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What The Legend of Zelda teaches us about hope

by on December 6, 2021

It’s no secret that many gamers immerse themselves in the stories of the games they play. Whether we play for pure enjoyment or sheer escapism, there is almost nothing that compares to getting lost in the stories of the games we play. There’s no arguing that The Legend of Zelda franchise is an iconic video game series that is well-regarded for its epic tales and gameplay. Playing so many Zelda games over the years has shown me that, at its core, each Zelda story is about one thing — hope

Such a peaceful moment where you can imagine Hyrule in all its splendor.

So, why do we play Zelda games?

In a world where it can be difficult to find a kernel of positivity, delving into a game is a great way to feel a sense of wonder that the real world is sometimes sorely lacking. Many gamers have comfort games that they can play hundreds of times without feeling bored or restless. Like countless other players, I can put on any title from the Zelda franchise and find myself instantly enveloped in the perils of the world of Hyrule.

It’s easy to play with only one goal in mind: save the princess and defeat the evil entity so peace can reign true once again. No matter how many times I play as Link (or any number of characters if we’re talking about Hyrule Warriors), or replay any number of Zelda titles, it is easy to forget real-world troubles. Zelda games immerse players into becoming the light that Hyrule and Princess Zelda herself so desperately need.


Enter the Princess and her Knight

Hope can be difficult to obtain. And once you have it, hope can be difficult to hold onto. Different characters and storylines across the Zelda franchise can show us different ways to stay hopeful. However, out of all of the characters, Princess Zelda herself is perhaps the greatest teacher of how to have hope. Think of how easy it would be for her to give up while fighting Ganon. The drain on her power while she awaits the arrival of Link must be utterly exhaustive. Consider the difficulty and trials she endures just to reveal her power in some instances (looking at you Breath of the Wild). She is ready to give up and at many turns may feel unworthy, but, even when the odds seem impossible, she keeps fighting.

Even when it seems that she is likely to be defeated, Princess Zelda shines her light in the darkness and hangs onto the hope that Link is coming and the darkness can be sealed. She shows us that even when it seems like everything is the darkest it can be, it is important to keep reaching for the light. She teaches us that even when it is not easy, it is indeed possible to hang on, just a little longer. And perhaps with a little help, the better future that was imagined can come to pass.

It’s always been, Princess Zelda and Link.

Princess Zelda is not the only one that can teach us something about hope. Fighting across a land that is overcome with monsters and evil, while knowing that you are the only savior is not an easy burden to bear. Yet, our silent knight is never deterred, no matter how difficult his journey is. Dungeons nor dragons nor Shrines can slow Link down as he soldiers on to fulfill his destiny. The dangers he has to conquer are little more than speed bumps on the path to freeing Princess Zelda and all of Hyrule from the evil clutches that hold it in pretty much any Zelda game.

Never along the adventure does he falter. Link doesn’t need words to reveal to us the strength of character in his journey. Link’s story demonstrates that being able to accept the responsibility of a difficult journey can lead us to grow. His story also empowers us to be our own heroes while simultaneously shining that light onto others and becoming a ray of hope in a dark time for somebody else.


The musical score at the Great Fairy Fountains helps me feel peaceful and hopeful.

Hope is for all of Hyrule …and the real world too

It would be remiss to exclude the countless non-player characters encountered that also share their own kernels of hope along the way. While there are characters in any Zelda game who can share plenty about their plight, there are also many that can show that even in the dark and difficult times Hyrule finds itself in, they believe there are chances for a better future. Pick out any Zelda game and zero in on an NPC you’ve had to interact with.

Going with more recent releases, think back to Breath of the Wild. There are the brave Sheikah who held onto the hope that Link would awaken and be able to help Princess Zelda seal away Calamity Ganon. Impa helps Link remember who he is, while Robbie and Purah never stopped inventing, knowing their creations would become incredibly useful one day. The Great Fairies implore Link to keep reviving their sisters and have hope that their power will be fully restored one day. Think about the Great Deku Tree, who doesn’t deliver Princess Zelda’s message to Link for her, but tells her that words intended for Link would sound much better in the tones of her own voice. His words instill that sense of hope she so greatly needed to face Calamity Ganon. Without that message to her, Princess Zelda may have gone into her fight feeling a lost sense of conviction. This simple exchange shows how powerful the words of our friends and allies can be in times when we need them the most.

As we prepare to round the corner into a new year in a few weeks, many people (myself included) will set new intentions, goals, and plans for a new year. It is the end of a difficult couple of years and many of us are fatigued (myself again included). Yet, at this moment, while it’s time to consider setting new intentions for 2022, many may find it helpful to hang onto the lessons Princess Zelda, Link, and countless others across Hyrule have taught us about hope. For it is with that hope that light will shine in the world again.

Alexandria Gribble
Alexandria joined the Zelda Universe team in 2021. She is a graphic designer and photographer that is also an art and design educator. When she's not working, she can't get enough of saving Hyrule and will one day finish her Princess Zelda cosplay.

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