Although Princess Zelda remains the most prevalent love interest throughout the series, Link is oftentimes surrounded by a diverse cast of female companions. The list continues to expand and evolve, but common threads include Zora princesses, like Ruto and Mipha, as well as more traditional love interests, such as Saria, Illa, and Malon. Regardless of the setting, the Hero of Hyrule seems to draw the attention of many who cross his path.
While most of Link’s admirers are embodied with a sense of endearing innocence, Marin from Link’s Awakening has a darker side hidden just beneath the surface. Yes, you read that correctly. Behind those gorgeous eyes and beautiful voice lies a spirited prankster looking for an opportunity to pounce. Though the revelation is shocking, Marin’s mischievous Easter egg moments can easily be missed because they are only available at a precise moment during the game.
The date started off like a page torn straight out of a fairytale. Upon discovering that Marin’s song held the power to move the sleepy walrus in Yarna Desert, I met up with the songstress at her favorite spot on the beach. Sitting on a hollowed-out log and gazing on the horizon, we talked for hours about our passions and dreams and what lies beyond the endless sea.
During our conversation, I revealed that I needed her help to awaken the silly Walrus. Knowing that the trip across the island would be dangerous, I was almost hesitant to ask, but Marin readily agreed to accompany me on the long journey across Ukuku Prairie to Animal Village. I was so excited that she said yes that I lifted the young mistress above my head in triumph.
As we slowly made our way across the beach towards Mabe Village, I decided to use my newly acquired shovel to find a seashell for Marin. When the blade struck the soft sand, Marin squealed with delight. In fact, she was so captivated by the thought of digging a hole that she made a wild proclamation.
Looking back, this is the moment that I should have noticed that something was off, but at the time, I attributed her surprising hyperbole to the excitement she must have felt to be going on an adventure. Even I must admit that a similar level of excitement courses through my veins every time that I unearth a Secret Seashell.
We eventually reached the cliffs overlooking Toronbo Beach, and Marin and I once again shared a beautiful moment.
Recognizing the long road ahead of us, Marin and I finally reached the outskirts of Mabe Village. As we strolled past the library, my sense of curiosity started to get the best of me. I had always wondered what secrets lie at the bottom of the old village well. Determined to uncover more buried treasure, I made a tremendously brave leap into the unknown. Little did I know that my date would be just as daring.
I suppose that I am glad she was unhurt, but why on earth did she follow me? I was certain that the innocent darling of Mabe Village would wait patiently as I satisfied my investigative curiosity. Perhaps we shared an unbridled curiosity for treasure? I began to wonder if there was more to her than meets the eye.
We arrived at the village square, which was also Marin’s favorite place to sing. I had nearly forgotten to show her the Ocarina that I found in that old shrine on the northside of town. Hoping to charm her with my musical prowess, I proudly displayed the Ocarina and began to play an improvised tune.
Could she not see that I was just trying to impress her? Sure, I was no Ludwig van Beethoven, but I was confident that I had raw potential. Slightly defeated, I suggested we stop by her house to grab a few things before crossing the prairie. What happened next convinced me that this girl and I shared a much darker side.
Marin’s pet Cucco greeted us at the gate, and feelings of rage slowly began to boil inside me. I had tried on many occasions to shoo the bird away to no avail. I do not know what overcame me, but I unsheathed my sword and began striking the poor creature.
Despite Marin’s initial scolding, I could not stop. It almost felt like I was having an out-of-body experience as I watched myself continuously assault the harmless animal. Who beats a poor bird within an inch of its life for no reason? I was a monster. How could I ever look Marin in the eyes again after this blunder?
Marin’s voice was what finally stopped my unprovoked fury but for all the wrong reasons. Instead of begging me to end the needless violence, she actually began to encourage me. Yes, she actually wanted me to continue attacking the Cucco!
Sweaty and exhausted, I figured the best thing to do was find a relaxing way to calm our nerves. I remember winning a Yoshi Doll from the Trendy Game so I decided to see if Marin wanted to try her odds at the claw machine. Much to my delight, Marin obliged, and we made our way to the southeast part of town.
The available prizes were stacked today, and I assumed Marin would try for the purple Rupee or the mysterious Chamber stone. Once again, I had completely misjudged Marin’s next move. Instead of attempting to win a prize, Marin navigated the claw machine in a way that I never dreamed possible.
The activity that I hoped would calm us both down only served to fully release Marin’s inner prankster. I watched in complete horror as the claw machine hoisted the shop owner off the ground. As he came to rest on the floor of the shop, I was certain the owner was both furious and injured.
On the contrary, the owner almost seemed amused by Marin’s little stunt. Though he ultimately banned us from playing the Trendy Game, the shop owner wondered aloud if Marin was a seasoned professional. All I knew was that the sweet, innocent girl who saved my life was more mischievous than I ever dreamed.
As we left the village, I could not help but wonder how Marin had kept this behavior a secret from me. Should I have known all along? Should my opinion of her change? After seeing her interact with the residents of Animal Village, I knew that I had found the answer to that question. Although she might be a secret prankster with a mean streak, Marin is still a sweet and innocent soul who is beloved by all.
I hope you enjoyed learning about Marin’s Easter eggs from Link’s Awakening. Players can trigger these special cutscenes and dialogue options while escorting Marin to Animal Village in between the third and fourth dungeon. In addition, the Easter eggs can be triggered on the Game Boy Color’s DX version as well as the Link’s Awakening remake for the Nintendo Switch. Experiencing these encounters is well worth another playthrough if you missed them the first time. Be sure to check it out!
