5 Knightly Traits of Link
Those who are fans of the Zelda series, will know all about Link, Zelda, Ganondorf, and other characters that are associated with the land of Hyrule.
As a result of the games and everything that it embodies, this series is widely regarded as one of the greatest video game series in history.
With Zelda acting as the Damsel in Distress and Ganondorf as the main antagonist, it is up to Link, the hero of the series to stop him and ensure the safety, not just of Zelda but the whole kingdom.
But what makes Link such a popular character? How is he able to always accomplish his quests no matter what they are and no matter how big or small?
One thing I will say is that you don’t have to be a Hyrulian hero like him literally fighting monsters and otherworldly beings to make a difference. You can be a hero to those in your lives through your faith and your own abilities.
Here are 5 unique qualities that make him stand out and how we can incorporate them into our lives.
The Quiet Hero
Exodus 14:14 – The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still.
Link never once speaks throughout the series, this is purely down to the game designer’s choice to have him this way. There may be times when dialogue options appear, but he never has an actual speaking voice.
He is one of those rare examples that show you do not have to be loud to accomplish what you want or need to.
Being still can also be defined as being quiet. It doesn’t mean doing nothing. If Link did this, the antagonist, Ganondorf would gain a more powerful foothold and eventually rule over Hyrule.
But being quiet allows us to reflect and it helps us to become a better listener. This is one of the reasons why he is able to help the plight of his people.
As a reserved person and an introvert, I find myself rarely speaking, in part because I am better at listening than talking, even then I only say a few things.
There is nothing wrong with being quiet, Link never speaks, yet he managed to save a whole kingdom.
Actions speak Louder than Words
1 John 3:18 – Dear Children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
This acts as a link (no pun intended) to my next point as it combines the two.
They say actions speak louder than words and here is Link, a clear-cut example of this.
It is easy for people to say things, but to do them is something else entirely.
Link is someone who just gets on with it, doing heroic things and putting his life on the line to perform these actions. He knows the cost, but he does it without complaint.
As Christians, we need to be people that go ahead with what we say. This demonstrates not only our faith but love.
Actions also reveal character. It demonstrates someone’s commitment to follow through on their word. Jesus spoke words, and every single time followed through on them. This is the example we also must live by.
Perseverance and Persistence
James 1 2:3 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance is key to achieving any goal or dream. I’m sure this is something that every one of us has had grounded to us at some point in our lives.
When you look at Link, he keeps going, he keeps fighting, no matter what he is doing.
He has a stamina wheel and that depletes, whenever he performs high-intensity activities. When that drains completely, he needs time to recover. When that happens, he tactfully retreats only to come back and finish off what he started.
Sometimes we need to retreat, but it doesn’t mean we are giving up, it simply means taking a step back, recovering, even reevaluating and getting back into the fight, and finishing what was started.
Never once are we taught to give up. Things in life will get intense, but the best things in life generally have the toughest tests and trials.
I even remember reading a quote from the Web where it read along the lines of something like this: “If you throw in the towel, all God is going to do is throw it straight back at you, tell you to wipe off your sweat and keep going.”
With God behind you, victory is ensured. As long as you are still breathing, you are still fighting. Keep going. The victory is near.
He is Adaptable
Romans 12:2 – Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Being adaptable is a very valuable trait that all of us possess, even if we don’t know it yet.
This happens when we start a new hobby, begin a new job, or even just something that happens as we go through life.
In the Zelda series, Link’s gift of adaptability comes when he acquires new abilities, new weapons, and new items. If he wants to master them effectively, he must learn how to use them, exploring the limitations and capabilities of them.
For him, there is always a way for him to explore this, whether taking on enemies, trying to solve a puzzle in a dungeon, or just spending some time away from fighting and exploring to get acquainted with them.
God created us to be adaptable. This is how we find out about ourselves, our strengths, weaknesses, talents, abilities, and gifts. God requires each of us for the kingdom and he needs everything that you all have.
There are probably things in your life that you are still discovering, maybe you’re struggling to get the hang of them. But being adaptable is a trait that is perfected over time, don’t be in a hurry. Take your time, be willing to make mistakes, and stick at it, because eventually, what you are looking to be good at, you WILL succeed at. Be pliable, be adaptable.
Embodies everything a knight should be
1 John 5: 2-3 – This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands, and his commands are not burdensome.
Valour, honour, justice, chivalry, bravery. These are just a few of the traits and code that a knight is supposed to live by. Link embodies them all.
When you look at his overall character and the way he goes about his duty. He is a true upholder of the oaths he was sworn to. He risks life and limb, but still does his best to make sure he doesn’t compromise the integrity of the Knight’s Code.
To be a knight, to be chosen to personally serve the princess as her protector, it takes a very special person.
You are knights for God. You serve the Kingdom and uphold its commandments and everything God tells you.
Yes, you’re not perfect, you will make mistakes, and you will even break a commandment or two. But that doesn’t mean you are cast out of his service. He loves you and will always correct you, because just like any parent who corrects a child when they do wrong, God your father corrects you.
NONE OF YOU have let him down, if you’re still here it means he still has you in his service. Just as Zelda is valuable in Link’s eyes, so too are YOU valuable in God’s eyes. Continue to embody the 10 Commandments, live by them. Raise others up. Look out for one another. This is how you can continue to be knights for the Kingdom.