There have been many companion characters throughout The Legend of Zeldastory, but the game series has also developed a bad habit in the way it treats them. Although Link is generally considered a lone protagonist, in many Zelda In the games he is accompanied by a character who gives him support throughout his journey, from simple advice to allowing access to powerful abilities. As such, these companions are often among the most recognizable characters in any title, especially since they often speak to other NPCs on Link’s behalf.
[Warning: This article contains spoilers for companion stories in various Zelda games]
Of course, although Link’s many companions in The Legend of Zelda They are often immediately recognizable, but they are not always well received. Navi, your fairy companion in Ocarina of Timehas a notorious reputation for being one of the most annoying Zelda companions, and Sword to the SkyFi faced similar criticism for its widespread warnings about Wii Remote batteries and constant provision of unwanted advice. But despite all this, Many companions have a crucial role to play in the game’s plotmaking their collective treatment even harsher.
Link Aways says goodbye to its companions
Zelda Games introduces a series of separations after the final boss
It is almost inevitable that When Link shares his journey with a companion, part of completing the game will involve them leaving him. Although it is often considered annoying, Ocarina of Time still offers one of the most well-known examples of this trope with Navi, who leaves Link in one of the saddest moments in the entire story. Zelda franchise. Other examples include Midna and Ezlo returning to their home realms in Twilight Princess and The Minish cap respectively, and even King Daphnes drowning The Wind Awakeneradding dark moments to triumphant endings.
These scenes can lend the ending to a Zelda The game’s extra emotional weight, which is probably a big part of why they continue to appear regularly in new games. But despite this, its prevalence is starting to not only diminish this impact, but also become obsolete as a narrative trope. As such, the constant goodbyes are undoubtedly becoming a detriment to the games. So it’s time to The Legend of Zelda changes direction in how it deals with these characters.
Of course, it should be noted that not all Zelda teammate leaves at the end of their respective gamesalthough those who remain are undoubtedly a minority. For example, Linebeck returns to the Great Sea alongside Link and Tetra at the conclusion of Phantom Hourglassalthough the same game also sees Link becoming separated from his fairy guide Ciela. Its sequel, Spiritual Trailsit also leaves room for Link and Zelda to remain in contact after the end of their joint mission to recover the latter’s body and defeat Malladus.
Many companions leave forever in Zelda games
Most of Link’s companions will never be able to see him again
This trend remains strong even in Breath of Nature and Tears of the Kingdomwhich see Link gathering allies and companions throughout the game only to later say goodbye to at least one spectral companion at the end of the game. In BOTHhe is sent on his quest by the spirit of King Rhoam before rescuing the spirits of fallen Champions and receiving their unique abilities. All five move on after Calamity Ganon’s defeat. Likewise, Mineru’s spirit moves on in a post-credits scene to TOTK.
Leaving aside the few examples to the contrary, a companion has long been expected to leave at the end of the game, specifically in circumstances that permanently separate them from Link. For those who know the franchise, can cast a shadow over interactions with these characters and the growing bond they develop with the hero. The more sympathetic this character is, the more impressive this imminent threat becomes, which can lead some people to completely tune out the narrative.
There are countless interesting characters throughout The Legend of Zeldaand many are easy people to root for in one way or another. Link’s various companions are simply some of the most prominent examples of this sentiment in action due to their expansive roles; they share their hopes and dreams with Link, and in turn, the player hopes to see a happy ending for them. Of course, with evil inevitably being defeated, Zelda games offer positive resolutionsbut losing a companion in the process can still detract from the experience.
The next companion character must stay
No companion leaving would provide a happier ending
Until Tri-in Echoes of Wisdom failed to break this patternreturning to the side of the goddesses alongside the rest of their kind. But, again, this is not entirely unexpected; Although the game is unique in many ways, the departure of a long-term companion is far from the only one Zelda tradition followed by Echoes of Wisdom. With that in mind, it seems only fitting that the next title finally breaks this pattern and allows the next Zelda companion to continue being part of Link’s (or Zelda’s) life after their adventure together.
It would be a refreshing change of pace for the franchise to allow the next companion to remain active in Hyruleespecially when many of his predecessors did not. This change would eliminate the potential for a bittersweet aftertaste in what will undoubtedly be yet another victorious ending to the game’s narrative, making the story of the next Zelda much more positive game as a whole. Of course, there may still be darker aspects to any narrative of this type, but that shouldn’t get in the way of a happy ending.
Link has been losing his closest friends for many years, and the trend has become so ingrained in the franchise that even Zelda has now faced exactly the same difficulties in her own, otherwise formula-defying title. But no matter how big an impact these moments may have individually, collectively they are becoming predictable and obsolete. So it’s the perfect time to The Legend of Zelda to introduce a more positive resolution to a companion’s personal story, allowing them to stand by their partner even as the credits begin to roll.