Dark Link
| Dark Link (also known Shadow Link, Link's Shadow or in the Japanese versions Doppelganger) is one of the most well-known enemy characters in the Zelda universe, mostly due to his likeness and ability matching that of the protagonist, Link. It has been speculated that his popularity is so great in part because he imitates almost every move Link makes, as if Link is fighting himself rather than a separate entity; that is, Link and Dark Link are opposite in intentions, but perfectly matched in ability (as well as action).
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Attributes of the Dark Links
As the doppelganger of Link in all of his appearances Dark Link bears resemblance to Link in whichever game they're in and wears the same style clothing as him (tunic and a long, floppy cap) with the exception of his entire outfit being black or dark grey instead of green. The majority of the Dark Links are left handed but in some appearances (particularly when there was more then one) they have been shown to favor either hand. Another notable feature aside from the color scheme of his clothes is Dark Link's red eyes which are usually the only prominent feature against his dark visage.
Soundtracks/Themes
During his many appearances Dark Link has had different soundtracks played to commemorate the moment of his presence. The names of the soundtracks/themes are as follows:
The Adventure of Link: Boss Battle
Ocarina of Time: Middle Boss Battle
Four Swords Adventures: Shadow Link, Boss Battle
Twilight Princess: The Dark Interlopers
Dark Link's Incarnations and Appearances
The Adventure of Link
In his first appearance in the series Dark Link is known as Link's Shadow and appears as the leader of the Cult of Ganon and the final boss in the game. He serves as the final test before Link can obtain the Triforce of Courage and wake Princess Zelda. Dark Link is the most difficult opponent to appear during Link's second quest to save Hyrule. In battle he dodges most of the attacks that Link attempts but is vulnerable when he jumps. This flaw can be taken advantage of by simply standing in a corner and repeatedly swinging Link's sword toward Dark Link. Dark Link will attempt to jump at Link and keep running into the attacks, making a rather difficult battle seem less difficult.
Ocarina of Time
Appearing as a mini-boss in the Water Temple Dark Link mirrors most of Link's movements and attacks, usually defending himself in the process. He also possesses the ability to disappear and spring up from the floor after being hit. To defeat him, Link must use the Megaton Hammer or the Biggoron Sword, or by using his sword and while L/Z targeting him do a horizontal slash on the opposite side of his shield, which gives you an instant hit. Stocking up on magic potions and using Din's Fire is another option that makes the fight against Dark Link very easy. However, once he is given enough damage, he will fight on his own, countering every sword attack. Din's Fire is the best option in this part of the battle. Whatever you do do not perform a sword lunge as Dark Link will simply jump up and stand on the blade before attacking. Once Dark Link is defeated Link is able to continue on to a room containing the longshot. This Dark Link was created by Ganondorf as a mirror reflection of whoever entered the temple.
Oracle of Ages
During the second phase of the final battle Veran created 4 red-eyed copies of Link that moved opposite him as obstacles. These Shadow Links did not attack, however, and were useful in recovering health, as each one dropped one heart each.
Four Swords Adventures
In this game Dark Link is referred to as Shadow Link and is featured as both a main character, a recurring boss and respawning enemies. Shadow Link had been brought forth by the stolen Dark Mirror and tricks Link into drawing the Four Sword, releasing the ancient wizard Vaati and splitting Link into four Links. He then produces copies of himself and plagues Hyrule by attacking its citizens, who blame the Links for his misdeeds. Dark Link shows up twice in each stage, where whoever managed to kill him could receive 100 Force Gems. He is also a boss for the Cave of No Return, Village of the Blue Maiden, Desert Temple and The Dark Cloud stages - Where, during each battle except for the Dark Cloud stage, he would eventually take on a colour, and only the corresponding Link could damage him. Shadow Link and his kin are defeated in The Dark Cloud stage when, while the Links engage them in combat, Zelda undoes the seal on the Dark Mirror and takes it into her possession, dispelling them.
Twilight Princess
Dark Link makes a cameo appearance during a cut-scene that tells the tale of how the Twili race was banished to the Twilight Realm. Portraying the powerful magic wielders who sought to control the Sacred Realm, Dark Link managed to destroy a Link (portraying a common citizen) before he was banished to the Twilight Realm by the Light Spirits.
Other Appearances
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Dark Link also appears in one of the challenge scenarios in Super Smash Bros. Melee, where you must defeat him with Link.
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Link will be able to switch into Dark Link as an alternate costume in Super Smash Bros. Brawl[1].
Ocarina of Time (Manga)
In the manga, Dark Link shows up in the well instead of Bongo Bongo (who does not appear at all in the manga). It is actually just a shadow beast that can take the form of anyone it chooses, creating havoc in Kakariko Village. When Link fights him, Dark Link repeats exactly what he does, until finally Link does a backflip (a move he just learned from Impa) over Dark Link and defeats him. Then the shadow transforms into Link again, but this time on a "Dark Epona". Link easily defeats him and destroys the shadow beast, and Impa tells Link that she is one of the Sages.
Man of Mystery
No one knows what Dark Link's origins are, but there are many speculations. Some say that he is the ghost of a past warrior that is related to Link. Others think that, in a sort of dead-man-switch technique, Dark Link was created by Ganon himself as insurance, should he fall to Link's blade (as he did in The Legend of Zelda, hence Dark Link's appearance in The Adventure of Link). Some say that, just maybe, Dark Link was created out of Link's heroism: because Link is the hero that he is, Dark Link arose to complete Link's dark side. (Everyone has a good and bad side to them (Yin and Yang); thus, it is a widely accepted theory that Dark Link is the force that balances Link, and possibly keeps him alive.) Yet another theory is that, since Link needed to be born immaculate (sinless) in order to touch the Master Sword, the gods extracted his dark side from his soul, leaving only his light; his dark side is Dark Link, whose ultimate wish is to reunite himself to his holy counterpart. Regardless of these theories, part of Dark Link's popularity is the sheer mystery behind him. Who is he? Why is he intent on combating Link? If, indeed, the before-mentioned theory is true, then does Link have a dark side to him alone? Is he capable of doing no wrong?
Dark Mirror
The Dark Mirror in Four Swords Adventures is said to be the source of all the Shadow Links. It is said that one can look into the mirror and pull out their dark reflection. Ganon obviously did this, and stole the mirror, because all of the Links came from this source.
Ancestor of the Twili?
In Twilight Princess, the Light Spirit Lanayru tells Link a story warning him about the corrupting power of the "Fused Shadows", as well as giving their origins. As part of the visual aid, Link and his childhood friend Ilia represent corruptible humans, while the corrupt sorcerers who would become the Twili are represented by three copies of Link with colorless clothing, black skin, and glowing, red eyes. It is debatable whether these Dark Links are merely a representation of evil or are the real ancestors of the Twili (in which case, Dark Link would be related to the Twili). It has also been theorized that, as Link is Princess Zelda's guardian in Hyrule, Dark Link is Princess Midna's guardian in the Twilight Realm.
References
- ↑ Mark Bozon: "Since each character can also switch colors pre-fight, Nintendo took the opportunity to seamlessly include Dark Link as one of the character options." IGN, Super Smash Bros. Brawl Preview