There have been many companion characters throughoutThe Legend of Zelda’s history, but the gaming series has also developed a bad habit in how it treats them. Although Link is generally considered a solitary protagonist, in manyZeldagames he is accompanied by a character who lends him support throughout his journey, from giving simple advice to allowing access to powerful abilities. As such,these companions are usually among the most recognizable charactersin any given title, especially as they often speak to other NPCs on Link’s behalf.
[Warning: This article contains spoilers for companion stories in various Zelda games]
Of course, althoughLink’s many companions inThe Legend of Zeldaare often immediately recognizable, they are not always well received. Navi, his fairy companion inOcarina of Time, has a notorious reputation for being one ofthe most annoyingZeldasidekicks, andSkyward Sword’s Fi faced similar criticism for her pervasive warnings about Wii Remote batteries and constant supply of unwanted advice. But despite all this,many companions have a crucial role to play in their game’s plot, making their collective treatment all the more harsh.
Link Aways Says Goodbye To His Companions
Zelda Games Feature A String Of Separations After The Final Boss
It is almost inevitable thatwhen Link shares his journey with a companion, part of the game’s conclusion will involve them leaving him. Despite her often being considered annoying,Ocarina of Timestill offers one of the most well-known examples of this trope with Navi, who leaves Link in one of thesaddest moments of the entireZeldafranchise. Other examples include Midna and Ezlo returning to their home realms inTwilight PrincessandThe Minish Caprespectively,and even King Daphnes drowning inThe Wind Waker, adding somber moments to otherwise triumphant endings.
Link’s Awakeningtakes this trope a step further by having the entirety of Koholint Island ultimately fade away along with its inhabitants (although Marin herself is implied to reincarnate as a seagull and fly away).
These scenes can lend the finale of aZeldagame extra emotional weight, which is likely a large part of why they continue to regularly appear in new games. But despite this, their sheer prevalence is starting to not only lessen this impact but also turn stale as a narrative trope. As such, the constant farewells are arguably becoming a detriment to the games. Therefore, it istime thatThe Legend of Zeldachanges directionover how it handles these characters.
Zelda: TOTK Direct Sequel Could Complete A Trilogy, But Will Have To Give Fans A New Villain That Isn’t Ganon Or Ganondorf
Zelda: TOTK could get a sequel to finish the Wilds trilogy, but after already using Ganon and Ganondorf, a new villain will need to be introduced.
Of course, it should be noted thatnot everyZeldacompanion leaves at the end of their respective games, although the ones who stay are undoubtedly in the minority. For example, Linebeck returns to the Great Sea alongside Link and Tetra at the conclusion ofPhantom Hourglass, although the same game does also see Link parting ways with his fairy guide Ciela. Its sequel,Spirit Tracks, also leaves room for its own Link and Zelda to stay in contact after the end of their joint quest to retrieve the latter’s body and defeat Malladus.
Too Many Companions Leave Forever In Zelda Games
Most Of Link’s Companions Can Never See Him Again
This trend holds strong even inBreath of the WildandTears of the Kingdom, which both show Link gathering allies and companions over the course of the game only to then say goodbye to at least one spectral companion at the game’s end. InBOTW, he is sent on his quest by the spirit of King Rhoam before going on to rescue the spirits of the fallen Champions and receive their signature abilities. All five are shown to move on after the defeat of Calamity Ganon. Likewise, Mineru’s spirit moves on in a post-credits scene forTOTK.
The Legend of Zelda Should Repeat This One Big Wind Waker Change
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker stands out among other Zelda games, and the franchise would benefit from repeating one of its biggest changes.
The scarce few examples to the contrary aside, it has long since become expected for a companion to leave at the end of their game, specifically in circumstances that permanently separate them from Link. For those familiar with the franchise,it can cast a shadow over interactions with these characters and the growing bond they develop with the hero. The more likable this character is, the more striking this looming threat becomes, which may prompt some people to disengage from the narrative altogether.
There are countless interesting characters throughoutThe Legend of Zelda, and many are people who are easy 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,Zeldagames do offer positive resolutions, but losing a companion in the process can still sour the experience.
The Next Companion Character Should Stay
No Companions Leaving Would Make For A Happier Ending
EvenTri inEchoes of Wisdomhas failed to break this pattern, returning to the side of the goddesses alongside the rest of their kind. But once again, this is not entirely unexpected; although the game is unique in several ways, the departure of a game-long companion is far from the onlyZeldatradition followed byEchoes of Wisdom. With that in mind, it seems very appropriate for the next title to finally break this pattern and allow the nextZeldacompanion to remain a part of Link’s (or Zelda’s) life after their adventure together.
Echoes Of Wisdom Is The Perfect Payoff To A Controversial 37-Year-Old Zelda Feature
A concept that defined one of the most divisive moments in the Zelda series is back once more, and it’s finally found an interesting new layer.
It would be a refreshing change of pace for the franchise to allow the next companion to remain active in Hyrule, especially when so many of their predecessors have not. This change would eliminate the potential for a bittersweet aftertaste to what will undoubtedly be another victorious ending to the game’s narrative, makingthe story of the nextZeldagamethat much more positive as a whole. Of course, there may still be darker aspects to any such narrative, but that should not preclude a happy ending.
Link has been losing his closest friends for many years now, and the trend has become so ingrained in the franchise that even Zelda has now faced the exact same hardship in her own, otherwise formula-defying title. But no matter how great an impact these moments may have individually, collectively they are becoming predictable and stale. Because of this, it is the perfect time forThe Legend of Zeldato introduce a more positive resolution to a companion’s personal story, allowing them to stay by their partner’s side even as the credits begin to roll.
