Although only a relative few NPCs inThe Legend of Zeldahave become recurring characters, it is clear that at least two important figures from the franchise’s past would have a lot to offer any future title. Nearly every newZeldatitle effectively offers a blank slate, allowing people to enter the franchise at any point without worrying about missing context from other titles. However, some characters have still become constant presences since their introduction, contributing in both large and small ways to each new game.
Of course, the most famousrecurring characters inThe Legend of Zeldaare Link, Zelda and Ganon, but plenty of supporting characters have received similar treatment. For example, the bug-loving merchant Beedle has become a familiar face since his original introduction inThe Wind Waker, and manyincarnations of the Sheikah Impahave likewise appeared since the originalThe Legend of Zeldagame. However, there are otherZeldaNPCs who are similarly iconic despite only appearing in a single game so far, and who would bring a new dynamic to the franchise if they also received new incarnations.
The Legend Of Zelda Could Do More With Link’s Family Members
Link’s Known Family Deserve More Attention In Future Games
Link is most often depicted as having no living family whatsoever, but he has had various relations over the years.Arguably the most recognizable ofLink’s known family membersare Aryll, Link’s younger sister, and their unnamed Grandmother, both of whom only appear inThe Wind Waker. The sheer rarity of seeing Link with family makes these characters immediately stand out, but the fact that they have no other incarnations is also striking; after all, Impa is undoubtedly similarly close to Zelda no matter her incarnation, a parallel which would alone justify further appearances from characters like Aryll.
Although Aryll and Grandma have appeared in titles likeSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate, they have still not appeared in a mainZeldatitle since their debut 22 years ago. However, the unique dynamics created by Link having living family like Aryll and Grandma in a game naturally open up new possibilities for potential storylines, as well as gameplay mechanics.Link interacting with his family in a newZeldatitle would be a perfect way to give insight into the hero’s background, but said family members could also support him on his quest by providing useful items and other benefits.
InThe Wind Waker, Link’s Grandma provides him with the potent Elixir Soup, which restores all of his hearts and magic as well as temporarily doubling the power of his attacks (a boost that lasts until he takes damage).
Of course, there are other family members who have had their own influence on Link, such as Link’s Uncle inA Link to the Past. Although the man does not enjoy much screen time due to dying in the game’s opening, he still entrusts Link with his sword and the mission of protecting Princess Zelda. Likewise, the hero’s grandfather Smith plays a similar role in sending him out into the world inThe Minish Cap, further demonstrating how Link’s family can play an important role.
Link’s Established Family Should Become Recurring NPCs
The Characters Have A Lot To Offer A New Game
If Link’s known family members were to be made full recurring characters, then they would be able to take full advantage ofThe Legend of Zelda’s move towards producing bigger games than ever before. The attention to detail and depth that is evident in titles likeTears of the Kingdommeans thatthere is plenty of opportunity to expand on their basic characters, both giving them more individuality and perhaps even greater influence on the plot. Of course, events like Aryll’s kidnapping inThe Wind Wakerare already influential, but more complex games would allow for more long-term relevance.
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It is also worth noting thatthere are a great number of potential side quests and side adventures that Link’s family would be uniquely suited to. For example, Link could be tasked with collecting ingredients to unlock access to his Grandma’s special soup, while the seagull-loving Aryll could prompt a long-term collection side quest for the birds’ feathers. Link’s Uncle, on the other hand, could act as a wandering knight or swordsman and team up with Link to assault monster dens in an open-world title.
Furthermore, with Link so often being a solitary figure, it would ultimately be heartwarming to see him surrounded and supported by a loving family. If his disparate family from across several games were to all be reincarnated in a new title, then there could be a multitude of interactions between them and Link, as well as each other. In many ways, the franchise is arguably due a change of pace, and would benefit from reusing more of its established material. As it stands, much of the existing worldbuilding is entirely one-off, likeThe Legend of Zelda’s use of parallel worlds.
The Next Zelda Game Could Explore Link’s Parents
The Hero’s Parents Are An Intriguing Mystery
Of course, none of this is to say that the franchise could not also introduce new family members for Link. Most notably, the hero has always been an orphan, with no known living parents.It would be fascinating to finally meet the two prominent absences in Link’s life, although it is worth noting that there have previously been details provided aboutLink’s parents in theOcarina of Timemanga, as well as references in other games to Link’s family being knights (including a mention of his father inBreath of the Wild).
It is canon that at least some of the many incarnations of Link are direct descendants of each other, as exemplified by theundeadOcarina of TimeLink inTwilight Princess, the Hero’s Shade, addressing the game’s protagonist Link as such. Therefore, introducing Link’s parents would provide a unique opportunity to explore this concept further; if Link is aware of this kind of family legacy, it could have a profound effect on him and those around him. Alternatively, even one or both of his parents simply being knights would provide a strong connection to Castle Town and the Royal Family.
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It would be amazing to see Link’s sister and grandmother return in a newZeldagame, especially considering the many different possibilities that their inclusion would create for the title. Their absence in the franchise sinceThe Wind Wakeris disappointing, but there is no reason for it to be permanent. Furthermore, this would open the door for other members of Link’s family to also make a reappearance, potentially alongside new characters, creating a unique familial dynamic forThe Legend of Zelda’s iconic protagonist.
