Quick Links
Each game in the belovedLegend of Zeldaseries contains a unique adventure and narrative, but some recurring themes and mechanics tend to appear in nearly every entry. These staples can include items like the boomerang to enemies like Moblins and Chuchus. Another common element in many Zelda games is how often they begin with Link sleeping.
This tradition began in 1991 and quietly became one of the few guarantees in the series. It’s an interesting pattern, possibly alluding to the idea of a hero waking up to their potential or destiny and going from zero to hero overnight. Many Zelda games begin while Link is asleep, and his life usually changes shortly after he wakes up.
Some Zelda games begin with Link waking up after being knocked unconscious by an enemy or something supernatural. We are not including those titles - like Majora’s Mask and Four Swords Adventure - to keep this article focused on games where Link wakes up one day to start his adventure.
Every Zelda Game That Starts With Link Asleep
In total,there are ten Legend of Zelda gamesthat start with Link asleep in the beginning. Most of these titles open with Link sleeping in his bed, though there are a few outliers when he is either in someone else’s bed or on the floor somewhere.
Description
A Link To The Past
During a stormy night, Link and his uncle awaken after Princess Zelda asks for help in their dreams.
Link’s Awakening
After his raft is destroyed during a storm, Marin finds Link washed up on the beach and brings him to her home to recover.
Ocarina of Time
The Great Deku Tree sends Navi to wake Link up after he has a nightmare about Ganondorf.
The Wind Waker
Link’s sister, Aryll, discovers her brother sleeping on the floor at her lookout. She wakes him up to remind Link that it is his birthday.
The Minish Cap
Master Smith wakes Link up after Zelda calls for him during the morning of the Picori Festival.
Phantom Hourglass
Link wakes up on the floor after Niko recaps the events of The Wind Waker to him.
Spirit Tracks
Links continues to sleep on the floor after Niko explains the history of the land and the battle against the Demon King to him.
Skyward Sword
Link falls out of bed after having a premonition about The Imprisoned and being awoken by Zelda’s Loftwing during the morning of the Wing Ceremony.
A Link Between Worlds
Gully wakes Link up after he has a nightmare about the Triforce and Ganon.
Breath Of The Wild
Zelda’s voice wakes Link up in the Shrine of Resurrection after a 100-year slumber.
With roughly half of all Zelda games starting while Link is asleep, it shouldn’t be too surprising if future entries or adaptations continue this trend. Keep an eye open when you play a new Legend of Zelda; you might notice something that Link doesn’t while he drifts away in dreamland.
