Link & Zelda's Romantic Potential in Legend of Zelda (2024)

Zelda and Link's relationship has been rockier than the Eldin Region of Hyrule. For a pair that is literally bound by fate, the couple have sure had a lot of ups and downs throughout the Legend of Zelda franchise.

Dubbed by the fandom as Zelink, Zelda and Link's relationship can be difficult to define. That's because, throughout the history of their interactions between games, they have gone through pretty much every stage of companionship — from purely platonic allies (as in Twilight Princess) to obvious love interests (as in Minish Cap). It probably doesn't help the situation that the past two games in the series, Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom, have seen the pair go through both their most tumultuous, and heartwarming moments.

Updated on June 5, 2024 by Antonio Samson: Link and Zelda have been shipped by fans since the very first game. However, their relationship has never really been made clear. By looking at different games, fans have tried to discover if Link and Zelda love each other. This article was updated to provide more information and to meet CBR's editorial and formatting standards.

Things Can Get Complicated Between Link and Zelda

They Don't Always Get Together

Link and Zelda's relationship is a captivating enigma in some games. This is most evident in the various games throughout the series where their connection is shrouded in ambiguity. The first instance of this is in the inaugural Zelda game, where Link and Zelda's interactions are sparse, and any hint of affection is notably absent. This pattern continues in A Link to the Past, where the notion of a genuine relationship or emotional bond between the two is virtually non-existent.

Twilight Princess is another primary example of a time when Link and Zelda obviously have nothing going on. Link and Zelda's relationship throughout TP is not only very clearly platonic, but Link actually spends more time building closer relationships with other characters like Midna and Ilia.

Things between Link and Zelda are sometimes more complicated, though. In Ocarina of Time, Link and Zelda share their most ambiguous relationship yet. OoT's Zelda and Link definitely have a connection that is decided by fate itself, and they clearly care about one another. For example, Link is noticeably distressed when Ganondorf captures Zelda, and it appears to be beyond mere concern for a friend. Additionally, Zelda takes Link's hand at the end of the game.

However, this doesn't necessarily mean she has deeper feelings than just a strong emotional connection with him after having gone through so much together. Unfortunately, neither of them gets to express their true feelings, as Zelda chooses to send Link back to the past in hopes of him regaining some of his lost youth.

In Wind Waker, Link and Tetra form a close bond, but they are also young and love is not their primary focus. However, they continue their adventures together long after the events of Wind Waker, even embarking on the journey to establish a new nation of Hyrule at the end of Phantom Hourglass. This resilience and the eventual convergence of their paths, even when it's not initially apparent, is a testament to the enduring nature of their connection.

Sometimes, Zelda and Link are Clearly in Love

Their Relationship has Been Canon Before

Even though there are plenty of times in the Zelda series where Zelink isn't a thing, there are also some games where Zelda and Link are undeniably an item. The first and most clear portrayal of love between Link and Zelda was in Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link. At the end of the game, Link and Zelda share a kiss behind a curtain; it's a generic "hero gets the girl" sequence that, nevertheless, was the birth of Zelink. The two shared an on-screen kiss only in Oracle of Ages and Season's final ending sequence after linking and beating both games. Zelda bashfully kisses Link on the cheek to show her appreciation, and Link is noticeably dazed.

In Minish Cap, we witness a unique aspect of Zelda and Link's relationship. They go on a date, a rare occurrence considering their usual responsibilities of saving the world from the likes of Ganon. This date, a testament to their budding relationship, adds a humanizing touch to their characters. The tradition of portraying Link and Zelda as a couple continues in Spirit Tracks, where they are seen holding hands at the end of the game.

Among the 3D Zelda games, Skyward Sword provides the most profound insight into the relationship between Zelda and Link. They are depicted as childhood friends, with Link even enduring bullying due to his evident crush on her. This unrequited love adds a layer of emotional tension throughout the game, as Link's unwavering determination to save her is fueled by his feelings. After Link rescues her, Zelda remains on the surface to establish a new kingdom, and Link chooses to stay with her, solidifying their bond.

Due to their relationship in Skyward Sword, fans have speculated that every single incarnation of Princess Zelda is a descendant of the first Link. That's because the Goddess' bloodline is passed down through the generations of Zelda's family. That being the case, if Link truly does end up with Zelda as he appears to at the end of Skyward Sword, it should theoretically mean that Link's own bloodline has also been passed down.

Are Link and Zelda Together in Tears of the Kingdom?

Did They Move in Together?

See Also

Adult Link - The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Guide - IGN

Breath of the Wild has what may be the most complicated relationship between Link and Zelda in any game. Zelda starts seemingly despising Link over her jealousy of him. She sees how easily he can tap into his destiny as the hero, making her question why she can't do the same. In a way, she admires him so much that she becomes envious of his natural talents. Despite that, though, Link always sticks by her side and will do anything to protect her. Eventually, in a desperate attempt to protect Link, she finally unlocks her power. Sadly, it's too late, and the champions have all died. Zelda confides in Link and finally shares her pain with him in this tragic moment, and the two become closer through their shared hardship.

Following the events of BOTW and Link and Zelda's defeat of Calamity Ganon, the two appear to have moved in together. Link had bought a house in Hateno village in BOTW, and Princess Zelda had moved in there by the start of Tears of the Kingdom. Whether anything romantic happened between them remains in question, as Zelda acts bashfully toward Sonia's inquiries about Link in the past. Nevertheless, even Sonia can see that Zelda strongly feels for Link because she talks highly about him. Likewise, Link was always willing to do anything to protect the Princess, which hasn't stayed the same in TOTK.

Link is like Zelda's right-hand man, which makes it all the more poetic when Link physically loses his right arm protecting her at the start of TOTK. Luckily, Rauru is there to offer his own to Hylia's chosen hero. Having felt the tragedy of losing the one he loves firsthand, Rauru likely empathizes with Link in his journey to rescue the person closest to him. In the meantime, Princess Zelda sacrifices everything she has, both her body and her sanity, to power the Master Sword for Link — displaying the depth of her trust in him. It would be difficult for fans to deny the look in Zelda's eye when she wakes up and sees Link for the first time in TOTK's final cutscene.

Zelda and Link's Future Together Is Decided By Fate

Their Relationship is Still a Mystery

All Games Where Link and Zelda Have a Relationship:

• Zelda 2
• Oracle of Ages & Seasons
• Spirit Tracks
• Minish Cap
• Skyward Sword
• Breath of the Wild
• Tears of the Kingdom

In only three games in the entire series, Link and Zelda share a kiss or overly affectionate moment — Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, the combined secret ending of the Oracle games, and Spirit Tracks.

The Legend of Zelda's development team infamously keeps things ambiguous in many facets of the game's stories and lore. Princess Zelda's relationship with Link is just another way they do that. Even so, it's clear that in Tears of the Kingdom, there is something more than friendship between the two. The Director of the most recent games in the Zelda series, Hidemaro Fujibayashi, seems to personally push for Zelink more than some of the series' previous directors have.

Of all the games in the series, the ones directed by Fujibayahsi, namely the Oracle games, Minish Cap, Skyward Sword, BOTW, and TOTK, all tend to have the most explicit displays of affection shown between the series' two protagonists. In contrast, games that Eiji Aonuma spearheaded, like Twilight Princess, Ocarina of Time, and Wind Waker, tend to lean toward a more platonic relationship for Zelink, or at the very least, keeping things more mysterious.

With the complex and often contradictory history between Zelda and Link, the future of their relationship remains a tantalizing mystery. Yet, one thing is certain — they are fated to be a part of each other's lives, whether as friends or something more.

Link and Zelda Aren't Together in Every Reincarnation

Link has Other Love Interests

In the Legend of Zelda series, a myriad of characters could be perceived as potential love interests for Link, not just Princess Zelda. While there are instances of affection and closeness between Link and various female characters throughout the Legend of Zelda series, the degree to which these romantic relationships vary between games. In some cases, they are left open to interpretation. Each character brings their unique dynamic to Link's journey, enriching the narrative differently.

1. Malon: Malon, a ranch girl living on Lon Lon Ranch in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, forms a deep bond with Link during his journey. She teaches him Epona's Song and provides him with essential items, hinting at a potential affection. While the game doesn't explicitly confirm a romantic relationship, the emotional depth of their connection is undeniable.
2. Marin: Marin, a character from The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, is a pivotal figure in Link's quest. She rescues him after he washes ashore on Koholint Island and accompanies him throughout. Their relationship is portrayed as close and affectionate, with Marin expressing her desire to leave the island and explore the world with Link. However, the game's ending introduces a twist, suggesting that Marin may not be real and is merely a manifestation of the Wind Fish's dream, adding a layer of intrigue and uncertainty to their relationship.
3. Ilia: In The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Ilia is Link's childhood friend and caretaker in Ordon Village. While there are subtle hints of romantic tension between them, their bond is primarily portrayed as a strong friendship tested as they face the challenges of the game's story.
4. Mipha: A significant character from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mipha is a Zora princess and Link's childhood friend. Their relationship is deeply rooted in friendship and mutual respect, with Mipha harboring romantic feelings for Link, as revealed through her diary and memories. However, the game's narrative focuses more on their bond as comrades, leaving Link's feelings ambiguous and their relationship open to interpretation.

The Legend of Zelda

Begun in 1986, The Legend of Zelda franchise follows Link, Princess Zelda and other heroes in video games and other media.

Created by

Shigeru Miyamoto , Takashi Tezuka

First Film

The Legend of Zelda

First TV Show

The Legend of Zelda

Video Game(s)

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask , The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD , The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword , The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks , The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time , The Legend of Zelda: Triforce Heroes , The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening , The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild , The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom