Is Link really the name for the hero?

[JoeLink]

I have noticed something interesting. I do not think that "Link" is the actual "official" name all of the heroes of Hyrule. Something that hints to this is that you can give him a name of your choice, it does not have to be Link. Also, I don't think there are any other nintendo games that let you actually name the main character(except Pokemon, but you technically ARE the main character in those games.). I mean think about it. Mario games, Metroid games, StarFox games, etc. These games always have the main character with a set name, you cannot change it.

Of course in FS and FSA his name is Link and you can't change it, but thats only two games out of what....13? And all of the others let you CHOOSE the name for the hero. So I am wondering....is nintendo hiding something from us?

[Shadow Ganon]

It's a very valid theory, especially because there are several incarnations of the Hero. I see them all as Link, but there is no reason for them ALL to be Link except for simplicity whilst talking about the games.

[cacturnerules]

I remember, in Twilight Princess, when I was talking to the 1st spirit, ans he said, "You are Link, the hero of time" or something along those lines. I think he said "Link" either because I named him Link, or, that's the actual name. Probably the first reason, but it cought my attention in the game.


Also, under the influence of HydeHero92, I always just name him Link.

[JoeLink]

Well I think nintendo gave him the name "Link" not only to establish a link between character and player, but also because no one knows the hero's true name. It could've been different for each one. They could've had names anywhere from David to Micheal. Who knows...one of them could've even been named Joey! (*wink*)

[MagmarFire]

Well I think nintendo gave him the name "Link" not only to establish a link between character and player, but also because no one knows the hero's true name.

I've heard the former before, and I firmly believe it; I question the latter, though.

But "Joey" would, indeed, be kind of made of win. It does kind of fit TWW Link.

[JoeLink]

Well if you remember my "anti-profanity" forum, you'll know why I think the latter.

[Shadow Ganon]

Maybe 'Link' is just a simple name that Nintendo have given him, but I see it as his real name. If he is nameless, it adds to the mystery of the character. Link hasn't ever had a direct father or mother other than the unseen one in Ocarina (as far as I'm aware) he has had a Grandma, a sister and an Uncle, but other than that his parents always disappear before the game starts.

[ZeldaFreak]

Also, I don't think there are any other nintendo games that let you actually name the main character(except Pokemon, but you technically ARE the main character in those games.).

In the Zelda games also, you ARE the main character. Nintendo lets you name Link because they want you to feel like you are him. This is also the reason why Link doesn't talk. If he did talk, you wouldn't feel as connected with him. 

Dude, you answered your own question. In Pokemon, you name the character because you are the character. Same with Zelda. 

[JoeLink]

Well....MAYBE.....but I still have other thoughts.

[ZeldaFreak]

Like what?

[DW]

Link is the official name. The fact you can change it doesn't counteract this. After all, you could name pretty much every character in Golden Sun, but they still had official names.

[Hi no Seijin]

The same goes for Final Fantasy III, IV, Tactics Advance, and Tactics A2.

Yay for more examples!

Anywho, I'm not entirely sure, but I think the trainers you play as in the Pokemon series have official names as well.

[ZeldaFreak]

I'm not sure, but the charcters (the guy and the girl and the rival) in Pokemon do have names too don't they? I mean besides the ones you give them. 

[Shadow Ganon]

Depends which ones, I can only remember Team Rocket and your Rival is called Gary offically. I don't know if the character you play as is supposed to be Ash or not.

[ZeldaFreak]

In all these games you are ment to bond with the character right? But they have their own names seperate that everybody calls them. I would say Link classifies as one of these, but it kinda depends on your definition what a name is.