Weird Ocarina Of Time Plot Hole Explained In Zelda Manga

May 2024 ยท 4 minute read

Ocarina of Time is one of the most beloved Zelda games ever released, but it has a minor plot hole that is explained in its manga adaptation.

It comes without saying that The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the most revolutionary titles in Nintendo's lengthy catalog of industry-altering gems. Its new camera and targeting system became standard for many games even outside of the Zelda series and its story became a favorite for fans. However, Ocarina of Time isn't a perfect game. Some players may have noticed that Ocarina of Time has a plot hole that is never explained in-game, but it is broken down in the game's manga adaptation.

One of the most memorable mechanics of Ocarina of Time is its time travel system that allows players to travel between the past and the future using the Master Sword. When Link first pulls the legendary blade from the stone, he becomes trapped in the Sacred Realm for seven years while Ganondorf steals the Triforce and claims Hyrule for himself. Link then awakens as an adult and seeks out the sages so they can help him defeat Ganondorf. Players can use the Master Sword to travel back and forth between the child era and the future era in the Temple of Time.

Players will instantly notice Link's transformation into an adult during the lengthy collection of cutscenes that follow pulling the Master Sword from the stone. Link's transition into an adult is a major part of Ocarina of Time's story, but his new costume leaves players with more questions than it does answers. Not only is the Hero of Time sporting new gauntlets and tights, but his ears are also suddenly pierced. Plenty of mysteries presented to the player at this point, like Shiek's identity, get explained by the end of the game, but not Link's piercings. Since he was sealed in the sacred realm, it doesn't make sense that he awakens with these new piercings he never had before pulling the sword from the stone.

Although it's technically not considered canon, the manga adaptation of Ocarina of Time, written by Akira Himekawa, explains why Link's ears are pierced during his adulthood. Towards the beginning of the second book, Link ends up training with Impa to help him fight against Ganondorf. In a scene similar to the Water Temple's mid-boss fight from the game, Kakariko Village gets attacked by a shadow version of Link, which the hero takes down in a one-on-one sword fight. After his victory, Impa honors him by piercing his ears, which turns out to be a coming-of-age Sheikah ritual.

The symbolic meaning behind Link's earrings meshes exceptionally well with the themes of the Ocarina of Time game. In the N64 original, Link's transition to adulthood was symbolized by him literally becoming an adult, which is similar to Earthbound. The time periods he finds himself in reflects the levels of stress and responsibility present in both stages of life. The manga's interpretations of the earrings aren't canon, but it still adds to the layered symbolism present throughout the Ocarina of Time story. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time wasn't perfect, but its manga adaptation turned a minor oversight into a piece of symbolism that adds some extra value to its story.

Next: Breath Of The Wild Theory: Where Ancient Arrows Send Enemies

Source: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Part 2 by Akira Himekawa

Related Topics About The Author

Steven Richtmyer is a graduate of Rider University and a gaming contributor for ScreenRant.com. Based in New Jersey, Steven has worked and written for his school paper during college and he also worked as a barista at a local coffee shop. Steven developed a passion for the gaming industry in his childhood that has only grown as time moved on. Some of his favorite series include "The Legend of Zelda", "Dark Souls", "Resident Evil" and "Borderlands".

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