The Zelda character NOT being an ass-kicking girlboss who is the REAL hero, not that dumb Link, is why she’s such a great character. They blew that in the cartoon though.
Zelda is one of the heroes, just like Link. She’s great. You nailed it.
Glad to have convinced you, and happy to find a fellow Zelda fan mon ami! X) I liked the cartoon but must admit to having found it odd to see, hopefully next time they make a cartoon or something they’ll keep Zelda in the damsel role.
You raise some good points and provide an interesting perspective on one of my favorite game franchises. I personally would categorize it as epic fantasy more than sword and sorcery, however I recognize the sword and sorcery elements and even would characterize a few main titles as more sword and sorcery than epic fantasy (Majora's Mask comes to mind, as you pointed out). Great post!
I'm probably one of the few people that's never played a legend of Zelda game. When the game consoles came out, I had a choice between a functioning computer or game system, but not both. Hence, I never got a NES or playstation. I've always wanted to try Zelda, but never got a chance.
I don’t think I’d categorize Zelda as S&S… for one, a lot of S&S stories are more low fantasy (don’t contain as much magic, and when they do, primarily used as a force for evil.) The older games definitely have more of that feel to them. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom very much lean way into the epic fantasy aspect of the franchise imho.
Excellent analysis!
The Zelda character NOT being an ass-kicking girlboss who is the REAL hero, not that dumb Link, is why she’s such a great character. They blew that in the cartoon though.
Zelda is one of the heroes, just like Link. She’s great. You nailed it.
I’m convinced: Zelda is sword and sorcery.
Glad to have convinced you, and happy to find a fellow Zelda fan mon ami! X) I liked the cartoon but must admit to having found it odd to see, hopefully next time they make a cartoon or something they’ll keep Zelda in the damsel role.
You raise some good points and provide an interesting perspective on one of my favorite game franchises. I personally would categorize it as epic fantasy more than sword and sorcery, however I recognize the sword and sorcery elements and even would characterize a few main titles as more sword and sorcery than epic fantasy (Majora's Mask comes to mind, as you pointed out). Great post!
Glad I got you thinking, and thanks mon ami!
I'm probably one of the few people that's never played a legend of Zelda game. When the game consoles came out, I had a choice between a functioning computer or game system, but not both. Hence, I never got a NES or playstation. I've always wanted to try Zelda, but never got a chance.
If you’re to try it I recommend Link to the Past, it’s short fun and entertaining.
Another great Zelda essay, thank you Krynn! Keep ‘em coming for me please! 🙏🏻
Hahahaha but of course.
Howard didn't have all human universes. There were snake men living secretly among humans.
Good point, I stand corrected X) and happily so!
I don’t think I’d categorize Zelda as S&S… for one, a lot of S&S stories are more low fantasy (don’t contain as much magic, and when they do, primarily used as a force for evil.) The older games definitely have more of that feel to them. Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom very much lean way into the epic fantasy aspect of the franchise imho.
Just spent about 1,000 hrs on TOTK so this is fresh in my mind. I’ll give this a read