Zelda Has A Hero Of Time Trilogy Nobody Talks About

Across the entire Legend of Zelda series, there have been numerous versions of Link. Perhaps the most iconic is the Hero of Time, the Link seen in both Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, who is later succeeded by the Hero of Twilight from Twilight Princess. He is a truly formidable hero, one that endures rather a lot, saves Hyrule from inarguably one of the best versions of Ganondorf, and was the first to sport the classic Link look in 3D, a hard feat to accomplish in its own right.

However, despite being an incredibly popular version of the green-cap-wearing hero, it is often forgotten that the Hero of Time actually got a full-blown trilogy. Indeed, his adventures span three of the very best Legend of Zelda games of all time, making it a truly legendarily good trilogy. Sadly, while his first two games are well known, his third and final appearance is slightly less in the zeitgeist, and thus not talked about as much. However, those willing to see his adventure to the very end are in for a heartbreaking yet ultimately extremely satisfying experience.

The Hero Of Time’s Trilogy Is One Of The Best In Zelda History

Everyone who is a massive fan of The Legend of Zelda, or simply those who’ve seen the Ocarina of Time remake gameplay, knows of the Hero of Time’s initial adventures. Starting with Ocarina of Time, Link helps vanquish Ganondorf before then attempting to prevent that nightmarishly haunting moon from destroying Termina in Majora’s Mask. These classic N64 games have served as the foundation for modern Zelda and continue to be beloved despite the odd outdated mechanic.

However, they aren’t the end of the Hero of Time’s quest, as he features in one more game before disappearing forever. After Majora’s Mask, the Hero of Time goes about his business before eventually dying. Then, many years later, during the events of Twilight Princess, the Hero of Time returns as the Hero’s Spirit (also known as the Hero’s Shade), a skeletal knight who helps train the Hero of Twilight by imparting upon him his unique skills.

This third appearance technically means that the Hero of Time got a full-blown trilogy, something that is often not readily discussed, likely due to the lack of a modern Twilight Princess remaster. Yet, it is this third game in the trilogy that actually gives the Hero of Time his most interesting and perhaps mature story yet, as well as his much-deserved and much-needed finale.

The Hero of Time’s Story In Twilight Princess Is Heartbreaking

When The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess originally came out, there were many theories floating online that speculated that the Hero’s Spirit and the Hero of Time were indeed the same person. However, it wasn’t until the Hyrule Historia book and subsequently the Twilight Princess manga adaptation, that this fact was confirmed. Now that it is indeed canon, and the Hero’s Spirit’s story has been fleshed out a little more in the manga, there is officially a complete arc for the Hero of Time.

Unfortunately, it’s a rather sad one. After accomplishing all the miraculous feats in Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, the Hero of Time is more or less forgotten, growing up unrecognized for his heroic deeds. As a result, The Hero’s Spirit, and thus the Hero of Time, upon death, is forced to remain a skeletal husk awaiting his final purpose. It isn’t until he meets Link, teaches him the Hidden Skills, and later clashes with Ganondorf, that his purpose is fulfilled.

It is a heartbreaking and surprisingly dark story arc for a beloved character, yet one that is perfectly suited to Twilight Princess’ more somber and mature tone. In many respects, the bleak nature of the Hero of Time’s solemn storyline is what makes this trilogy so special. Each title is full of bizarre, beautiful, and ultimately heartbreaking moments that culminate in this incredible passing of the torch. It is a profound story arc that makes the trilogy perhaps the greatest Legend of Zelda experience on can have, and one more people should absolutely talk about.

Released

November 19, 2006

ESRB

T For Teen due to Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence

Developer(s)

Nintendo EAD

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Engine

Proprietary Engine