The Romance Thread IV: The Debate Continues

Continued from the previous thread:

http://www.zeldauniverse.net/forums/...-go-round.html

In this intellectual discussion, we shall all talk about love- more specifically, love concerning our hero, Link. In other words, the shippers will scream at each other back and forth, and the mods will delete post upon post.
And furthermore, one member will soundly pwn another's idea, only for the pwned idea to be repeated by some random newcomer. Such is the way of a stickied thread.

Post on, ZUers! What woman (or man or thing) goes best with Link? Or, should you feel that a romance would somehow tarnish his character, then make your case!


Let the battle begin.

Please note that debate about Link's love life goes here, and only here.

I think it depends on what game it is.

OoT: Malon
MM: None
LoZ: Zelda
AoL: Zelda
LA: Malon
OoS & OoA: Zelda
TP: Ilia
WW & PH : Tetra/Zelda
FS & FSA: Zelda

Some people have a better chance with Link than others. I don't see him settling down with anyone, which makes Tetra really good for him. She's a seafaring pirate.

OoT has multiple girls for Link, and I have always gone with Malon. She's based off of Marin, and Marin is such a developed character. Actually, Malon pales before Marin as far as development goes. Still, I really like Marin.

That may be a big reason why I prefer Marin over Zelda. I grew so attached to her in LA. Before OoT, there wasn't much development with Zelda. In OoT there was Shiek, but he's a guy. Or meant to be a guy. I thought he was a guy while playing the game, so I really didn't see Shiek that way whether it's really just Zelda in disguise or not.

Some people say Marin is supposed to be like Zelda, but I don't see much resemblance between them. Yeah, they are light skinned girls of similar ages. And?

Since I played LA before OoT, I became very attached to Malon in OoT. I also became attached to Tetra, who out of all girls seems like the perfect one for Link. She's actually Zelda too, but still different.

I guess, in the end, I'm into Zelda as long as she's not princessy. I also really like Midna.

So my three favorite girls in the whole series are Marin, Tetra, and Midna. They have the most character development.

As said before, it depends on the game. I have always felt that in most games it was Zelda (or Tetra, in the case of games where Zelda is Tetra). However, in TP I think Illia is the best choice, even though she makes me mad because she jumps to conclusions, seems to have a hard time taking care of herself, etc. In MM, as there was no Zelda, I think it would be one of the sisters, either Romani or Cremia. I forget which is older, but the younger would be good because she is around the same age as Link, the other just because of the hug she gives Link after your second time doing the milk run mini game.


So I guess over all, Zelda would be the best choice, as she takes the cake in most of the games.

Great, if this thread goes anything like 3 (which it most likely will) Zelda will somehow dominate and midna is behind by roughly 10 votes the whole time.
I still believe its midna, and unless I need to restate everything I did in 3, thats all I'm gonna say.
Why did we make a new one anyway? Also, why was ruto (with her spectacular score of 3 votes lol) removed? Now she will never have a chance to lose on a whole new thread.

Zelda in my book.... basically the story is always about how a Hylian Knight always rescues the princess. Who knows perhaps the next Zelda game will answer all the questions.

Originally Posted by gameboypaul

LA: Malon

Except, of course, for the fact that Malon isn't in Link's Awakening.

Originally Posted by Daphnes

Some people say Marin is supposed to be like Zelda, but I don't see much resemblance between them. Yeah, they are light skinned girls of similar ages. And?

I believe the manual read that Marin bore "an uncanny resemblance to Princess Zelda," or something to that effect. Also, Link apparently refers to her as "Zelda" right in the beginning.

Oh, and Link/Zelda ftw.

Just for the note: I took Ruto down because she had few votes last time. Perhaps I should have put Marin in instead.

Anyways....

For my personal view? Zelda by a huge amount. While I initially liked Malon as a person, and tolerated Ilia...something just doesn't work with Link, especially after he is done his adventure.

In LoZ/AoL and ALTTP..I'd say Zelda was a given.

In OoT/MM: Other than Saria, who got effectively eliminated due to her inability to age..IMO, not one of the other girls had anywhere close to the bond Link and Zelda had. When Link "disappeared" for seven years, Zelda didn't lose faith he would return..and when he did, she was right there waiting for him as Sheik. I do view Sheik as merely a facade for Zelda...and IMO, all those moments of "tension" between Sheik and Link were merely Zelda shining through..and a part of Link recognizing her. And the ending and such...when Ganondorf took Zelda in front of Link..it was the same feeling as in ALTTP: It felt personal. Same with when they parted and he returned to her at the end..IMO, it was the emotions passing between them that stood out, and the parting scene in MM kicked it up a notch if that were possible. So I've always felt in my heart he did return to her side eventually. ( And possibly ruled at her side, explaining where the Magic Armor TP Link picks up came from )

WW/PH Link and Tetra are awesome too...I like them almost as much as OoT Link and Zelda. They don't have the formalities of Zelda's rank in the way..and Tetra can truly be herself.

TP Link barely knew Zelda...but I can't see him staying Ordon with Ilia and Midna is gone.

So yeah..I think that considering the change Link goes through in the course of his adventure, the only one who can truly understand him is Zelda. And they have great chemistry.

It depends on the Link really.

LoZ - None
AoL - Zelda at the end I think.
ALttP - None
LA - None...?
OoT - Zelda would be what Link would want, but realistically he'd marry Malon.
MM - None
OoX - None
FS - None
TWW - Tetra/Zelda definitely seems to like Link and vice versa, but I'm not sure if it's much more then just a crush relationship
FSA - None
Minish Cap - None, MAYBE Zelda?
Twilight Princess - Link definitely felt feelings for Midna and I think uh...Midna probably loves Link however they can never meet again so I see Link marrying Ilia.
PH - See TWW

I voted None in the Poll btw.

Originally Posted by NintendoTogepi

It depends on the Link really.

OoT - Zelda would be what Link would want, but realistically he'd marry Malon.

Err, why is Malon the most realistic? Because she is a farmer? I doubt that that matters, really. I see Zelda in OoT, if anyone, because I could see emotions between them, more than I saw between him and Malon, and Saria will always remain a child so she is counted out.

I won't vote on the poll either, because I also thinks it depends on the Link.

Originally Posted by Janus

Except, of course, for the fact that Malon isn't in Link's Awakening.

I believe the manual read that Marin bore "an uncanny resemblance to Princess Zelda," or something to that effect. Also, Link apparently refers to her as "Zelda" right in the beginning.

Oh, and Link/Zelda ftw.

I always just thought that Zelda was who Link was thinking about before he went under and passed out. Then he wakes up and sees a woman, and the first word out of his groggy mouth is Zelda.

In this case, I go by what I think, instead of what the manual tells me. I don't see uncanny resemblance between the official artwork of those girls.

I agree with most here who say it depends on the Link. But generally when it comes to shipping, I ship OoT Link with Malon. Why not Zelda? Well for one thing, I just don't see them as a romantic couple. Yeah, Link risked his neck to save Zelda and I can understand them developing feelings for each other. But remember Link was still 10 in his mind. Not only that he had to return to his original time.

He may have snuck back into the castle, but do you honestly think he would've been allowed to stay there? The guards would've thrown him out rather quickly, I'd think.

Since it's already been established that OoT Link and MM Link are the same, then how did Link come across Epona when he went to look for Navi? It meant he had to go to Lon Lon Ranch, befriend Malon again and for her to teach him Epona's Song again. Not only that, I think it's fairly safe to assume that Malon had to teach him how to ride a horse. Because I don't see many 10 year olds riding horses (correctly) without proper training. Of course he was riding barebacked so I don't know if that's saying a whole lot. But in either event, I think Link had more opportunity to spend time with Malon therefore making a relationship more possible.

Originally Posted by Saami

I agree with most here who say it depends on the Link. But generally when it comes to shipping, I ship OoT Link with Malon. Why not Zelda? Well for one thing, I just don't see them as a romantic couple. Yeah, Link risked his neck to save Zelda and I can understand them developing feelings for each other. But remember Link was still 10 in his mind. Not only that he had to return to his original time.

He may have snuck back into the castle, but do you honestly think he would've been allowed to stay there? The guards would've thrown him out rather quickly, I'd think.

Since it's already been established that OoT Link and MM Link are the same, then how did Link come across Epona when he went to look for Navi? It meant he had to go to Lon Lon Ranch, befriend Malon again and for her to teach him Epona's Song again. Not only that, I think it's fairly safe to assume that Malon had to teach him how to ride a horse. Because I don't see many 10 year olds riding horses (correctly) without proper training. Of course he was riding barebacked so I don't know if that's saying a whole lot. But in either event, I think Link had more opportunity to spend time with Malon therefore making a relationship more possible.

I suppose that depends on your take of how mature Link was as an adult..I personally saw him as mentally mature..not just bodily. My reason for that was he seemed to understand some things intuitively that he was innocent of as a child. ( Dealing with Saria, Ruto and the marriage thing and even the way he handled Darunia's son ) In that light, I clearly saw him and Zelda's interactions in a romantic way. ( Sheik's speeches can also apply to him as well..in the "young love turns to deep affection" being his blossomed feelings for Zelda..which Ruto hints at ) When he returned to being a child, I think he may have lost some of that ( as MM says he doesn't understand things like intentions and marriage )..but I think he retained the feelings.

Malon wouldn't have had to teach him: he already knew from being an adult. I do agree he would have had to visit the ranch to get Epona in the first place..but MM doesn't remark on it as important. The only one Link sees in his mind is Zelda. If you wanted to stretch the scene with Romani, where Epona's Song is labelled "a song of two who are bound by trust", you could...but it's unclear if it's referring to Link and Epona or Link and Malon. Romani also refers to Link and Epona as "you two" two other times, making it seem to be about Epona. The Song of Time in contrast is specifically pointed out to remind Link of Zelda...putting an emphasis on his feelings for her to me.

As for: "Zelda would be what Link would want, but realistically he'd marry Malon."

All Malon has is that she is convenient. It would take no great feat for him to marry her, and in fact, he was being encouraged to by her flirtations and her father's wishes.
But Link is a Hero..and the prologue of MM indicates his hero status was known...in that light, he could well have a chance at Zelda. He already has the strong bond with her..I can't personally see him giving up on her because another girl is easier to get.
This is the same guy who stopped a moon from falling, and travelled through time to find Zelda...he's not easy to deter.

Originally Posted by Saami

I agree with most here who say it depends on the Link. But generally when it comes to shipping, I ship OoT Link with Malon. Why not Zelda? Well for one thing, I just don't see them as a romantic couple. Yeah, Link risked his neck to save Zelda and I can understand them developing feelings for each other. But remember Link was still 10 in his mind. Not only that he had to return to his original time.

He may have snuck back into the castle, but do you honestly think he would've been allowed to stay there? The guards would've thrown him out rather quickly, I'd think.

Since it's already been established that OoT Link and MM Link are the same, then how did Link come across Epona when he went to look for Navi? It meant he had to go to Lon Lon Ranch, befriend Malon again and for her to teach him Epona's Song again. Not only that, I think it's fairly safe to assume that Malon had to teach him how to ride a horse. Because I don't see many 10 year olds riding horses (correctly) without proper training. Of course he was riding barebacked so I don't know if that's saying a whole lot. But in either event, I think Link had more opportunity to spend time with Malon therefore making a relationship more possible.

Well, first of all Link did return to his own time, but that was to AFTER he had opened the Door of Time, therefore also being after he acquired Epona's Song. That's right, Link already knows it then. I do also believe that he has kept his memories from the time as Hero of Time, or else he would just pull the Master Sword out of the pedestal again because he had forgotten that he had already defeated Ganondorf.

This means that he also knows how to ride, seeing as he has spent some time on Epona's back as an adult.

I also believe that Zelda gave Link the Ocarina of Time, didn't she? That means that they have spent some time together after Link returned to his own time.

Originally Posted by Dragon Prince

I also believe that Zelda gave Link the Ocarina of Time, didn't she? That means that they have spent some time together after Link returned to his own time.

The scene in MM shows her actually giving it to him. The text:

Originally Posted by Zelda

You are already leaving this land
of Hyrule, aren't you?

Even though it was only a short
time, I feel like I've known you
forever.

I'll never forget the days we
spent together in Hyrule...

And I believe in my heart that a
day will come when I shall meet
you again...

Until that day comes, please...
Take this..."

I would take this to mean they had become very close. The game info says that MM takes place 3 months after Link defeated Ganondorf.

Gliderpilotgirl hasn't played LA (which she should, ASAP. DX preferably), and asked me to explain Marin, and wanted to know if Malon really is like Marin, and not just based off her. And as I explained, I realised Malon is much like Marin!

Originally Posted by Me

Now, to explain Marin to someone who hasn't played LA...

She's very nice, to both animals and people. She has a high moral code, and if you ever steal anything from the shop in the town where she lives, she will call you THIEF (all caps) for the rest of the game.

I'm sure you know about the giant egg on top of Tal Tal heights where the last dungeon is, right? Well Marin actually goes up there to awaken the Wind Fish, even though she's sure she and Koholint Island will disappear as a result.

There is also a part of the game where she talks about how she wants to leave the island, and fly away like the seagulls do.

In short, she's selfless, brave, caring, and adventuresome. She's also well known and well liked by other people and talking animals. That's right, TP isn't the first Zelda with talking animals in it.

So is Malon like Marin? Well, in the adult time, she seems more concerned about Epona than herself. Sje's obviously caring. Is she brave and adventuresome? I'm not sure. Romani Cremia are pretty brave in MM, I feel.

Come to think of it, between OoT and MM, there is a good bit of character development for Malon. So yeah, she is like Marin. Shoot, I should post this in the romance thread.

Both Malon and Zelda have had good character development through different games. Thus, they should both be the top two candidates generally speaking.

Originally Posted by Daphnes

And as I explained, I realised Malon is much like Marin!

Both Malon and Zelda have had good character development through different games. Thus, they should both be the top two candidates generally speaking.

I really can't disagree with you on Marin's attributes, all I can point out is that Zelda has them in spades as well, plus a few Malon doesn't have.

Adventurous? I would never call Malon/Romani/Cremia adventurous. They seem content on their ranch, save for Romani who wanted to see the Carnival of Time. Zelda in contrast shows this as Sheik and Tetra ( and in the mangas )

Caring? Yes, most certainly. But Zelda did seem to care more about Link himself ( in OoT and MM ) than M/R/C ever did. When she sends him off in MM, her concern is for his personal safety and him as a person..and overall a deeper connection with him than what the other three display was implied.

Selfless ? When it came to her home and ranch.

Brave? Moderately so, but nothing compared to the bravery Zelda showed as Sheik and Tetra.

Overall I'd say Malon has these attributes, but on a smaller scale than Zelda.

And I have trouble seeing Link returning to the small world that Malon lives in..something doesn't fit right...especially if you consider the future Hero's Spirit as OoT Link. His concern is for all of Hyrule, and he is deeply connected with the fate of it.

I think I was talking more about Marin than Malon when I mentioned adventurous. Marin goes from one side of the island to the other, both with you escorting her, and when she tried to awaken the Windfish. The there's the part when she says she wants to leave the island and explore beyond the sea.

In future games, Malon is seen going to the main town (be it Clock town or Castle town), but that's not the same.

Yes, I'm beginning to see the truth. I've been so attached to Malon because I became emotionally close to Marin before becomeing emotionally close to Tetra. I also hold the believe that a Link/Zelda relationship is a tad cliche.

Cliche or not, Zelda has been shown to have the same qualities, and to equal or greater extent than Marin. Due mostly to Tetra, I am edging towards the Zelda side.

Shiek has good character development as well as other alter egos of Zelda, but you must remember that during that game I considered Shiek a GUY. I just didn't grow towards him in the same sense as I grew towards Marin and Tetra.

Originally Posted by Daphnes

I think I was talking more about Marin than Malon when I mentioned adventurous. Marin goes from one side of the island to the other, both with you escorting her, and when she tried to awaken the Windfish.

In future games, Malon is seen going to the main town (be it Clock town or Castle town), but that's not the same.

Yes, I'm beginning to see the truth. I've been so attached to Malon because I became emotionally close to Marin before becomeing emotionally close to Tetra. I also hold the believe that a Link/Zelda relationship is a tad cliche.

Cliche or not, Zelda has been shown to have the same qualities, and to equal or greater extent than Marin. Due mostly to Tetra, I am edging towards the Zelda side.

Shiek has good character development as well as other alter egos of Zelda, but you must remember that during that game I considered Shiek a GUY. I just didn't grow towards him in the same sense as I grew towards Marin and Tetra.

It's perfectly human...I confess my affection for TP Zelda is influenced by the previous Zelda's, never mind her lack of character development. In romance, my first Zelda game was ALTTP. I didn't really think much of Link/Zelda though I remember getting angry when Agahnim took Zelda right in front of me. When I played OoT..the emotions hit me like baseball bat. There was something beautiful and special between them..and as much as Malon was a nice person, I can't personally see anything serious happening, not while Zelda is there in Link's mind.
But that option was left often by the dev's...thereby benefiting everyone.

I personally view Tetra as what Zelda would be without her restrictions...without the crown, the protocol...just a girl. ( The manga has influenced me too ) I saw Sheik as similar...Zelda, unfettered by protocol and rank, merely disguised as a man in outward appearance. But her heart was still Zelda, and Link connected with her in several places...explaining why he rushed Sheik. He was curious and confused.

Daphnes...you said you believe because TP Link is a rancher Link must have married Malon...can you elaborate on that? ( If you so desire )

Originally Posted by gliderpilotgirl

It's perfectly human...my first Zelda game was ALTTP. I didn't really think much of Link/Zelda though I remember getting angry when Agahnim took Zelda right in front of me. When I played OoT..the emotions hit me like baseball bat. There was something beautiful and special between them..and as much as Malon was a nice person, I can't personally see anything serious happening, not while Zelda is there in Link's mind.
But that option was left often by the dev's...thereby benefiting everyone.

I personally view Tetra as what Zelda would be without her restrictions...without the crown, the protocol...just a girl. ( The manga has influenced me too ) I saw Sheik as similar...Zelda, unfettered by protocol and rank, merely disguised as a man in outward appearance. But her heart was still Zelda, and Link connected with her in several places...explaining why he rushed Sheik. He was curious and confused.

I would very likely feel as you do, if I had played ALttP and OoT without ever playing LA. However, LA was my second game after LoZ. None of the characters were developed in that game, but LA was ten times better than LoZ in every way. So we see where each other is coming from, right? I see with your eyes now.

Daphnes...you said you believe because TP Link is a rancher Link must have married Malon...can you elaborate on that? ( If you so desire )

You asked me via PM what OoT Link probably did post MM, judging from TP. Well, I see a decendant of Link living at a ranch, owning a horse and working as a ranch hand. If OoT Link married Zelda, then TP Link would possibly live in the city, and could have a background of being trained at an academy of some kind.

Though it's a long held tradidtion that the heros come from humble birth. Whether living in the woods, or in a rural area outside of the major town like ALttP and TMC.

But I think you maent the Hero Shade instead of TP Link. You believe, as many do, that the spirit that teaches sword techniques if the spirit of OoT Link. One who took on the mantle of Hero, and seems to have been a renowned knight.