How Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom Explains Why Link Doesnt Speak

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As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must admit that the silent protagonist trope has always intrigued me, especially when it comes to Link from The Legend of Zelda series. However, nothing quite prepared me for the revelation in Echoes of Wisdom.

The following contains spoilers for
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
.

In most games of “The Legend of Zelda” series, the protagonist Link is typically mute, communicating mainly through facial expressions, nods, and shrugs with others. Few games in the series have explored the reason behind his silence, though this has never been crucial to the storyline. Interestingly, “The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom” reveals its own explanation for Link’s lack of speech, although it is not the first game to do so.

The game, “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” provided some intrigued players with an explanation for why its Link character doesn’t speak. This was because he wished to remain strong and silently shoulder the responsibility of being the hero Hyrule required. Although this reasoning is understandable for why Link remains silent in “Breath of the Wild” and “Tears of the Kingdom,” the game “Echoes of Wisdom” might have offered fans an even more convincing explanation for Link’s silence.

Why Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom’s Link Doesn’t Speak

Link Was ‘Stolen Away’ Before the Game Begins

In an intriguing twist, the tale of “Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom” doesn’t commence at its origin. Instead, players dive into the story when dreadful events have already unfolded in the realm of Hyrule. Catastrophic rifts have been emerging across the land, abducting both adults and children, transporting them to the Still World, and turning them to stone until they are saved. The prologue for “Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom” occurs smack in the middle of Link’s quest, as he has been tirelessly working to protect Hyrule from the ominous rifts that have been a threat for years.

Before the storyline of “Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom” began, Link and a group of other children were forcibly taken by one of the rifts, as the people of Hyrule would put it. The exact method they used to break free from the Still World is unknown, but they did manage to escape. After that, Link vowed to protect Hyrule and investigate why these rifts were opening up in the first place, seeking the truth behind their appearance.

After completing the prologue of “Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom,” Link discovers Zelda encased in a crystal. He shoots an arrow at the crystal, causing it to shatter, right as he gets sucked into yet another rift.

Link’s Voice Was Taken From Him After Being ‘Stolen Away’

All of this backstory is disclosed by Lueburry, whose house players can visit in Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom to upgrade Zelda’s Swordfighter Form. However, if players venture down into the basement of Lueburry’s house to read his journal and even speak with him after that, he clues Zelda into why Link doesn’t speak. Apparently, all the kids who were taken by rifts lost something, and for Link, it was his ability to speak. This is what Lueburry’s journal says, as when speaking with him after that, he mentions that all the children lost a lot of things, including their memories and their spirits.

Returning from the enigmatic Still World, I found myself gifted with a unique talent – an uncanny sense for impending rifts. This ability, invaluable in the ongoing struggle to safeguard Hyrule, allowed me to swiftly ward off any monstrous threats as soon as a new rift materialized, ensuring no more souls were taken away. While some might speculate that I persist in this battle because I yearn for the day I can speak once more, my inner voice whispers otherwise. I fight for Hyrule, not because of hope, but because it is the honorable thing to do.

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2024-09-30 20:56