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Link[c] is a fictional character and the protagonist of Nintendo's video game series The Legend of Zelda. He is one of Nintendo's most iconic characters. He was created by Japanese video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto. Link was introduced as the hero of the original 1986 The Legend of Zelda video game and has appeared in a total of 19 entries in the series, as well as a number of spin-offs. Common elements in the series include Link travelling through Hyrule whilst exploring dungeons, battling creatures, and solving puzzles until he eventually defeats the series' primary antagonist, Ganon, and saves Princess Zelda.
Throughout The Legend of Zelda series, Link has made multiple appearances in a variety of incarnations. He has been rendered in both 2D and 3D form and has been traditionally depicted in his signature green cap and tunic carrying a sword and shield. Over the course of the series, he appears as a child, teenager, or young adult of the Hylian race, which originates from the fictional kingdom of Hyrule. Within Zelda lore, Link is the soul of a legendary hero that throughout history is reincarnated within a seemingly ordinary boy or man when the need arises for a new warrior to defeat the forces of evil. To defeat Ganon, Link usually obtains the mystical Master Sword or a similar legendary weapon, which is obtained after completing various trials. Over the course of his journey, he also acquires other magical items, including musical instruments and other weaponry.
In addition to the main series, Link has appeared in other Nintendo media, including merchandise, comic books, and an animated television series. He is a prominent character in various spin-off games, including Hyrule Warriors, Cadence of Hyrule, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. He has appeared in entries of several other game franchises, including SoulCalibur II, Mario Kart 8, and the Super Smash Bros. series and has also been referenced in other games, such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim.
Alongside Mario, Link is one of the most recognisable characters in the video game industry, with critics considering him to be a significant game character in popular culture. He has been positively received by critics and fans and is a popular character within the video game community. According to Guinness World Records, Link is the most critically acclaimed videogame playable character, surpassing Mario. He has been recognised by the Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition as the second best video game character of all time after Mario. Critics have also named him as one of the most influential video game characters of all time and one of Shigeru Miyamoto's most famous creations.
