i have a question if the game is called zelda why do you play as link?

ok i know the games are called zelda but why is it called zelda instead of link since u play as him and not zelda?

I'm guessing because The Legend of Zelda sounds alot better and more marketable than The Legend of Link. There is no real reason behind it than beyond that.

It's called the "Legend of Zelda" which basically means the story of Zelda's life and how she was captured by an evil guy. In the game you just play as Link who saves Zelda so they want to tell the story on what he had to go through to save Zelda.

Originally Posted by PhantomGuard14

It's called the "Legend of Zelda" which basically means the story of Zelda's life and how she was captured by an evil guy. In the game you just play as Link who saves Zelda so they want to tell the story on what he had to go through to save Zelda.

Pretty much. The first game was called "The Legend of Zelda" for the above reason, so the sequels just kept the title and added a subtitle. (With the exception of Zelda II).

Like the others said, the games are called Legend of Zelda cause it's her story and all. I think it was Miyamoto but not sure, he called him "Link" cause he wanted to form a link between the ingame character and you. Basically it's you :p

Originally Posted by Menacious-D

Like the others said, the games are called Legend of Zelda cause it's her story and all. I think it was Miyamoto but not sure, he called him "Link" cause he wanted to form a link between the ingame character and you. Basically it's you :p

Oh thats nifty. With MM its not really her story but I see the point.

i believe its called the legend of zelda because it was originally told by zelda, thus becoming her possesion.

then, as to why there are multiple games. they are really the same thing (few games are exceptions) but they are changed as the tale travels, similiar to a campfire story.

and to why he is called link, besides that he is the link from player to game...his name doesnt really have to be link in most games...

1)Because at the first Zelda game, the creature wanted to name his game after his wife.
2)Also, it brings more mystery about wanting to find out about this Zelda.
3)Lastly, The Legend of Zelda is a copywright name. they keep there title so everyone knows what the're buying, and it's a lot cheaper to stick with an already neat title then to change it completely.

They named it Zelda after Shigeru Miyamoto was inspired by the name after a woman who her name was "Zelda Fritzgerald," who was the wife of the famous American novelist "F. Scott Fritzgerald."

So basically, it's just name inspiration that Shigeru liked very much.

Originally Posted by Menacious-D

Like the others said, the games are called Legend of Zelda cause it's her story and all. I think it was Miyamoto but not sure, he called him "Link" cause he wanted to form a link between the ingame character and you. Basically it's you :p

Good Point, if you think about it, Link is whatever you name him in your game. I've played most of my games without the name "Link" being in the game at all.

They named it Zelda after Shigeru Miyamoto was inspired by the name after a woman who her name was "Zelda Fritzgerald," who was the wife of the famous American novelist "F. Scott Fritzgerald."

So basically, it's just name inspiration that Shigeru liked very much.

Yup, that's one of the big reasons but I also believe it is called Zelda because it is a legend told by Zelda about link's adventures even if the game dosen't inslude Zelda>>.

It's kinda like 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard' (The title of a fictional book in the H.P. series).

The same reason that in the Metroid series you don't play as a metroid?

The Legend of Zelda is well based on Zelda. You could of played as some other character but Nintendo choose Link. Link is a good excample of a hero, even though he has to save Zelda as much times Mario saved Peach he continues to live on.

I'm not sure why they did that but i like it that way..... but it was confusing at first when i started playing Zelda cause i thought Link was Zelda and always wondered why they named princess Zelda the same name. Embarassing.....but hey i was 6.

well the legend of link kinda sounds a little dull, ya know so the legend of zelda sounds better.

Some randome dude that was over at my house named his file "PainKing" in OoT. O_o

Originally Posted by Menacious-D

Like the others said, the games are called Legend of Zelda cause it's her story and all. I think it was Miyamoto but not sure, he called him "Link" cause he wanted to form a link between the ingame character and you. Basically it's you :p

Imagine what would this world be like if instead of Link, he was called "Connection"

Originally Posted by UZ!

The same reason that in the Metroid series you don't play as a metroid?

This is probably the best analogy I've heard for this.

Yea.. UZ really has it. Plain and simple.