When I think of the best Legend of Zelda games, my mind wanders to Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask, and Twilight Princess. Something about the Child Era has always resonated with me, perhaps it’s the gaps between these stories that make me admire them to a deeper degree.
Before trekking into the Forest Temple in Twilight Princess, Link is greeted by an ominous golden wolf, who leaps at him, casting them into another world. Link transcends to a great, ethereal, white plain. Across the pearly arena, every significant Hyrulean monument decorates the horizon.
The golden wolf transforms into a hulking, ghostly skeleton wearing knightly armor. He breathes heavily, his left eye socket glows crimson red, and his golden greatsword is unsheathed as he clutches it in his left hand. He strikes Link with his blade, and as Link lies helplessly on the ground, the transparent swordsman utters:
“A sword wields no strength unless the hand that holds it has courage.”
At first, Link is somewhat offended by his harshness as he scowls at the towering figure. However, the unnamed knight’s righteous intentions ring true — to aid Link in the battle against the Twilight’s reign. The Hero’s Spirit is more popularly known as the Hero of Time, the same Link in Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask. His skull face is rugged, and his brows furrow permanently for sound reasons. The former hero’s soul is restless — existing in a sort of purgatory, he regrets never passing down his swordsman skills to those who came after him.
Contrary to the Child Era, the Hero of Time is adorned as a stone statue in The Wind Waker in the Adult Era. The hero’s starkly polarizing outcomes leave a lot to the imagination. Too much, in fact. The Hero of Time’s journey from his disgruntled past to his ultimate demise would be one of the best Legend of Zelda titles.
It Would Lack The Classic Zelda Formula
It’s bold to admit, but the Hero’s Shade era of the Zelda series would have one of the best plots in the entire franchise, partially because it would divert from the typical formula. Zelda fans never had the chance to discover Hyrule when it isn’t in the clasps of despair or impending doom. Rather, this game would explore the grief of one man and how his turmoil shaped the next generation. Link’s life after each title is seldom elaborated upon, leaving the audience to fill in the gaps. While that’s fun, especially if you love writing fanfiction like myself, it’s refreshing to get closure.
Ganondorf would be imprisoned or banished during the events of this game, and his involvement would likely be scarce. Princess Zelda wouldn’t be a damsel in distress and her place in power would return to normalcy. This game could repurpose familiar dungeons, examine Hyrule’s distinction in demographics and topography related to Twilight Princess, and Link would utilize the hidden skills. Although Ganondorf’s reign is over and through, hostile characters and monsters still lurk without the Dark Lord’s guidance. Despite Hyrule’s prosperity, combat would be relevant to an extent.
It Would Redefine The Best Era of Zelda
The Hero of Time’s tale embodies tragedy, isolation, and legacy. A headcanon of mine is that Link returned to Hyrule after the events of Majora’s Mask and inevitably grew older. He sought to continue his heroic deeds by becoming a high-rank Hylian Knight. Burdened by Ganondorf’s potential escape, Link would find himself between yearning for stability and carrying the world’s burdens. Nobody knows what he’d been through, and he’s gotten far too comfortable with conflict. Because Twilight Princess Link is his descendant, Ocarina of Time Link must have fathered children. Many fans, myself included, believe he settled down with Malon, but the Hero of Time is not short on lovers, he has plenty of options.
Moreover, endeavoring into the personal side of his life with romance and family could give context as to why he never passed down his knowledge. Perhaps his death was untimely and he never had the chance. It is also speculated that the Hero of Time lost his eye, hence his cool, terminator-esque red orb. Showcasing how this occurred, whether in battle or by accident, could be a climatic event. Ganondorf’s imprisonment could become the catalyst for a rebellion or battle. Expanding on the endless possibilities of Link’s new destiny as a knight allows for ample creative flexibility.
In the Twilight Princess manga by Akira Himekawa, there are some theories the author duo illustrates. The Hero of Time fortunately grew old, with a thick white beard, wispy silvered hair, and a weathered face full of wrinkles and scars. According to the Hero’s Shade in Volume 7, he and Ganondorf’s fight never transpired due to Zelda turning back the clock, and the only other person who knows about these events is Twilight Zelda, whom he interacts with as her protector. However, there is little insight into his life before his successor took on the role of the hero.
I love the idea of Nintendo revisiting the Hero of Time’s legacy. Seeing him echo in history is always a good thing, as I’d contend he’s the most important Link of all.
