If you’ve ever played The Legend of Zelda series, one question that might have crossed your mind is, “How old is Link?” The beloved hero who wields the Master Sword and constantly saves the land of Hyrule has remained somewhat of a mystery regarding age. As you journey through the various games in the series, you might notice that Link’s age appears to fluctuate. So, how old is Link? Let’s unravel the enigma surrounding his age throughout the different games, timelines, and adventures.
Who Is Link?
Before diving into his age, it’s essential to understand who Link is. Link is the protagonist of The Legend of Zelda series, created by Nintendo and first introduced in 1986. He’s often depicted as a brave, young warrior chosen by fate to protect the land of Hyrule from evil forces. His most well-known enemy is Ganon (or Ganondorf), and his mission usually involves rescuing Princess Zelda and stopping various threats to the world.
Though Link is a silent protagonist—meaning he doesn’t speak in most games—he is iconic for his green tunic, pointy hat, and heroic spirit. But what about his age? It changes depending on the game, making it tricky to pinpoint a specific number.
How Old Is Link In Different Games?
One of the most fascinating aspects of Link’s character is how his age varies across different titles in the Zelda franchise. Unlike many characters in gaming who maintain a consistent age, Link’s age is tied to the storyline of each game. Let’s explore his age in some of the most popular games:
Ocarina of Time
In Ocarina of Time, one of the most well-known games in the series, Link’s age is explicitly mentioned. At the start of the game, he’s just a child—around 9 or 10 years old. However, halfway through the game, he pulls the Master Sword from its pedestal and is transported seven years into the future. As a result, when he awakens as the Hero of Time, he is about 16 or 17 years old.
- Young Link: Around 9-10 years old
- Adult Link: Around 16-17 years old
This time jump is significant because it shows us two distinct versions of Link, both crucial to the game’s storyline.
Breath of the Wild
In Breath of the Wild, Link’s age is slightly more ambiguous. The game takes place 100 years after Link is placed into a deep slumber to recover from fatal injuries sustained in battle. Before that, he was a knight serving Princess Zelda. While the game doesn’t give an exact number, Link is generally believed to be around 17 or 18 when the events leading up to the battle occurred.
However, after waking up from his 100-year sleep, technically, Link would be over 100 years old. Still, physically, he remains around 17 or 18. This adds a unique twist to the question of “How old is Link?” since he’s both young and ancient at the same time.
- Estimated Age: 17-18 years old (physically) but over 100 years old due to his slumber.
Twilight Princess
In Twilight Princess, Link starts as a simple farm boy living in Ordon Village. His age isn’t explicitly stated, but many fans estimate he’s around 16 or 17. This assumption is based on his mature appearance and his responsibilities within the village. He’s old enough to be tasked with essential duties, such as herding goats, but young enough to still embody the youthful energy and adventurous spirit the character is known for.
- Estimated Age: 16-17 years old
Wind Waker
In The Wind Waker, Link is younger than in many other games. The storyline follows a young Link living on Outset Island, and he’s explicitly stated to be around 12 years old. His quest begins when his sister, Aryll, is kidnapped by a monstrous bird, prompting him to embark on his heroic journey. This game presents a younger, more carefree version of Link, yet his bravery shines despite his youth.
- Age: 12 years old
Skyward Sword
Skyward Sword begins at the beginning of the Zelda timeline, making it the origin story of Link and Zelda’s bond. In this game, Link is a Knight Academy in Skyloft student, and he’s believed to be around 17 or 18 years old. His journey to become the Hero of Legend begins here, setting the stage for the events in the rest of the timeline.
- Estimated Age: 17-18 years old
How Time Manipulation Affects Link’s Age
One of the unique aspects of the Zelda series is its use of time manipulation. Link travels through time in several games, making determining his age tricky. For example, as mentioned earlier, Link’s age jumps from childhood to adulthood in Ocarina of Time. Similarly, in Breath of the Wild, the 100-year slumber technically ages him significantly, but his body remains youthful.
These time jumps and magical elements create a sense of timelessness for Link, making it hard to pin down a single age across the series. So, how old is Link? It depends mainly on the specific game and the storyline.
The Importance of Link’s Youth
Despite the varying ages, one common theme in the Zelda series is that Link is often portrayed as a young hero. His youth is central to his character, symbolizing innocence, bravery, and untapped potential. Even when he grows older, he retains a sense of purity and determination that makes him relatable and inspiring.
Link’s age often corresponds to the player’s experience, with younger players identifying with Young Link in games like Wind Waker or Ocarina of Time. As players age, they might be drawn to Adult Link or the more mature character iterations in games like Twilight Princess and Breath of the Wild.
How Old Is Link in the Overall Timeline?
The Zelda series is famous for its complex timeline, which splits into three branches after the events of Ocarina of Time. Each timeline contains different versions of Link, each with a different age and life path. Here’s a breakdown of Link’s age across the three primary timelines:
- Child Timeline: This includes games like Majora’s Mask, where Link is still a child after the events of Ocarina of Time. In this timeline, he remains around 9-10 years old.
- Adult Timeline: This timeline continues from the adult version of Link in Ocarina of Time and includes games like Wind Waker, where he starts as a 12-year-old.
- Fallen Timeline: In this timeline, Ganon defeats Link in Ocarina of Time, and the timeline splits. Games like A Link to the Past feature a new version of Link, typically depicted as a teenager or young adult.
Table: Link’s Age Across Major Games
GameEstimated AgeTime-Related Events
Ocarina of Time 9-10 (Young Link), 16-17 (Adult Link) 7-year time jump
Breath of the Wild 17-18 (physically), over 100 100-year slumber
Twilight Princess 16-17 None
Wind Waker 12 None
Skyward Sword 17-18 None
Majora’s Mask 9-10 Time travel (3-day loop)
A Link to the Past 16-17 None
Why Does Link’s Age Matter?
You might wonder why Link’s age matters. Well, Link’s age often reflects the themes and tone of each game. Younger versions of Link, like in Wind Waker and Ocarina of Time, reflect a more lighthearted, adventurous spirit. On the other hand, older versions of Link, like in Twilight Princess and Breath of the Wild, suggest more mature themes of responsibility, sacrifice, and destiny.
Moreover, Link’s age connects with the player’s experience. Many fans grew up playing Zelda games, and as they matured, so did the games—and Link himself.
Conclusion: How Old Is Link?
So, how old is Link? The answer depends on which game you’re playing, but in most cases, Link is portrayed as a young hero, usually between the ages of 9 and 18. However, time manipulation, magic, and different timelines make his age a bit more complicated.
Link’s age may be flexible, but his heroism, bravery, and determination remain timeless. Whether he’s a young boy embarking on his first adventure or a seasoned warrior facing ancient evils, Link continues to inspire players of all ages across generations.
And there you have it—whether he’s 9, 17, or technically over 100, the age-old question “How old is Link?” always brings us back to the heart of The Legend of Zelda: the eternal spirit of the hero who never gives up.
