User:Bpenguin17

Hi there! I've been using Zelda Wiki for a while now, and finally decided to get an account. Although I love Zelda, my gameplay experience is minimal, so I'll mostly be a grammar soldier and page cleaner. If the mood strikes me, though, I might dedicate some time and write a Wiki exclusive article. My big (Zelda-related) dream is to be on the staff whenever they make Legend of Zelda: The Movie, so I'll be using the space below to talk about my ideas. Your ideas are welcome, too; just scroll down to the discussion sections at the bottom to give me your input! All right, I think that's all about me and my pages you would need to know, so at this point I'll make like a Link and stop talking.

=Wiki Exclusive Article Drafts=

What are "Zelda" games named after?
Most gamers assume that the Legend of Zelda series is named after Zelda, princess of Hyrule. The purpose of this article is to challenge the normal stance and to point to another, probable object of nomenclature. My opinion may seem a tad obvious (and, given that the series is confirmed to be named after the princess, very futile), but I believe that my theory not only makes sense, but gives new life to understanding the title. By now, my readers are probably already guessing at my final point, so I'll jump straight into the article now.

Now, if the series was simply named "Zelda", there wouldn't be much room for argument. Fortunately for me, that's not the full title of the "The Legend of Zelda" series. Let's look at the often-dropped prefix, "The Legend of." There are several dictionary definitions for "legend," and each give a slightly different angle to the rest of the name. I'll start with the most common meaning: a mythical story about a well-known person.

Now, each installment is definitely a mythical story, but is the "person" in this case really Zelda? Princess Zelda has appeared in more games than anyone but Link, and is usually pivotal to the plot. The princess of Hyrule is no doubt important, but to suggest that the stories are about her is a bit of a losing argument. In most games, the princess is imprisoned, paralyzed, comatose, in hiding, or even (as in Link's Awakening and Majora's Mask) not present at all. Only in Spirit Tracks, and to a lesser degree Wind Waker, is Zelda given enough "screen time" to develop a personality. Even when she has a part to play, she can be overshadowed by more prominent characters like the Six Sages or Midna. The general result is that she has had little opportunity to do much of anything in most games. It would be simply nonsensical to name an entire video game series after such an undeveloped character.

But perhaps the series is not named after a legendary princess, but rather a legendary act she committed that plays a direct role in other games. In other words, "legend" might mean the story itself, not the actual subject. This theory is somewhat more likely, but gamers would be hard-pressed to identify a legacy from Princess Zelda that remains significant outside of more than one or two games. There is her consistent possession of a Triforce piece, but both Link and Ganondorf can claim that. She did have a hand in forming two parallel timelines, but the existence of two timelines is more of an accessory than a centerpiece to the series. One can theorize about some ancient incarnation of Zelda that, for example, forged the Master Sword, but unless Nintendo confirms such speculation, the fact remains: "The Legend of Zelda" is really not about Zelda.

Then what could the series be named after, if not Princess Zelda? Is it a person, a story, or something else? Keep in mind that in order for a title to make sense, it should apply to each and every installment. Given this restriction, we can quite easily eliminate most options. In fact, besides Stalfos and Boomerangs, there is only one thing that has been in every game: the legendary hero, Link.

In every game, Link rises to his calling and destroys a menace. By saving the world, defeating countless monsters, and helping townsfolk get their lives in order, Link becomes a hero and lives on in stories passed down through generations. In other words, a legend.

But if Link is "The Legend", how does the "Of Zelda" part make any sense? My belief is this: the "of" in the title does not mean "the legend THAT TELLS OF Zelda", but rather "the legend THAT BELONGS TO or THAT IS HELD DEAR BY Zelda." The relationship between Link and Zelda has been debated and 'shipped to no end, but in canon (so far) Link is simply Zelda's rescuer. By saving her from danger, Link has not only become a legend, but he has become Zelda's personal legend, one that she can depend on in her hour of need. Every incarnation of Link has at one point saved an incarnation of Zelda. This is how the entire series can be named "The Legend of Zelda", even when she is absent. Link is the legend of Zelda. Interestingly, this understanding of the title gives new insight into gameplay. It seems that the creators wanted the series to be named after the main character, but were reluctant to put Link's name in the title. This was partially because the protagonist had a changeable name, but also because they wanted the gamer, not the character, to be the adventurer. They resolved this in a rather clever way: they referenced Link as "The legend" without actually naming him. In this way, both Link and the gamer became the focus of the game, since Link is essentially the player's avatar. As soon as the gamer saves the princess, they become a legend to Zelda at the same time Link does. This would mean that anyone who has beaten a Zelda game can truthfully claim that the series is named after them. A nice thought, don't you think? So if you have beaten a Zelda game, stand tall and be filled with pride. You have a major Nintendo series named after you!

Thanks for reading. Now, I really should get back to work on that Water Temple...

=The Legend of Zelda Movie Ideas=

This area is where I put forth the ideas about the Zelda movie I have planned in my head. Please don't edit these sections; instead, go down to "General Discussion" or "Specific Topics" to post your own thoughts. Thank you! Bpenguin17 20:17, 8 September 2010 (EDT)

Link
In the games, Link's role is to be the player's projection into the world of Zelda. In a movie, Link would need to have a similar role: representing the human heart. We all long for our lives to take on a deeper meaning, to go on a world-changing adventure, to take up arms against evil. Link should be the embodiment of the reasons people play Zelda. As a character, Link is a man of action, not known for grandiose speeches, but a burning desire to explore and experience. This trait leads him to leave the forest of his childhood and lands him in the midst of a great adventure. This quest tests his integrity, endurance, and courage, shaping him into a hero that not only saves the entire kingdom of Hyrule and its princess, but becomes a legend.

Princess Zelda
Princess Zelda has lived in the castle most of her life, raised by her nursemaid Impa and her father, the solemn King. When her father is murdered, Zelda is forced to flee the home she knew. In the outside world, she must learn the wisdom of a ruler as she regroups her people and prepares to take back the kingdom. Zelda is haunted by dreams that tend to come true, and one dream in particular, wherein she dies at the hands of Ganondorf, is most of her character's motivation. In the "can you change the future" scenario, Ganondorf becomes the personification of fate, as he inevitably brings her to to a helpless situation. Link, on the other hand, represents free will when he defies the prophetic dream and saves Zelda. In the midst of her despair, Zelda chooses to believe that she can save herself, and that the future can be fought. Link not only provides her physical rescue, but her emotional salvation. Raised as royalty, Zelda seems a little distant, with devastating intelligence and a headstrong attitude. However, she is charming and genuinely caring to all who get to know her.

Ganondorf
Ganondorf is slightly altered from his video game appearances: he is a tragic hero that circumstances and poor choices shape into a villain and monster. His motivations are derived from his revealing dialogue in Wind Waker: As leader of the Gerudo, Ganondorf found it his responsibility to help his people survive in the harsh desert. Without the power to help them prosper, however, he quickly became frustrated. Hyrule, an ally, helped the Gerudos occasionally, but it galled Ganondorf to be dependent on another king to help his own people. That all changed when he learned about the Triforce. The power of the gods was what Ganondorf needed so desperately. He researched, ransacked, and obsessively sought the golden relic. As he takes more extreme measures, he begins to lose his sense of morality, and by the time he enters the Sacred Realm, the hands that take the Triforce are stained with the blood of his followers. When he discovers that he had been given only only a fraction of its power, he overtakes Hyrule castle and kills the King, thinking that the King had recieved part of the artifact. Now the ruler of two regions and wielding the power of the gods, Ganondorf is the most powerful man ever to live... and power corrupts. No longer concerned with the well-being of his people, he becomes a self-serving tyrant. When his reign is threatened, he uses powerful dark magic to transform himself into a bestial demon that mirrors his corroded spirit. He is eventually imprisoned in the Dark Realm, unrecognizable as the man he once was, and king of his own private hell. Before his physical and spiritual transformation, Ganondorf lived by a code of honor, though he was a master tactician and cunning manipulator. As his soul deteriorates, however, his calm and civil exterior became little more than a mask for his animalistic rage.

Kaepora Gaebora
Link should have a sidekick, and Kaepora struck me as the best option. Fairies are annoying, insubstantial, and when you don't need them to Z-target, useless. The King of Red Lions and Linebeck are only applicable in a seafaring adventure, and Ezlo just looks ridiculous. Midna and Phantom Zelda would be fine partners, but Midna would pretty much require the movie to be based on Twilight Princess, and I would prefer Zelda to be alive and well for this movie. What you really need is a big owl. Kaepora can fly Link around and treat us to some panoramic views of Hyrule. His lighthearted nature can break the tension when things threaten to get too melodramatic. And yes, he can give Link advice. But most importantly, as the reincarnation of a Sage, he could have an interesting and original backstory. What kind of backstory? I have my ideas, but I want to hear yours, too. Check for the appropriate topic in the Discussion section.

Tingle
I know a lot of fans will hate me for this, but I would include Tingle. He's too big a character to ignore completely, and there's some definite potential to the guy. In my movie, the character of Tingle will act as contrast to Link and the cinematic equivalent of a sidequest: periodically, the focus will briefly shift to Tingle's exploits, a bit like Scrat in Ice Age. The irony of his character is that he is a full-grown man who desperately wants an exciting life, but it's a young person who saves Hyrule instead. Furthermore, in Tingle's eyes, the only necessary quality to become a hero is the companionship of a fairy, which came to an ignorant Link but not the far-searching Tingle. Just so he wouldn't be so annoying, I'd have him remain mute.

King Hyrule
Immensely wise and powerful, the unnamed King has a long history with Hyrule. He allied with the Gerudos after the Hylian Civil War, as much for peacekeeping purposes as to keep an eye on Ganondorf. He is somewhat formal, even with his own daughter Zelda, leading to a chilly relationship. Indeed, his maddeningly superior air is one of the factors that inspire Ganondorf to murder him. Immediately before his death, he transfers the Triforce of Wisdom to Zelda, giving the two a renewed relationship even from beyond the grave. Zelda learns from her father, and forgives him for being distant when she was growing up.

Mido
Mido's character can be summed up by this piece of dialogue: "Sorry to break it to ya, Link, but these woods are all there is. There's nothing else there but more 'here'. You want purpose? We need sticks carved. You want to explore? Plenty of woods thataway. You want motivation? ...Stay away from Saria!" In a sense, Mido is the biggest villain, the embodiment of everything that tries to keep Link from becoming a hero. In another sense, however, he's a snively little coward who has some comical-accident-prone karma.

Nabooru
As Ganondorf's second-in-command, Nabooru fills the role of the conflicted person subservient to a villain. As she witnesses Ganondorf become a tyrant, she eventually realizes that her duty is to her people, not her leader. After her assassination attempt goes wrong, she is horribly punished, but manages to make it back in time for the final conflict. Unlike the King and Mido, Nabooru is a positive rather than a negative reflection of her main character counterpart.

Dungeons
Link spends most of his time in dungeons, solving puzzles and unlocking doors. This is fun and challenging to play, but it would be rather boring to watch. As a result, I am imposing a few restrictions on dungeons: And now, for your consideration, my working list of dungeons I would include:
 * Every dungeon needs to develop the plot somehow. Link overcomes his greatest fear (to be decided), or meets Ganondorf for the first time inside one.
 * No more than five dungeons, including the final boss's lair. This movie needs to have a reasonable length, and who needs two forest or fire dungeons?
 * Every dungeon needs to be unique. Maybe the boss is the dungeon, or there's no boss key, or the dungeon item is found outside the actual area. You just can't have the same pattern five times in a row.

Item: Saria's Boomerang Miniboss: Puppet Skeleton (A Kokiri skeleton suspended with spiderweb) Boss: Gohma
 * Inside the Deku Tree (Forest Dungeon)

Item: Bombs Boss: Volvagia
 * Goron Mines (Fire Dungeon)

Item: Clawshot (I like it better than Hookshot) Miniboss: Morpha Boss: Blizzeta (Princess Ruto possessed)
 * Underwater City (Water Temple)

Item: None, but recovers items taken by Gerudos Miniboss: Stalfos Boss: Iron Knuckle (Princess Zelda brainwashed)
 * Gerudo Prison (Shadow Dungeon)

Item: Light Arrows Boss: Ganondorf (to be elaborated upon)
 * Hyrule Castle

If this section seems a bit underdeveloped (or plain dumb), please bear in mind that I've paid the least amount of attention to the dungeons. If you have some suggestions, as always I welcome them! Go to the discussion section. Let's talk.

= The Legend of Zelda Movie General Discussion = This is where anyone interested can post their ideas for a film adaptation. (See below for specific topics.) Anyone is welcome to share their ideas, so please do! Just be nice and don't be a waste of text. Bpenguin17 18:27, 21 August 2010 (EDT)

= The Legend of Zelda Movie Specific Topics =

Should a film adaptation be Ocarina of Time: The Movie?
Ocarina of Time is easily the most cherished entry to the series, and the first one people think of when considering a Zelda movie. Do you think a movie should be based on OoT, or another game, or several games, or an entirely new adventure? Bpenguin17 18:29, 21 August 2010 (EDT)

Ganondorf's Weapons
In every 3D installment, our favorite villain changes his weapons. Giant daggers, katana, a longsword-- which ones should he fight with in the movie? Bpenguin17 18:32, 21 August 2010 (EDT)

It's About Time
Time travel is an interesting cinematic mechanic, and useful too. A few Zelda games use this device and the movie might, too. The question is, how? As a fast-forward to the future? (If so, should Link have a child actor and an adult actor?) Maybe as a recurring three-day cycle, with the final day bringing the end of Hyrule? Perhaps an emergency rewind to a safer time period, like in the April Fools' trailer? Or should time be left out of it entirely? Bpenguin17 18:33, 21 August 2010 (EDT)

What Sidekick?
Link's partners tend to define the game that they're in (with the merciful exception of Navi). I picked Kaepora Gaebora, who would you pick? Or, invent someone just for the movie! How would he/she/it move the story and set the tone of the film? Bpenguin17 19:40, 21 August 2010 (EDT)

Kaepora's Backstory
If Kaepora Gaebora's character was expanded, what do you think we would find? This is my story: Kaepora was one of the Sages along with Rauru at the time of the Hylian Civil War. K.G. was sworn to guard the Triforce from any who would try to take it, but became tempted himself. Believing that if he claimed the Triforce, the war would end, he betrayed the trust of the other Sages and entered the Sacred Realm. He seized the Triforce and made a wish that Peace would fall over Hyrule. The Triforce granted his request by sealing off the Sacred Realm from Hyrule, making the war pointless. Trapped in the Sacred Realm, Kaepora died. Because he was a Sage, he was reincarnated as an owl, preserving his spirit in the body of an animal. This is why the Light Temple's symbol features a Triforce along with a bird. This whole backstory will foreshadow the similar way Ganondorf will be transformed into a pig-demon and will eventually escape the Dark World. What do you think? What do you think would be a good backstory for everyone's favorite talkative owl? Bpenguin17 19:41, 21 August 2010 (EDT)