The Romance Thread IV: The Debate Continues

Originally Posted by James the red

Just because Link is an excellent individual fighter, it doesnt mean he will be good at leading an army, especily if Link is himself fighting, because having the main leader of an army down in the fighting ranks is a bad strategy.

Plus, would Link want to get tangled in the petty disputes between kingdoms, it kinda erodes his "hero against evil" status.



And Ganonslayer2000, who said anything about random boar riders and bobokins, when Link is the head of state, he might have to fight armies of Humans.

But what humans are you talking about?? I don't really think Link has to lead an army anywhere. Hyrule last time I checked was that Ganon is the only one who disturbs the peace and besides the Gerudos, I can't think of any other humans at the top of my head right now that can take out Link playing hopscotch less swordfighting. Whether they're fighting for or separate from Ganon I don't really care one bit. As far as I care Link can just walk around in his underwear in Hyrule castle all day so I'm indifferent to whether Link leads the most pathetic loser army to fight against theoretical armies or practice raid and pillaging on Kakariko or Ordon villages. I only state it for sake of debate with gilderpilot on a point that IMO Link would more likely be a military leader subservant to Zelda at the tender age of 16 than a King with a crown, flowing robes along with pretensious scepter on one hand and Triforce of Courage on the other, whom would be above Zelda as head of state.

Link 16? Where did you get that? I think Link at his oldest is a bit older than that, especially since a 16 year has not yet grown to full strength and would be a less capable hero than someone slightly older.

And in addition, having exceedingly young people take the throne was not unheard of. In some cases the ruler was a child who had a regent to handle the duties of the kingdom.

Well if you get down to it I have had people suggest to me that Link is like 13. Personally I think OOT/TP Link to be around 18-21 give or take. But I have read posts on here and other Zelda sites that the Link age 16 and Zelda age 18 is C-A-N-O-N. Me personally, I don't take that Canon, alternate timeline stuff to seriously, but in OOT/TP, Link still has way too much naive innocence to convince me that he can be a 50/50 ruler with Zelda who IMO seems more mature and sophisticated to handle ruling Hyrule on her own without the help of a soft spoken dweeb who just sighs every so often.

The reason I don't believe he's 16 is that, while Link is technically a Hylian, he's basically human for all intents and purposes, and the typical human male does not reach physical maturity until around age 20. If he's really a "chosen hero" then it's illogical for fate to "choose" him to be a hero when he's not as physically mature and strong as he could be. It's like picking a fruit before it's ripe.

Now, as for psychological maturity, it's clear at the beginning that Link isn't on the same level as Zelda. She's been raised as royalty; no doubt she's better educated and has more knowledge about the world. But I think that Link, through his trials, becomes more her equal at the end. If he doesn't grow as a person throughout the story, then he has all the personality and character of a rock. I think Zelda sees him as an equal, as they both acknowledge that they need each other to achieve their goal. Both them strike me as mature individuals who can put aside their selfish wishes for the greater good.

Originally Posted by Sirius B

The reason I don't believe he's 16 is that, while Link is technically a Hylian, he's basically human for all intents and purposes, and the typical human male does not reach physical maturity until around age 20. If he's really a "chosen hero" then it's illogical for fate to "choose" him to be a hero when he's not as physically mature and strong as he could be. It's like picking a fruit before it's ripe.

What about the heroes that are mere kids? Are they not chosen as well?
WW Link for example, he's maybe 12 at the max, yet he's approved to have the Triforce of Courage: he takes on the mantle of the Hero of Time.
Actually, most Links are kids to begin with, only 3 out of the 14 games have Adult Link. In terms of picking a fruit before it's ripe...what if Link is often chosen young purposely because he can be changed? I thought that TP Link seemed to struggle the most emotionally because he was so old when called...he was already on a life path to something else.

Originally Posted by Sirius B

Now, as for psychological maturity, it's clear at the beginning that Link isn't on the same level as Zelda. She's been raised as royalty; no doubt she's better educated and has more knowledge about the world. But I think that Link, through his trials, becomes more her equal at the end. If he doesn't grow as a person throughout the story, then he has all the personality and character of a rock. I think Zelda sees him as an equal, as they both acknowledge that they need each other to achieve their goal. Both them strike me as mature individuals who can put aside their selfish wishes for the greater good.

Agreed. And I don't think physical age matters in the least when compared against mentalities, so a small age gap is irrelevant.

When dealing with the various love interests, again I think we have two distinct categories of woman: static and dynamic. Link himself is dynamic, changing throughout the course the game where Zelda also is. Girls like Malon and Ilia really are static...they are the same in the end as the beginning. I find it hard to see someone who has changed so much ending up with someone who hasn't.

Originally Posted by Sirius B

The reason I don't believe he's 16 is that, while Link is technically a Hylian, he's basically human for all intents and purposes, and the typical human male does not reach physical maturity until around age 20. If he's really a "chosen hero" then it's illogical for fate to "choose" him to be a hero when he's not as physically mature and strong as he could be. It's like picking a fruit before it's ripe.

Now, as for psychological maturity, it's clear at the beginning that Link isn't on the same level as Zelda. She's been raised as royalty; no doubt she's better educated and has more knowledge about the world. But I think that Link, through his trials, becomes more her equal at the end. If he doesn't grow as a person throughout the story, then he has all the personality and character of a rock. I think Zelda sees him as an equal, as they both acknowledge that they need each other to achieve their goal. Both them strike me as mature individuals who can put aside their selfish wishes for the greater good.

In OOT there is the 7 year gap between Child and Adult Link and there seems to be a common reference for a 5-12 for Child Link and a 15-20 for Adult Link by different Zelda fans with different point of views. I only inferred the two year age difference between Zelda and Link in OOT is in my observation that Child Zelda is taller than Child Link so I assumed that she maybe or maybe not be 1 to 3 years older than Link. Also, the naive innocence I referenced to is more that I was sort of a naive, softspoken dork, who would sigh at a random pretty girl in my high school when I was like 14-16. But when I started getting better at athletics and lifted weights blah blah blah I got self confident enough to be a little more outspoken and assertive by the time I was 19. So I associate the more popular OOT/TP personality of Link more to the way I was when I was 16. But at the same time 19 would be the ideal age that I would personally like for OOT/TP Link if he were to be more of a mature self confident manly man as I see it.

With that said, for this discussion the theoretical age difference is completely irrelevant. Its just I still see Zelda mature enough and smart enough with the Triforce of Wisdom to kindly advise Link to be a sweet dear and either whip the army inshape or go pick flowers for her, or give her a backrub and foot massage while she takes care of matters of diplomacy, economy, decree laws ect ect.

Originally Posted by gliderpilotgirl

Agreed. And I don't think physical age matters in the least when compared against mentalities, so a small age gap is irrelevant.

When dealing with the various love interests, again I think we have two distinct categories of woman: static and dynamic. Link himself is dynamic, changing throughout the course the game where Zelda also is. Girls like Malon and Ilia really are static...they are the same in the end as the beginning. I find it hard to see someone who has changed so much ending up with someone who hasn't.

I second that as well. I already explained why I might think Link is 16 years old and Zelda 18 in my response to Sirius B. But in this discussion its completely irrelevant as you say. I concurr with the dynamic of change in the relationship between Zelda and Link. With Child Zelda and Child Link, Zelda seems to treat Link as a cute pet that will obediently do her bidding but at the same time she cares about him enough to maybe keep him out of naughty mischief to where the King of hyrule won't have the guards kick Link out of the castle.

In Adult ZeldaXLink, Zelda is more mature and wiser and may be proud that Link has grown into a strong fighter that loves nothing more than protecting and saving her as often as he can, and his naive innocence is very endearing to her. I think eventually when Link gets more life experience he would be a good husband and King to rule with Zelda 50/50.

Originally Posted by Ganonslayer2000

In Adult ZeldaXLink, Zelda is more mature and wiser and may be proud that Link has grown into a strong fighter that loves nothing more than protecting and saving her as often as he can, and his naive innocence is very endearing to her. I think eventually when Link gets more life experience he would be a good husband and King to rule with Zelda 50/50.

I've always liked how Link has to grow into a man who's worthy of her: she inspires him to become more than he is. While I can see the romance in a simple girl wanting Link as he is, I think it's more profound that he's climbed mountains and such for Zelda. With Ilia/Malon, Link never has to prove his love: they just want a man and are not picky about it. But they will seldom get behind him and truly root for him to go above and beyond.
Zelda is the one who supports him being a hero, and pushes him to fulfill his destiny. I can't help but feel she is better for him.

None of them. Peach. Go to my thread. It's called Link and Peach...in love??? Someone posted a picture of them getting married

Originally Posted by Zeldanerd5

None of them. Peach. Go to my thread. It's called Link and Peach...in love??? Someone posted a picture of them getting married

Uh...no. They're from two separate games and have nothing in common, not to mention that Nintendo makes it pretty clear that she and Mario are an item.

Getting back on topic, while I think Malon was a static character, Ilia did grow slightly in the end, but I think her experiences only taught that the outside world is filled with big, bad dangerous things and that she'd be better off staying in the familiar comforts of home.

In addition, the fact that she's described as Link's "childhood friend" sort of precludes any romantic possibilities between them. They would have grown to known each other as platonic friends, and once you've gotten to know someone as "just a friend" the sudden jump to lovers would be unlikely, in my opinion.

As for Link and Midna, I think "star-crossed lovers" would sum their relationship up best. Maybe they do love each other, but both acknowledge that they're from different worlds, have different obligations, and for the greatest good they must live apart. It sort of reminds me of the end of Casablanca where Rick tells Ilsa that if she doesn't board the plane to escape, she'll regret it: "Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life."

Why does peach need mario to save her from a turtle. also, princess and plumber?

Originally Posted by Sirius B

Uh...no. They're from two separate games and have nothing in common, not to mention that Nintendo makes it pretty clear that she and Mario are an item.

Getting back on topic, while I think Malon was a static character, Ilia did grow slightly in the end, but I think her experiences only taught that the outside world is filled with big, bad dangerous things and that she'd be better off staying in the familiar comforts of home.

In addition, the fact that she's described as Link's "childhood friend" sort of precludes any romantic possibilities between them. They would have grown to known each other as platonic friends, and once you've gotten to know someone as "just a friend" the sudden jump to lovers would be unlikely, in my opinion.

Awesome picture. And agreed: Link and Peach seem to me about as likely as Zelda and Marth from Fire Emblem ending up together.

With Ilia, her regaining her personality seemed almost more a "this is who she really is.." if we are to believe the comments of many of the NPC's. If anything, the change she underwent was being forced to let go of Link through not remembering him. But I doubt she really changed in any fundamental way, she just let go of some insecurity. She's still the same girl.

I don't think the "childhood friend" role can disqualify someone as a romantic interest. Look at Saria from who Ilia clearly derives that aspect. When Link returned as a adult, was it merely platonic? I don't think so but their relationship died a quick death because she was a Sage and a child. I'm pretty sure Link's Grandfather actually describes him and Minish Cap Zelda as childhood friends as well, and that game has definate romantic undertones.
Overall, I prefer to think of it as a natural evolution: mostly friendship love turning into romantic love in time. However, I do believe that some initial attraction, "puppy love" is a pre-requisite.

Anyways, with Malon, she didn't even get the childhood friend title. In terms of her being static...she doesn't seem to learn or do anything, unlike Ilia. Ilia at least was able to rise to the challenge and save Ralis, despite having no memory. Malon depended on Link as a child, and the same as an adult..she didn't even try to change her circumstances. That strikes me as her attitude: "There's nothing I can do."
I actually think that kind of attitude could be poison and dangerous to a guy like Link, considering how he attempts the impossible with faith. It's a huge difference in mindsets too, enough to make them not compatible in my mind.

I just don't see any romantic connection with LinkxSaria simply because I don't recall any dialogue or text whatsoever in OOT that suggested to me that Link wanted her in that way. For one thing Link as a child, how the heck can anyone sit there and say he and Saria had romantic feelings. HE IS A CHILD H-E-L-L-O. As an adult, I have no doubt Saria desired Link as a strapping young lad, but like Illia I got no impression from the games whatsoever that adult Link wanted to return any romantic feelings, outside that he cared for both Saria and Illia in a sisterly way and nothing more. I still say Malon was a better love interest for Link than Illia and Saria combined.

True that Malon was static, but I can turn that around and say that static translates to stability in her personality and that would make her even more compatible for Link to settle down with her, and still go to Hyrule castle and help Zelda in maintaining order in Hyrule. Who says Malon has to learn anything outside of cooking and cleaning?? How could something like that poison Link in anyway as you say?? Details please. Plus, Link could just get Talon and Ingo to do the farmwork when he is away to Hyrule castle in helping Zelda with whatever. Its just the whole picking flowers for Zelda and being supersweet to her all the time would be out the door since he has to be true and loyal to Malon. In other words, his relationship with Zelda would be platonic and strictly business, but the big question is would Zelda accept that the pure hearted hero is shacked up with a lowly simple minded peasant girl instead of her?? Who knows?

Originally Posted by Ganonslayer2000

I just don't see any romantic connection with LinkxSaria simply because I don't recall any dialogue or text whatsoever in OOT that suggested to me that Link wanted her in that way. For one thing Link as a child, how the heck can anyone sit there and say he and Saria had romantic feelings. HE IS A CHILD H-E-L-L-O. As an adult, I have no doubt Saria desired Link as a strapping young lad, but like Illia I got no impression from the games whatsoever that adult Link wanted to return any romantic feelings, outside that he cared for both Saria and Illia in a sisterly way and nothing more. I still say Malon was a better love interest for Link than Illia and Saria combined.

There's plenty of dialogue..it's just subtle. The best way to tell IMO is to listen to what the other characters have to say: Mido for instance tells Adult Link unwittingly that Saria had been waiting for him ( "waiting for someone" is often romantic speak ) and the most blatant is when the game tells you: "Saria will always be....your friend." That's also common romantic speak for ending a relationship.
As for Link himself, I think he gave off plenty of signs.
1) His hesitation in leaving her in the beginning.
2) His quiet and solemn pause at seeing her empty seat as an Adult. He was mourning in a sense, IMO, his past childhood as well as her absence.
3) Link tried to explain to her, or reacted in the Chamber of Sages. The fact he feels he owes her an explanation for his condition speaks of his regard for her.

I think the best thing that advocates for a Link x Saria over Link x Malon is that while Malon may appear perfect in theory, Link seemed to actually return Saria's regard. We have not one sign that Link ever validly returned Malon's affections. Saria and Link may have been children, but "young love becomes deep affection". It's a natural growth that can start in childhood.

Originally Posted by Ganonslayer2000

True that Malon was static, but I can turn that around and say that static translates to stability in her personality and that would make her even more compatible for Link to settle down with her, and still go to Hyrule castle and help Zelda in maintaining order in Hyrule. Who says Malon has to learn anything outside of cooking and cleaning?? How could something like that poison Link in anyway as you say?? Details please. Plus, Link could just get Talon and Ingo to do the farmwork when he is away to Hyrule castle in helping Zelda with whatever. Its just the whole picking flowers for Zelda and being supersweet to her all the time would be out the door since he has to be true and loyal to Malon. In other words, his relationship with Zelda would be platonic and strictly business, but the big question is would Zelda accept that the pure hearted hero is shacked up with a lowly simple minded peasant girl instead of her?? Who knows?

But then Link ends up torn. Part of being in love with someone is wanting to be with them...to spend the rest of your life together. He's called to be a Hero and he knows it...how is it going to play out if rather than desiring to do his heroics he merely wants to return to the farm and Malon? In this case I don't think he can have his cake and eat it too. If you listen to Talon and to Romani and Cremia...they want a partner. They need a partner. Talon and Ingo won't be around forever, and when they pass on, Malon is on the hook for the farm. ( Like Cremia ) Unless Link gives up what he destined for, he cannot be a farmer: it's a full time job.

The Stability thing: Malon is static and so is her personality: I agree. But Link is not. Loving someone is loving who they are...if this is changing constantly or changes fundamentally...you may not necessarily still be in love with the person they have become. In this case, if Malon did love him, I see her becoming frustrated and distant in terms of attempting to connect with Link.

The Poisonous Idea thing: Sorry, I will elaborate. Okay..so by spending time with Malon ( or Cremia/Romani ) the attitude comes from her: "There's nothing I can do."...so she doesn't try to change her circumstances. She actually enables them. ( in Malon's case ) When she meets Link again as an Adult...she doesn't ask him for help, probably because she doesn't believe anything can be done. Why is this poisonous to Link?
Because he attempts the impossible routinely. Bad company corrupts good morals...how easy would it be for Link to just accept that a challenge is too big for him? He could easily fall into that trap, especially if he loves and esteems Malon. When someone is a big part of your life, you are affected by what they think and say. I could never see Malon realistically encouraging Link to go out and do the impossible because she doesn't believe it can be done herself.
Zelda is the exact opposite in this regard: in the face of impossible odds ( OoT, Link disappearing for 7 years and Hyrule's destruction ) she never gives up, and nor does she lose faith in Link personally. If he loves and esteems Zelda...she would naturally encourage and strengthen him with her personal faith.
Another poisonous thing about Malon is her small-mindness. We never hear her shown concern for anything outside her own life. ( Unlike Ilia ) Link is all about concern for others: if his wife puts the idea into his head, "Well, how does this affect you?"...it could be dangerous to his heroism.

The last point: You are implying that Zelda would be jealous of Link and Malon. I don't think so for one simple reason. Jealousy is something associated with selfishness. A desire for your welfare over someone else's. But selfishness is not something that Zelda has ever demonstrated. *Phew* this is a long post, but you raised some good points.

this is only for the sake of debate, but I still think the subtle dialogue or cutscenes only points to Link caring for Saria as the sister he was always able to rely on as a child. IMO the whole LinkxSaria thing is erotically bizarre and even if Saria did desire Link romantically even as a child, then she would be nothing more than a child molester taking advantage of innocent Link who only loves her as a dear sister in the first place.

As for Malon, if the theoretical marriage of LinkxMalon did impede Link from being a hero, then I would like to think that Link, despite being a naive doormat, would acknowledge this and have a good husband to wife discussion that Malon should be supportive when he has to temporarily leave once in awhile. If Malon makes a big deal over it then I'm sure Link would eventually have the marriage anulled and run to the arms of Zelda for sure. But then maybe Zelda would not want him anymore since he already gave the gift of his virginity to Malon. Anyway...for your sake, hope that Link chooses Zelda first before he chooses Malon, Illia or Saria. I agree that it would be out of character for Zelda to be jealous so if he did hook up with Malon or another, she would reluctantly accept this, though deep down she would be very sad of course.

Originally Posted by Ganonslayer2000

this is only for the sake of debate, but I still think the subtle dialogue or cutscenes only points to Link caring for Saria as the sister he was always able to rely on as a child. IMO the whole LinkxSaria thing is erotically bizarre and even if Saria did desire Link romantically even as a child, then she would be nothing more than a child molester taking advantage of innocent Link who only loves her as a dear sister in the first place.

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one. "Erotically bizarre"? You're going to have to explain that one to me. While I have no doubt Saria was vastly more mature than him ( she's essentially ageless, so we have no solid figure on her age ) their relationship was one of friendship and innocence primarily...there was nothing unclean about it.

Originally Posted by Ganonslayer2000

As for Malon, if the theoretical marriage of LinkxMalon did impede Link from being a hero, then I would like to think that Link, despite being a naive doormat, would acknowledge this and have a good husband to wife discussion that Malon should be supportive when he has to temporarily leave once in awhile. If Malon makes a big deal over it then I'm sure Link would eventually have the marriage anulled and run to the arms of Zelda for sure. But then maybe Zelda would not want him anymore since he already gave the gift of his virginity to Malon. Anyway...for your sake, hope that Link chooses Zelda first before he chooses Malon, Illia or Saria. I agree that it would be out of character for Zelda to be jealous so if he did hook up with Malon or another, she would reluctantly accept this, though deep down she would be very sad of course.

IMO: That's easier said than done: especially with a girl as spirited as Malon.
Few women like to be told we are going to be second place to a career, and in Link's case it wouldn't be part-time: his life path is heroism, not farming. I still think that makes them incompatible...Malon represents a life path he will ultimately reject.
If he truly and sincerely loved her and she did him, I think it may be a different story though. Like my thoughts with Saria, I definately got the impression from both games that Link developed romantic feelings for Zelda. Over the course of OoT, I feel he fell in love with her, and it continued into MM. Because of this, I see a relationship with Malon as unlikely: it means he would have to lose his feelings for Zelda, and fall in love with another girl. The nature of the feelings I saw him display for Zelda are also important: they were the deep and special kind, ones that don't diminish even when she's not there...another girl, especially a flirty-infatuation type would have a hard time overcoming them.

Ilia in contrast would be the "love overcomes all" girl if it did happen. If I believed Link was going to leave a simple girl at home while he adventured, I can see Ilia being it. This is in a large part because I feel her feelings were reciprocated by Link in a meaningful way, unlike with Malon. Ilia and Malon may be similar, but the kind of relationship they had with their respective Links are completely different.

I think they said somewhere in TP that TP Link was an actual descendent of OoT Link (something about the Triforce of Courage being passed down, leading to TP Link), meaning that Link and Zelda either never got together in OoT, or the Link and Zelda in TP are actually related (probably cousins by now) and any relationship between the 2 would be a little disturbing. As I've said before, Link most likely walked to Malon when she and Zelda put him in the middle and started saying "come here, boy, come here". What you, glider, seem to think is that Hyrule needs saving every... single... goddamn day. He only needs to be a hero when a hero is needed. He didn't go on the adventure of Termina because he decided that he wanted to save the entire bleeding universe, he accidently ended up there chasing the Skull Kid after he stole Epona while Link was looking for his friend. Being a hero is not a full-time job. It can't even be considered a part-time job. It's just what you have to be when the time comes that you must be a hero. Even then, during that rare time where Link has to leave on his heroic duties, anyone could easily interprete that as not just fighting to save Hyrule, but fighting for her as well. And he isn't one of those heroes who patrol the streets looking for criminals, either. As seen in MM, he only stops crime if it's blatantly occuring right in front of his face (and prouncing around with and incredibly creepy smile). He can easily be a farmer, and it isn't too far fetched, as seen by TP Link's choice of career.

Originally Posted by firsttsurugi

I think they said somewhere in TP that TP Link was an actual descendent of OoT Link (something about the Triforce of Courage being passed down, leading to TP Link), meaning that Link and Zelda either never got together in OoT, or the Link and Zelda in TP are actually related (probably cousins by now) and any relationship between the 2 would be a little disturbing.

The Hero's Shade makes three remarks:
-"Those are only for one who carries the blood of the hero...the one whose spirit is that of the sublime beast."
-"They are forgotten ways that do not leave our bloodline."
-"Go and do not falter, my child!"
While he appears to be TP Link's ancestor, it's not clear if he's OoT Link or not: it seems a strong possibility. "Blood of the hero" seems vague.

Originally Posted by firsttsurugi

As I've said before, Link most likely walked to Malon when she and Zelda put him in the middle and started saying "come here, boy, come here".

I don't recall that post: For the sake of debate, why do you think he would choose Malon over Zelda?

Originally Posted by firsttsurugi

What you, glider, seem to think is that Hyrule needs saving every... single... goddamn day. He only needs to be a hero when a hero is needed. He didn't go on the adventure of Termina because he decided that he wanted to save the entire bleeding universe, he accidently ended up there chasing the Skull Kid after he stole Epona while Link was looking for his friend. Being a hero is not a full-time job. It can't even be considered a part-time job. It's just what you have to be when the time comes that you must be a hero.

The role of a Hero can change over time, it won't always be the same. If we are taking the Hero's Spirit into account once more ( who can really be symbolic of any hero ) he says this:
"Although I accepted life as the hero, I could not convey the lessons of that
life to those who came after."
This seems like a man who made a lifetime out of his heroism. It mattered enough to him that he could not move on without ensuring his mantle was passed on. This likely wasn't because he didn't try when he was alive.

Originally Posted by firsttsurugi

As seen in MM, he only stops crime if it's blatantly occuring right in front of his face (and prouncing around with and incredibly creepy smile). He can easily be a farmer, and it isn't too far fetched, as seen by TP Link's choice of career.

I'm not sure if the beginning of MM is a good example of Link in general. He seemed a bit out of sorts at the beginning....depressed, apathetic, etc. He had "crept away" from Hyrule to look for his friend...this is after his triumphant return to Zelda in the end. The mood was completely different.

TP Link started as a farmer...he didn't end as one. The last scene was of him riding away from Ordon with the Hero's/Hyrule's theme in the background. Besides...Link starting out humble is a staple of the series. He's never the same in the end however.

Originally Posted by gliderpilotgirl

We'll have to agree to disagree on that one. "Erotically bizarre"? You're going to have to explain that one to me. While I have no doubt Saria was vastly more mature than him ( she's essentially ageless, so we have no solid figure on her age ) their relationship was one of friendship and innocence primarily...there was nothing unclean about it.



IMO: That's easier said than done: especially with a girl as spirited as Malon.
Few women like to be told we are going to be second place to a career, and in Link's case it wouldn't be part-time: his life path is heroism, not farming. I still think that makes them incompatible...Malon represents a life path he will ultimately reject.
If he truly and sincerely loved her and she did him, I think it may be a different story though. Like my thoughts with Saria, I definately got the impression from both games that Link developed romantic feelings for Zelda. Over the course of OoT, I feel he fell in love with her, and it continued into MM. Because of this, I see a relationship with Malon as unlikely: it means he would have to lose his feelings for Zelda, and fall in love with another girl. The nature of the feelings I saw him display for Zelda are also important: they were the deep and special kind, ones that don't diminish even when she's not there...another girl, especially a flirty-infatuation type would have a hard time overcoming them.

Ilia in contrast would be the "love overcomes all" girl if it did happen. If I believed Link was going to leave a simple girl at home while he adventured, I can see Ilia being it. This is in a large part because I feel her feelings were reciprocated by Link in a meaningful way, unlike with Malon. Ilia and Malon may be similar, but the kind of relationship they had with their respective Links are completely different.

As you just said in your own words, LinkXSaria is primarily of innocence and FRIENDSHIP thus the pedophillia fantasy that some fans have is moot here. Thanks for agreeing with me on that one.

As with Illia vs. Malon, I thought we agreed that Link neither accepts nor rejects Malon, thus a possiblility of a romantic relationship. With Illia, I think it has been made clear that Link rejected Illia in the final cutscene as he left her big ugly deformed head and annoying personality behind period.

And as firsttsurugi rightfully pointed out, Link does not have to be a hero every waking second of his existence. Especially after Ganon has been defeated. Tell me gilderpilot, what other hero business would Link have after Ganon has been defeated?? Is Link just going to strut around the streets of Hyrule town posing with his hands on his hips saying "look at me...I'm a hero when a hero is no longer needed" Therefore, the possibility to choose Malon over Zelda now becomes even greater. So gilderpilot, how will Zelda handle this problem?? Will she accept that Link has chosen another but cry herself to sleep everynight because she fell to the classic "you snooze you lose" in Malon snatching Link away from her?? Or will she speak up and let Link know that she does not approve of Malon??

Yes I'm aware of the point you previously made with OOT/MM, but remember in MM, LINK IS A CHILD So romantic feelings are non existent for Link, even holding hands and butterfly kisses. It seems more likely to me in MM that Link sought adventure elsewhere because he was probably tired of Zelda keeping him around as a useless pet.

And how exactly is Link a hero in Hyrule when all he did was tattle on Ganon when he came back from the Temple of Time and thus the things Ganon would do never took place

It is a crazy story, nobody would belive me If I said I defeated an evil king in an alternate time and thus I am now a hero to all of you, worship me.

OK, link wouldnt say it like that, if he ever told anybody about that at all, except Zelda.

Also, in OoT, any real romantic feelings that you think you see in him are all just illusions because you think he has them for a specific character. The entire time, he has the mind of a child, as well as never even feeling love from his parents, since they are dead. You can't tell what he really thinks unless they made an MM sequel where it was adult OoT Link after he actually became an adult through regular aging.