The Silent Protagonist: Why Link Never Talks (And Should He?)
Breath of the Wild's Explanation: A Look at Zelda's Stoic Hero
For decades, Link, The Legend of Zelda's iconic hero, has been famously silent. Then came Breath of the Wild (BOTW)! For the first time ever, the game actually tries to explain his silence. This game features an extremely interesting narrative around how the developers explained it.
BOTW shows a very close relationship between Link and Zelda, showing Link as a knight protecting the princess, highlighting that Link, a usually quiet protagonist; has actually experienced massive amounts of trauma in prior instances which could impact him and changed him significantly. Their past relationship shows him mostly silent throughout various flashbacks in memory sequences – the scenes all fully voiced – except for Link, showcasing just how profound that internal turmoil within Link really impacted this particular iteration. All this is explored deeply throughout the story.
But Zelda’s diary holds a very important clue! Reading this in-game shows the answer:
"When I finally got around to asking why he's so quiet all the time, I could tell it was difficult for him to say. But he did. With so much at stake, and so many eyes upon him, he feels it necessary to stay strong and to silently bear any burden. A feeling I know all too well... For him, it has caused him to stop outwardly expressing his thoughts and feelings. I always believed him to be simply a gifted person who had never faced a day of hardship. How wrong I was... Everyone has struggles that go unseen by the world... I was so absorbed with my own problems, I failed to see his. I wish to talk with him more and to see what lies beneath those calm waters, to hear him speak freely and openly... And perhaps I, too, will be able to bare my soul to him and share the demons that have plagued me all these years."
That's a very significant addition, giving context that never previously existed before, for this particular iteration of Link. The writers emphasize what could've happened earlier, those points that create a deeper layer of development not normally present; which explains that Link's silence comes not out of inherent characteristics but is from this pressure. But is this explanation perfect? Does this reveal a common misconception? It absolutely does! That this kind of quiet nature is often wrongly projected as part of Link's personality.
The Many Links: One Hero, Countless Reincarnations
The thing about Link: He’s not one guy! Each game has a new Link, often unnamed by the player (these are just considered versions of Link)! This means that he actually changes his name between games depending on several things; these range from different player decisions to some elements inherent in how each particular installment itself changed over time.
Each carries that hero’s spirit. They’re all destined to fight Ganon; and Princess Zelda; these are their reincarnations, fighting that recurring antagonist across those many, many decades, showing this amazing continuity within these many releases. Each version reflects those design elements and other things which might change according to creative direction and new game design itself; these various reincarnations become crucial story aspects in the overall Legend of Zelda history! This emphasizes an important aspect for some; that BOTW explains this version’s silence, not all versions.
Has Link Ever Spoken? Yes! (But Mostly No…)
While Link's been voiceless in most games, he isn’t mute! This was implied many times, a thing easily recognizable when observing Link’s actions: various expressions, actions (that fade-to-black communication moments!), even gesturing! All that conveys things despite his voice never appearing. This was seen even further in BOTW and Tears of the Kingdom!
He's voiced (though poorly-received!) in the 1989 cartoon and in that infamous CD-i duology (yikes!), adding those unexpected instances and experiences which have a deeper, complex impact because there exist those kinds of official narratives beyond simply the games themselves which really change how one perceives that universe as a whole! This creates additional layers that don’t easily disappear without proper discussion; it’s really implied he’s typically taciturn, not inherently mute, leaving room for interpretation; those expressions that one can see directly; creating room for each audience to bring themselves into the game!
Link in Live Action: Will He Speak Up?
That upcoming live-action Zelda movie is coming eventually, hopefully. They need to decide whether Link finally speaks or remains silent! The challenges become incredibly unique when dealing with either version, but it would be totally valid, showing different perspectives!
A silent Link is totally doable in film, the impact would easily make up for the fact that Link himself remains voiceless! But there are conditions, particularly getting actors that would actually portray emotions adequately, using physical expression and those really impressive atmospheric effects. This adds many different nuances not always previously noted and changes how cinematic productions work. That movie would absolutely need creative visuals!
Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of a Silent Protagonist
Breath of the Wild gives Link’s silence purpose! This however fails to address previous games! He’s been this “silent protagonist” largely because it allows the players to better express themselves! A very brilliant solution!
Giving Link a voice would change Zelda! And it may just cause some of his lasting appeal to disappear. His continuing silence, in this unique iteration shown in BOTW; however could be an essential aspect of its production that has already had enormous amounts of creative thought behind its design. It was an excellent decision.
