The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a beloved video game – and a somewhat obscure prequel comic gives fans a heartbreaking insight into Link's parents and origins. Ocarina of Time is considered by many to be the best game in the Zelda franchise, and this story highlights how much more the series can make use of the comic medium.

The prequel comic was originally published in 1998, in the German edition of Nintendo Club Magazine. The story is fascinating for the context it provides for the game, particularly when it comes to Link's origin.

Zelda Ocarina of Time prequel comic featuring Link's origin

For many years, this piece of Zelda expended universe lore has remained difficult to come across, yet for fans of the franchise, it is essential to developing a greater appreciation for Ocarina of Time, and what makes it such a singular, memorable entry in the series.

The Prequel Comic To "Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" Tells A Heartbreaking Tale of Loss & Sacrifice

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time; German Club Nintendo Magazine (1998)

The game's prequel comic changes fans' understanding of the game's protagonist, introducing readers to Link’s parents. The young couple lives in Hyrule with Link’s maternal grandmother, presumably in Hyrule Castle Town that lies just outside the path to the royal dwelling. Link’s father, who is a member of the royal guard, explains to Link’s mother that Hyrule – a nation that has maintained neutrality – is about to enter the already existing war between the Zora and Gorons due to the influence of the nefarious Gerudo. Together, they decide they will escape with their son when that day comes.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time video game, released for Nintendo 64, begins with a young Link awakening in his home in Kokiri Forest and being greeted by the fairy, Navi. Navi tells Link he is different from the others and that she will guide him on the journey that lies ahead of him. Link is tasked with saving Hyrule from destruction. However, no explanation is ever given for why Link – a child of Hyrule – was raised among the Kokiri as one of them.

Unfortunately, war comes to Hyrule Castle the following day. Link’s father is appointed leader of the royal guard and leads his men into battle, ultimately sacrificing himself to save the king. During the chaos, Link’s grandmother tells her daughter to flee to the mysterious nearby woods and seek out the Kokiri for safety. Heeding her mother’s advice, Link’s mother flees with her child and finds the entry to the forest, where she is met by an owl, Kaepora Gaebora, who warns her that any human who enters the forest will die.

Link’s mother pushes on, regardless of the warning from the owl, as she is determined to save her child. She stumbles upon the Great Deku Tree who tells her that her son is a child of prophecy who will bring peace to Hyrule. With her already solid determination even further bolstered by knowing her son will be protected there, Link’s mother manages to make it to Kokiri Forest before collapsing. A few Kokiri find her and assure her that her baby will be taken care of just before she dies, turning into a tree in Kokiri Forest.

Link's Forgotten Origin Story Paints Some Of The Events Of The Video Game In A Different Light

In most Zelda games, Link’s origins are vaguely defined, left unexplained entirely, or are tied to Zelda’s fate in some manner. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time prequel comic gives context to how and why Link is a Hylian child living in Kokiri Forest when the game opens. Upon gameplay, Link is taken aback when he’s told that he is actually from Hyrule, as he was raised to believe he was Kokiri. Link’s childhood as an outsider is more compelling, knowing what both of his parents sacrificed to ensure that their child found safety in the midst of war.

legend of zelda volvagia featured
Related
Nintendo Gave a Classic Legend of Zelda Boss a Tragic Backstory

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will soon be playable on Nintendo Switch, but one boss's tragic backstory cannot be included in the release.

However, the comic also raises some questions and leaves some of what Link is told up to interpretation. In The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time gameplay, after completing the Forest Temple, the sprout of the Great Deku Tree reveals to Link that Link is Hylian, and explains that Link’s mother gave him to the Kokiri before she died. This is reminiscent of the comic, suggesting that the story which appeared in German Club Nintendo Magazine was adapted with some pre-existing knowledge of in-game lore.

Hardcore Zelda fans will be thrilled to find out more about Link's parents from this tie-in to Ocarina of Time, regardless of its "canon" status.

That said, there is still some ambiguity surrounding Link's adoption by the Kokiri; this could be chalked up to discrepancies between early and later drafts of the character's backstory, or translation issues, or it could be that the franchise was setting up a mystery that ultimately was never integrated into the story in a substantial way. In any case, hardcore Zelda fans will be thrilled to find out more about Link's parents from this tie-in to Ocarina of Time, regardless of its "canon" status.

Considering the Great Deku Tree is a benevolent creature in Kokiri Forest, even protecting the forest from Ganondorf, his word is easily trusted by the Kokiri and Link. Link’s mere survival is testament to the Great Deku Tree’s ability to allow a Hylian to live among the Kokiri, meaning he actively allowed Link’s mother to be turned into a tree in the Forest to have the Hero of Prophecy within Kokiri’s borders. This insight into The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a fascinating piece of forgotten franchise lore all fans will savor.

  • The Legend of Zelda

    The Legend of Zelda franchise follows the adventures of Link, an elf-like Hylian, and Princess Zelda as they protect the land of Hyrule from the evil warlord-turned-demon king Ganon. The series is known for its mix of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving elements, often revolving around the collection of the Triforce, a powerful relic left by the goddesses who created Hyrule. Each game features different incarnations of Link and Zelda, maintaining core elements while introducing new characters and settings.

  • the-legend-of-zelda_-ocarina-of-time-tag-page-cover-art.jpg

    Your Rating

    Rate Now
    The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
    Action
    Adventure
    Released
    November 21, 1998
    ESRB
    E10+ for Everyone 10+: Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence, Suggestive Themes
    Developer(s)
    Nintendo
    Publisher(s)
    Nintendo
    Engine
    Zelda 64 Engine

    Heralded as one of the greatest games of all time, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is an action-adventure game and is the first in the franchise to transition into 3D. Players take on the role of Link, a young boy sent on a quest to save the world from the evil Ganondorf. Players will switch between young and adult Link as they head to the past and the future to save Hyrule from its dark fate. A Nintendo 3DS version of the game was released in June of 2011, including improved visuals, frame rate, and motion controls.