The Link Gone Evil Theory

As the name implies, this is a theory, a most intricate theory of Link, a beloved hero, falling into the darkness and essentially becoming what he fought against, evil. Now, it is imperative to come in with an open mind. Just forget what ever thoughts or beliefs you may have of Link after his epic adventures. Keeping to those thoughts, will just destroy what this theory is trying to accomplish and as all aspects of life, you are more likely to get more out of it, if you come in with a mind open to possibilities and willing to expand upon thoughts and ideas. At any rate, this is a theory I don’t really see among the countless web sites that stand as tributes to the beloved Zelda series. I’m sure someone else may have thought of it first, but I have not really seen any topic regarding this subject. I don’t find it surprising that’s its not a possible theory since its basically speculation but, as long as there is no new Zelda game to play (Twilight Princess is still far off) its great to pass the time speculation about different aspects of the series, especially the darker, more mysterious aspects, thus presented to you, is The Link Gone Evil Theory!

Its best to start at the beginning, not at the very beginning, but the beginning in which the topic or aspect first surfaces. I suppose its best to state which Link the title refers to, the keen eyed or just the ones who pay attention to details may have already come to the realization. For those who are still in the dark, the Link being referred to is the mighty Hero of Time, the savior of Hyrule in Ocarina of Time and Termina in Majora’s Mask. This is the Link that is arguably the most loved from the many heroes that have also shared the name. He was the first to be placed within the 3d world and stared in a game that has been constantly regarded by many to be the greatest game ever created. It is no surprise that this game is the standard by which all Zelda games that have come after are judged by. There is a saying that if one wants to be the best, one must beat the best. So far, no Zelda game has matched Ocarina of Time, but that’s not the point. The point is, as many can deduce from the title of this article, the Link that passes through the flow of time, defeats Ganon and Skull Kid, and ultimately saves two lands from being destroyed by evil, along with their populace, ends up becoming evil. Sounds crazy? Well it should. Is it impossible? Not entirely…

It all begins with Ocarina of Time. Our young hero was raised in a rather friendly forest and although he seemed to get along rather well with most of the kids, he already was isolated from them. He stood out and was perceived as different even at such an early age before his quest had begun. Link, unlike the others within the community, does not have a fairy. Even when he gets one, he immediately begins his quest, which has become legendary and nearly every Zelda fan is familiar with.

Now Link begins this quest and meets many different people, dangers, and puzzles. Much as the other Link’s he uses his courage (as well as a bit of luck) to help out anyone he meets and finish the quest he has undertaken. Events precede as normal, until one of the most important scenes in Ocarina of Time and even the entire Zelda series itself. Something goes horribly, horribly wrong. Upon drawing the Master Sword, Link’s spirit is set in a dormant state, waiting for the time when he has aged enough to reach the requirements of becoming the Hero of Time. During these seven years, Ganon takes over Hyrule and corrupts everything in sight leaving quite a mess for Link to clean up when he is ready. This is the first point of interest to those who support this theory (second if you count Link being different as a child). Imagine, if you will, the sheer difference between a ten year old (even a very mature one) and a seventeen year old. Quite staggering isn’t it? Imagine just how Link must of felt in his new body. The change would take some getting used too and the sheer difference mentally would be interesting and not doubt overwhelming. We can only speculate onto the extent of the changes that took place, (And just how exactly did his cloths grow with him?) but many would agree that the experience afterwards, adventuring through all those temples and looking upon a much darker world, where the wonderment and joy of youth was gone, would be quite life altering indeed. Link finds a dark world, where he had once joyfully explored and meet many new people, who were now suffering more then ever. Furthermore, his childhood was gone at that point. Even if he were to return to his youth (which he did), there would no doubt be a great change in him. He would have experienced something of such a stature that no one else could ever even begin understand. He had lived a life as an adult, experienced things that a ten year old would not be able to comprehend, or at least most ten year olds could not comprehend. Link was for beyond his years at the end of Ocarina of Time. More likely then not, he would become a lot more thoughtful, and feel a lot more isolated. I mean, going a quest to save a land is different enough, but becoming seventeen years old and going on the experience the world through such a perspective is rare indeed.

Fast forward to Majora’s Mask, where Link is wandering through a the Lost Woods, looking for Navi. She was the only friend that had experienced a similar experience that what Link had. Her leaving him had really isolated him. No one else knew of full adventure that Link undertook. Even though he had fought so hard to save this land, he now had quickly left it in search of a friend. Seeing Link ride through the forest at the beginning of the game, he seemed alone and even deep in thought. At least that may explain why he was caught so of guard. He almost seemed sad, although that is based upon one’s own perception and opinion. IT does however, fit with the feel of the game as well with the scene with Zelda later on when Link recovers his stolen Ocarina from the Skull Kid. In it, Link was leaving Hyrule, much quicker then the princess anticipated. Couple this with the statement at the beginning of the game. How he had left the land that made him a legend.

Speaking of the beginning of Majora’s Mask, during the Link trying to follow Skull Kid but is beaten back by Talt sequence, he seems to give up after awhile, just sitting while Skull Kid floats away. Now, the scenario is bad, he had just been transformed into a Deku Scrub which seemed to be quite a horrifying experience in itself and was now stuck in this body, his horse had been taken, he was (lets face it) lost, and the Ocarina of Time had been taken as well. Quite a predicament indeed and it sets the mood for the game. It seems pretty hopeless, as if there is no way to win against evil. This albeit depression setting was the finer point of the game as the story is expanded on like never before. As such, there are many characters with dark tales that are never fully resolved . Its shows how the effects of evil can never be destroyed, they can be built upon and transform into something that has a positive effect, but evil can never be erased. Players are introduced unknowingly near the beginning of the game to such a character and it is only at the end that one can discover the identity of a seemingly random inclusion. Of course it is the Deku Butler’s Son. Near the beginning, what remains of the son is used as a means to test out the Z targeting. Upon further inspection, Talt notices how the subject in question looks sad. She also ominously comments on how Link in his current form looks a lot like the “subject”. Could it be that the Deku mask is based upon the Butler’s son? That would explain on how Talt and the Butler comment on Link resembling the son. It is tragic story indeed, especially if this be true. All this foreshadowing reaches a climax at the very end where the Butler is seen , apparently crying in front of the twisted image of a Deku. There is no “happy ending” ending for the Butler. Just like there may be no “happy ending” for the Hero of Time.

The Butler and his son is but one instance of where good did not win, as it cannot erase what evil has done, just build upon it. The three main transformation masks each chronicle the story of character that was in the end defeated by the evil that was unleashed by Skull Kid. The Goron’s mask was attained when the mighty Goron hero Daramani left the task of saving the Goron race to Link. Daramani had died and failed his people. He had been tormented by this event and only wished now that his people could he saved. In the particularly touching scene activated with the Song of Healing, we see Daramani, in front of a crowd of Gorons, all chanting his name. This event causes Daramani to break out in tears. He never wished to fail his people. He wanted to uphold the task he had been given and save them, to become a true hero. Alas, this could not occur for he was dead so Link was given the responsibility. A similar event occurs when attaining the Zora mask. Mikau washes on shore, and in his dying breath, he informs Link of what has occurred. We then see another scene activated by the Song of Healing where Mikau is playing with his band mates. They are his trusted comrades and he no doubt cares for them deeply, especially Lulu who’s eggs he wanted to save but, was unable. The scene is just as sad as the one with Daramani, for it is known that he cannot now succeed. He thus, entrusts Link with this quest (who at this point is more then capable) and dies. Link builds a small memorial for Mikau and bows his head in respect. It is clear by now if it hasn’t been before, that Link is well beyond his years. Many children at his age see a world filled with wonder and excitement, even in dark times. Yet with the Hero of Time, the world is slowly coming to an end as it sinks deeper and deeper into an abyss of despair. There are many more instances of such a dark occurrence, such as the Anju and Kafie story where he is still stuck within a child’s body, even on his wedding day, the failed dream of Gorman, or the entire Ikana Kingdom really.

Now what does this have to do with Link becoming evil? Well, besides providing a dark theme to the game, it provides quite a mental strain for Link. Being a hero, he has gone to extraordinary lengths to aid people in their troubles. Its what Link does and is often compelled to do considering all the side quests that were present in Ocarina of Time. It must have thus, been incredibly unnerving to know that one could do nothing for the people. Link was caught in a constant loop of time that kept him from really being able to help anyone for, it would just be erased. All he could do was gain the objects and abilities he needed to defeat Skull Kid. Sure at the end, the good deeds appear to occur, but during the course of the game, Link must know many negative events were to occur but, not do anything about it for something else needed to be done. He may have even reasoned with himself “even if I do help (so and so), it will just be like it never happened in three days”. Quite maddening especially considering some of the negative events that occur such as Cremia’s abduction by Aliens. Link would also be maddened after awhile by the constant repetition of events. He would have to meet everyone for the first time again, and again, and again. It would be the ultimate form of isolation and difference. Two traits that are not known as positive factors upon people. Not to mention that insanity could soon follow. There are many idealists that state that change is the key to life. Novels such as the

Now enters the final piece of the puzzle, the final brick in the wall, the Fierce Deity Mask. Now what makes this mask so special? For one thing, all the other masks in the game need to be collected and traded in to attain it. Furthermore, the mask transforms Link into an almighty worrier who can then easily defeat Majora’s Mask with very little trouble. Now, Link gains this mask at end of the game, only if he surrendered all his masks to the other four children within the moon. The last child remaining, is wearing a the Majora’s Mask. When talking to him, he will give Link the mighty Fierce Deity Mask to make the coming battle more even, yet his words are odd. He seems to be under the distinct impression that Link is the bad guy, by putting on that mask, Link would be playing the bad guy in their coming “game”. To further add to this ominous statement, the description of the mask gives the impression that the mask is a lot like the Majora’s Mask in that it is evil. Remembering the effects it had on Skull Kid, would it not be possible that this mask would have a similar effect? It is most likely true that the Skull Kid was weaker mentally then Link, and that the Skull Kid had just suffered a serious blow in losing his friends the four giants seemingly forever, (As documented in Anju’s grandmother’s stories) but, has not just Link undergone serious mentally exhausting trials? Not only from the quest of Majora’s Mask, but also of the time traveling conducted in Ocarina of Time. The Fierce Deity Mask also seemed stronger then Majora’s Mask. Players found it easy to vanquish Majora once the mask was used. That is a sign of some serious power, especially considering all the evil Majora was able to inflict upon Termina and all the lives that had taken a turn for the worse. The evil of the mask had spread throughout the entire land, and now, Link has attained a power of at least equal strength. Of course, that’s assuming he used the mask which is highly likely. it’s a general rule of thumb in video games that whatever quests are available in a game, it would be expected that they all be finished. Why else add the Fierce Deity mask to game? Its not impossible to beat Majora without the mask.

The ease of beating Majora with the mask has left many to question why Nintendo added such a seemingly random item into the game. Was it some kind of fanfare for not having an adult Link? That seems unlikely, especially when considering a game that came out later on, Wind Waker, which was met with very negative responses but, was still released as Nintendo had first planned. It seems far more likely that the mask has some greater significance that might relate to the Zelda series as a whole. The mask, most definitely reeks of evil and power, yet Link uses the item anyway. Players are never able to find out how the event effected Link just that for once, the first time in Zelda history, Link was not the underdog. Considering all the other bosses and all the other Link’s, who would ever pick a boy in a green tunic to defeat the King of Evil, or a great sorcerer? Yet it occurred, and good was able to finally put a stop to evil, but now, in Majora’s Mask, not only is this Link an experienced hero who has proven himself, he is also wielding a power so great that the enemy becomes but, a fly that he must swat. Even the name of the mask reflects this, as deity is most often regarded as an entity that is much like a god. Fierce is a word used to define something of particular fury and strength. The name of the mask in Japanese, literally translates to “Angry God Link”, a very interesting term indeed.

The power that Link attains is like nothing any other Link has ever attained. He is almighty powerful, and has experienced a power like no other. This is quite a unique event in the Zelda series, and like all unique events, would most likely produce an effect unlike any other. The Hero of Time’s tales are tragic and are filled with pain. While other Links are able to reunite with their loved ones once the quest is done, this is not the case with the Hero of Time, seemingly doomed to a life of isolation. Players never really witness if Link has been greatly effected by the adventure. He is simply seen riding off into a forest, perhaps in search of a way home. Unfortunately none of the other games have any source of evidence to support that Link arrived home. In fact, it is most probable that he wouldn’t be able to, at least in his current form. It is unknown what occurred to the Fierce Deity Mask after the battle with Majora, but it seems just as likely as not that Link kept it, why would he throw such a powerful object away? Some creature would be likely to pick it up and you would have Majora’s Mask all over again. By keeping the mask, Link would be doing the land a service, yet he would also be prone to using the mask again, especially if he is stuck in Termina attempting to get back to Hyrule. At this point, he would most likely be rather vulnerable. Much like smoking and drugs, power is also very addicting. It also has the added bonus of causing corruption. Add all this to the mask already being known as being evil, and Link using the mask and becoming evil does not seem as such an impossible notion. In fact, it is much more plausible then the “Link living happily ever after” theory that is believed to be true by many Zelda fans. This may be the case for the other Links, but this Link is different. This Link stands out from the crowd and is unique. It is this uniqueness that dictates that his fate should be different, for he has experienced many events and factors that the others have not.

From a story wise stand point, this would be a brilliant move by Nintendo and would fit well with the darkened atmosphere of Majora’s Mask. Throughout many popular franchises such as Star Wars and the Metal Gear series, the creators have created back stories to some of the main villains, allowing fans to sympathize with the characters and adding a lot more depth to them. The only flaw with such an arrangement, is that in the end, fans know that the character in question will become evil. This takes away some of the excitement and intrigue of when the character actually becomes evil and the surprise that would then be unleashed. Would it then not be amazing if the Hero of Time became evil? It would be one of the most defining moments within the series, for many played as him, many knew that he was working for good and gave so much to defeat evil, enduring many hardships in the process. To see such a beloved and heroic hero fall from grace and become embedded with darkness would be one of the most shocking and tragic events to occur. The Hero of Time would become a tragic hero within the series and would forever stand out as different among the many Links even as he had long ago among the Kokiri children.

For all those nay sayers, just think about what the Zelda series is. It is an ever changing world that drastically differs itself from any other series out there. Is that not why the series is so beloved among fans and critics alike? There is always some new adventure, some new twist that keeps the series feeling as it had when the original Legend of Zelda came out. This would be a large change, yet would still make sense logically. The Hero of Time’s adventures would always be remembered as great accomplishments for the side of good, for like evil, good cannot be destroyed or erased as well, only built upon. The Hero of Time will always be the Hero of Time, what happens afterwards however, is open for discussion. Just don’t be surprised or saddened if an evil Link arises, for at the least there is bound to be another hero to rise up against him and continue the battle of good vs. evil.