Summary
- Transformations in The Legend of Zelda are varied and unique, ranging from magical items to curses and more.
- These transformations grant Link access to new abilities and can be advantageous in his quests.
- Regardless of how they occur, Link always uses his transformations to his advantage, even turning curses against his enemies.
Link has gone through many strange transformations in The Legend of Zelda, taking advantage of various types of magic to advance in his quests. However, although all of these changes have been necessary for him to succeed, not all of them have been entirely voluntary; instead, the hero of Hyrule has been cursed to take on different forms on more than one occasion. Moreover, regardless of their (sometimes ironic) utility, it cannot be denied that these transformations and their respective triggers can be very strange.
Transformations are a popular recurring feature in The Legend of Zelda, although it is worth noting that no two applications are exactly the same. Many employ specific items in order to be possible, but others are a more direct application of magic. The results can also vary wildly, but in most cases, the normally Hylian Link clearly becomes something very different, in body if not in mind. In addition, transformations usually grant access to unique abilities for Link, making them a definite asset to him, but they may also have their downsides and weaknesses to balance this out.
Although Fairies serve as companions and sources of healing in many Zelda titles, Link can actually become one himself in The Adventure of Link. The Fairy spell is one of eight in the game, and allows Link to fly over obstacles and through small holes, and even bypass locked doors. The method of gaining the spell is also very thematic, as Link must bring the healing Water of Life to an ill child. However, this maneuverability does come at the cost of Link being unable to attack enemies, and the form’s execution as a whole is very simplistic.
A Link Between Worlds introduced Lorule to the Zelda canon, a parallel world that Link can access through the unusual act of transforming himself into a painting. Wall Merging is activated with Ravio’s Bracelet, which saves him from an initial curse from Yuga, and allows Link to traverse various obstacles.
However, its functionality is arguably also fairly limited given that it drains Link’s energy to use, and the Painting form mainly sees use in puzzles rather than battle. Nevertheless, the strange 2D form stands out well in ALBW’s 3D world, especially given the stylistic art used to portray Link.
With the help of the Minish blacksmith who turned into the talking hat Ezlo, Link is able to shrink himself to a minuscule size in The Minish Cap. This is achieved through the use of a Minish Portal, and much like the Fairy spell, allows Link to pass through small gaps into new areas.
As an added bonus, Mini Link can also speak to animals and Minish when he is this size. The size-based puzzles created by this mechanic in The Minish Cap are far more complex than those for Link’s earlier Fairy form, although more advanced systems undoubtedly contribute to this.
When A Link to the Past’s pink-haired Link reaches the Dark World, he is transformed by the intense magic of the dimension into a similarly pink, defenseless rabbit. The same fate can befall anyone, with the transformation’s specific result being a reflection of that person’s inner self (becoming a rabbit is believed to imply that Link is a gentle person at heart).
Although an item is linked to the transformation, in Bunny Link’s case it is a means of prevention; the Moon Pearl protects Link from these effects, allowing him to retain his Hylian body and fight in the Dark World.
In the Oracle of Seasons and Ages games, Magic Rings can be worn for various effects, and among these are a set that change Link’s appearance. Although this is mostly cosmetic, these rings do create the illusion of Link being one of several monsters, an Octorok, Moblin or Like Like, as well as a Subrosian and even his own original appearance from 1987's The Legend of Zelda.
Additionally, these transformations prevent him from being eaten by real Like Likes, but the usual limitations on using items also apply. Nevertheless, the opportunity to play as a monster is uniquely appealing.
The Subrosian Ring is found only in Oracle of Seasons, but it can be traded to Oracle of Ages via the snakes found in Vasu Jewelers.
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