After the launch of Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the fandom was set on fire by a misunderstanding and headlines taking an interview with Zelda voice actor Patricia Summersett out of context.
In the interview, Summersett discusses giving a voice to Zelda and her growth throughout Breath of the Wild and Age of Calamity. However, the real focus was on how the new Zelda game made her feel and her hopes for the series in the future.
Summersett's portrayal of Zelda and her ambiguous relationship with Link are discussed in a new interview with GameSpot. She emphasizes the beauty of their bond, which can be interpreted in various ways such as love, friendship, or something beyond description. This ambiguity allows for a complicated and nuanced relationship, free from specific labels or expectations.
The new Zelda game, Tears of the Kingdom, adds fuel to the romantic fire as it shows Link and Zelda settling into domestic bliss. Zelda now resides in the house in Hateno Village that was built up in the previous game, and the home has been revamped to accommodate both her belongings and the Champion's weapons collected during their adventures. The discovery of Zelda's handmade Champion's Tunic only serves to further fan the flames.
However, Summersett emphasizes that the nature of their relationship is never confirmed, which adds to its appeal. Their passionate and tragic bond is more interesting than if they suddenly started dating. They are driven by destiny but do not cross romantic boundaries, despite their obvious potential. This complexity and the attachments that defy comprehension make their relationship compelling.
Nintendo is known for leaving characters' relationships open to interpretation, even when the answer seems obvious. This ambiguity allows for a Romance that is complicated and nuanced, rather than one-dimensional. It adds depth to their potential romance, as Zelda's duties as a Princess and Link's role as her protector prevent them from pursuing personal ambitions. The demands of Zelda's role and the fate they share make their relationship both passionate and tragic.
Denying fans the pleasure of a definitive romantic conclusion is equally powerful. It allows the romance to be seen as complicated and nuanced, rather than one-dimensional, and that's just as beautiful as ambiguity.
In the most recent Zelda games, Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom, the characters not only have voices but also layered personalities and tragic motivations intertwined with destiny. Their shared home in Hateno Village could certainly be an escape from the demands of saving the world and allow them to find solace in each other's company.
Ultimately, it's up to the reader to decide if their union is one of friendship, romance, or something else entirely. But that's part of the fun, isn't it?
