Sunset Pt.14

Sunset pt.14

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Legend's Heritage: Why does he hide it?

An LU Theory (plus some ramblings)

(Spoilers for A Link to the Past)

I promised I'd make a post about this in my last theory, so here it is!

Okay, before we dive into speculating, here's some LoZ context to aid in understanding. The Knights of Hyrule were a special clan of knights. They were not regular soldiers, but skilled bodyguards designated to the protection of the royal family. Breath of the Wild also holds evidence for there being two distinct and separate sets of protectors. However, story wise their biggest role is in A Link to the Past.

In the prologue to A Link to the Past we learn about the Imprisoning War; the battle against Ganon after the Hero of Times death. Most of the Knights died in the conflict while protecting the Sacred Realm and the Seven Sages. (I'd link to the Zelda Wiki article about it for more detail, but Tumblr is being dumb regarding adding links to posts now so... Sorry. I can't even tag this with 'long post' without it being suppressed now)

"As the sages sealed the way to the Dark World, the Knights of Hyrule defended them from the attacks of evil monsters. I heard that the Knights of Hyrule were nearly wiped out in that battle..." - Maiden (A Link to the Past)

For a time peace returned to the kingdom, but it seems that the Knights of Hyrule’s numbers never recovered. Early on we learn that Legend’s uncle appears to have been a Knight, and in his dying moments he teaches his nephew the Knights secret sword techniques.

"Unnh... That voice... Link? Is it you? I thought I told you to wait at home... I suppose there's no escaping destiny... Here, take this sword and shield from me. I shall teach you one of the secret sword techniques used by the Knights of Hyrule... Hold the B Button to focus power in your blade. Release it to unleash the power. Link...you must rescue Princess Zelda. Our people are fated to do so."

(No idea if Jojo wants to keep the Uncle dead like many fans headcanon because technically after defeating Ganon and wishing on the Triforce, Legend’s uncle is shown to be alive again in the credits but meh... I live for ✨ANGST✨)

In fact throughout the game, we learn that Legend is not only a descendant of the Knights of Hyrule, but he’s likely the last one.

"Among the descendants of the Knights Of Hyrule a hero must appear." - Sahasrahla (A Link to the Past)

"Only a person of the Knights Of Hyrule, who protected the royalty of Hylia, can become the Hero... You are of their blood-line, aren't you? Then you must rescue Zelda without fail." - Maiden (A Link to the Past)

"You are perhaps the last one to carry on the blood-line of the Knights... It is ironic that the last one in the line has the potential to become the Hero of legend." - Maiden (A Link to the Past)

Now Legend not only holds the blood of the Knights, but he was also knighted in the Oracle games (probably reluctantly, LOL). One would think it would be quite the honor to hold such an important role as the last true Knight of Hyrule, and yet Legend has rejected everything he is. He claims to be nothing more then “an average nobody”, which we know to be a lie.

I tell you, this kid keeps his secrets buried deep and he hasn’t given me a whole lot of hints to work with. But I can’t help but still try to speculate WHY?! Why keep such a lineage a secret? Here are a few possibilities...

1. Maybe in a way he feels that the the Knights have taken away any choice he had of leading a normal life. His Uncle’s dying words were “I suppose there’s no escaping destiny,” but if anyone is stubborn enough to try, it’s Legend.

2. The brainwashed castle guards killed his uncle and attacked him, and although those soldiers weren't technically Knights of Hyrule, it’s understandable why Legend is so critical of them and wouldn’t want to be associated with them in any way. His comments regarding them show that he doesn't really differentiate between the two.

3. We also don’t know the exact fate of his parents but if we assume that they were Knights like his uncle, then they probably didn’t meet a happy end either. You could also argue being destined from birth to serve the Royal family is where all his troubles started...

4. Perhaps his motives are not rooted in bitterness at all, but selflessness. Behind all that snark is someone who just has no desire for titles or recognition. We know that he purposely chooses not to be a leader even though he’s the most experienced of the group.

Despite all his quips he has a good heart; after all, one would need a balanced heart to wish upon the Triforce (twice!) without it separating. The only other characters we’ve known to harness the full power of the Triforce like that are Sky, King Daphnes from the Wind Waker, and the King from the prologue of Zelda II: The adventure of Link— That's a pretty impressive lineup of noble people to be lumped together with!

5. However, I like to think it's a combination of his past hardships and selfless heart.

He'll continue on his travels, helping other's simply because it's the right thing to do. He's never quested for recognition and never will, but in a way he's also running from his past.