Bomber’s Notebook #025 – Sexuality in Zelda

The Legend of Zelda has always stayed true to previously established traditions. Sexuality in these games is no different, as the series has stuck to a rather strict “no sexuality” policy. This establishment recurs in Nintendo video games since the company typically develops family-oriented games that lean toward younger audiences. Zelda is overdue for the inclusion of more mature happenings and conversations. The Adventure of Link and Skyward Sword broke the mold, daring to hint that perhaps the relationship between Link and Zelda extends beyond their roles as foretold by prophecy. Make the jump to read more!

For instance, Link seems to always have a harem of girls vying for his attention. Malon, Zelda, Saria, Ruto, Naboru, Romani, Cremia, Ilia and many more have all shown signs of affection towards Link. Keep in mind that these so-called “love interests” have been insinuated by fans due to their suggestive body motions, not from any direct statements regarding their affection. It was only in The Adventure of Link that Link and Zelda revealed any true signs of a brewing relationship. After defeating Dark Link, Link embraces and kisses the princess behind closed curtains, who is likely infatuated with Link after his continuous displays of courage. From that point onward, Nintendo decided to establish a relatively strict no sexuality policy.

I don’t really see why the franchise must be so uptight about the subject of sexuality. I fully understand that a part of Zelda’s identity is that it is nostalgically “innocent” and doesn’t contain too many mature themes like video games tend to have today. However, changing this would be breaking a taboo. It just wouldn’t conform with the previously set precedents and would feel out of place. But if Zelda was to emphasize romantic relations between characters without crossing the boundaries that would brand the game as Mature by the ESRB, sexuality could flourish without feeling like an alien concept in the future of Zelda franchise.

A compromise would please both purist fans and those who cry for change. Of course this is one of those elements in the series that isn’t a key component. It does not necessarily define the quality of the game, but it would be a great service to fans longing to see a real spark between Zelda or Link or who simply desire an additional layer of depth to characters of Hyrule. Many fans that grew up with the series are adults now. Hardcore games are frequently associated with adult themes. I’m not saying that Zelda should conform, not at all, but an acceptable middle ground would let Zelda retain its age-old identity and innocence without succumbing to the unrestrained sexual standards of Rated M titles seen on Sony and Microsoft’s consoles.

Some of Skyward Sword‘s highlights were the emerging love triangles. Link must be the messenger for Cawlin’s Letter and becomes entangled in the affairs of Karane, Cawlin and Pipit. Cawlin, one of Groose’s lackeys, fruitlessly vies for Karane’s attention although the odds are weighted against him. Karane actually has her eyes set on Pipit. The story isn’t remotely explicit or inappropriate for children and is one of the only instances in Zelda where lust has actually been the central theme for a chain of events.

More obvious is Groose’s crush on Zelda, Link’s childhood friend. There seems to be a tacit understanding between Link and Zelda throughout the game, though the two never profess their feelings for each other. Groose is madly in love with the youthful Zelda and is given a powerful derision by the very person he adores. It’s reminiscent of real life situations involving sexual attraction. It seems as if Nintendo is opening up to the concept and wants to expand on it. Lust and desire are natural human characteristics, so there’s little reason to keep these ideas concealed so adamantly.

As far as the revealing of skin goes, the franchise is a master of moderation. Twilight Princess‘ Telma and Iza, Ocarina of Time‘s Princess Ruto and the Great Fairy from Ocarina of Time, Majora’s Mask and Twilight Princess all divulge mild amounts of the female anatamony without being explicit or evoking strong feelings of consternation. I think that the franchise would do well not not stray far from this path.

Overall, I’m not opposed to more sexual themes in Zelda. Said themes have already surfaced in multiple Zelda games and it wouldn’t be so far fetched to amplify the thought of sexuality. So what do you think? Are you a stern supporter or adversary of the concept? Feel free to let us know in the comments below!