Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda series has taken players on many weird and wonderful adventures, from talking with intelligent fish creatures to diving deep into the hearts of volcanoes and even traveling through time. However, while these are certainly fantastical rides for fans, they're nothing compared to what Link himself goes through. Unlike his peers from Hyrule and beyond, Link has been forced to undergo many wild physical transformations throughout the franchise.
Part of what keeps bringing fans back to The Legend of Zelda is that, while it is usually familiar and comforting thanks to returning characters and iconic locales, each game can still be unexpected. Players can never truly be sure where or how any new release's runtime will play out.
The Zelda games have certain common threads, but the Kingdom of Hyrule, the Master Sword, and Link and Princess Zelda have each had many varying incarnations. In Link’s case, these include being turned into everything from an intimidating wolf to a dainty fairy. Like magical instruments and darkness-sealing swords, transformations are a core part of The Legend of Zelda's identity, but each one is significantly different from the last.
Every Zelda Transformation - Link To The Past's Bunny Link
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past saw Link transform into an unassuming pink bunny when transported from Hyrule to the Dark World. The Dark World is littered with enemies, and Link's rabbit form is especially susceptible to danger. Once he obtains the Moon Pearl, he is transformed back to his Hylian self.
Every Zelda Transformation - Twilight Princess' Wolf Link
Twilight Princess also sees sees Link undergo an animalistic transformation - Wolf Link, possibly the character's most famous non-Hylian form. Twilight Princess's wolf transformation is initially limited to the Twilight areas, but as the game progresses and Link obtains the Master Sword, he is able to alternate between Hylian and wolf with the help of his companion, Midna. Unlike Link to the Past's bunny form, the wolf transformation is incredibly helpful, as it allows Link to fight enemies and reach otherwise inaccessible areas and characters.
Every Zelda Transformation - Zelda 2's Fairy Link
While Link does not undergo any physical changes in the original The Legend of Zelda, he does in the sequel. In Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, Link can turn into one of The Legend of Zelda's diminutive fairies. This transformation stands out in the series, not only because it's the first time Link changes from Hylian into something else but also because it's optional, only obtained after completing one of the game’s side quests. With the spell in hand, players can transform Link into a fairy, complete with an adorable pink dress, and use this power to fly over treacherous terrain and into small gaps. Much like the pink rabbit transformation, Link is highly vulnerable in this form, so it must be used with caution.
Every Zelda Transformation - Majora's Mask's Many Link Forms
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask is one of the series' darkest entries, and the transformations Link undergoes are no small part of why. When Link dons the mask of a Zora, Goron or Deku, he becomes version of that species. He can also become a giant rendition of himself with the Giant’s Mask, as well as a so-called Fierce Deity in the game’s final battle. Each transformation cutscene looks painful, contributing to the game’s haunting tone. The Majora's Mask masks grants Link special abilities, though, allowing players to progress through the game and making transformations a vital part of its narrative.
Every Zelda Transformation - Oracle Of Ages & Seasons' Ring Links
The Game Boy Color's The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages and Oracle of Seasons have many magical rings, five of which offer Link transformative powers: the Octo Ring, Moblin Ring, Like Like Ring, Subrosian Ring, and First Gen Ring. When worn, these rings turn Link into the creature they are named after. In the instance of the First Gen Ring, Link is transformed into a version of himself from the original Legend of Zelda game. Meanwhile, in Oracle of Ages, if Link gets struck by a magic attack while in the Ancient Tomb, he can be transformed into a baby.
Every Zelda Transformation - Other Link Forms
Other The Legend of Zelda games with transformations include The Minish Cap and A Link Between Worlds. In the former, Minish Link retains his Hylian form but becomes exceedingly small, allowing him to squeeze into tight spaces, and the latter sees Link don a magical bracelet that lets him become a two-dimensional painting and merge with walls. Perhaps Link most iconic transformation of all comes from Ocarina of Time - although it leaves him as still Link in both mind and body. Here, with the use of the Master Sword, Link can transform between his adult and child selves as many times as he wishes in order to free Hyrule from Ganon’s wrath; Link even gets his ears pierced along the way.