Nearly eight years following its release, it’s hard to deny just how muchThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wildimproved and expanded on the series as a whole. From the emphasis on exploration and player freedom, to the gorgeous cel-shaded art style, there are many factors thatBOTWmanages to do better than many of its predecessors. One particular area in whichBOTWdoes better than previous entries is with the characterization of the titular character herself, Princess Zelda.
BOTW’s narrative is far from the highlight of the game. Its story is bare-bones and loosely strung together, likely done to keep the player focused on the expansive open world that desperately wants to be explored. However, while the story itself may not be a highlight,Zelda’s personal journey within that narrative certainly is. In fact, through her characterization and impact on the overall game,BOTWis arguably home to the best iteration of Zelda to date.
Zelda’s Journey In BOTW Was Relatable
Players Could Relate To The Princess’s Personal Struggles
The reason whyBOTWhas the best version of Zelda is in large part due to her relatability. ThroughBOTW’s memory flashbacks, the player watches Zelda as she consistently struggles to fulfill her role as a princess, as well as the destiny that’s been placed upon her as a descendant of the Goddess Hylia. ThroughoutBOTW’s story, Zelda gets into conflict with both Link and her father, King Rhoam, asshe feels unfit for the role that has been bestowed upon her.
It’s this internal struggle Zelda faces throughoutBOTW’s narrative that allows the player to easily resonate with the princess. Zelda’s conflict between the nerdy, independent person she is and the powerful, steadfast leader Hyrule needs her to be can be empathized with by an audience who have likely wrestled with their own unrealistic expectations put upon them by others.It’s this human element that gives Zelda her relatability inBOTW, allowing the player to connect with the princess beyond her royal status.
That connectionBOTWestablishes between the player and Zelda helps to make the princess’s more vulnerable moments all the more powerful. Witnessing Zelda wrestle with her initialfailure to stop Calamity Ganonbecomes emotional for the player as they have witnessed her long, arduous journey to this moment. These themes of expectations, destiny, and heritage that this version of Zelda evokes result in a complex and compelling character far beyond what players may have seen previously, and help to elevateBOTW’s otherwise lackluster story.
BOTW Placed A Bigger Emphasis On Zelda’s Role
The Game Gave Zelda More To Within The Main Narrative
BOTW’s portrayal of Zelda also exceeds the quality of other titles due to the importance of the princess’s role in the game’s greater conflict. While theZeldaseries has always made the princess’s major role clear, many titles fail to reflect this in their own stories. Titles such asTheWind WakerandTwilight Princessare infamous examples, relegating Zelda to the sidelines partway through the story, only for her to reappear in the final moments to help deliver the final blow to Ganondorf. While not allZeldaentries follow this pattern, it is a common trend among certain titles.
BOTW’s version of Zelda is not only given more to do within the main narrative, butthe significance of her role and hidden powers are emphasized throughout. DuringBOTW’s cutscenes and numerous character interactions, the player quickly develops a firm understanding of the importance of Zelda’s role in saving Hyrule, and how her power is the key to defeating Calamity Ganon.BOTWcontrasts with previousZeldaentries as it never loses sight of the significance of the princess’s role, putting her on a similar level as Link.
Not everything aboutBOTW’s take on Zelda helps to elicit this importance.The game unfortunately continues the redundant damsel-in-distress tropethat has consistently limited Zelda’s potential throughout the series. Even if she is helping to keep Calamity Ganon from wreaking havoc, the player still needs to help release Zelda before she delivers the final blow, undermining the role that BOTW spent so long emphasizing. However,BOTWis certainly a step in the right direction for Zelda’s characterization, ensuring the princess is given the spotlight she deserves.
How Future Zelda Entries Can Learn From BOTW
BOTW Is Only The Beginning
The strides taken inBOTWtowards Zelda’s portrayal demonstrate the key areas in which future entries should continue to expand upon. As the title character of the series,Zelda should always be granted the courtesy of having a vital role in each entry’s narrative. The inclusion of more complex characterization and more significance throughout the story is not only a benefit for the character, but it elevates the story ofZeldagames as a whole.
Luckily, recent entries in theZeldaseries are on the right track.Tears of the Kingdom, being a direct sequel toBOTW, perfectly continues Zelda’s narrative established while improving on its predecessor’s shortcomings. While Zelda maintains that vulnerable side to her character that made the princess so easy to connect with,she also plays a bigger role in the fight against Ganondorf. Her actions in the past have a direct effect on the player’s own journey in the present, foregoing the damsel-in-distress trope that limited the princess inBOTW, and further solidifying Zelda’s importance in saving Hyrule.
Echoes of Wisdomis also a major step for Zelda, being the series' first mainline game to feature her as the playable character.
BOTW’s incredible portrayal of Princess Zelda holds promise for what players can expect out of the beloved character in future games. If the series continues to build on whatBOTWhas established, then Zelda will only continue to grow and flourish into the character she was always meant to be. For now,The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s own interpretation of Zelda remains the series' best offering to date, giving the princess the role she has always deserved.
