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Create booklet game5/7/2023 ![]() One of the only mentions of a military group sleeping in armor was from the Order of Calatrava, a Catholic order of knights in a similar vein as the Knights Templar. Besides certain exceptions, like the raiding cultures of the Vikings, nighttime combat was less common in medieval warfare, so that level of preparedness often wasn’t necessary. Oddly enough, however, it doesn’t seem like there were many notable warriors in history who were super eager to sleep in armor. ![]() Sure, actual medieval knights couldn’t shoot beams out of their swords at full health, but Zelda creator Shigeru Miyamoto has said in the past that medieval sword and sorcery tales were a key Zelda influence, so we can at least examine the “sword” side of that equation. There could be knights from our history that have an example to show. Link could have had a sixth sense for an incoming mission, and just ditched PJs that night. What if Link is sleeping in his armor as a hidden aspect of Hylian combat training? Image: Nintendo via Jacob LindenĪ real fighter is always ready for battle, and Link could very well be trained to be comfortable sleeping some nights in his armor. You could even argue that this choice makes the time you finally get an armor upgrade more impactful as a result. Sure, the simplest and most boring explanation is that the game developers didn’t find it necessary, or have the resources, to show Link choosing between wardrobe options in the intro. He also has an alternate nightshirt in this art for the GBA release. There is also other out-of-game art that counters the thought that Link never bothered to change out of his PJs.Ī manga created for the game that ran in Nintendo Power suggests a different sleepwear design, with Link waking up in a red shirt with a popped collar. With the benefit of time and a bright monitor, though, the sleeves were much more obvious. This would add more credibility to the argument that he’s underdressed for the dangers ahead, and gives the tunic more of a nightie look. When playing this game on the terribly lit Game Boy screen as a child, waiting to drive under street lights so I could actually see the game in my parents’ car, I always thought Link’s sprite had short sleeves. One unexpected element works against the pajama theory: the sleeve factor. Link’s garb also differs from that of the Hyrule Castle soldiers, as they seem to have plated metal sets that actually provide some protection, and some cool horns to boot. Even when you seek out some better tunics, the Red Mail and Blue Mail don’t appear to come with legwear either. The game’s instruction booklet describes the outfit as “a suit of green cloth which hardly protects you at all,” so Nintendo at least admitted to paltry starting protection here. While it’s bizarre to wear a belt to sleep, it’s equally strange to refuse to wear any pants in battle. Just wearing his tunic, cap, and simple belt, Link should be admired for braving the elements with the limited protection he gets. ![]() On another front, most promotional art for the game shows that Link isn’t much of a pants fan. In comparison with his uncle’s wardrobe, Link’s tunic also has a different cut from his soldier relative, with Uncle wearing a jacket and pants while Link has a pullover number secured with a belt. A pom-pom at the end would make the cartoon nightcap look truly undeniable. First, the pink accent on Link’s cap here gives it more of a nightcap feel, suggesting a soft velvet interior that would keep Link’s hair unbothered even in the toughest fights. There are a few key elements that support this theory. ![]() Video Game Fashion Week is Polygon’s attempt at covering the fun, silly, and highly important world of character style.īecause this was my first-ever encounter with Link, the pajama dilemma left me wondering if everyone else was wrong about his costume the whole time.
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