Zelda: TOTK Has One Major Plot Hole (& It's Because Of Link)

22.11.2023 - 15:17 / screenrant.com

Although does tell a coherent and compelling story, there also seems to be a plot hole regarding Link at the very heart of Hyrule’s latest troubles. Of course, not everything about makes perfect sense — the timeline is notoriously confusing and convoluted. However, one aspect of ’s usage of Link seems to conflict with the franchise’s established canon in a way that heavily impacts the game’s narrative.

Although is a direct sequel to , it is impossible to miss the influence of the wider franchise. The return of Ganondorf and other classic enemies like Gleeoks, as well as more subtle details like the brief inclusion of Koume and Kotake, show that has drawn heavily on the entire series to inspire its world. But while there has been great attention given to detail in ’s development, this only makes a certain plot detail stand out all the more.

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One of the important ongoing aspects of the Zelda series introduced in, which helps to contextualize much of the franchise, is the Curse of Demise, which guarantees that various versions of Link and Zelda will constantly clash with Ganon/Ganondorf over the millennia. It is presumably this curse which leads to the incarnation of Ganondorf seen in, who kills Queen Sonia and claims her Secret Stone in his quest for power, leading to the game’s Imprisoning War. However, while Zelda travels back in time to become part of events, there is an equally crucial absence: an incarnation of Link himself.

Whenever Ganondorf rises, both within the series’ canon and as a part of the games' structure, Link must also appear to battle him. As such, the fact that the hero is entirely absent during Zelda’s time with the Zonai is striking. It seems illogical that there is no ancient incarnation of Link to accompany the Sages of the time as they confront Ganondorf, and perhaps as a result of this, Hyrule essentially falls. Its royal family is decimated, with only Zelda's own existence to indicate any heir. On top of this, it is only Rauru’s sealing of Ganondorf which prevents Hyrule from being completely destroyed.

It is also somewhat disappointing that there are no interactions between Zelda and another incarnation of Link in. It would have been very interesting to see the princess’ reaction to another hero, somebody near-identical to her own. Moreover, just as ’s Downfall Timeline was created by Link’s possible death in ,the hypothetical ancient hero could also have died in battle against Ganondorf. This would have been an excellent way to demonstrate Ganondorf’s power, and make the reincarnated hero’s battle with him at the game’s conclusion all the more impactful.

Related: Link Fighting Ganondorf In