The Legend of Zelda Theory: Origin of Dark Link
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2014
- Dark Link is often remembered as one of the more fun and challenging boss battles in Ocarina of Time. It's never explained who Dark Link is though. Navi only mentions that you have to 'conquer yourself'. Is Dark Link just a minion or is is there more hidden behind this character?
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Music used:
Fi's Gratitude - The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword - เกม
Pro tip: You can overcome the darkness in your heart with a big hammer.
That's a good life hack
+YoshiTheGreenYoshi well
a keyblade is only a conduit for the wielder's will
technically your heart conquers it.
My therapist always questions why I try killing my shadow with a hammer, maybe this'll make her understand
You can also overcome the darkness in your heart with a big sword and non stop stabbing.
+Drakelsrd I keep seeing different gameplays of people NOT using Biggorons sword, and I just can't figure out why... its basically free, and you can get it before doing like any temples... and it makes the game LOADS easier.
PLOT TWIST: Link drank some of that "Funky" Green Potion, started tripping out, and thought he was fighting his own shadow.
jk xD
K
I’m dead 😂
I love your account name lol
Fun Fact: If you notice when you first enter the room, you can see Link's reflection in the water, but when you past the tree in the middle of the room, you can't see the reflection anymore...
...now i wanna start my game again to see this X'D
I know its 4 years later but if thats true that is extremely obscure and amazing attention to detail
I remember when someone else told me about the reflection in the water disappearing as soon as you run past the tree in the room.
Most people won't even notice this on the 1st playthrough!
I love how the Zelda games can look so simple on the surface but when you start to look at the meanings of everything, it has a deep and interesting story! :)
I agree :) there's so much out there that has a story behind it. I just started exploring Snowhead Temple and found so much stuff I missed in previous playthroughs! It's awesome :)
No kidding? I just played snowhead Temple last night xD I'm doing a playthrough of Majora's Mask again because it's awesome! It's my Favorite game of all time! >:]
Nintendo loves seeming simple but being quite complex. Look at some of game theory's Nintendo game episodes. Pokémon, for example.
Pokemon is a perfect example of a seemingly simple game being super complicated if you want the best out of it. Not just with stats, but also lore.
A little thing i noticed is that when you enter the room, you have a reflection. When you pass the tree, your reflection is gone
Looking back at this video... I wonder if Zelda really did Link a favor in sending him back to the past? Link no longer felt he belonged to any where, except maybe Hyrule Castle, and then his friend Navi, as she was with him from start to finish, leaves off without a word (probably because she meets her end as she has fulfilled her obligations to Link and that also makes me curious if Navi saw Link as a tool as well...). I dunno but looking back at the theories and the videos and finally at my own thoughts. I can't help but feel that Link of OoT was meant to be a truly tragic hero that no one really cared for. They needed him but they didn't want him... :(
+Mark Torres He had to go back to warn Zelda about Ganondorf, but in turn that essentially erased his deeds as the hero of time.
The only version of the hero of time that exists among three time-lines is just another kid for the world he lives in.
The Hero of Time is tragic alive, dead and when unexistent.
He is probably one of the most lonely heroes.
Which is why he comes back in twilight princess
When you look at them real close, Link from OOT through majoras mask is the saddest story of the entire Legend of Zelda franchise. His destiny is full of sadness, yet he keeps fighting for a world that mostly rejects him at first. Including in majoras mask, i'm totally convinced link either dies or most likely becomes a stalfos since he appears in twilight princess aiding link from that era with battle knowledge.
Interesting theory. I have a theory as well. I think Link is the Fierce Deity's descendent who was described as having dark powers. My theory is that the FD became good at some point and the Dark Link is the remnant of darkness which haunts his descendents.
Liked this theory! You earned a sub!
M. Productions and ***** should do a collab
joe nicolosi
please make it happen!!
M. Productions *****
Seems like Mido was the only one who had the problem with Link not having a fairy. All the others seemed really happy that he had one, which kind of implies they still liked him even when he didn't have one.
Isn't it also an homage to Peter Pan fighting his shadow? Link and Navi look like they were inspired by Peter Pan and Tinkerbell.
Gandalf the Greymon They we’re inspired by them. The creator of Zelda I forgot how to spell is name he said that he got the idea of Link because he loved Peter Pan
I originally played Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask in my youth on the N64. I recently had a pang of nostalgia and just finished Ocarina of Time again using an emulator on my computer, about to get started with Majora's Mask.
Playing the games again now made me look at them in a whole new light, and I have really appreciated watching these videos of yours. It is very interesting to explore these games and their world again. I will probably start playing more of the games in the series as well.
I like the idea of Dark Link representing Link's own weakness and rejection of his destiny, but I think it was Ganondorf's work to animate this part of Link as both a physical and psychological deterrent for the Hero's quest. I think the illusion of the room is also the work of the Dorf, which is broken at the same time that the manifestation of Link's weakness is.
Not really since the water temple is made by the zoras
Ganon got dat magic tho
***** No real evidence to support that statement
+Derp Z exactly Derp ganon dorf's spell made DARK LINK he was cursed just like Link if he tryied to leave the temle he would be destroyied i know this is true my brother has the game and he has the game manual too all the true facts about DARK LINK are there
i though ganon created shadow link though. dark link and shadow link are two different beings.
This theory made me think the Dark Link in Zelda 2 must be the side of Link that want the adventure to never end since Ganon is dead he doesn't have a purpose as a hero anymore hence why his dark version try to bring Ganon back to life so the real Link can kill him all over again
Link doesn't belong anywhere, he never speaks, gets forced to fight his own doubts. Damn, Zelda is indeed really dark..
I've actually never thought about dark link like that,it's true that everyone has a dark side. And your right on the nose about link.
The dead tree in the middle could represent links broken spirit as the deku tree, Zelda and saria are the only ones guiding link and all of them have been taken away from him
That actually makes a lot of sense! Nice theory :)
thx
Awesome theory on Dark Link. I feel like now I view the Hero of Time as a tragic Hero
and all of his inner fears and anger creates Dark Link, I feel like Dark Link is Link's worst
enemy then Ganondorf.
Btw have you done any theories for Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild?
Getting closer every day to a 1000 subscribers! Thank you everyone for your support and comments! I really appreciate you guys thinking along with me to find interesting things to explore :)!
How do we send you messages?
Gilbert Cast I think the option to send messages is somewhere on the "about" page.
Since you´re aware Dark Link appears in multiple places, you´d also know he is made by Veran in the Oracle of Ages ;) It seems Dark Link is the 'evil' part of Link drawn out of him by magic, and this type of magic is usable by more than 1 person. Dark Link is thus not a real being, but an emotion or aura that has taken a shape aided with magic.
Ah I see, this theory was only about the Ocarina of Time Dark Link, not the one from Zelda II.
*****
Actually, Dark Link is not DARK LINK. It is supposed to be Shadow Link. It is based on the idea that your shadow copy all of your movements, so if you can win from it you have won from yourself. In that manner the meaning behind Dark Link's battle is just overcoming yourself.
Rest in peace
Vortexxy
Link's reflection vanishes when Dark Link appears... he IS Link. You have to wonder where their fight was meant to actually take place before the game got hit by time cuts.
All the thought and effort you put into your theories is amazing.
I already loved MM, but you've made me look at Ocarina in a much deeper, interconnected way.
I used to accept that things just "existed" in the games and payed no mind to them, but you take every bit of lore seriously and make something out of it, that is serious love and passion for this series.
It deserves it and you deserve each and every subscriber that comes to you. :)
Very nice of you to say that :) I do really love the franchise so I am really glad there's others that feel the same!
I love your theories! They're so consistent! Congrats!
In the Ocarina of Time manga, Link kills Volvagia in the Fire Temple.....but it turns out that Volvagia was Link's friend before he was corrupted by Ganondorf.
After Link beheads Volvagia, the curse breaks and Volvagia regains his senses......
Volvagia......drops a single tear and calls out Link's name before vanishing.....Link gets broken inside that he killed a friend and this weighed on him ever since.
*It is possible that Link reached mental threshold in the Water Temple where his bloodied hands and doubts gave rise to Dark Link*
I know that the Manga is not canon but we all can agree that when saving the world, there is a lot of pressure on the protagonist.......also, fighting your own doppelganger/shadow is a rite of passage in RPGs :p
Well the Hero's Shade back when he was alive did not seem to have much personality shown. All I can gather from him was that he was very brave, tough and determined. I don't think it would be possible to mentally break him. He is a tough warrior after all and he has fought many a foul beast across time including a dark lord in a ruined future that he was trying to save and an evil god in a mask that wanted to destroy the world for his own sick entertainment yet he showed no fear during any of it.
+Jmario232
He didn't have a choice.
Hero's Shade is probably a facade or a persona that is infused with Link.
Yes; Hero's Shade is a personification of Link's bravery, transcending time and space because of the events that happened in Skyward Sword.
Link, regardless of age or innocence, is destined to carry this heavy burden of protecting the world as many times as it takes.
How many creatures must be slain before this evil ends?
The many monsters that Link fought and killed might have been benign or peaceful at some point, but turned malignant through Ganondorf's influence, or should I say DEMISE'S influence.
"In the end, the Knight who fells Demons and gets bathed in their blood might turn into a Demon eventually"
@@ahmedfalahy9337 What other games has a hero fighting their shadow?
@@erikbudrow1255
Persona
@@erikbudrow1255 Zelda 2 for NES
Very interesting theory there. And the bit with the small little island in the middle of water makes sense given the way you described Link here.
Honestly, you are the best Zelda lore youtuber I've seen. Good job!
She absolutely was, Rest In Peace 😔💙
She was amazing. I hope Nintendo honors her with a character or place named after her. Her theories and stories enriched the world of Zelda and it's characters, making the stories of it even more enjoyable. She was a true fan of the series and it shows in her content.
Awesome! Your investigations and theories go way deep, hope to see more of these. Greetings from Costa Rica!
Let me tell you, you have one of the most AMAZING TH-cam channels EVER created! Thank you so much for this great vids, keep the amazing work!
IIRC it's actually time-based for when dark link becomes aggressive... He starts out pretty translucent, but gradually gets more solid over time, and once he's fully solid he starts attacking
I like how you point out something that most players don't think about: Link's humanity. It's interesting to show how, even though he is a hero, Link is not perfect. Do you think that, through the Child Timeline, where Link never faced Dark Link and therefore never cleansed his heart and instead kept his feelings of resentment and powerlessness in the face of his destiny, Link kept those emotions, leading to his own brusque attitude as the Hero's Shade in Twilight Princess?
Love this, keep doing what your doing, people definitely need to subscribe to you
You have so many good theories that I both love and bingewatch XD
Just watched this after your Malon theory video and gotta say... I am loving your channel so far so that's +1 more sub to your humble little group.
I heard a plausible theory that Dark Link is composed entirely of the darkness that was once in Link's heart. Every living being has a good side and a bad side, and the Great Goddesses had to extract Link's bad side at birth in order for him to become the Hero of Time - an unnaturally selfless and flawless person filled entirely with good. Link's rejected bad side then manifested itself as Dark Link: Dark Link's main goal is either to rejoin with Link so that they can once again share the good and bad traits that every other living being is conflicted with, or it could simply be to destroy Link as revenge for being cast out and thrown away as an unwanted waste product
I really do love your theories, subscribe for this one. It's great!
Wow I literally finished watch almost all the videos with in a couple of days. I really enjoy your videos!! Please keep then coming they are really interesting!! Looking forward to the next one.
Thanks :) I'm editing the next one so it should be up today.
my mind was blown, you have a new sub keep up the good work
Great video, I love your description of Dark Link and your style of videos :) I just subscribed too!
Oh my gosh!:D this was awesome^_____^ nice video:)
Your legend of Zelda theories are awesome ^.^ keep it up
This was a beautiful theory! Great work!
This was so profound, awesome vid!
Dark or Shadow link was the final boss in one of the Zelda Games and was in fact created by Ganondorf. Ganon after becoming frustrated at the progress and achievements of the Hero created this doppelganger that mirrors or copies the abilities of the hero ganons nemises. it stands to reason tht it is possible to assume tht Dark link is an Anti or Evil version of Link and exists purely to carry out his purpose to defeat the hero or also possible to also mirror some form of courage or goodness in the hero and develop a conscience becoming a more complex character. But its just a theory.
Incredible work as always, Vortexxy! I think I have found my new favorite Chanel.
^_^
I honestly believe that Dark Link is a manifestation of Demise, and he has not fully deteriorated within the Master Sword just yet.
At the end of Skyward Sword, Demise is absorbed into the Master Sword when defeated. He is reincarnated as Ganondorf, but his body and what remains of his consciousness are in the sword.
Demise wielded a sword that looks very similar to the Master Sword, AKA Ghirahim. Another point. They both had similar swords that had "spirits," if you want to call them that. They were Fi and Ghirahim. When you fight Dark Link, he very clearly has a dark Master Sword.
The battlefield you are in is an endless plain of sky and water, like Demise's battlefield.
Back go my first point, you have the Master Sword at this point, and, as stated earlier, Demise was absorbed by it. He did not fully deteriorate, but there was enough of him to be released in a new, but weaker, form. He probably only looks like Link due to th fact that a lot of him was deteriorated. He could not come back in his original form, so his appearance was that of Link's.
Tl;dr, Demise is probably Dark Link since he was absorbed by the Master Sword and did not yet deteriorate, is in a similar battlefield, and has a Dark Master Sword.
Zoltier853 I think as well, does Ganondorf not just merge with the spirit of Demise? Throught the evil of his heart, he becomes a physiczl manifestaion of Demise, just as Demise is a physical representation of evil in the world.
Demises physical form was eradicated according to Fi. Which means completely destroyed. His consciousness was absorbed in the sword by Fi. Which we may see more of this in botw sequel knowing Fi woke up and the sword is weak. Still losing power even after the trial of the sword. Did demises consciousness escape is that really why fi woke up from an eternal slumber? Too weak to hold him back?
u subscribed cause is seen alot of your videos and u put alot of effort and your theories hit the mark, can't wait to see what u got up next.
another awesome theory video. your uploads are the highlight of my week.
Awww, thanks!
I love your voice 😄 I've been watching all your theorys and they sound great. keep up the good work.
Vortexxy! Thank you. You have answered many questions that people may have had about Legend of Zelda! Thank you! :D
Jeremiah Murphy You're very welcome :>
One of my favorite videos from you, I really hope we will get to see dark Link in Zelda Wii U.
I am loving your videos so hard!
You're doing a very nice job here. Please keep going.
Such deep, dark meaning to this. Thank you for the videos
i'm so glad I found this channel!!!
Great video, I haven't seen others this good!
I always saw him as "mirror link". the metaphor being you are the only thing in your own way. the illusions in your mind are like the illusionary nature of the room with an endless lake within it. when the room reveals that it was a holographic virtual reality, it can be taken to see that all beings are a mirror of the self. it was an illusion and you were in your own way.
this one really makes sense. good job on all the research!
i was hopeing for this theory for a while. thanks
Really Interesting, ty for making those videos : D
great Zelda vids they are bringing fan fun to my dead evening :)
And beside the fact that Dark Link is the only "Evil" being besides Ghirahim able to Touch the Master Sword without getting harm (by standing on it) is also kinda suspicious since no Evil can touch the Blade.
I mean it can be explained why Ghirahim can just steal the Goddess Sword and the Master Sword out of your hand in Skyward Sword since he is the Sword of the Demon King Demise, a living weapon similar to the Master Sword but working in the other direction.
But Dark Link standing on it is kinda hard to explain to me
Hey VortexxyGaming. I like your videos! I've watched a few Zelda-related ones you've created, and they're really thoughful. You got a subscriber here.
Shea Wilson Thanks :D
Great piece of work i really enjoyed your interpretation about the lonely island as links calm solitude is quite clever in your analysis.
Great to hear that you enjoyed it :)
A beautiful theory. I loved how you explained this. I like this theory.
Love the theory keep up the great work!!!!
You videos are so cool great work
This is a great theory, but I came up with my own. I would not work, I know, but it is for a LoZ fanfiction.
My theory is that when Link defeats Ganondorf, Ganon's spirit has to find the first living thing it can find. It finds Link, and it splits him apart, so there is now still him, but also a version of Link which is posessed by Ganon. Dark Link is that version posessed by Ganondorf, and he will use it until he can get enough power to go back into his old body.
in quite a legend of Zelda fan myself and I had always been curious about dark links origin. Thx for that video because that answered my question
I've always wondered what that room was all about. Nice theory :)
I definitely enjoyed the video, I never even thought about that mini-boss being created by the Zoras.
I am a little bummed that you didn't even mention Zelda II though, cause that's the first time we ever encounter Dark Link.
John Saylor I didn't put shadow link in this theory because he wasn't very relevant for the story. You're right I could have made a mention though :)
Great theory! I had always assumed it was a test of sorts, too, as Navi says "Dark Link. Defeat yourself".
You have the best Zelda theories
You just earned another sub
I like how you tackle other theories than the popular ones.
Great video!
I think it was dark magic/energy (whatever Ganondorf uses) that is trying to psychologically psyche elink out, pray on his worst fears and fill him with self doubt.
That part about Navi actually makes so much sense. Navi represents the lock-on targeting mechanic the way Lakitu represents the free camera in Super Mario 64, and Dark Link can only be defeated by attacking him without locking on. So Link can only overcome his personal darkness (growing up without a fairy) without the help of Navi.
I love it when gameplay and narrative overlap!
I truly just don't comment on most TH-cam videos but I do truly enjoy your videos! Great job please keep it up! The only thing you could improve on is being more fluid instead of the sudden stops while talking. Still great job and just trying to help!
Yea, I think we all had to deal with some demons going through the water temple.
beautiful stuff !
Great vid!!!
So I just spent the day going through nearly all your ocarina of time videos and your content was just so good I couldn't help but comment now. Great job. And love your insight. Truly amazing thoughts on making the game deeper than probably the designers even intended. Love your take on the game's history :)
By the way, what is your accent? It's cool-
I really like your take on Dark Link. It makes the usual enigmatic Link appear much, much more human. I've always believed that Link's childhood was lonely and hard since he was never a Kokiri, and all the ways those kids mistreated him. Your theory just helps cement it in my head. Plus your explanation makes it entirely plausible to be canon.
Very interesting theories. Never actually looked at Dark Link as Link's inner conflictions.
I had to smile as I right-clicked on this video from your channel and clicked "open (L)ink in a new tab" :>
On a serious note, I´ve fallen in love with your channel. You´ve got a good eye for small details (like carvings on the walls of Arbiter´s Grounds? Wow!) and your videos and theories feel very polished! My mission for today will be to watch every Zelda theory you´ve done to date.
You are perfect! You should definitely get more views and subscribers. Too bad I don't have any friends that like TLOZ, so I can't recommend your channel, but keep it up!
Good job with this
I get how the Deku Tree adopted Link because he will grow up into a hero, but even though it's non-canon, Rauru told Link that "the Great Deku Tree raised [Link] lovingly, like all the other Kokiri", like all adoptive parents should. I believe that the reason the Great Deku Tree adopted Link was more than just the whole destiny thing, but to spare one's life. Love is the most powerful thing in the world, and it has been proven numerous times.
Watched a few of your video's so far, and so far... i agree with all your theorys, as there is a lot of proof to follow it.
incredible, life changing/re-affirming
I remember fighting Dark Link as a kid, I just spammed the hammer because he couldn't copy that move.
That is a great look at the boss fight
Vortex! How about a character profile on Tingle? Haha you could make it light hearted and I think he's pretty mysterious in his own way. Love your vids!
Great theory! It makes sense!! I wish they make a Zelda game about link himself
Nice theory :D
also, the curse that ganondorf placed on the water temple in ocarina of time might have caused demise's spirit from within the master sword to grow strong again.
I belive Link was based on Peter and Dark Link is his shadow, just like Peter Pan fought with his own shadow.
That is true the creator of the Zelda series said that the character was based off Peter Pan
another point to bring up, as stated more directly in the spin-off game, hyrule warriors, no one is perfect. Everyone has a good and bad part of themselves. Link must overcome the darkness in his heart in order to truly be "the" hero. Dark Link starts off very faint, almost invisible, representing the miniscule, well hidden darkness within. His choice to not attack represents the severity of Link's darkness as minor, undamaging. As Dark Link gets lower in health, he gets more aggressive and darker, representing the severity of Link's inner darkness if left unchecked and uncontrolled as well as the building evil pressure within. Whether you consider link happy or more average, with his own everyday troubles and pressure, you can't deny the fact that his stress increases as his quest deepens. Dark Link's more rash behavior (close to his defeat) represents the cockiness that comes with power, and his stubbornness to come out the victor. Dark Link is the embodiment of the evil within link and his possible growing resentment of his (cursed) destiny.
All this talk of hearts and that music reminds me of login hearts
I had the same idea and thought when I finally reached this dungeon back when I was like...10-11 years old. As well horrible week for me on that day too, Got badly ill and that every time I tried to stand up or even walk in my house would get, badly dizzy. But yeah, during those week and finally reaching here. I had a feeling, Dark Link was some sort of turmoil he was suffering from inside. Although could never figured it out as a child lol XD
Very good theory video ^^