Highlights
There has been a notable change in the recent The Legend of Zelda games where Link, historically portrayed as left-handed, is now depicted as right-handed. However, an intriguing theory suggests that this switch can be attributed to his training as a knight within the game's universe.
The theory suggests that Link's muscle memory from training with his right hand is the reason why he still uses it even after losing his memories. Additionally, his ability to use both hands effectively benefits him when wielding two-handed weapons in Tears of the Kingdom.
Although motion controls are a plausible factor for this change, this theory provides a more captivating and rational explanation, resulting in a delightful interpretation of Link's right-handedness in the games.
Link's switch from being historically left-handed to right-handed in recent The Legend of Zelda games caught the attention of fans. One fan presented a clever explanation that draws from the real-life history of knighthood. In previous games, Link predominantly used his left hand for wielding his blade, but since Skyward Sword, he has been shown using his right hand for sword-fighting in games like Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.
While the popular explanation has been that Nintendo made this change to accommodate motion controls in Skyward Sword, one fan has offered a much more intriguing explanation rooted in the game's lore. The depth and complexity of the latest installment in the franchise have kept fans engrossed even months after its release. Players have been creating elaborate items and even introducing Onyx from Pokemon into Tears of the Kingdom, while theories like this one have sparked lively discussions in online forums.
Reddit user GrimmCigarretes suggests that Link's training as a knight in Skyward Sword, Breath of the Wild, and Tears of the Kingdom possibly influenced his dominant hand. In these games, he is seen using his right hand for combat, similar to real-world knights who were trained to wield swords with their right hands. Interestingly, in Skyward Sword, Link keeps his plume and ink on the left side of his diary, indicating that he may be naturally left-handed but was trained to use his right hand like a traditional knight. The theory further emphasizes that muscle memory plays a role in Link's continued use of his right hand for fighting, even after losing his memories in Breath of the Wild. Link's ambidexterity is also advantageous when using two-handed weapons in Tears of the Kingdom.
Motion controls are likely responsible for this change, considering that most people are right-handed. However, fans enjoy this headcanon as it provides an enjoyable in-universe explanation. Moreover, the explanation itself is highly logical. It will be intriguing to observe whether Link reverts to using his dominant hand if The Legend of Zelda indeed returns on the speculated Switch 2 console.