The Unanswered Question of Link and Zelda's Relationship Status

The Legend of Zelda series has always focused on the characters Link and the titular Princess Zelda, but their true relationship has never been explicitly defined throughout the franchise's many iterations. According to Legend of Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma, the development team prefers to leave the relationship between the two iconic characters open to players' imaginations.

When asked in an interview with IGN if Link and Zelda are a couple in the latest game "Tears of the Kingdom", Aonuma declined to confirm their relationship status. An earlier statement from Zelda's English voice actress, Patricia Summersett, suggested that they are in an "active" relationship with "a lot of care and a lot of listening," but she later clarified that her comments were taken out of context, leaving fans to speculate about the nature of their relationship.

Aonuma stated that the development team's goal was not to dictate to players what Zelda is, or what the story and game are. He expressed a desire to leave it open to the interpretation of the players, emphasizing that everything the team wants to convey has already been included in the game. He added that the rest is up to the player's imagination and their personal reflections on their experiences within the game.

In regards to the potential for Zelda to become a playable character in future installments, Aonuma expressed openness to considering her role in the games. He also suggested that there might be a possibility for her to become playable in the future. When asked about this in English, he responded with uncertainty - "Maybe, maybe, maybe."

Regardless of the relationship between the two characters in upcoming games, it appears that the next Zelda game will depart from the storyline of Tears of the Kingdom and Breath of the Wild. Aonuma mentioned that the Tears of the Kingdom development team expanded on Breath of the Wild to explore all possibilities for that world. He indicated that a "direct sequel" to Tears of the Kingdom was unlikely, and a "sequel to a sequel" would be too extreme.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom won the Best Action/Adventure game award at The Game Awards 2023. Nintendo has also revealed plans for a live-action Legend of Zelda film, with the director aiming for a cinematic experience reminiscent of the work of renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki.

Editor's P/S

As a dedicated fan of The Legend of Zelda series, I find the ambiguity surrounding Link and Zelda's relationship both intriguing and frustrating. On one hand, it allows for personal interpretation and fosters a sense of mystery that has captivated players for decades. The idea that their connection is left to our imagination enhances the emotional impact of their interactions and encourages us to invest in their journey.

On the other hand, I can't help but crave a definitive answer. The lack of clarity can sometimes feel like a missed opportunity to explore a deeper emotional connection between the two characters. I would love to see their relationship develop and evolve over the course of the series, adding another layer of complexity to their already rich and compelling stories.