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 (curse you, Water Temple!), 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 head on over to my discussion page 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, 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=

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. In the midst of her anguish, she finds strength and rescue in Link. 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 on my Discussion page.

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.