Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Ends Love Theories
The relationship between Link and Zelda in The Legend of Zelda has been a topic of debate for players for years. Some say they are two heroes bound by fate, while others believe they are companions who can’t go beyond friendship. However, the English localization of Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment appears to put an end to these debates—at least for the English language.
Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment Reveals a Different Story
A diary entry in the English version of the game shows Zelda saying, “I honed my swordsmanship by modeling myself on a knight from my time—and my friend.” The “and friend” in this statement directly refers to Link. However, this little word casts a completely different light on the long-standing debate of “Are Zelda and Link lovers?”
Interestingly, this emphasis on “friend” only appears in the English version. In the original Japanese text, Link is referred to simply as “the knight at her side.” So, while the nature of the relationship is left unclear in the Japanese version, the English version, thanks to Nintendo of America’s translation, has adopted a more “platonic” tone.
This situation has revived criticism that Nintendo has similarly steered clear of “romantic” meanings in the past. While scenes in Tears of the Kingdom imply that the two live together, the emphasis on friendship in Age of Imprisonment has created confusion among players.
The exact nature of the bond between Zelda and Link remains debatable. However, this choice in the English version seems to put an end to the “romantic theory,” at least for Western players. Yet, for fans of the series, that double bed in Hateno Village remains a beacon of hope.
Read More: New Feature Leaked Early in The Sims 4
