Editing Link

It is worth noting that while there have been multiple games within ''The Legend of Zelda'' series, it has not always been the same Link who the player controls. This is evident with the fact that there are multiple timelines within the series, wherein many games typically feature a new Link with a new origin. Notable examples include "Hylia's Chosen Hero" (referring to the Link from ''Skyward Sword''), the "{{iw|zeldawiki|Hero of Time}}" (referring to the Link from ''Ocarina of Time''/''Majora's Mask''), the "Hero of Winds" (referring to [[Toon Link|the Link]] from ''The Wind Waker''/''Phantom Hourglass''), and the "Hero of Twilight" (referring to the Link from ''Twilight Princess''). While it has never been confirmed that any of the Links are related by blood, they are related in the fact they possess the spirit of the hero.

In addition, Link, regardless of his age, almost always starts out as unremarkable until learning of his heroic destiny and, as his journey presses onward, gradually progresses into a full-fledged hero. For example, ''Ocarina of Time'' features him as [[Young Link|a young boy]] whose mother entrusted him in the care of the {{s|zeldawiki|Great Deku Tree}} before dying. ''The Wind Waker'' also features him as [[Toon Link|a young boy]], albeit living a happy and carefree life on {{s|zeldawiki|Outset Island}} alongside his grandmother and younger sister {{s|zeldawiki|Aryll}}. In ''Twilight Princess'', he is an ordinary young man working at {{s|zeldawiki|Ordon Ranch}}. ''Breath of the Wild'' is one of the few exceptions to this rule, introducing him as a knight and a descendant of many other knights. Link also traditionally never speaks outright, remaining a silent protagonist. There are instances throughout the franchise to imply that Link is speaking, such as other characters replying to him in conversations despite not saying anything and dialogue boxes with responses occasionally appearing. This is done to make Link a blank slate with minimal personality, which makes it easier for the player to project themselves onto Link and immerse themselves in the game.

Regardless of his origin, each incarnation of Link is tasked with defeating the main antagonist of the story, most frequently [[Ganondorf]]/[[Ganon]], in order to stop them from either taking over the world or, [[Majora's Mask|in other cases]], [[zeldawiki:Malladus|destroying it]]. Other hallmarks shared by the Links are their ability to wield the {{s|zeldawiki|Master Sword}} and their possession of the [[zeldawiki:Triforce|Triforce of Courage]], although these are not depicted universally. Due to the ''The Legend of Zelda'' series giving Link simple and concise answers that the player can pick instead of traditional dialogue, there is very little insight into the personalities of the majority of his incarnations. While the only incarnations to expressively show distinct personalities are the ones from ''Ocarina of Time''/''Majora's Mask'', ''The Wind Waker''/''Phantom Hourglass'', ''Twilight Princess'', ''Spirit Tracks'', ''Skyward Sword'', and ''Breath of the Wild'', universal traits among Link's incarnations are bravery, humility, and politeness.