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{{Infobox Character
|image= 
{{Media
 |Artwork OoT= File:OoT Link Artwork.png
 |Artwork OoT3D= File:OoT3D Link and Epona Artwork.png
 |Artwork MM= File:MM Link Goron Mask Artwork.png
 |Artwork MM3D= File:MM3D Link Masks Artwork.png
 |Artwork TP= File:TP Hero's Spirit Concept Artwork.png
 |Model OoT= File:Link OoT.png
 |Model OoT3D= File:OoT3D Link Model.png
 |Model MM= File:Link model.png
 |Model MM3D= File:MM3D Link Model.png
 |Model TP= File:TP Hero's Spirit Model.png
}}
|caption= 
|title= Hero of Time
|race= {{Term|Series|Hylian|link}},[[Ghost]]/[[Stalfos]] (as [[Hero's Spirit]])
|gender= Male
|game= {{OoT}},{{MM}},{{TP}}
|other= {{SSB}},{{SSBM}},{{SSBB}} {{exp|As a sticker}},{{OoT|Himekawa|-}},{{MM|Himekawa|-}},{{SSB4}} {{exp|As a trophy}}, {{HW}},{{SSBU}}
|era= [[Era of the Hero of Time]],[[Era of Twilight]]
|crossover={{SCII}}|voiceactor=Fujiko Takamoto (Child)
[[Nobuyuki Hiyama]] (Adult)}}
The '''Hero of Time''' is the legendary title given to the '''{{Term|Series|Link|link}}''' who appears in {{OoT}}, {{MM}}, and later in {{TP}} as the '''{{Term|TP|Hero's Spirit|link}}'''.<ref name="HeroofTime">{{Cite|The Master Sword is a sacred blade which evil ones may never touch.... Only one worthy of the title of "Hero of Time" can pull it from the Pedestal of Time.... However, you were too young to be the Hero of Time.... Therefore, your spirit was sealed here for seven years. And now that you are old enough, the time has come for you to awaken as the Hero of Time!|Rauru|OoT}}</ref> Link is bestowed this title upon awakening from his seven-year slumber after retrieving the [[Master Sword]] from the [[Pedestal of Time]].<ref name=HeroofTime/> By traveling through time to awaken the [[Six Sages]] and stop the King of Evil [[Ganon]] from conquering [[Hyrule]], the Hero of Time's tale becomes a legend that is passed down through many generations, proving to be of great relevance to both the [[Mythology in The Legend of Zelda Series|Mythology in {{TLoZ|-}} series]] as well as the [[Zelda Timeline|timeline]] in which the games take place.<ref name=time>{{Cite|This boy, who traveled through time to save the land, was known as the Hero of Time. The boy's tale was passed down through generations until it became legend...|N/A|TWW}}</ref> According to the offical timeline of the [[The Legend of Zelda (series)|franchise]], the Links from ''Twilight Princess'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', known as the Hero of Twilight and the Hero of Winds, respectively, are his successors, with the former being his descendant as well. The Hero of Time's predecessors are the incarnations from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword]],'' ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap|The Minish Cap]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords|Four Swords]],'' the former being the [[Hylia's Chosen Hero|Legendary Hero]] himself. The Hero of Legend from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'' would be his potential successor if Ganon [[Game Over|ultimately defeated the Hero of Time]]. 

==Biography==
===The Rise of the Hero of Time===
[[File:Tree.jpg|left|thumb|245x245px|The Great Deku Tree telling the young Hero of Time about his future density to save the land of Hyrule]]
As a child, the Hero of Time grew up in the [[Kokiri Forest]] believing that he was a [[Kokiri]], but in reality he was an orphaned [[Hylian]], due to his dying mother left him under the guardianship of the [[The Great Deku Tree|Great Deku Tree]] as a baby during the [[Hyrulean Civil War]]. Because the Hero of Time was not a Kokiri despite being raised as such, [[Link]] did not possess a [[Fairy]] companion, which led to him being ostracized by the majority of the Kokiri tribe, with the exception of his close friend [[Saria]] and the Deku Tree. He himself had been plagued with ominous nightmares about a [[Princess Zelda|princess]] on horseback fleeing from a [[Ganon|wicked man dressed in black]]. One day, the Hero of Time was bestowed with a Fairy named [[Navi]] by the Great Deku Tree to help guide him on his grand quest to save [[Hyrule]]. At the beginning his adventure, Link managed to save the Great Deku Tree from a [[Gohma|dangerous parasite]] inside and earning the [[Spiritual Stone of the Forest|Kokiri's Emerald]], the first of three [[Spiritual Stone|Spiritual Stones]]. But, despite Link's brave efforts, the Kokiri Forest guardian was already doomed by the man in black's curse and ultimately dies as a result after the Deku Tree tells his destiny to meet the princess of Hyrule, Princess Zelda, and save the land as the chosen hero, in which he must leave the forest. [[File:Castle Courtyard OoT.png|left|thumb|269x269px|Young Princess Zelda shares the Hero of Time about her dark dreams of Ganondorf's plan to enter the Sacred Realm to take over Hyrule]]
In the land of Hyrule, with a little bit of help by a rancher girl named [[Malon]], upon meeting Zelda inside the [[Hyrule Castle Courtyard|courtyard]] of [[Hyrule Castle]] (who also shares ominous dreams of the man in black and even had a vision of Link) for the first time, she tells Link the legends that speak of the [[Triforce]], the omnipotent mythical Golden Power said to reside in the [[Sacred Realm]] which has the powerful ability to grant any wishes of whoever touches it, whether it is good or bad.<ref>{{Cite|For it is in that Sacred Realm that one will find the divine relic, the Triforce, which contains the essence of the gods...|Great Deku Tree|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|The three goddesses hid the Triforce containing the power of the gods somewhere in Hyrule. The power to grant the wish of the one who holds the Triforce in his hands. If someone with a righteous heart makes a wish, it will lead Hyrule to a golden age of prosperity... If someone with an evil mind has his wish granted, the world will be consumed by evil...That is what has been told...|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> [[Ganondorf]], the King of the [[Gerudo]] tribe, aware of his advantage of the Triforce not being able to discriminate against evil, schemes to enter the Sacred Realm to claim the Triforce himself, and thus rule the world.<ref>{{Cite|This evil man ceaselessly uses his vile, sorcerous powers in his search for the Sacred Realm that is connected to Hyrule...|Great Deku Tree|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|What Ganondorf is after must be nothing less than the Triforce of the Sacred Realm. He must have come to Hyrule to obtain it! And, he wants to conquer Hyrule...no, the entire world!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref>Although Zelda had told her father, the [[King of Hyrule]], about her dark dreams and Ganondorf's likely betrayal, he doesn't believe the princess' important warning. Link even sees the evil man through the window Zelda herself was looking at, swearing "allegiance" to the King (despite Ganondorf himself soon spotting him). With them being the only ones in the kingdom knowing the villain's plan, the duo agreed to stop him and save Hyrule with all their power. Just before leaving the castle and resumes his quest, Link met Zelda's attendant and personal bodyguard [[Impa]], one of the last surviving members of the [[Sheikah]] tribe, who escorts him back to [[Hyrule Field]] safely. 
[[File:OoT Pedestal of Time Artwork.png|thumb|297x297px|As he was too young to bear the title, Link was immediately sealed for 7 years upon pulling the Master Sword]]
However, with the unwitting assistance of a young courageous boy named Link and Hyrule's Princess Zelda, after the former collects the remaining Spiritual Stones - the [[Spiritual Stone of Fire|Goron's Ruby]] and [[Spiritual Stone of Water|Zora's Sapphire]], and meeting more new friends along the way such as [[Darunia]] and [[Princess Ruto]] after solving their troubles within [[Dodongo's Cavern]] and [[Inside Jabu-Jabu's Belly|Jabu-Jabu's Belly]], respectively, Ganondorf attacked Hyrule Castle, with the young princess escaping on horseback with Impa - exactly like in his nightmare. But Zelda herself notices Link, and, in a desperate move, throws the [[Ocarina of Time (Item)|Ocarina of Time]] toward him as she entrusts him to finish his duty of protecting the Sacred Realm. Link then meets Ganondorf in person and although the boy boldly tries to challenge him, he was no match for the Gerudo King, and then Ganondorf seemingly chases after Zelda and Impa again. After looking on in frustration, Link soon enters the [[Temple of Time]] to open the [[Door of Time]] using the Spiritual Stones, which inside lies the [[Master Sword]], a legendary weapon with the [[Power to Repel Evil|power to repel evil]]. What the young hero or Princess Zelda does not know, however, was that Ganondorf had been following him as he entered the Temple, as he quickly realized Link has the [[Royal Family of Hyrule|Royal Family]]'s Ocarina given by Zelda. When Link retrieves the Master Sword from the [[Pedestal of Time]], he was suddenly sealed by the blade without warning, as he was too young of age to bear the title as the "Hero of Time". In addition, the Sacred Realm was opened as Link pulled the Master Sword, as it is also one of the keys to the secret place like the Ocarina of Time. Consequently, as the magical seal is beyond his control, he helplessly watches Ganondorf entering the Realm (before mocking the hero for letting him reach his ultimate goal), touches the Triforce, and expresses his vile wish to conquer Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite|Though you opened the Door of Time in the name of peace... Ganondorf, the Gerudo King of Thieves, used it to enter this forbidden Sacred Realm! He obtained the Triforce from the Temple of Light, and with its power, he became the King of Evil...|Rauru|OoT}}</ref> 

Although the King of Thieves was successful at reaching the sacred triangle thanks to his clever thinking and things are not going according to plan for Link and Zelda, their mission of stopping and defeating him were not entirely in vain, however; Because Ganondorf's heart was not in balance due to his wickedness, the Triforce itself separated into three component parts upon being touched by the Gerudo leader, leaving him with only the blessing of the [[Golden Goddess|Golden Goddesses]] he believed to be the most important, the [[Triforce of Power]] ([[Din (Goddess)|Din]]), and transforming the Sacred Realm into a [[Dark World|corrupt world of evil]].<ref>{{Cite|If the heart of the one who holds the sacred triangle has all three forces in balance, that one will gain the True Force to govern all. But, if that one's heart is not in balance, the Triforce will separate into three parts: Power, Wisdom and Courage. Only one part will remain for the one who touched the Triforce...the part representing the force that one most believes in.|Sheik|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|He went on to invade the Sacred Realm... Ganondorf had become the Evil King, and the Sacred Realm became a world of evil.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> The remaining pieces are given to two special individuals chosen by destiny; Therefore, the [[Triforce of Wisdom]] was then bestowed upon Princess Zelda and the [[Triforce of Courage]] upon Link, respectively, granting themselves untold sources of mystical abilities by the essence of [[Nayru (Goddess)|Nayru]] and [[Farore (Goddess)|Farore]] as well (although Zelda and Link were not quite aware of their newfound crests until much later). Even though his strength became god-like by the one Triforce piece he ultimately acquired, Ganondorf was not satisfied with just Power alone and is determined to search and steal the other two from Zelda and Link in order to gain complete control of the world and truly become invincible.<ref name="quote1">{{Cite|The one who holds the Triforce of Courage is... You, Link! And the other, who holds the Triforce of Wisdom... is the seventh Sage, who is destined to be the leader of them all... It is I, the Princess of Hyrule, Zelda.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Link himself was then put into suspended animation within the [[Chamber of Sages]] for seven years until he matured enough to properly handle the Blade of Evil's Bane.<ref name="HeroofTime" /> Meanwhile, throughout this near-decade gap in time, with the young hero being absent and Hyrule Castle now defenseless, Ganondorf used the Triforce of Power to take over the kingdom, likely murdering the King of Hyrule in the process, and become its new king, transforming the entire world into a dark age and forcing Zelda into hiding as a member of the Sheikah named [[Sheik]], patiently waiting for the hero's late return.<ref>{{Cite|His evil power radiated from the temples of Hyrule, and in seven short years, it transformed Hyrule into a world of darkness and monsters.|Rauru|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|But one day a man of great evil found the golden power and took it for himself... With its strength at his command, he spread darkness across the kingdom.|N/A|TWW}}</ref> 

=== The Legend of the Hero of Time ===
[[File:Older Link.png|thumb|275x275px|At last risen from his deep slumber in the Chamber of Sages, Link, now grown into a young man, awakens as the legendary Hero of Time]]
Now a young adult, Link eventually awakens as the Hero of Time while [[Rauru]], the Sage of Light, explains to him what had happened during his long sleep and he must prove himself worthy of his new title. Using the Master Sword and the Ocarina of Time plus instructions by Sheik, Link travels through time and across Hyrule to seek the [[Sage#Ocarina of Time|Six Sages]] (most of which revealed to be his childhood friends), who were said to have the power to bind Ganondorf and return peace to Hyrule.<ref name="time" /><ref>{{Cite|The power of the Sages remains. When the power of all the Sages is awakened... The Sages' Seals will contain all the evil power in the void of the Realm... I, Rauru, am one of the Sages... And... Your power to fight together with the Sages makes you the Hero of Time! The Hero of Time, chosen by the Master Sword! Keep my spirit with you... And, find the power of the other Sages and add their might to your own!|Rauru|OoT}}</ref>In addition, they also grant the young man some of their own power in the form of [[Sage Medallion|Medallions]]. When all Sages are at last awakened after destroying [[Bosses in Ocarina of Time|various dangerous monsters]] within six different [[Dungeons in Ocarina of Time|Temples]], including Ganondorf's surrogate mother [[Twinrova]] and even his [[Dark Link|own evil shadow]] at one point, he returns back to the Temple of Time, where Sheik tells Link about the meaning of the Triforce and why it split, who are the three bearers, and ultimately reveals himself using the [[Triforce of Wisdom]] to be Princess Zelda in disguise (who is also revealed to be the seventh Sage and their leader). The princess is pleased to see her invaluable partner in person after 7 years and tells Link her ultimate plan to seal Ganondorf to the Evil Realm, but she needs help from his exemplary courage, once more. She then gives him the powerful [[Light Arrow|Light Arrows]], as these special weapons of [[light]] can penetrate the Evil King's defenses. But their reunion was cut short when Ganondorf himself, who have been waiting for such a time to come of Zelda fully exposing herself to Link, suddenly captures her in a magic [[crystal]], and the Evil King tells his adversary to enter his [[Ganon's Castle|castle]], known as Ganon's Castle, where Hyrule's formerly stood, for a final showdown if he wishes to rescue the princess, laughing wickedly.
[[File:OoT Link Fighting Ganondorf Artwork.jpg|left|thumb|316x316px|The Hero of Time in his ultimate showdown against Ganondorf, the King of Evil]]
With the assistance of the Six Sages, Link was able to storm the stronghold via a [[Rainbow Bridge|colorful metallic bridge]], dispel six powerful elemental barriers (possibly freeing the Sages themselves) with the Light Arrows, and challenge Ganondorf the Evil King at the inner sanctum once and for all. Upon reaching the throne room at the top of the tower where Ganondorf himself is waiting (playing his theme song on a pipe organ in the process) and Princess Zelda held hostage above, all three of their respective Triforce pieces begin to resonate and attempt to become whole again, much to Link and Zelda's surprise. A one-on-one duel between Link and Ganondorf engages soon after. But, the Evil King, despite his great strength, was gravely injured by Link, to the point he even vomits blood. In disbelief that he himself would be bested by the "kid" who is now the Hero of Time, in a burst of anger and frustration, Ganondorf obliterates the ceiling of the tower, though Link remains completely unscathed likely from the [[Triforce of Courage]] protecting the hero, before collapsing face down to the ground, apparently dead. Princess Zelda is now freed from her crystal prison.
[[File:OoT Ganon's Castle escape.png|thumb|276x276px|The Hero of Time, Navi, and Princess Zelda running for their lives as they all barely escape in time before the collapsing Ganon's Castle]]
But, then, as Zelda begins to feel pity about Ganondorf not being able to properly control the powers of the gods due to his evil heart, the tower suddenly begins to crumble, as Ganondorf himself intentionally uses his power to make his own castle collapse in order to kill his foes under the rubble. Link and Zelda manage to escape and watch the entire keep falling before their very eyes. When the destruction is over, the duo believe they are finally victorious. However, a loud bang is heard, and they realize something was very wrong. As the Hero of Time defends the princess and bravely begins to investigate at what caused the noise, with no warning, a fiery barrier traps Zelda again, and then, Ganondorf, still alive, rises out of the ruins of his now-destroyed castle. Link dares his archenemy to challenge the hero again by drawing the [[Master Sword]] toward him in a threatening display. Furious and filled with hatred for Link, Ganondorf takes the dare and unleashes the [[Triforce of Power]] to the fullest extent, transforming himself into a huge and vicious boar-like [[demon]], which is none other than his true form - [[Ganon]]. Armed with two gigantic golden swords, he temporarily knocks the Master Sword out of Link's hands, forcing the Hero of Time to fight the villain once again in a dramatic, intense battle to the death, more dangerous than anything he has ever faced before, as the fate of Hyrule is now at stake. Ganon himself is unimaginably powerful and his body appears to be indestructible due to the essence of the Goddess [[Din (Goddess)|Din]] bestowed upon him, but, Link miraculously finds his Achilles' heel: the tail. With the full combined might of Link's raw skills, the Master Sword, Light Arrows, the Triforce of Courage, and the aid of the Seven Sages and Navi, the Hero of Time eventually manages to weaken Ganon, causing the deadly beast to collapse in pain and the fire barrier to disappear.
[[File:OoT Link's final blow on Ganon (side view).png|left|thumb|334x334px|The Hero of Time climactically (and violently) defeats Ganon with a powerful blow during the final battle in Hyrule]]
Taking her opportunity, Princess Zelda uses her powers to hold Ganon down as she commands the hero to deliver the final blow, but her energy didn't last very long, however. The Master Sword then suddenly glows at its full power. Link, ready to put his archnemesis to sleep for good as he himself is filled with righteous hatred for the monster just as much as Ganon has for him, ultimately slashes the Demon King's face three times, then, in a rather nasty move, furiously thrusts the Master Sword straight into his mouth (with blood spilled yet again), resulting in Ganon, not killed by the seemingly lethal attack, somehow, gets back up roaring and flailing about in agony (likely due to the full-powered Triforce of Power making him able to survive in spite of the legendary blade's ability to vanquish evil). Nevertheless, as the villain is mortally wounded a second time, this gave Zelda and the Six Sages the chance they desperately needed to finally bind Ganon and throw him back into the void of the Evil Realm, thus ending the Evil King's seven year reign over Hyrule.<ref>{{Cite|I'm using my power to hold the Evil King! You use your sword and deliver the final blow!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Ancient Creators of Hyrule! Now, open the sealed door and send the Evil Incarnation of Darkness into the void of the Evil Realm!!|Rauru|OoT}}</ref> Defeated at last by Link's hand, the King of Evil, reverted back to his human form with the Triforce of Power still in his hand, and in a fit of rage and complete shock, threatens the Hero of Time, Princess Zelda, and the Sages he will return one day to exterminate their descendants to make them all pay for his ultimate defeat and imprisonment once the seal is broken (foreshadowing the events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'').<ref name="quote3">{{Cite|YOU... CURSE YOU...ZELDA! CURSE YOU...SAGES!! CURSE YOU...LINK! Someday... When this seal is broken.... That is when I will exterminate your descendants!! As long as the Triforce of Power is in my hand....|Ganondorf|OoT}}</ref>
[[File:Zelda with the Ocarina of Time.png|thumb|265x265px|Their mission of saving Hyrule completed, the Hero of Time and Princess Zelda say their goodbyes]]
With Hyrule now finally at peace, while saying their goodbyes, Princess Zelda uses her power as a Sage with the Ocarina of Time and [[Triforce of Wisdom]] to send the Hero of Time back to his original age via seven years into the past in order to regain his lost childhood, as compensation for his heroic role of taking down Ganondorf, and, with guilt, claiming the tragedy that had befallen Hyrule was merely her own mistakes as a child and dragged Link into the ordeal.<ref>{{Cite|Link, give the Ocarina to me... As a Sage, I can return you to your original time with it.|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> Through her instructions, the Master Sword is also left in the hero's wake, being returned to its pedestal in turn, sealing the Sacred Realm entirely and therefore closing the road between times. With this act by the princess in the future, the Hero of Time vanishes completely from this branch of Hyrule's history, leaving only his legend behind, as she unknowingly [[The Legend of Zelda timeline|split the present timeline into two]] and thus created new history, called the Child and Adult Timeline - the latter being the actual universe where all of ''Ocarina of Time''<nowiki/>'s events were unfolded, and Link is heading to the former, therefore marking the beginning of the Hero of Time's downfall. With him being sent back to his childhood by Zelda, the [[Triforce of Courage]] in this particular timeline also shatters into [[Triforce Shard|multiple fragments]] and are scattered throughout the land, which would be found again one day by [[Link#The Wind Waker|another Hero]] that would have need of its power at his own adventure.

===The Hero of Time's Terrible Fate===
[[File:OoT Ending.png|left|thumb|265x265px|After being sent back to his original time by the future Princess Zelda, the Hero of Time quickly returns back to Hyrule Castle and warns her current self about Ganondorf's true plans as he learned from his adventure]]
Now back to his original time permanently, in the alternate Child Timeline, Link's trusted [[Fairy]] companion, [[Navi]], with her mission completed, suddenly flies away and utterly leaves him without a word to spare. With the memory of his adventure still intact, the Hero of Time returns to the [[Hyrule Castle Courtyard]], and warns Princess Zelda and the [[King of Hyrule]] about Ganondorf's conspiracy and what the "future" would unfold if the Gerudo King was not immediately stopped, in order to prevent the previous events from ever occurring again, as he's well-aware of their archenemy's coming assault, and using the Triforce of Courage remaining in his hand as evidence.<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=Link warned Princess Zelda of what the future would bring. Hearing his words, the princess entrusted the Ocarina of Time to Link and instructed him to travel far away in order to prevent Ganondorf from entering the Sacred Realm. |book=HH|page= 110}}</ref> He gains the [[Royal Family of Hyrule|Royal Family]]'s trust and stayed in the castle for a short while. After Link tells Zelda he must leave for a secret and personal journey, the princess entrusts Link with the {{Term|OoT3D|Ocarina of Time (Item)|link}}, this time in person, and instructs him to head far away, to completely thwart Ganondorf from entering the Sacred Realm and have himself ultimately imprisoned (and eventually [[Failed Execution of Ganondorf|sentenced to death]] in the events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'') by the King. After saying goodbye (again), the young hero then departs from Hyrule, riding on his horse [[Epona]] with the magical Ocarina in hand to seek for his missing fairy friend. Upon Link's departure from the kingdom, however, the Triforce of Courage in this part of the timeline, due to himself being separated from the "elements that made him a hero", ultimately vanishes from the Hero of Time's hand, therefore losing the great mystical powers bestowed upon him by the essence of the Goddess [[Farore (Goddess)|Farore]].<ref>{{Cite|When the Hero of Time was called to embark on another journey and left the land of Hyrule, he was separated from the elements that made him a hero. It is said that at that time, the Triforce of Courage was split into eight shards and hidden throughout the land.|King of Red Lions|TWW}}</ref>[[File:MM Link Riding Epona.png|thumb|243x243px|Link riding on Epona searching for his fairy friend Navi in a dark forest after his departure from Hyrule, a scene which would repeat again after saving Termina, as seen in ''Majora's Mask'']]
[[File:MM Clock Town Artwork.png|left|thumb|233x233px|The Hero of Time in the land of Termina, where he must stop the Moon from crashing in three days during his second journey to defeat Majora's Mask]]
No longer protected by the power of the [[Triforce]] and months later in the process, in a distant forest at the very outskirts of Hyrule, the Hero of Time was suddenly ambushed and stumbles into a parallel universe known as [[Termina]], which was being threatened to be [[Terminan Apocalypse|destroyed]] by its sinister [[Moon (Object)|Moon]] in three days, by the [[Skull Kid]], under possession of a powerful evil entity called [[Majora's Mask (Item)|Majora's Mask]]. He was then instructed by the mysterious [[Happy Mask Salesman|Happy Mask Saleman]] (who apparently knows him from Hyrule) to take the ancient mask from the Skull Kid as soon as possible, resulting in Link forced to put his search for Navi on hold and do another adventure within this strange Hyrule-like world, which turned out be even darker than the last. With the aid of the Ocarina of Time to travel through time once again, transforming [[Mask|Masks]] in the form of a [[Deku Link|Deku Scrub]], [[Goron Link|Goron]], and [[Zora Link|Zora]], a new tomboyish fairy partner named [[Tatl]], and the [[Guardian Deity|Four Giants]] upon saving them from capture by the [[Bosses in Majora's Mask|forces of evil]] within four [[Dungeons in Majora's Mask|Temples]], Link overcomes many tough obstacles as well as helping many people across the land through their own troubles (earning many regular masks doing so) like he did before at Hyrule. He even regains a few of his older items such as the [[Lens of Truth]], the magic Arrows, including Light, once more at one point. Very late in his second quest, the young Hero of Time also obtains a [[Fierce Deity Mask|unique, but intimidating-looking transformation mask resembling his adult self's face]], which such rare item's dark powers are said to be just as dangerous as Majora's Mask itself. This particular mask capable of rivaling the antagonist is none other than the notorious Fierce Deity's Mask, which would prove especially useful for Link in the final battle...
[[File:MM Fierce Deity vs. Majora's Wrath.png|thumb|314x314px|The Hero of Time as his ultimate form, Fierce Deity Link, defeating Majora during the final battle in Termina]]
In the eventual final showdown against Majora's Mask (which took in three increasingly more powerful forms), taking place [[inside the Moon]], Link defeats Majora in a harsh battle with the tremendous strength of his ferocious [[Fierce Deity Link|Fierce Deity]] form, ultimately destroying the wicked monster and the Moon itself, and saves Termina from its imminent destruction. The now-freed Skull Kid gave thanks and seemingly recognized him as the one who taught him "[[Saria's Song|that song]]" in the [[Lost Woods]]. Soon after, he part ways with Tatl and leaves the land to resume his original quest of searching for Navi, though he eventually notices a tree stump in a band of light in the same place where he was originally ambushed, showing a drawing of himself, Skull Kid, Tatl, [[Tael]], and the Four Giants waving, by the Skull Kid himself as a remembrance. However, as soon as Link left Termina and seemingly returns back to Hyrule, the universe itself ceases to exist due to Majora's ultimate defeat, causing the young hero's history of rescuing this place to erase entirely - just like in the end of his previous adventure in Hyrule after defeating Ganondorf. Consequently, the Hero of Time is once again back to square one, with no lasting evidence of himself saving either world. At this point, Link's future whereabouts and activities are unknown.

=== A Legendary Hero Who Never Was ===
[[File:TP Hero's Spirit Model 2.png|left|thumb|296x296px|Although the Hero of Time proved himself a true hero, Link's regrets from his adventures and personal life ultimately reduced him into a restless Stalfos-like ghost later in the Child Timelime]]
Despite he indeed rescued his homeland as well as Termina from certain doom and his legend forever lives on in the Adult Timeline, unfortunately, as the Hero of Time now lives in the Child Timeline - a completely different universe with his title being non-existent and virtually all of his friends were lost, and he is unable to return back to the other where he belongs due to the [[Sacred Realm]] being completely sealed, thus forever trapped in this alternate dimension, as time went on, Link continued to lament the fact that he was not remembered as a hero at all after he was returned to his original time against his will by Princess Zelda immediately after defeating Ganon in the events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]] -'' a questionable decision in spite of her good intentions - and his great heroic achievements were tragically unrecognized to the world even after warning the Royal Family and stopping Ganondorf entirely (and his act of getting the [[Gerudo]] warlock executed was [[Failed Execution of Ganondorf|in vain]] when the villain survived due to the [[Triforce of Power]] and then cast into the [[Twilight Realm]]). In addition, he never found Navi after the events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'', a beloved friend who simply abandoned him without saying goodbye. When he eliminated Majora, an evil perhaps psychopathic [[demon]] about as dangerous as Ganon himself, although the Skull Kid did seem to recognize him, the Happy Mask Salesman and Tatl also never gave Link a proper thanks for his hard efforts due to themselves being focused on their own goals. Plus, Termina itself was an ill-fated world destined to disappear regardless if he saved it or not, due to the fact that land was made from the Skull Kid's memories and Majora's Mask's power. In the end, with his two traumatic journeys apparently all for naught, Link, sadly, was never in relative peace, and is filled with complete regret of his actions for the rest of his life and remained isolated from the many hardships, ironically like how Zelda in the seven-year future felt about Hyrule falling under Ganondorf's rule due to her own actions.<ref name="herosspirit">{{Cite Book|quote=Link, the descendant of the Hero of Time: [...] The spirit of Link's ancestor, the Hero of Time, teaches him his secrets. Ever since returning to the Child Era, the swordsman has lamented the fact that he was not remembered as a hero. This is the reason he passes down the proof of his courage and his secret techniques to the Link of this era, addressing him as "son".|book=HH|page=118}}</ref>
[[File:TP Link being taught being the Hero's Spirit.png|thumb|320x320px|Many years after being sadly forgotten, the Hero of Time as the Hero's Spirit (right) makes one final attempt to make himself be finally remembered by teaching the next Link - the Hero of Twilight (left), his own special techniques, as seen in ''Twilight Princess'']]
Even after his death, the Hero of Time was unable to go to the afterlife because of the non-stop regrets that kept him tied to the world of the living, feeling that he was unable to pass on the lessons of his life to the younger generations. In order to finally ease his inner demons and at last pass on his long-lost masterful knowledge of the arts of the sword, the Hero of Time teaches the seven {{Plural|TPHD|Hidden Skill|link}} to his descendant, the Link of {{TP}}, known as the Hero of Twilight, in the form of a ghostly [[Stalfos]]-like swordsman and pale golden wolf known as the [[Hero's Spirit]], taking place over a century after his time as the chosen hero by the Goddesses, in order to help this new Link become stronger to match his level and ultimately defeat Ganondorf for good as a worthy successor.<ref name="herosspirit" /><ref>{{Cite|Although I accepted life as the hero, I could not convey the lessons of that life to those that came after. At last, I have eased my regrets.|Hero's Spirit|TP}}</ref>

=== A Doomed Legend ===
[[File:TWW Scroll of the Hero of Time 4.png|left|thumb|325x325px|The Hero of Time saving Hyrule before Ganon rises from the earth by the Sages' seal being broken centuries later, as seen in ''The Wind Waker'']]
Back at the Adult Timeline, following [[Ganon]]'s brutal defeat, Link's legend as the Hero of Time was fondly remembered and had passed for many generations during Hyrule's longtime peace. However, due to Princess Zelda's decision of permanently sending him back to his original time and unintentionally into the Child Timeline, the world was ultimately left without a hero, and over time, the seal of Ganondorf by the Six Sages, thought to be forever in effect, eventually failed for unknown reasons, causing the Gerudo King to become free as his beast form. Now risen from the earth's ground, well-aware of his dreadful promise for revenge by eliminating their descendants for being defeated by Link and his long imprisonment in the corrupted Sacred Realm at the end of ''Ocarina of Time'' and the Triforce of Power was never lost, darkness began to cover Hyrule again. People began to pray that the Hero of Time would return to once again save the land by traveling through time. But the legendary Hero never appeared at all, as Link himself as well as his allies from his era were long gone to history at this point. Because of Hyrule's total defenseless state, the villain manages to completely take over the kingdom with even less difficulty than in the past events of ''Ocarina of Time'', as he had no resistance whatsoever. By this time, the current King of Hyrule, [[Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule]], although he managed to temporarily extract the Triforce of Power as well as splitting the Triforce of Wisdom into [[Triforce Shard|two fragments]], the king was unable to stop Ganon. In so, he pleaded to the Goddesses via the full Triforce to [[Great Flood|flood Hyrule away with a worldwide torrential downpour]] (not before telling chosen people to flee into the mountaintops), sealing the kingdom and Ganon under what will become the [[Great Sea]]. The memory of the kingdom vanished, but the Hero of Time's legend survived the wind's breath.
[[File:TWW Link Obtaining the Hero's Clothes.png|thumb|259x259px|In ''The Wind Waker'', the next Link in the Adult Timeline, the Hero of Winds, gains a replica of the Hero of Time's clothing by his [[Grandma|grandmother]] at the start of his own quest]]
As more time continues to pass, in the events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', Ganon broke the seal once again (though now significantly weakened and reverted to his human form) to claim the Triforce yet again. In a [[Outset Island|faraway island]], a customary tradition exists where young boys reaching the same age as the Hero of Time would wear a [[Hero's Clothes|green tunic and hat]] and search for [[Sword|swords]] to honor his legend. One day, a completely new Link - the Hero of Winds, came of age and earns this clothing for his birthday, and began his own adventure where he would revive a few memories of the Hero of Time as his successor in this timeline and even destroy the King of Evil himself with the help of an [[Tetra|unwitting descendant of Princess Zelda]] and King Daphnes himself as the [[King of Red Lions]], by the unexpected kidnapping of his younger sister [[Aryll]].

==Legacy==
[[File:Hero of Time Statue.png|292x292px|right|The statue of the Hero of Time found in Hyrule Castle in the Adult Timeline (''The Wind Waker'')]]
The legend of the Hero of Time becomes of great significance in the development of the [[Zelda Timeline]] and the [[Mythology in The Legend of Zelda Series|mythology in {{TLoZ|-}} series]]. His climactic battle against [[Ganondorf]] marked the point in which the timeline split into three branches: the Downfall, Child, and Adult Timeline. [[Princess Zelda]]'s plan with Link to save Hyrule by retrieving the Triforce before the villain resulted in the King of Evil ultimately obtaining the Triforce of Power,<ref name=ohzelda>{{Cite|We must not let Ganondorf get the Triforce! I will protect the Ocarina of Time with all my power! He shall not have it! You go find the other two Spiritual Stones! Let's get the Triforce before Ganondorf does, and then defeat him!|Princess Zelda|OoT}}</ref> leading eventually, in one continuity, to Link's [[Game Over|tragic defeat]] by Ganon's hand and the formation of the [[Downfall Timeline]].<ref>{{Cite Book|quote=Ganondorf the thief obtained the Triforce of Power and managed to get his hands on Princess Zelda. The Hero of Time, Link, challenged him in a battle that would determine Hyrule's very existence, and lost.|book={{HH}}|page=92|publisher=Dark Horse Books}}</ref> In the alternate continuity where Link succeeds in defeating Ganondorf as seen in the ending of ''Ocarina of Time'', the princess sends the Hero of Time back to his original time, creating two timelines; the [[Child Timeline]] and the [[Adult Timeline]]. In the latter of the two, the Triforce of Courage is shattered and the Link in the Adult Timeline vanishes from existence due to the time paradox, resulting in Hyrule eventually [[Great Flood|being flooded]] since there was no hero whatsoever to defeat Ganon once the Sages' seal broke.<ref>{{Cite|The people believed that the Hero of Time would again come to save them. ...But the hero did not appear.|N/A|TWW}}</ref> In the former, the Hero of Time becomes filled with regret by not being remembered as the legendary hero that saved Hyrule from [[Ganon]] or Termina from [[Majora's Mask (Item)|Majora's Mask]], eventually leading him to linger on as the {{Term|TP|Hero's Spirit|link}} in the Era of Twilight.<ref name=herosspirit/>

Although Hyrule was flooded in the Adult Timeline and the memory of the kingdom vanished, the legend of the Hero of Time transcended through time. In [[Outset Island]], it became a custom to clothe boys [[Hero's Clothes|in green]] once they came of age.<ref>{{Cite|What became of that kingdom...? None remain who know. The memory of the kingdom vanished, but its legend survived on the wind's breath. On a certain island, it became customary to garb boys in green when they came of age. Clothed in the green of fields, they aspired to find heroic blades and cast down evil. The elders wished only for the youths to know courage like the hero of legend...|N/A|TWW}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Today is a day to celebrate! It is the day that you become the same age as the young hero spoken of in all the legends.|Grandma|TWW}}</ref> A [[Link Statue|statue depicting the Hero of Time]] is also prominently displayed in the sunken [[Hyrule Castle]], demonstrating how meaningful the legend of the brave boy clothed in green was to the citizens of [[Hyrule]]. When the Hero of Winds, the Link from ''The Wind Waker'', defeats [[Puppet Ganon]], Ganondorf compared this particular hero with the Hero of Time, his predecessor, who had defeated him hundreds of years ago, claiming he is that Link reborn.<ref>{{Cite|Yes, surely you are the Hero of Time reborn...|Ganondorf|TWW}}</ref>

==Relationships==
[[File:OoT Zelda Link Artwork.jpg|thumb|311x311px|A young Hero of Time sitting peacefully with Young Princess Zelda and Navi, in an artwork of ''Ocarina of Time'']]
In his childhood, the Hero of Time establishes the relationships of certain individuals that will come to his benefit in his adult years, after pulling the [[Master Sword]] from the [[Pedestal of Time]]. Link is the one to establish his beneficial and plot-necessary relationship with [[Saria]], and [[Mido]]'s dislike for him can be attributed to this in addition to the [[Great Deku Tree]]'s favor for him over anyone else, namely Mido himself.<ref>{{Cite|I, the great Mido, will never accept you as one of us! Shoot! How did you get to be the favorite of Saria and the Great Deku Tree? Huh?! Grumble...grumble...|Mido|OoT}}</ref> The young hero also strikes up a friendship with [[Princess Zelda]], and indirectly with [[Impa]] as well, while conversing with her about [[Ganondorf]] and the fate of her kingdom in the [[Hyrule Castle]] courtyard, after vanquishing the [[Gohma|parasite]] from the Great Deku Tree. In helping [[Darunia]] reopen the [[Dodongo's Cavern]] (who calls him his Sworn Brother), and saving [[Princess Ruto]] from the depths of the stomach of [[Lord Jabu-Jabu]] (who claims she is engaged with him after giving the [[Spiritual Stone of Water|Zora's Sapphire]]), Link had, unbeknownst to him, met and aided almost all of the future [[Sage]]s who would, in turn, ultimately help him in his quest to save Hyrule from the Evil King Ganondorf in the young hero's adult years.<ref>{{Cite|Thank you, Brother! I really appreciate what you did. I thank you on behalf of the entire Goron race! You turned out to be a real man, just as I thought you would!|Darunia|OoT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite|Link... I would have expected no less from the man I chose to be my husband. Zora's Domain and its people will eventually return to their original state.|Princess Ruto|OoT}}</ref> Even after returning to his childhood for the second time to enter the [[Spirit Temple]], he continues this by befriending [[Nabooru]] by agreeing to aid her in overthrowing Ganondorf. He is also the one that forms the initial bond with [[Epona]] and [[Malon]]. In addition, he also met and befriended the [[Scarecrow|scarecrows]] [[Bonooru]] and [[Pierre]], which the latter would aid him controlling the flow of [[time]] in Termina. The [[Skull Kid]], once freed from Majora's Mask, remembers Link as the one who taught him [[Saria's Song]].

== Personality ==
[[File:OoT Link Portrait.png|left|thumb|232x232px|The Hero of Time is shown to have a more no-nonsense personality compared to other incarnations of Link, despite being equally pure of heart]]
[[File:MM Link joining Cremia.png|thumb|266x266px|The Hero of Time accompanying a lonely [[Cremia]] delivering her [[Chateau Romani|high-class milk]] as seen in ''Majora's Mask'', a testament of himself eager of helping others]]
Like with most other Links in the series, as he is known as a "[[wikipedia:Silent_protagonist#:~:text=In%20some%20games%2C%20especially%20visual,player%20identify%20better%20with%20them.|silent protagonist]]", although he displays distinctive vocals of grunts and screams, the Hero of Time is not seen speaking or emoting to a large degree in the games where he is playable, although the optional texts the player can choose when talking to certain characters implies he is not necessarily mute. He is a benevolent, intelligent, highly brave, courageous, calm, and selfless individual with a pure heart, though Link often appears serious or stoic (especially as an adult) in the original [[Nintendo 64|N64]] versions of ''Ocarina of Time'', ''Majora's Mask'', a few spin-off games, and some offical artwork, and rarely smiles (the [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]] remakes shows himself more relaxed). Despite his rather quiet, "just business" behavior in his in-game appearances, some media such as the [[Akira Himekawa]] manga series depict Link in a significantly more cheerful or expressive manner. ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia|Hyrule Historia]]'' serve as the only real look into his thoughts and feelings. The Hero of Time is also shown to be very helpful and caring to others throughout his journeys in both [[Hyrule]] and [[Termina]], even if it wasn't related to his main quest, willing to sacrifice his own personal deeds no matter the outcome.

As the [[Hero's Spirit|Hero's Shade]], where he does actually speak (likely due to the fact he's no longer controlled by the player), he is shown to be much sterner and blunt, telling his descendant, the Link from ''Twilight Princess'', that the latter's current skill level dishonors their bloodline upon first meeting him, regardless of him already having the Triforce of Courage like the Hero of Time himself once did. He also reflected on his former time as a hero, saying that the path to becoming a true hero is a long one, and that while he accepted the tough life as a hero, he regretted that he couldn't pass on the lessons he had learned. As he trained the Hero of Twilight in the long-lost arts of the sword, the former Hero of Time reminded the latter that he must continue to improve his skill and courage himself so that he could become the savior Hyrule needed to defeat Ganondorf, as he saw his former self fully reflected in his descendant. Once the Hero of Twilight mastered all of the [[Hidden Skill|Hidden Skills]], the shade proudly told his student/successor that he now knew all of what it took to be a true hero, even addressing him his "son", and could now march forth with his vision unclouded at last. Even as a specter, the Hero of Time continued to aid the land of Hyrule and its people with the best of his ability just like when he was alive.

== Fighting skills ==
[[File:OoT Link Guarding Artwork.png|left|thumb|251x251px|The Hero of Time is widely known as a highly accomplished fighter with the skills of a champion, arguably surpassing most other incarnations of Link]]
[[File:Dark Link OoT.jpg|thumb|267x267px|The Hero of Time clashing against his shadow self, [[Dark Link]], a fierce opponent where he must overcome his own fighting talent, as seen in ''Ocarina of Time'']]
The Hero of Time, like all other incarnations of Link, is a character with incredible levels of courage to destroy evil, and he is almost always seen with a sword and shield in hand, generally the [[Master Sword]] and [[Hylian Shield]] (though he has other related weapons). As with the Links in the older games of [[The Legend of Zelda (series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]], the Hero of Time is a fearless fighter with no apparent teacher but ultimately an expert, with only experience in battle serving as his lessons. As heavily implied by his aforementioned "serious" personality, even at a young age, due to his endless training as a swordsman, archer, and [[magic]] user, as well as possessing the Triforce of Courage, the Hero of Time already displayed an immense amount of bravery, discipline, stealth, and skill that only grew further when he became an adult and reached professional levels as the Hero's Spirit, proving himself a master warrior comparable to a [[Knight of Hyrule|Hylian Knight]] and even impressing the [[Gerudo]], whom themselves are feared fighters in their own right (and the only other male they considered remarkable being their king, Ganondorf, whom Link himself defeated). Likewise, Impa and Sheik, themselves [[Sheikah]], also find Link's fighting talents worthy of attention. He is also capable of destroying dangerous enemies with ease such as the [[Dynalfos|Dinolfos]], [[Stalfos]], the [[Poe Sisters]], [[Dead Hand]], [[Gerudo Thief|Gerudo Thieves]]/[[Gerudo Pirate|Pirates]], the [[Garo Master]], [[Gomess]], the deadly [[Iron Knuckle (Boss)|Iron Knuckles]], and even the ancient undead king of the [[Ikana Kingdom]], [[Igos du Ikana]]. He is so skilled in combat that not only he himself defeated two extremely powerful demons - [[Ganon]] and [[Majora's Mask (Item)|Majora]] (the latter which he actually killed), but also his own shadow, [[Dark Link]], showing tremendous capabilities of adaptation, speed, and knowledge of the art of the sword. Outside of swordplay, the Hero of Time uses the [[Slingshot|Fairy Slingshot]], [[Hookshot]], elemental magic [[Arrow|Arrows]], his [[transformation]] masks, and many more items such as the [[Megaton Hammer]], [[Zora Armor|Zora Tunic]], or [[Nayru's Love|Naryu's Love]] to overcome many obstacles in Hyrule and Termina. He is also proficient in sneaking around heavily guarded locations, as seen in [[Gerudo's Fortress]] and [[Pirates' Fortress]], with the [[Stone Mask]] adding extra help to his benefit. Interestingly, unlike other Links where the hero gains an increase of [[Defense|defensive power]] through special clothing or rare items (such as the [[Red Ring]] in ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]''), the Hero of Time obtains it through the magical powers of the [[Great Fairy of Courage]] in both of his adventures. In ''Twilight Princess'', as the Hero's Shade, as demonstrated from his teaching of the Hidden Skills, his attacks are so dangerous to the point that if his descendant were to learn them, they pose an immediate risk to his life, as seen with the [[Mortal Draw]] and [[Helm Splitter]]. He can even create afterimages of himself as well.
[[File:Hookshot 2 (SSBM).jpg|thumb|247x247px|The Hero of Time firing his Hookshot in mid-air, as seen in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'']]
In his spin-off appearances such as the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]], ''[[Hyrule Warriors]]'', as well as ''[[SoulCalibur II|Soul Calibur II]]'', alongside the traditional [[Spin Attack]], [[Jump Slash|Jump Attack]], [[Bow|Fairy Bow]], [[Boomerang]], and [[Bomb|Bombs]], he can perform unique moves not found in ''Ocarina of Time'' or ''Majora's Mask'' such as swift kicks (although he technically can do this as [[Zora Link]]), the [[Dash Attack]], [[Jump Thrust]], [[Down Thrust]], throws, and even a [[Final Smash]]. Some attacks in the latter game include twisting opponents' arms, shoving his foe's back with his shield, or firing an Arrow with his Bow towards someone's leg, suggesting a more brutal fighting style than in a standard 3D ''Zelda'' game and even ''Smash Bros.''.

Despite his extraordinary skills as a heroic fighter, however, the Hero of Time is not invincible; There are cases where he had been caught off-guard in both of the mainline games where he is playable such as the [[Bongo Bongo|evil spirit of Bongo Bongo]] escaping the well in [[Kakariko Village]] knocking him down while attempting to protect Sheik in ''Ocarina of Time'' or the Skull Kid ambushing him with the help of [[Tatl]] and [[Tael]] in ''Majora's Mask''. In fact, as much of a legendary hero this Link is, his own [[Game Over|possible defeat]] would have dire consequences for Hyrule, as explained in the Downfall Timeline if he were to be ultimately lost by Ganon.

== Friends/Allies ==

=== Navi ===
[[File:OoT Navi Model.png|left|frameless]]
''Main article: [[Navi]]''

Navi the [[Fairy]] is the Hero of Time's trusted companion throughout his grand adventure in [[Hyrule]]. At the very beginning of his quest, Link never had a Fairy unlike the [[Kokiri|Kokiri tribe]], as he himself is not a Kokiri but actually a [[Hylian]]. The [[The Great Deku Tree|Great Deku Tree]] summoned Navi to become his partner in his journey to save the land. During gameplay, she helps Link focus on targets via [[Targeting|Z-Targeting]], whether be an object, character, enemy, or simply something of interest, as well as giving information about an enemy or [[boss]] (except Ganondorf/Ganon, in which the Fairy says she doesn't know his weaknesses). In addition, she is the only Fairy in the franchise who speaks actual catchprases such as her infamous "[[Iconic Quotes from The Legend of Zelda|Hey! Listen!]]". At the end of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'', when the Hero of Time returns back to his childhood by [[Princess Zelda]]<nowiki/>following the ultimate defeat of Ganon, Navi part ways with him for undisclosed reasons and flies into the lit window of the [[Temple of Time]], as her mission of guiding him to save Hyrule was completed. Her separation with Link is what led the Hero of Time to try to search for her before and after the events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]].'' However, his efforts ultimately proved futile, as she is unfortunately never seen again. In the latter [[Nintendo 64|N64]] game, [[Tatl]] replaces her for the same gameplay purposes.

=== Rauru ===
''Main article: [[Rauru]]/[[Kaepora Gaebora]]''
[[File:OoT Rauru Model.png|left|frameless|228x228px]]
[[File:MM Kaepora Gaebora Model.png|right|frameless|222x222px|Rauru's owl form, Kaepora Gaebora]]
Rauru is the wise Sage of Light and an ancient Hylian who, unlike the other [[Sage|Sages]] in the Era of the Hero of Time, is not a newly awakened one but rather one of the ancient Sages - likely the only remaining one. He is also the second-in-command, as he seems to act as the leader in the absence of Princess Zelda. From various parts of the Hero of Time's adventure as a child, Rauru appears as a massive owl named [[Kaepora Gaebora]] who gives Link advice and transports him to various places, and he himself watches over the young hero since the start of his quest and into as an adult. Link meets Rauru in his actual form when he wakes up from his seven-year slumber in the [[Temple of Light|Temple of the Sages]], where he explains to the young man why he was sealed by the [[Master Sword]] and what he must do to become prove himself worthy of the Hero of Time, and then gives him the [[Light Medallion]]. It is likely Rauru himself was the one who kept Link in his sleep for his well being and awoke when he became old enough to be accounted for his title.

In ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'', the Sage returns as his owl form to aid the young Hero of Time once more in [[Southern Swamp|Southren Swamp]] and [[Goron Village]] to teach him the [[Song of Soaring]] and obtain the [[Lens of Truth]], respectively.

=== Saria ===
''Main article: [[Saria]]''
[[File:OoT Saria Model.png|left|frameless|326x326px]]
Saria the [[Kokiri]] is Link's closest friend during his early childhood life in the [[Kokiri Forest]]. Her and the [[The Great Deku Tree|Great Deku Tree]] were the only two individuals who never gave distaste towards the young Hero of Time due to him not having a Fairy unlike the rest of the tribe, in particular their boss [[Mido]]. When Link receives Navi as his own Fairy companion, she congratulates him and believes he has finally become a true Kokiri initially, but, upon the death of the Deku Tree by [[Ganondorf]] and Link learns his destiny as the chosen hero (as well as obtaining the [[Spiritual Stone of the Forest|Spirtual Stone of the Forest]]), she emotionally confesses to him that she actually knows he is not a Kokiri and gives him the [[Fairy Ocarina]] as a personal gift, before asking him to come back to visit her again as they say goodbye. Later, after meeting Princes Zelda, Link can return to the [[Lost Woods]] and find her playing her famous theme song, [[Saria's Song]], at the [[Sacred Forest Meadow]], in which she will teach him the song and be able to telepathy speak to her at any time (as well as brightening fellow Sage [[Darunia]]'s mood). When Link becomes the Hero of Time and defeats [[Phantom Ganon]] in the [[Forest Temple]], Saria is awakened as the new Sage of Forest. She then tells him that although their carefree days are over, they will forever remain friends, and then gives him the [[Forest Medallion]].

Because Kokiri do not age or grow over time, Saria is the only one of Link's childhood friends who doesn't become an adult when he awakens as the Hero of Time, unlike fellow Sages Princess Zelda and Princess Ruto, as well as Malon.

=== Darunia ===
''Main article: [[Darunia]]''
[[File:OoT Darunia Model.png|left|frameless|278x278px]]
Darunia is the leader of the [[Goron]] race and the Sworn Brother of the King of Hyrule. During Link's childhood, in [[Goron City]], Ganondorf attempted to make him hand over the [[Spiritual Stone of Fire]], in which Darunia refused, as it is too important, but consequently the entrance of [[Dodongo's Cavern]] became blocked by a massive boulder by the Gerudo king, causing the Gorons to potentially starve to death, as it contains their food source. Darunia locked himself up in his room with the Goron's Ruby, and when Link entered it via playing [[Zelda's Lullaby]], he became furious by the fact that the [[Royal Family of Hyrule|Royal Family]]'s messenger was only a mere boy in green. To calm him down, the young hero plays Saria's Song, making him break out in a fit of dancing. Despite this, he was unwilling to give Link the Spiritual Stone unless he proves himself worthy by destroying the monsters inside the Cavern but still gives him the [[Goron's Bracelet|Goron Bracelet]] for him to be able to lift [[Bomb Flower|Bomb Flowers]]. He soon passes that test by defeating [[King Dodongo]]. In response, Darunia gained newfound respect for the young hero, declaring him his Sworn Brother and finally giving him the Spiritual Stone of Fire as a reward. Darunia would soon have a [[Link (Goron)|son]] and named him after Link himself in honor.

When Link became the Hero of Time seven years later, Ganondorf the Evil King returned to cause peril to the Gorons again, this time reviving the ancient dragon [[Volvagia]] and imprisoned the vast majority of the species inside the [[Fire Temple]] with the intention of being eaten by the monster, as a warning for the [[:Category:Races|other races]] in Hyrule who dare oppose him. Link learns from Darunia's son that the Goron leader himself left for the Temple to save his people, in which Link followed. When meeting in person once again, Darunia is proud to see his young friend had grown up, but tells him they must split up, and rescue his people while he attempts to fight Volvagia himself (though Darunia admits he does not have the [[Megaton Hammer]], a weapon formerly used by a Goron hero to defeat the monster in the past). After the Hero of Time completes his request and destroyed Volvagia, saving the Goron race a second time, Darunia is filled with great gratitude, awakens as the Sage of Fire, and awards him the [[Fire Medallion]], reminding the hero that they were true brothers.

Much like the Hero of Time, Darunia often appears to be serious, suggesting a no-nonsense personality.

In the events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'', Link would meet a ghostly [[Termina|Terminan]] counterpart of Darunia named [[Darmani III]], who is a fallen Goron hero renowned by his species in [[Snowhead Region|Snowhead]]. He obtains the [[Goron Mask]] to become [[Goron Link]] upon playing the [[Song of Healing]] by his grave.

=== Princess Ruto ===
''Main article: [[Princess Ruto]]''
[[File:OoT Princess Ruto Model.png|left|frameless|306x306px|Princess Ruto as an adult]]
Ruto is the elegant daughter of [[King Zora]] and the princess of the [[Zora]] race. When Link is a child, he is first mentioned of Ruto when he enters [[Zora's Domain]] to obtain the [[Spiritual Stone of Water]], in which it is thrown into a state of disarray with the princess herself being missing. He soon finds a [[Letter in a Bottle|bottle]] at the bottom of [[Lake Hylia]] with a letter inside signed by Princess Ruto and reveals that she was swallowed by the Zoras' patron deity, [[Lord Jabu-Jabu]], and rescue is required. The young hero eventually enters [[Inside Jabu-Jabu's Belly]] and finds Ruto shortly after. But the young princess appears to be rather stubborn and denies knowledge of her father's worry and orders Link to leave her alone. After some convincing, the young Hero of Time manages to make Ruto come with him (at the cost of carrying her). The duo soon finds the Zora's Sapphire resting on a platform. Ruto recovers the stone, but suddenly gets separated by Link when it rises. When the young hero defeats [[Barinade]], the princess is visibly shaken at first, but then, her demeanor changes completely and she begins to fall deeply in love with him for rescuing her. Link requests the Zora's Sapphire, which she happily hands it over to him and reveals that this particular Spiritual Stone also acts as the "Zora's Engagement Ring", meaning she now considers them both engaged to be married. Despite this, Link is oblivious to the proposal by the Zora princess.

As Link becomes the Hero of Time, Princess Ruto has also matured into an adult. By this point, evil returns to Zora's Domain where [[Ganondorf]] uses the [[Triforce of Power]] to freeze almost the entire area and its inhabitants under thick [[ice]], including Ruto herself. [[Sheik]] soon rescues Ruto and the princess enters the [[Water Temple]] to find a way to save her people. There, she meets Link again for the first time in 7 years. The Zora princess is quite happy to see him but is aware it is not the time to talk about love. She then asks the Hero of Time to assist her in saving the Zoras by destroying [[Morpha]] (though she separates from his whereabouts shortly after). Upon the defeat of the aquatic monster, Princess Ruto awakens as the Sage of Water. Due to her new duty as a [[Sage]], she tells the Hero of Time that although she still loves him dearly, their possible marriage must ultimately be put on an indefinite hold and tells him to look for Hyrule's princess, [[Princess Zelda|Zelda]], as she is aware of his goal to save the land. To make up for the cut engagement, Ruto gives Link the [[Water Medallion]], and she also tells him to thank Sheik as well.

In ''Majora's Mask'', the Hero of Time would meet a Terminan counterpart of Ruto named [[Lulu]], who is the leader of the popular [[The Indigo-Go's|The Indigo-Go's band]].

=== Impa ===
''Main article: [[Impa]]''
[[File:OoT Impa Model.png|left|frameless|354x354px]]
Impa is Princess Zelda's attendant and a surviving member of the [[Sheikah]]. Unlike most other incarnations of the character throughout the series, Impa in ''Ocarina of Time'' is depicted as a warrior rather than an old woman. Also unlike most other awakened Sages, it is hinted that she, like Zelda, was aware of her status beforehand. She first meets the Hero of Time after he talks with the princess on their goal of stopping Ganondorf from entering the [[Sacred Realm]]. Even at his young age, Impa immediately senses Link's potential and teaches him [[Zelda's Lullaby]]. The next time Link sees Impa, she is riding on horseback escaping Hyrule Castle with Zelda (much like in his nightmare at the very beginning of his adventure) due to Ganondorf's attack. When Link becomes the Hero of Time, an evil spirit Impa herself had locked in a [[Bottom of the Well|well]] at her hometown [[Kakariko Village]] years ago broke free. The Sheikah heads to the [[Shadow Temple]] to seal it away again, though Link follows her into the dungeon and eventually defeats [[Bongo Bongo]]. As Link finally meets Impa in person after seven years, now awakened as the Sage of Shadow, she tells the Hero of Time her point of view of what had happened in the past, confirms Zelda that she is safe, and ensures him that he would do fine as a hero. Following this, she gives him the [[Shadow Medallion]].

It is strongly implied that Impa is the one responsible for Princess Zelda's training as a Sheikah for her alter-ego [[Sheik]] as well as raising her during the seven-year skip.


=== Nabooru ===
''Main article: [[Nabooru]]''
[[File:Nabooru OoT.png|left|frameless|369x369px]]
Nabooru is a high-ranking [[Gerudo]] who is well-respected among the race, as she is the second-in-command, with only Ganondorf himself as her superior. She even has a second-in-command herself, who is the Gerudo granted Link permission to freely enter [[Gerudo's Fortress]] after saving the four captured [[Carpenter|Carpenters]] as an adult. Link first meets Nabooru as a child inside the [[Spirit Temple]] where she is unable to enter the hole at the left side of the entrance (the right side has a huge sliver block blocking the path). Upon their conversation, the young hero discovers that unlike other Gerudo, although she is a thief, Nabooru has moral standards and is actually rebelling against Ganondorf due to the villain's evil ways, even claiming that he murdered people. They soon agreed to stop the Gerudo king's plans but she needs Link's help to infiltrate the dungeon and obtain the [[Silver Gauntlets]] that she intended to use for herself, promising to "do something great" for him in return. However, although Link managed to acquire the powerful item, Nabooru is suddenly captured by [[Twinrova|Koume and Kotake]] - Ganondorf's surrogate mothers and evil twin witches, before ordering him to escape safely.

When Link returns to the Temple as the Hero of Time, now having the Silver Gauntlets equipped, he is able to explore the rest of the dungeon and eventually finds his missing ally, brainwashed by Koume and Kotake, and is now an [[Iron Knuckle (Boss)|Iron Knuckle]], forcing Link to fight her, and technically making Nabooru a strong opponent for the legendary hero (as unlike regular Iron Knuckles, she instantly counterattacks when hit from behind). When defeated, the armor crumbles and she becomes free of the curse. Despite this, the witches recapture her. After Twinrova is finally defeated by the Hero of Time, Nabooru awakens as the Sage of Spirit. She commends Link for himself becoming a competent swordsman after last seeing him as a child and gives the [[Spirit Medallion]].

Like Ganondorf, although she knows Link's name, she often refers to the Hero of Time as "kid", due to his youth.

=== Princess Zelda ===
''Main article: [[Princess Zelda]]/[[Sheik]]''
[[File:OoT Princess Zelda Model.png|left|frameless|377x377px|Princess Zelda as an adult]]
[[File:OoT Sheik Model.png|right|frameless|360x360px|Zelda's Sheikah alter-ego, Sheik]]
Princess Zelda is the princess of [[Hyrule]] and eventually the leader of the [[Sage|Six Sages]]. As with the other incarnations of Link in many games in the franchise having their own different Zeldas, she is a highly important ally who the hero must assist and/or rescue in order to stop Ganon (or Ganondorf) from conquering Hyrule. In ''Ocarina of Time'', this incarnation of the princess is first mentioned by the [[The Great Deku Tree|Great Deku Tree]] when the Hero of Time learns about his destiny. As children, the two met in the [[Hyrule Castle Courtyard|Hyrule Castle courtyard]], sharing the same dreams of [[Ganondorf]]. Zelda was confident of Link's mission of obtaining the [[Spiritual Stone|Spiritual Stones]], but her plan backfired when it is revealed that the Gerudo king was actually planning for the duo's actions to be set in motion, forcing the young princess to escape [[Hyrule Castle]] with her attendant Impa, though she throws the [[Ocarina of Time (Item)|Ocarina of Time]] toward Link as she thought it would be their best chance. When he obtains the [[Royal Family of Hyrule|Royal Family]]'s Ocarina, he enters a vision where Zelda tells him she will not be in Hyrule anymore and teaches him the [[Song of Time]], which would become useful for opening the [[Door of Time]] and move [[Time Block|Time Blocks]] to different locations within a Temple. When Link pulls the [[Master Sword]] and is abruptly sealed away for seven years, causing Ganondorf to touch the Triforce, it split into its three parts and Princess Zelda herself is bestowed upon the [[Triforce of Wisdom]] (with [[Triforce of Power|Power]] and [[Triforce of Courage|Courage]] going to Ganondorf and Link, respectively). When the Hero of Time finally awakens with his title, a mysterious man appears, named Sheik, one of the last surviving members of the Sheikah like Impa. Throughout Link's adult adventure, Sheik guides the Hero of Time on what he must do to stop Ganondorf's reign over Hyrule, telling him meaningful messages and teaching the hero various [[Song|songs]] that would help him progress. What Link doesn't know until after the Six Sages are awakened, is that Sheik is actually Princess Zelda in disguise in an effort to hide from the Evil King. When she reveals her true identity, Link sees she has grown up like himself, looking more elegant than before, and the princess of Hyrule is glad to finally talk to the hero in person after 7 years. Before they begin their final showdown with Ganondorf after Zelda hands him [[Light Arrow|Light Arrows]], he suddenly captures her as she had dropped her guard, forcing the Hero of Time to confront him once and for all at [[Ganon's Castle]]. Eventually, the two are victorious, and Princess Zelda then sends him back to his childhood using her powers as the seventh Sage, causing the [[The Legend of Zelda timeline|timelines to split]], as she believes all of the destruction that had befallen Hyrule was her own carelessness.

In the events leading to ''Majora's Mask'', the young Hero of Time meets Princess Zelda once again to explain Ganondorf's true plans before leaving to find [[Navi]]. In the game's storyline, she is only seen once during a flashback when he obtains the stolen Ocarina of Time from [[Skull Kid]], where it shows the Hero of Time leaving Hyrule after being given the magical instrument by young Zelda.

=== Malon ===
''Main article: [[Malon]]''
[[File:OoT Malon Model.png|left|frameless|300x300px|Malon as a child]]
Malon is a young [[Hylian]] girl who lives in [[Lon Lon Ranch]] and loves to sing. On Link's journey to meet Princess Zelda at Hyrule Castle after the death of the Great Deku Tree, he stumbles upon Malon at the [[Hyrule Castle Town|Hyrule Castle Town Market]], where she is looking for her father, [[Talon]]. At first glance, due to his [[Kokiri]]-like clothing and Navi accompanying him, Malon affectionately calls Link "Fairy Boy". When Link finds Talon asleep, she gives him the [[Weird Egg]] hatched into a [[Cucco]] to wake him up, so he could be reunited with his daughter. Later, she meets the young hero again when Link visits the ranch, where he finds a certain young female [[horse]] named [[Epona]] by her side. She then teaches him the song she always sings, [[Epona's Song]], a song which her mother composed, and this particular music played by the Ocarina of Time would also tame Epona to make her become fond of the hero. As the Hero of Time seven years later, Malon, now grown-up, has been working for [[Ingo]] out of fear of the ranch's horses facing abuse if they don't obey his orders, due to he he had exiled her father and took over the ranch. When Link stops Ingo from attempting to give Epona as a present for Ganondorf, Malon reunites with the hero. Although she did not recognize him at first, when Link tells her name, she reacts with happiness, once again naming him "Fairy Boy".

Among the Hero of Time's friends in ''Ocarina of Time'', although it is not technically required for Link to meet Malon in Lon Lon Ranch to obtain Epona in order to complete the game, himself having his horse companion is clearly canon, as seen in ''Majora's Mask''.

In ''Majora's Mask'', Link would meet two Terminan counterparts of Malon based on both her child and adult self, named [[Romani]] and [[Cremia]], respectively, themselves look-alike sisters also living in a ranch named [[Romani Ranch]], and the former would re-teach him Epona's Song. Coincidentally, Romani is also rather fond of Link and calls him "Grasshopper" and Epona would be found in this area after being stolen by the Skull Kid.

=== Skull Kid ===
''Main article: [[Skull Kid]]''
[[File:OoT Skull Kid Model.png|left|frameless]]
Skull Kids are lost children who wander into the [[Lost Woods]] to become into the sad state of having black-skinned faces with orange lips (later changed to wooden faces and beak due to controversy). Although there are technically three Skull Kids in ''Ocarina of Time'', one individual standing on top of the stump at the left of the entrance is befriended by the Hero of Time as a child when he plays [[Saria's Song]] with him (which he will receive a [[Piece of Heart]]) and then gives him the [[Skull Mask]] during the [[Mask Trading Sequence]], as the Skull Kid was unhappy about having no face, which some of the Kokiri even heard him complaining about. Although Link did become the Skull Kid's friend as a child, if he were to return as the Hero of Time, however, any of his kind he encounters becomes hostile and will attack. Navi explains this is because Skull Kids do not like adults (giving a possible reason why the [[Happy Mask Salesman]] ambushed by one in ''Majora's Mask''). If defeated, an [[Rupee|Orange Rupee]] will be awarded.

A certain Skull Kid plays a major role in ''Majora's Mask'', where he steals the [[Majora's Mask (Item)|Majora's Mask]] from the Happy Mask Salesman. Although he intendeds to be a  friendly prankster, he is unaware of the Mask's evil powers and becomes mind-controlled by the antagonist Majora, making himself appear as seemingly the main villain, even though Skull Kid himself is not evil. With his newfound might as a powerful sorcerer similar in level with [[Ganondorf]] by its influence, he wreaks havoc across [[Termina]], ultimately attempting to pull the [[Moon]] on a collision course with the land. Prior to these events, he was friends with two Fairies named [[Tatl]] and [[Tael]], who the former became separated when Link, after being cursed into a [[Deku Link|Deku Scrub]] tries to stop him due to him stealing not only Epona but the [[Ocarina of Time (Item)|Ocarina of Time]] as well. Although he does soon recover them, the Hero of Time would not be able to confront Skull Kid until the [[Guardian Deity|Four Giants]] are rescued. After playing [[Oath to Order]] and the Giants stopping the Moon's descent, the Majora's Mask suddenly detaches from the Skull Kid, therefore freeing him from its influence. Upon Majora's ultimate defeat, the Skull Kid asks Link if he could be friends, and, when he sniffs the young hero, he giggles and says that he has the same smell as the one who taught him "that song" (Saria's Song) in the Lost Woods, heavily suggesting that this is the same Skull Kid Link befriended in his previous adventure. At the very end of the game, after saying goodbye, the Hero of Time finds a drawing on a tree trunk showing himself, the Skull Kid, as well as the Fairies siblings and the Four Giants waving, which was made by none other than the Skull Kid himself.

=== Tatl ===
''Main article: [[Tatl]]''
[[File:MM Tatl Model.png|left|frameless]]
Tatl is a tomboyish Fairy who is a close friend of the Skull Kid in ''Majora's Mask'' and also Tael's older sister. At the beginning of the game, two siblings launched an ambush onto the Hero of Time, causing Link to temporarily lose Epona and his Ocarina of Time, but ultimately becomes separated by her brother and Skull Kid when she blew a raspberry at him as Deku Link and the door behind her closes. Although initially aggressive in contrast to [[Navi]] and even tries to blame him for her troubles, she slowly grows to tolerate his company and eventually apologizes to the young Hero of Time. By the final battle, she even admits to Link that she admires him for his bravery and never giving up. During gameplay, Tatl serves as Navi's replacement for targeting enemies, characters, objects, and gaining advice (though her way is less informative but more direct in comparison). At the ending sequence of the game, upon Majora's Mask's defeat and finally reuniting with Tael and Skull Kid, she bluntly tells Link to leave and go on his business while they attend the [[Carnival of Time]], in which the Hero of Time seemingly agrees, but as soon as he part ways from her riding on Epona to search for Navi (or perhaps entering [[Clock Town]] himself as he is shown heading directly for the entrance), she suddenly becomes emotional and quietly says thank you as her younger brother comforts her, implying that deep down she really cares for Link. Like Navi, the Hero of Time would never see this Fairy again leading to the eventual events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]''.

=== Link (''Twilight Princess'') ===
''Main article: [[Hero's Spirit]]''
[[File:Link Hero's Clothes.png|left|frameless|214x214px]]
Over a hundred years after his era as the chosen hero, the Hero of Time, as the restless Hero's Spirit, encounters his own descendant and successor in the Child Timeline, the [[Link]] from ''Twilight Princess'', known as the Hero of Twilight. By this point in time, the legendary Hero of Time is filled with regrets due to his status of being forgotten and not being able to pass on the "lessons of his life to those who came after him" when he was alive. The Hero of Twilight first meets his ancestor in [[wolf]] form before transporting him into another world, where the Hero of Time himself appears as a nearly transparent [[Stalfos]]-like ghost dressed in worn-down armor. At first glance, the Hero's Spirit was disgusted that Link's current skill level is too poor for their bloodline, saying a sword wields no strength unless the hand that holds it has courage, in spite of the Hero of Twilight already possessing the [[Triforce of Courage]]. Despite being long retired as a hero, the former Link retains his masterful art of the sword and teaches his counterpart seven highly advanced techniques called [[Hidden Skill|Hidden Skills]], which would prove crucial to help the Hero of Twilight take down powerful enemies and their archnemesis Ganondorf, starting with the [[Ending Blow]] (which this attack would ultimately be the finishing blow in the final battle). Although only the Ending Blow is required to complete the [[Nintendo GameCube|Gamecube]]/[[Wii]] game, the player has the option to learn the rest via finding the [[Howling Stone|Howling Stones]] to resume the training by the Hero's Shade (three of which are songs once played by the Hero of Time himself). Once all of the Hidden Skills are learned, the former Hero of Time says to his descendant that he is fully worthy of his own title with a skill level on-par with his and is a wonderful student that would keep his legacy alive.

== Enemies ==

=== Ganon ===
''Main article: [[Ganon]]''
[[File:OoT Ganon Model.png|left|frameless|243x243px]]
[[File:Ganondorf OoT.png|right|frameless|219x219px|Ganon as his Gerudo form, [[Ganondorf]]|alt=<nowiki>Ganon as his Gerudo form, [[Ganondorf]]</nowiki>]]
Ganon is the mastermind behind the plot of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'' and is the Hero of Time's archenemy, as with the vast majority of other incarnations of Link, because he himself is not just a pig-like monster, but the main antagonist of [[The Legend of Zelda (series)|''The Legend of Zelda'' series]], as well as the reincarnation of [[Demise]]'s hatred. As his human form, [[Ganondorf]], the Demon King leads the [[Gerudo]] tribe, and schemes to take over the world of Hyrule by obtaining the [[Triforce]]. As he needs the [[Spiritual Stone|Spiritual Stones]] and the [[Ocarina of Time (Item)|Ocarina of Time]] to enter the [[Sacred Realm]] first, he is responsible for the death of the [[The Great Deku Tree|Great Deku Tree]] and causing chaos to the [[Goron]] and [[Zora]] races. Link manages to first see the villain inside [[Hyrule Castle]] as he meets [[Princess Zelda]] for the first time, through the window she herself was looking at. While Ganondorf was seemingly bowing towards the [[King of Hyrule (Disambiguation)|King of Hyrule]], he managed to catch a glimpse at the young hero (startling Link in the process). Link and Zelda had known his plans and intended to stop the Gerudo king at all costs. But Ganon was particularly clever, as he is one step ahead of them; with the unwitting assistance of the duo, he eventually enters the Sacred Realm upon Link pulling the [[Master Sword]] and forced into a seven-year suspended animation, which he laughs and mocks him for "helping" him reach his primary goal. Ganondorf then touches the Triforce and transforms the Scared Realm into the [[Dark World|Evil Realm]]. However, the golden relic split into three parts as his heart was tainted and he ultimately obtained only the [[Triforce of Power]], making Ganondorf become significantly more powerful and uses this piece of the to Triforce to take over Hyrule as the new king during Link's sleep and forcing Princess Zelda into hiding as [[Sheik]], and created his [[Ganon's Castle|own castle]] upon destroying Hyrule's. Although it seems like Ganon has won, he was not satisfied, as he is soon aware that the other pieces, the [[Triforce of Wisdom]] and [[Triforce of Courage|Courage]], are imparted to Zelda and Link, respectively. Consequently, the villain must search high and low to steal them in order to gain the True Force and completely rule Hyrule, while he still lets his [[Bosses in Ocarina of Time|minions]] cause havoc across all of the land. When the Hero of Time awakens all of the Six Sages, Ganondorf sees his opportunity he was long waiting for when Zelda exposes herself to Link upon shedding her [[Sheikah]] disguise, capturing her in a [[crystal]] and demands the hero to challenge him at his castle (though he admits he underestimated about the power of the Triforce of Courage). At the final showdown taking place at the top of Ganon's Castle, a confident Ganondorf was patiently waiting for the Hero of Time, playing his own theme song on a pipe organ. Eventually, in a fierce one-on-one battle, as both his human and beast forms, Ganon proved himself one of the greatest foes the Hero of Time ever faced, but the Demon King ultimately loses against the legendary hero twice, and was sealed away into the void of the Evil Realm by the Seven Sages (not before angrily warning his enemies that he will destroy their descendants once the seal is broken).

Because Ganon was never killed by Link in spite of his violent defeat, making himself the only antagonist to survive the Hero of Time's encounter across his two journeys (especially since this incarnation lacks the [[Silver Arrow|Silver Arrows]] in spite of possessing the Master Sword), the villain would eventually return as Ganondorf in the events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'' where the Hero of Winds must encounter him in his own adventure in the Adult Timeline. In the Child Timeline, Ganon's original plan was quickly foiled by the Hero of Time warning the Royal Family and was soon [[Failed Execution of Ganondorf|executed]], but his Triforce of Power made him survive and was cast into the [[Twilight Realm]] in the events of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess|Twilight Princess]]'', where the Hero of Time's descendant, the Hero of Twilight, must face and defeat him, with some help by the legendary hero himself as the [[Hero's Spirit]].

=== Majora ===
''Main article: [[Majora's Mask (Item)|Majora's Mask]]''
[[File:Majora's Wrath 2.png|left|frameless|282x282px]]
[[File:MM Majora's Mask Model.png|right|frameless|Majora's Mask, the Mask where Majora masquerades as a living item]]
Majora is the main antagonist of the Hero of Time's second adventure in [[Termina]] following the events of his quest at Hyrule. Much like Ganon, this foe is a monstrous and powerful [[demon]] with its own set of [[Bosses in Majora's Mask|minions]]. As the mastermind behind the plot of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|Majora's Mask]]'', this evil being hides within a certain ancient mask once used by a tribe in the distant past for bewitching rituals, called the Majora's Mask, but its power became so great it was sealed away to prevent a great disaster. The [[Happy Mask Salesman]], the current owner of the Majora's Mask, is aware of the danger, and when it was stolen by the [[Skull Kid]], he fears the devastation that would befall Termina if the Mask was not taken back immediately. It appears the Salesman has a valid point, as when the Skull Kid donned the Majora's Mask before the events of the game, it transformed a world into the land of Termina out of a combination of the evil of Majora and the Skull Kid's memories and delusions. In addition, the monster hidden inside the Mask is using the Skull Kid as a puppet throughout the vast majority of the story, as it gradually began to take complete control of his mind, turning his once harmless pranks into acts of malicious intent. It even cursed others across the land, causing chaos. At the beginning of his quest, the Majora's Mask possessed Skull Kid also curses Link into a [[Deku Scrub]] (which would soon become his benefit). Unlike Ganon whom the Hero of Time previously defeated, Majora has no intention of ruling Termina whatsoever, as it has only one thing in mind: '''destroy'''! Its main goal was to draw the world's ominous-looking [[Moon]] on a collision course toward Termina that will [[Terminan Apocalypse|obliterate]] it within [[Time|72 hours]] (three days). Link consequently has to resort using the Ocarina of Time's [[Song of Time]] and its variants to give the young hero a chance to save the world. Eventually, after saving the [[Guardian Deity|four Guardian Deities]] and stopping the Moon, Majora's Mask detaches itself from the Skull Kid after finding the imp no longer useful for its ultimate plan. It then heads inside the Moon to possess it instead, causing it to become more difficult for the Giants to keep it on hold. The Hero of Time follows it inside with [[Tatl]], where he enters a strange peaceful-looking area with five [[Moon Child|Moon Children]], one of which wearing Majora's Mask itself. This particular Moon Child brings Link to the arena where the final battle takes place. Majora begins as its traditional Mask form, followed by Incarnation, where it runs around and performs dances madly, and then its actual shape, Wrath, packing giant whips to smack Link with. The Hero of Time soon becomes victorious after Majora is finally defeated and ultimately dies via disintegrating into ashes. Immediately after, the Moon returns back to orbit (or also becomes destroyed in the [[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D|3DS remake]]), rescuing Termina from its imminent doom. With Majora eliminated, the evil inside Majora's Mask is gone and is now nothing more than an ordinary mask, much to the delight of the Happy Mask Salesman. However, with the Skull Kid free and the evil monster wiped out, Termina ceases to exist when Link leaves the land.

=== Dark Link ===
''Main article: [[Dark Link]]''
[[File:OoT Dark Link Model.png|left|frameless|240x240px]]
Dark Link is the evil shadow of Link himself and arguably the Hero of Time's worst enemy. This enigmatic monster has no backstory nor dialogue, though it is likely he was constructed by [[Ganon]]'s dark magic. Although this enemy character originally appeared as the [[Final Boss]] of ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'', in ''Ocarina of Time'', he is encountered as a [[Sub-Boss|Mini-Boss]] inside the [[Water Temple]] before facing [[Morpha]] (though his high difficulty is unaltered from the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] game). As Dark Link is indeed a corrupted mirror image of the Hero of Time based on darkness rather than light, he is an extremely dangerous opponent for the legendary hero, as the dark swordsman's skills are equal to that of the original and can copy his doppelganger's every move. During the encounter inside a wide room within the temple, he materializes from Link's shadow and appears next to a black tree. When Link gets close to his evil counterpart, the battle begins. From the start, his body appears almost transparent and simply reacts to Link's moves, but gradually becomes opaque as the duel progresses, and when he does become solid, Dark Link begins fighting more fiercely, making it challenging to land hits under normal circumstances, as he rarely drops his guard. One of Dark Link's most infamous moves is if the Hero of Time were to perform a sword thrust, the dark hero would simply jump onto the blade of the [[Master Sword]] before counterattacking. Unlike other major enemies, Dark Link's health is based on the amount of [[Heart Container|Heart Containers]] Link has (therefore making the fight shorter with less Hearts and vice versa). When eventually defeated, Dark Link is knocked to the ground and ultimately vanishes, allowing his good counterpart to continue on in the Water Temple. This foe is never to be seen again after the encounter, indicating that Dark Link was completely destroyed by the Hero of Time.

{{Noncanon}}

=== Inferno ===
''Main article: [[SoulCalibur II|Soul Calibur II]]''

''See SoulCaliburwiki's article on [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Inferno Inferno] for more information.''
[[File:Inferno Soul Calibur.webp|left|frameless|278x278px]]
Inferno is the overarching antagonist of the [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Soul_series ''Soul Calibur'' fighting game series] by Namco, and the Hero of Time faces him as the Final Boss at his guest appearance in ''Soul Calibur II'' exclusively on the [[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]] version. Link's story in-game has himself saving [[Hyrule]]'s tranquility from destruction by a wizard before entering the ''Soul'' universe, as he learns the controlling force behind the disasters at his homeland was an ancient cursed sword called [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Soul_Edge Soul Edge], which, even at its unrestored state, turned out to be the strongest and most dominating sword he has ever encountered, even more so than the hero's best blades. However, as the Hero of Time goes on his secret quest to destroy one of its fragments, he finds that the sword capable of devouring souls has a wicked soul of its own, called Inferno. This demonic being made mostly of hellfire can be fought at the end of the game's modes as the final opponent. Normally, his weapon is Soul Edge itself but can wield others in the "Extra" modes. When defeated in Arcade Mode, Inferno bursts into pieces of flame with [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Soul_Calibur Soul Calibur], a powerful holy weapon with powers similar to the [[Master Sword]], impaling the beast's back and becoming free of its control (it was inside his head and torso as its [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Soul_Calibur_(Evil) evil form]). Finally, with his mission now successful, the Hero of Time plays a faint echo of his [[Ocarina of Time (Item)|Ocarina of Time]] before leaving the world to return back to the now-peaceful Hyrule.

==Other Appearances==
{{Noncanon|Start}}
==={{SSBM|-}}===
{{Main|Young Link}}
:''See {{ssb|Main Page|SmashWiki's}} article on {{ssb|Young Link}} for more information.''
[[File:SSBMYoungLink.png|100px|right]]
[[File:SSBM Link Artwork.png|100px|right]]

The Hero of Time appears in both his child and adult forms in {{SSBM}}. His adult form is a default character while his child form has to be unlocked. There are two ways to unlock his child form, including by playing 500 Vs. matches, or Completing {{ssb|Classic Mode}} with 10 different characters, including Adult Link and [[Princess Zelda|Zelda]]. The player will then be challenged by Young Link, and upon defeating him, Young Link will become a playable character. His appearance is based on his younger and older counterparts as seen in {{OoT|-}}, since he wields the [[Kokiri Sword]] and the [[Deku Shield]] during combat as a child, and the [[Master Sword]] and the [[Hylian Shield]] as an adult. Young Link is more agile, but weaker while Adult Link is slower, but stronger. Young Link has some of the same weaponry and moves as his adult counterpart, but they are usually accompanied with a few changes, like his [[Hookshot]] and [[Boomerang]] having a shorter reach. [[Great Bay]] serves as the home stage of Young Link, and [[Hyrule: Temple]] is the home stage of Adult Link.

Both Adult Link and Young Link can choose different color tunics, including the [[Goron Tunic|Goron]] and [[Zora Tunic|Zora]] tunics, and a black tunic. When the Young Link taunts his foes, he drinks a [[Bottle]] of [[Lon Lon Milk]], then wipes his mouth.

Young Link's special moves are the same as the adult version. He wields the [[Fairy Bow]] from {{OoT|-}} as his {{Ssb|neutral special move}}; however, instead of it shooting normal [[Arrow]]s like Adult Link's, Young Link shoots [[Fire Arrow]]s, although they do not travel as far as Adult Link's and inflict less damage. Young Link's {{Ssb|side special move}} is the Boomerang. [[Bomb]]s function as both Link's {{Ssb|down special move}}, while the [[Spin Attack]] is their {{Ssb|up special move}} as well as his {{ssb:recovery}}. Young Link's Spin Attack is weaker than Adult Link's, but it can trap nearby foes in a cyclone of slashes upon performing this move.

The Hero of Time is replaced by [[Toon Link]] and a Link resembling the incarnation in {{TP}} in {{SSBB}} and {{SSB4}}, for his child and adult forms. Both appear as [[Trophies in Smuper Smash Bros. Melee|Trophies]] in {{SSBM|-}}.
{{SSBTrophy|SSBM|header=yes}}
{{#section:Trophies in Super Smash Bros. Melee|Link}}
{{#section:Trophies in Super Smash Bros. Melee|Young Link}}
|}
==={{SSBU|-}}===
{{Main|Young Link}}
Although his adult form remains absent from {{SSBU}} (being replaced by the Breath of the Wild incarnation of Link) the Hero of Time reappears as Young Link. His moveset is almost identical to how it was in {{SSBM}}, with slight changes.
{{Noncanon|End}}

== Trivia ==
[[File:OoT Cast Artwork.png|thumb|353x353px|Artwork of ''Ocarina of Time'', featuring the Hero of Time in both his child and adult ages alongside several other main characters]]
* In spite of his highly unfortunate story as a tragic hero, the Hero of Time is universally the most popular and iconic Link in the {{TLoZ|Series}} community, not only due to the groundbreaking success of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time|Ocarina of Time]]'' and its [[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask|sequel]] or his major importance in the mythology and timelines according to {{HH|-}}, but also setting the standard for most future Links since, the praised voice performances of Fujiko Takamoto and Nobuyuki Hiyama for his child and adult self, respectively, and even having a [[Fierce Deity Link|unique, very powerful transformation]], giving him his legendary status.
* The opening cutscene of {{TWW|-}} shows the Hero of Time defeating Ganon as a child, when he was in fact an adult in {{OoT|-}} during the final battle. In the same scene, Link also fought him without a [[shield]] while Ganondorf battled only in his beast form, unarmed.
** Notably, the adventure of the Hero of Time in the game's prologue seems to be not entirely based on the events of ''Ocarina of Time'' or ''Majora's Mask'', as alongside the aforementioned differences, it too shows him riding [[Epona]] as a child in the '''Adult''' Timeline rather than the Child Timeline, as his legend was remembered there.
* Although the Hero of Time is technically his adult self, as explicitly explained in ''Ocarina of Time'', a few games, specifically ''The Wind Waker'', claimed Link's title as a child.
* As it is never explained by [[Nintendo]] what happened to the Hero of Time after the events of ''Majora's Mask'' and before becoming the Hero's Shade in ''Twilight Princess'', fans have created many unconfirmed [[Archive:Timeline Theories|theories]] about the character, such as Link killed in battle during a very intense war as a knight at Hyrule in his adulthood or inside the [[Lost Woods]] while searching for Navi due to the decayed skeletal appearance wearing swordsman armor, as well as the loss of his Triforce of Courage.
** Ironically, according to ''Hyrule Historia'', it is possible that the Hero of Time was once a [[Knight of Hyrule|Hylian Knight]] himself.
[[File:LinkRuto2.jpg|thumb|277x277px|Unique among Links in the series, the Hero of Time is famously known for being the love interest of multiple females such as Princess Ruto, whom he is unintentionally engaged to, as seen in ''Ocarina of Time'']]
* Unlike all other incarnations of Link in ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, the Hero of Time in ''Ocarina of Time'', despite destiny ultimately separating them and none displayed direct affection, shares a somewhat romantic relationship with four different female characters, three of which whom are also [[Sage|Sages]]: [[Princess Zelda]], [[Saria]], [[Princess Ruto]], and [[Malon]]. Because of this, many fans strongly considered this particular Link to be a ladies' man or in a [[wikipedia:Love_triangle|love triangle]]. Story-wise, however, he is technically engaged with Ruto, as the [[Zora]] princess vows the Hero of Time her husband when obtaining the [[Spiritual Stone of Water]], as it is also called the "Zora's Engagement Ring", even though Link himself was not aware of being Princess Ruto's fiancé due to his important goal of helping Hyrule's princess, Zelda, and, more likely than not, the fact he was still at a young age.
** In the [[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Himekawa)|''Ocarina of Time'' (Himekawa)]] manga, [[Kaepora Gaebora]], the owl form of the Sage of Light, [[Rauru]], indeed directly tells Link that he is popular with the ladies after meeting Saria, Zelda, and Malon, but not yet Ruto, in which the young hero's response was to hush up, implying he is relatively aware of his relationships. Earlier in the same manga, Zelda can be seen giving Link a kiss to his cheek after agreeing to stop Ganondorf.
** [[Nabooru]], the Sage of Spirit, also shows interest in Link when she realizes how handsome he is as an adult, and regrets that she should've kept the promise of "something great" she said to him as a child.
** Although never confirmed by Nintendo and despite the aforementioned possible marriage with Princess Ruto, some fans speculated that Malon may have ultimately won the Hero of Time's affections among the four girls in the events leading to becoming the Hero's Spirit well after ''Majora's Mask'', due to the fact that her wish was to have a knight in shining armor wiping her feet one day according to a [[Gossip Stone]] in ''Ocarina of Time'', as well as that Link himself could possibly be one according to ''Hyrule Historia.'' His descendant in the Child Timeline, the Link from ''Twilight Princess,'' initially a rancher like Malon, knows [[Epona's Song]], the song she herself teaches the Hero of Time.
*** Even [[Navi]] has a slight fondness for Link, as according to [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] in an interview, she is jealous of Princess Zelda and feels something for the young hero. In the manga adaptation of ''Ocarina of Time'' by [[Akira Himekawa]], the Fairy tells Link she loves him before parting ways with him at its climax.
* Although the Hero of Time's Fierce Deity form by the Fierce Deity's Mask is not actually required to complete ''Majora's Mask'', Link defeating Majora as such is stated to be canon according to ''Hyrule Historia.''
* In addition to ''Ocarina of Time''/''Majora's Mask'' and their remakes, as he is featured in ''Twilight Princess'' (as [[Hero's Spirit]]), three of the [[Super Smash Bros. (series)|''Super Smash Bros.'' series]] (original, ''Melee'', and ''Ultimate''), ''[[Hyrule Warriors]]'' (Young Link), the critically acclaimed 2002 Namco fighting game ''[[wikipedia:Soulcalibur_II|Soul Calibur II]]'' (as a guest star), and likely the [[SpaceWorld 2000 GameCube Tech Demo]], as well as a cameo in ''The Wind Waker'', the Hero of Time made more appearances than any other incarnations of Link.[[File:LinkCremia.png|thumb|273x273px|The one and only piece of actual affection the Hero of Time has ever experienced in his dangerous adventures...]]
* The Hero of Time is the only incarnation of Link to be hugged by another character other than Princess Zelda, based on the events of ''Majora's Mask''. If Link were to help [[Cremia]], the Terminan adult counterpart of Malon, deliver her rare [[Chateau Romani]] milk to the [[Milk Bar]] after protecting her from the [[Gorman Brothers]]' ambush during the night of the [[Second Day]], and the [[Romani's Mask]] was already obtained, there is a 50/50 probability for himself to receive a [[Rupee|Huge Rupee]] (even if the counter is full) or an affectionate hug from her as a reward.
** As displays of direct affection are extremely rare in ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, the hug from Cremia in ''Majora's Mask'' is the second instance since the ending of ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]'' where Link were to be embraced, and another would not be seen until the final battle of ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks|Spirit Tracks]]'' (although the [[Linking Secret|linked ''Oracle'' game]] shows Zelda kissing Link in its ending upon defeating the incomplete Ganon).
** It is often presumed by fans that the Hero of Time had never been hugged before in his life or at least is not used to it, as during this moment, Link can be seen simply standing with his arms hanging loosely, and in the events of ''Ocarina of Time'', he was terrified when several [[Goron|Gorons]] attempted to hug him after obtaining the [[Spiritual Stone of Fire]] from [[Darunia]] (though this is may be comic relief), as well as he was orphaned by the [[The Great Deku Tree|Great Deku Tree]] as a baby.
** Surprisingly, Cremia's heartwarming hug towards the Hero of Time was not originally planned for the game. According to [[Yoshiaki Koizumi|Yoshiaki Kolzumi]], he stated that it was actually made out of an animation mistake during development; When Link's position was being set up, his face was too close and lodged into Cremia. But instead of removing it, the team immediately decided to rework the error and left it in the final game, saying this would have been every boys' dream, including himself.
* In the ''Ocarina of Time'' (Himekawa) manga adaptation, the Hero of Time's blue earrings are a gift from Impa and are a rite of passage for young Sheikah men, in spite of Link himself not being such people.
* The Hero of Time's model in ''Ocarina of Time'', although seen in official artwork, has the upper belt on his shoulder missing, due to the graphical limitations of the Nintendo 64. It is also missing in the [[Super Smash Bros.|original ''Super Smash Bros'']]''.'' as well. Despite this, it is fixed in ''Majora's Mask'' via increased memory by the Expansion Pak, and in ''Ocarina of Time 3D''.
** On a similar note, the [[Hero's Clothes]] in ''The Wind Waker'', which is supposedly a replica of the Hero of Time's outfit, lacks the upper belt.
* According to ''Hyrule Historia'', the Hero of Time's age is 10 as a child and 17 as an adult, though it is debated in other sources; For example, the Link from ''[[The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker|The Wind Waker]]'', was given his [[Hero's Clothes]] upon reaching the same age as the Hero of Time when he set out his Hyrule journey as a tradition, and his [[Trophies in Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Trophy]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and [[amiibo]] state he is 12, thus suggesting Adult Link to be 19 as well.[[File:OoT Adult Link next to Impa.png|thumb|243x243px|The adult Hero of Time's height in comparison to that of Impa's, as seen in ''Ocarina of Time'']]
* Although Link's exact height is unknown, when compared to the corrected measuring graph in the pool in the [[Lakeside Laboratory]] via the [[Iron Boots]] in ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D|Ocarina of Time 3D]]'', the Hero of Time stands 1.7m (5'7") tall in height as an adult, which is around the average for a man. Interestingly, Princess Zelda (and [[Sheik]]) is slightly shorter than Link, but [[Impa]], the Sage of Shadow and Zelda's attendant, stands taller than him. On the other hand, as a child, Link stands shorter than Zelda.
** His Fierce Deity Link form in ''Majora's Mask'' is exceptionally tall, likely the same as [[Ganondorf]], who himself measures 230cm (7'6½") in ''Ocarina of Time'' according to ''Hyrule Historia.''
** Himself as the Hero's Spirit in ''Twilight Princess'', due to his [[Stalfos]]-like ghost form, stands much taller than when he was alive.
* If one looks closely in the introduction scene of ''Ocarina of Time'', when Link is having his nightmare about Princess Zelda and Ganondorf, his eyes can be seen still open before he shivers and turns his head around.
* In the ''Ocarina of Time'' (Himekawa) manga, the Hero of Time was shown training with Impa as well as a Hylian Knight named Captain Orsen in its [[The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask (Himekawa)|sequel]]. However, in the games, unlike most other incarnations of Link, he is a self-taught fighter. Due to his constant increase in raw skills until his death, he even became an instructor in ''Twilight Princess'' as the Hero's Spirit - something no other Link in the franchise had done.
* In the post-credits cutscene of Link meeting Princess Zelda in the [[Hyrule Castle Courtyard]] for the second time in ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D|Ocarina of Time 3D]]'', the [[Triforce of Courage]] can be seen resonating on his left hand.
* In ''Twilight Princess'', some of the items the Hero of Twilight obtain in his adventure such as the [[Bow|Hero's Bow]] and even some residents claim of an ancient hero of the past known in Hyrule. This implies the Hero of Time's actions throughout his life in the Child Timeline might not be completely forgotten.
* The statue of the Hero of Time seen in [[Hyrule Castle]] in ''The Wind Waker'' has somewhat of a close resemblance to the Hero of Winds incarnation in that it depicts him wearing the same exact clothing and even has the [[Mirror Shield]] based on its appearance in-game (despite the N64 titles have much different designs).
* In the event Link is defeated in ''Ocarina of Time'' as an adult and the player consequently receives a [[Game Over]], the Hero of Time can be heard saying "Yuck!" as he collapses, marking the first time in ''The Legend of Zelda'' series he speaks English words in a mainline game, before ''The Wind Waker'''s "Come on!" as widely believed.
* In the beta version of ''Ocarina of Time'', the Hero of Time was originally going to summon Epona using a reed whistle. Although this was scrapped, this concept would be reused for ''Twilight Princess''<nowiki/>' [[Horse Call]].
** Similarly, the running slash attack seen in that title was originally planned for ''Ocarina of Time'' but was cut for unknown reasons.
* Although sometimes falsely assumed as such by fans, the <nowiki/>Hero of Time is not the first instance in the franchise to feature an older Link, as this debuted in ''[[Zelda II: The Adventure of Link|The Adventure of Link]]''. However, his appearance in ''Ocarina of Time'' has become a trademark image for the character to many, despite the majority of the games in the series depicted Link as a child.
* Surprisingly, during early development of ''Ocarina of Time'', the Hero of Time were to begin his adventure in Hyrule already as an adult, as his child self was not originally planned.
* The Hero's Spirit being the Hero of Time himself has been met with controversy by fans of the series, especially ones who played the N64 games, as the form in ''Twilight Princess'' shows this rather iconic Link in a horrific, sad, decayed state vaguely explained how he become such.[[File:MM Kafei Model.png|thumb|215x215px|Kafei, due to his similarity with the Hero of Time, is thought by many to be his Terminan counterpart,]]
* Although the Hero of Time has no direct counterpart in Termina, [[Kafei]] in ''Majora's Mask'' is remarkably similar to Link in that he shares the same personality and animations as himself, and during a part of the [[Reuniting Kafei and Anju]] sidequest where they must acquire the [[Sun Mask|Sun's Mask]] inside [[Sakon's Hideout]], he can even be controlled by the player (a first for the series) and can also punch.
* Link's actions by strictly following Zelda/Sheik's orders throughout ''Ocarina of Time'''s storyline solely to save Hyrule led some fans to believe the Hero of Time is simply a pawn of the princess of his era.
* The introduction of ''Majora's Mask'' explains a slightly different reason for the Hero of Time's departure as opposed to ''Hyrule Historia''. Although he is indeed looking for Navi, the game says that Link is also fed up with the dangerous battles he experienced in his previous adventure in ''Ocarina of Time''.
** It should also be noted, as the N64 title was made well before the introduction of the offical timeline in 2011, its plot says that in Hyrule, Link's legend was echoed by the Royal Family, which suggests that there is no evidence in-game that the timeline by ''Ocarina of Time''<nowiki/>'s events had split into two and Link himself being in an alternate universe.
* The Hero of Time's encounter with his descendant in ''Twilight Princess'' as the Hero's Spirit marks the first time based on canon content where a Link directly speaks with another incarnation of himself.[[File:OoT Ganon's Defeat.png|thumb|303x303px|The ultimate defeat of Ganon by the Hero of Time is widely known as one of the greatest finishes of a Final Boss battle in video game history, in spite of having notably brutal violence for the franchise's standards as well]]
* Although often considered to be the most climactic defeat of Ganon in the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, some fans also viewed the Hero of Time's final blow in the [[Final Boss]] battle of ''Ocarina of Time'' as arguably the most violent scene in the entire franchise as well, due to the beast spewing red blood in the original v1.0/v.1.1 NTSC builds of the N64 game as well as himself stabbing the monster directly in the mouth (Ganondorf also pukes blood when defeated). Due to [[Controversy in The Legend of Zelda Series|controversy]], this has resulted in all subsequent versions (including PAL) and releases, including its [[The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D|remake]], being censored by Nintendo with the blood changed to green and in ''Ocarina of Time 3D'', the Master Sword instead hits Ganon in the forehead much like in some later games' final blows with the scared blade, to tone down the violence, as the game was in fact rated Everyone (E) by the [[ESRB]] and would not risk it being re-rated to Teen (T). The [[Nintendo 3DS|3DS]] remake, however, has the Everyone 10+ (E10+) rating. No other ''Zelda'' game in the long-running series since ''Ocarina of Time'' features realistic colored blood.
** Stained blood can also be seen in [[Bottom of the Well]] and [[Shadow Temple]]. It remains red even in later v.1.2 versions and the remake.
** The ''Ocarina of Time'' (Himekawa) manga also shows the finishing blow of Link hitting Ganon on the forehead rather than in the mouth.
* Link's [[Hero's Shield]] and updated [[Kokiri Sword]] that replaced his [[Deku Shield|Deku]]/[[Hylian Shield]] and older version of the sword in the events of ''Majora's Mask'' is possibly due to the Royal Family giving him adequate gear to help him on his adventure.
* Though not clearly evidenced in-game or his other appearances such as the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series or ''Soul Calibur II'', most fans presumed Adult Link in ''Ocarina of Time'' as merely his child self in a grown-up body. This is likely due to the fact that he was forced into a magical sleep for 7 years to become the Hero of Time upon pulling the Master Sword, and thus the experience of his growing life was skipped entirely.
** In the Akira Himekawa manga adaptation, however, this is strongly depicted, as Link was completely clueless about what happened to him between his sleep and awaken, and his behavior remained generally childish through the second part of the story.
* Similar to Epona, Link's model in ''Majora's Mask'' is slightly taller than how he appears in its prequel. This implies the Hero of Time had gained a small growth between the games' events.
* Interestingly, in his [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Link crossover appearance in ''Soul Calibur II''] exclusively for the [[Nintendo GameCube|GameCube]] version, although not canon to ''[[The Legend of Zelda (series)|The Legend of Zelda]]'' or ''[https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Soul_series Soul Calibur]'' series whatsoever, the Hero of Time's in-game story not only references his two adventures in Hyrule and Termina, but also ''[[The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past|A Link to the Past]]'' as well. In this game, Link pulled the Master Sword in the Lost Woods as opposed to the [[Temple of Time]], and he had already rescued Hyrule from an evil magician (possibly [[Agahnim]]) before entering the ''Soul'' universe as he learns the controlling force behind the wizard was by a deadly evil entity sword called [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Soul_Edge Soul Edge], where he must destroy it. When he eventually succeeds in his quest, therefore saving the world, he quietly leaves to return back to Hyrule, like in the ending of ''Majora's Mask''. Although most of his available arsenal in ''Soul Calibur II'' are from the N64 games where he is playable such as the [[Biggoron's Sword]] or [[Great Fairy's Sword]], a few of such are also items predating ''Ocarina of Time'', specifically the [[Magical Sword]]/[[Shield]] (named "Magic Sword" in-game), [[Cane of Byrna]], and even the [[Bug Net|Bug Catching Net]]. He can even [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Soul_Edge_(Complete)_Link wield Soul Edge itself] in the shape of his trademark Master Sword and Hylian Shield weapons. In addition, like in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series, the [[Blue Ring]] tunic from the original ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' is also available as an alternate costume.
** Coincidentally, the Hero of Time's child and adult voice actors, Fujiko Takamoto and Nobuyuki Hiyama, also voiced [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Taki Taki] and [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Siegfried Siegfried]/[https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Nightmare Nightmare], respectively, as well as [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Yoshimitsu Yoshimitsu] for the latter, when set at the Japanese language. The game itself is also the last time of Hiyama himself reprising his role as Adult Link before his official retirement for voicing the character.
** ''Soul Calibur II'' also marks the first and so far only instance where Link was to be featured in a [[wikipedia:Fighting_game|fighting game]] as well as a non-Nintendo title. Although he did previously appear in the original ''Super Smash Bros''., that series has a completely different ruleset where characters are battling on platforms and therefore is considered distinct from conventional fighting titles.
** Link would not get another official crossover until ''[https://www.mariowiki.com/Mario_Kart_8 Mario Kart 8]'' in 2014, 11 years after the release of ''Soul Calibur II'', though this game uses the ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword|Skyward Sword]]'' incarnation.
* Link in his second adventure in Termina is shown to be more acrobatic than how he previously was in Hyrule, as in ''Majora's Mask'' he can frontflip or somersault over ledges as opposed to a normal jump, suggesting an increase of fitness and fighting skills.
* Despite the Link from ''The Wind Waker'', known as the Hero of Winds, is the Hero of Time's successor in the Adult Timeline and is possibly his descendant like the Hero of Twilight from ''Twilight Princess'', this incarnation is said to be unrelated to the legendary hero in-game according to the [[King of Red Lions]], likely due to the fact centuries have passed since the events of ''Ocarina of Time'' and the Hero of Time himself was sent back to his original age into the Child Timeline by Princess Zelda in his era.[[File:MM Fierce Deity Link Artwork.png|thumb|314x314px|The infamous [[Fierce Deity Link|Fierce Deity]] easily makes the Hero of Time arguably the most powerful Link, as the form itself is strongly considered by many to be the single, most destructive force in the entire series]]
* Alongside being the most important Link in the mythology and offical timelines, the Hero of Time is likely one of, if not ''the'' strongest incarnation of ''The Legend of Zelda'' series' main protagonist; In addition to possessing the traditional [[Master Sword]], [[Triforce of Courage]], [[Mirror Shield]], [[Light Arrow|Light Arrows]], as well as having a large and unique arsenal of items other Links do not have such as the [[Lens of Truth]], [[transformation]] masks, magic spells with power of the [[Golden Goddess|Golden Goddesses]] themselves, etc., he himself defeated a prime Ganon while the King of Evil himself almost completely took over Hyrule for seven years, destroyed another powerful demon called Majora and even fought and beaten his [[Dark Link|own shadow]], each of which in a one-on-one fight with no assistance (despite Princess Zelda attempting to hold Ganon down just before the final blow). Physically, he is able to wield the two-handed weapons Biggoron's Sword or [[Megaton Hammer]] in one grip when equipped during cutscenes as well as in ''[[SoulCalibur II|Soul Calibur II]]'' (the ''[[The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild|Breath of the Wild]]'' incarnation for example holds the former like a zweihänder giving its size) and can rival Ganondorf's [[Triforce of Power]] superhuman strength with the [[Golden Gauntlets]]. His skills in sword combat are so great, that as a [[Hero's Spirit|ghost]], he is even the teacher of the Hero of Twilight to help his descendant defeat Ganondorf in ''Twilight Princess'' by showing him how to perform his own highly advanced techniques ([[Hidden Skill|Hidden Skills]]), and, most notably, the mysterious Fierce Deity Link transformation by the [[Fierce Deity Mask|Fierce Deity's Mask]] in ''Majora's Mask,'' a deadly form restricted only for [[boss]] battles, is widely believed to be the most unstoppable form of any Link possible among the franchise's community, as it is capable of destroying such foes very quickly, including Majora's Mask itself, due to its incredible raw power. The Fierce Deity can even slice the seemingly indestructible [[Moon]] in two with a single focused slash as seen in ''[[Hyrule Warriors]]''.
** Despite not being canon to the ''Zelda'' series, in ''Soul Calibur II'', the Hero of Time also defeated [https://soulcalibur.fandom.com/wiki/Inferno Inferno], the fiery demonic being behind the extremely powerful Soul Edge - a cursed sword capable of devouring souls, after saving Hyrule from an unknown potent wizard.
** In ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'', he is capable of performing the [[Triforce Slash]] as his [[Final Smash]] like his other incarnations in-game.
* In the [[Akira Himekawa]] manga adaptation of both ''Ocarina of Time'' and ''Majora's Mask'', Link can be heard saying minor profanities, often "Damn".
* The Hero of Time is the only incarnation of Link to switch between ages within one mainline game - ''Ocarina of Time'', although he was originally going to do this in ''Majora's Mask'' as well by a transforming Mask closely resembling his face but was scrapped during development and was replaced by the Fierce Deity's Mask to become Fierce Deity Link instead. Concept artwor<nowiki/>k of his adult self can be seen in ''Hyrule Historia'''s section of the latter game (see gallery).[[File:TPG Link Navi Cameo.png|thumb|246x246px|The Hero of Time's homage in ''The Powerpuff Girls'']]
* The Hero of Time, alongside Navi, has a [[The Legend of Zelda in Popular Culture|pop culture]] appearance in the popular 1998 Cartoon Network superhero TV series ''[[wikipedia:The_Powerpuff_Girls|The Powerpuff Girls]]'', in the season three episode "Child Fearing", where the character Mayor plays a ''Zelda'' game on his [[Nintendo 64]]. Based on the then-new ''Ocarina of Time'', Link, without a shield, repeatedly runs directly into walls with Navi saying her infamous line "Hey!", before suddenly being crushed by a block and even kills the fairy with a single horizontal slash with his sword (presumably the Kokiri Sword), which both incidents has him taking three [[Heart Container|Hearts]] in damage, despite the latter not actually taking hits. Consequently, he gets a Game Over, in spite of having one Heart Container remaining.
* The Hero of Time's earliest appearance was possibly the [[Zelda 64 Space World 1995 Tech Demo|Zelda 64 Spaceworld 1995 tech demo]], where the demo was an early test of the N64's capabilities for a ''Zelda'' game. Although in 3D, Link's appearance is based on ''A Link to the Past'' rather than his final design in ''Ocarina of Time''.

==Nomenclature==
{{Names
|align= left
|ja= {{Romanize|時の勇者|Toki no Yūsha}} 
|jaM= Hero of Time
|esS= 
|esSM= 
|esL= Héroe del Tiempo {{Exp Game|OoT3D}}
|esLM= 
|frF= 
|frFM= 
|frC= Héros du temps {{Exp Game|OoT3D}}
|frCM= 
|de=Herr der Zeiten {{Exp Game|OoT}}, Held der Zeit {{Exp Game|OoT3D}} 
|deM=Lord of Times, Hero of Time 
|it= 
|itM= 
|ptP= 
|ptPM= 
|ptB= 
|ptBM= 
|nl= 
|nlM= 
|ru= 
|ruM= 
|ko= 
|koM= 
|zhT= {{Romanize|時之勇者|Shí zhī Yǒngzhé}}
|zhTM= Hero of Time
|zhS= {{Romanize|时光之勇者|Shíguāng zhī Yǒngzhé}}
|zhSM= Hero of Time}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:OoT Child Link Artwork.png|As a child
File:OoT Link Ocarina of Time Artwork.png|Playing the [[Ocarina of Time]]
File:Young Link Navi.png|With [[Navi]]
File:Young Link Slingshot.png|Drawing the [[Fairy Slingshot]]
File:Younglinkstance.png|Battle stance
File:Young Link OoT3D Art.png|[[Ocarina of Time 3D]] child artwork
File:OoT Link Portrait.png|As an adult
File:OoT Link Walking Artwork.png|Walking
File:Link Run OoT.png|Running
File:Link Jumping.png|Jumping
File:Link Roll OoT.png|Forward roll
File:Link Block OoT.png|Crouch blocking with [[Hylian Shield]]
File:OoT Link Guarding Artwork.png|Battle stance
File:Linkposeoot.png|Battle stance
File:Link Slash 2 OoT.png|Horizontal slash
File:Link Slash OoT.png|Vertical slash
File:OoT Link Stabbing Artwork.png|Sword thrust
File:OoT Spin Attack Artwork.png|[[Spin Attack]]
File:Link Spin Attack OoT.png|Performing a Spin Attack
File:OoT Link Attacking Artwork.png|[[Jump Attack]]
File:OoT Link Performing Jump Attack Artwork.png|Jump Attack
File:Link Bomb OoT.png|Carrying a [[Bomb]]
File:OoT Link Throwing Bomb Artwork.png|Throwing a Bomb
File:OoT Link Using Fairy Bow Artwork.png|Drawing the [[Fairy Bow]]
File:OoT Link Climbing Block Artwork.png|Climbing a [[block]]
File:Link Push OoT.png|Pushing a block
File:OoT Link Climbing Ladder Artwork.png|Climbing a ladder
File:Link Hang OoT.png|Hanging on a ledge
File:OoT Treasure Chest Artwork.png|Opening a [[Treasure Chest]]
File:OoT Link Swimming Artwork.png|Swimming underwater
File:OoT Link Riding Epona Artwork.png|On Epona ready for battle
File:OoT Link and Epona Artwork.png|With [[Epona]]
File:OoT Link and Navi Artwork.png|Playing the Ocarina of Time
File:Link Ocarina 2.png|Playing the Ocarina of Time
File:MM Link Razor Sword Artwork.png|Holding the [[Razor Sword]]
File:MM Link Tatl Artwork.png|With [[Tatl]]
File:MM Link Epona Artwork.png|Riding Epona
File:MM Link Artwork.png|Jump Attack
File:MM Link Artwork 2.png|Charging for an attack
File:MM Deku Link Artwork.png|As [[Deku Link]]
File:MM Goron Link Artwork.png|As [[Goron Link]]
File:MM Zora Link Artwork.png|As [[Zora Link]]
File:MM Fierce Deity Link Artwork.png|As [[Fierce Deity Link]]
File:MM3D Link Razor Sword Artwork.png|[[Majora's Mask 3D]] artwork of Link and Tatl with the Razor Sword and [[Mirror Shield]]
File:MM3D Deku Link Artwork.png|Majora's Mask 3D artwork of Deku Link playing the [[Deku Pipes]]
File:MM3D Goron Link Artwork.png|Majora's Mask 3D artwork Goron Link playing the [[Goron Drums]]
File:MM3D Zora Link Artwork.png|Majora's Mask 3D artwork of Zora Link playing the [[Zora Guitar]]
File:OoT Great Deku Tree Artwork.png|Link entering the [[Great Deku Tree]]
File:OoT Link Fighting Gohma Artwork.png|Vs. [[Queen Gohma]], the [[Boss]] monster of the Great Deku Tree
File:OoT Link and Ganondorf Artwork.jpg|Link meets his archenemy [[Ganondorf]] for the first time
File:OoT Pedestal of Time Artwork.png|Link pulling the [[Master Sword]] out of its pedestal to become the Hero of Time
File:Link vs Volvagia.jpg|Vs. [[Volvagia]], the Boss of the [[Fire Temple]]
File:OoT Morpha Artwork.png|Vs. [[Morpha]], the Boss of the [[Water Temple]]
File:OoT Link Spin Attack Artwork.jpg|Link destroying two [[Deku Baba]]s with a Spin Attack
File:OoT Link Sheik Artwork.jpg|The Hero of Time, with [[Sheik]] fighting against a multitude of Ganondorf's minions
File:OoT Link Fighting Ganondorf Artwork.jpg|The Hero of Time and the King of Evil in a one-on-one fight to the death
File:MM Artwork.png|Artwork of [[Majora's Mask]], featuring the Hero of Time on Epona, in various forms alongside the [[Skull Kid]]
File:MM Artwork 2.png|Artwork of Majora's Mask, with Link on Epona, Tatl, and several characters in the background
File:MM Clock Town Artwork.png|Majora's Mask artwork of The Hero of Time, with Tatl, in [[Clock Town]] looking up to the [[Moon]] above
File:MM3D Fierce Deity and Majora.jpg|Majora's Mask 3D artwork of Fierce Deity Link, with the four [[Moon Children]] and Majora's Incarnation in the background
File:OoT Cast Concept Artwork.jpg|Early illustration of [[Ocarina of Time]]'s main cast alongside the Hero of Time
File:OoT3D Hyrule Field Artwork.png|Artwork of [[Ocarina of Time 3D]], with Link riding Epona across [[Hyrule Field]]
File:Link, Navi and Sheik.jpg|Ocarina of Time 3D artwork of Link and Sheik playing music together
File:OoT3D Link vs Ganondorf.jpg|OoT3D cover of Link and Ganondorf fighting
File:MM3D Artwork.png|MM3D artwork featuring the Hero of Time (holding the [[Mask of Truth]]) with many other characters including his various transformation
File:Ootlink12.jpg|MM3D artwork featuring the Hero of Time (holding the [[Mask of Truth]]) with many other characters including his various transformations
File:Ootlink2.jpg|Adult Link concept art
File:OoT Link Concept Artwork 2.jpg|Adult Link concept art
File:Early Oot Link concept.jpg|Adult Link concept art
File:OoT Link and Ganon Concept Artwork.jpg|Adult Link concept art, with an early design of [[Ganon]]
File:Oot Young and Adult Link Concept.jpg|Concept art of the Hero of Time in both age stages
File:Oot Link facial expression concept.jpg|Adult Link face concept art
File:Ootlinkexpressions.png|Adult Link facial expressions concept art
File:OoT Link with Hylian Sheild concept.jpg|Adult Link concept art
File:MM Link concept art 3.jpg|Early sketch
File:Link with navi concept.jpg|Concept art of Link with Navi
File:MM Link concept art 2.jpg|Child Link, Majora's Mask sketch
File:MM Link concept art 4.jpg|Adult Link concept art, for Majora's Mask
File:MM Link concept art.jpg|Adult Link's concept sketch, for Majora's Mask
File:OoT Link Concept Render.png|Adult Link OoT concept model render
File:OoT Deku Tree Sketch Artwork.png|Sketch of Link entering the Great Deku Tree
File:OoT Link Sheik Concept Artwork.png|Early artwork of Link fighting a group of monsters with Sheik
File:OoT Ganondorf Fight Sketch Artwork.png|Sketch of Link vs. Ganondorf
File:OoT Character Concept Artwork.png|Early sketch of the Hero of Time and the main cast of Ocarina of Time
File:MM Concept Artwork.png|Concept artwork of Link, his transformations, and Skull Kid of Majora's Mask
File:Link YoungLink.png|Ocarina of Time Child Link model with [[Kokiri Sword]] and [[Deku Shield]]
File:OoT Link Model.png|Ocarina of Time Adult Link model with [[Master Sword]] and [[Hylian Shield]]
File:Link OoT.gif|Adult Link checking his Hylian Shield
File:Link Goron Tunic.png|Wearing the [[Goron Tunic]]
File:Link Zora Tunic.png|Wearing the [[Zora Tunic]]
File:MM Link Model.png|Majora's Mask Child Link model
File:OoT3D Link Render 2.png|Adult Link Ocarina of Time 3D model, standing
File:OoT3D Link Run Render.png|Adult Link Ocarina of Time 3D model, running
File:OoT3D Link Render.png|Adult Link Ocarina of Time 3D model, battle stance
File:OoT3D Link Render 4.png|Adult Link Ocarina of Time 3D model, attacking
File:OoT3D Link Shielding Render.png|OoT3D Adult Link defending with the Hylian Shield
File:OoT3D Link Playing Ocarina of Time Render.png|OoT3D Adult Link playing the Ocarina of Time
File:MM3D Link Model.png|Majora's Mask 3D Child Link model
File:OoT Child and Adult Link together.png|The Hero of Time's child and adult models together in Ocarina of Time
File:Deku Mask Transformation.jpg|Link transforming into Deku Link in Majora's Mask
File:Deku Link 3D.png|Deku Link Majora's Mask in-game model
File:MM3D Deku Link Shrugging Model.png|Majora's Mask 3D Deku Link model
File:MM Link Transform into Goron.jpg|Link transforming into Goron Link from Majora's Mask
File:Goron Link 3D.png|Goron Link Majora's Mask in-game model
File:MM3D Goron Link Model.png|Majora's Mask 3D Goron Link model
File:Zora Mask transformation.jpg|Link transforming into Zora Link in Majora's Mask
File:Zora Link 3D.png|Zora Link Majora's Mask in-game model
File:MM3D Zora Link Model.png|Majora's Mask 3D Zora Link model
File:OoT Deku Shield.png|Child Link defending with the [[Deku Shield]] in Ocarina of Time
File:Spin Attack MM.jpg|Child Link performing a Spin Attack in Majora's Mask
File:MM Link Playing the Ocarina of Time.png|Playing the Ocarina of Time in Majora's Mask
File:Oot reed whistle.jpg|Link blowing a whistle in the beta version of Ocarina of Time
File:Beam Attack Beta.jpg|Link performing the Beam Attack from an early build of Ocarina of TIme
File:OoT Sage Medallions Concept.jpg|Adult Link, with Navi, as he appears in an earlier build of OoT
File:OoT Early Tech Demo.gif|The Hero of Time's earliest appearance, from the Zelda 64 1995 SpaceWorld demo
File:Zelda 64 Early Screenshot.jpg|Early Adult Link design for Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Triforce Concept.png|Link finding the complete [[Triforce]] in the beta version of Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Link Fishing.png|The Hero of Time fishing in the [[Fishing Hole]] in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Link Catching Fish.png|Link catching a fish in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Link Riding Epona Developmental.jpg|Link riding Epona in an earlier build of Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Oxygen Gauge.jpg|Adult Link swimming underwater in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT3D Ingo Race.jpg|Link horse racing against [[Ingo]] from Ocarina of Time 3D
File:MM Riding Epona.png|Child Link riding Epona in Majora's Mask
File:Oot3d4.png|Link meeting [[Navi]] in Ocarina of Time 3D
File:Tree.jpg|Link listening to the Great Deku Tree about his destiny to meet [[Princess Zelda]], in Ocarina of Time
File:Link runs from the Gorons.png|Link running away in fear from [[Darunia]]'s [[Goron]]s attempting to hug the young hero, from Ocarina of Time
File:OOT3D GanonEncounter.png|Link encounters Ganondorf from Ocarina of Time 3D
File:OoT Door of Time.png|Link placing the three [[Spiritual Stones]] in order to open the [[Door of Time]], in Ocarina of Time
File:OOT3D Sword Pedestal 2.png|Child Link attempting to pull the [[Master Sword]] out of its pedestal in Ocarina of Time 3D
File:Older Link.png|The young hero has grown-up and awakens as the Hero of Time, after being sealed for 7 years, in Ocarina of Time
File:Link Time Travel OoT.jpg|Link returns the Master Sword back to its pedestal, reversing time back seven years to the past, in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Giant's Knife breaking.png|The Hero of Time breaking a [[Giant's Knife]]
File:OoT Biggoron's Sword.png|Link carrying the powerful [[Biggoron's Sword]]
File:OoT Phantom Ganon Battle.png|Link fighting [[Phantom Ganon]], the Boss of the [[Forest Temple]], in Ocarina of Time
File:Nabooru Chamber2.png|Link meeting [[Nabooru]], in Ocarina of Time
File:Prelude of Light.png|Link playing the [[Prelude of Light]] with Shelk in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Ganon's Castle intro.png|Link arriving at [[Ganon's Castle]] in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Link entering Ganon's Castle.png|The Hero of Time using the [[Rainbow Bridge]] to enter Ganon's Castle in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Link lifting giant stone with Golden Gauntlets.png|A large pillar of granite being lifted by the Hero of Time via the [[Golden Gauntlets]] within Ganon's Castle in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Link in Ganon's Castle.jpg|Link inside the inner sanctum of Ganon's Castle in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Link in Ganon's Tower.png|The Hero of Time running up the staircase in the tower section of Ganon's Castle, in Ocarina of Time
File:Triforce of Courage in OoT.webp|The [[Triforce of Courage]] resonates on the Hero of Time's left hand, in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Ganondorf Dead Man's Volley.png|Link's in-game final battle with Ganondorf in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Ganon's Castle escape.png|Link, Zelda, and Navi escaping Ganon's Castle as it is collapsing, in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Ganon's Castle destruction.png|The Hero of Time and Princess Zelda standing before the destroyed Ganon's Castle in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Link and Zelda startled by sudden noise made by Ganondorf.png|The Hero of Time defending Princess Zelda from danger upon hearing the ominous noise from Ganondorf in Ocarina of Time
File:Ganon OoT battle2.png|The Hero of Time's [[Final Boss]] showdown in [[Hyrule]], where he must fight Ganon in a climactic duel, in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Ganon's Defeat.png| Ganon brutally defeated by the Hero of Time with a violent blow, in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Link's final blow on Ganon (side view).png|Another view of Ganon's defeat immedately after the Hero of Time stabs him in the beast's mouth in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Triforce of Courage on Link's hand (ending).png|Child Link with the [[Triforce of Courage]] in his hand during the ending cutscene of Ocarina of Time
File:MM Opening large.png|An annoyed Link meets the [[Skull Kid]], [[Tatl]], and [[Tael]], after the former steals his Ocarina of Time, in Majora's Mask
File:MM Skull Kid Stealing Epona.png|The Skull Kid steals Epona from Link, in Majora's Mask
File:MM Link and Skull Kid.jpg|Link caught off-guard by the Skull Kid, Tatl, and Tael's presence, in Majora's Mask
File:Deku link reflection.jpg|The young Hero of Time cursed by the Skull Kid to transform into a [[Deku Shrub]], in Majora's Mask
File:MM3D Nintendo Direct 7.png|Link violently picked up by the [[Happy Mask Salesman]] in Majora's Mask 3D
File:Skull Kid Drawing.png|Link and Tatl sees a drawing of the Skull Kid in Majora's Mask
File:MM Keaton.png|Link meeting a [[Keaton]] in Majora's Mask
File:Rosasisters.jpg|Link dancing with the [[Rosa Sisters]] in Majora's Mask
File:MM Link joining Cremia.png|Link helping [[Cremia]] delivering her special milk to the Milk Bar, in Majora's Mask
File:MM Ballad of the Wind Fish.png|Link, in all of his Mask forms, playing [[Ballad of the Wind Fish]] at the [[Milk Bar]], in Majora's Mask
File:Link using the Mirror Shield.png|The Hero of Time using the [[Mirror Shield]] to reflect light into a Sun Switch in Majora's Mask
File:MM Kafei and Link.png|Link meets his semi-counterpart [[Kafei]]
File:MM TimeWarp.png|Link falling into an abyss of time as he returns back to the [[First Day]] using the [[Song of Time]], in Majora's Mask
File:Majora Rises.png|Link watching the Majora's Mask detaching from the Skull Kid before heading to the Moon in Majora's Mask
File:MM Moon Hide-and-Seek.png|Link giving the [[Giant's Mask]] to a Moon Child in Majora's Mask
File:6 MajorasWrath2.jpg|The Hero of Time's [[Final Boss]] showdown in [[Termina]], where he must destroy the evil entity behind [[Majora's Mask]], in Majora's Mask
File:MM Fierce Deity vs. Majora's Wrath.png|Fierce Deity Link easily damaging Majora's Wrath in Majora's Mask
File:MM Link Map Icon.png|Link's map icon in Majora's Mask
File:OoT Dark Link Model.png|As [[Dark Link]]
File:OoT3D Dark Link Model.png|Dark Link's model in Ocarina of Time 3D
File:OoT3D Dark Link Model 2.png|Dark Link attacking in Ocarina of Time 3D
File:Dark Link OoT.jpg|The Hero of Time facing his evil mirror image in a brutal duel inside the [[Water Temple]], in Ocarina of Time
File:DarkLinkOoT3D.png|Link vs. Dark Link in Ocarina of Time 3D
File:MM Fierce Deity Transformation.png|Link transforming into Fierce Deity Link, a highly powerful form, in Majora's Mask
File:MM Fierce Deity Link Model.png|Fierce Deity Link in-game model in Majora's Mask
File:MM3D Fierce Deity Link Model.png|Fierce Deity Link Majora's Mask 3D model
File:OniLink Clocktown.jpg|Fierce Deity Link in Clock Town, in Majora's Mask
File:OniLinkSwordBeam.png|Fierce Deity Link firing a [[Sword Beam]] in Majora's Mask
File:OniLinkSpinAttack.png|Fierce Deity Link performing a Spin Attack, in Majora's Mask
File:OoT Fierce Deity Link next to Adult Zelda (Hack).png|The Ganondorf-like size of Fierce Deity Link compared to Adult Princess Zelda in a modified gameplay of Ocarina of Time
File:MM all Link forms size.png|The young Hero of Time compared to all of his Mask transformations in Majora's Mask
File:OoT Game Over.png|The Hero of Time defeated, in Ocarina of Time
File:MM3D Game Over.png|The Hero of Time fails to stop the [[Moon]] from crashing Termina, in Majora's Mask 3D
File:Link and Saria.png|[[Saria]] congratulating Link for finally having a Fairy companion, in Ocarina of Time
File:Link with Saria.jpg|With Saria, in Ocarina of Time
File:OOT3D LinkwithSaria.png|Link and Saria in Ocarina of Time 3D
File:Castle Courtyard OoT.png|The Hero of Time listening to young [[Princess Zelda]] about Ganondorf's plan, in Ocarina of Time
File:Zelda with the Ocarina of Time.png|A proud Princess Zelda takes the Ocarina from Link, who now saved Hyrule, in Ocarina of Time
File:MM Princess Zelda Model.png|Link's flashback of Princess Zelda in Majora's Mask, moments before departing Hyrule
File:MM Link Zelda.png|The Hero of Time and Princess Zelda's model renders in Majora's Mask
File:LinkRuto2.jpg|A young smitten [[Princess Ruto]] almost kisses the young Hero of Time after rescuing her, in Ocarina of Time
File:LinkRuto.jpg|The Zora princess swims toward Link to reward him with her "engagement ring" ([[Zora's Sapphire]]), in Ocarina of Time
File:Ruto Chamber1.png|Adult Link meets an equally grown Princess Ruto in the [[Chamber of Sages]], in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Adult Link With Fairy Ocarina.jpg|Link talks to adult [[Malon]] in an earlier build of Ocarina of Time
File:LinkCremia.png|Cremia giving the young Hero of Time a much deserved hug after helping her deliver her [[Chateau Romani]], in Majora's Mask
File:TP Hero's Spirit Concept Artwork.png|As the [[Hero's Spirit]]
File:TP Hero's Spirit Model.png|Hero's Shade model from Twilight Princess
File:TP Hero's Spirit Model 2.png|Performing a battle stance as the Hero's Shade in Twilight Princess
File:TP Hero's Spirit Sparring.jpg|The former Hero of Time (right) teaches his descendant, the Link of [[Twilight Princess]], the [[Hidden Skills]]
File:MNPTP Hero's Shade Sprite.png|Hero's Spirit icon in My Nintendo Picross: Twilight Princess
File:TP Hero's Shade Wolf Artwork.png|Hero's Spirit's white wolf form, in Twilight Princess
File:TP White Wolf Model.png|Hero's Spirit white wolf in-game model in Twilight Princess
File:TPHD White Wolf Howling.png|The Hero of Time as the White Wolf howling from [[Twilight Princess HD]]
File:Hero of Time Legend.png|The Hero of Time's legend art in [[The Wind Waker]]'s intro
File:TWW Scroll of the Hero of Time 3.png|The Hero of Time fighting and defeating Ganon with the power of the Master Sword and [[Triforce of Courage]], in the intro of The Wind Waker
File:TWW Scroll of the Hero of Time 4.png|The Hero of Time, on Epona, departs Hyrule, before [[Ganon]] breaks from his seal hundreds of years later in The Wind Waker
File:TWW Hero of Time Intro.png|The Hero of Time's attacking pose in the opening cutscene of The Wind Waker
File:Link SW2000.png|Link from the 2000 SpaceWorld tech demo
File:Link and Ganondorf Fight SW2000 2.png|Link fighting Ganondorf from the 2000 SpaceWorld tech demo
File:Link and Ganondorf Fight SW2000.png|Link dueling Ganondorf from the SpaceWorld 2000 tech demo
File:SSB Link Artwork.png|Artwork from [[Super Smash Bros.]]
File:SSB Link Spin Attack.png|Artwork of Link attacking from Super Smash Bros.
File:SSB Link intro.png|Link in the intro cutscene of Super Smash Bros.
File:SSB Link Model.png|Standard model render in Super Smash Bros.
File:SSB Fighting Polygon Link Model.png|Fighting Polygon model render in Super Smash Bros.
File:SSB Link playing Ocarina of Time.png|The Hero of Time playing the Ocarina of Time in a nighttime [[Hyrule Field]], as seen in the intro cutscene of Super Smash Bros.
File:Link Taunt.png|The Hero of Time performing his taunt in Super Smash Bros.
File:SSB Link Character Icon.png|Link's character icon in Super Smash Bros.
File:SSB Link Green Stock Icon.png|Stock icon in Super Smash Bros.
File:Link-Front.png|Link in the intro cutscene of [[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]
File:Fire Bow.jpg|Young Link preparing to shoot a [[Fire Arrow]] in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:Bow (SSBM).jpg|Adult Link drawing his [[Bow]] in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:Up Thrust 2 (SSBM).jpg|Young Link performing a [[Jump Thrust]] in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:Down Thrust (SSBM).jpg|Adult Link attacks with a [[Down Thrust]] in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:SSBM Young Boomerang.jpg|Young Link throwing the [[Boomerang]] in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:Hookshot (SSBM).jpg|Adult Link firing the [[Hookshot]] in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:Spin Attack (SSBM).jpg|Adult Link performing the Spin Attack in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:Link throwing Bomb SSBM.jpg|Adult Link throws a Bomb at Captain Falcon in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:SSBM Dark Link.png|Link facing Dark Link in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:Link's Adventure Dark Link.png|Adult Link fighting his shadow self in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:SSBM Young Link win.png|Young Link in one of his victory poses in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:SSBM Link win.png|Adult Link in one of his victory poses in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:SSBM Young Link Alternative Costume 4.png|Young Link black tunic SSBM render
File:SSBM Link Alternative Costume 3.png|Adult Link black tunic SSBM render
File:SSBM Young Link Icon.png|Young Link stock icon in Super Smash Bros, Melee
File:SSBM Link Icon.png|Adult Link stock icon in Super Smash Bros. Melee
File:OoT FR Manga Volume 1.jpg|Ocarina of Time manga (Himekawa)
File:OoT FR Manga Volume 2.jpg|Ocarina of Time manga
File:MM FR Manga.jpg|Majora's Mask manga (Himekawa)
File:OoT DE Perfect Editon Manga.jpg|OoT manga
File:ALttP MM IT Perfect Edition Manga.jpg|MM/ALttP manga
File:OoT manga Young Link sitting in field with all Spiritual Stones.png|Child Link sitting in a field with all three Spirtiual Stones in the OoT manga
File:LinkSaria.png|Link and Saria in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Saria awakens as a Sage.png|Link discovers his close friend Saria is the Sage of Forest, in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:LinkZeldaManga.png|Link shy from Princess Zelda in OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link kissed by Zelda.png|Young Princess Zelda kissing Link after he agrees to help defeat Ganondorf, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link sees Princess Ruto and Barinade.png|Child Link sees Princess Ruto in danger in front of [[Barinade]], in the OoT manga
File:OOT manga Link meeting Princess Ruto.png|Young Link meeting [[Princess Ruto]] for the first time in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link protecting Princess Ruto from Barinade.png|Link defeats Barinade and rescues Ruto, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link becomes engaged with Ruto.png|Link becomes engaged with Ruto in the OoT manga
File:OoT Adult Link and Princess Ruto swimming.png|Adult Link and Princess Ruto swimming together in the [[Water Temple]], in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT manga Link fighting Morpha.png|Link and Ruto fighting against [[Morpha]] in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Ruto awakens as a Sage.png|The Hero of Time discovers his fiancee Ruto is the Sage of Water, in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT Link meets Malon.png|Link meeting Malon for the first time in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link protecting Malon.png|Link protecting Malon in the OoT manga
File:Link and Malon OoT Manga.jpg|Link with Malon and Ingo in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Kaepora Gaebora tells Link he's popular with girls.png| [[Kaepora Gaebora]] teasing the young Hero of Time for having multiple girlfriends after meeting Saria, Zelda, and Malon (but not yet Ruto) in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link and Darunia celebrating.png|The young Hero of Time celebrating with [[Darunia]] in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link meets Ganondorf the first time.png|Child Link meets his archenemy Ganondorf for the first time in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Young Link tries to fight Ganondorf.png|Young Link attempts to defeat Ganondorf but proves no match for the Evil King, in the OoT manga
File:Young Link pulling the Master Sword (OoT manga).png|Link pulling the Master Sword in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:HeroofTimeAwakens.png|The Hero of Time awakens in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link learns he is the Hero of Time.png|The Hero of Time learns his destiny, from the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link as the Hero of Time.png|The Hero of Time ready for battle, in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OOT Himekawa - Deku Babas.jpg|Link fighting Big Deku Babas in OoT manga
File:OoT manga Adult Link meets Impa.png|The Hero of Time reunites with [[Impa]] after seven years, in the OoT manga
File:Shadowlinkootmanga.png|Link encounters [[Dark Link]] in the OoT manga
File:Link vs. Dark Link OOT manga.png|Link challenged by his shadow self in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Dark Link fighting Link.png|Link vs. Dark Link, in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT manga Link gifted his earrings by Impa.png|Impa giving the Hero of Time his blue earrings as a gift, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link kills Volvagia.png|The Hero of Time killing [[Volvagia]] with a single slash to the neck, in the OoT manga
File:OOT Manga-Koume and Kotake's Fortune Teller Disguises.jpeg|Link encounters [[Koume and Kotake]] in Fortune Teller disguises in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link vs. brainwashed Nabooru.png|The Hero of Time defending himself against a brainwashed Nabooru, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Sheik helping Link stop Twinrova.png|Link and Shelk working together to defeat Twinrova, in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:LinkZeldaOoTManga3.jpg|Princess Zelda reuniting with the Hero of Time in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Nabooru tells Link about Ganondorf.png|Nabooru telling the Hero of Time who and what Ganondorf is, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Nabooru agrees to help Link stop Ganondorf.png|Link and Nabooru joining forces to stop Ganondorf at his Castle, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Nabooru awakens as the last Sage.png|The Hero of Time discovers Nabooru is the final Sage before entering Ganon's Castle, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Rainbow Bridge.png|Link crossing the Rainbow Bridge to enter Ganon's Castle in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT manga Link running up Ganon's Castle.png|The Hero of Time running through the inner staircase of Ganon's Castle, in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT manga Ganon's Castle throne room.png|The Hero of Time arriving before Ganondorf's throne room in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Triforce of Wisdom and Courage.png|The Hero of Time's [[Triforce of Courage]] resonating alongside Zelda's [[Triforce of Wisdom]], in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link challenges Ganondorf.png|Ganondorf being challenged by the Hero of Time before the final showdown, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Ganondorf attacks Link.png|Link dodges Ganondorf's magic attack, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Ganondorf battling Link.png|Ganondorf punches at Link but misses, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link vs. Ganondorf.png|The Hero of Time and Ganondorf clashing with their swords in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT manga Ganondorf injuring Link.png|Ganondorf injures Link with his magic, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Ganondorf trying to finish off Link.png|The Hero of Time cleverly deflects Ganondorf's finishing attack with a Spin Attack, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link defeats Ganondorf.png|The Hero of Time finishes Ganondorf with a mighty slash in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Ganondorf mortally wounded.png|A wounded Ganondorf in disbelief by his defeat by the Hero of Time, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Ganondorf defeated.png|Ganondorf seemingly defeated by the Hero of Time, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Ganon's Castle collapsing.png|The Hero of Time and Princess Zelda escaping the collapsing Ganon's Castle with moments to spare, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Ganon's Castle destruction.png|The Hero of Time and Zelda believing they achieved victory upon the destruction of Ganon's Castle, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Ganondorf transforms into Ganon.png|Link and Zelda in shock as Ganondorf furiously rises and transforms into Ganon via the [[Triforce of Power]], in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT manga Ganon appears.png|The Hero of Time faces the vicious Demon King [[Ganon]], in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT manga Link vs. Ganon.png|Ganon violently knocks the Hero of Time down as he tries to fight back, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Princess Zelda and Navi assisting Link against Ganon.png|Princess Zelda and Navi take their opportunity to help the Hero of Time get back into action, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link getting back up to fight Ganon.png|The Hero of Time gets back up to resume fighting Ganon, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link striking Ganon's tail.png|Link discovers Ganon's weakness - his tail, upon slashing it, in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT manga Link preparing to slash down Ganon.png|The Hero of Time powerfully tackles Ganon down to the ground before jumping high into the air, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link wounds Ganon.png|The Hero of Time delivers a powerful [[Jump Attack]] onto Ganon's face and body, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Ganon injured before the final blow.png|With Ganon weakened, Princess Zelda tells the Hero of Time to deliver the final blow, in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT manga The Final Blow.png|The Hero of Time ultimately defeats Ganon by thrusting the Master Sword onto the beast's forehead, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Seven Sages begin to seal Ganon.png|The Seven Sages begin to seal Ganon to the Evil Realm upon Link defeating the monster, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link rescues Hyrule.png|With Hyrule at peace, Zelda tells the Hero of Time they must part ways, in the OoT manga
File:OoT Link attempts to stop Zelda from sending him back to his childhood.png|The Hero of Time tries to prevent Princess Zelda from sending him back to his childhood, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga Link accepts his fate.png|The Hero of Time accepting his fate for Zelda, in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT manga Link enters the Child Timeline.png|The Hero of Time sent into the Child Timeline before Navi says goodbye, in the Ocarina of Time manga
File:OoT manga ending.png|Child Link returns to the Castle Courtyard to meet Princess Zelda at the end of his Hyrule adventure, in the OoT manga
File:OoT manga adult chapter 1 artwork.png|Ocarina of Time manga artwork, with Zelda and Navi
File:OoT manga Link vs. Link chapter artwork.png|Ocarina of Time manga artwork
File:OoT manga Hero of Time is born chapter artwork.png|Ocarina of Time manga artwork
File:MM manga Link ambushed by Skull Kid.png|Link ambushed by Skull Kid in the Majora's Mask manga
File:LinkDekuMM.png|Skull Kid transforming Link into [[Deku Link]] in the Majora's Mask manga
File:MM manga Link angry at Tatl.png|Link angrily captures [[Tatl]] for her hostile behavior in the Majora's Mask manga 
File:MM manga Happy Mask Salesman begging Link.png|The Hero of Time reluctantly agrees to help the [[Happy Mask Salesman]] recover the Majora's Mask, in the MM manga
File:MM manga Link defeating Odolwa.png|Link defeating [[Odolwa]] with a Spin Attack in the Majora's Mask manga
File:Majoras mask links memories of ocarina of time.png|A flashback memory of the Hero of Time fighting [[Ganondorf]] in the Majora's Mask manga
File:MM manga Link watches the Moon.png|The Hero of Time looks up to the sinister [[Moon]] at [[Snowhead]], in the MM manga
File:Kafei transformation.png|Link learns how Kafei turned into his age by the Skull Kid in the MM manga
File:MM manga Link defends against Majora's Mask.png|Link defending himself against Majora's Mask in the MM manga
File:MM manga Majora's Mask giving Link the Fierce Deity Mask.png|Majora's Mask gives Link the [[Fierce Deity's Mask]] for a game of "tag", in the MM manga
File:MM manga Link prepares to battle Majora's Mask.png|Link decides to "play" with Majora's Mask and ultimately puts on the Fierce Deity's Mask, in the MM manga
File:MM manga Link transforms into Fierce Deity.png|The Hero of Time transforms into the ferocious [[Fierce Deity Link]], before going after Majora for the final showdown, in the Majora's Mask manga
File:OniLinkManga2.png|Link as Fierce Deity Link in the Majora's Mask manga
File:MM (Himekawa) Fierce Deity Link scares Tatl.png|Fierce Deity Link destorying Boss Remains with one slash in the MM manga
File:MM manga FD Link fighting Majora's Mask-Incarnation.png|Fierce Deity Link fighting against Majora's Mask and Incarnation forms, in the MM manga
File:MM manga FD Link fighting Majora's Incarnation.png|The Hero of Time dueling against Majora's Incarnation in the MM manga
File:MM (Himekawa) Fierce Deity dominates Majora.png|Fierce Deity Link easily overpowering Majora in the Majora's Mask manga
File:MM manga Fierce Deity Link destroying Majora.png|The Hero of Time as the Fierce Deity delivers the final blow against Majora's Wrath in the MM manga
File:MM manga Majora defeated.png|Majora ultimately killed by the Hero of Time before the Happy Mask Salesman tries to sneak around, in the MM manga
File:MM (Himekawa) Fierce Deity attacks Happy Mask Salesman.png|Fierce Deity Link trying to slash the powerless Majora's Mask in half while threatening the Happy Mask Salesman to leave, in the MM manga
File:MM manga Link removing Fierce Deity Mask.png|Accomplishing his mission of destroying Majora, the Hero of Time returns to normal upon removing the Fierce Deity Mask
File:MM manga Link leaving Termina.png|The Hero of Time says goodbye to Skull Kid and Tatl as he prepares to leave Termina, in the MM manga
File:MM manga ending.png|The Hero of Time seeming returning back to Hyrule at the end of his Termina adventure, in the MM manga
File:MM manga 9th chapter artwork.png|Majora's Mask manga artwork
File:MM manga Link, Anju, and Kafei artwork.png|Majora's Mask manga artwork, with Kafei and Anju
File:SCII Box Art.jpg|Link (top) on the [[Gamecube]] art box of [[Soul Calibur II]]
File:SCII Artwork.png|Artwork of Link's silhouette from Soul Cailbur II
File:SCII Link.jpg|Soul Calibur II render
File:SCII Link Artwork.png|Artwork of Link's fighting pose in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link Artwork 3.png|Artwork of Link attacking in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link Artwork 2.png|Artwork of Link in an alternate fighting pose in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link Using Bow.png|Using the [[Bow]] in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link Using Boomerang.png|Using the [[Boomerang]] in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link Throwing Bomb.png|Using the [[Bomb]] in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link Using Dash Attack.png|Executing the [[Dash Attack]] in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link Performing Spin Attack.png|Executing a [[Spin Attack]] in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link Using Down Thrust.png|Down thrust in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link with Purple Tunic Model.png|Link in the [[Blue Ring]] tunic in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link before fighting Inferno.png|Link preparing to battle against Inferno in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link vs Inferno.png|The Hero of Time's [[Final Boss]] showdown in Soul Calibur II, where he must destroy Inferno
File:SCII Link defeats Inferno.png|Inferno exploding due to his ultimate defeat by Link's hand, in Soul Calibur II 
File:SCII Link Biggoron's Sword.png|Link holding the Biggoron's Sword with only one hand, in Soul Calibur II
File:SCII Link mirror match.png|Link in a mirror match in Soul Calibur II
File:SSBU Young Link.png|Young Link in [[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]
File:SSBU Young Link Fairy Bow and Fire Arrow.png|Young Link preparing to shoot a Fire Arrow in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
File:SSBU Young Link Tip 2.png|Young Link throwing the Boomerang in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
File:SSBU Young Link 3.png|Young Link with a [[Fairy]] in SSBU
File:SSBU Young Link Lon Lon Milk.png|Young Link drinking [[Lon Lon Milk]] in Super Smash Bros, Ultimate
File:SSBU Young Link Tip 5.png|Young Link executing his [[Final Smash]], [[Triforce Slash]] on Mario in SSBU
File:SSBU Young Link 5.png|Young Link in the Dark Link costume performing a Down Thrust in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
File:SSBU Young Link Render.png|Young Link standard render in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
File:SSBU Young Link Render 8.png|Young Link's Dark Link alternate costume in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
File:SSBU Young Link Stock Icon.png|Stock icon in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
File:SSBU Young Link Stock Icon 8.png|Dark Young Link stock icon in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
File:HW Young Link Render.png|Young Link's standard outfit in [[Hyrule Warriors]]
File:HW Young Link Sword Alt.png|Young Link with the [[Kokiri Sword]] in Hyrule Warriors
File:HW Young Link Sword.png|Young Link attack render in Hyrule Warriors
File:HWDE Young Link Icon.png|Young Link portrait in Hyrule Warriors
File:HWDE Young Link Portrait 4.png|Young Link portrait in Hyrule Warriors, with [[Navi]]
File:HWDE Young Link Portrait 3.png|Young Link portrait in Hyrule Warriors, with Navi
File:HWDE Young Link Portrait 2.png|Young Link protrait in Hyrule Warriors, with Navi
File:HW Dark Young Link Icon.png|Dark Young Link portrait in Hyrule Warriors
File:HW Young Link - Fierce Deity Form.png|Young Link as Fierce Deity Link in Hyrule Warriors
File:HW Young Link Adventure Mode Icon.png|Young Link Adventure Mode icon in Hyrule Warriors
File:HW Young Link Head Adventure Mode Icon.png|Young Link head Adventure Mode icon in Hyrule Warriors
File:HW Young Link - Ocarina of Time.png|Young Link playing the Ocarina of Time next to [[Ganondorf]] in Hyrule Warriors
File:Young Link Transforming HW.png|Young Link transforming into Fierce Deity Link in Hyrule Warriors
File:HW Fierce Deity Link (Vengeful).png|Fierce Deity Link in his more powerful Vengeful state in Hyrule Warriors
File:HW - Fierce Deity Link Screenshot.png|Fierce Deity Link performing his Focus Attack towards the Skull Kid and Moon in Hyrule Warriors
File:HW Fierce Deity Link slicing Moon in half.png|Fierce Deity slicing the [[Moon]] in half with his Focus Attack in Hyrule Warriors
File:HW Young Link victory.png|Young Link in his victory pose from Hyrule Warriors
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 3.png|Link meeting Navi and the Great Deku Tree in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 5.png|Link defeating [[Queen Gohma]] in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 4.png|Link learns about the [[Triforce]] and Ganondorf in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 6.png|Link meeting [[Princess Zelda]] before encountering Ganondorf in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 7.png|Child Link defeated by Ganondorf in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 8.png|Link pulling the [[Master Sword]] in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 9.png|Link awakens as the Hero of Time in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 12.png|Princess Zelda being captured in front of the Hero of Time in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 14.png|Link's, Princess Zelda's, and Ganondorf's respective Triforce pieces resonating in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 15.png|Link battles Ganondorf, in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 2.png|Link and Ganondorf fighting, simultaneously delivering hits, in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 13.png|Ganondorf and Link injured from their sword blows in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 1.png|Link wounded in his mortal duel against Ganondorf, in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 11.png|Link rejoicing with Princess Zelda after Ganondorf's defeat in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:OoT3D Himekawa Promotional Manga 10.png|Link, filled with dark regrets, transforming into the [[Hero's Spirit]] in the Ocarina of Time 3D comic
File:3DS OOT 1.png|Link riding Epona across [[Hyrule Field]] in the Ocarina of Time 3D opening screen
File:MM Link Mask Model.png|The planned but cut Link Mask in Majora's Mask
File:Link's House.png|[[Link's House]] in Ocarina of Time
File:Links drawing.jpg|A drawing of Link fighting a monster on his house in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Adult Link next to Impa.png|Adult Link's height next to [[Impa]]'s
File:Unused Fairy Bow waiting position.png|The Hero of Time in an unused waiting position with the [[Fairy Bow]]
File:Unused Biggoron's Sword defense block.png|The Hero of Time in an unused defensive position with the Biggoron's Sword
File:OoT Arwing.png|Link fighting against an [[Arwing]] from the Star Fox series, in Ocarina of Time
File:OoT Comic 11.jpg|Nintendo Power comic
File:OoT Comic 24.jpg|Link as a baby orphaned to the Great Deku Tree by his mother in the Nintendo Power comic
File:OoT Comic Link & Zelda.png|Link talking to Princess Zelda in the Nintendo Power comic
File:OoT Comic Child-Adult high five.png|Child Link lands a high-five with his adult self, with [[Saria]], in the Nintendo Power comic
File:LH MM3D 1.jpg|Link in a special volume based on Majora's Mask 3D in Link's Hijinks
File:LH MM3D 2.jpg|Link in a special volume based on Majora's Mask 3D in Link's Hijinks
File:Akira Himekawa Super Moon Artwork.jpg|[[Akira Himekawa]] artwork
File:Akira Himekawa Nintendo Dream Artwork.jpg|Akira Himekawa artwork
File:Akira Himekawa New Year Link Artwork.jpg|2016 Akira Himekawa artwork
File:Akira Himekawa Famicom 20th Anniversary Artwork.jpg|Akira Himekawa artwork
File:Akira Himekawa Game Magazine Artwork.jpg|Akira Himekawa artwork, with the Hero of Time meeting his [[Adult Timeline]] descendant, the Hero of Winds
File:Akira Himekawa Coming-of-Age Day Artwork.jpg|Akira Himekawa artwork
File:Akira Himekawa Christmas Artwork.jpg|Christmas Akira Himekawa artwork
File:OoT Nintendo Power Guide Shigeru Miyamoto Signature.png|[[Shigeru Miyamoto]]'s signature and drawing of the Hero of Time from the 1998 Nintendo Power
File:OoT Nintendo Power Guide.png|The Hero of Time drawing his Bow in the OoT Prima offical strategy guide
File:SCII Link JP commercial.png|The Hero of Time in a Japanese commercial for Soul Calibur II
File:Atomic Purple Nintendo 64 Link.png|[[Nintendo 64]] bundle featuring the Hero of Time
File:MM Collector's Edition Cartridge.png|The Hero of Time in the Collector's Edition Majora's Mask N64 cartridge
File:OoT Link and Epona Figure.jpg|Official merchandise
File:OoT Link Collectible Action Figure.jpg|Official merchandise
File:OoT Link in Goron Tunic Figure.jpg|Official merchandise
File:OoT Shadow Link Figure.png|Official merchandise, as [[Dark Link]]
File:OoTLinkJoyRideStudiosNintPower.jpg|Official merchandise
File:OoTLinkandEponaJoyRideStudiosNintPower6in.jpg|Official merchandise
File:OoT Link amiibo JP Box.png|[[Ocarina of Time]] [[amiibo]]
File:TLoZ Series Link amiibo JP Box.png|[[Majora's Mask]] amiibo
File:SSB Series Young Link amiibo NA Box.png|[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]] amiibo
File:MM3D Nendoroid Link 4.jpg|Official merchandise, with [[Tatl]] and drinking a [[Red Potion]]
File:MM3D Nendoroid Link 6.jpg|Official merchandise, wearing [[Majora's Mask]]
File:MM3D Ultra Detail Link.jpg|Official merchandise, holding the [[Mask of Truth]]
File:Zelda ocarina of time-e3 1997-promotional statue.jpg|Official merchandise
File:OoT Ultra Detail Link.jpg|Official merchandise
File:MM F4F Fierce Deity Link.jpg|Official merchandise, as [[Fierce Deity Link]]
File:OoT (Himekawa) 17th anniversary Artwork.png|Ocarina of Time 17th anniversary (2015) artwork
File:Majora's Mask by Lihya.png|Special artwork of Majora's Mask
File:Link MM 25Anny.png|Series 25th anniversary (2011) artwork
File:Link OoT 25Anny.png|Series 25th anniversary artwork
File:Deku Link 25 aniversary.png|Deku Link series 25th anniversary artwork
File:Fierce Deity Link 25 aniversary.png|Fierce Deity Link series 25th anniversary artwork
File:SSB64 Link Ending.png|The Hero of Time's ending screen in Super Smash Bros.
File:SCII Link at Ending.jpg|The ending of the Hero of Time's adventure in Soul Calibur II
File:OOT Ending.jpg|The ending of the Hero of Time's adventure in Hyrule in Ocarina of Time
File:MM End Credits.jpg|The ending of the Hero of Time's adventure in Termina in Majora's Mask
</gallery>

==See Also==
* [[Young Link]]

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