples!
RottenCandyApples has a distinctive minimalist art style, with hard shadows and flat colors that lend themselves well to creepy, unsettling pieces, so it’s always a joy to see what kind of ghoulish delights she cooks up for Linktober. This year she did not disappoint, with a gritty Wolf Link transformation for Day 21 and an adorably disquieting Happy Korok Salesman for Day 24. But if I had to pick a favorite, I would definitely choose her rendition of “Puppet Zelda” for Day 10 of the Shadow Calendar.
Seeing the benevolent Princess of Twilit Hyrule corrupted and jerked around like a lifeless ragdoll was such an unforgettable punch to the gut that, when Tears of the Kingdom introduced a fake Zelda who sows chaos all across Hyrule, many players expressed hope that this would lead to another crazy marionette fight. Unfortunately, this did not come to pass, and Rotten shows us exactly what we missed out on with this unabashedly twisted portrait. Through a veil of sickly red mist, we see Phantom Zelda, all decked out in her beautiful Zonai garb, dangling in mid-air, supported by two thin red strings that are undoubtedly meant to be tendrils of Gloom. Her head lolls to the side as the black blight enveloping her hands spreads to her arms, slowly peeling away the thin facade and unmasking the monster underneath. But it’s that eerie, unnatural grin and those empty eyes staring directly at the viewer that ultimately makes one’s blood run cold. Rotten’s conceptualization of Tears of the Kingdom Puppet Zelda is a magnificent blend of the upsetting, deeply sinister Puppet Zelda from Twilight Princess and the demented, grotesque Puppet Ganon from The Wind Waker; had this creature been the one to challenge Link in Hyrule Castle instead of Phantom Ganon, it would have been a thrilling fever dream of a fight, full of wicked laughter, hideous transformations, and enough uncanny smiles to last a lifetime.
RottenCandyApples also posts artwork on Instagram and Tumblr.
But it doesn’t end there, folks – this is just a small sample of the entries we received this year, so please check out the entire folder if you want to see even more spectacular works of art! I’m so glad that I got a chance to host this year, because it gave me a chance to appreciate just how thoughtful, talented, and resilient the Zelda art community is. I know that the rise of AI art over the past year has proven demoralizing for many, so it really is heartening to see artists overcome these new obstacles and continue nurturing their abilities and letting their creativity flourish. As David Bowie once said, “art is what happens when you learn to dream”, so please, never stop dreaming. Thanks so much to everyone who participated, and here’s hoping the next Linktober is even better than this one!
